Napa Valley Life Magazine - Best of Napa Valley 2021 by napavalleylifemagazine

BEST OF 2021

2021 PLUS+

The Gonzales Group’s Superheroes: The Hispanic Dream Team The Best of Yountville San Luis Obispo Living the SLO Life Napa Valley Chardonnay Its Rise to Prominence

OF NAPA VALLEY • READERS CHOICE •

BEST OF 2021

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Eric Gonzales Senior Vice President EricF.Gonzales Senior Resident Vice President Director – Senior Vice President Senior Resident Director Wealth Management Advisor Senior Resident Director – 707.254.4606 Wealth Management Advisor eric_gonzales@ml.com

707.254.4606 eric_gonzales@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Merrill Lynch Wealth Management RiverfrontMerrill Lynch Wealth Management Riverfront 700 Main Street Riverfront Suite 200 700 Main Street SuiteMain 200 Street Napa, CA 700 94559 Napa, CA 94559 Suite 200 707.255.5559 • fa.ml.com/gonzales_group 707.255.5559 Napa, CA 94559 fa.ml.com/gonzales_group

707.255.5559 • fa.ml.com/gonzales_group

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BEST OF 2021

Contents

F E AT U R E S 2 0 2 1 / / T H E B E S T O F I S S U E

Story 26 Cover The Gonzales Group: The Hispanic Dream Team Reveals Its Superpowers

Readers Choice 30 Annual Best of Napa Valley This Year's Reader Favorites

Valley's Varietals 60 Napa Chardonnay's Reign in the Napa Valley

Viticultural 66 American Area (AVA) Series Yountville

N A PA V A LLEY LIFE M AG A Z I N

BE ST OF 20 21

PLUS+

Merrill Lync Superheroes:h’s The Hispan ic Dream Team The Best of Yountville San Luis Ob Living the isbo SLO Life Napa Valley Chardonna y Its Rise to Prominenc e

2021 OF NAPA VAL

LEY

• READERS

CHOICE •

BEST OF 2021

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

be playful be light be bright

be home.

V I S I T U S AT C O R C O R A N .C O M

©2020 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

NVL contents NV Scene • 12

What's Been Happening Around Town

Things To Do

16 Calendar of Events 17 Inside Track: What the Locals are Doing 18 Downtown Rides 20 Paper Napan

D E PA R T M E N T S 2 0 2 1 / / T H E B E S T O F I S S U E

What’s Hot • 22 Special Features

68 Yountville:The Best of Napa All in One Place 80 Let's Do Brunch! Best Places to Start the Day 86 California Getaways: San Luis Obispo

Wine Scene

54 Sill Family Vineyards 55 Conn Creek Anthology 64 Frank Family Vineyards 65 Hertelendy Vineyards 72 Heron House 73 Jessup Cellars 74 Chandon 75 Handwritten Wines

Winemaker Spotlights 50 The Mondavi Sisters 52 Taylor Berkley Boydstun Wine and Winery Spotlights 56 David Clinton Wine Cellars 58 Magna Carta Cellars 89 Bubble Butt

Food Scene

76 First & Franklin Marketplace 77 Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery 78 Cooking with Karen Crouse

Stay

84 Silverado Resort & Spa 85 Solage, An Auberge Resort

People & Art

90 Featured Artist: Penelope Moore Rossignoli

Money & Wealth

92 Merrill Lynch: Smart Ways to Transfer Money to the Family Business

Dining Guide • 94 6

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90 80

Best of Worlds Allof Worlds TheThe Best of All The Best All Worlds The Best of All Worlds

Stunning views surround this spacious, custom-built home. The open floor plan expands

out CountryCountry living at its finest, yet close stillyet close to downtown Napa’s renowned dining dining and shops. Country at its finest, yet tostill downtown renowned living its still finest, close to Napa’s downtown Napa’s renowned allows forliving privacy and flexatspaces on every floor. A luxurious master suitedining spansand theshops. entire and shops. Country living at its finest, yet still close to downtown Napa’s renowned dining and shops. Stunning views surround this spacious, custom-built home. The expands Stunning views surround this spacious, custom-built home. The home. openopen floor plan plan expands Stunning views surround thisdriveway spacious, custom-built The floor open floor plan expands upper level. Separate entrance from the opens to a spacious home office or guest Stunning views surround this spacious, custom-built home. The open floor plan expands outa to a deck through a series of French doors. The multi-level architectural design design out to large through a series doors. The doors. multi-level architectural design outlarge to large deck through aFrench series of French architectural quarters with a deck fullabathroom and wine of cellar on ground level. MatureThe oakmulti-level trees and terraced, out to a large deck through a series of French doors. The multi-level architectural design allows for privacy and flex spaces on every floor. Afloor. luxurious master suite spans the entire allows for privacy andprivacy flex spaces on every floor. Athe luxurious master suite spans the entire allows for and flex spaces on luxurious master suite spans the entire low-maintenance, landscaping. You really can getevery best of Aall Worlds in this home. allows for privacy and flex spaces on every floor. A luxurious master suite spans the entire upper Separate entrance from the driveway opens a spacious home or guest upper level.level. Separate from the driveway to a to spacious officeoffice or guest upper level.entrance Separate entrance from theopens driveway opens to ahome spacious home office or guest upper level. Separate entrance from the driveway opens to a spacious home office or guest quarters with full and wine on ground level. Mature oak trees and terraced, quarters with a fullabathroom wine cellar on ground level. Mature oak Mature trees and quarters withbathroom a fulland bathroom andcellar wine cellar on ground level. oakterraced, trees and terraced, Jennifer Klingbeil | Lic.# 02067543 | m 707.492.0435 | 10JacksLane.com quarters with a full bathroom and wine cellar on ground level. Mature oak trees and terraced, low-maintenance, landscaping. can getcan theget best all Worlds in home. this in home. low-maintenance, landscaping. You You reallyreally can the best of the allofWorlds low-maintenance, landscaping. You get really best of in allthis Worlds this home. low-maintenance, landscaping. You really can get the best of all Worlds in this home. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Jennifer Klingbeil | and Lic.# | m 707.492.0435 | 10JacksLane.com Jennifer Klingbeil | Klingbeil Lic.# 02067543 m 707.492.0435 | 10JacksLane.com Each Office Is Independently Owned Operated. Jennifer |02067543 Lic.#| 02067543 | m 707.492.0435 | 10JacksLane.com Jennifer Klingbeil | Lic.# 02067543 | m 707.492.0435 | 10JacksLane.com

Sotheby’s International Realty is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty ® is a®registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty ® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates Sotheby’s International Realty®Each is a Each registered trademark toand Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. IsOffice Independently Owned and Operated. OfficeOffice Is Independently Owned Operated. Each Islicensed Independently Owned and Operated. BEST WINTER OF 2020 2021 Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.

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NVL editor's letter

All The Best N

apa Valley Life is delighted to kick off our first issue of 2021 with the results of our annual Best of Napa Valley Readers Choice Awards. Despite the unprecedented setbacks wine country experienced in 2020, we’d like to thank our readers for their outpouring of endorsement for our local businesses. Through a global pandemic and two major fires, thousands of votes were cast in support of Napa Valley’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay and shop, exceeding all previous records. It is with great anticipation we’re pleased to present and congratulate all of the winners, and now more than ever, we encourage you to explore, support, and enjoy the very best that Napa Valley has to offer. Our cover story, which is the first in a series, reveals some of the Gonzales Group’s superheroes at Merrill Lynch who are dedicated to the betterment of the local Napa Valley community. This issue focuses on “The Hispanic Dream Team,” a group of Latino leaders within the organization leading the Hispanic Initiative, a project focused on assisting Spanish speaking people and business owners and elevating them within the community. Read more about this dynamic group and the passion behind their mission. Don’t miss our section on Yountville, Napa Valley’s culinary capital, known for its award-winning restaurants, wineries, lodging, spas, and shopping - all condensed within a 1.5 square mile hamlet- which can be prospected on foot. While one of the region’s lesser-known AVA’s, Yountville has a long, rich history that began with its first settler, George C. Yount, who planted Napa Valley’s first vineyard, establishing it as the birthplace of Napa Valley wine. We’re excited to feature Chardonnay and its rise to prominence in our grape variety series. While it shocked the world with its win at the Judgment of Paris, Chardonnay’s history in California began decades before. This story takes a closer look at where it is grown among Napa’s rich terroirs and features some of Napa Valley’s acclaimed growers and vintners who have been integral to its ascent as one of the New World’s most distinguished Chardonnay producing regions. And lastly, for those looking for a side trip, take a ride down the coast and check out San Luis Obispo for a change of pace and a taste of the SLO life.

Photo by Bob McClenahan

Cheers to 2021! The best is yet to come.

Laura Larson Editor

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT:

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PROTECT YOUR FAMILY & YOUR LAND OUR FIREBREAKS SAVED 7 HOMES IN THE GLASS FIRE

Trailscape Contact us today for a complimentary trail & firebreak plan Randy Martin | 530.852.5155 | Randy@trailscape.net | trailscapeinc.com | LIC #915774

BEST OF 2021

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Derek Wright PRESIDENT Kevin Evans CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal EDITOR Laura Larson laura.larson@napavalleylife.com ONLINE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA

1300 1s t #385 s tree t napa, ca 94559 (707) 501-4444 eikosnapa.com

Take Out - Curbside - Delivery

Cecile Adams cecile.adams@webmediagroup.com ADVERTISING/SALES Doris Hobbs – 209-207-4876 doris.hobbs@napavalleylife.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

T H A N K YO U N A PA VA L L E Y

Fran Miller Laurie Jo Miller Farr Layne Randolph Elizabeth Smith Marisa McCann Valerie Owen Christopher Sawyer Don Sonderling CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Art & Clarity - Lowell Downey and Janna Waldinger Bob McClenahan Tim Carl ABOUT THE COVER The Gonzales Group's Hispanic Dream Team Supporting the Hispanic Community Photo by Lowell Downey // Art & Clarity on location at The Donum Estate

Napa Valley Life Magazine is published six times a year. We have four quarterly publications and two annual publications. 1370 Trancas Street # 770, Napa, CA 94558 Copyright 2021 by Napa Valley Life Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Subscriptions

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Made for more new heights

Open, Safe and Ready for you. You were made for more. More long walks. More new sights. More unexpected points of view. And that means taking good care of your health and the health of everyone you love. That’s why at Adventist Health, we offer all of the professionals, treatments and safety protocols to ensure you get the care you need, the way you want it. We’re standing by, ready to serve you and your family now, so you’re always ready to experience more.

Learn more at AdventistHealth.org/CareAnywhere BEST OF 2021

NV scene

NV Scene

The Napa Valley scene and what's been happening around town. SENATOR BILL DODD AND IF GIVEN A CHANCE HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER # PHOTOS BY ART & CLARITY

State Senator Bill Dodd's annual holiday party on Friday, Dec. 4, raised more than $250,000 to support If Given A Chance (IGAC), an organization that for 25 years has assisted Napa County high school students in continuing their education even though they have experienced profound traumatic challenges. Despite the pandemic and the event, “Celebrating the Power of Resiliency,” being hosted virtually from the Silverado Country Club, the money raised was a record in the 21 years Senator Dodd has hosted the fundraiser. In keeping with the focus on assisting local students, Foodshed, a longtime supporter of Napa County youth, and La Cheve Bakery and Brews, owned and operated by IGAC alumna Cinthya Cisneros, provided delicious dinners for those viewing the event.

Barbara Nemko, Bill Dodd and Allison Haley

Triple Diamond Sponsors with Bill Dodd

Cinthya Cisneros of La Cheve

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James Raymond and Executive Director Michael Mulcahy

IGAC Lot #6 Winner

HOLIDAYS IN YOUNTVILLE

# PHOTOS COURTESY OF YOUNTVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

From November 22, 2020 through January 1, 2021, the Town of Yountville became the “Brightest Town in Napa Valley” during Holidays in Yountville, six weeks of holiday-related events, activities and shopping in the heart of the Napa Valley. An annual tradition, this year’s festivities were held with safety in mind, following social distancing guidelines and hosting many events virtually. The series kicked off with the Virtual Town & Tree Lighting, with special guest Santa, on November 22 with magical twinkling lights that lit up the town and a virtual tour. The Town of Yountville partnered with Napa Valley Wine Train to create a festive Santa’s Village in the center of town, creating a perfect al fresco spot for families with kids of all ages. In addition to its famous holiday lights, Holidays in Yountville offered more than 50 virtual events and in-person experiences, including virtual wine tastings, wreath making, cooking classes, wine pairings and chocolate seminars, along with safe, socially distanced wine tastings, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner menus, holiday photo opportunities at Santa’s Village at the Yountville Community Center, and more.

BEST OF 2021

NV scene

Pianist Audrey Vardanesa

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY“SONGS OF GRATITUDE” VIRTUAL CONCERT

# PHOTOS COURTESY OF FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY

Festival Napa Valley, California Wine Country’s flagship festival, hosted “Songs of Gratitude” a free virtual concert. Recorded at iconic Napa Valley venues, the concert featured performances by pianist Audrey Vardanega; the Friction String Quartet; award-winning mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor with American tenor Nicholas Phan; a traditional Mexican roots ensemble from Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy; Jookin dancer and ambassador Ron “Prime Tyme” Myles; 12-year-old cellist prodigy Starla Breshears; jazz singer Lucinda Belle; and a virtual vocal ensemble featuring Napa County high school students. In light of the pandemic, The Festival has been at the forefront of producing on-line content and at-home experiences in 2020. The thoughtprovoking program was envisioned as a way to connect us all, give thanks to our community and to those working hard behind the scenes during this extraordinary time.

Starla Breshears warms up

Ensemble from Los Cenzontles

Kelley O'Connor and Nicholas Phan at Gargiulo Vineyards

Set up at Bouchaine Vineyards

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BEST OF 2021

NV Calendar The Napa Valley scene of upcoming parties, concerts, celebrations and events Event dates subject to change. Please check event websites for current schedules.

Napa Valley Vintners Library Auction photo by Alexander Rubin

Photo courtesy of Jessup Cellars

Every Second Friday

CHARLES KRUGLAUGH CELLARS SERIES

Charles Krug Winery launched their popular comedy show series with comedy partners, The Laugh Cellar, on January 8 with a small twist- it is now virtual. The virtual experience includes a virtual wine tasting, which takes place 30 minutes before the event and includes one bottle of Krug 2017 Generations and one bottle of Krug 2019 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, followed by a world-class comedy show. 6:30 pm // For tickets or more information: charleskrug.com January 16, February 13, March 13

JESSUP CELLARS – ART HOUSE SHORT FILM SERIES

Join Jessup Cellars for a true celebration of wine, cinema, and the culinary arts, brought to you virtually to enjoy in the comfort of your living rooms. Jessup Cellars ‘Art House Short Film Series’ will be broadcasted over three big Saturday nights, running monthly from January through March. Each virtual gathering features four award-winning short films paired with two specially selected Jessup Cellars wines and gourmet flavor16

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infused popcorn by Chef MikeC. Jessup Cellars takes guests on an emotional and inspirational ride through the cinematic and culinary arts, from comedy to drama to documentaries to animation. Start times may vary. For tickets or more information: jessupcellars.com/ art-house-short-film-series-2/ February 11-15

YOUNTVILLE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

The 4th Annual Yountville Int’l Short Film Festival (YISFF) will be held virtually from February 11 – 15, 2021, offering 16 dedicated screening blocks, special musical guests, and filmmaker Q&A sessions. For the first time in its history, the Yountville International Short Film Festival will be a completely virtual affair, but with the ability to pair the best in short films along with Napa Valley wines, live introductions (shot on location in Yountville), and much more. The YISFF features an incredible lineup of imagination-stretching short films from across the globe, shown over four days. Sponsored by the Town of Yountville. For tickets or more information: YISFF.com.

February 11-20

DIRECT FROM THE CELLARNAPA VALLEY LIBRARY WINE AUCTION Napa Valley Vintners annual wine auction goes virtual! Bid on an exclusive collection of more than 100 Napa Valley library wine lots direct from the winery cellar to yours. Powered by Zachys Wine Auction House, Direct from the Cellar opens for online bidding Thursday, February 11 and closes via live auction on Saturday, February 20 at 3:00 p.m. PST. All proceeds from the Direct From the Cellar Library Wine Auction benefit the Napa Valley Vintners whose work is to promote, protect and enhance Napa Valley. For more information: napavalley.wine February 25

CHEFS TO THE RESCUE!

Join CHEFS TO THE RESCUE! Dinner and virtual concert in support of the Napa Salvation Army Culinary Training Academy. Purchase a gourmet to-go dinner box and sit back and enjoy a “Napa to Nashville” culinary demo by Chef Fields and Grammy-award winning artist Zach Williams. Williams, whose duet with legendary country voice Dolly Parton was featured on the Country Music Awards,

will also perform that evening. Dinners ($75) to be preordered and picked up at The CIA at Copia, Napa, and Charles Krug Winery in St Helena. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Academy program. Since March of 2020, in response to Covid-19 and the LNU/ Glass Mountain fires, Napa Salvation Army’s Chef Paul Fields and the Culinary Training Academy students have prepared and distributed over 100,000 meals to Napa residents and frontline workers. Their dedication to feeding the community inspired the event name. For tickets or more information: napa.salvationarmy.org/ napa/chefs-to-the-rescue May 24

JUDGMENT OF NAPA

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime special occasion to judge Napa’s finest wines against some of the world’s finest wines in an exclusive blind tasting at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, in Napa Valley. This exceptional event is a tribute to three key individuals: Steven Spurrier, organizer of the sensational 1976 Judgment of Paris, George Taber, the journalist who covered the event, and Patricia Gastaud-Gallagher, whose idea for the momentous tasting unmistakably elevated the profile of California wines overnight.On this intimate occasion, several guests will have the privilege of tasting 20 rare wines (10 whites and 10 reds) with an esteemed panel of honored hosts, including: • Steven Spurrier, Guest of Honor • Peter Marks, Master of Wine • Andrea Immer Robinson, Master Sommelier Following the main event, a vintner dinner will be hosted by Favia, Penfolds, and Darioush wineries. The following day, a reception and vertical tasting of S.L.V. Cabernet in honor of the 45th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris will be hosted at The Wine Caves at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. A portion of all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to “Inspire Napa Valley,” an organization that raises critical funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease. For tickets and more information: culturedvine.com

Inside Track

What the Locals are Doing Spread Catering Local Chef Cristina Topham has captured the hearts and appetites of the Napa foodie circuit with her Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean cooking “with a California flair.” Since the pandemic, her seasonal menu has become a popular go-to for prepared foods, meal kits and catering to go. Local favorites include her “mezze kits” and pita kits– all fully prepared with simple reheating instructions. // SPREADCATERING.COM

Mike Greensill: Jazz in the Afternoon Concert Series Local composer and accomplished pianist Mike Greensill has been delighting music lovers with his “Jazz in the Afternoon” concert series hosted through his Facebook Live feed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-4pm. Mike has a formidable resume nationally, but developed his thousands of local followers through his regular appearances at Napa’s Silo Inn. The concerts are free, but tips are welcomed. // @MIKEGREENSILL

Toasted Toasted’s Proprietor Ariella Wolkowicz fills a gap by creating some of Napa Valley’s most authentic bagels. Her gourmet bagels and bagel sandwiches using house-cured lox and seasonally inspired cream cheese flavors have developed a devoted following. Locals line up at the Napa Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday for bagels made the traditional way: hand-rolled, cold-proofed for a 14 to 18-hour fermentation, boiled then baked. Orders may also be placed online for pick up or local delivery. // TOASTEDNAPA.COM • IG: @TOASTED_NAPA

Alston Park Alston Park consists of 157 acres of rolling open hills off of Dry Creek Road in North Napa. Owned by the City of Napa, the park contains three miles of winding trails for walking, hiking, horseback riding and mountain-biking. It’s surrounded by vineyards, an old plum orchard and meadows with an elevation that provides sweeping views of Napa Valley. Its most popular spot is Canine Commons, an area where dogs are allowed to roam off leash, and locals hang out–especially on weekends. // 2099 DRY CREEK ROAD, NAPA

Winging It by Napa Palisades Saloon Napa Palisades partners Chuck Meyer and Tim Brown have created a “football party store with delivery to your couch.” Inspired by the popularity of their Buffalo Wings as their #1 take out item, they launched “Winging It” so they could expand their offerings to the online community during the pandemic. Delivery is only available on Door Dash, but insiders know the wings can be ordered in house during happy hour every weekday from 3-5:30pm. // FACEBOOK.COM/WINGINGITNAPA

NVL things to do

FREE RIDES in DOWNTOWN NAPA Meet the Local Entourage

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owntown Rides (DTR) is a complimentary, tip-based ride service currently operating in Napa. Owned and operated by Napa native Mike Flohr, DTR is Flohr’s latest small-business idea with big dreams. Along with his stepson David Munk, he is working together to bring an all-new look to local transportation. Downtown Rides is much more than another corporate rideshare service operating in the downtown area. Their fleet of electric-powered vehicles is branded with other local businesses and acts as a moving billboard gaining impressions by weaving through the heart of Napa. Downtown Rides collaborates with wineries, restaurants, and all other hospitality businesses in the form of advertorial sponsorships, benefitting everyone involved. The partnerships subsidize the free ride service, which in turn introduces riders to downtown Napa’s notable locales, reduces downtown traffic, decreases demand for parking, and helps reduce air pollution. Downtown Rides was conceptualized with both locals and tourists in mind. Zach Zuniga, fellow Napa native and DTR’s go-toguy for marketing, shared that the company’s mission is to offer an extension of hospitality that goes beyond the front doors of hotels,

restaurants, wineries, and spas by providing guests with a continuous experience of kindness and generosity for which Napa is best known. “Although millions of tourists travel to Napa annually, it still feels like a small town. I cannot go anywhere without seeing someone I know, and I love it. I think having a friend on every corner is what keeps people coming back. We are good people,

and we want to help take care of anyone who comes to the place we call home,” said Zuniga. Although Downtown Rides launched in February 2020, businesses like Downtown Joe’s Restaurant and Brewery, Napa Valley G Experience, Small World, Bazan Cellars, Vermeil Wines, The Grape Escape, and many others quickly recognized the value of the service. Concert, festival, marathon organizers and local farmers’ markets have expressed interest in hopping on board, which will provide Downtown Rides more opportunities to serve the community. Downtown Rides looks forward to growing its fleet of carts in Napa and expanding into neighboring cities and wine regions that hold the same values and wish to provide a similar service. As Napa reopens and returns to being one of the world’s top travel destinations, Mike and Cheri Flohr, David Munk, and Zach Zuniga are poised to safely serve travelers and residents. If one sees Downtown Rides happily driving around providing that Napa Valley experience, please honk, wave, or call to show support. FOR MORE INFORMATION

dtrnapa.com // 707-287-7003

BEST OF 2021

NVL things to do

PAPER NAPAN WALKABOUTS: A Tasteful Art Walk Through Downtown Napa  BY ELIZABETH SMITH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAPER NAPAN

When Kim McGinness relocated to Napa due to her husband’s work, she immediately fell in love with the area’s Mediterranean climate, ideal as a year-round destination for outdoor activities as well as for producing its worldrenowned wines. “I admired Napa’s world-class sophistication and its small-town vibe. I appreciated all the details that make this legendary destination unique,” she said. Friends and family who visited enlisted her as their personal tour guide, which led her to delve more intently into what her new hometown had to offer. 20

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he soon discovered Napa’s Rail Arts District (RAD Napa), rekindling her excitement for public art, which she said tells the city’s story. “I love that Napa embraces, encourages, and enables public art to not only create a strong sense of community but also something for tourists to enjoy as well,” she shared. She also connected with small business owners and forged relationships with wineries, breweries, and other hospitalityfocused venues. These connections, combined with her former 13-year career in corporate sales and marketing at American Airlines, her passion for all things Napa, and a thirst for unique travel experiences, led to the creation of Paper Napan Walkabouts in 2018. Inspired by McGinness’s favorite way to indulge in the local lifestyle, experiencing the city on foot instead of by car, Paper Napan Walkabouts offers to locals and tourists an alternative way to taste their way through Napa by way of sections of the city’s Napa Valley Vine Trail, a walking and biking trail, which in the future, will “physically, artistically, and culturally” connect the Vallejo Ferry to Calistoga, encompassing all of the Napa Valley. Paper Napan Walkabouts began originally with RAD Napa as its primary focus but grew to incorporate stops along the way, such as some of the downtown’s historic homes, breweries, and wineries. McGinness’s goal was to create customizable walking tours that showcase the city’s culture and personality with an emphasis on authenticity, hospitality, and quality, attentively and carefully handpicking stops that are distinctly Napa and offer exceptional service. An example of a shorter walking tour begins near the entrance of the Napa Valley Vine Trail off Lincoln Avenue at the intersection of Iroquois Street, behind The Home Index, a furniture store. From that starting point, McGinness introduces participants to RAD Napa’s vibrant urban art along the trail to the intersection with Vallejo Street, behind the Napa Valley Register building and RAD Napa’s inaugural curated mural, “Knocking on

Heaven’s Door (2017)” by Polish street artists, Bezt and Natalia Rak. The tour often includes a stop at St. Clair Brown Winery and Brewery, a combination nano-brewery, winery, and culinary garden founded in 2010 by winemaker and brewmaster, Elaine St. Clair and president Laina Brown. At St. Clair Brown, participants may choose a wine, beer, or combined tasting in the garden or greenhouse. Another tour option is to cross Soscol Avenue, where tucked away off the beaten path is Robert Craig Winery Tasting Salon. At Robert Craig, participants enjoy the winery’s Salon Select Experience, a tasting of five current releases that currently features a Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay and a selection of mountain vineyard reds from the Howell Mountain, Mt. Veeder, and Spring Mountain American Viticultural Areas. Favorites include the Napa Valley Affinity Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, the Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Howell Mountain Black Sears Vineyard Zinfandel. For more extended tours, tasting stops may also include Benton Family Winery on Vallejo Street, another urban winery, and Vineyard 29’s CRU Tasting Lounge at the Annex and Feast it Forward, a culinary studio showroom and winery collective, both located in Napa’s Oxbow District. A downtown version of the tour incorporates tasting stops at RiverHouse by Blackbird Vineyards, Ackerman Family Vineyards at the Ackerman Heritage House, Mark Herold Wines, and O’Connell Family Wines. As Coronavirus restrictions allow and travel resumes, McGinness will offer small-group private tours for up to six people. The standard hour-long RAD Napa Express Tour is a half-mile walk and includes one tasting stop, while the three-hour RAD Napa Walkabout Tour is approximately one mile and features three tasting visits. However, tours can be customized to be up to half of a day in length. Tour prices include tastings at all stops. FOR MORE INFORMATION papernapan.com

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Charter Oak – Yurt Village In partnership with American Express and RESY!, St. Helena’s popular Charter Oak Restaurant transformed it’s outdoor courtyard into a Yurt Village. The cozy, heated yurts avail diners to private dining experiences and are outfitted with unique botanical themes from The Charter Oak’s nearby 3.5 acre farm. The pre-fixe winter lunch and dinner menus ($90$120) must be reserved in advance for up to two hours. Open Wed-Friday 5:00- 8:00pm and SatSun for lunch and dinner- 11:30-8:00pm. FOR MORE INFORMATION: thecharteroak.com //

707-302-6996 // 1050 Charter Oak Ave., St. Helena

Napa Valley Welcome Center Visit Napa Valley announced the re-opening of the Napa Valley Welcome Center on November 12 in a brand-new location located at First Street Napa in the heart of downtown Napa. Serving the entire Napa County region, the new 2,550 square-foot space provides an immersive experience and amenities that serve both visitors and locals looking to explore the breadth of Napa Valley offerings. Napa Valley’s history and wine heritage influenced the interior design which surrounds a concierge desk that assists visitors with personalized itineraries. The center also contains a retail space which features a curated selection of Napa Valley artisan products. Open Thu 12-7 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am - 7 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm (subject to change)

Courtesy of The Charter Oak Photo by Kelly Puleio

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1300 1st Street Suite 313, Napa

Empress M In December, Napa Valley welcomed a much-anticipated premiere Chinese Restaurant to the dining scene. Empress M, named for its owner, Margaret Wong of Sacramento, is located on the South end of the Silverado Trail in the old Olive Tree location. The renovated restaurant is divided into four spaces, including an outdoor area with a gazebo for tea ceremonies. Due to COVID-19, the menu will be offered in phases, first with a limited take-out version of their more extensive menu. When they are fully open, the plan is to serve an impressive selection of dim sum and dishes from the eight rich and varied regional Chinese cuisines such as Peking Duck, Sichuan Spicy Fish, Xian Skewers, and Mongolian Lamb. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 707-927-5485 // empress.us //

221 Silverado Trail, Napa

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Haven Wings Husband and wife duo Ben and Ali Koenig, five-year restaurant owners of the 2020 Napa County Small Business of the Year, Heritage Eats, launched their new project, Haven, in October 2020. Haven is an online-only wings joint offering delivery and pick up for all of Napa, CA. It features 11 classic and signature flavors of wings, plus tenders, fries, onion rings, and a chocolate chip cookie–all of which is crafted to bring the most comfort possible to the place people feel most comfortable: home. Open Thu - Sat 5 – 8 pm and Sunday 12 – 8 pm. FOR MORE INFORMATION: havennapa.com //

1758 Industrial Way Suite 107, Napa

Photo courtesy of Fantesca Estate

DLynn’s Den: Fantesca Estate and Winery Fantesca Estate & Winery proprietor, DLynn Proctor, who gained recognition through his involvement in the widely successful ‘Somm’ Documentary Series and ‘Uncorked’ Netflix Original, launched a new tasting room dubbed “DLynn’s Den” on Main Street in St. Helena. The space pays homage to Fantesca’s namesake with its sophisticated design, beautiful custom art, and woodwork.  The elevated tasting experience offers guests an ability to decipher vintages, styles, place and regionality with wines crafted by Fantesca Estate & Winery and some of the finest wines from the old world. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 707-968-9229 // fantesca.com //

Photo courtesy of Heritage Eats

1377 Main Street Suite 1, St. Helena

The California Brandy House The California Brandy House made its debut on November 6 in the heart of downtown’s bustling First Street. The new location showcases E. & J. Gallo Winery’s two leading brandy portfolios, Germain-Robin and Argonaut, and invites guests to discover California brandy through expert guided tasting flights, including limited offerings and single-barrel samples not available anywhere else. Reserved tastings initially are hosted in their redwood outdoor parklet and indoors via private appointment as safety guidelines permit. Guests can also purchase from the full Germain-Robin and Argonaut portfolio, including exclusive releases as well as the ability to customize every bottle with laser engraving at the bottle shop. Additional experiences will be added in the future. FOR MORE INFORMATION: californiabrandyhouse.com //

1300 First Street, Suite 309, Napa

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Bob McClenahan

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The Spa at The Estate Photo by Will Pryce

The Gonzales Group’s

Superheroes The Hispanic Dream Team  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

| PHOTOS BY ART & CLARITY

ans of Marvel Comics know all about Superheroes. Whether it be the X-Men, Avengers, or Guardians of the Galaxy, the plotline surrounds a group of superheroes who use their powers for good. Each group also has a vanguard character, such as Professor X, Iron Man, or Star-Lord, who leads the team, guiding and encouraging them. Eric Gonzales of The Gonzales Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management said he sees his role in a similar light, “I’m like Professor X. I am in the background, and I am mainly here to support my advisors. I see them as superheroes working together, each with different special powers.” Eric was speaking of three advisors who each bring a critical element to Merrill Lynch’s efforts to better serve Hispanic clients. The mission is to reach out to assist Spanish-speaking individuals and business owners. These advisors – Oscar Robles, Fernando Carrillo, and Renee Cruz McLeod – make up what Eric calls “The Hispanic Dream Team.” When looking for the right people for this unique team, Gonzales looked for candidates who had a passion and interest in connecting with the Hispanic community. “All three were passionate about this mission. That was a critical piece for us. And then we helped align them with groups that matched their beliefs.” As the Sr. Vice President and Merrill Lynch’s Sr. Resident Director of the Napa office, Eric founded The Gonzales Group, which is one of the most diverse multi-generational advisory teams in wealth management today. “We deliver boutique-like attention with the vast resources of a global financial institution,” Gonzales said. Eric explained, “Almost fifty percent of Napa County is Hispanic. I knew we needed to look more like our community than we did. It took me a few years to connect with the first superhero on my team, Oscar Robles.” Oscar Robles came to the U.S. from Juarez, Mexico, when he was six years old, grew up in the South Bay, and has lived in Napa with his wife and family for 14 years. On his journey to becoming a wealth advisor with Merrill Lynch, Oscar went to film school and toyed with the idea of becoming a documentarian.

Outdoor Bathtub at Bardessono

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“Born in Mexico and growing up in the United States, I was always trying to understand where I fit in. I was Mexican to my American friends but American to my Mexican relatives. Going to the border and seeing what those men went through hit home. It helped me understand the journeys that people may have endured, and it helps me now when I’m relating and interacting with my clients,” Robles said. After moving to the United States, Oscar’s father gave small business ownership a try, but he ran into difficulty after difficulty trying to do it all himself. “Helping people who remind me of my father is a main inspiration. I know they can be successful; they just need better advice.” That is one of the things Oscar likes most about working in the financial industry—he is able to make a difference that is even more tangible than what he could have done with filmmaking. “Up to the last couple of years, there were not a lot of advisors like me,” Oscar said. “Now there is a small but growing demographic of Hispanic advisors working with Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and business owners.” According to Bank of America’s annual report, Hispanic Small Business Owner Spotlight, “nearly three quarters of Hispanic entrepreneurs say they have

faced obstacles trying to grow their business. They cite lack of resources, lack of expertise in back office management and challenges accessing capital as the top three barriers.” Given Merrill’s and Bank of America’s breadth of services along with his team’s mission and values, Oscar believes their team is very well positioned to make a difference. At the beginning of his career with The Gonzales Group, Oscar focused primarily on helping people understand their retirement benefits and manage investment assets. His specialty has now evolved to guiding emerging and fast growing Latino businesses owners make better financial decisions. This includes obtaining capital needed for growth and sustainability, building and managing reserves through investments, and supporting the financial well-being of the hard working people that makes these businesses go. “To me, one’s finances and health are the base of a rewarding life. This community has historically been Vintage House Lobby Photo by Will Pryce disadvantaged in terms of knowledge, access to capital, and sound financial advice. I empower them with financial knowledge and tools to maneuver their own financial lives more successfully.” Speaking of Oscar, Eric brags, “New advisors must go through an extremely rigorous 43-month program. Oscar met

and exceeded the requirements every single month.” Through his work, Oscar met and bonded with superhero Fernando Carrillo in Sonoma County, and they realized that together they could reach Spanish speakers who need their services throughout the North Bay. “The potential Hispanic families that they could serve is incredible,” Eric gushed, “They are both involved with the California Hispanic Chamber, and Oscar is on the Napa Community Health Initiative Board. Fernando is on the Los Cien Board. Being involved in the communities where they live is crucial to working and connecting with its members.” When speaking about Fernando, Eric said, “Fernando is salt of the earth, a guy trying to live the American dream.” Fernando moved to the U.S. from Ecuador at age 25. He started in private banking and insurance for 11 years before joining Merrill. Most of his clients are first- or second-generation Americans. Fernando admits that Spanish language skills are critical to his team’s success. Still, he pointed out that, “yes, we speak the same language – but that’s both literal and figurative.” He explained, “People with roots south of the United States are accustomed to a certain amount of governmental and financial instability, so it can be difficult for them to trust the

Suite at Bardessono

Oscar28 Robles NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Renee Cruz McLeod

Fernando Carrillo

financial system here enough to invest their hard-earned money.” He intuitively understands this and makes sure to address those concerns upfront, discussing issues face-to-face so that clients can trust him when he says the risk is not the same here. According to Fernando, face-to-face interaction is a must, even if those meetings are virtual this year. “It’s important to look them in the eye – this is their family’s financial stability. They need to know they can trust you.” Speaking of 2020, Fernando jokingly described a custom performed by Ecuadorians on New Year’s Eve. Friends and family gather to build and burn paper mâché dolls in a communal fire at midnight on December 31. This ritual signifies removing the bad from the prior year before moving to the next. This year, he said, “We are going to get the biggest doll possible to make sure that the bad of 2020 is completely gone!” With Oscar and Fernando in place, they still lacked someone to manage client relationships on an ongoing basis. Eric found Renee Cruz McLeod to round out his team as the Relationship Management Advisor for The Gonzales Group. Renee joined Merrill Lynch two years ago, bringing over 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. There is a great deal of coordination among the team, and she gets the baton passed to her because she relates to families personally. She contributes her invaluable skills of empathy and a gentle way of addressing difficult issues. “I bring the whole family into the conversation, and I tend to soften some of the touchy issues like legacy planning and family financials. I try to bring a level of ease to their experience,” she said. Eric added, “She keeps it going, builds the relationship with clients. She’s building bridges to the next generation.” Like the other members of the team, Renee gives back to the community she serves. She works with the Cope Family Center, a local non-profit that helps families in need. She is also on the Board of Directors for Napa Valley College Foundation, which helps raise money for students, including assisting students displaced due to wildfires.

“I joined the team because of its focus on serving Hispanic clients and because I believed in Eric’s vision of diversity and inclusion. For example, although it is a predominantly male industry, Eric gave me a seat at the table from the beginning. Since then, no one has ever questioned that I have a place.” Eric Gonzales’s Dream Team of superheroes is undeniably experienced and knowledgeable. But their superpowers may be less obvious: • Oscar’s aim to empower with knowledge.

• Fernando’s ability to connect and understand. • Renee’s talent at navigating difficult conversations with ease. This team cares about the community and puts its heart into helping the families and business owners it serves. Renee summed up her feelings about being a member of the team in this way, “I’m honored to be a part of this team. We are making a really valuable contribution to the community, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re doing.”

NOTE: The cover and inside photos for this article were taken at Donum Estate Winery and feature Love Me, by Richard Hudson and Charging Bull by Arturo DiModica. For more information visit donumestate.com.

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2021 OF NAPA VALLEY • READERS CHOICE •

Napa at Night // Photo by Bob McClenahan 30

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This year’s Best of Napa Valley’s Readers Choice Awards have special meaning. Despite the challenges and hardships of 2020, the number of people who came out to cast their votes in support of their favorite businesses was extraordinary, breaking all previous records. Sadly, a handful of iconic wineries, resorts, and restaurants were severely impacted or even lost to the unexpected blows of this past year. However, they live on through the votes they received, some even scoring winning rankings in several categories. We look forward to watching with anticipation as they rebuild and reopen. And just like the people of the Napa Valley community, their resilience will bring them back stronger than before. Napa Valley remains one of the world’s most coveted destinations for its award-winning restaurants, wineries, resorts, and shopping. Thanks to you, our readers, through the Readers Choice Best of Napa Valley voting, we are privileged to extend congratulations to this year’s winners. We encourage you to explore what they have to offer or perhaps be inspired to try something new.

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BEST

Local Winemaker

Winery Tasting Room

Heidi Barrett • lasirenawine.com P Heidi Barrett continues her three-

Sequoia Grove P 707-944-2945 • sequoiagrove.com

year streak as Napa Valley’s favorite winemaker. It’s no surprise as this Berkeley native has been making wine in Napa since the early 1980s, breaking the glass ceiling by reaching early acclaim as winemaker for Screaming Eagle, one of California’s notable cult wines. She now either makes wine or consults for numerous labels and is currently touting her own, La Sirena and Barrett & Barrett, a brand created in partnership with vintner husband and Industry icon Bo Barrett.

8338 St. Helena Hwy., Napa Sequoia Grove is a family-owned winery founded in 1979 in a 110-year old barn beneath a grove of Sequoia trees in Rutherford, Napa Valley. They are known for their world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and other Napa Valley wines that emphasize elegance, finesse, structure, and balance. Their tasting experiences, indoors or out, include a sampling of their current vintages hosted by a team of hospitality folks who make everyone feel welcome.

Frank Family Winery • 2nd 707-942-0859 • frankfamilyvineyards.com 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga Photo by Stephen Rothfeld

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Schramsberg Vineyards • 3rd 707-942-4558 • Schramsburg.com 1400 Schramsberg Rd., Calistoga Domaine Carneros • 3rd 707-257-0101 • domainecarneros.com 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa

Sarah Fowler • 2nd 707- 963-3600 • peju.com 8466 St Helena Hwy., Rutherford Rudy Zuidema • 3rd 707-255-5661 • 100 Rapp Lane, Napa shadybrookestate.com; zuidemawines.com

BEST

Wine Collective

P 707-255-7150 • 1245 Main St., Napa Vintners Collective

vintnerscollective.com

We’re Blushing Thank you Napa Valley Life! Enjoy elegant seated tastings of world class Sparkling Wine and our award winning hospitality while taking in vineyard views from our expansive outdoor patio. Please visit our website for current visitation information, or to book a curbside pickup.

10am to 5:30pm daily | Reservations required | 21 and over 800-716-2788 ext 150 | www.domainecarneros.com 1240 Duhig Road, Napa (off Hwy 12/121) 4 miles west of Napa, 5 miles east of Sonoma

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2021 OF NAPA • READE

VALLEY

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Vintners Collective specializes in representing exclusive, hard to find wines handcrafted by small, boutique vintners, many of which do not have tasting rooms of their own. Located on Main Street in a renovated historic building, originally a saloon and brothel dating back to 1875, VC is a favorite place to stop, sip and check out some wines only found in Napa Valley. Their wine club is rated as one of Napa Valley’s most popular.

The Wine Thief • 2nd 707-666-2650 • 708 1st St., Napa twtnapa.com

Brasswood Cellars • 3rd 707-968-5434 3111 St. Helena Hwy. N., St. Helena • brasswood.com

2021 OF NAPA VALLEY • READERS CHOICE •

Join us for one of our award-winning tasting experiences and enjoy our spacious patios and gardens. Open from 10 am to 5 pm. Reserve your visit at: sequoiagrove.com/tasting

Sequoia Grove winery 8338 Saint Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94558 707-944-2945 | www.sequoiagrove.com BEST OF 2021

BEST

Wine Bar Oxbow Cheese & P Wine Merchant 707-257-5200 610 1st St., Napa fpwm.com Owners Debbie Zachareas and Peter Granoff launched the Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant in 2008. It has served as a staple shop in the Oxbow Public Market for food and wine lovers -both locals and tourists alike- for carefully curated fine cheeses, wine, and accouterment. Their wine club, which focuses on fantastic producers, terrific values, and a wide range of styles, has also been met with critical acclaim.

Winner

VOTED BEST WINE BAR 707-257-5200 // www.oxbowwine.com

Bounty Hunter • 2nd 707-226-3976 • 975 1st St., Napa bountyhunterwinebar.com Cadet Wine & Beer Bar • 3rd 707-224-4400 • 930 Franklin St., Napa cadetbeerandwinebar.com

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• READE

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BEST

Boutique Winery Shadybrook Estate Winery P 707-255-5661 • 100 Rapp Lane, Napa shadybrookestate.com Shadybrook Estate is tucked away in a picturesque location in Coombsville, overlooking rolling vineyards and neighboring Rapp Ranch Equestrian Center. Small- lot estate-grown wines representing the balance and power of the Coombsville terroir are offered on their spacious patio paired with a cheese and charcuterie plate or on a guided horseback tour. Frequented often by their devoted wine club members, all visitors are welcomed and treated like family in a relaxed, casual setting.

Luna Vineyards • 2nd 707-255-5862 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa lunavineyards.com Viader Vineyards & Winery • 3rd 707-963-3816 • Viader.com 1120 Deer Park Rd., Deer Park St. Clair Brown Winery and Brewery • 3rd 707-255-5591 816 Vallejo St., Napa stclairbrownwinery.com

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Find yourself

here

100 Rapp Lane, Napa CA 94558 www.shadybrookestate.com 707.255.5661 Photo courtesy of Vintner's Collective

napa valley

BEST

Place for a Sandwich Giugni W F & Son P Grocery & Deli 707-963-3421 1227 Main St., St. Helena Giugnis.com St. Helena has plenty of eateries, but one need not look further than Giugni W F & Son for an exceptional deli experience. Best known for their made-to-order sandwiches loaded up with a wide selection of choice meats and cheeses sliced fresh to order and served with the “the works,” many make the trip for “Giugini Juice,” an Italian style sauce made with red wine vinegar, canola oil, herbs, salt & pepper which is drizzled on sandwiches and salads. It’s always crowded, so plan accordingly.

Genova Delicatessen • 2nd 707-253-8686 1550 Trancas St., Napa genovadelinapa.com Oakville Grocery • 3rd 707-944-8802 7856 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville oakvillegrocery.com

Photo courtesy of Pizzeria Tra Vigne

BEST

Pizza Pizzeria Tra Vigne P 707-967-9999 • 1016 Main St., St. Helena • pizzeriatravigne.com For the past 25 years, Pizzeria Tra Vigne reigns one of St. Helena’s local treasures. Guests of all ages enjoy hanging out or grabbing some pasta, pizza, or a fresh daily special to go at this vibrant, family restaurant. Their pizzas have always been a crowd favorite, and during the pandemic, their pizza to go kits were among the area’s most popular. There’s plenty of seating outdoors on their beautiful patio, complete with Bocce Court, or inside at a table or booth with family and friends.

Azzurro Pizzeria e Enoteca • 2nd 707-255-5552 • 1260 Main St., Napa • azzurropizzeria.com Bistro Don Giovanni • 3rd 707-224-3300 4110 Howard Lane, Napa bistrodongiovanni.com

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Filippis Pizza Grotto • 3rd 707-254-9700 645 1st St., Napa Realcheesepizza.com

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Hidden Gem Winery Black Cat Vineyard P 707-321-0866 • 1352 4th Ave., Napa • blackcatvineyard.com Black Cat Proprietor and Winemaker Tracey Reichow produces small lots of handgrown and handcrafted wines from a few of Napa Valley’s acclaimed AVA’s. Their Estate Vineyard in Coombsville is best known for its elegant Cabernet and Syrah, Rutherford for its Cab and Cab Franc, and Howell Mountain for Cab and Zinfandel. The winery was named after an intrepid and sociable feral black cat who became Tracey’s steadfast companion in the long days and nights she spent developing and planting the estate vineyard. Tastings are private, by appointment only.

Photo by Allyson Magda Photography

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Flora Springs • 2nd 707-963-5711 1978 West Zinfandel Lane, St. Helena florasprings.com

Schweiger Vineyards • 3rd 707-963-4882 4015 Spring Mountain Rd., St. Helena Schweigervineyards.com

BEST

Italian Restaurant Bistro Don Giovanni P 707-224-3300 • 4110 Howard Lane, Napa bistrodongiovanni.com Bistro Don Giovanni, known to locals as “Don G’s,” has been a destination restaurant in Napa Valley since its opening in 1993. The menu is best known for its fresh interpretations of traditional Italian dishes, including hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, and daily fish and meat specials that are sustainably farmed organically sourced. Whether dining outside in the garden, on the patio, or in the cozy restaurant or bar, Don G’s is always a memorable experience.

Where in-the-know locals go for Napa's best pizza

Bottega Napa Valley • 2nd 707-945-1050 6525 Washington St., Yountville botteganapavalley.com

Home of the “Original" Mozzarella Al Minuto

Ristorante Allegria • 3rd 707-254-8006 1026 1st. St., Napa ristoranteallegria.com

1016 Main St • St. Helena CA 94574 707-967-9999 • pizzeriatravigne.com CAN'T COME TO THE RESTAURANT?

BEST

Asian Food

We'll ship pizza & mozzarella kits to you!

Morimoto Napa P 707-252-1600 • 610 Main St., Napa morimotonapa.com Iron Chef Morimoto’s signature restaurant on the Napa River is one of the most sought after dining experiences since its opening in 2010. Always a favorite for sushi, diners are captivated by the inventive high-end Japanese menu, which is presented in a spacious, zen-like setting- both indoors and out. The bar is popular with locals on weekends, and for sake lovers, the Momosan Lounge is devoted to sake and Japanese whiskey.

Eikos Modern Japanese Cuisine • 2nd 707-501-4444 1300 First St., Suite 385, Napa eikosnapa.com

Mango on Main • 3rd 707-253-8880 1142 Main St., Napa Mangoonmain.com

VOTED BEST HIDDEN GEM WINERY

THANK YOU We are honored to be recognized. Particularly since this is an award voted by those we value most - the enthusiasts who love our wine - even though they would most likely prefer we stay hidden. We’re like a speakeasy – if you can find us, you’ll have a great time.

Celebrating over 20 years of handcrafted wine produced in limited quantities to allow artful attention to every detail. BLACKCATVINEYARD.COM • 707.321.0866 • COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

BEST OF 2021

BEST

Mexican Food

Photo courtesy of Hog Island Oyster Co.

Don Perico Mexican P Restaurant

BEST

Place to Eat Seafood Hog Island Oyster Co. P 707-251-8113

707-252-4707 • 1106 1st St., Napa donpericos.com

610 1st St., Napa hogislandoysters.com

Napa’s most popular Mexican Restaurant, Don Perico, has been around for over two decades. Known for its crowd-pleasing Mexican food, generous margaritas, and all-day happy hour, it has become a hot spot for locals for lunch and dinner. The generous patio welcomes diners with a great selection of appetizers and traditional Mexican dishes such as burritos, tortilla soup, fajitas, and enchiladas. The beverage program includes artisan mescals and tequila and an extensive wine list. Both bars and the outdoor patio are always a fiesta.

Belly up at Hog Island Oyster Bar and enjoy freshly shucked oysters, which change daily, or order a bushel to go. The Napa location at Oxbow Public Market serves its own Hog Island mollusks and savory seafood entrées, organic salads, and small plates that showcase local fishermen, farmers, and artisan food producers in the local region.

Morimoto Napa • 2nd 707-252-1600 610 Main St., Napa morimotonapa.com

Villa Corona • 2nd 707-963-7812 1138 Main St., St. Helena 707-257-8685 3614 Bel Air Plaza, Napa villacoronacatering.com

Eikos Modern Japanese Cuisine • 3rd 707-501-4444 1300 First St., Suite 385, Napa eikosnapa.com

La Luna Market & Taqueria • 3rd 707-963-3211 • lalunamarket.com 1153 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford

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Sushi Eikos Modern Japanese Cuisine P 707-501-4444 • 1300 First St., Suite 385, Napa •eikosnapa.com Eikos Sushi is Napa Valley’s favorite “go-to” for modern and authentic traditional Japanese cuisine and their seasonal, fresh, sustainable fish, delivered daily from local markets and purveyors. Their skilled sushi chefs don’t disappoint with the extensive and creative sushi menu, presented on plates with colorful and flavorful sushi combinations. Eikos rose to the top during the pandemic as one of the area’s busiest takeout and delivery restaurants for their sushi and handcrafted cocktails when dining was restricted inside. They have a second location in Oxbow Public Market with a more limited menu.

Morimoto Napa • 2nd 707-252-1600 • morimotonapa.com 610 Main St., Napa

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Sushi Mambo • 3rd 707-942-4699 • napasushi.com 1631 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga

BEST

Vegetarian Menu Options Heritage Eats P 707-226-3287 • 3824 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa heritageeats.com Heritage Eats owners, Ben and Ali Koenig, own and operate this unique, local, family-based restaurant. They present an exciting menu rich with world culture and flavors from Southeast Asia, India, Egypt, and beyond into fresh and flavorful dishes using global spices and warm hospitality. From salad and rice bowls, tacos, bao buns, tacos, and wraps, diners can mix and match flavors and food combinations to meet any craving. Heritage Eats also offers a local catering program and recently launched a food truck- The Best Food Truck in Napa.

R + D Kitchen • 2nd 707-945-0920 6795 Washington St. Yountville rd-kitchen.com

Rutherford Grill • 3rd 707-963-1792 1180 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford rutherfordgrill.com

BEST

Burger Gotts Roadside P 707-224-6900 • 644 1st St., Napa • gotts.com Gotts Roadside is wine country’s go-to for its fresh, high-quality roadhouse menu, especially its juicy cheeseburgers. Options include their 100% Niman Ranch Angus beef burger and cheese choice on a toasted egg bun, lettuce, tomato, and a secret sauce made with Sir Kensington’s ketchup. Locals love the California Burger, with a fried egg, bacon, and balsamic onions. Gotts was the first local restaurant to introduce the Impossible burger for their vegetarian clientele and has a sushi-grade ahi burger for seafood lovers.

Goose & Gander • 2nd 707-967-8779 1245 Spring St., St. Helena goosegander.com The Charter Oak Restaurant • 3rd 707-302-6996 1050 Charter Oak Ave. St. Helena thecharteroak.com

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Photo courtesy of Gotts Roadside

Squeeze Inn Hamburgers • 3rd 707-257-6880 3383 Solano Ave., Napa squeezeinnhamburgers.com

3383 Solano Avenue Napa, ca 94558 | 707-257-6880 squeezeinnhamburgers.com

BEST OF 2021

BEST

Upscale Restaurant

Family Restaurant

The French Laundry P 707-944-2380 • thomaskeller.com/tfl

Gotts Roadside-Napa P 707-224-6900 • 644 1st St., Napa • gotts.com Gotts Roadside started on its road to popularity with the launch of Taylor’s Refresher in St. Helena in 1999. Renamed Gotts Roadside, the popular hangout has since expanded to the Oxbow Public Market District in downtown Napa. The St. Helena spot is a gourmet drive-in, with guests eating at bright red picnic tables on the lawn, while the Oxbow location is built in an urban, retro diner-style. Gotts is always bustling with locals and visitors of all ages with a popular menu known for its American roadside classics, especially its inventive burgers and hand made shakes.

Pizzeria Tra Vigne • 2nd 707-967-9999 1016 Main St., St. Helena pizzeriatravigne.com

Hop Creek Pub • 3rd 707-257-7708 3253 Browns Valley Rd., Napa hopcreekpub.com

Photo courtesy of Gotts Roadside

6640 Washington St., Yountville The French Laundry restaurant has been Napa Valley’s keystone for fine dining since Thomas Keller purchased it in 1994. With a prestigious reputation known worldwide, its distinctive menu, which is curated daily, and its commitment to serving classic French cuisine with the finest quality ingredients are only paralleled with its intense focus on impeccable guest service.

Coles Chophouse • 2nd 707-224-MEAT • 1123 Main St., Napa coleschophouse.com Auberge du Soleil • 3rd 800-348-5406 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil/dine/

BEST BEST

Bakery Bouchon Bakery P 707-944-2253 • thomaskeller.com 6528 Washington St., Yountville Bouchon Bakery has been drawing in crowds- both local and visitors- since its opening in 2003. Initially created to service neighboring restaurants Bouchon Bistro and The French Laundry, it’s reputation demanded it establish a presence of its own. It’s delectable and IG-worthy selection of artisanal bread, impeccable desserts, and sweet gourmet delights are rewarded to those who usually wait in line to retrieve them.

Place for Breakfast Boon Fly Cafe P 707-299-4870 • 4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa • boonflycafe.com Located in South Napa at the Carneros Resort, Boon Fly Café takes the prize as one of the best places to jump-start the day. The café/bistro serves modern-rustic cuisine in a contemporary roadhouse atmosphere. Since the pandemic, their take out menu is a hot ticket in town with menu favorites that include their famous homemade donuts, avocado toast, fried chicken and waffles, and green eggs and ham. Other brunch items include flatbread pizzas, burgers, and fish tacos.

Napa Valley General Store • 2nd 707-259-0762 • 540 Main St. #100, Napa • napageneralstore.com La Cheve Bakery and Brews • 3rd 707-294-2142 • 376 Soscol Ave., Napa • Ilovelacheve.com

Model Bakery • 2nd 707-259-1128 • 644 1st St., Napa themodelbakery.com

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Buttercream Bakery & Diner • 3rd 707-255-6700 • 2297 Jefferson St., Napa buttercreambakery.com Sweetie Pies • 3rd 707-257-7280 • 520 Main St., Napa sweetiepies.com 40

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Photo courtesy of Boon Fly Cafe

BEST

Bar/Cocktails Goose and Gander P 707-967-8779 • goosegander.com 1245 Spring St., St. Helena Goose & Gander maintains its status as one of St. Helena’s hidden-gem hangouts. Its seasonal menu complements a great selection of wines, beer, and retro-fresh cocktails. Guests and locals partake in the Whiskey Bar or outdoor bar garden, which offers pop up specials and live music in the summer on weekends.

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Coles Chop House • 2nd 707-224-MEAT 1123 Main St., Napa coleschophouse.com Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch • 2nd 707-963-4555 738 Main St., St. Helena longmeadowranch.com Sky & Vine at Archer Hotel • 3rd 707-819-2490 1260 1st St., Napa skyandvine.com

BEST

Golf Course

Dog-Friendly Hang Out

Silverado Resort P 707-257-0200

R + D Kitchen -Patio P 707-945-0920 6795 Washington St., Yountville rd-kitchen.com R + D Kitchen in Yountville is one of Hillstone Restaurant Groups’ flagship locations. Known for its flavorful California fare, it’s specialties include fresh sandwiches and sushi. An expansive patio is a great place to hang out and enjoy a limited version of the menu or enjoy libations from their bar menu. Adirondack chairs and fire pits are popular for relaxing with friends with two legs or four.

Peju Winery • 2nd 707-963-3600 • peju.com 8466 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford Gotts Roadside • 3rd 707-224-6900 • gotts.com 644 1st St., Napa

1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa silveradoresort.com/ napa-valley-golf Challenge yourself on a championship course, surrounded by Napa Valley’s golden hills. Redesigned by PGA Hallof-Famer and Owner Johnny Miller – Silverado Resort’s two PGA courses offer some of the nation’s best golf. Access is limited to members and resort guests, promising an exclusive day on the links. Grab your clubs and enjoy an all-time classic golf experience.

Napa Valley Country Club • 2nd 707-252-1111 • napavalleycc.com 3385 Hagen Rd., Napa Eagle Vines Golf Club • 3rd 707-257-4470 580 S. Kelly Rd., American Canyon eaglevinesgolfclub.com

BEST

Outdoor Dining

Auberge du Soleil P 707-963-1211 • aubergresorts.com 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford Enjoy both fine dining and casual French bistro fare while taking in the spectacular panoramic views for miles around from the expansive terrace. Start with an appetizer to share, such as fresh oysters on the half shell or smoked salmon tartine, or delight your palate with classic entrées such as dayboat scallops or Prime New York Steak. Handcrafted cocktails and a formidable wine list are available to quench a thirst or pair with either menu.

Bistro Don Giovanni • 2nd 707-224-3300 4110 Howard Lane, Napa bistrodongiovanni.com Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch • 3rd 707-963-4555 738 Main St., St. Helena longmeadowranch.com

Thank you for naming

877-934-7751

us Best Golf Course in NAPA VALLEY

W W W. S I LV E R A D O R E S O R T. C O M BEST OF 2021

BEST

Jewelry Store Napa Valley Jewelers P 707-224-0997 1300 1st St., Suite 365, Napa napavalleyjewelers.com For over 25 years, Napa Valley Jewelers has been providing the Napa Valley area with a personalized shopping experience offering a wide array of jewelry, unique pieces crafted from precious metals and gems, as well as stunning creations of art made from glass. Napa Valley Jewelers exceeds expectations by delivering exceptional customer service and offering their clients a variety of options that will suit anyone’s budget.

BEST

Photo courtesy of Silverado Resort

Shopping for Women BoHo Lifestyle P 707-337-5870 1012 First St., Napa shopboholifestyle.com Boho Lifestyle is not only a store; it’s a feeling. The popular boutique on Napa’s busy First Street carries hip, affordable local clothing, shoes, hats, and lots of gorgeous jewelry and accessories that are diverse, affordable, and always ontrend. Their friendly fashionistas are happy to assist with style ideas for any occasion.

Creations Fine Jewelers • 2nd 707-252-8131 • 3341 Solano Ave., creationsfinejewelers.com

Helen Lyall Clothes for Women • 2nd 707-252-7400 • 650 Main St., Napa helenlyallclothesforwomen.com

Padis Jewelry • 3rd 707-963-2288 • padisgems.com 1269 Main St., St. Helena

Makers Market at First Street • 3rd 707-637-4637 • 1300 1st St., Napa makersmarket.us

BEST BEST

Wine Country Event

BottleRock Napa Valley P Napa Valley Expo, Napa • bottlerocknapavalley.com Entering its 9th season, BottleRock paused in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Each year, 120,000 concert goers flood downtown Napa to partake in the four-day festival that features some of the world’s greatest bands and showcases Napa Valley’s best food and local wines. Produced by JaM Cellars, the event proudly wears the crown for sharing the best of music, wine, food, and beer with Napa. Whether concert-goers are rocking to one of their many Grammy- awardwinning, live music performances or indulging in their culinary stage, BottleRock is by far one of the most unique, entertaining experiences in the entire Bay area. BottleRock 2021 is currently scheduled for Labor Day weekend.

Safeway Open • 2nd safewayopen.com

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Napa Valley Porchfest • 3rd napaporchfest.org Auction Napa Valley • 3rd napavintners.org

Hotel/ Resort Silverado Resort P 707-257-0200 1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa silveradoresort.com At Silverado Resort, there is something for everyone. The award-winning property (which also took #1 for Best Place to Play Golf) is a travelers delight. Along with guest rooms and private villas, the property offers tennis, a beautiful spa, and a sumptuous menu from Chef Rodrigo Cuadra, who is well known for his weekly wine and food specials—conveniently located right off of Silverado Trail.

Auberge du Soleil • 2nd 800-348-5406 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil Archer Hotel Napa • 3rd 855-437-9100 1230 1st St., Napa archerhotel.com

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

BEST

Shopping for Men

VOTED AGAIN!

Williamson & Co. P 707-224-5284 • 1144 Main St., Napa

LO C

AL LO

Scott Lyall Clothes for Men • 2nd 707-255-5858 • 614 Main St., Napa scottlyallclothes.com

Located in Napa for over 40 years, Williamson & Company specializes in updated traditional looks for men. With a unique mix of casual and dress, a man can shop for all occasions in a relaxed, boutique-style setting. For quality clothing to dress the man who likes to look good, Williamson & Co. delivers.

AL LO

BEST WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORE!

williamsonandcompanynapa.com

Marios Napa Valley • 3rd 707-963-1603 • 1223 Main St., Napa mariosnapavalley.com

BEST

Day Spa/Salon

1012 1ST ST. NAPA

Meadowood Spa P 877-963-3646 • Meadowood.com

S H O P B O H O L I F E S T Y L E . C O M

900 Meadowood Ln, St. Helena The Meadowood Spa is all about relaxing, wellness, and serenity. It’s been recognized by Forbes with the Industry’s highest award of Five-Stars three years in a row- the only one that has earned this prestigious award in Napa Valley. Due to the Glass Fire and the pandemic over the course of 2020, portions of the Meadowood complex may be under reconstruction or renovation. Check ahead for updates and availability.

Spa Solage • 2nd 707-226-0800 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga aubergeresorts.com/solage/spa/ Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch • 3rd (under renovation) 866-484-8829 580 Lommel Rd., Calistoga aubergeresorts.com/ calistogaranch/

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Spa Terra at Meritage Resort • 3rd 707-251-3000 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa meritagecollection.com/ meritage-resort/spa

Thank you for naming

Best Resort in NAPA VALLEY

844-480-2533

WWW.SILVERADORESORT.COM BEST OF 2021

Photo courtesy of Beau Wine Tours

BEST

Cultural Venue The CIA at Copia Museum P 707-967-2500 • 500 1st St., Napa ciaatcopia.com Presented by the Culinary Institute of America, The CIA at Copia is a gathering place to “Feed Your Joy.” Located in the heart of Napa’s Oxbow District, the cultural foodie can take in entertainment, educational, and food-centric events. Whether it be creating a menu in a hands-on cooking class, attending an educational seminar, viewing historical culinary artifacts in the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum, or participating in one of their many food and wine events, The CIA at Copia has all the bases covered. Picturesque, unique, and full of tasty ideas, The CIA at Copia makes any event a truly memorable one.

The Hess Collection • 2nd 707-255-1144 4411 Redwood Rd., Napa hesscollection.com

BEST

Wine Tour Beau Wine Tours P 707-938-8001 • beauwinetours.com 21707 Eighth St., E Suite A, Sonoma With a team of wine-savvy chauffeur tour guides, Beau Wine Tours is consistently rated as one of the region’s premier luxury tour operators. It helps that proprietor Thomas Buck has been an avid collector of California cult wines for more than 20 years, as well as a vintner himself. Beau Wine Tour’s fleet includes a full bus, luxury sedans, SUVs, sprinter vans, and coaches. It boasts an in-house concierge staff to curate unique itineraries for individuals or groups throughout Napa and Sonoma wine country. No single tour is ever the same.

The Wine Train • 2nd 707-253-2111 • winetrain.com • 1275 McKinstry St., Napa

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art • 3rd 707-226-5991 5200 Sonoma Hwy., Napa dirosaart.org

Your Driver in Napa • 3rd 707-337-8943 yourdriverinnapa.com

Photo courtesy of Harvest Inn

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Platypus Tours • 3rd 707-253-2723 • platypustours.com 101 S. Coombs St., Napa

BEST

Boutique Lodging Harvest Inn P 707-963-9463 • 1 Main St., St. Helena • harvestinn.com Set on eight acres of vineyards, this upscale resort is 1.1 miles from downtown St. Helena and 8.4 miles from Yountville’s restaurants and shops. Country-chic rooms, suites, and cottages, some with fireplaces, private decks, and whirlpool tubs, offer views of vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains. Additional amenities include spa treatments, access to a golf club, a cigar program, and an award-winning restaurant on site.

Napa River Inn • 2nd 707-251-8500 • napariverinn.com 500 Main St., Napa Vintage House • 3rd 707-927-2188 vintagehouse.com 6541 Washington St., Yountville

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Poetry Inn • 3rd 707-944-0650 poetryinn.com 6380 Silverado Trail, Napa

2021 OF NAPA VALLEY

Editor's

Choice

Some stand out businesses that deserve a category of their own.

Domaine Carneros Photo courtesy of Untapped Media

BEST OF 2021

It is hard to narrow down the voting categories every year and include the best of everything the Valley has to offer all on one list. In the Editors Choice section, we recognize some outlier businesses that don’t fall into a designated category but are outstanding in their genre and deserve an honorable mention.

BEST

Wine Storage Rutherford Wine Vault P 707-235-2555

Photo courtesy of Ca'Momi Osteria

BEST

Place for a Fun Night Out Ca’ Momi Osteria P 707-224-6664 • 1141 First St., Napa • camomi.com Ca’ Momi Osteria is nominated every year in multiple voting categories, including Best Pizza, Best Bar, Best Italian Restaurant, and Best Live Music venue. Located on vibrant First Street in downtown Napa, Ca’Momi is known for its award-winning, authentic Italian cuisine and extensive bar program that features an impressive wine list including Ca’Momi wines, garden-to-glass cocktails, craft beers, and all-natural craft spirits. Late- night on weekends, the dining room transforms into Osteria Live!, a speak-easy like listening room serving up cocktails and dancing.

1901 St. Helena Hwy., Napa rutherfordwinevault.com Rutherford Wine Vault is regaled as the finest and most unique wine storage facility in Napa, Sonoma, and the greater San Francisco Bay area. Located in the historic Beaulieu Vineyard’s champagne department, the meticulously transformed 110-year-old vault space features customdesigned seismically independent racking systems, lockable private steel storage enclosures, redundant temperature and humidity controls, and more than five layers of state-of-the-art security systems for both area vintners and private collectors to store their vinous treasures.

BEST

Outdoor Wine Tasting Domaine Carneros P 1240 Duhig Road, Napa 800-716- BRUT domainecarneros.com Perched on top of one of Los Carneros’ undulating hillsides, Domaine Carneros serves as a grand beacon for Southern Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Built-in 1989, a visit to the striking eighteenthcentury château is equally elegant and memorable. Guests are offered a menu that includes samplings of curated sparkling and still wines, which can be paired with cheese/ charcuterie plates or caviar, all of which can be enjoyed on the expansive terrace overlooking the 138-acre property.

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Photo courtesy of Rutherford Wine Vault

BEST

Place to Shop Local

obsessively authentic italian food ~ local & organic ingredients ~ certified pizza napoletana

The Bennington Napa Valley P 707-501-0300 1300 First St., Suite 345, Napa thebenningtonnapa.com While the local Farmers Markets in Napa Valley are sure bets for finding local farmers and purveyors of local goods, The Bennington Napa Valley, one of First Street’s newer tenants, offers a cornucopia of local artisan crafts, gifts, and goodies such as goat milk soap and lotions, olive oils and vinegar, sweets, artwork, candles and barrel products which showcase some of the best Napa has to offer. Owner Susan Melendez rotates local brands and is open to feature new vendors.

“A Fun Night Out” enjoy a night out, no matter where you are 1141 first street, downtown napa, ca 707.224.6664 | www.camomi.com

BEST

New Restaurants Nick the Greek P 721 Lincoln Ave., Napa 707-927-5802 nickthegreeksj.com Nick the Greek became one of Napa’s hottest new carryout restaurants after it opened in June 2020. Best known for its Beef/Lamb Gyro pita stuffed with french fries, the menu options include Beef, chicken, and pork gyros or souvlaki served in a pita or on a salad, and simple sides like hummus and pita or Avgolemono soup. Don’t miss the Loukoumades for dessert-warm Greek beignets drizzled with nuts and honey syrup.

ca’ momi winery & italian wines ~ garden to glass cocktails

First and Franklin P 1331 First St., Napa • 707-252-1000 firstandfranklin.com This past Spring, Industry veterans Chuck Meyer of Napa Palisades Saloon and Michael Holcomb, Jr. launched First & Franklin after renovating the old Tourist Information Center on First

Street. The deli/market venue offers sandwiches and salads as well as local wines and beer. Starting as a walk-up / carry out window during the pandemic, it quickly rose to become one of First Street’s busiest corners. When it fully opens, retail items and local wines will be available to taste on site along with indoor and outdoor seating.

MOST

Innovative New Business

Downtown Rides P 707-287-7003 • dtrnapa.com

Downtown Rides (DTR) is a complimentary, tipbased ride-share service with a unique strategy. It is a joint collaboration with local businesses such as wineries, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses who advertise with signage on their fleet of electric-powered vehicles, which gain impressions weaving through the heart of Napa. The win-win partnerships subsidize the free ride service, which in turn introduces riders to downtown Napa’s notable locales, reducing downtown traffic, decreasing demand for parking, and helping reduce air pollution. Photo courtesy of Downtown Ride

BEST OF 2021

OF NAPA VALLEY

Pandemic

Cameo Cinema Drive In Movie // Photo by Tim Carl 48

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Photo courtesy of Tarla Grill

Silver Linings Playbook The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 presented new challenges for the hospitality industry to maintain operations continuity and comply with regional safety guidelines. New social distancing practices forced businesses to discover new ways to serve the public, including hosting guests outside, offering products and services online, and developing individualized solutions to serve guests. While many will look back on the pandemic as a dark spot in our history, some silver linings emerged, some of which became creative innovations that we hope will live on once we all safely gather again.

dishes. Most restaurants offered home delivery or curbside pickup to expedite fresh meals to hungry patrons. Some restaurants created designated walk-up windows, some of which maintained their popularity even when indoor dining was also in play.

Drive-In Movies P With local indoor theaters closed to the public, the Cameo Cinema and Team Morales Events in Napa came to the rescue. They created familyfocused pop-up movie events in St. Helena, Calistoga, and downtown Napa. The event planners collaborated with local eateries and concessions to provide beverages and snacks for movie-goers to watch the show safely spaced within their vehicles on huge pop-up movie screens. The concept provided a fun and nostalgic respite for families and friends to gather and enjoy watching movies outside of the confines of home.

Virtual Hospitality Events P Napa Valley transported its reputa-

Walk-Up Windows P Carry-Out listings were the de facto link found on many local restaurant websites when take-out dining was the primary option to acquire some of Napa’s coveted

tion as a world-class wine & food destination by hosting virtual food and wine events to captive audiences at home. Wine enthusiasts, foodies, and home cooks tuned in to live, interactive online sessions hosted by Napa Valley’s renowned winemakers and chefs via virtual technology that enabled them to showcase their latest wines, suggested food pairings, and educational classes, expanding their reach (sales and visibility) to people and places they were not connecting with before.

Cocktails to Go P

During the months when the community was in the habit of sheltering in place, many restaurants relied on carry-out services to deliver their tasty menus and beverages at home. Besides offering great deals on local wines to go, some got creative and converted some of their signature cocktails to ‘to-go’ status. Whether sold by the drink or by the batch, the creative concoctions became a popular request, allowing customers to carry-out and recreate the restaurant/bar experience at home.

Pop-Up P

Restaurants and Food Trucks

Parklets P This summer, some of Napa’s

Napa Valley has always touted some of the region’s finest foods, but when the pandemic hit, some of the areas’ premier caterers and restaurants mobilized by launching virtual pop-up menus, restaurants and food trucks, allowing them to expand their reach during high volume ordering times and offering convenient pick up or delivery options. Heritage Eats Food Truck Photo courtesy of Heritage Eats

restaurants and wineries took to the streets with the installation of Parklets- built-out platforms that extend out from the sidewalk to the adjacent parking space’s width, allowing additional seating for patrons. Complete with umbrellas for shade, barriers for privacy, and potted foliage for decoration, they present a handy solution for dining outdoors and some European charm to Napa’s dining scene.

BEST OF 2021

NVL winemaker spotlight

THE MONDAVI SISTERS Napa Valley Past, Present, and Future

Alycia Mondavi

Riana Mondavi

Angelina Mondavi

Gigi Mondavi

 BY FRAN MILLER

hile the Mondavi Sisters – Alycia, Riana, Angelina, and Gigi – are certainly no strangers to a familyowned and operated business, the four have taken a hands-on approach with their boutique labels, Aloft and Dark Matter wines. Raised in Napa Valley and members of the iconic California wine family, the sisters laugh about starting work at their family’s winery at the early age of 10. A host of winery jobs alongside their Father, Marc, and Grandfather, Peter Mondavi Sr., included everything from cleaning glassware to running samples and helping in the lab. Following the family rule that they had to acquire experience in other endeavors before joining the family business, Alycia, CEO of Aloft and Dark Matter, attended college in San Diego and worked as a paralegal before making her way back home. Angelina, who serves as winemaker for Aloft and Dark Matter, also runs a successful consulting winemaking business, with several 100-point scores to her name. Riana, the third in the lineup, handles off-premise chain account sales for the 50

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

family’s parent company, C. Mondavi & Family, which includes legacy brands such as Charles Krug and CK Mondavi. Giovanna, also known as Gigi, currently works for Massachusetts Financial Services, building a career in finance. Riana and Gigi also help with Aloft and Dark Matter as Brand Ambassadors and Co-Proprietors. “We each bring our own strengths to the table,” said Alycia. “It’s an ‘all hands on deck’ atmosphere; we are the only employees, and each of us has learned the business from the ground up.” Encouraged by their father Marc to create their own path, the sisters purchased a two-acre parcel atop Howell Mountain in 2003, itself a dramatic departure from the family’s history of producing wines only from the Napa Valley floor. The parcel was previously and serendipitously planted to Zinfandel, a varietal of significant meaning to the sisters. “One of my earliest memories is of drinking watered-down Zinfandel with my grandfather,” said Angelina. “We joke that we were all bottle-fed Zin.” Following the Dark Matter Zinfandel’s successful launch in 2006, the sisters also

launched a Cabernet expression under the Dark Matter label, called Limitless. The Cabernet provides their loyal fan base with an option for a more traditional Napa Valley varietal, even within the more edgy Dark Matter label. Conversely, the Aloft label pays homage to the sister’s deep roots in the Napa Valley. The Cabernet, also grown on Howell Mountain, will soon celebrate their tenth vintage. In 2019, the Sisters again paid tribute to their roots, releasing a Napa Valley Chenin Blanc. Once a popular varietal, the grape now only accounts for less than ten acres grown in all of Napa Valley. The two brands, and the wines within, beautifully illustrate an inherent duality - a deep regard for their family’s history combined with a personal, modern flare. Even as the Valley faces new growing pains, the Mondavi Sisters and their wines promise to remain a stalwart reminder of Napa Valley’s great past and promising future. THE MONDAVI SISTERS

darkmatterwines.com // aloftwine.com

1915

••• Discover the finest and most unique wine storage facility ser ving Napa, Sonoma, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Rutherford Wine Vault is located in the historic Beaulieu Vineyard champagne depar tment - a meticulously transformed 110 year -old space. The vault features storage solutions for individual wine collectors and small vintners. Each locker is equipped with custom designed seismically independent racking systems, lockable private steel storage enclosures, redundant temperature and humidity controls, and more than five layers of state-of-the-ar t security systems. ••• FINE WINE IS ONE OF LIFE’S GREAT TREASURES. ISN’T YOURS WORTH IT?

•• THE RUTHERFORD WINE VAULT ••

Na p a Va l l e y’ s Pr e m i e r W i n e S t o r a g e Cu r r e ntl y acce pti n g n e w me mbe r s.

| 1 901 Sa int Helena Hw y. | Rut her f o r d , C A 9 4 5 7 3

W W W . R U T H E R F O R D W I N E V A U L T . C O M BEST FALL OF 2020 2021

NVL winemaker spotlight

THE JOURNEY:

Taylor Berkley Boydstun

 BY VALERIE OWENS

he world-renowned Napa Valley is a community where dreams flourish and wine reigns, where vintners such as Taylor Berkley Boydstun craft terroir-driven wines showcasing a true sense of place within each vintage. Inspired by cultural influence, Taylor was introduced to the world of wine while studying abroad in both Spain and France in 2008. Upon returning, Taylor moved to the West Coast from Illinois, joining AmeriCorps and the National Park Service in 2009. Fortuitously, his adventurous spirit led to touring the Napa Valley during harvest that same year. Little did he know that fateful time of exploration would be his guiding light to a career embedded in wine and viticulture. "I started with a viticultural apprenticeship in the rural hinterlands of Central Otago in New Zealand. That education springboarded my career. From there, I worked in Northern California, Australia, and Austria,” explained Boydstun. "I have been fortunate to study under many

exceptional and influential winemakers and viticulturists around the world." In 2016, Taylor launched T. Berkley Wines, focusing on Loire-inspired varietals and highlighting Taylor's first love, Cabernet Franc. Named in commemoration of his maternal grandfather Jack Berkley, T. Berkley Wines sources both Cabernet Franc and old vine Chenin Blanc. "These wines are inspired by the best of the Loire, made under the California sunshine," said Boydstun. In 2018, Taylor's journey broadened. Accepting the head Winemaking position with Teachworth Napa Valley, Taylor was tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations, winemaking, and vineyard management for the boutique wine brand. A passion-driven project, Teachworth Napa Valley celebrates the love of Walter and Joan Teachworth. Originally from Galveston, Texas, the Teachworth's moved to the Napa Valley in 1991 and shortly after that purchased and planted their namesake estate on the slopes of Quail Mountain in the Diamond Mountain District.

Walter designed and built a craft winery on the property, intending to produce ultra-premium estate Napa Valley Cabernets. Working with founding Winemaker Phil Steinschriber, Teachworth Napa Valley was born in 2000. Today Walter and Joan's children, Chris and Laura Teachworth, have taken the helm. Carrying on their parents' legacy, the Teachworth's dedication to making small production, premium wines has led them to join forces with Taylor Berkley Boydstun. Together, they have expanded the portfolio to include Pinot Noir and an upcoming Mountain Cabernet Series. Crafting the wines for both Teachworth and T. Berkley Wines on the property, the complimentary wine labels showcase the versatility and strength behind Taylor's genius. Guests are invited to book a private tasting and tour led by Taylor for an unforgettable experience in the Napa Valley, embodying both terroir and artistry with each sip.

TEACHWORTH NAPA VALLEY & T. BERKLEY WINES

4451 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA // 707-942-8432 // teachworthcabs.com // tberkleywines.com NAME

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he-Radar Cult Ge T r e d n U m An

SILL FAMILY VINEYARDS Photo courtesy of Sill Family Vineyards

 BY FRAN MILLER

gor Sill’s small production, ultra-premium, Atlas Peak-derived varietals might be some of the best wines flying under the Napa Valley wine radar. But for those in the know, his award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Rosé are heralded as cult favorites. Titans of industry, A-list celebrities, and respected political leaders - those with access to the best - are amongst fans of the label that finds a home on wine lists at lauded establishments such as The French Laundry, Solage Resort, Montecito’s San Ysidro Ranch, and Lucky’s steak house. And when Oakville Grocery sought a label to represent the best of Atlas Peak, it selected Sill Family Vineyards to fill its shelves. But it’s not only the high quality that attracts. Sill’s ready accessibility is equally appealing. In a culture that increasingly places winemakers on pedestals, Sill remains humble, approachable, and ready to talk wine with whomever is interested. The gregarious and amiable former private equity investor will gladly explain how his passion for Bordeaux wines 54

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developed. (The result of an introduction to Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Lafite Rothschild in the 1970s.) He’ll share how he worked with Francois Pinault’s Group Artemis for nearly a decade before becoming a Court of Master Sommelier and earning a Masters at Oxford University’s Merton College and studying viticulture at UC Davis. He will detail his work at V. Sattui Winery and Opus One Winery. He will gladly expound on why Atlas Peak wines are the best- and he’s got the awards to prove it. Sill uses an artisan, Old-World approach in crafting his Bordeaux and Burgundian style wines. “It takes extra work, and many more steps, not to mention that our volcanic, organic vineyards are extremely difficult to plant and farm, but it is worth it,” said Sill. The small size of his vineyard limits production (only 600 cases annually), but it also produces some of the best Cabernet fruit Napa has to offer. Year after year, Sill Family Vineyards wines turn the heads of wine critics and collectors worldwide. Robert Parker extended a 97

points rating to Sill Family Vineyards’ 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage, and Wine Spectator rated it 98 points. Sill’s 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon received the coveted CWSA 2018 Wine of the Year award, the Double Gold Medal. His vineyards sit at 1,650 on an Atlas Peak plateau, known for its volcanic soils and pure air cleansed by San Francisco Bay breezes. The elevation provides more prolonged sun exposure, greater UV, and cooler nights, characteristics that serve to create wines that are considerably different from those produced within the valley floor. Longer hang times produce bolder fruit, with greater red-fruit characteristics. Atlas Peak wines, and specifically Sill Family Vineyards wines, are defined by profound complexity, depth, elegance, and character. “Winemakers believe that the land speaks to us of possibilities,” said Sill. “My sole ambition is to fully express those possibilities, capturing the very best of what Atlas Peak’s magical land offers.” FOR MORE INFORMATION sillfamilyvineyards.com

THE BEAUTY of AGING:

Anthology at Conn Creek Winery  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

etaphorically speaking, if a bottle of wine is a book, an anthology is the whole library. At Conn Creek Winery, guests will “borrow the keys” to the Anthology Room, unlocking the door to the winery’s library. A fun and educational tasting experience is designed to allow a wine educator to guide intimate groups of visitors as they explore flagship vintages and discover how they age. At Conn Creek on the Silverado Trail, this unique tasting concept is supported by a robust library and the fact that nearly half-a-century after its founding, the winery is focused on what Napa Valley does best: Cabernet Sauvignon. Conn Creek’s flagship wine, Anthology, is a testament to the layers of depth and complexity that can be achieved through the art of blending. Until 2012, the flagship Anthology was a Napa Valley red wine blend; since then, it has been predominately Cabernet Sauvignon. Importantly, it’s the legacy of incredible

fruit and highly acclaimed wines, plus the promise of future great wines, that gently shepherd Conn Creek into the future. Fittingly, from the region that is the birthplace of American wine, outstanding grapes are sourced from “Best of Napa Valley” vineyards across a carefully curated selection of growers. Fruit comes from sub-AVAs up and down the region—from the valley floor to hillsides and from Carneros to Calistoga, providing winemaker Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant and her winemaking team with berries of the desired character and style. “One of the things our guests will discern while tasting across this retrospective experience is that the youngest wine will showcase the biggest tannins and color,” said DeLouise-Gant. “As wine ages, the tannins will soften, and the acidity will become more apparent. We had a lot of fun tasting through the entire Conn Creek portfolio and curating the select vintages.

I hope each person who goes through the Anthology Experience has fun and learns how wines can be enjoyed at any age.” But, now let’s go back to the Anthology Room where the hour-long tasting experience takes place. What’s being poured? These wines may go back as many as 25 years, and each guest will enjoy four library wines and one current vintage. A wine educator will invite discussion about how the wine tastes, distinctions in the aging process, what that expression means in the glass, and what the comparables are from vintage to vintage. Visitors must reserve the Anthology Experience in advance, and with respect to stringent guidelines, group size is limited to six persons. Advance bookings priced at $75 per person are available three times a week at 11 a.m. on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. A modified experience is also offered virtually. Library wine purchase opportunities are available based on limited stock.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 8711 Silverado Trail Saint Helena, CA 94574 // 707-968-2669 // info@conncreek.com BEST OF 2021

NVL winery spotlight

Fostering Friendship:

DAVID CLINTON WINE CELLARS  BY FRAN MILLER

avid Clinton Wine Cellars was created as the result of friendship, so it stands to reason that a spirit of camaraderie and connection continues to inspire the boutique winery’s two founders. “We believe that life is about meaningful relationships, especially family and friends,” said co-founder David Huang. “Clint (Holdsworth) and I created David Clinton Wine Cellars to pursue our mutual passions for making wine and building such friendships. Our wines are made by two friends, for friends, to share with friends.” Holdsworth and Huang met as Napa Valley neighbors and quickly discovered their shared interest in wine, particularly Zinfandel. They started experimenting with winemaking at home, offering their wares to friends, neighbors, and family. Their appreciative audience encouraged the duo to pursue a full-fledged winemaking business, and thus, David Clinton Wines was founded with a first vintage in 2010. 56

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Laundry, Cole’s Chop House, Allegria, Napa Valley Bistro, TORC, and Alexander’s Steakhouse, to name just a few. They have no tasting room, and for marketing, they rely on word of mouth as well as a Napabased wine broker. “It’s literally just the two of us,” said Holdsworth, a former pharmaceutical industry executive, now retired. Huang is a Napa Valley physician and in the reserves with the Air Force. When starting their venture, the two took enology and viticulture classes together at Napa Valley College. They are active in ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers), and they pour their wines regularly at wine country events. Their wines have been reviewed by critics both local and national and have received numerous 90-point ratings. A mere 300 cases of three Zinfandels are produced annually at a Mt. Veeder custom crush facility- two single-vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels and a traditional port-style Zinfandel. The two make their wines in the style they prefer. “For me, wine is about fruit,” said Huang. “And I love the fruit character of Zin.” “Zinfandel is flexible and compatible with so many different foods,” said Holdsworth. “It’s also very enjoyable to sip on its own. Our style of Zinfandel offers so many ways for wine to be enjoyed. We knew we wanted our wines to be food-friendly and approachable with prominent fruit and moderate alcohol. The most satisfying comments we hear from buyers and critics is that our wines are very well balanced. This is intentional, and we are very proud of our style.” Though their output is small, their reach is significant. David Clinton wines can be found at restaurants such as The French

“Our wines are made by two friends, for friends, to share with friends.” “When we started this venture, neither of us had visions of becoming wealthy winemakers,” laughed Holdsworth. “We simply viewed wine as a medium to bring people together. After ten years of producing David Clinton wines, our truest measure of success is hearing from an ever-growing number of new friends who have had memorable experiences sharing and enjoying our wines.”

W I N E

C E L L A R S

davidclintonwines.com // 707-224-DCYN

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MAGNA CARTA CELLARS: Where Harmony = Art + Science + Hope

 BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

atchy name, right? For those who know their history, the year 1215 was an important one in writing the charter of liberties. In Runnymede, a small meadow on the banks of the River Thames not far from London, a parchment drawn up in Latin and signed by King John changed everything. Eight centuries later, that place and that moment, now known as "the birthplace of modern democracy," was the inspiration for David Choi, proprietor, in naming Magna Carta Cellars in Napa Valley. "I love creating something original. There's nothing formulaic going on here. For my amazing partners and me, it's the art, the stories, and the people that go into what we make together from the phenomenal grapes that Napa produces." Choi is proud to work in harmony alongside skilled winemakers Peter Heinz and Scott Palazzo, on a team he says are "in sync with the vision of a top-level Bordeaux wine profile." A deep love and respect for Bordeaux have played an important role in David 58

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Choi's life. In 2012, he was inducted into Jurade of Saint Emilion, the region's oldest wine society. He was later awarded "L'Ordre du Mérite Agricole" by the French Ambassador and the Republic of France for his important work with French wines, French winemakers, and the notable terroir. As there are only 60 living U.S. recipients of this distinction that traces its origins to 1883, he explained more about the journey that led him to receive this honor. Determining early on that continuing in an investment banking career was not the right path, Choi stumbled upon his happy place. It turned out to be Pearson's Wine & Spirits, established in 1933, a highly reputable Washington, D.C. wine shop. Eventually, his family acquired the business and roster of loyal customers who wanted to learn more about good wine. As a wine merchant, importer, and wholesaler enamored of high-quality French wines, Choi regularly traveled to the source vineyards, connecting with legendary winemakers, forming friendships, and then

showcasing the wines in major cities across the USA. Choi has always been driven by intellectual curiosity and the natural gift of a very good palette. "I was tasting 30 to 40 wines per day. Much as I loved it, at one point, I realized that I was not going to be a retailer forever." Leaving Pearson's in good hands, Choi returned to his native California, where he believes Napa promises "world-class, phenomenal grapes." For Magna Carta Cellars, these are carefully selected from among the finest vineyards in Oakville, Carneros, and Stags Leap, which Choi defines as "very, very strong for Left Bank-style Cabernet-based wines that resemble the best of Bordeaux and can be launched in just four to five years." As for 2021, "We're always at the mercy of the grapes, said Choi. "That’s where the hope comes in.” MAGNA CARTA CELLARS

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Expanding the Horizons with Napa Valley

CHARDONNAY  BY CHRIS SAWYER

It was like a shot heard around the world when the 1973 Chardonnay crafted at Chateau Montelena Winery in Calistoga received the top score over top White Burgundy selections from France at the famed Judgment of Paris tasting held on May 24, 1976. On this day, the path of the California wine industry changed for good.

Harvest // Photo courtesy of Rombauer Vineyards

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Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay Photo by Susanna Blåvarg

Judgment of Paris Photo by Bella Spurrier

ecades before this iconic wine was created, a unique series of cuttings from France were planted at the Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley in 1912. The Wente family’s ongoing dedication to meticulous growing methods and breakthrough vine treatments elevated their Chardonnay clones to become the industry standard. Today, they represent over 75 percent of the Chardonnay grown in all of California. Inspired by their love for Burgundy’s cherished white wines, Fred and Eleanor McCrea were among the early pioneers to plant the Wente clone of Chardonnay on the hillside property they purchased on Spring Mountain west of Saint Helena in 1948. In 1952, they began bottling the varietal under the Stony Hill label. In doing so, they joined Hanzell Vineyards in Sonoma, Ridge Vineyards in Santa Cruz Mountains, and a handful of other early producers focused on making world-class wines with Chardonnay grapes planted at high-elevation sites in the 1950s and 60s. Before the Paris tasting happened in 1976, the white grapes grown on the valley floor were primarily Chenin Blanc and Riesling. For that reason, Chateau Montelena founder James Barrett and winemaker Mike Grgich made the famous 1973 vintage with Chardonnay grapes purchased from the Bacigalupi Vineyard in the Russian River Valley region of Sonoma County and local vineyard sites located in Calistoga and the Oak Knoll area near Napa. Modeled after the sophisticated Meursault wines of Burgundy, the grapes were harvested when the ripe flavors were balanced. The minimalist, “hands-off”

approach in the cellar included aging the wine for eight months in mainly neutral barrels and only 10% new oak. The Barrett family and Grgich were on to something, as proven by the high scores the wine received from the distinguished panel of French judges who, along with Paris-based

British wine merchant Steven Spurrier (who organized the tasting), were all shocked at the final results. When journalist George Taber’s story about the triumph of American wine appeared in Time magazine the following week, it caught the attention of a new breed of rising star vintners, growers, and winemakers who helped lead the movement of widespread Chardonnay plantings, increasing the state total from 2,700 in 1970 to 45,000 acres by 1988. While celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Judgement of Paris in 2016, Grgich said an important lesson he learned from the victory was, “You don’t need French soil to make great wine.” To continue this legacy, Grgich partnered with Austin Hills, of the Hills Bros Coffee Company, to found the Grgich Hills Cellars in Rutherford. One of the early fans of the Chardonnays bottled under the Chateau Montelena and Grgich Hills labels is wine writer and reviewer Wilfred Wong, who first discovered the brands while managing the wine selections at his family’s Ashbury Market in San Francisco during the late 1970s. Today, as the Chief Storyteller for Wine.com, Wong said the Grgich Hills wines are in a class of their own.

From delighting the sense with alluring aromas and exquisite flavors to creating memorable food pairings: Napa Valley Chardonnay offers opportunities to explore all year long.

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“Bright with aromas and flavors of green apple, mineral notes, and chalk, this wine stretches the palate and offers the opportunity to experience Chardonnay in the purest of forms,” commented Wong, on the profile of the 2018 Estate Chardonnay, which was included on his Top 10 list in 2020. On a similar wavelength, second-generation Chateau Montelena proprietor Bo Barrett and winemaker Matt Crafton have continued to increase the quality of the white wines they grow by putting more emphasis on the special Chardonnay

blocks they began developing in the Oak Knoll District in the late 1970s. “Every time we release a wine, we want people to want to come back for more and want that second sip, a second glass, and ultimately a second bottle and follow our brand from that point on,” said Crafton, who joined the team in 2008. Another significant contributor is Stuart Smith, who planted Chardonnay vines at Smith-Madrone Winery on Spring Mountain in 1972. Today, Smith, his brother Charles and son Sam continued to fine-tune the process of making world-class wines, first, by planting a series of new vineyard blocks in 1986 and picking the grapes at a lower degree of sugar. In the cellar, they use yeasts that help slow down the fermentation process, barrel-age in fine-grained French oak, and keep oxygen away from the wine while it matures, preserving the expressive flavors naturally abundant in

Wine legend Mike Grgich and partner, Austin Hills

Smith Madrone Vineyards

Poseidon Vineyards in Carneros

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the grapes grown between 1,300 to 2,000 feet elevations. The result is a premier wine that represents a true expression of site and vintage inside each sip.

CHARDONNAY EXPANSION IN CARNEROS Today, the largest concentration of Chardonnay forms the gateway to the Napa Valley region of Carneros. Harnessed by the San Pablo Bay to the south and the Mayacamas Mountain range to the north, this unique geographical area connects Napa and Sonoma’s southernmost part. The terroir is known for its calcium-rich clay soils and cool maritime growing conditions moderated by foggy mornings and windy afternoons. As a result, the clusters have time to slowly develop complex flavors while still retaining plenty of natural acidity before harvest. Three of this area’s original visionaries include Larry Hyde, Lee Hudson, and Andy Beckstoffer. Larry Hyde, who was recently awarded 2020’s “Winegrower of the Year” by The Napa Valley Grapegrowers, is known for developing the expressive Wente-Hyde clone in the late 1970s. The clone is now used to create a natural “chicks and hens” medley of flavors based on each cluster’s individual berries’ size. Lee Hudson began developing special blocks of Chardonnay in 1981. Today, the fruit is used to produce “The Judge,” an elite Chardonnay crafted by legendary winemaker John Kongsgaard, a flavorful wine from PlumpJack Estate Winery in Oakville, and Hudson Ranch, a boutique wine from his family label. Andy Beckstoffer, acclaimed for his impressive collection of premier vineyard sites throughout California, owns the 44-acre Carneros Creek Vineyard and the 480-acre Carneros Lake and Las Amigas Vineyard properties. These vineyards provide world-class Chardonnay grapes to all-star vintners such as Darioush Winery, Frank Family, Newton Vineyard, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. On Buchli Station Road, Bouchaine Vineyards is the oldest operating winery in the region. Originally bonded as Garetto Winery in 1934, Beringer later owned the historical site before it was purchased and renamed by Gerret and Tatiana Copeland

in 1981. Today, the team lead by head winemaker and general manager Chris Kejani offers a wide array of high-quality Chardonnays that run the gamut from crisp and fruity to opulent, complex, and age-worthy. While the flavor profiles differ based on where the vines are planted at the estate, they all share tart and tangy characteristics that have become a trademark of the Carneros appellation. For those who prefer the rich, round, and buttery styles, Carneros is also home to the classic Rombauer Chardonnay, which the winery has been making since 1990. At the corner of Duhig and Las Amigas Road is the original home of Acacia Winery, founded in 1978, which has since become the exciting new epicenter for Calmere, a boutique brand started by second-generation wine country family members Lisa and Ariana Peju. When visiting the region, other great opportunities to taste a wide range of stylish Chardonnays are available at Truchard, Saintsbury, Etude, Cuvaison, Donum Estate, and Sangiacomo Vineyards. Beyond still wines, a percentage of Chardonnay grapes grown in Carneros are harvested for sparkling wines. Peter Molnar

Chateau Montelena, Chief Operating Officer Bo Barrett and Winemaker Matt Crafton

of Poseidon Vineyards said his parents originally developed the 100-acres near the Napa Marina in 1973 to provide grapes for Domaine Chandon through the mid-1980s. Since then, the Chardonnay fruit has been sold to Mumm Napa, Schramsberg, Pride Mountain, and bottled separately under the family’s Poseidon Vineyards label. “In a nutshell, Carneros is a small group of winegrowers and vintners without

The Carneros AVA is unique for our cool climate which provides the perfect growing conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. On behalf of all our member wineries and growers, we wish everyone the best in the new year ahead and we hope to see you all again soon. ••• carneros . com

Chardonnay grapes Photo courtesy of Rombauer Vineyards

a lot of egos,” said Molnar. “Instead, it’s a shared passion to produce higher-quality Chardonnays and preserving the integrity of the natural elements that make this region so special.” From delighting the sense with alluring aromas and exquisite flavors to creating memorable food pairings: Napa Valley Chardonnay offers opportunities to explore all year long.

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FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS FINDS A SECOND HOME IN CARNEROS  BY MARISA McCANN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS

rank Family Vineyards, known for their distinguished offerings of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons, also crafts notable single-vineyard Chardonnays sourced from their estate vineyard and a handful of their closest neighbors in Carneros. The cool-climate Carneros region, where Napa and Sonoma meet, has been Frank Family's second home since acquiring their 67-acre Lewis Vineyard in 2000. "It's been exciting to see our Chardonnay program grow and evolve over the years, especially since investing in our prime vineyard site to ensure continued access to high-quality fruit," said Owner and Founder Rich Frank. Named after Rich and his wife, Leslie's eldest grandson, Lewis Vineyard consistently produces Frank Family's best fruit year after year. The vineyard's strategic location is key to producing the quality fruit that makes it into each bottle of Frank Family Chardonnay. Almost at sea level and directly facing the San Pablo Bay, Lewis Vineyard receives the constant caress of cool ocean air and fog that tumble over its rolling hills. The effect on its Chardonnay grapes, as well as their respectable 10-acre lot of Pinot Noir, is profound. While receiving plenty of sunshine, the grapes rarely overbake, creating perfect conditions to ripen each berry while retaining its natural acidity. "Chardonnay from our Lewis Vineyard displays pronounced aromatics and unmatched freshness, as well as remarkable varietal character and harmony," said Winemaker Todd Graff, who was 64

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recently named "Napa Winemaker of the Year" by the North Bay Business Journal. The winery's family-owned Lewis Vineyard is just one steady source Frank Family taps into to produce their lauded Chardonnay labels. The Franks have developed decades-long relationships with several grower partners, giving their winemaking team exceptional quality and unparalleled depth when crafting their wines. Grapes are grown precisely to their standards thanks to their strong relationships with an extended family of growers, most notably Beckstoffer Vineyards and Sangiacomo Vineyards. "Family wineries are becoming more and more rare in the

wine industry, and we're grateful to be among the established few and to have the opportunity to work with fellow family-owned businesses who share the same values as us," said Rich Frank. For the past 50 years, both the Beckstoffer and Sangiacomo Families have grown some of California's most renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Wanting to preserve these master grapegrower's sites' integrity, Frank Family keeps small lots of their fruit separate from vine to bottle, resulting in their limited production Sangiacomo Chardonnay and Beckstoffer Chardonnay, which recently earned 95+ points from the Wine Advocate. Frank Family's dedicated approach to quality certainly starts in the vineyard, but it's Graff's winemaking ingenuity that creates a portfolio of wines that consistently receives praise from top critics. "I believe the most important thing we do is the gentle pressing of our grapes," said Graff. "I have a lot of experience with making méthode champenoise sparkling wine, and I'm a fan of that pressing philosophy, so I use that time-honored method to extract as much flavor from the fruit as possible." In essence, it's the perfect combination of superior grapes and Frank Family's masterful winemaking that allows the natural flavors from their Carneros land to show through in each sip. FOR MORE INFORMATION

frankfamilyvineyards.com

In a Land of Cabernet Sauvignon

Hertelendy Vineyards Chardonnay Excels  BY DON SONDERLING

Ralph Hertelendy // Photo by Sandoval Media

alph Hertelendy is a young man with a compelling personality, infectious smile, and unbridled enthusiasm. Among his many talents- artist, classical pianist, traveler, linguist (speaks five languages), sports enthusiast- he is also a winemaker extraordinaire. The multifacets of Ralph’s personality and impressive endowments are integral to what he puts into his wines, and like an intricately woven tapestry, are apparent in every sip. In 2015, at the age of 34, he burst onto the wine scene with his 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon release, receiving a 95-point score by Robert Parker. Since then, consistent scores up to 99 have regularly honored

Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, his blends, and his Chardonnay. In a wine region where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, the Hertelendy Chardonnay is unlike most others. This is a Chard for Cabernet lovers, unique, big, and bold. Prepare to be wowed. The grapes are sourced from Ritchie Vineyards, one of the most respected of Chardonnay growing vineyards, located in the Russian River Valley. Ralph has established himself as a serious producer, which the industry and wine lovers quickly noticed and for which he has received many accolades. The 2014 Ritchie Vineyards Chardonnay received a

No detail is too small, including the distinctive label that changes color to designate optimal drinking temperature.

score of 94 from Wine Enthusiast, with the 2015 receiving 95 points. Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown described the 2014 as “full-bodied, voluptuous and boldly fruited on the palate. This is one for fans of big, buxom Chardonnays done well!” It is crucial to Ralph that he is involved in every aspect of crafting his wines and creating a unique Chardonnay, differentiating itself through its aromas and flavor profile. No detail is too small, including the distinctive label that changes color to designate optimal drinking temperature. Whereas most Chardonnays generally spend eight to ten months in barrel, Hertelendy Chardonnay is aged in 90% new oak barrels for nineteen months, delivering big, bold, tropical, and unique characteristics. “Close your eyes, take in the aromas, then sip, letting the golden liquid play on your tongue and mouth,” said Ralph. “The scents and flavors are Hawaiian style; grilled pineapple, guava, and melon, combined with a tantalizing flavor of crème brûlée that excites your palate.” This is not just a Chardonnay to sip during the warm weather of Spring or poolside in the summertime. Enjoy a glass during the chill of winter and imagine relaxing on the sands of Hawaii. Hertelendy wines, individual varietal or blend, speak to the wine lover and are acknowledged as distinctive among their peers. Ralph Hertelendy aspires to bring happiness to other people’s lives and to make them smile. He said, “When someone sips my wine, I want to blow their mind.” FOR MORE INFORMATION hertelendy.com BEST OF 2021

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YOUNTVILLE The Birthplace of Napa Valley Wine  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS BY BOB MCLENAHAN

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ome to famed restaurants such as the French Laundry, Bistro Jeanty, and Bottega, Yountville is best known as Napa Valley’s culinary capital. But this tiny and tony hamlet, with its enviable mid-valley location, is also an under-the-radar wine region. Named for George C. Yount, Yountville and its designated AVA are considered the birthplace of Napa Valley wine. Yount, a native of North Carolina, was the first permanent settler in the Valley in the 1830s, and also the first to plant a vineyard. But despite its long grape growing history, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the region established itself as one of America’s best wine growing areas. Nearly nine decades after Yount’s first vinous venture, the region is recognized and prized not only for its haute cuisine but also for its unique climate and terroir that produce varietals of distinction. Yount’s original landholdings eventually grew to encompass what is now considered some of the most valuable viticultural real estate in the nation. His original 1836 Rancho Caymus land grant is now divided into Yountville, Rutherford, and Oakville. The Yountville AVA (admittedly one of Napa’s lesser-known AVAs) encompasses 16 square miles and is home to approximately 3,000 planted vineyard acres (about 30% of the total AVA area), 100 winegrowers, and 20 winemakers. Varied topography resulting from mountain material residue deposited long ago by landslides has created hills and knolls that significantly impact the microclimates and influence airflow. Soils are primarily gravelly silt loam, sedimentary in origin, and gravelly alluvial soils with rock. The region is moderately warmer than the Carneros and Oak Knoll AVAs to its south but cooler than the Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena AVAs to its north, resulting in wines that boast finesse and nuance. “Climatically, it is a great blend of the ‘upvalley’ heat and ‘bay influenced’ coolness,” said Bill Nancarrow, winemaker at Goosecross Cellars, located in the heart of Yountville. Goosecross’s home vineyard, the State Lane Vineyard, sits on an alluvial fan that amasses a diverse mix of soil types, including gravel, loam, clay, and ancient coastal deposits. These ideal soils combine with a moderate, mid-valley location to create the perfect recipe for producing wines with great balance and elegance, complemented by vibrant tannins. “Within the AVA not only do we have diverse soil types influenced by the Conn Creek, Napa River, Rector Creek, and mountain runoffs, we also, unlike the other AVA’s, have valley floor hills that influence the microclimate – noticeably

“ Yountville is a town that at once cherishes its history but is always looking forward.” Yountville Hill, the Western slopes of Wappo Hill, and the unnamed knolls separating East Yountville from Oakville.” Though nearly 70% of its wine production is given to Cabernet Sauvignon, other varietals produced include Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel. It is this incredible diversity that intrigues local vintners and winemakers. “What I love about Yountville and what I think makes it distinctly different to the rest of the valley from a grape growing, and wine style perspective is that diversity,” said Nancarrow. “It’s a place where you can grow and make world-class versions of both white and red wines, more so than other Napa Valley AVAs which tend to lean one way or the other.” Lindsay Hoopes, proprietor of Yountvillelocated Oasis by Hoopes, agreed. And as vintner of her family’s other Oakville-located Hoopes Vineyard, her opinion holds a certain ‘compare and contrast’ weight. “Yountville offers more diversity,” said Hoopes, who with Oasis by Hoopes offers guests to the region an inclusive and accessible agricultural experience via the property’s regenerative farm,

animal sanctuary, and garden experience. “Yountville is much larger, and its characteristics allow for a greater variety of grapes that work well here. Yountville is enabling me to approach winemaking in a slightly different way. Not to mention we are walking or biking distance to Yountville’s hospitality hub, allowing visitors to the region to truly experience the full expanse of the region’s agricultural heritage. The Yountville AVA is inclusive, accessible, and friendly.” Christi Coors Ficeli, proprietor of Goosecross Cellars, loves her winery’s location. “We are our own little hidden gem, tucked on State Lane just five minutes from downtown Yountville, away from noise and traffic in a truly bucolic valley floor setting,” said Ficeli. “We sit in a pocket that is a bit less traveled; however, people who seek us out are amazed by the wine, food, and culture here. Wineries in the AVA are small, family-owned, and we work together to create a wonderful experience for visitors to the area. I love the sense of community that we enjoy here.” “I think absolutely beyond the physical splendors of the AVA, what makes the wines of Yountville truly remarkable is that they reflect the idyllic town for which the area is named,” said Philip O’Conor, vice president of operations of The Good Life Wine Collective, which includes Yountville based Jessup Cellars and Handwritten Wines. “Yountville is a town that at once cherishes its history but is always looking forward; it’s a community that is warm and welcoming to visitors from all over. It is said that art imitates life, but I feel it is the wines of Yountville that imitate the culture and beauty of this precious place.” FOR MORE INFORMATION yountvilleappellation.com BEST OF 2021

The Best of Napa in One Place

YOUNTVILLE  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF YOUNTVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE unless otherwise noted

Balloons in Yountville

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he Napa Valley is home to many of the best things in life: fine wine, haute cuisine, and luxe accommodations. And one need not venture beyond the cozy town of Yountville to experience it all. Choose your hotel, park the car, and enjoy the freedom provided within this walkable 1.5 square mile hamlet that features outdoor art, an abundance of wine tasting venues, iconic restaurants, boutique shopping, and a choice of lodging options. Some of our favorites:

STAY:

WINE:

A Yountville mainstay for more than four decades, the Tuscan inspired Napa Valley Lodge stays ahead of the wine country hospitality curve by offering a variety of included amenities such as the offer of sparkling wine at check-in, fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon, and a bountiful buffet breakfast each morning. The large swimming pool is an ideal spot to unwind after a hectic day of winetasting. // napavalleylodge.com The LEED platinum-certified Bardessono is proof that a resort can provide unmatched luxury while maintaining energy and environmental efficiency. Utilizing salvaged tree wood, natural linens, and bath products, and ‘smart’ technology for heating, cooling, and water systems, Bardessono wraps its guests in ‘green’ grandeur. A variety of garden water features accent four building structures that house 62 stylish suites, each with large outdoor patios and balconies. Spacious bathrooms feature large soaking tubs and separate showers. // bardessono.com Welcoming guests with interiors of stone, rich wood, and cozy fireplaces throughout, Hotel Yountville is a gracious retreat anchored by a glorious Heritage Valley Oak. Eighty romantic, spacious guest rooms surround the central pool and its towering Italian Cypress trees. Guests can enjoy exclusive tastings of complimentary wine from local winery partners in the afternoon, and in the morning, oneof-a-kind breads and pastries from nearby Bouchon Bakery. // hotelyountville.com

Stroll and sip to your heart’s content; a multitude of tasting rooms line Yountville’s streets. Jessup Cellars, part of the Good Life Wine Collective, was among the very first to embrace Yountville as a wine tasting destination. A guestcentric philosophy ensures that visitors are made to feel special. Up to 40 can be comfortably seated at safe distances in a lovely outdoor courtyard where flights of their small lot, handcrafted wines are served. // jessupcellars.com Also part of the Good Life Wine Collective is Handwritten Wines, a ten-minute walk from Jessup. Located in a spectacular new building, Handwritten wows with unique tasting experiences such as the ‘Bread & Butter’ tasting that pairs six wines with artisanal butters from around the world, Bouchon Bakery breads, sliced Jamon, and artisanal cheeses. // handwrittenwines.com Elegant Chandon has long been a favorite of wine country visitors, and there is no question why. In addition to its tasty sparkling wines, available by the glass, the flight, and bottle, Chandon features gorgeous, park-like grounds with lush green lawns, sculpture gardens, and ponds. Guests are invited to wander, flute-in-hand. // chandon.com The team at venerable Hoopes Vineyard has introduced a new concept with their Oasis by Hoopes. This regenerative farm, animal sanctuary, garden, and vineyard welcomes one and all to experience the region’s agricultural bounty. Wine is, of course, part of the

Oasis by Hoopes; presenting a new kind of Wine Country. Relaxed and welcoming, this isn’t a dream, but an oasis.

A lush refuge from everyday life, the Oasis by Hoopes is a place to recharge one's batteries. Displaying the entire line-up of Hoopes Family Vineyard’s award-winning wines, this outdoor retreat is more than a retail location, it’s a regenerative farm, a sanctuary for farm animals and a little piece of heaven. Take home a token of paradise with Hoopes ultra-premium wines and savor the excursion to Napa Valley’s premier Oasis with an outdoor tasting. Oasis by Hoopes is located at 6204 Washington Street in Napa. @oasisbyhoopes

BEST OF 2021

Montecristi Panama Hats

R+D Kitchen

appeal, but so is the purchaseby-appointment organic farmers market, where items are picked and harvested according to each individual order. // hoopesvineyard.com Enjoy the wines of eight different winery partners within Heron House, a unique and curated tasting destination. Featured are Bench Vineyards, Eponymous Cellars, Hobel Wines, Lindstrom Wines, Myriad Cellars, Steltzner Vineyards, Switchback Ridge, and Zeitgeist Cellars. Choose from three different flights of four wines each and enjoy on their private patio, steps from Washington St. // heronhouseyountville.com

DINE: RH Yountville takes its cues from its luxury lifestyle parent 70

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company and kicks things up a notch to integrate food, wine, art, and design. The exceedingly stylish compound features posh courtyards with limestone fountains, massive fireplaces, and heritage olive trees. The various buildings include two design galleries, a winetasting patio, and the breathtakingly beautiful, indoor-outdoor, chandelier-laden restaurant serving favorites such the RH Burger, Lobster Roll, and Truffled Fries. // rh.com Culinary icon Thomas Keller continues to add to his Yountville portfolio with La Calenda, located on the former Hurley’s site. Named after the traditional Oaxacan parade that celebrates community festivities, La Calenda’s cuisine combines authentic Oaxacan

flavors with fresh and artisanal ingredients presented in a family-friendly environment. Chef de Cuisine Kaelin Ulrich Trilling credits his mother Susana Trilling, a celebrated cookbook author and Oaxaca-based cooking school proprietor, with his delicious mole sauce. // lacalendamex.com R+D Kitchen offers modern American comfort food, with a splash of sushi. There is something for everyone on this menu, from meatloaf, to barbecue ribs, to tuna tartare. With a bustling outdoor patio and cozy fire pit, the casual ambiance is appropriate for both couples and families. // rd-kitchen.com Located at Stewart Cellars and featuring an outdoor courtyard, Southside Yountville is both a coffee house and café, serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and to-go items. Convivial and community-oriented, this location is one of three throughout Napa. Try the Avocado Toast, or the Rock Shrimp Tostadas. A Kids Menu features Biscuit & Jam, Grilled Cheese, and Eggs & Toast. And the Wrecking Ball brand coffee can’t be beaten. // southsidenapa.com

SHOP: In any season, the sun shines brightly in the Napa Valley. Shade yourself with a selection

from Montecristi Panama Hats. This family-owned business imports high-quality genuine Panama hats from Ecuador, each handcrafted by skilled master weavers. Theirs is the most extensive inventory of Panama hats in the United States, featuring styles for all occasions, from the classics to the latest modern styles. // panamahatsco.com Having worked in kitchens across the country for nearly 17 years, Chris Kollar decided to sweeten his culinary talents by becoming a self-taught chocolatier. Inspired by European chocolate making techniques and flavors, he traveled extensively to study and learn. His skills are on full display at Kollar Chocolates, where customers can watch the chocolate-making process through a large glass show window. // kollarchocolates.com V Wine Cellar is your one-stop Napa Valley wine shop, featuring 4,000 square feet of retail and tasting spaces, a lounge, and an outdoor cigar patio. Known as ‘the place people in the know like to go,’ V (as it’s known amongst locals) is like visiting your best friend’s home, but with the greatest wine. Stop by, put your feet up, and enjoy Napa Valley’s very own living room. // vwinecellar.com

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• • • A M I N D F U L A P P R O A C H T O E L E VA T E D L I V I N G • • •

As one of Napa Valley ’s hotel gems, LEED Platinum Certified Bardessono provides a luxurious experience for guests within a sustainable environment. Deep green with luxur y and a subtle aesthetic, the hotel offers ultimate indulgence through Lucy restaurant ’s farm-to-fork fare, in-room spa treatments, electric Lexus vehicles, curated art collection and rooftop pool access. Now offering a grand respite with enhanced amenities, The Maple Grove Villas extend embellished Napa Valley experiences for an effortless, cultural immersion. Premier luxur y at ever y turn.

(707) 204-6000 | BARDESSONO.COM 6 5 2 6 Y O U N T S T, Y O U N T V I L L E, C A 9 4 5 9 9

Sparkling with tradition, Hotel Yountville is a wine-countr y retreat with enticing charm. Eighty romantic, spacious guest rooms housed in stone buildings constructed of stacked Napa river rocks feature four-poster beds, oversized tubs and fireplaces. Indulge in a treatment at The Spa, dine at Heritage Oak and recharge at the decadent pool courtyard with bar. Then, usher in the evening with a toast to the deep-rooted stor y of the Heritage Oak tree as it glistens with light with traditional tiny pours of signature cocktails – a colorful reprieve from a day of wine tasting. An intimately luxurious experience awaits at one of Napa Valley ’s top hotels.

• • • YO U N T V I L L E H E R I TAG E , R E I M AG I N E D • • • (707) 967-7900 | HOTELYOUNTVILLE.COM 6 4 6 2 W A S H I N G T O N S T , Y O U N T V I L L E , CBEST A OF 9 42021 599

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HERON HOUSE YOUNTVILLE

Pours Napa Wines and Shares Their Stories  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

The current Heron House portfolio of wines features Bench Vineyards, Eponymous Cellars, Hobel Wines, Lindstrom Wines, Myriad Cellars, Steltzner Vineyards, Switchback Ridge, and Zeitgeist Cellars, with two more due to join. Allison assures that there is not a more talented group of families committed to making incredible wines to be found anywhere, especially in one spot. Heron House guests will have the opportunity to taste unbelievably small production wines, passion projects that are sometimes fewer than one hundred cases from just a few acres in an enviable location. Therefore, by definition, no two visits will likely be the same.

BLENDING CURATED RETAIL

f Heron House Yountville didn’t already exist, it could be described as a dream. Not a wine bar, not a gift shop, not an art gallery, it’s all of these things rolled into one lovely space--and more. Creative Director Allison Steltzner describes the “incredibly popular” Heron House as a warm and friendly lifestyle space that feels less like a tasting room, a store, or an art gallery and more like a comfortable lounge in a private home.

MORE THAN JUST WINE Starting with the wine experience of an eight-vineyard collective, guests can expect a curated selection of artisanal, handcrafted Napa labels from family-run estates. Every engaging, leisurely, seated tasting involves all the senses; it’s personalized and guided 72

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by a knowledgeable wine expert who is also a naturally good storyteller. An all-female staff pours curated flights into top quality Riedel Extreme Glass stemware. It could be six Napa Cabernets side-by-side or three Pinots served in the outdoor courtyard and enjoyed with black truffle chips from Spain. “The wines I’ve brought into our portfolio are a collection of my own personal relationships and experiences growing up in Napa Valley,” said Allison Steltzner. “At Heron House, our team are all sharing stories of good friends and incredible winemakers to provide unique perspectives on the wines, including labels from Stags Leap District, Rutherford, and Calistoga that we choose to integrate into our collective.”

With an emphasis on the aesthetics, unexpected handmade items are handsomely displayed throughout Heron House. Browse locally crafted jewelry, appealing gifts, fabulous imported rugs from South America, textiles, artwork, steak knives from Argentina, and Allison’s personal penchant—handmade ceramics sourced in Angwin, Napa Valley. Walk-ins are welcome every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Groups of up to four can be accommodated. It is recommended to call ahead to allow optimum preparation for each 90 -minute tasting experience, including decanting the wines before guests arrive. Experiences range from $50, $75, $100, or $125. Tasting fees are waived with a minimum purchase per guest. FOR MORE INFORMATION

heronhouseyountville.com

A Successful Guest-Centric Union

JESSUP CELLARS + YOUNTVILLE

Photos courtesy of Jessup Cellars  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

t's the story of a 17-year liaison that's stronger than ever. The beautiful Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery was among the very first to embrace destination Yountville in 2003. Since opening day, cutting-edge innovation has driven the guest experience. Being a downtown tasting room, the challenges presented by 2020 were undertaken with an emphasis more on panache than pivot and — as ever — on community over commercial. At Jessup Cellars, ultra-premium wines of distinction are exclusively available from the winery, so it was a smooth transition for the convivial tasting experience from the Washington Street gallery to be presented in the digital space as well. Providing loyal fans and new followers with a variety of fun and educational experiences around the wines generates word-of-mouth endorsements, which the Jessup Cellar team likes to call “Toastimonials.”

“ This is the Rolls-Royce of virtual tastings.” — Chowhound Magazine, May 2020

General Manager Tracy McArdle said, “Our philosophy at Jessup has always been that from the moment the guest arrives—virtual or not—we make them feel as special as possible. Our four core values are Connection, Uniquely Us, Collective Joy, and Pursuit of Excellence. These principles provide the foundation for our teams' actions and create an atmosphere that prompts kindness and respect.”

“ ...Excellent! Many customers said they enjoyed learning about the different wines, the winery, and of course, could not stop talking about how great the wine tasted.” — Liz C., Salesforce, August 2020 “For our club members, if they can't get to Yountville, Jessup Cellars can bring the wine tasting experience to their home,” said Tracy. “We call it the Tasting Room Without Walls. Our wine educators connect so members can host an intimate gathering for a catered event paired with Jessup wines.” Because the Jessup Cellars team loves building relationships and seeing friendships

develop around wine-related conversations, they've been nimble and resilient, offering exceptional virtual wine tastings for small private groups as well as large corporate groups. New programming includes “Seven Culinary Wonders” launching in February and Art House Short Film Series, which launched in January. In a continuing effort to support the Yountville community, a special weekly Facebook Live event featured different properties around town throughout the month of November. Meantime in Yountville, the doors are open as much as possible (currently by appointment), where up to 40 guests can be comfortably seated at safe distances in a lovely outdoor courtyard with a fireplace. Jessup Cellars is part of the Good Life Wine Collective, the umbrella company that also owns Handwritten Wines. Handwritten Wines has a tasting room that's only a 10minute walk south from Jessup Cellars, so the two tasting rooms dubbed NOYO and SOYO are bookends in Yountville where first-time and repeat visitors always encounter a generous pour of friendliness. FOR MORE INFORMATION jessupcellars.com BEST OF 2021

NVL wine

SPARKLING LOVERS Love CHANDON  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHANDON

s Napa Valley wineries continue to elevate visitor experiences with unique offerings that promise originality and exclusivity, Chandon maintains its status as one of wine country’s most desirable destinations. Established in 1973 as the first French-owned sparkling wine venture in the United States, Chandon’s beautiful grounds and award-winning wines exude a chic sensibility reflective of its stylish heritage. To sip and sup within the gracious Yountville environ is to enjoy an authentic Napa Valley wine tasting experience, one that is unhurried and relaxed, not to mention delicious. Chandon continues to be one of just a small handful of sparkling producers in the Valley and is a must-stop for anyone with an affection for bubbles. The lush 74

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garden setting is alone worth a visit, as is the winery’s retail shop, where an artistic display of the many varietals and styles inspires. The shop, which also features glassware, gifts, and attire, is open to the public. Appointments are not necessary, but the best way to enjoy Chandon’s full portfolio and the bucolic grounds is to book a tasting. Fan favorites include the 90-minute, candle-lit Prestige Tasting featuring a flight of four étoile wines, each perfectly paired with indulgent bites crafted by Chef Andrew Wooton. Overlooking the gardens and taking place between 4 and 6 pm, this tasting is the ultimate start to a romantic wine country evening. As spring sets forth and the gardens start to bloom, visitors clamor for the Cabanas.

Reserve your spot for up to six guests, and spend up to two hours in your private cabana furnished with a sofa, chairs, and pillows. Enjoy a seasonal wine country lunch paired with étoile Brut and Rosé. Go entirely al fresco and relax under ancient oaks with a Picnic On The Lawn experience. Bring your own blanket or enjoy the provided Adirondack chairs while savoring a picnic lunch, packed in a basket that is yours to keep, overflowing with local artisanal cheeses, a selection of seasonal salads, and a variety of sandwiches. Add your favorite bottle to complete the menu, and enjoy this 90-minute uninterrupted escape with up to five others. Whichever experience is chosen, a visit to Chandon is guaranteed to charm. FOR MORE INFORMATION chandon.com

HANDWRITTEN WINES Introduces Exclusive

‘Seven Culinary Wonders’  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR | PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANDWRITTEN WINES

e at the forefront of the innovative wine and culinary scene for a oncein-a-lifetime experience. Inspired by the “Seven Wonders of the World,” Handwritten Wines introduces an exclusive new program, “Seven Culinary Wonders.” It’s an epic culinary journey exploring some of the most precious food items sure to be on every foodie’s bucket list. The exclusive opportunity to experience these amazing culinary delights is presented via a series of highly curated events brought right to the guests’ doorstep. “The ultimate foodie adventure includes exploring highly coveted ingredients like Kobe beef, caviar, truffles, and oysters, among others,” said Handwritten’s Philip O’Conor. “We have curated these experiences by developing partnerships with some of the most iconic food purveyors in the country and will deliver these once-in-a-lifetime meals paired perfectly with Handwritten wines.” Not only will participants be able to enjoy these crème de la crème experiences in the comfort of their own homes, but they will be guided along by the experts that source these unmatched ingredients and educated by master chefs in how best to prepare and enjoy these delicacies.

The chance to collect all seven of these cult-status meals is like a passport to food perfection. While an exclusive group of up to 10 couples will follow this intimate year-long journey together, there will also be the chance to join on an ad hoc basis, as there will be larger virtual events independently featuring each culinary delight in the series. “This innovative approach in achieving food and wine pairing Nirvana will undoubtedly make memories for a lifetime,” said O’Conor. “Nothing like this has ever been done before, so we’re really excited about the program.” This culture of innovative experiences also extends into the spectacular new tasting room in downtown Yountville. Newly opened in January last year, this destination in the heart of the Napa Valley also boasts one of the more unique in-person culinary experiences: Bread & Butter.

With an ever-changing flight of various artisanal butter selections from around the world, the art of pairing food and wine has never been so much fun. Add in outstanding locally made bread from Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery and some beautiful prosciutto from La Quercia, and it’s the ultimate wine country snack. The Tasting Room, lovingly called Handwritten SOYO House by those in the know, is open daily by appointment from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Do make sure to call or reserve online in advance. Handwritten Wines is part of the Good Life Wine Collective, the umbrella company that also owns Jessup Cellars. The two tasting rooms are only 10 minutes’ walk from one another, a bookend feature in downtown Yountville. “Evocative Wines. Elevated Vineyards” means Handwritten presents a boutique experience specializing in Napa Valley District hand-crafted, small-lot hillside and mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests and members are warmly welcomed both indoors and outdoors in the Founders’ Study, Den, Kitchen, and the Courtyard by appointment seven days a week. FOR MORE INFORMATION

handwrittenwines.com

BEST OF 2021

NVL food

Downtown Napa’s Go-to Deli, Wine Shop, and Market

FIRST AND FRANKLIN M A R K E T P L AC E

 BY ELIZABETH SMITH

n June 2020, three months later than originally scheduled, owners Chuck and Carly Meyer and Michael and Claire Holcomb took a chance on opening First and Franklin Marketplace during the pandemic. A combination deli, curated wine shop, and market, it is downtown Napa’s first “fast in and out” fusion marketplace. Holcomb and Meyer selected the space at 1331 First Street, at the corner of Franklin Street, to serve locals and visitors alike. Its proximity to downtown hotels and a plethora of businesses makes it an ideal “simple and quick,” one-stop-shop for made-to-order deli sandwiches, salads, and sides, as well as wine, beer, provisions, 76

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and gifts to go. As a business person who frequents more formal sit-down restaurants in Napa, Holcomb said, “I felt the need for something that people could quickly order and enjoy in the heart of Napa.” To make shopping easier, the team invested in an optimal online ordering, pickup, and delivery system. While First and Franklin Marketplace may resemble other small deli/grocery options in the Napa Valley, Meyer said, “Each deli in town has its own personality. We hope ours is welcoming and user friendly.”

As the sister market of Napa Palisades Saloon and Beer Company, the emphasis in the deli at First and Franklin Marketplace is always on quality. “The same care goes into the food, but it is a faster in and out experience by design,” said Meyer. Chef Tim Brown brings with him many years of education and experience. Originally from New York, Brown describes his culinary style as “West Coast style with an East Coast soul.” A classically trained chef who is also a former San Francisco deli owner for over a decade, Brown combines that expertise with his New York deli background to create a one-of-akind, approachable menu that appeals to customers of all locales. A couple of customer-favorite deli sandwiches are Big Mike! – with prosciutto, mortadella, genoa salami, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, muffuletta spread, oil, vinegar – and Jankbot – with turkey bacon, avocado, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and smoked chili mayonnaise. For those who like to customize, the deli also has a Build-Your-Own sandwich. The menu also has amazing salads and several vegan and gluten-free items. The team recruited their friend, Master Sommelier Desmond Echavarrie, to curate a wine shop with a variety of labels, both local and imported. Of course, in keeping with the idea of showcasing local products, most of the wines have a Napa connection, even if they aren’t produced in the area. “The idea is that we would focus on really cool wines that felt approachable to everyone’s budget,” said Meyer. “Many Napa vintners enjoy wines from all over the world and even have a hand in producing some of them. We want to feature those projects as well as wines made here in Napa.” Being on the forefront of takeout and delivery technology, in unison with a focus on culinary excellence and consumer and employee safety every step of the way, First and Franklin Marketplace is poised and ready for the future, providing all with “a destination for affordable food and luxury consumables.” FOR MORE INFORMATION: firstandfranklin.com

A TASTE of CALISTOGA: The Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery

 BY VALERIE OWENS

nown for its authenticity, The Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery reflects the tranquil community located at the northern tip of the Napa Valley. A sojourn composed of an Inn with a detached private cottage, English-style pub, mobile kitchen, commercial craft brewery, and an indooroutdoor restaurant, the historic property is a playground for the modern-day voyager. For 32 years, owner Michael Dunsford and his Mother, Rosie, have created a local haven for everyone to enjoy. Bringing oldworld charm to the heart of Calistoga, the European-style Inn was built in 1887. With seventeen updated rooms, the 200-yearold property has maintained the original footprint while incorporating contemporary comfort and design. The adjacent pub, restaurant, and beer garden offer a fine selection of local wines with a wide array of beverages and spirits. The contemporary cuisine embodies the quality and elegance affiliated with the Napa Valley, preserving a casual and relaxed ambiance. While Dunsford studied enology and brewing science at UC Davis, the opportunity to purchase the landmark property

presented itself in 1989. Together, Michael and Rosie transformed the property with a vision to create a space for locals to enjoy while welcoming guests from all over to experience everything Calistoga has to offer. “Our goal is to create an authentic, intimate experience that is organic, easygoing and approachable,” said Dunsford. “Our Inn is perfect for the traveler on a budget. We have an active clientele that wants a place to rest their head before a day of adventure.” Built in 1987 in the original Calistoga Inn water tower, the commercial craft brewery encompasses a 7-barrel gas-fired brewhouse designed by Dr. Michael Lewis of UC Davis, a previous professor of Dunsford's. Offering a portfolio of five principal beers: American Wheat Ale, Palisades Pilsner, Calistoga Red Ale, West Coast I.P.A. & Blue Collar Porter, the brewery was the first of its kind in Napa County since the end of prohibition in 1933. “After a day of wine tasting, the palate can burn out,” explained Dunsford. “Enjoying a nice and refreshing handcrafted beer can be unbelievably palate cleansing.”

Under the direction of Head Brewmaster Daniel Reynolds, the brewery produces 450 barrels and offers a selection of seasonal beers throughout the year. It also offers beer to go in 16 oz. cans, 32 oz. growlers and 64 oz. growlers. An extension of the business, Executive Chef Santiago Garcia and his team of highly qualified professionals bring The Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery experience to life with their new mobile trailer containing a full commercial kitchen for off-site events. “We wanted to bring our unique experience anywhere and everywhere,” expressed Dunsford. With a warm and inviting inn, a large outdoor patio, a state-of-the-art brewery, three onsite bars, world-class cuisine, catering and event services, and live music nightly from May-October, The Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery is a home away from home. It is an authentic experience to behold that provides something for everyone celebrating Calistoga, California's community and culture. FOR MORE INFORMATION: calistogainn.com BEST OF 2021

NVL food

Cooking with

KAREN CROUSE KAREN’S JAMBALAYA 10 Servings

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

• 10” to 12” Cast Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven INGREDIENTS:

s a Napa Valley grape grower and vintner/proprietor of Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards, I have come to appreciate how much this valley caters to my passions, which are centered around wine & food, entertaining, cooking, and nature. I especially enjoy exploring new foods and creating memorable wine and food experiences. The fresh foods and fine wines available to us in the Napa Valley are unparalleled, and every day, I am reminded of the bounties of living here. The seasonal produce in Napa is so fresh and abundant; many of us maintain our own gardens. There is nothing more rewarding than plucking fresh produce from your backyard. One of my favorite adventures is grocery shopping. I always have ingredients on hand to create hearty soups, stews, and pasta dishes in the

cooler months to help warm the soul on a chilly Napa evening. One of my favorite recipes is from New Orleans, known for its Cajun and Creole cuisines, a fusion of French, Spanish, West African, and Native American cooking styles. Traditional dishes are chock full of fresh seafood and meat, and they’re infused with warm spices that are revered for their ability to “kick things up a notch” on any menu. This quintessential N’awlins dish is one of my most requested recipes. I use vegetables curated from my garden and source fresh seafood from local markets. It’s an excellent choice for a one-pot, crowd-pleasing dish that pairs particularly well with my Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards Cab.

FOR MORE INFORMATION karencrousenapavalley.com 78

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• 2 TB vegetable oil • 1.5 pounds Andouille sausage, sliced • 1½ C each- diced onion, celery, and green pepper • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 3 C long-grain rice • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes • 5 C chicken stock • 2 TB chopped fresh thyme • 2 large bay leaves • 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 tsp kosher salt • 1 tsp ground black pepper • 1 tsp smoked paprika • ½ tsp cayenne pepper • 2 TB chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley • 2-3 stems chopped green onion INSTRUCTIONS:

• In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; add the Andouille and cook until browned (4-5 minutes). • Stir in onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook ~ 15 min. until tender. • Stir in garlic and rice, and cook ~ 3 min. until slightly toasted. • Add tomatoes with their juice, stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. • Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover, and cook for ~15 min. or until rice is tender. • In a separate bowl, combine shrimp, 1-tsp salt, 1/2-tsp pepper, paprika, cayenne, and parsley • Stir shrimp into the rice base and cook for 2 min. • Add the remaining 1-tsp of salt and 1/2-tsp of black pepper. • Garnish each plate with the green onion. Serve and enjoy.

The perfect balance of power and grace. - Bon Appétit

A M E R I C A N M A D E K N I F E A RT Shop Local | 1380 Main Street, St. Helena 707-244-5188 | newwestknifeworks.com BEST OF 2021

B est o f N a p a Va l l e y

Let’s Do Brunch  BY ELIZABETH SMITH

Southside Cafe Chilaquiles // Photoofby Emma K Morris Photo courtesy Avow Restaurant

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, usually served Sundays from morning to afternoon. According to The Oxford English Dictionary, the origin of the word dates to 1895 in an article titled “Brunch: A Plea” by British author Guy Beringer, in which he describes the meal as “cheerful, sociable and inciting.” Today brunch conjures up images of sleeping in, then leisurely arising and indulging in special culinary delights. In the Napa Valley, brunch is integral to the wine country lifestyle, not just Sundays or weekends, but every day.

rom local to luxury, simple to sumptuous, there is a brunch choice for everyone. Below are some of the best the Valley has to offer—all with takeout options.

AVOW As the name suggests, AVOW unabashedly asserts its commitment to a flavorful and textural menu of delectable dishes, including the brunch menu. Unique to its menu is its Brunchwich, a hearty, burgerlike breakfast sandwich with a sausage patty, bacon, ham, cheddar cheese, fried egg, and maple reduction on a brioche bun. Another specialty is the Loco Moto, a flanken-cut short rib with white rice and mushroom gravy herbs. More traditional crowd favorites include chicken and waffles, baked French toast with fruit compote and Chantilly crème, and AVOW's take on avocado toast, Fancy Toast, with cured salmon, capers, shallot, and a sieved hard-boiled egg atop grilled bread. For sharing, AVOW suggests honey donut bites with honey and crushed pistachio or breakfast “fries,” fingerling potatoes topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and herbs. Pair these dishes with one of their cold-pressed juices, the house frosé made with rosé and vodka, Champagne or sparkling wine by the glass or bottle, or a craft cocktail. // avownapa.com LA CHEVE BAKERY AND BREWS Located in the city of Napa's oldest building, Old Adobe, La Cheve Bakery and Brews, under owner Cinthya Cisneros, brings an authentic taste of Mexico to brunch. The name, La Cheve, slang for beer, pays homage to Cisneros' early beermaking days in her family's garage. With that name, Cisneros has taken beer, brunch, breakfast, and her mother's baking to a whole new level. La Cheve is well-known for Momma Juana's traditional Mexican conchas, “Los boozy

pastries,” and a weekly “pastry and cheve” pairing. Also popular among the staff and customers are the chilaquiles (eggs made to order and accompanied by house-made chips smothered in red cheve sauce, sour cream, red onion, cotija cheese, with refried beans and red tomatillo salsa), mollete made with Momma Juana's bolillo, burrito de chorizo, gluten-free cornmeal pancakes, and “veganized” chilaquiles made with potatoes or an asadastyle, marinated portobello. At the heart of La Cheve is a focus on food, family, and community, “Our menu is what we eat in our humble Mexican home. What better thing to do than to offer it to our community at La Cheve,” said Cisneros. // ilovelacheve.com French Toast Photo courtesy of AVOW

La Cheve Chilaquiles and Pancakes Photo courtesy of La Cheve Bakery & Brews

BEST OF 2021

NVL food

Southside Cafe Cornmeal Pancake Photo by Emma K Morris

Photo courtesy of Sweetie Pies

NAPA GENERAL STORE Napa General Store has been a community mainstay in Napa for over 20 years. Located in the complex at 540 Main Street and Fifth Street, manager Jill Brandt said, “Kids, now adults, have been coming here their whole lives. Many elders come in and because they feel so welcome are comfortable to come in by themselves to dine among a restaurant full of friends.” The restaurant has a daily breakfast menu Monday through Friday and a special brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. Specialties include three versions of eggs Benedict (original, smoked-salmon, or sliced avocado) plus breakfast combinations, including their popular cornmeal pancakes or brioche French toast served with two eggs and choice of meat. Local favorites include Mary's fried chicken breast and buttermilk waffles, smoked Atlantic salmon flatbread (with dill sour cream, capers, arugula, crème fraîche, and pickled red onion), and the Paleo scramble (three eggs, bacon, avocado, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes). Napa General Store makes dietary accommodations for any of their menu items. // napageneralstore.com NAPA PALISADES SALOON Napa Palisades Saloon, affectionally known as the “Beer Guys in Wine Country,” is where locals and tourists alike will find a brunch that co-owner Chuck Meyer said includes “fun and hearty items that pair well with beer, Bloody Marys, and watching sports.” The saloon's menu, which is a special Sunday pop-up only, is always changing. Favorites include the chilaquiles with eggs, buttermilk biscuits and pork gravy with eggs, corned beef hash with cheese and sunny eggs, French toast fingers battered and soaked in whiskey with strawberry compote, maple syrup, 82

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and powdered sugar or the brunch fried rice (smoked duck, shallots, garlic, ginger, peas, eggs, pickled veggies soy-gochujang sauce), Brunch beverage pairings are the saloon's own beers and its Saloon Bloody Mary made with house-made bloody mix, tomato juice, celery, pickled veggies, fresh lemon, olives, and the optional bacon and pickled egg. Napa Palisades Saloon is open to create diet-friendly renditions of their menu favorites. // napapalisades.com SOUTHSIDE CAFÉ Southside Café is another local favorite that boasts three locations: Carneros, Yountville, and Century (Napa). While Southside offers their California cuisine with a Latin influence for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their Century restaurant, all three locations serve their delectable brunch menu. Most notable are the avocado toast (seeded wheat bread or tostada, avocado mash, feta, cucumber, mint, toasted pepitas, ground ancho chili), and their chilaquiles (tortilla chips, salsa, tomatillo, cotija cheese, crema, black beans, and two poached eggs) Other popular menu items include biscuits and gravy, the Cuban sandwich or their gluten-free cornmeal pancakes (caramelized seasonal fruit, whipped cream, agave, and smoked almonds) offered at the Century location. Many local fans stop by to fill up on their Wrecking Ball Espresso coffee, blueberry scones, or Mexican hot chocolate. What makes Southside different is its creative approach to food, drink, and each location's interior design, which surprise and delight customers at first sight. // southsidenapa.com SWEETIE PIES Sweetie Pies is a nationally acclaimed downtown Napa bakery located in the

Historic Napa Mill complex that also offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch and special weekend menus from early morning until late afternoon. Their sought-after brunch specialties include breakfast sandwiches, particularly the fried egg on ciabatta with bacon, avocado, garlic tomato pesto, and provolone cheese. Customers especially enjoy the morning baked goods like bear claw pastries, coffee cakes, croissants, muffins, quick bread, and scones, as well as the chorizo and egg morning wrap, fresh quiche, French toast sticks with fruit compote, croissant breakfast sandwich, and sourdough English muffin sandwich (house-made pesto, tomato, bacon, arugula, fried egg, and fresh mozzarella). The menu has vegan, gluten, or dairy-free options available. // sweetiepies.com

Other Brunch Restaurants Not To Be Missed Boon Fly Café boonflycafe.com

Brix

brix.com

Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch longmeadowranch.com

Graces Table gracestable.net

Jax White Mule Diner jaxwhitemule.com

The Restaurant at Auberge

aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil

Tarla Mediterranean Bar + Grill tarlagrill.com

540 MAIN STREET, NAPA 707-259-0762 NAPAGENERALSTORE.COM

BEST OF 2021

NVL around the valley

SILVERADO RESORT

Restores and Rejuvenates

Terrace. Move-on to dinner prepared by Executive Chef Rodrigo Cuadra, whose menu is influenced by both personal experience and cultural zeitgeist and features both healthy options as well as indulgent extravagances. “One of my personal de-stressors is ocean fishing and spearfishing,” said the classically trained Cuadra, a former acolyte of Chef Thomas Keller. “During this time of year, Sablefish and Black Cod are plentiful, and each is the perfect ingredient for my soul-warming and healthy bouillabaisse, which guests will find on the menu. Fish is a low-fat, rich-in-calcium, high-quality protein filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. What better way to fully refuel the body than bouillabaisse? Of course, everyone needs a little indulgence now and then, and guests will find that my Chocolate Crunchy Bar satiates a sweet tooth. Plated with mascarpone cream and candied hazelnuts, this rich, decadent dessert is best enjoyed with a good bourbon or rich red wine.”

For more than 65 years, Silverado remains more than relevant, meeting every moment with gracious hospitality that is current and contemporary.

Photos courtesy of Silverado Resort  BY FRAN MILLER

ith a tumultuous 2020 now in the rear-view mirror, a new year heralds hope and optimism. Celebrate with a mind, body, and soul refresh via the offerings at Silverado Resort & Spa. A California landmark and a favored Napa Valley destination, Silverado has long been a desired venue for meetings, weddings, and special events, and its golf facilities have made it one of Northern California’s best spots for teeing-off. But this iconic resort offers so much more. Silverado checks all the wellness boxes through its culinary, recreational, and spa programs, providing a one-stop-shop for personal renewal, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Emphasizing experiential balance, Silverado and its sylvan setting are home to a variety of restorative activities for visitors and locals alike. Make a day of it with a spa treatment and a delicious lunch, or treat yourself 84

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

to a “staycation” and book a spacious suite for the night and a round of golf on the championship golf course.Enjoy a game of tennis followed by crafted cocktails on the Mansion

At Silverado’s state-of-the-art spa, CBD products and treatments heed the call for calm. CBD, with its inflammation and pain-reducing properties, is a proven relaxation aid. CBD upgrades are available for most treatments, such as the Silverado Personalized 50 Minute Massage, which features professionally blended aromatherapy oils that boost immunity. This personalized treatment includes different techniques and pressures utilizing a blend of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage and assisted stretching to relax muscles. Silverado’s Spa boutique also offers varied CBD products such as bath salts, creams, and balms, allowing guests to take home a bit of their spa experience. For more than 65 years, Silverado remains more than relevant, meeting every moment with gracious hospitality that is current and contemporary. No matter that moment, Silverado always soothes. FOR MORE INFORMATION silveradoresort.com

SAFE SERENITY

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection Photos courtesy of Solage

 BY FRAN MILLER

et amongst Calistoga vineyards in the shadow of the Palisades mountain range, Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, serves as a magnet for serenity seekers. Calistoga has long maintained its reputation as Napa Valley’s low-key destination, proudly heralding the unofficial motto Relax… it's Calistoga.’ Rather than compromise the town’s maxim, Solage arguably amplifies it. The resort’s 22 beautifully landscaped acres safely provide room to breathe, space to relax, and even room to study or work remotely. Eighty-nine casually elegant, stand-alone, spacious ‘studios’ and suites, each with its own entrance, offer an ideal retreat for either a short reprieve or a week-long (or more) ‘work from’ respite – the best way to take advantage of all that Solage offers. Enlist best-in-class tutors for the kids, take a Zoom meeting poolside, or take advantage of your outdoor, furnished patio, framed by nature. Each neutral-toned haven features the finest linens, sumptuous robes, and Nespresso machines. Some have fireplaces and deep soaking bathtubs. A gracious staff stands-by to fulfill nearly any request. Solage is also set

to debut 11 brand-new studios, including two 2-bedroom suites ideal for group getaways or your annual family vacation. When it's time to unwind, head to the resort's centerpiece, its expansive pool. Heated temps and two adjacent hot tubs ensure usage all year long. A recent renovation featuring expanded pool deck space with private cabanas, sunny lounge spaces, and a new restaurant, PicoBar, is set to open in May 2021. Inspired by the traditions of Mexican walk-up taco joints using Napa County's flavors and bounty, PicoBar is a contemporary reinvention of the classic “pool grill.” The geothermal Bathhouse pools and lounge area have also received renovations that further emphasize serene separation. Another of Solage’s fabulous perks is the two cruiser bikes parked outside of each studio and suite. This nearly effortless mode of transport allows guests to spontaneously explore nearby vineyards and Calistoga’s quaint city streets. This whimsical amenity affords a sense of freedom that many have missed over the past year. Solage’s outstanding restaurant Solbar continues to offer either outdoor or in-room

dining. Long a signature aspect of the resort and the restaurant, Solbar’s heated patio has been expanded and is favored for its twinkling string lights, flowing fountain, and leafy canopy. Chef Gustavo Rios oversees the kitchen; his elevated comfort food dishes celebrate bold flavors that reflect the resort’s vitality. His Latin background influences his soulful cuisine, and his innovative methods showcase his experience with European techniques. Signature dishes include House Tagliatelle with lemon bellwether ricotta, roasted hen-of-the-wood mushrooms, garlic-herb persillade, and toasted pine nuts, and the Snake River Farms’ Pork Chop with crispy Kurobuta pork, seared cabbage, onion marmalade, apple butter, and beer-mustard sauce. A new cocktail menu features the classics and ‘sober curious,’ super food-infused selections that provide fuel for those trying to get in a full eight hours. Whether booking Solage for a little R&R, as a work retreat, or both, safe serenity is assured. FOR MORE INFORMATION

aubergeresorts.com/solage BEST OF 2021

San Luis Obispo

NVL side trip

C ALIFOR

N I A G E T AWA Y S

on a Tankful of Gas

 BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

If there is a silver lining to the travel disaster that 2020 delivered, it must be that Californians are seeing more of California.

Photo courtesy of Edna Valley Vineyards

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

he centerpiece of the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo, is the sweet spot halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, about 265 miles from downtown Napa. Less than ten miles from the Pacific surf, SLO is surrounded by oak-dotted mountains, expansive vineyards, and tiny coastal small towns. None is smaller than Harmony, population 18, where it is a surprise to find a winery and a tasting room. Headed for San Luis Obispo? There's no need to rush. Even the T-shirts proclaim, "The SLO Life." A good rule of thumb for any California coastal journey is to enjoy the scenic southbound drive along Pacific Coast Highway (hello, Hearst Castle). For those who don't mind an even slower journey, go car-free; Amtrak has a station just 15 minutes' walk from downtown SLO. A quaint, pedestrian-friendly downtown is a draw in this small college town of 47,000. Most everything is within a short walk around Mission Plaza, where the 18thcentury Spanish-style adobe, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, is a very Californialike structure. And for wine lovers, a day or two dedicated to exploring the tasting rooms in nearby Edna Valley is just the thing.

EAT AND DRINK In June, pop-up spaces were created to augment outdoor dining rooms in Mission Plaza. Weekend street closures and parklets will return once state and county guidelines allow. For much of the year, there's sandalsand-shorts sunshine with daytime highs in the 70s. Bring a sweater for dining under the fairy lights on the creekside terrace at Novo Restaurant or for cocktails and a bite at Sidecar. // novorestaurant.com // sidecarcocktailcompany.com Abundant local farms, fisheries, ranches, wineries, and breweries mean that fresh produce and ingredients are a SLO way of life. For an epic farm-to-table breakfast, Big Sky Café gets all the raves. Papa Joe's DiFronzo Farms proudly produces heirloom fruits and vegetables for Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica cuisine. At Buona Tavola, Antonio Varia cooks with love, serving meals in a covered garden patio that delivers delightful Tuscan vibes. Pull up a chair outdoors at Mistura in The Creamery Marketplace for authentic, multi-cultural Peruvian cuisine from house-grown organic produce. // bigskycafe.com // giuseppesrestaurant.com // btslo.com // mitsurarestaurants.com

WINERIES Fifteen minutes' drive from downtown, 30 wineries produce noteworthy Edna Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a coastal climate, notably California's coolest AVA. On average, only five miles from the ocean, the conditions also suit varietals such as Syrah and Viognier as well as aromatic whites like Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. Chamisal Vineyards is housed in a casual red barn set in a poppy field with picnic tables and sunbrellas beside the vines. Malene Wines operates a sister brand, exclusively rosés, out of a shiny mobile Airstream, pouring crisp, refreshing wines in an outdoors setting. // chamisalvineyards.com // malenewines.com Reconnect with nature at Wolff Vineyards, an ecologically friendly, certified sustainable family-owned property planted to 53 acres of Chardonnay, 34 acres

of Pinot Noir, and 14 acres of Teroldego, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Riesling — all benefiting from coastal influences and minimal intervention. // wolffvineyards.com One of Edna Valley's premier family wineries, Tolosa Winery, is a partner in the Alpha Omega Collective, showcasing Burgundian varietals Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the region. The Tolosa tasting room has an expansive bar and a view of the tank room; there are nooks for two overlooking the barrel room, while the club members' Heritage Room has vineyard views. // tolosawinery.com Get more far-reaching views from the spacious open-plan tasting room at Edna Valley Vineyard, where Islay Peak volcano grabs attention. Equally attention-getting is the portfolio lineup of a flagship Chardonnay plus five other varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. // ednavalleyvineyard.com

Fun Fact: Ten years ago, Oprah Winfrey gave San Luis Obispo a shout out as "America's Happiest City," and the tagline stuck.

Tolosa Vineyard // Photo by Duane Hall Photo courtesy of SLO Coast Wine

BEST OF 2021

NVL side trip

at Dinosaur Caves Park, an 11-acre public open space.

WHERE TO STAY

Family at sunset Photo courtesy of VISIT SLO

Bubblegum Alley Photo courtesy of VISIT SLO

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Photo courtesy of VISIT SLO

THINGS TO DO Find out why they call it "world-famous." Part street fair and part open-air shopping, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market is a 45-yearlong favorite. It's every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. along six lively blocks of Higuera Street between Osos and Nipomo streets. Bubblegum Alley is another downtown point of interest that keeps on growing—literally. It's anybody's guess how many extra globs of chewing gum are stuck to its walls every year, but germaphobes be warned. The 70-foot-long alleyway measures 15 feet tall, off Higuera Street, between Broad and Garden streets. Lace up sneakers for an easy climb at Terrace Hill Open Space, where a half-mile trail gives access to views from its flat top at 110 feet. Or hike Bishop Peak, 3.5 miles out-and-back to 1,559 feet for a panorama of neighboring volcanic peaks called "Nine Sisters." This chain includes the famed Morro Rock, created about 20 million years ago when volcanic plugs of magma welled up and solidified inside softer rock that has eroded. Choices get tougher when it comes to deciding on a beach for a breath of salty air. The Whale Trail incorporates SLO's 80 miles of coastline, so keep a lookout, especially 88

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

from December through April. Among coastal towns near SLO, tiny Avila Beach is laid back yet complete with a historic pier, bike paths, and a hot spring. The waves attract surfers, and Hula Hut on Front Street is a sweet tooth magnet (check out Doc Bernstein's ice cream and Grandma Lizzy's homemade fudge). At Pismo Beach and Shell Beach, there are vast expanses beneath steep bluffs and family fun

Not one, but two, newish, stylish downtown hotels have raised the bar on cool SLO accommodation, each with an accent on modern sophistication and relaxation. Hotel Cerro is purpose-built behind two vintage façades on Garden Street, covering almost an entire city block in an enviable location. It has 65 guest rooms and garden suites (with real, edible herbs), an impressive spa, 360-degree views from the rooftop pool and bar, plus a Mediterranean cuisine-led destination restaurant, Brasserie SLO, where Executive Chef Kenny Seliger is at the helm. // Hotelcerro.com A block from Mission Plaza on Palm Street, Hotel San Luis Obispo is an eco-conscious 78-room boutique property including six suites, a lobby lounge and fireplace, Sol Spa, fitness center, and 50-foot rooftop pool with bar and bocce ball. At the adjacent Ox + Anchor restaurant, Executive Chef Ryan Fancher continues his new outdoor winemaker dinner series with leading local winery partners into 2021. // Hotel-slo.com If showy and kitschy playful design is one's calling, Madonna Inn is a five minutes' drive out of town. A showplace of 110 distinctly different guestrooms, where Barbie doll pink meets cowboy hammered copper, there's a gift shop, a plush restaurant, even daily guided horseback rides on the trails behind the hotel. The main draw, however, is the men's room waterfall urinal. //Madonnainn.com FOR MORE INFORMATION slocal.com

Photo courtesy of Hotel Cerro

NVL wine spotlight

Elegant, Cheeky, and Playful

Guess What? It’s Bubble Butt  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

t the intersection of seltzer and rosé in a 250 ml can, presenting...Bubble Butt. It’s a cheeky name for a playful product that has hit the shelves after three years of work in search of perfection. This could be love at first sight. Just one look at the attention-grabbing packaging (pink hearts pop on a striking black background), and it’s obvious that Bubble Butt is something different, stronger than a traditional hard seltzer. So, what are the unique points of differentiation? First, the new Bubble Butt Rosé Seltzer is 8.4% alcohol, about double the alcohol typically found in other hard seltzers. Second, it’s not malt-based or synthetically flavored like the leading hard seltzer brands. And third, it’s made from 100% California grapes. What else? “The bubbles rival champagne,” said Andrew Nelson. Newly named as a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40,” he’s president of WarRoom Cellars (“All For Wine. Wine For All.”) Nelson’s business partner, Ken Warwick, adds caché with a British accent as the Emmy Award-winning co-creator and executive producer of “American Idol.” “It’s fun; it’s meant to tickle your brain,” they suggest. Indeed. During audience trials to test several potential

“ It’s fun; it’s meant to tickle your brain.” name choices, “Bubble Butt” brought forth an overwhelmingly positive response. The tagline (rhymes with Bubble Butt) is: “Guess what?” Forgettable, it’s not. Where did the idea originate? Nelson tells the story, “Three years ago we set out to make champagne in a can. We didn’t succeed. Butt, we persevered. Traveling to Washington and Oregon, looking to Portugal, drinking Vinho Verde, drinking hard seltzer, the product evolved. Every year we improved.” In cleverly combining the three fast-growing categories of rosé wine, sparkling wine, and hard seltzer with the massively trending category of canned wine, Bubble Butt creates an emerging category of its own. “It’s the most unique product —and the most difficult — we’ve ever made,” said Nelson. “But if you love sparkling wine, rosé, or hard seltzer, then you’ll love Bubble Butt.” The “workhorse” classic California wine grapes in Bubble Butt are Burger and French Colombard, harvested at low sugar

levels of 16 to 17 degrees Brix (wine grapes are generally harvested between 21 and 26 degrees Brix). The lower Brix translates to more vibrant acidity and crisp, refreshing flavors. Pure fruit flavors are captured and enhanced with a cool fermentation in stainless steel. The final step is seltzer, added immediately before canning at super high carbonation levels to create a superior sparkling profile. This last step is at a California 7-Up bottling facility, no less. One imagines the charming, svelte “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” actress Audrey Hepburn (she’s another of Nelson’s inspirations) would strongly approve. Each can contains only 137 calories, 2.5 grams of sugar, and less than eight carbs. Bubble Butt is 100% natural, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, too. In late 2020, Bubble Butt Rosé Seltzer launched online sales with free shipping in California. A four-pack of 250ml cans sells for below $15. WarRoom Cellars is also known for heritage brands Bonny Doon Vineyard (acquired in early 2020), Lapis Luna, The Big Red Monster, Wildlife Wine Club, and Hallmark Channel Wines. FOR MORE INFORMATION drinkbubblebutt.com WINTER 2020

NVL people & art

Penelope Moore Rossignoli

ART of TASTE  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

Penelope studies the wine in her glass as she swirls it, breathes in its aromas, and thoughtfully takes a sip. A visual storyteller, Penelope depicts her sensory impression of a wine’s essence with “Palette of the Palate,” an art collection of abstract paintings.

Photo By Alexander Rubin

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

laude Monet and Jackson Pollack have had a significant influence on her work. Quoting Monet, Penelope said, “I would like to paint the way a bird sings.” Citing Jackson Pollock, she said, “I want to express my feelings, not illustrate them.” After a creative breakthrough, she shifted her art from realism to abstraction. About the switch, she said, “I am no longer interested in ‘painting the bird.’ I want to paint its song. I am dedicated to achieving that with wine; every wine has a song. My inspiration is infinite.” Before she married and moved to Italy in 2017, she founded ArtHaus NAPA (a secret society for creatives and hedonists) and became the toast of Napa Valley’s art and events world. Her art was often on display in local wineries and resorts such as Meadowood, and through her Palette of the Palate presentation, she was commissioned by local wineries to paint tasting notes live and curate pop-up exhibitions at events such as BottleRock and the Napa Valley Film Festival. During the two-plus years she spent in Italy with her husband, she cultivated a new form of creative expression: Art

of Taste. “Italy elevated my art and deepened my passion for expressing flavor,” Penelope said. Together with an event company, she produced luxury events around wine – events that married wine and food, fine art, fashion, and music into one synergistic experience. Each painting was an expression of emotion, storytelling through the senses. During an Art of Taste Benefit at Museo Santa Giulia in Brescia, Italy, the artwork was paired with vibrant bites by Chef Beppe Maffioli, inspired by colors, textures, and flavors of the art-wine fusion. As Penelope visually transformed her tasting notes, acclaimed pianist Giancarlo Prandelli simultaneously composed an original score based on his interpretation of the wine muse, Pilandro Arilica, Lugana DOC. The result was an immersive, avant-garde affair in celebration of culinary arts, viticulture, music, and painting. She explained synesthetic creativity (experiencing one sense through another) with a musical analogy. “On a piano, you would play Petite Sirah with low and heavy tones. Sauvignon Blanc would have

high and bright notes. Music has many parallels to wine and painting. I translate wine characteristics into a visual form,” she said. Penelope and her husband have returned to Napa Valley to reestablish roots. She is innovating and pivoting again with ArtHaus NAPA at Hoopes Vineyard in Yountville. ArtHaus NAPA is an art studio, wine lounge, and exhibition space that will also become a private social club to celebrate creativity, cuisine, and international diversity. Once possible, she will debut her Italian art collection to the beautiful Napa Valley, ready to rejoice.

Photo by www.rawspektiv.com

sweetie pies I’M 1/4READY

TO LIVE

By My Own Design

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.penelopepaintings.com

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PEAR TREE IN NAPA With exquisite open and airy floor plan designs, Pear Tree is the ideal community for those looking to find their haven in the serene Napa Valley wine country.

tmpeartree.com | 925.281.4955 All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, school assignments and ratings, availability, broker commission programs, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to changes or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options. Community Association or other fees may be required. All homes are subject to prior sale. No Purchase Agreement may be negotiated or signed by a prospective buyer for the purchase of a home until the Community’s applicable Conditional or Final Public Report has been issued by the Department of Real Estate (DRE). Marketing materials do not reflect a racial, age, familial status or ethnic preference. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for details and www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. Taylor Morrison Services, Inc., DRE #00968975. © August 2020,Taylor Morrison of California, LLC. All rights reserved. 08/17/20 1580

FROM THE HIGH $500s

NVL money & wealth

SMART WAYS

To Transfer the Family Business

Three ways to create a meaningful legacy while generating a healthy retirement income for yourself

or most business owners, retirement is either a subject they welcome or the last thing they want to think about. If you’re looking forward to that day, you’ve probably already started preparing to move on from your business. “For many business owners, their retirement plan is their business,” says Judith Anderson, senior vice president, Retirement Personal Wealth Services, Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

If you’re not thinking ahead, bear in mind that there are very real advantages to beginning to prepare for it now. “Small business owners typically reinvest their profits back into running their business and generally do very little planning ahead for a retirement that may be five, 10, 15 or more years down the road,” says Anderson. Selling your business at retirement will supplement your income, but it shouldn’t be the only asset you have to rely upon, says Anderson.

“Instead, in anticipation of that day, choose an actual retirement plan that fits your needs.” Taking the time to plot your company’s future can ensure that you leave on your own terms. It also puts you in a better position to retain control, at least during any transition period, so that proceeds from your business — which in many cases are your biggest asset — have the greatest potential to provide you with strong, steady retirement income.

Ask yourself these questions as you begin to create a plan to help meet your needs. WHAT’S YOUR COMPANY’S REAL VALUE? Many privately held companies reflect the people who’ve built them. In some cases, the owner is the business, begging the question, “Can your business still survive after you sell it?” As you assess your company, Anderson suggests thinking about what

This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security, financial instrument, or strategy. Before acting on any information in this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Any opinions expressed herein are given in good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are only correct as of the stated date of their issue. Bank of America Merrill Lynch is a marketing name for the Retirement Services business of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”) Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value Merrill, nor any of its affiliates or financial advisors provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. | MAP2960425 | WP-11-20-0430.B | 472503PM-0420 | 11/2020 92

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them the money through a note your business is actually worth. much smaller income from the Consider transferring the business,” Anderson says. “It Consider if that value could sale, which allows the buyer business as a gift, and drawing can be a shock to discover what be enough to base your retireto pay you back directly. The an income from the new it costs to replace those things.” ment on, notwithstanding other advantage to you is a steady owners. In late 2017, Congress Consider that selling your savings and investments that stream of income from the increased the lifetime gift exbusiness at retirement will you may have. principal and interest from the emption to $10 million for an supplement your income, but If you conclude that the loan for an agreed-upon period. individual — $20 million for it shouldn’t be the only asset company is viable without You could execute a partial married couples — and set it you have to rely upon, says you there to run it, your next sale while retaining a portion to adjust annually for inflaAnderson. “Instead, in anstep is to get an accurate of business assets and income. tion. (The exemption is worth ticipation of that day, choose a valuation of its worth, says Joe You may pay capital gains tax $11.40 million for individuals retirement plan (such as a SEP Astrachan, emeritus professor on any profit from the sale, but and $22.80 million for married IRA, individual 401(k)/401(k)) of management at Kennesaw you’ll also get a steady income couples in 2019.) This gives that fits your needs.” State University in Georgia. from rent or lease of office business owners considerable Even after receiving a lump That’s essential not just for a space or other assets. latitude to transfer a part or all sum from a sale, many former sale, but also in consideration Whatever choice you make, of the company as a gift. You business owners can stay of taxes and to help you gauge a smooth transition can be the may owe taxes on amounts involved and earn income by how much retirement income money sense crowning legacy of the years of exceeding the exemption, but serving on the board of direcyou might expect. A profescare and effort you’ve poured once the business is out of your tors or consulting. You might sional valuation and tax expert into your business. It can hands, it’s no longer part of even continue helping out in can help you look past your also leave you with income to your estate, and future growth day-to-day operations in a emotional attachment to the support your life’s next act, or of the company won’t subject reduced but vital role such as company, gauge its true value in some situations keep you your estate to additional taxes. sense —money and how towell say as nothe — market if family turn to you for financial support. serving clients who’ve been as formembers such a involved in a business you love. You might sell the business with the company for years and business, and arrive at a realisAnd you can have the satisfacby providing financing assisyou. tic number. y a position to provide it. Yet the “Financesare in used to working develop with a basic philosophy that applies to tance. You may choose to sell tion of knowing that your vision If you owneveryone. an officeExplain building Retirement” survey found that few respondents that this philosophy helped the business to heirs — or an has the potential to live on for or other your physical assets, ARE had WHAT budgeted toYOUR be able to help family members family build its wealth and that any loan or outside buyer — by lending generations to come. RETIREMENT INCOME another option for generating financially, despite giving an average of $6,500 gift decisions will be made based on your core NEEDS? retirement income is to retain a annually to family. “We create budgets for such values, such as a strong work ethic, pride and If as you’re planning on soselling assets self-sufficiency. and lease or rent pnt client things travel orcommunication, shopping, whyMerrill not those for experience and If you’re dreading the prospect your business, Anderson them back the business. family giving?” asks Bill Hunter, Retirement oftorefusing a request, prepare your reasons advises that Director, you determine Astrachan recommends thatyou can explain them Client Experience, Strategy & Solutions beforehand so that how much income• you’ll tionally,atapproximately such arrangements be agreed Start need saving for retirement and take Bank of America. unemotionally. When you can’t afford to give, support your lifestyle and of upon spelled for your decision. outline the reasons ults with atoretirement advantage havingbeforehand longevity onand Hunter advises that you determine how much retirement goals, and what out clearly in the formal e you an canearly commit to this purpose without ady made your side. Contribute to anWhen employera family business is involved, notes portionyour of that will come fromand current transfer or Schmieder, sale agreement disrupting retirement planning it’s possible that your relatives don’t imarily to cover debt. sponsored savings plan such as a the sale When of theyou business —figure, as with the newunderstand majority owners. living needs. have that the company’s financial limitations. 401(k) — at least a level that meets compared withpriorities. your investThatat should alsoeveryone be the may casebe aware, for instance, that nderstandably concerned be consider your other Are there any “Not any ments and assets. Keep the owners business changes you may needcompany to make ifmatch. in you’re order turning company have an obligation to reinvest ildren’slifestyle wellbeing and other in mind, too, that merely over or selling it to other family BETTER ASSESSMENT. BETTER CARE PLAN. keep giving to family •during tough their profits to maintain pportingtothem financially. Talk to yourtimes? local Merrill advisor, who into their businesses matching your current insuremembers. Most important, before you salary give, be to set growth,” he says. Use this opportunity to explain e amount spent by may not can assist with putting together a BETTER OUTCOME. retirement s aside an emergency fund be for enough yourself to help that the company’s profits aren’t a ready source eir earlyensure adult children is plan to help pursue your goals. HOW CAN YOU STRUCTURE if the business has also been that you will have a comfortable cushion for gifts or loans. 2 THE TRANSFER? payingannually. for things like health ver $500 billion in retirement. Helpers LIFE Profile combines ur As you consider each request,Senior it’s always For more information, contact insurance, car leases, club If you plan to transfer the compassionate care with technology to create en’t entirely 3. Setbleak, firm guidelines for saying yes. Decide in important to remember that gifts or loans to as the and memberships tax prepara- Financial business to family members Merrill Lynch Advisor the impact most comprehensive in-home care plan advance under what circumstances you would family members will have a direct on rly adults (72 percent) — expenses Eric or in longtime employees, rather F.you’ll Gonzales the your feeltion comfortable giving orthat lending money. retirement planning. There might be Our an proven programs and trained available. havefinancial to start yourself. than sell to unwritten an outside buyer, d benefit “If from you’re going to covering make Napa, a gift ofCA, theoffice money, fifth rule, says Hunter: “Beware ofmake it easier for families to give caregivers “Some owners may be used to weigh these options. Each has or you could end up e is some advice to early think about using the occasion as a teaching being overly generous, at 707.254.4606 their loved ones the assistance they need. living a $400,000 lifestyle on asounding its own advantages. their pursuit of financial moment,” suggests Hunter. Without needing financial help yourself.”

re You the “Family Bank”?

it of Happiness: Financial Independence

or eric_gonzales@ml.com.

preachy or judgmental, try to explain to your relative how you’ve put yourself in a position to tick to provide a budget. thisTrack assistance. Have you kept your debt under control, your expenses, and for instance, or lived within your g means or avoided Contact us today to learn more: s where you can make high-interest credit cards? “For young adults in the family, this could be a 707.200.6665 | SeniorHelpers.com/napa to fund your goals. FOR MORE INFORMATION valuable lesson,” he says.1 Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. HCO #284700002 Contact Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor d, “How Does Student Debt Affect Early Career All rights reserved. Senior Helpers locations are independently owned and operated. ur debt.“IfPay youhigh-interest, expect be paid in back, create a loan Eric F.toGonzales thebNapa, CA office at ©2020 SH Franchising, LLC. Retirement Saving?” 2018. recommends2orAge Joe C. Schmieder, uctible document,” debt first 707-254-4606 (e.g., eric_gonzales@ml.com. Wave/Merrill Lynch. “The Financial Journey of principal Family Joy, Business and then otherconsultant non-tax of theParenting: Complexity and Sacrifice,” 2018. For more information, contact Consulting Group. This may include details on BEST OF 2021 ebt (e.g., an auto loan). how frequently repayments will be made and Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor

to be missed! Allegria offers a great assortment of delicious desserts, including the And, we tiramisu. offer interesting small plates and salads, rotisserie meats and poultry and classic homemade seasonal entrees with a C CASA twist.

eggs benedict and fried chicken, or branch out and try our chicken and waffles or one of our signature burgers. A fun spot to meet up with friends or enjoy a meal with the whole family! 1122 First Street, Napa, CA 94559 1141 First Street Napa CA 94559 707--812--6853 | jaxwhitemulediner.com (707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/

1026 1st St, Napa, CA 94559 707-254-8006 | www.ristoranteallegria.com 610 1st St #B, Napa, CA 94559 / Oxbow Market

NVL dining guide

707-226-7700 | www.myccasa.com

special special dining dining

RL mediterranean grill

WINE COUNTRY EL FRESCOITALIAN TRADITIONAL MEDITERRANEAN

MEDITERRANEAN COMFORT CUISINE AMERICAN GRILL & BAR TARLA - True to our namesake, the Tarlacomfort Grill aims to and yieldisnourishing, creative, and CELADON offers award-winning food located in the Napa River DOWNTOWN JOES - global Anfrom American style grill united with quality andtheir freshness. Our culturally eats originating Turkeyon and Greece, lands heralded for Inn. Enjoy exciting an unforgettable dining experience our heated outdoor patio or in our menu is locally resourced then cooked with the flair that is true Napa Valley. We cuisine and a culture that takes pride in the relationship between mankind and the intimate indoor dining area. The seasonally influenced menu features flavors from the proudly feature salads, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, decadent land! We take our responsibility of ensuring the origins ofseafood, our ingredients seriously house made Mediterranean, Asia, and more the Americas. desserts, and modern pub grub. and pride ourselves on using local, seasonal and organic fare whenever possible.

MOMI a traditional Italian & organic food restaurant premium, locallyLA TOQUE’SCAChef KenisFrank’s landmark Napa Valley restaurant is the serving proud recipient SMALL WORLD - ingredients A world flavor awaits at Small Restaurant, where theand sourced, organic whenever possible inWorld support of localevolves purveyors of both a Michelin Star and The GrandofAward from Wine Spectator. The menu menu the vibrant cuisine of the Mediterranean andofthe Middle East. Falafel, like-minded businesses across Napa Valley. constantly to showfeatures off each season’s finest ingredients from a network local farmers Hummus, Babaus Ganoush, Schwarma, Pitafoods Sandwiches, Garden and purveyors who supply with some of the finest in the world. OurFresh wineSalads, and pairings areFresh-Made considered Baklava. by many to be the ultimate food and wine experience.

500 Street, Suite G, Napa, CA 94559 1480Main 1st St, Napa, CASt, 94559 902 Napa, CA 94559 707-254-9690 |Main celadonnapa.com 707-255-5599 | www.tarlagrill.com 707-258-2337 | www.downtownjoes.com

Street (Downtown Napa, CA 94559 The Westin 928 Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St,Napa), Napa, CA 94559 1141Coombs First Street Napa CA 94559 707-224-7743 707-257-5157 | www.latoque.com (707) 257-4992| SmallWorldRestaurant.com | www.camomienoteca.com/

挀漀漀欀

琀愀瘀攀爀渀 ☀

JAPENESE CUISINE AMERICAN CUISINE EIKO’S - Eiko’s delivers imaginative twists on traditional Japanese cuisine. Our vision NAPKINS - An American restaurant withJapanese an exciting sceneincluding for locals and travelfor the menu combines modern andcuisine authentic traditional cuisine ers who happen fish upon them.Weekend brunch (11 amfrom to 3our pm)local and markets one of the best seasonal, fresh sustainable and ingredients delivered daily happy hours in Napa (food and drink fromour 3 tochefs 7 pm). Weekend and purveyors. In addition to traditional raw fish specials preparation, creates a nights the bar turns electric entertainment livetaste performances and dancing to DJs selection ofarea innovative dishes with inspired by our localincluding culture and profiles featuring Napa as influence and inspiration. 1001 2nd St, Napa, CA 94559 1385 Napa Town Center, Napa, CA 94559 707-927-5333 | www.napkinsnapa.com 707-501-4444 | www.eikosnapa.com

瀀椀稀稀攀爀椀愀

ITALIAN AMERICAN GRILL & BAR BAR + GRILL DOWNTOWN JOES style grillexperience united withthrough quality food, and freshness. Our IL POSTO TRATTORIA - We offer- An theAmerican traditional italian TAVERN &the PIZZERIA isNapa acooked cozy, brick-walled with table & barWe seating menu is locallyinresourced then withOur themenu flairgastropub that is true Napa Valley. served in a COOK casual setting beautiful Valley. offers a variety slecfor seasonal American and Italian dishes and neapolitan-inspired pizza .house Perfectmade for proudlysalads, featurepizza’s salads,along burgers, steaks, decadent tion of antipasta’s, withsandwiches, freshly madeseafood, pasta dishes. friends and families can stoppub in after work and enjoy a true tavern atmosphere. desserts, and more modern grub. 4211 Solano Ave, Napa, CA 94559 707-251-8600 | Main www.ilpostonapa.com 1304 St,Napa, St Helena, CA 94574 902 Main St, CA 94559 707-963-8082 707-258-2337 || www.cooktavern.com www.downtownjoes.com

special special dining dining section section NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM NAPAVALLEYLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

FOODSPRING & WINE2017 2017

TRADITIONAL ORGANICITALIAN ITALIAN

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AMERICAN CUISINE MEXICAN / TEX-MEX GASTROPUB & NANOBREWERY

CA' MOMIisOSTERIA provides Napa Valley with an obsessively authentic Italian CA MOMI a traditional Italianthe & organic food restaurant serving premium, locallyexperience. Theyingredients serve up locally-sourced organic ingredients featured in their sourced, organic whenever possible in support of local purveyors and historic Italian recipes, certified pizzaValley. Napoletana and garden to glass cocktails, all like-minded businesses across Napa in the heart of downtown Napa. Ca’ Momi Osteria also offers tastings of Ca’ Momi Napa Valley and Italian wines plus late night live music each weekend.

NAPKINS - An American restaurant withatan exciting scene for locals and travelaapproach casual dining destination aimed providing localsorder with an experiC CASA - WeHOP offerCREEK a fresh tocuisine tacos and much more. Fresh, made-toers who happen upon them.Weekend brunch (11 am to 3 pm) and of the best ence built around a warm welcoming atmosphere, they can enjoy aone locally sourced white corn tortillas topped with ingredients like seasoned buffalo, rotisserie lamb, happy hours Napaunique (food and specials from 3 toand 7Valley pm). Weekend nights hours the bar menu, coupled with craft beers, spirits and aioli Napa wines. Happier grilled prawns, fresh crab,inmicro greens, goatdrink cheese, chipotle Serrano salsa. area turns electric with entertainment including livelarge performances and dancing Monday-Friday 2pm-6pm. Family and rotisserie dog friendly, parties welcome inside to or DJs on And, we offer interesting small plates and salads, meats and poultry and our relaxing side patio. Cheers! seasonal entrees with a creek C CASA twist.

1141 First Street Street,Napa Napa,CA CA94559 94559 | 707-224-6664 | www.camomi.com 1141 First (707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/

1001Browns 2nd St, Napa, 3253 Valley CA Rd,94559 Napa, CA 94558 | 707-257-7708 | hopcreekpub.com 707-927-5333 | www.napkinsnapa.com 610 1st St #B, Napa, CA 94559 / Oxbow Market 707-226-7700 | www.myccasa.com

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to be missed! Allegria offers a great assortment of delicious desserts, including the classic homemade tiramisu.

1026 1st St, Napa, CA 94559 707-254-8006 | www.ristoranteallegria.com

special special dining dining

RL mediterranean grill

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN WINE COUNTRY EL FRESCO TRADITIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE CA MOMI is a traditional Italian & organic food restaurant serving premium, locallysourced, organic ingredients whenever possible in support of local purveyors and - When you want a delicious Prime ribrecipient dinner, steak or fresh CA MOMI a traditional Italian & organic food restaurant serving premium, locallyLA TOQUE’STRANCAS Chef KenisSTEAKHOUSE Frank’s landmark Napa Valley restaurant is the proud like-minded businesses Napa Valley. seafood, the place to goacross isAward thewhenever Trancas Steakhouse. Many called their bar the sourced, organic ingredients possible in support of local purveyors and of both a Michelin Star and The Grand from Wine Spectator. Thehave menu evolves

MEDITERRANEAN TARLA - True to our namesake, the Tarla Grill aims to yield nourishing, creative, and culturally exciting eats originating from Turkey and Greece, lands heralded for their cuisine and a culture that takes pride in the relationship between mankind and the land! We take our responsibility of ensuring the origins of our ingredients seriously and pride ourselves on using local, seasonal and organic fare whenever possible.

of the west. The across barstools areValley. occupied locals every night of the week. The like-minded businesses Napa constantly toCheers show off each season’s finest ingredients from abynetwork of local farmers walls aresupply covered photosofof happy (you know who you are somebody and purveyors who us with some the finestcustomers foods in the world. Our wine you make the wall.) Theyultimate do havefood pictures of celebrities including owners pairings are when considered by many to be the and wine experience. 1141 Napa CA 94559 NormFirst andStreet Christy Sawicki. (707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/ The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559 1141 First Street Napa CA 94559 707-257-5157 | Trancas www.latoque.com (707) 257-4992 | www.camomienoteca.com/ 999 Street, Napa, CA 94558 707-258-9990 | trancassteakhouse.com

1480 1st St, Napa, CA 94559 707-255-5599 | www.tarlagrill.com

MEXICAN / TEX-MEX JAPENESE CUISINE C CASA - We offer a fresh approach to tacos and much more. Fresh, made-to- order EIKO’S - Eiko’s delivers imaginative twists on traditional Japanese cuisine. Our vision white corn tortillas topped with ingredients like seasoned buffalo, rotisserie lamb, for the menu combines modern and authentic traditional Japanese cuisine including grilled prawns, fresh crab, micro greens, goat cheese, chipotle aioli and Serrano salsa. seasonal, fresh sustainable fish and ingredients delivered daily from our local markets And, we offer interesting small plates and salads, rotisserie meats and poultry and and purveyors. Inwith addition to traditional seasonal entrees a C CASA twist. raw fish preparation, our chefs creates a selection of innovative dishes inspired by our local culture and taste profiles featuring Napa as influence and inspiration. 610 1st St #B, Napa, CA 94559 / Oxbow Market 1385 Napa Town Center, Napa, CA 94559 | www.myccasa.com 707-226-7700 707-501-4444 | www.eikosnapa.com

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AMERICAN GRILL & BAR AMERICAN CUISINE ITALIAN AMERICAN GRILL & BAR DOWNTOWN JOES - An American style grill united with quality and freshness. Our NAPA is GENERAL STORE -then Refreshing locals andflair visitors since 2002. Our riverside menu locally resourced cooked with the that is true Napa Valley. WeOurpatio DOWNTOWN JOES - An style grill united withthrough quality and freshness. IL POSTO TRATTORIA - We offer theAmerican traditional italian experience food, is an ideal spot for enjoying a meal with friends (including four-legged friends) and proudly feature salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, decadent houseWe made menu is locally resourced then cooked with the flair that is true Napa Valley. served in a casual setting in the beautiful Napa Valley. Our menu offers a variety slecfamily. Join for breakfast or lunch week - and our award-winning weekdesserts, andusmore modern pub grub.during the proudly feature salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, decadent house made tion of antipasta’s, salads, pizza’s along with freshly made pasta dishes. end brunch. Come for the food, stay for the great wines and artisan gifts! We support desserts, more modern pub grub. local foodand purveyors and locally source our ingredients. 4211 Solano902 Ave, Napa, CA 94559 Main St, Napa, CA 94559 707-251-8600 | www.ilpostonapa.com 707-258-2337 | Napa, www.downtownjoes.com 540 CA 94559 902 Main Street St, Napa, CA 94559

Reserve online| www.downtownjoes.com at NapaGeneralStore.com or by calling 707-259-0762 707-258-2337

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S I LV E R A D O

R E S O R T

A N D

S P A

MEDITERRANEAN AMERICAN EATERY SMALL WORLD - A world of flavor awaits at Small World Restaurant, where thebreakTHE GRILL AT SILVERADO, is a one-of-a-kind Napa Valley restaurant, serving menu features the and vibrant of the Mediterranean and theWine Middle East. Falafel, fast, lunch, dinner bar cuisine appetizers. The restaurant features Country Cuisine, Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Schwarma, Pita Sandwiches, Garden Salads,Napa, and the emphasizing fresh and sustainable products. Just minutes fromFresh downtown Fresh-Made Baklava. Grill overlooks one of the most beautiful golf courses on earth and offers a respite from the daily routine for everyone who visits. 928 Coombs Street (Downtown Napa), Napa, CA 94559 1600 Atlas Peak|Rd, Napa, CA 94558 | 707-257-5400 | www.silveradoresort.com 707-224-7743 SmallWorldRestaurant.com

AMERICAN CUISINE AMERICAN CUISINE NAPKINS - An American cuisine restaurant with an exciting scene for locals and travelers who happen upon them.Weekend brunch (11an amexciting to 3 pm) andfor onelocals of theand best NAPKINS - An American cuisine restaurant with scene travelhappy hours in Napa and drink specials 3 to nights the bar ers who happen upon(food them.Weekend brunch from (11 am to73pm). pm) Weekend and one of the best area turns electric with entertainment including live performances and dancing to happy hours in Napa (food and drink specials from 3 to 7 pm). Weekend nights the DJs bar

area turns electric with entertainment including live performances and dancing to DJs

1001 2nd St, Napa, CA 94559 707-927-5333 | www.napkinsnapa.com 1001 2nd St, Napa, CA 94559

707-927-5333 | www.napkinsnapa.com

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Bubble Butt

Solage, An Auberge Resort

Handwritten Wines

Yountville:The Best of Napa All in One Place

Chandon

Jessup Cellars

Heron House

Hertelendy Vineyards

Frank Family Vineyards

Magna Carta Cellars

The Mondavi Sisters

Conn Creek Anthology

David Clinton Wine Cellars

Sill Family Vineyards

Inside Track: What the Locals are Doing

8 Cooking with Karen Crouse

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