Handwritten Wines

Introduces Exclusive ‘Seven Culinary Wonders’

 BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR | PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANDWRITTEN WINES

Be 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.

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

MARKETPLACE

 BY ELIZABETH SMITH

In 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, 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.”