Napa Valley Life - Fall 2021 by napavalleylifemagazine

FALL 2021

Cheers, the Good Life

VISIT NAPA VALLEY

PLUS+

Holiday Gift Guide Napa Valley Harvest Season Half Moon Bay: Oceanside Charm

When the world changes, rely on us We can provide customized, comprehensive advice and guidance to help you stay on track and pursue your goals. Call us to talk it through.

The Gonzales Group Eric F. Gonzales Senior Vice President Senior Resident Director 707.254.4606 eric_gonzales@ml.com

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VISIT US THIS SEASON FOR A MERRY MERITAGE HOLIDAY! We know the holidays will look different again this year, but nevertheless we want to bring cheer and merry-making to our guests and local community. We’re delighted to provide a safe and fun environment for families to enjoy the festive season with amenities like ice skating, holiday tea experiences, shopping at Fivetown and celebratory brunches.

meritageresort.com @MeritageResort

LIFTAESTHETICS.COM ENHANCING YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY IS OUR EXPERTISE.

MEAGHAN NOUD, MD MEDICAL DIRECTOR, PLASTIC SURGEON

LORIE JANES, RN DIRECTOR OF NURSING

NOEMI WOOTEN, RN AESTHETIC NURSE SPECIALIST

1834 FIRST STREET | NAPA, CALIFORNIA | 707.702.3223

Contents

F E AT U R E S 2 0 2 1 F A L L / / T H E H A R V E S T I S S U E

Story 34 Cover Visit Napa Valley:

Celebrating Napa Valley

Gift Guide 28 Holiday Wine Country Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

Cheers, The Good Life 38 Harvest Season Through the Eyes of Napa Valley Photographers

Moon Bay 76 Half Hitting All the Right Travel Notes

N A PA VA L L E Y L I F E M AG A ZIN

FAL L 202 1

Cheers, the Good Li fe

VISIT NAPA

FA L L 2 0 2 1

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

VALLEY

PLUS+

Holiday Gi ft Guide Napa Valley Harvest Seas Half Moon on Bay: Oceans ide Charm

NVL contents

D E PA R T M E N T S 2 0 2 1 F A L L / / T H E H A R V E S T I S S U E

NV Scene • 12

What's Been Happening Around Town

Things To Do

18 Calendar of Events 19 Inside Track: What the Locals are Doing 20 Napa Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour 22 Tour de Napa: Exploring Napa by Bike

What’s Hot • 24 Special Features

46 H ow Napa's Wine Industry is Managing Climate Change 50 Wine Collectives: Discover Napa's Hidden Treasures

Drink

48 Napa Valley Vintners: Premiere Release Week 55 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 56 Robert Biale Vineyards 57 Mira Winery 58 Napa de Oro 59 Frank Family Vineyards 63 J udd's Hill Winery and MicroCrush Spotlights 54 Kirk Venge: Venge Vineyards 60 Andrew Holve: Newton Vineyards 62 Sal Ianni: Truchard Vineyards 64 Wesley Steffans: Correlation Wine Company

46 86

Beyond the Valley 66 Willamette Oregon Wine Country

Eat

70 Winston's Café: Paulie's Bagels 72 Cooking with Karen Crouse

Stay

74 Auberge Resorts: Solage

Real Estate

80 Napa Tracy Style: Reap More Rewards by Prepping Your Home to Sell

Community

82 Napa Valley College Foundation 83 Hispanic Heritage Month

People & Art

84 di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art 86 Local Artist: Jermaine Burse

Shop Local

88 The Perfect Provenance 90 West Won Bread

Money & Wealth

92 Merrill Lynch: Why Women Emerge from the Pandemic Stronger Than Ever

Dining Guide • 94

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A Time to Give Thanks

This is the time of year that we give thanks for all the blessings in life. I am especially grateful to all of my clients who allowed me to be part of their journey, as they dared to change their home lives. Now more than ever, we realize the simple joys of being with family, friends and how important it is to spend quality time together. Our homes have taken on new demands of being a gathering place, a place to work and a place of refuge. My team and I will help navigate you through the process of buying or selling your home, so you can focus on the things that you are thankful for this season. Jennifer Klingbeil | Lic.# 02067543 | J.Klingbeil@ggsir.com | NapaLifeProperties.com | m 707.492.0435 Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.

NVL editor's letter

Harvest A

s we embark on another harvest season, we give thanks. It’s a time that we celebrate the bounties of the season and take a pause to appreciate why Napa Valley is such a phenomenal place to visit and live.

It’s also the perfect time to announce the launch of our collaboration with the team at Visit Napa Valley through their “Cheers, The Good Life” campaign, a celebration of the abundance of riches that surround us through memorable experiences we discover, savor, and share here in Napa Valley. In our cover story, Visit Napa Valley President and CEO, Linsey Gallagher, shares her thoughts on the importance of the Napa spirit and how fortunate so many of us are to live here. In this ongoing campaign series, we’ll be shining a light on some of the people, places, and programs that portray our definition of the good life in Napa Valley. In this issue, we focus on harvest season as seen and inspired through some of Napa’s beloved local photographers. Through their photos, they present the beauty of Napa Valley’s heritage—its agricultural core— and their awe-inspiring talent, which evokes a myriad of emotions and connections that often take our breath away. Outside of Napa, we have two stories about places to visit. The first is Half Moon Bay. Just a two-hour drive from wine country, this charming little oceanside town away from all the crowds has a little something for everyone, whether it be a walk along the pristine coastline, shopping in the funky seaside shops, sipping local wines, or heading to the dock to find the fresh catch of the day. Our second story is about Willamette in Oregon’s wine country. Just a short flight away, the region touts a formidable history of industry pioneers who left California in the early 1960s to plant the first Pinot Noir grapes. Over the years, Willamette and the surrounding Oregon wine country have grown to become best known for producing incredible Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as some of North America’s finest Rieslings, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. Lastly, our Fall issue would not be complete without our annual Holiday Gift Guide. Check out some of Napa Valley’s best merchants and fun, fabulous gifts to give to a loved one, including yourself. Photo by Bob McClenahan

Cheers to the Good Life! Make it the best it can be.

Laura Larson Editor

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT:

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This year at Bardessono, we're focusing on Mindfully Living Luxury. Wellness: with curated spa treatments each season Culinary + Wine Education: with adventures that focus on the garden, what's growing right now, and how sustainability can be incorporated into the products you eat. Luxurious Sustainability: providing the most luxurious Napa Valley experience within a sustainable environment.

Exceptional

( 707 ) 204 - 6000 BARDESSONO.COM

by NATURE

Savor the destination and the moment with those that are most important to you. Keep what's most precious to you close and enjoy the feeling of being at home in our wine country destination. Let romance take over with our various couples treatments, a private picnic specially packed for a day of adventure, or a romantic evening in with a candlelit dinner served on your private patio.

( 707 ) 9 6 7 - 7 9 0 0 H OT E LYO U N T V I L L E . C O M 64 6 2 WA S H I N G TO N S T R E E T YO U N T V I L L E , C A 9 4 5 9 9

6526 YO U N T S T R E E T YO U N T V I L L E , C A 94599

Quintessentially YO U N T V I L L E

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

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

Take Out - Curbside - Delivery

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• •E• Y T• •H• A Nel KebYra Oti U ng N A P A ea V Ars LL

ONLINE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA Jackie Cyr jackie.cyr@webmediagroup.com ADVERTISING/SALES Doris Hobbs – 209-207-4876 doris.hobbs@napavalleylife.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fran Miller Laurie Jo Miller Farr Layne Randolph Elizabeth Smith Marisa McCann Valerie Owen Christopher Sawyer Katie Sweeney CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Art & Clarity - Lowell Downey and Janna Waldinger Bob McClenahan ABOUT THE COVER Visit Napa Valley President and CEO Linsey Gallagher and family enjoying the good life on the Napa Valley Vine Trail Cover Photo by Lowell Downey

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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are available at $12/year by visiting napavalleylife.com and clicking on subscriptions at the top.

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Made for more devotion

Napa Valley’s only hospital to win the coveted CMS 5-star rating for our performance in safety, patient experience and outcomes.

You were made for more. More closeness. More love. More joy. And that’s why our conveniently located clinic in Napa offers more ways to care for you at every stage of life. From primary care and oncology to heart care, gastroenterology and more. It’s easy access to our trusted, compassionate experts, so you can get more out of life, today and for many years to come.

For an appointment, call 707-253-1135 or visit AdventistHealthStHelena.org/NapaClinic Adventist Health Physicians Network - Napa 1100 Trancas Street, Suite 250 Napa, CA 94558

NV Scene

The Napa Valley scene and what's been happening around town. BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY

After being postponed twice in 2020, Napa Valley’s hottest venue, BottleRock Napa Valley, presented by JaM Cellars, welcomed over 100K concert-goers to its 7th annual three-day music, wine, craft brew, and culinary festival at the Napa Valley Expo in September. Fans from near and far flocked to see big bands such as Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, Miley Cyrus, Brandi Carlisle, and over 75 additional acts on five music stages. In addition, this year’s culinary stage was an event in itself, showcasing one-of-a-kind culinary and celebrity mash-ups with big names such as José Andrés, Guy Fieri, and Ayesha Curry, to name a few. BottleRock Napa Valley 2022 is back on schedule for May 27-29, 2022. www.bottlerocknapavalley.com

Guns and Roses Photo Courtesy of BottleRock Highwomen // Photo Courtesy of BottleRock

Black Pumas // Photo by Lowell Downey

Photo by Lowell Downey

Foo Fighters // Photo Courtesy of BottleRock

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Photo by Lowell Downey

Brandon Staglin, President, One Mind, welcomes guests

Garen Staglin and OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder at the VIP Dinner

ONE MIND’S 27TH ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR BRAIN HEALTH

# PHOTOS COURTESY OF ONE MIND MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR BRAIN HEALTH

On September 11, Rutherford’s Staglin Family Vineyard hosted ~400 supporters, scientists, and friends at the 27th Annual One Mind Music Festival for Brain Health. The event raised over $7.5M to benefit One Mind, the nation’s leading private-public mental health organization dedicated to taking on the nation’s brain health crisis. This year’s event began with a scientific symposium followed by the afternoon program, which included tasting some of the world’s most acclaimed wines, with hors d’oeuvres provided by Chef Curtis Di Fede of Christopher Kostow’s The Charter Oak Restaurant. The day continued with an exciting concert performance by GRAMMY nominees and multi-platinum recording artists, OneRepublic. After the concert, VIP guests enjoyed a post-concert dinner created by celebrated Chef Chris Cosentino of Acacia House in Napa Valley and Rosalie in Houston, Texas, paired with Staglin Family Vineyard wines. www.music-festival.org

Multi-Platinum OneRepublic performs

Celebrity Chef, Chris Cosentino addresses guests at the VIP dinner

Guests arrive to the wine tasting event

Wine Tasting at Staglin Family Vineyards

FALL 2021

NV scene

Jennifer Hudson performs at FNV Arts for All Gala at Nickel & Nickel // Photo by Drew Altizer

Maria & Leigh Anne Torres enjoy the FNV Arts for All Gala at Nickel & Nickel // Photo by Drew Altizer

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY Roaring back into action with 60 outdoor, sold-out concerts and events from July 13- 25, Festival Napa Valley capped its 15th summer season by raising a record-breaking $2.8 million at its Arts for All Gala. The sold-out gala evening dinner and live auction event were hosted at Oakville’s Nickel & Nickel among arts philanthropists and community champions, including tennis legend John McEnroe, who made a surprise bid to raise $50,000 for a tennis match with him. The top bid of the night was $300,000 for “Angels of the Arts,” an evening of music, art, and cuisine to honor philanthropists Maria Manetti Shrem and Jan Shrem. Grammy and Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson capped off the night with an inspiring concert, as the Napa Valley summer evening came to an end. Festival Napa Valley has raised over $13 million to date. www.festivalnapavalley.com

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi with San Francisco Mayor London Breed // Photo by Drew Altizer

Beth Nickel backstage with Jennifer Hudson at FNV's Arts for All Gala

Sam Reider & Tessa Lark perform at Festival Napa Valley's Season Finale Luncheon at Alpha Omega // Photo by David Ortega for Aperture Media

John McEnroe on stage surprised guests at the FNV Arts for All Gala Photo by Drew Altizer

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Rick Walker and Laura Larson

Scott Rosen, Ken Moore, Nathalie Diamantis, Keith Scott and Steven Volpe attend Raymond Vineyards Patron Dinner // Photo by Drew Altizer Photography

Andy Grammer, multi-platinum artist, singer, songwriter and record producer performs at Alpha Omega

Mike (Coach K) Krzyzewski, Shane Jacobson- CEO, V Foundation and wife Lauren, Debbie Krzyzewski at the Rock the V Party

Beth Nickel, Proprietress, Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente Winery with David Robinson, NBA Hall of Famer at the V Foundation Auction Gala

V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION # PHOTOS COURTESY OF V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION

On August 5-7, The V Foundation for Cancer Research hosted its 2021 V Foundation Wine Celebration weekend, raising more than $12M to support cutting-edge immunotherapy research. The weekend was hosted by Duke University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor Sage Steele, and ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas. Among bid packages which included exceptional experiences paired with some of the regions’ finest wines, the evening’s top lot fetched $1 million for The Legend’s Last Legacy, Duke vs. UNC, featuring a weekend trip to join Duke’s Coach K for his final home game at Cameron Indoor stadium. Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration has raised over $130 million to support the V Foundation and their mission to accelerate victory over cancer and save lives. www.winecelebration.org

ESPN Sports Center Anchor, Sage Steele at V Foundation Auction Gala

Rich Frank, Owner and Founder of Frank Family Vineyards at the Auction Gala

Coach K accepts $1M bid on his final game from Michael Marks, Founding Managing Partner at Celesta Capital

L-R- Blakesley and Cyril Chappellet, Jeff Gargiulo, Robin and Michelle Baggett and Chuck McMinn, Vintner Grant Nominees at Rock the V

FALL 2021

NV scene

Julie Fields and Fritz Hatton taking bids for the auction lots

Salvation Army Captain Tim Danielson, Napa Chamber CEO Travis Stanley, Jean Charles Boisset, Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza,Chairwoman Renee'Acosta and Executive Chef Instructor Paul Fields from Salvation Army

THE SALVATION ARMY OF NAPA – OUT OF THE FIRE In August, The Salvation Army of Napa grossed their biggest win to date by raising over $450,000 for their Culinary Training Academy at their annual Out of the Fire fundraising event. The live and online auction lot donations will be directed towards the Salvation Army Culinary Academy to fund student housing, tuition, chef instructors, and new kitchen equipment. The event was hosted at Raymond Vineyards by Proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset with culinary treats prepared by the Culinary Academy students and numerous guest chefs. A highlight of the evening was the performance by GRAMMY Award® winning singer and songwriter Zach Williams whose revered song “Survivor” has become an anthem for Out of the Fire. www.napa.salvationarmy.org/ napa/napa-valley-culinary-training-academy/

Auction Committee Member Kelley Bowles, Jean Charles Boisset and Senator Bill Dodd

Zach Williams and his band

Out of the Fire refreshment from Raymond Wines

Boisset Collection President, Jean Charles Boisset, Chef Bob Hurley and Boisset Collection Marketing VP, Patrick Egan

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Salvation Army Culinary School Executive Chef Instructor, Paul Fields

Congressman Mike Thompson

Honoring Steve Moulds

Karen Cakebread and John Truchard

HARVEST STOMP

# PHOTOS BY SUZANNE BECKER BRONK

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) hosted their 14th annual Harvest STOMP fundraiser on August 28 at Round Pond Estate’s historic Pole Barn. The event was record-breaking, raising $2.7M net for the two organizations to support the preservation of Napa Valley agriculture, education, and professional development for Napa Valley farmworkers, and helping the community through trying times. A tribute was also paid to beloved community member and leader, Steve Moulds, who passed in June. www.napagrowers.org

Notorious the band playing after party

Sonya DeLuca, NVG Interim CEO

Supporters at Harvest STOMP

Auctioneer at work

Harvest STOMP Sign

FALL 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.

Lighted Tractor Parade Photo courtesy of Calistoga Chamber of Commerce

Holidays in Yountville

Zac Brown Band to perform at Live in the Vineyard Goes Country November 2-4

October 16

TASTE OF HOWELL MOUNTAIN

Meet some of Howell Mountain’s exclusive vintners and treat yourself to world-class wines from 50 Howell Mountain wineries at the 26th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain wine tasting and auction. Hosted at the Great Lawn and Carriage House at Charles Krug Winery, the walk-around wine tasting will include gourmet food pairings from Oak Avenue Catering, live high-octane blues from the Hummingbirdz. www.howellmountain.org

ing artists, top-tier winemakers, and world-renowned chefs. The headline performance is at the Lincoln Theater on November 3rd by the multi-Platinum, GRAMMY Awardwinning Zac Brown Band, along with performances by Chris Janson, Cole Swindell, Tenille Arts, and Lainey Wilson. In addition, acoustic concerts will be performed by Darius Rucker, Old Dominion, Priscilla Block, among others at wineries around the Valley. www.liveinthevineyardgoescountry.com November 10-14

November 2-4

LIVE IN THE VINEYARD GOES COUNTRY

Live in the Vineyard is back in Napa Valley -and this year, they are going Country. This exclusive and soughtafter three-day event will be hosted in partnership with CMT and offers attendees exclusive access to record18

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL

The 10th Annual Napa Valley Film Festival goes virtual! The festival this year will stream over 60 short and feature films via the NVFF streaming portal which attendees can enjoy from home. The Napa Valley Film Festival showcases an outstanding presentation of independent filmmaking,

while also building a strong sense of community around the art of visual storytelling. All Access and Shorts only streaming passes are available. www.napavalleyfilmfest.org/attend/ passes/ November 20

CALISTOGA FOOD & WINE GRAND TASTING

Treat yourself to world-class wines from 40 Calistoga AVA wineries at the Calistoga Food & Wine and Grand Tasting at the spectacular Solage Resort & Spa. The walk-around winetasting includes gourmet food pairings from some of Calistoga’s favorite restaurants such as Solbar at Solage, Evangeline, Amaro Italian Kitchen, Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar – plus live music. // Solage Resort & Spa | 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga www.calistogawinegrowers.com

November 21-January 1

HOLIDAYS IN YOUNTVILLE

The Holiday Season is a magical time to visit Yountville. The town is glowing with thousands of twinkling holiday lights; holiday music & delicious aromas from their awardwinning restaurants fill the air. Over six weeks, the celebration includes a full calendar of events, a holiday gift guide, and a holiday light tour. www.yountville.com/events/ special-events/ November 24

NAPA TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Inside Track

What the Locals are Doing Hop Creek Gastro Pub and Nano Brewery Hop Creek is one of Napa’s favorite local pubs known for their warm, welcoming atmosphere, locally sourced menu, unique house-brewed craft beers, spirits and wine. Their lively Happy Hours are hosted M- F from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. with specials such as $3 off appetizers, $6 house wines, $4 House-brewed beers and $1 off guest beers. Enjoy watching a game at the bar or relaxing with your pooch on the spacious outdoor patio. // 707-257-7708 3252 BROWNS VALLEY ROAD, NAPA • WWW.HOPCREEKPUB.COM

Join the mayor of Napa and all the locals at Veterans Park for this traditional community event. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, cookies and entertainment as local youth groups perform and a 30’ tall Christmas tree is lit up in Veterans Park. A great start to the Holiday Season! www.donapa.com

The Lakeside Grill

November 27

7901 SOLANO AVE., NAPA • WWW.VINTNERSGOLFCLUB.COM

DOWNTOWN NAPA’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE

Napa’s annual Christmas Parade is a beloved Napa tradition for both kids and adults. Join in on the fun to watch colorful floats, Christmas lights, marching bands, dancers, classic cars, and community groups as through the 2nd and 3d Streets in Downtown. Meet Santa after the parade for pictures and talking to the kids. www.donapa.com December 4

CALISTOGA LIGHTED TRACTOR PARADE

Calistoga’s Lighted Tractor Parade is one of Napa’s most popular smalltown holiday events. The annual holiday celebration kicks off the season with an homage to the area’s agricultural heritage. Locals and visitors line up along Lincoln Avenue and cheer on vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks and farm equipment bedecked with dazzling lights and Christmas displays as they compete to win first prize. This popular Napa Valley event, which gets bigger and better each year, is perfect for the whole family. www.visitcalistoga.com

Photo courtesy of Hop Creek Pub

The Lakeside Grill at Vintner's Golf Club is one of Napa Valley’s local’s secrets. Open to the public, the lunch menu offers burgers and hotdogs, a sophisticated menu of sandwiches and salads, and an extensive breakfast menu on weekends. A panoramic view of the golf course and pond, complete with a fountain, provides a picturesque setting for patio dining. Open M-Sun for lunch: 11am-3pm and Fri-Sun for breakfast 9am-1pm. //

The Q Fried Chicken More formally known as the Q Restaurant and Bar, The Q is one of Napa’s most popular places to find fried chicken. Known for their traditional style of southern fried chicken served with a choice of two styles of barbeque sauce or their signature pepper vinegar, they also have a bountiful selection of sides, including four types of coleslaw. While the chicken is offered on the menu daily, on Monday nights a 10-piece bucket goes for $21.95 as long as supplies last. Eat in or carry out. // 3900 BEL AIRE PLAZA D, NAPA • WWW.THEQRANDB.COM

Buster's Southern Barbecue Busters in Calistoga has been serving up southern style BBQ in California since 1965. Located on Rt 29 in the heart of wine-country, Buster fills the streets with the whispering aroma of authentic Louisiana barbecued pork and beef ribs, chicken, tri tip served inside or on the outdoor patio with all the sides. Sundays feature live jazz and blues bands from 3-6pm. Open Mon-Sat from 10am-8pm. // WWW.BUSTERSSOUTHERNBBQ.COM

Copperfield’s Book Club Copperfield's Books, the Napa book lovers' bookstore hosts an online book club from 6-7 pm the second Tuesday of every month. The club features a monthly book selection with mixed genres and topics so there is something for everyone. Copperfield’s compelling sections in cooking, travel, graphic novels and children’s section draw locals and tourists alike. In person book clubs resume in the Fall. // 1300 FIRST ST., # 398, NAPA • WWW.COPPERFIELDSBOOKS.COM/NAPA

Photo courtesy of Busters Southern BBQ

NVL things to do

Come for the Wine, Stay for the

SPIRITS

NAPA GHOSTS & LEGENDS WALKING TOUR  BY MARISA MCCANN

Picture this: a crisp autumn evening in Napa – friends, conversation, and a glass of Cabernet to keep you warm. It’s the perfect setting to wind down after a day spent exploring the region’s wineries – or as Halloween draws near, to communicate with ghosts from the turn of the last century. Devin Sisk and Ellen McFarlane 20

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

hanks to Napa’s rich heritage, wealth of historic buildings, and ominous past, the city has proven to be the perfect backdrop for supernatural sightings and intriguing ghostly folklore. During the day, it may seem like a quaint, countrycasual town, but after dark, Napa comes alive with signs from the dearly departed. Since 2014, the Napa Ghosts & Legends Tour has led lovers of histories and mysteries on year-round interactive ghost hunting adventures. Over the course of 90-minutes to two hours, guests walk to some of Napa’s most haunted locales while guides and tour company founders Ellen MacFarlane and Devin Sisk tell tales of Napa’s unsolved mysteries, famous executions, and untold murders. The evening walking tour allows those who dare to experience paranormal activity firsthand using ghost-detecting devices and reenactment methods to conjure spirits and to communicate with the dead.

THE SPOOKY SIDE OF NAPA Each tour begins on the steps of the Old Napa Courthouse, where guests are taken back in time to the late 1800s through stories, photographs, and a conversation with a long-dead judge who is still on the job protecting the building. His presence becomes known through the eerie slamming of the courthouse doors and with the use of several ghost-hunting tools, like K-II electromagnetic field meters and dowsing rods. Guests are encouraged to befriend the judge and take a hand at conversing with him, using the position of the dowsing rods to translate. Then, through yes or no questions, it is revealed why the judge has yet to cross over, which segues to the next ghost encounter: a woman whose life ended publicly in a disturbing murdersuicide. Her spirit now wanders outside the courthouse, waiting to tell her frightinducing tale. Ellen and Devin lead the conversation with the spirits, sharing historical findings and photographs of each ghost they come across to provide important context for guests. “Our tour is completely factual. None of the details about the people we’re meeting is fabricated,” said Ellen. “I’m big on getting the facts right.” The educational component is balanced with moments of exciting ghost hunting and infused with a layer of comedy to create a tour that has something for everyone. “Most of the stories on our tours revolve around people’s tragedies,” said Devin, “so we always incorporate comedy into

K11 Electromagnetic Field Meter Photo by Marisa McCann

the mix for some reprieve.” He added, “Plus laughter raises vibrations of ghosts, making them easier to detect.” Just one of the ways they effortlessly integrate comic relief into the tour is through a staged reenactment of Napa’s famous 1897 public execution, which involved the hanging of serial killer Billy Roe. Guests are assigned roles such as the town’s mayor,

since she was 13 years old that she wanted to work in the realm of the dead. “My ability to hear messages from the dead runs in my family,” said Ellen. “My ancestors are from Ireland where the dead walk among the living, a common belief in many cultures worldwide, but not so much in America,” she continued. For over 20 years, Ellen has worked in the field, using her naturalborn gift to conduct research, work cases, and above all, to help both the living and the dead. Most recently, she worked with law enforcement to find a missing girl by communicating with her biological mother through spirit to get her back home safely. Devin’s journey into paranormal investigation wasn’t until later in life, after a near-death experience in 2003. He died in the emergency room and was “on the other side” for nearly 17 minutes, which Devin jokes is the current world record. During that time, he desperately tried to communicate with his family before going through the “tunnel” of light, an eye-opening experience that later set him down the paranormal path to look for answers. As a paranormal investigator of 17 years, Devin explores a range of areas including ghosts, cryptids, and UFOs, and experimenting with dowsing rods daily for the past ten years. Together, Ellen and Devin have successfully launched several ghost walking tours

The evening walking tour allows those who dare to experience paranormal activity firsthand using ghost-detecting devices and reenactment methods to conjure spirits and to communicate with the dead. the executioner, or Billy Roe himself, and are given simple lines to recite in hopes of conjuring his ghost. Billy doesn’t always make contact during the reenactment, which Devin likens to fishing, “you never know what they’re going to bite.”

THE GHOST HOSTS Ellen and Devin first met ten years ago and instantly connected over their shared passion for paranormal investigation. A writer and historian at heart and a medium by trade, Ellen enjoys bridging the physical and spiritual worlds. Discovering her mediumistic abilities at a young age, Ellen knew

in the San Francisco Bay Area, with the original one based in Napa. Two years after launching their Napa tour, the business partners expanded to Sonoma, where they host an evening tour on the town plaza. In 2017, they partnered with the Vacaville Heritage Council to create the Haunted Vacaville Ghost Walk. The duo also plans to add additional tours, including a mobile version, in the next couple of years and continue developing their in-person and virtual event offerings in partnership with Napa Valley Distillery and local wineries. FOR MORE INFORMATION

707-606-5050 // www.napaghosts.com FALL 2021

NVL things to do

TOUR de NAPA A Town-by-Town Guide to Biking in Napa Valley

 BY MARISA MCCANN

Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery

apa Valley is strewn with quaint towns, vineyard vistas, and natural wonders that tempt both leisurely bikers and hardcore cyclists. Sightseers on two wheels are rewarded with front row access to the best of Napa’s world-class wine and food scene as well some of wine country’s hidden gems. Whether exploring downtown Napa and Yountville, riding through vineyards in St. Helena, or cruising the backcountry roads of Calistoga, the region offers endless routes, from intermediate to advanced, to satisfy any level of biking adventure.

NAPA Napa is the perfect home base for those looking for a relaxed ride with plenty of pitstops along the way. Downtown Napa, a bustling area full of celebrity-chef restaurants, laid-back tasting rooms, boutique shops, and intimate cafés, is entirely accessible via bike. Right across the river on 22

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First Street is the Oxbow Public Market, a lively marketplace and food lovers’ paradise where one can slurp fresh oysters, sample local wine and beer, and peruse artisan chocolates made with luxury ingredients like Cabernet and Port wine. Oxbow is the perfect starting point to fuel up before a day of biking and wine tasting. Those looking to work up more of a sweat can hop on the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a paved bike route that starts in south Napa at Kennedy Park and extends 12.5 miles north to Yountville. Eventually, the Vine Trail will become a 47-mile biking route connecting the Napa River wetlands in Vallejo to Calistoga’s Hot Springs. But, for now, the trail offers a manageable and safe journey parallel to HWY 29.

YOUNTVILLE The entire town of Yountville is cruiseable by bike, with easy access to some of the region’s most coveted dining,

shopping, and cultural destinations. For the most important meal of the day, head to Southside, a California and Latin-inspired café and coffee bar featuring breakfast dishes like Chilaquiles and avocado toast with roasted pepitas. Enjoy breakfast in the Stewart Cellars courtyard directly behind Southside and pair it alongside a flight of their current release Napa and Sonoma wines (reservation required). After a morning of biking and imbibing, why not stay for lunch? A couple of excellent options include grabbing a bucket of fried chicken from Ad Hoc Addendum to relax and eat in their outdoor garden or pre-ordering a boxed picnic lunch from Velo Deli at the Ranch Market and enjoying it in the famous French Laundry culinary gardens. Every bike tour of Yountville should conclude with a stop at the JCB Tasting Salon for a one-of-a-kind experience and splashes of both French and Napa sparkling wines.

Bike rentals are available in Napa and Yountville at Napa Valley Velo, a fullservice bike shop in south Napa and Napa Valley Bike Tours, which has two full-service rental locations 8.5 miles apart along the Napa Valley Vine Trail, allowing for a completely flat and car-free bike ride.

ST. HELENA The town of St. Helena is just the ticket for an “off-the-beaten-path” experience. Vineyard-lined roads, horse-grazing pastures, and charming neighborhoods are the views that await when one saddles up in the heart of Napa Valley. For the perfect combination of both Velo and vino, book a cycling adventure with Clif Family Winery. From the founders of Clif Bar, Clif Family has a deep passion for wine, food, and cycling and offers three cycling packages for varying levels and interests: the Tour de St. Helena, The White Road, and their newest experience, the Tour de Chef, which is designed by local celebrity chefs, such as Chocolatier Chris Kollar, who all happen to be avid cyclists. Their packages include a cruiser or performance bike, an espresso and Clif Bar to start, and seasonal food and wine pairings from their organic Bruschetteria Food Truck post-excursion. Their self-guided bike tours are meant to be peddled at one’s own pace, offering guests a chance to slow down and savor a different, more carefree side to Napa Valley. Clif Family also provides curated pocket-sized maps with featured routes and local business partners, such as Model Bakery and Long Meadow Ranch, to inspire the journey, but ultimately the ride is what one makes of it.

CALISTOGA Hemmed by Mount Saint Helena in the north, Napa’s town of Calistoga is the less traveled and more laid-back sibling to the rest of the valley, making it the perfect cycling haven. Indeed, Calistoga is tailor-made for bike riding with its low-traffic country lanes and scenic vineyard landscapes. The town itself is conveniently accessible, and a bike eases travel around the many shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms at an unhurried pace. In between rides, stop at Evangeline for delicious creole dishes or indulge in a cocktail in the beer garden at Calistoga Inn. For shopping and

Photo Courtesy of Clif Family Winery Picayune Cellars Photo by Marisa McCann Bruschetta at Clif Family Photo by Marisa McCann Photo by Marisa McCann

sipping, visit Picayune Cellars to taste their small-lot California wines in their secluded back courtyard. Also worth exploring in Calistoga is the northernmost segment of the Napa Valley Vine Trail, which begins at Washington Street and follows the former Southern Pacific Rail Line. This mile-long paved trail leads through vineyards and reservoirs, making an excellent area for bird watching. The course shoots out at the winery dotted Dunaweal Lane, home to Twomey Cellars, Sterling Vineyards, and Clos Pegase Winery. Bike rentals are available in Calistoga at the Calistoga Bike Shop, which offers road, mountain, hybrid, electric, tandem, and kids’ bikes as well as guided wine, road, and mountain tours.

for more information Calistoga Bike Shop

707-942-9687 www.calistogabikeshop.com

Clif Family Winery 707-301-7188 www.cliffamily.com

Napa Valley Bike Tours

707-251-8687 www.napavalleybiketours.com

Napa Valley Velo

707-927-5486 www.sthelenacyclery.com

St Helena Cyclery

707-963-7736 www.sthelenacyclery.com FALL 2021

NVL what's hot

The Yard by Feast It Forward The Studio at Feast it Forward in downtown’s Oxbow District expanded their footprint during the pandemic to create a fun and safe outdoor space while connecting a vacant back lot to their existing property. The Yard by Feast it Forward will offer a year-round festival-like experience with instagrammable moments, live music stage, pop-up brand activations, shipping container lounges, food trucks and much more. Follow @feastitforward for updates and events. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1031 McKinstry St., Napa //

www.feastitforward.com

The Ox and the Fox The team from Napa Palisades and First & Franklin introduce their newest venture, the Ox and the Fox. Located in the First & Franklin Marketplace on 1st Street, the open-air pub is a perfect spot to start or finish a night downtown. The farmhouse industrial design is upscale in feel but very comfortable and affordable for anyone, particularly the local crowd. The menu includes local wines and beer along with a fun menu offering small plates, bites and desserts. Weekdays feature a great happy hour, Sundays include bottomless mimosas, and of course, sporting events will always be on. // Hours: Thursday to Monday from 3 p.m.- Midnight FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1331 1st St., Napa // www.firstandfranklin.com

Photo courtesy of Baldacci Family Vineyards

Baldacci Vineyards Baldacci opens its new hospitality center in their Stags Leap location on Silverado Trail. The new low-slung hospitality center, designed to harmonize with its surroundings, offers visitors tours, private tasting rooms, a wine bar, and an outdoor patio with lovely wine country vistas. Experiences include a portfolio tasting of four Baldacci wines from three vineyards hosted on the patio or in the Royal Stag Hall, and an all Cabernet tasting which can be booked with or without a cave tour. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 6236 Silverado Trail, Napa // www.baldaccivineyards.com

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FALL 2021

NVL what's hot

Petit Soleil Clay Street welcomed its newest neighborhood nook, Petit Soleil, to downtown Napa’s list of breakfast and lunch options. The new restaurant opened in the quaint location on Clay Street, most recently occupied by Namaste. The menu offers American favorites “with a twist” such as burgers, sandwiches and fish and chips, but it’s breakfast and weekend brunch selections are quickly becoming crowd favorites. // Open 8:00 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday Brunch is served all day Saturday and Sunday. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1408 Clay Street, Napa //

www.petitsoleilonclay.com

Wilfred’s Lounge Experience a little Aloha in downtown Napa’s new Tiki bar. Located in the prior Burger Fi location on 1st St., Wilfred’s will sweep you up in a Hawaiian adventure complete with tiki drinks, micheladas, craft beer, fine wine, and Polynesian-inspired cuisine. Traditional dishes include a Lomi Lomi Salmon, Five Spice Ribs, Pineapple Fried Rice, Huli Huli Chicken, Malasadas, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, and much more. Enjoy live music on weekends. // Open 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. seven days a week. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 967 1st St., Napa // www.wilfredslounge.com

TINA Stephens TINA Stephens opens its eighth location in Yountville at the old train depot. Specializing in travel-friendly lifestyle clothing, TINA Stephens Boutiques offer a unique take on modern, casual style. The exclusive TINA’s Italy collection features easy to care, easy to wear, flowing and fashion forward linens, cottons, and silks and TINA’s Luxury Basics Tees by Tina Collection are on trend in leading fashion publications, with multiple styles offered in up to 85 colors. Future plans include shared space with the new Cornerstone Cellars tasting room, offering patrons an opportunity to cross-pollinate for a perfect afternoon of sipping and shopping. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 6505 Washington St., Yountville //

www.Teesbytina.com 26

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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

The

Gift

GUIDE

Napa Valley gift ideas for everyone on your list

NAPA VALLEY JEWELERS A delicate arc of gold balls, a radiant mini-cluster of diamonds, a chain of perfect gold circles; This is how Gabriel interprets Bujukan, the Balinese act of persuasion achieved by a subtle wink, a gentle touch, that one perfect word spoken in a whisper. After all, when you know you’re irresistible, why shout? PRICE: $650-$2000 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.NAPAVALLEYJEWELERS.COM

CLIF FAMILY DARK CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE

NAPA SCENTS WINE INSPIRED SOY CANDLES Napa Scents artisan soy candles are inspired by the wine country lifestyle. Hand poured using only the finest quality ingredients, the delectable fragrances come in over two dozen options. Poured in timeless vessels to fit any decor, Napa Scents fills your space with fragrance while keeping the toxins out.

A trio of our favorite dark chocolate temptations. Made with organic chocolate, this gift box includes one tin each of our Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels and Dark Chocolate Toffee Crunch. Also available individually. PRICE: $35 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.CLIFFAMILY.COM

PRICE: $22-$56 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.NAPASCENTS.COM

SIMPLY UNWINED THE WINE BRUSH Simply Unwined’s WINE Brush is a revolutionary product that takes the dreaded task of cleaning your wine glass and makes it easy and fun. The WINE Brush design is exclusively ours, so you’ll be giving the wine lover in your life a product they do not have…yet. PRICE: $16.99 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.SIMPLYUNWINED.COM

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OLIVE AND POPPY BARREL BRACELETS Napa-based Olive and Poppy designs and sells modern and affordable jewelry, totes, and wine accessories that take inspiration from wine country's natural and cultural elements. Many of their jewelry pieces are made from reclaimed wine barrels with a hint of red wine stain that reminds you they began their life in the cellar! PRICE: $12-$68 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.OLIVEANDPOPPY.COM

TRIBELLA WINE AERATOR

Aeration made beautiful. The perfect pour. Drip Free Elegance. TRIbella has been called the “Greatest Aerator Of All Time”, and is an absolute joy to give… and receive. Complete the circuit of beauty from bottle to glass like never before. PRICE: $40 WHERE TO BUY: AMAZON.COM AND WWW.WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM

JUPITER & MAIN MEZCAL TASTING MUST-HAVES Straight from Oaxaca, Jupiter & Main has everything you need for an authentic Mezcal tasting experience. Smoked clay Mezcal vessels, black clay and blown glass copitas, a Mezcal infusing kit, black clay serving trays, Mezcal books — experience Oaxaca in your own back yard. PRICE: $11–$58 • WHERE TO BUY: IG @JUPITERANDMAIN // WWW.JUPITERANDMAIN.COM

DRIPS TO SIPS WINE COLLARS Drips To Sips Wine Collars are the perfect gift for any wine lover. The removable, washable felt lining prevents wine drips from staining countertops and tablecloths. The two-collar set can also be used as napkin holders. These make great stocking stuffers! PRICE: $13.95-14.95 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.DRIPSTOSIPS.COM

VINTAGE SWEET SHOPPE WINE TASTING & CHOCOLATE PAIRING Vintage Sweet Shoppe curates a selection of their hand-made chocolates with Napa Valley wines. Featured here: Incredible buttery Whiskey Cowboy Brittle, a chocolate-dipped bottle of proprietary Devereaux Cabernet and a six-pack of incredible dark chocolate salted caramels. PRICE: $12-$160 ª WHERE TO BUY:

WWW.VINTAGESWEETSHOPPE.COM

FALL 2021

NAPA RUNNING COMPANY GET-IN-SHAPE GEAR

ALLISON [ IN WINE COUNTRY ] HAMMITT, NASH HANDBAG

Spoil the athlete in your life this holiday season. Designed for racing and training, the HOKA One Carbon X 2 and Mach 4 deliver a well-cushioned, energetic and responsive ride. Add the Patagonia 40-liter Black Hole Duffel to organize their gear for a quick weekend getaway. Backpack straps are included. PRICE: $35–$180 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.NAPARUNNINGCOMPANY.COM

This Hammitt Los Angeles leather handbag named “The Nash” can be worn many different ways. Wear it as a wristlet clutch, crossbody bag, or even as a waist bag. Like all of the Hammitt handbags, it has a pocket on the back that is dedicated for your cell phone. A perfect gift for anyone on your list!

RIZA PLANTS THE GIFT OF GREENERY Riza Plants will help curate the perfect plant to address your specific needs and environment. Their large selection of locally made and hand-crafted ceramics and potting service make for ready to go gifts for you or that special person.

PRICE: $195 ª WHERE TO BUY: @ALLISONINWINECOUNTRY

PRICE: $50-75 WHERE TO BUY: RIZAPLANTS.COM

ROUND POND GOURMET GIFT BOXES FAT TIRE BIKE RENTALS Give the gift of adventure with Napa Valley’s #1 electric bike rentals. Whether you’re an experienced biker or haven’t ridden a bike in years, Fat Tire e-bikes are the best way to get around for a most memorable wine country adventure. Enjoy convenient, hassle free delivery and pick-up at your hotel, Airbnb, or home. PRICE: GIFT CARDS $32-74 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.FATTIREBIKERENTALS.ORG

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Round Pond Estate’s gift sets have developed a following for their unique and beautiful approach to gift giving. Their Mini Gift Sets (2, 4 and 6 bottle) feature Estate grown, hand harvested olive oil and red wine vinegar blends of exceptional character made in the heart of Napa Valley. PRICE: MINI BOTTLE $12 // MINI 6-PACK $85 // MINI 4-PACK $60 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.ROUNDPOND.COM/SHOP/GOURMET/OLIVE-OIL/

AF JEWELERS POMELLATO RINGS Nudo Pomellato’s iconic ring, with its unmistakable silhouette, offers a very variegated palette of watercolor shaded stones for endless color combinations, to satisfy anyone’s personal mix and match inspiration. AF Jewelers Boutique in St. Helena offers high-end jewelry collections from exclusive brands such as Buccellati, Pomellato, Pasquale Bruni, A & Furst, Dana Rebecca, EF Collection and Karen Lazar. PRICE: $1,750-$5,700

MARICH® CONFECTIONERY COMPANY GRATITUDE AND CHEER BOX

WHERE TO BUY: WWW.AFJEWELERS.COM

CORKING CREATIONS WINE GLASS NECKLACE

Deliciously giftable chocolates made by real people, with real good, feel good ingredients. From whole roasted nuts, perfectly ripened dried fruits,to handcrafted rich buttery caramels covered in ethically sourced rich dark, or creamy milk Fair Trade chocolate. A sweet gift you can feel good about.

Wine Glass Necklaces are the perfect gift for the wine lover on your list. Styles range from luxurious 18k gold chain and fancy crystals to casual suede. All necklaces adjust to fit many sizes & types of wine glasses, including stemless. Mask necklaces also available.

PRICE: $30- $35 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.MARICH.COM PROMO CODE: NVM21 FOR 20% OFF

PRICE: $10-$45 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.WINEGLASSNECKLACE.COM PROMO CODE: NVLGIFT FOR 15% OFF

Photo by Alex Rubin

DRIPS DRY WINE DRIP COLLAR ATELIER MATUVU PAINTED PLAQUE Elegant personalize-able Mahogany plaque featuring a grape acrylic painting. The Deco Art water-based acrylic paint delivers superior coverage with a permanent and durable finish. It’s the perfect decor for wineries, cellars, vineyards, and wine lovers. Dimensions: 16 x 4 x 0.5” PRICE: $120 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.ATELIERMATUVU.COM

Absorbent. Adjustable. Reusable. This wine collar preserves your counter and tabletops by soaking up all the drips that run down your bottle. Top all your wine, champagne, liquor, olive oil, and more with DRIPS DRY. It is the perfect hostess gift and can be personalized for any occasion. Every pour is perfect with @DRIPSDRY! PRICE: $9.95 FOR ONE, $19.95 FOR THREE WHERE TO BUY: WWW.DRIPSDRY.COM

HALF MOON BAY ART GLASS GLASS PUMPKINS

NAPASAMPLER.COM PERSONALIZED GIFT BOX Send friends and family a personalized gift box of the finest, local handcrafted foods from Napa, Sonoma, or Oregon, delivered to their door. Sweet, savory, lemon, chocolate – a myriad of choices. Great for discerning chefs, college students, friends far away. Pampering packages, too. USA Delivery

Buy or make your very own glass pumpkins at your choice of locations in Half Moon Bay or Mare Island in Vallejo. Choose the size and colors for your custom creation or select from a collection of hundreds of crafted pumpkins on site. PRICE: FROM $42 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.GLASSBLOWINGCLASSES.COM

PRICE: $30-$150 • WHERE TO BUY: NAPASAMPLER.COM, SONOMASAMPLER.COM, AND OREGONSAMPLER.COM

OLIVE RAE DESIGNS WOMEN'S APPAREL & ACCESSORIES Feel like the best version of yourself with this beautiful and romantic Margaux Blouse paired with natural Caribbean sea pearl huggies from Haiti and a delicate amber hand clutch from Bali. PRICE: $28- $44 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.OLIVERAEDESIGNS.COM

CREATIONS FINE JEWELERS IPPOLITA BANGLES In Italian there is a saying, “Kisses are like cherries, one is inevitably followed by another.” Destined to become a second skin, Ippolita Bangles are indispensable. Available in a classic stack of 18K gold, hand-set in micro pave or cradled in individually sculpted bezels, they can be worn alone, in groups of two or three, or you can adorn your arm with multiples. Never too much, always just enough. PRICE:$250- $3,495 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.CREATIONSFINEJEWELERS.COM

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REPOUR WINESAVER Repour is the first wine preservation product on the market using active absorption to remove all the oxygen from a bottle of wine, completely stopping the degradation process. With its innovative technology, keeping wine fresh for extended periods is as easy as putting a stopper in a bottle. PRICE:$9.99-$119.99 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.REPOUR.COM

SALUTE SANTÉ!® GRAPESEED OIL These oils have long been the secret of gourmet chefs who love its light and nutty, yet neutral flavor. It has the unique ability to enhance the flavors of ingredients instead of overpowering them with no greasy aftertaste. PRICE: $16- $20 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.JEFFRIESGENERAL.COM

AYURVEDIC COPPER WATER BOTTLE & FRINGED LEATHER CARRIER

B & B GARDENS KITCHEN MUST-HAVES

Feed the body + nourish the spirit with copper vessels handmade in India. Antimicrobial, improved vitality and immunity boosting are just a few of the benefits of using copper bottles.

Hand carved white oak boards and one-of-a-kind spoons. Spices and sauces grown right here in Napa Valley. Grow what you eat and support local farmers! All wood carved creations are one of a kind.

PRICE: BOTTLE $48 • CARRIER $48 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.JEFFRIESGENERAL.COM

PRICE: WOOD BOARD $250 SPOONS $45 // SPICES $4- $49 WHERE TO BUY: WWW.JEFFRIESGENERAL.COM

Photo by Alex Rubin

SHOPKEEPER STUDIO ESSENTIAL SHOPPER CROSBY ELEMENTS AROMATHERAPY

Inspired by world travel, nostalgia, and a love for highquality, these aromatic products are handcrafted in small batches and designed on the principals of natural and local sourcing. Jeffries General is proud to offer the Hair Perfume in 5 scents along with candles and incense cones.

PRICE: $14 - $28 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.JEFFRIESGENERAL.COM

An elevated take on a paper classic- Hand-crafted from water resistant waxed cotton canvas. Deep inside pocket and key hook-on waxed cord. Available in tan, indigo, cinnamon, chocolate, black. 12”w x 7”d x 15”h PRICE: $350 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.JEFFRIESGENERAL.COM

Dear Friends, The excitement of another harvest season reminds us how fortunate we are to live and work here in the world’s premier wine region. In the wake of an extremely challenging year, Napa Valley is once again showing its trademark grit and grace, weathering a global pandemic on top of another devastating fire season. While both have had dramatic effects on Napa Valley’s tourism industry — which typically provides $85 million in annual tax revenue to the county and towns’ general funds — in true Napa Valley form, we have banded together to prove to the world that our tiny valley is big on spirit. And along with that, our team here at Visit Napa Valley has been hard at work behind the scenes developing a new vision to lead the Napa Valley brand into the future. “Cheers, The Good Life” is a campaign that embodies the notion that the best things in life are the experiences we share, savor, and discover. And nowhere is that more apparent than here in Napa Valley, where an abundance of riches surrounds us, and the ultimate luxury is downtime shared with family, friends, and loved ones. For me personally, the “Napa Valley good life” means getting out of the office and into the great outdoors with my family. Our scenic beauty, open space, and plenty of kid-friendly parks and trails mean my children (ages 7 and 9) have endless opportunities to discover their own version of the good life, which currently includes biking on the Napa Valley Vine Trail and playing lots of baseball, softball, and soccer. Because Visit Napa Valley’s marketing and advertising efforts are directed towards visitors from outside Napa County and throughout the U.S., our residents don’t necessarily get a window into the Napa Valley brand as it’s perceived on the world stage. We want to take this opportunity to shine a light on these programs and to celebrate the good life we enjoy here with our members of the community. Cheers to Napa Valley!

Linsey Gallagher President & CEO, Visit Napa Valley

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Photo by Lowell Downey

A Toast to VISIT NAPA VALLEY

 BY FRAN MILLER

For more than ten years, the phrase ‘Legendary Napa Valley’ has well served as the official tagline for Napa County’s destination management organization, Visit Napa Valley. Concisely capturing the essence of this region over which visitors rhapsodize, the phrase became a brand, and that brand evoked fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and gracious hospitality - the cornerstones on which Visit Napa Valley markets the region. And while Napa Valley, its pioneers, and its commerce will always and forever be legendary, a new notion of what matters most - to both those who are lucky to live in Napa and those who visit - gives rise to a new Visit Napa Valley motto: Cheers, The Good Life..

FALL 2021

he notion of the good life has evolved; no longer do material items hold sway over happiness. Today, time and meaningful connections are most valued, as is an environ in which to enjoy both. With its innumerable vinous, culinary, hotel, and recreation options, the Napa Valley is the ideal spot where anyone and everyone can experience this good life. “Our world-class destination typically attracts more than 3.8 million people annually from all over the world who inject billions of dollars into Napa Valley’s community, supporting hotels, wineries, restaurants, and attractions,” said Linsey Gallagher, President & CEO of Visit Napa Valley. “As our brand promise states, Napa Valley is truly legendary. Our new campaign – Cheers, The Good Life – serves as an inspiration to the community to celebrate this good life on a daily basis.” Visit Napa Valley was established in 2010 with the mission to promote, protect, and enhance the Napa Valley destination as the world’s premier wine country experience. Primary funding for activities and programs comes from a Tourism Improvement District (TID) special assessment on overnight hotel stays. A 2% tax on each hotel room stay goes to Visit Napa Valley, while 12% is injected into the Napa County and town general funds for essential municipal services like road maintenance, police and firefighters, and parks and recreation.

Kelly Carter never takes for granted the good life afforded Napa Valley dwellers. The Yountville resident and Director of Communications for Alpha Omega winery welcomed a change of pace when she moved from San Francisco several years ago. “My good life, Napa Valley-style, revolves around food and wine,” said the former sports and travel journalist who credits Visit Napa Valley as a valued public relations partner not only to her employer but to the many tasting rooms and restaurants she frequents. “Nothing beats Yountville for a foodie like me who can walk to an array of fine dining restaurants.” Carter added that her support of local restaurants has led to an inspiring fitness routine. “After dinner, I power walk from

one end of Yountville to the other and back,” said Carter. “When Yountville is bustling on the weekends, walking past restaurants reminds me of when I lived in Positano with the nightly sounds of dinner conversation, forks clinking on plates, and music. The charm of Washington Street, with its art and calmness, make me incredibly grateful to live here.” For Jay Heidenreich, Area Director of Sales and Marketing at Auberge Resorts Collection, the Napa good life means being outdoors, either in nature or at an outdoor dining table. “We have the best weather,” said Heidenreich, who oversees Calistoga’s Solage Resort & Spa and the Carneros region’s Stanly Ranch, two popular hotel options promoted within Visit Napa

Valley’s ‘Where to Stay’ web directory, the menu of which also features an extensive list of wineries, restaurants, things to do, and events. “The good life is enjoying the best flavors in the world and drinking the best wine in the world with close friends, family, and even new acquaintances.” While many might assume that Visit Napa Valley and its services are primarily for, yes, visitors, the organization is an amazing resource for locals as well. Its new Napa Valley Welcome Center, located within the vibrant, mixed-use First Street Napa corridor, has witnessed record success. “We’ve seen more than three times the number of walk-in visitors in this new location,” said Brice Gosnell, Director of Marketing for Visit Napa Valley. “And many are locals looking for new recreation ideas for themselves or their out-of-town visitors. Our staff are experts at providing 36

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

guidance and recommendations based on interest and budget, and visitors and locals alike are wowed by the 16x9 foot digital screen that displays a rotating sizzle reel of Napa Valley inspiration. Our website is a wealth of information too. You’ll find not only up-to-date information on everything to plan the perfect outing, but also maps, events, descriptions of our distinct towns, and wedding material.”

“ As our brand promise states, Napa Valley is truly legendary. Our new campaign – Cheers, The Good Life – serves as an inspiration to the community to celebrate this good life on a daily basis.” Janette Maack, who manages content marketing and public relations for Visit Napa Valley, never gets tired of discovering the many hidden gems throughout the valley. “As someone who documents happenings and attractions in the valley every day to inspire fans around the world on our social media channels, you might think that I’ve seen all there is to see,” said Maack. “But I am always discovering a new story, a new spot to eat, a hidden gem winery or hike I’ve never heard about - and I love hearing from locals that our social media accounts lead them to new discoveries as well. It truly amazes me that there are so many spectacular experiences packed into one small valley.” “As a one-stop-shop for visitors to the Napa Valley, Visit Napa Valley highlights small businesses like mine that don't always have the opportunity or budget to advertise,” said Chuck Meyer, proprietor of Napa Palisades Saloon and Beer Company and First & Franklin Marketplace. “Guests can plan their entire trip itinerary with the information on visitnapavalley.com, which is very convenient.” Meyer’s idea of the Napa Valley good life is sitting on his back porch during the golden hour in the middle of harvest, listening to the wind blow gently through the

Photo by Lowell Downey

trees, and catching a glimpse of the vineyards on Mount Veeder as he sips a glass of cabernet made by a friend. “It never ceases to amaze me that we live in a place that people want to visit every day,” added Meyer. “I always say to my wife that it feels like we retired early....even if we still have to go to work.” “When my husband and I decided to move out of San Francisco nine years ago to raise our family, it was the notion of the good life that drew us to Napa Valley, and

we couldn’t be prouder to call this worldclass wine region home,” said Gallagher. “Whether we are riding our bikes up the Napa Valley Vine Trail to family movie nights in Yountville, cheering on our kids from the sidelines at little league, or enjoying a backyard barbeque with friends, we find something to share, savor, and discover each day here in Napa Valley.” FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.visitnapavalley.com FALL 2021

HARVEST Napa’s Local Photographers Share Their Inspiration  BY LAURA LARSON

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

s we kick off the ‘Cheers, The Good Life’ with Visit Napa Valley, we felt a celebration of harvest season would be the perfect muse to showcase some of the abundance of riches that represent our Valley. So instead of writing a story about the state of affairs for this vintage or interviewing vintners and growers about the how’s and what’s of the season, we thought it would be an opportune time to capture the season while also celebrating some of our beloved local photographers who work behind the scenes to immortalize the beauty and hidden nuances of this pivotal time of the year. When Napa Valley comes up in a conversation, people most often talk about the area’s beautiful wineries, the fantastic restaurants, and some of the many ways to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. But in the center of it all, Napa Valley is an agricultural community. We grow grapes here. The coveted, lustrous glass of ruby red Cabernet or crisp and cool Sauvignon Blanc sipped and swirled on a sunny afternoon while overlooking one of Napa’s spectacular vistas was grown and harvested among some of the world’s most prestigious and prolific vineyards. And it took a lot of hard work. During harvest season the valley comes alive before dawn as vintners, growers, and harvest workers gather in the vineyards for the pick. The bins are stacked and disbursed among the rows of vines, and it’s quiet except for the sounds of the ripened grape clusters getting tossed in their containers. The air is moist and dark except for the bobbing lights from workers’ helmets as they move from row to row, their trained eyes and skilled harvesting techniques shearing the best of the pick. Then, as the sun rises and dawn creeps in, as quickly as they came, they disappear, and the vintners head off to the winery with the bounties of the morning to start their work. For the layperson who has not had the incredible opportunity to witness or partake in a Napa Valley grape harvest, we’re lucky to have some of the region’s best photographers who are called upon or driven to capture it for us. The collection of photos on the following pages feature some of the inspirations from Alexander Rubin, Bob McClenahan, Emma K. Morris, Lowell Downey, and Suzanne Becker Bronk. We hope you enjoy and appreciate them as much as we do. Cheers to the good life and the abundance of Napa Valley’s riches that can be shared, savored, or discovered. Photo by Emma K. Morris

FALL 2021

Alexander Rubin www.rubinphotography.com

“ One of the things I love most about harvest is driving through Napa Valley with the windows down, the smell of fresh wine as it's crushed, filling the air. Excitement flows through me as another successful vintage is brought in from the vineyard to the winery. It is such a joy to capture this truly special season of the year!”

Clockwise from Top: 1. San Antonio Winery of Cabernet Harvest in Rutherford. 2. Night Harvest for Westwood Wines at Annandale Gap Vineyard 3. Single Grape Sauvignon Blanc 4. Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir Harvest 5. Ehlers Estate Night Sauvignon Blanc Harvest

“I love the palpable energy of harvest season. The whole valley is alive with excitement…and trucks filled with freshly plucked grapes. I rarely have as much fun as a photographer as I do when I’m capturing our hard-working vineyard employees. The workers move with incredible speed as they wield their curved knives. The smell of tractor exhaust mixes with the crisp morning air and sweet aroma of grape juice. Talking, laughing, and sometimes singing accompany the sound of the tractors pulling the trailers of grapes along the rows. It’s exciting, fun, challenging, and quite the honor to photograph these guys (and gals) in action.”

Clockwise from Top: 1. Sarah Francis Wines 2. Spotswoode Estate 3. Morisoli Vineyard 4. Domaine Chandon 5. Stagecoach Vineyard

Bob McClenahan www.bobmcclenahan.com

Emma K. Morris www.emmakmorris.com

Clockwise from Top Left: 1. Night Pick with Tarpon Cellars at Shifflett Estate, St. Helena 2. Hot Air Balloons over Herb Lamb Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Harvest, Yountville 2017 3. Wine, not Blood. Harvest 2018 Forlorn Hope Wines 4. Final pick of the season. Revik Wines in Coombsville 5. Herb Lamb Vineyards Cabernet Harvest 2019

“ I am a very photo journalisticstyle photographer with a background in art curation and creative direction, so capturing the moment in my own unique perspective comes naturally to me. I chose these particular images because they evoke the magic of what it feels like to be immersed in harvest. Warm breath into biting cold air and the headlamps that illuminate the glistening clusters during a night pick, the warm glow of the sun rising over the mountaintop as our famous air balloons hover peacefully in the air, and the incredible men and women that make up the crews who care for and harvest the grapes — without them, we would not have wine to drink. I feel grateful every day to work alongside inspiring and wildly talented winemakers, cellar masters, enologists, and vineyard crews and look forward to the beauty each new harvest year brings.”

Lowell Downey

ART & CLARITY // ww.artclarity.com

“ Janna and I have been photographing the harvest season for over 25 years. Yet in the harvest there is a deep appreciation of the full season of growing, from the farmer's nurturing of the soil, tending to the vine, and coaxing the ideal sugar through summer heat and evening chill. Then under dark, cold skies, tractors, pulling long crates, light up one row at a time while harvesters with worn gloves grasp well-sharpened shears to cleave the grape from the vine. The entire agricultural cycle is fascinating to witness. Once the grape is in the fermenting tank, then comes the festival celebrating the harvest’s reward as wine flows onto the lips of the patrons who provide the coin that makes the next harvest worth another year’s effort.”

Clockwise from Top Left: 1. Dancer 2. Hand Shear 3. Kai with clippers 4. Workers at Night 5. Mike Grgich Looking at Grape

FALL 2021

Suzanne Becker Bronk Bronk Photography // www.photodance.com

“ Each season in the vineyard is one step closer to harvest and now the excitement is palpable. To capture the energy, hard work and optimism around harvest, I’m always looking for perspectives that convey a sense of place, make a point, illuminate, reveal something unexpected, tug at heart strings, contain humor, highlight the strength of the moment, and have emotional impact. I hope my harvest photos honor the people involved in all aspects of the wine making process and bring attention to the importance of taking care of our natural world.”

Clockwise from Top: 1. Night Pick 2. Newly Picked Grapes at Caldwell Vineyard 3. Finally… Women Picking in the Vineyard 4. Silverado Farming Company Pick at Crocker Vineyard 5. Sometimes simple is best

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“ BES T nort h a meric a n w inery ” The Discoverer Blog

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H O W N A PA’ S W I N E INDUSTRY IS MANAGING

Climate Change  BY FRAN MILLER

Photo by Bob McClenahan

Photo by Sarah Anne Risk

haracterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, Napa Valley’s Mediterranean climate is the perfect environment to grow worldclass grape varieties. Yet, along with nearly all other wine regions globally, Napa is experiencing the effects of more extreme weather events, including cycles of drought and an increasing frequency of significant wildfire events. As a result, climate change is no longer merely a future threat; it is real and very present, and it’s changing the way that Napa’s vintners and grape growers manage their businesses. At their essence, vintners and grape growers are farmers, adept at adapting to Mother Nature’s whims and renowned for employing the most up-to-date technology for growing premium grapes and producing consistent quality wines. Nevertheless, a top priority has become slowing the rate of climate change and mitigating the effects of drought, heat, and wildfire. Napa wineries have made it 46

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Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Grapegrowers

through low water years many times in the past, and most have become adept at smart water management; local leaders have come together to work with regional governments to promote fire safety. “Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) has always embraced sustainability as a vital part of preservation and agricultural permanence,” said Molly Moran Williams, the organization’s industry and community relations director. “Our work to preserve agriculture is part of our climate resilience work, so we're naturally excited to look ahead at opportunities to become more climate-smart. We currently provide educational programs in both Spanish and English on climate science and best farming practices. We are also conducting a comprehensive vineyard trial in partnership with UC Davis, Oakville Station, and Cal Poly SLO, focused on soil health and climate mitigation. This work to translate science into practice in the field is essential.

Vinwood Solar

“Napa County is small,” added Williams. “So, we won’t solve climate change alone, but 11% of the world is covered in farmland, with 18M acres of vineyards worldwide. If we can invest in local solutions and engage and share with the global grape growing and farming community, that’s our chance to really make a difference.” Two of the most significant issues facing wineries right now are drought and wildfires.

DROUGHT Unlike other crops, grapevines can survive and  even  thrive with little water. Table grapes, for instance, are grown more for size than flavor and require more water than wine grapes that are grown for smaller yields and more concentrated flavors - qualities that require less water. So it makes sense that many vineyards in the Napa Valley can be farmed using relatively little to no irrigated water by practicing deficit irrigation or even dry-farming. In addition to irrigation management, tactics can be employed

in the vineyard to reduce the need for added water through proper canopy and soil management. Vine vigor can be controlled, and water holding capacity of soils can be increased through best farming practices. Rather than relying on groundwater, some grape growers in Napa use recycled water (either reclaimed during the winemaking process or rigorously treated to qualify for use) to help irrigate vineyards, a common and accepted practice throughout the world and an environmentally responsible way to conserve scarce and expensive water supplies. And most growers and vintners now use water monitoring resources that help determine where water is needed at the vineyard block and sometimes even the vine level. Jackson Family Wines, for instance, as part of their ‘Rooted for Good: Road Map to 2030’ long-term sustainability vision, is investing in new technologies to ensure precision deficit irrigation. Proprietors of six Napa Valley wineries, the family-owned company is exploring innovative water evaporation reduction techniques in their reservoirs and continuing to collaborate on groundwater recharge and watershed restoration projects that protect and enhance local ecosystems and fish habitats. “My family has always been deeply committed to land stewardship, caring for the environment and our communities, and ensuring our family wine company endures for generations to come,” said Jackson Family Wines' second-generation proprietor Katie Jackson, senior vice president of corporate responsibility. “Our Rooted for Good plan provides a roadmap to do our part to take action against climate change, improve our environmental footprint and make a positive difference in our communities.”

WILDFIRES Preventing large wildfire events is one of the most pressing issues for the entire Napa Valley community and is top of mind for both growers and vintners alike. Following 2020's devastating fire season, Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) and more than 50 vintner leaders established a Fire Prevention and Mitigation Committee to focus their wildfire prevention efforts. NVG’s Wildfire Task Force was also formed to address issues surrounding land management strategies for fire prevention and farmworker safety. The two organizations have collaborated with other industry partners, local government,  and the local Fire-Wise organizations to further empower growers and vintners to protect their properties, enhance the local firefighting effort, and reduce fuel loads. NVV and

NVG intensively and successfully lobbied to adopt Napa County's first-ever Community Wildfire Protection Plan and total funding of the projects identified in the plan's first year ($6.4 million). To ensure maximized local firefighting effectiveness, NVV and NVG joined other local industry groups to request that the Napa County Board of Supervisors closely study other counties' firefighting models before automatically renewing its agreement CalFire when the current contract expires in two years. “Between dealing with floods, earthquakes, and now wildfires, our community has become very adept at dealing with natural disasters,” said Rex Stults, vice president of industry relations for NVV. “Napa always rallies and rises to the occasion to do what is necessary to move forward. It’s happening again right now, with the industry, local government, and community at large working together to ensure we are better prepared than we were last year or even last month.” Growers and vintners are actively working to prepare their properties to defend against the threat of fire by increasing defensible space areas, reducing potential fuel loads around building structures, installing water and gel spray defense systems, altering building materials to prevent embers from igniting into larger fires, increasing their on-site water storage for firefighting, training staff in preparedness measures, performing permitted controlled burns, installing fuel break lines, and acquiring more defensive fire equipment.

program. In addition, a new Napa Green Vineyard program is specifically focused on Climate Action, helping growers reduce their carbon footprint  and store more carbon in their soils. “As a 2017 Napa wildfire and 2020 Glass fire victim, I realized first-hand the issues caused by climate change and its destructive power,” said Igor Sill, proprietor of Atlas Peak’s Sill Family Vineyards, a Napa Green, Fish Friendly Farming and Wildlife Federation certified winery. “So I started to figure out how to combat and affect our carbon footprint while sequestering carbon. With the assistance of the CA Land Stewardship Institute, we initiated a comprehensive carbon audit throughout our vineyards and buildings, intending to become carbon neutral and potentially carbon negative. We enrolled in the Climate Adaptation Certification Program, which is taking us to a higher level of direct action on climate change and reducing carbon emissions. And we continue to utilize other methods of conserving carbon and minimizing emissions like composting from local sources (Upper Valley Recycling) and cutting down on electricity. I believe that by making these changes, we can make a difference.”

Napa growers and vintners are fortunate to be able to look to the leadership of The Napa Green Program for leadership in combatting climate change.

NAPA GREEN Napa growers and vintners are fortunate to be able to look to the leadership of The Napa Green Program for leadership in combatting climate change. Developed in the early 2000s with environmental, regulatory, and industry stakeholders, Napa Green is a comprehensive sustainability certification whereby vineyards and wineries limit their carbon footprints by implementing land management and operational changes. More than 90 wineries are certified in the Napa Green Winery

SO WHAT DOES NAPA VALLEY’S FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

“At the end of the day, vintners and grape growers are farmers who must successfully adapt, harvest to harvest, season to season, year to year, and they have done so for nearly two centuries in the Napa Valley, and for many thousands of years worldwide,” said Stults. “Napa Valley is a strong, agricultural community and the region’s agricultural traditions will carry on. No matter what that future holds, Napa Valley's vintners and growers will surely continue to adapt and change their practices to continue making some of the world’s highest quality wines.” FALL 2021

Photos courtesy of Napa Valley Vintners

PREMIERE NAPA VALLEY

RELEASE WEEK Unveils Winemaker Creativity

 BY FRAN MILLER

he varietals and blends created for Premiere Napa Valley by Napa Valley’s winemakers are nearly always a revelation. Those who primarily craft a specific variety, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, are cut loose from their tried-and-true varietal bonds to create something out of the ordinary, and more often than not, the extraordinary. As a result, Premiere Napa Valley wines are some of the world’s most unique offerings. They are presented at the annual wine futures auction in February only to wine retailers and restaurateurs who curate and offer them to their clientele. And the highly anticipated annual Premiere Napa Valley Release Week (November 8 – 13 this year) marks the initial release of these wines in the market. During Premiere Napa Valley Release Week, those who have purchased Premiere Napa Valley wines at auction now have the opportunity to share and present their prized vinous assets to the world, providing wine lovers the chance to sample these coveted creations. Consumers can find them in a variety of places: a private club, an intimate wine bar, a local retailer, or a nationwide wine store. This year’s release is of the 2018s, a vintage many retailers and vintners claim to be some of Napa Valley’s 48

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best. “The quality of the 2018 vintage is unbelievable,” said Gary Fisch, founder, and CEO of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace. “They range from bright, rich, fruity wines to wines that have good grit and structure.” “We ended up with wines that are powerful and polished; they are collector’s wines,” said Renée Ary, winemaker at Duckhorn. They are going to show great 10 to 15 years down the road.” “2018 was a magical combination of being a very big vintage and a perfect ripening season,” added Cathy Corison, proprietor of Corison Winery. “The wines are gorgeous.” “I think the 2018 vintage is an epic vintage in Napa Valley,” said Wesley Steffens, winemaker at Vineyard 7 & 8. “I think you’re getting all the best that Napa Valley wants to give in a wine. Great structure, fruit-forward, with soft and polished tannins.” Created 25 years ago by Napa Valley Vintners (NVV), the annual Premiere Napa Valley auction is the most important business event of the year for the Napa Valley winemaking community. Members of NVV participate by providing 60, 120, or 240 bottles of a unique wine made specifically for the auction. During a typical year, roughly 225 worldwide trade members attend, where they taste wines from the barrel and then bid.

Premiere Napa Valley wines tell the stories of the soils, microclimates, and remarkable personalities that make up the mosaic of Napa Valley. They are among the world’s rarest wines, and each represents the quality and innovation for which America’s leading wine region has become known. Examples of Premiere offerings include rare single-vineyard releases, unique varieties that a winery or winemaker doesn’t often make, and partnership blends created by two or more famed winemakers who do not typically work together “What I love about Premiere Napa Valley wines is that there really are no limits,” said Nate Weiss, Director of Winemaking at Silver Oak. “For winemakers, this is a fantastic way for them to dive deep and focus on one micro-lot, really showcasing their art,” said Aaron Pott, owner of Pott wine. All proceeds from Premiere Napa Valley benefit programs to promote, protect and enhance Napa Valley.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.premierenapavalley.com

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Friday - Sunday 10AM - 5PM, by appointment. 707.302.1160 | CALMEREESTATE.COM

FALL 2021

Feast it Forward

NAPA VALLEY WINE COLLECTIVES Discover Hidden Treasures from Napa’s Small, Family-Owned Vintners  BY LAURA LARSON

Napa Valley is consistently ranked as one of the top ten wine destinations around the globe. And why not? It’s the home of over 475 physical wineries with remarkably talented winemakers producing some of the world’s finest wines. Many visitors come to visit the wineries with estate properties and experiences that flaunt picturesque views of rolling vineyards and majestic mountain terrain, but for the wine lover whose mission is to discover small, hard-to-find labels most people know very little about, Napa Valley’s wine collectives are the places to search out.

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ore and more wine collectives are popping up around Napa Valley as small, boutique, family wineries look for brick and mortar tasting rooms to showcase their labels. The fact is, many of the micro and nano wineries that produce 3000 cases or less are often restricted by costs or permits to open a tasting room or hospitality center to host guests on their property. As a result, many of these vintners sample and sell their rare and often cult-caliber labels at a wine collective. Thus, combining forces presents a symbiotic proposition for the small vintners to showcase their wines in a single venue and for the discerning oenophile to discover some of Napa’s rare winery gems that can’t be found outside of Napa Valley. While there are many popping up around Napa Valley, here is a list with a formidable following:

MIA CARTA Mia Carta touts itself as a destination wine collective and tasting bar featuring six Napa Valley micro-producing wineries. Its open-air, sleekly designed tasting room in downtown Napa offers patrons a choice of tables for people watching right on First Street or private alcoves for various tasting experiences. Wines are also available by the bottle, glass, or flight. // 1209 First St., Napa // www.miacartanapavalley.com

Amanda Carder and Ann Marie Miller of Reciprocity Wines

Rebel Vintners Mia Carta

Participating Vintners: Art House Wines, Essere Napa, Ilsley Vineyards, RARECAT Wines, Redmon Wines, and Sciandri Family Vineyards REBEL VINTNERS Rebel Vintners is a collective tasting room featuring wines from three boutique producers. All are owner and winemakeroperated, and the vintners are always on-site serving their small production wines from the best growing regions of Northern California. A daily six-wine flight includes two from each boutique producer. // 1201 First St. // www.rebelvintners.com Participating Vintners: Leaf and Vine, Uncharted, Cadle Family Wines RECIPROCITY WINES Reciprocity Wines is a collective launched by wine industry veterans Amanda Carder and Ann-Marie Miller, with a distinctive twist—they are all online. The digital framework offers unique access to small independent producers who are passionate about making high-quality wines at reasonable prices to wine lovers

For the wine lover whose mission is to discover small, hardto-find labels most people know very little about, Napa Valley’s wine collectives are the places to search out.

everywhere. Leveraging their industry relationships and knowledge, Ann Marie and Amanda focus on making connections and matching their clients with vintners and wines that meet their preferences. The vintners they work with are small, family-owned, produce unusual and lesser-known grape varietals that are hard to find in California, and source grapes from sustainably farmed, organic and/or biodynamic vineyards. In a region where it’s hard to find wines for less than $100 a bottle, Reciprocity prides itself on promoting quality wines that are approachable to drink and buy, most with price points between $30 and $50. // www.reciprocitywines.com Participating Vintners: 601 Cellars, Battuello Vineyards, Carboniste, Deweys, Majuscule, and Skyhard Cellars FALL 2021

Wines, KrisTodd Vineyards, La Sirena Wines, Longfellow, Nellcôte, Oestermann Family Wines, On Q Wines, Parallel, Patel, RA Harrison Family Cellars, Richard Perry, Riley’s Rows, Roy Estate, Surh Cellars, Tela, Tournesol, Vermillion, Vinoce THE WINE THIEF Conveniently located in the popular Oxbow corridor, The Wine Thief is a vintner-owned and operated tasting lounge focused on the little guy. The wines they serve are small production, hand-crafted, family-owned labels, each with its own story and scarcely available anywhere else in the world. The tasting room is bright, the vibe is local, and it’s a great place to meet the vintners who are often on-site. // 708 1st St., Napa // www. twtnapa.com

Wine Thief Owner Vintners Jarred Pearce and Andy Renda

inside and out or in their newly expanded patio space called “The Yard,” which will host live music and local food vendors for all to enjoy. // 1031 McKinstry St. // www.feastitforward.com Participating Vintners: Acre, b. wise, Coho Wines, Coquerel Wines, Euclid Wines, Elyse Winery, Gibbs Vineyards, Layne Family Wines, Localism Wines, Mancini Di Lucca, Majuscule Wines, McKahn Family Cellars, Olette Wines, Oberon Wines

Vintners Collective

THE STUDIO BY FEAST IT FORWARD Feast It Forward is a unique venue known for its eclectic approach to celebrating wine and food. The unique network live studio + experiential showroom features a multi-winery tasting room and retail shop, essentially creating a sandbox for national brands to promote and engage consumers. The wine program showcases a myriad of family-owned small wines which can be acquired and consumed by the bottle or glass. Patrons may enjoy their sips among its many interesting nooks both 52

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VINTNER’S COLLECTIVE Vintner’s Collective was one of the pioneer tasting venues in downtown Napa and remains exceptional with its extensive list of wines representing over 30 small production vintners and its award-winning wine club. The two-story space occupies a historic stone building that was once a bordello with a wine bar downstairs which is open for drop-in or reserved tastings. There is also a private tasting lounge and rooftop patio upstairs. The Collective is well-known for its wine tasting and themed club events, where several vintners come out to pour, and delectable food pairings are served. // 1245 Main St. // www.vintnerscollective.com Participating Vintners: Ancien Wines, Azur Wines, Barrett & Barrett, Buoncristiani, Carte Blanche, Clark-Claudon Vineyards, Covert Estate, D Cubed, Ellman Family Vineyards, Flanagan, Hailstone, Herson Family, Hertelendy Vineyards, Julien Fayard

Participating Vintners: AJ Pearce Wines, Brace and Bit, Buoncristiani Family Winery, Correlation Wine Co., Delgadillo Cellars, Kale Wines, Lepich, Purlieu In addition to the winery collective model, there are numerous production facility wineries that provide crush services to small vintners. Often as part of the arrangement, they also offer them access to tasting room amenities. Traditionally, the hosting winery holds the title to the site, and the independent crush partner wineries may set up private appointments to host guests and prospective customers to sample and acquire their wines on the property. In addition to the exclusive vintner tasting experience, in some cases, guests may book fellow partner vintner tastings during a visit. Here’s a short list of production wineries with a broad range of vintner partners and labels:

Brasswood Cellars

3111 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena www.brasswood.com

The Caves at Soda Canyon 2275 Soda Canyon Rd., Napa www.thecavesatsodacanyon.com

Fayard Winemaking

190 Camino Oruga, Napa www.fayardwinemaking.com

Silenus Artisan Vintners

5225 Solano Ave., Napa www.silenusartisanvintners.com

Wheeler Farms

588 Zinfandel Ln., St. Helena www.wheelerfarmswine.com

We welcome you to our tasting room in the historic Calistoga National Bank building.

Tasting Room Open Daily by Appointment 10:30am - 5:00pm 1373 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515 KnightsBridgeWinery.com | 707-341-3391 | follow us

NVL winemaker spotlight

Today, his extensive viticultural skills are highly sought after, reflected in the quality of well-balanced wines crafted at his two properties: Venge Vineyards in Calistoga and Croix Estates in Russian River Valley, where over a dozen wines are produced. A busy man in big demand, Kirk is also the consulting winemaker and collaborator for 12 different and exciting brands: Hunnicutt, Macauley, Bacio Divino, JAX, B Cellars, Trespass, Eleven Eleven, Mirror, Tres Perlas, Promise, Sky Devil, and Implicit.

“ It’s the opportunity to make wine for other people that truly round out my continued learning and broader experiences.”

Kirk Venge of Venge Vineyards:

GROWING UP in the BUSINESS  BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

| PHOTO COURTESY OF VENGE VINEYARDS

alifornia is, of course, a place where a family-owned wine business currently in its third generation defines it as “pioneering.” Kirk Venge fondly recalls growing up in the industry in Rutherford, knowing as early as the first grade that — like his father Nils — he wanted to ride a tractor, travel around, meet interesting people, and grow up to be a winemaker one day. “My earliest memories are of being at Saddleback Vineyard in Oakville with my dad, standing around the basket press, and

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my job was to change the bucket out from a tiny drain pan. We probably made five or six barrels of Cabernet back then.” Because his grandfather, Per, was a wine and spirits importer, the family story goes back to the 1950s. Like his father before him, Kirk attended UC Davis to obtain a degree in viticulture and enology. Following overseas internships and mentorships with some of the best, including Mumm Napa, Kirk Venge’s vision eventually came true.

“I’ve been making wine for over 20 years. And as a consulting winemaker, it’s the opportunity to make wine for other people that truly round out my continued learning and broader experiences. Winemaking is an evolution. You take what Mother Nature gives you, plus the variables you can control. And each season, you must ask yourself, ‘What can I do this year to improve upon last year?’” Venge Vineyards wines are handcrafted from fruit grown on family-owned sites throughout Napa Valley. Due to limited production, they’re available to current subscribers during seasonal allocation periods year-round. With advance reservations, visitors in groups of six or less are welcomed for privately hosted tastings at the 12-acre Calistoga estate seven days a week. These days, Kirk spends about six weeks a year on the road visiting key markets in places such as Florida, New York, Texas, and Michigan. He also gets to France a couple of times a year, most recently to storied destinations like Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape along the Côte du Rhône. Napa Valley Life Magazine caught up with him on the way to Talon Lodge & Spa in Sitka, Alaska for a fishing trip with his father— but that’s another story. “I do like big wines,” said Kirk. “But most of all, I enjoy encouraging people to become confident about wine and appreciate the ease of having a good time.” FOR MORE INFORMATION

707-942-9100 4708 Silverado Trail N. Calistoga, CA 94515 www.vengevineyards.com

STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS

In Honor of Steven Spurrier and The Judgment of Paris  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

his year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of the infamous Judgment of Paris, which ranked two California wines above some of the most prestigious wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux. The blind wine tasting concealed the wines’ identities until after the jury of nine prominent French tasters voted its order of preference. The tasters judged the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon the best red wine, besting four top-ranked Bordeaux, including firstgrowths Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion. The event’s profound repercussions were made more poignant earlier this year with the death of the man who conceived of and organized the event—the British wine expert Steven Spurrier. Curious to see how California wines would fare against French wines made from the same grapes, he involved highly respected French tasters, but the presence of American wines was unbeknownst to them. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Winemaker Marcus Notaro summed up Steven’s significance when he said, “Steven was a true visionary, and his idea to create the Judgment of Paris – to pit the best of Bordeaux against the new wines of California – changed the history of California wine and certainly brought

international and enduring recognition to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.” He continued, “He has left a lasting impact and legacy on our winery and the world of wine.” Named after the rocky promontory of the Stags Leap Palisades and the legend of the stag that leaped to freedom across the peaks, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars had produced its first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon just four years before the Judgment of Paris. The Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars win impacted Napa Valley and made the Stags Leap District famous worldwide; a succession of honors and awards followed. Wall Street Journal’s Barbara Ensrud famously said the 1976 Judgment of Paris affected the wine world “like a vinous shot heard round the world.” In 1989, the Stags Leap District in Napa Valley became an American Viticultural Area. In 1996, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History placed a bottle of the history-making 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon in the permanent collection. In 2013, it was named one of the Smithsonian’s “Objects that Made America.” Still today, the tasting results are on display in the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars visitor center. Given its weighty pedigree, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is pulling out all the stops

Photos courtesy of Stags Leap Wine Cellars

to honor the tasting that catapulted the winery, the Napa Valley, and American wine to an international audience. On October 5, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars hosted a Napa Valley Tribute. The event celebrated Steven Spurrier at a four-course luncheon in the estate vineyard. It included other Napa Valley wines from the original “Judgment of Paris” wineries—Chateau Montelena, Freemark Abbey, and Clos du Val. And, in honor of the 45th anniversary, the winery is offering an exclusive commemorative tasting until the end of the year, pouring four vintages of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon to illustrate the evolution of this iconic wine: 2002 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon; 2007 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon; 2012 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon; and 2017 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon. Or join the winery for its November 6 “The Art of Aging” event. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.stagsleapwinecellars.com FALL 2021

ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS Perfecting California Classics, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah  BY ELIZABETH SMITH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERT BIALE VINEYARDS

Wine consumers and industry colleagues recognize Robert Biale Vineyards as the gold standard for producing such varieties. The winery’s ongoing commitment to producing small quantities of wine from concentrated, intense, and old-vine fruit is second to none. “Diligent farming, expressive terroir, and superb elegance are the hallmarks of our winery,” said Bob Biale. Under winemaker Tres Goetting, who has been making wine at Biale since 2013, Robert Biale Vineyards offers a portfolio of 20 handcrafted wines. “Having the ability to taste living history from vines planted well over 100 years ago is a compelling reason to stop in and try one or more of our 15 singlevineyard Zinfandel offerings,” added Biale. Black Chicken Zinfandel is the winery’s flagship wine. The grapes come from the estate vineyard in the cool, southern Oak Knoll District AVA. It is the benchmark expression of Napa Valley Zinfandel and a Black Chicken Society wine club favorite due to its excellence and endearing story surrounding the name. According to Goetting, the 2019 Black Chicken Zinfandel is round and plush with a gentle grip of perfectly ripe tannins. Bright aromas with fine-grained texture, this wine exhibits notes of red and dark fruit – raspberries, cherries, blackberries – star anise, black and white pepper, cocoa, and subtle, nuanced oak. Age-worthy,

Photo by Lynda Carol Photography

he story behind the inception of family-owned and operated Robert Biale Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s greatest treasures. It began in the 1940s when 14-year-old Aldo Biale was trying to find a way to assist his mother, Cristina, to help supplement his family’s income after his father, Pietro, died in a rock quarry explosion. The tragic loss of his father at such a young age propelled a tenacious Aldo into winemaking, which he learned under the guidance of his Uncle Angelo. He began selling Zinfandel to Napans in the know, who would call the party line telephone system to order eggs, produce, and ‘Black Chicken’‘Gallina Nera’ in Italian – which was the code word for a jug of his bootleg wine. For those unfamiliar with the old-school party line, it was a system in which callers shared the same line and could hear each other’s conversations. Hence, the code name, ‘Black Chicken’ prevented the authorities and 56

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Bob Biale & Tres Goetting

neighbors from discovering the clandestine and highly sought-after Zinfandel. When Aldo purchased his first car several years later, a blue 1940s Studebaker, he began personally delivering orders on Fridays. In 1991, Robert (Bob) Biale and his partners Dave Pramuk, Al Perry, and his father, Aldo, founded Robert Biale Vineyards. For thirty years, their focus has been perfecting the production of California classic grape varieties like Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from heritage vineyards, some of whose vines date to the 1880s.

Aldo & Bob Biale

compelling, and decadent, this beautifully proportioned Zinfandel is ready to enjoy now and will continue to age gracefully over the next three to five years. Robert Biale Vineyards is open to visitors by appointment only seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Their “Valley Vista Experience” offers a relaxed, seated tasting on the winery's back porch facing the estate's vineyards with an exceptional view of Napa Valley. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.biale.com

MIRA WINERY

A NEW TASTING HOTSPOT and a MUST-SEE IN YOUNTVILLE  BY ELIZABETH SMITH | PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRA WINERY

ne of Napa Valley’s most exciting under-the-radar, must-visit newcomers is Mira Winery, located just south of the town of Yountville. Mira’s name comes from the Latin root of “miracle” and Greek for “destiny.” Visitors to Mira’s Hospitality House will find it a miraculous destination indeed. Opened in late 2019, its architecture showcases the perfect proportions of the Golden Ratio in a serene setting constructed from natural California gold stone and reclaimed roof tile from a century-old French villa. To experience the estate is to walk the Golden Ratio, savor Mira’s single-vineyard, single-varietal wines in an intimate, relaxed, natural setting, and gain an in-depth understanding of why this one-of-a-kind vineyard is the starting point for Mira’s never-ending pursuit of miracles. Mira Winery is also the only place in the Western Hemisphere where guests will see Ovum, the winery’s wooden, egg-shaped fermenter. Ovum also embodies the Golden Ratio in both form and function, allowing fermentation to mix naturally inside the egg. Mira Winery is the result of a chance encounter between two men, renowned Napa Valley winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez and entrepreneur Jim “Bear” Dyke, Jr., at the Off the Record Bar in the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. in 2005. “I had just finished hosting a winemaker dinner,” recalled Gonzalez. “I was having a beer

The only place in the Western Hemisphere where guests will see Ovum, the winery’s wooden, egg-shaped fermenter.

Photo by Brian Gray

and talking with the bartender when Bear walked in, and we struck up a conversation.” While discussing their love of wine, Gonzalez shared his fascination with the Golden Ratio and its connection to the Fibonacci Sequence. This formula first appeared in ancient Sanskrit texts and later in Leonardo Fibonacci’s “Liber Abaci.” As “nature's universal rule” and considered the “divine proportion” of perfection, it governs calculations in art, architecture, nature, and finances.

After a few hours of conversation and a few glasses of wine, a friendship was born, and the dream of starting a winery ignited. In 2009, the miracle of Mira Winery came to fruition with the production of their first wine, a Syrah from the venerable Hyde Vineyard in Carneros. In 2016, they established the 16-acre estate vineyard, winery, and tasting room. Gonzalez’ goal as an artisanal winemaker is to make wines in the gentlest, most natural way, so they reveal the diverse, distinctive voices of some of Napa Valley’s most storied vineyards: Schweizer Vineyard in the Stags Leap District – continuously planted to vines since the 1880s – and Hyde Vineyard in Carneros. Guests must not miss tasting the 2016 Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015 Schweizer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2016 Hyde Vineyard Syrah. Mira Winery’s seated, private tour and tasting is $150 per person. One tasting fee will be waived for every three bottles or more purchased. Additional elevated experiences are available, like the Napa Valley Cabernet Spotlight, whose focus is four Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines, including library vintages, for $250 per person. One tasting fee will be waived for every four or more bottles purchased. One should allow at least 90 minutes for the tasting and tour experience. Visits are by appointment. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.miranapa.com FALL 2021

Winemaker Rudy Zuidema

M E E T

Napa de Oro:

Napa’s Liquid Gold  BY KATIE SWEENEY | PHOTOS BY DEAN PATROCINIO

Owners Abe Marapao and Noe Taojo

alifornia has always had a connection to gold. The Gold Rush was sparked by the discovery of gold nuggets in the Sacramento Valley in the late 1840s and was one of the most significant events to shape American history. Napa, too, was affected by the Gold Rush. The city was laid out by Nathan Coombs in 1848 and grew tremendously through the gold rush era. Drawing on that legacy, Napa de Oro, or Golden Napa, was born. In 2019, two lifelong friends who shared a passion for wine and excellence pursued their dream to make wine in Napa Valley. Abe Marapao, an attorney based in Los Angeles, and Noe Taojo (known as Butch among friends) teamed up with Napa’s hotshot winemaker Rudy Zuidema to create their own brand. Napa de Oro (Spanish for gold) was named with the hope of becoming a lasting, internationally 58

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respected producer of quality wines, similar to gold, which is useful forever and never dulls. True to their heritage, their patented logo, which features a golden sun surrounded by three stars, was inspired by the Philippine flag. Zuidema uses a natural, respectful, and non-manipulative approach to winemaking, resulting in wines that tell their individual and unique stories. Having worked with many exceptional vineyards throughout the Napa Valley region, including AVAs of Howell Mountain, Coombsville, Rutherford, Mount George, Carneros, and St. Helena, Zuidema believes wine should represent its region, vineyard, and year of origin. Napa de Oro wines, produced from their vineyard in Coombsville, illustrate his technique and stand out for their fragrant aroma, sophistication, elegance, balance, complexity, and beauty.

Napa de Oro currently produces eight varietals of wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and its sister varietal, Caroline’s Red Blend, named after Butch’s wife. A reserve Cabernet, the Au79 was named after the atomic number and symbol of gold on the periodic table of elements, from the Latin word aurum meaning shining dawn. The bottles are already drawing rave reviews. Napa de Oro’s Chardonnay was recently awarded the “Double Gold Award” and named “Best in Class” at the 2021 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Napa de Oro is establishing its rightful place in the Napa region and recently acquired the historic Tudal Winery in St. Helena, which gained prominence when President Ronald Reagan served their wine at the White House. The new winery location and soon-to-open wine tasting room will put this unique boutique winery in the center of the map of Napa Valley. It is all part of Napa de Oro’s big plan to make their portfolio accessible to wine lovers everywhere, and in going for the gold, around the world. To become a Napa de Oro insider, the Karat Wine Club features two types of membership: the 14K and the 24K. Member benefits include decreased prices on shipments, invitations to Karat Club events, access to large format bottles, and two annual private tastings for up to six people at the estate vineyard house. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.napadeoro.com

Frank Family’s Sparkling Wine Legacy Carries On  BY MARISA MCCANN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS

parkling wine is in the genetic makeup of Frank Family Vineyards. Originally built in 1884, their historic winery was home to one of California’s earliest sparkling wine producers, Hanns Kornell Champagne Cellars. Decades later, Frank Family continues to honor the heritage of their iconic winery by handcrafting four distinctive sparkling wines in a range of styles, from their classic Chardonnaybased Blanc de Blancs to their late disgorged tête de cuvée, named Lady Edythe.

IT STARTS IN THE VINEYARD The finest sparkling wines are crafted from cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and Frank Family’s second home in Carneros, just like Champagne, France, produces just that. Spanning over ten different vineyard blocks of various elevations, microclimates, and soil compositions, their family-owned Lewis Vineyard holds the key elements to build the perfect bottle of bubbly – full of brightness, depth, and allure. The unique maritime fog provides the ultimate hang time for the ripening grapes, pivotal in developing cool-climate aromatics and maintaining high acidity. Strong breezes tunneling through the vines throughout the day create thick skins and tiny clusters for an intense fruit-focused palate. The restricting shallow and dense

clay loam soils result in extremely low yields, producing grapes with strong character and balanced freshness. The fruit is harvested by hand at the peak of ripeness and in the coolness of the night to preserve the purity of the fruit flavors. Grapes are handled with gentle care as they are transported to the winery and immediately pressed. “We put a big focus on single-vineyard, house-made wines to give us total control from vineyard to bottle,” said Winemaker Todd Graff. “This ensures our high-quality standards are not just being met, but exceeded,” he continued. Indeed, each Frank Family wine is handcrafted in-house, and their dedication has earned them the recognition of leading the effort of “Grower-Champagnes” in the United States.

THE TIME IT TAKES Frank Family employs the labor-intensive méthode champenoise to produce each of their sparkling wines, a patient process that takes no less than five years from vineyard to consumer. “The world’s finest sparkling wines are made by the méthode champenoise, and while it is the costliest way to produce sparkling wine, we knew there was simply no other option when it came to producing ours,” said Todd.

The process begins once a base wine undergoes its first fermentation. Then, sugar and yeast are added to the bottle, igniting the secondary fermentation, creating the small, delicate bubbles for which Frank Family sparkling wines are adored. Finally, each sparkling wine is aged in the bottle for a least three years, with the Lady Edythe Reserve Brut receiving an impressive eight years of aging prior to release. This additional three to eight years resting on the lees (spent yeast cells) provides a delightfully creamy and rich texture to support the natural acidity found in their Carneros-designated sparkling wines. By continuing in the sparkling tradition of their historic property, Frank Family Vineyards is holding true to their vision of becoming a leading California “grower-producer.” Their four unique sparkling wines, including a Pinot Noir-based Rouge and their popular, Brut Rosé, are finessed yet fun and suitable for an array of occasions, foods, and seasons. The history, love, and hard work can be tasted in every sip. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.frankfamilyvineyards.com FALL 2021

NVL winemaker spotlight

Newton Vineyard Winemaker

ANDREW HOLVE Fulfills the Mountain Winery's Vision  BY FRAN MILLER

Photos courtesy of Newton Vineyard

o truly know Newton Vineyard and its wines, one must understand its history, its prominence within the Napa winery community, and its resilience. Founded in 1977 by English businessman Peter Newton, the Spring Mountain winery, long lauded for its complex varietals, was significantly damaged by the 2020 Glass Fire. But thanks to the teamwork of its small winemaking crew, led by winemaker Andrew Holve, the Newton label is not only enduring, it is thriving. At the Newton helm since July 2021, Holve, a Sonoma County native, joined the winery in August 2015, shortly after earning his master’s degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis. His path to winemaking entailed a post-undergrad (USC) position with Americorps, where he worked on a wide range 60

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of projects, from building homes with Habitat for Humanity to riparian restoration with the Bureau of Land Management. “That is when I discovered that I enjoyed working with my hands, being outdoors, and creating things,” said Holve. “And my thoughts returned to friends in Sonoma County whose families were in the wine business, who had often encouraged me to join them. I grew up around wine, but I hadn’t realized until then how strong an affinity I had for the work itself.” As Newton’s lead winemaker since July 2021, Holve oversees a solid winemaking team of five, some of whom have been with the winery for 30 years. “Our team has great longevity, and we know our in-house style and what we are trying to produce,” said Holve, who credits predecessors Rob Mann and Alberto Bianchi as his mentors.

Newton’s ‘in-house style’ entails a profile for which Peter Newton originally left the valley floor as the owner of Sterling Vineyards to found Newton. He believed that the steep mountain hillsides with well-drained, rich rock volcanic soils would deliver a distinctive, truthful terroir expression. And he was right. He established his new winery in the bucolic Spring Mountain appellation on the northwestern side of the valley, cradled in a bowl on the ridgeline of the Mayacamas mountain range where the vines grow at varied elevations and with differences in exposure and wind patterns. His resulting wines embraced contrast while delivering a classic freshness, precision, and supple ripeness offered by the mountain terrain and Napa’s Mediterranean climate. Today, Holve honors Newton’s original vision by continuing to champion mountain vineyards, as well as their estate in Carneros, from which grapes for the winery’s iconic Chardonnays are sourced. Yet, he is ready to inject a bit of his own style. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to achieve, what my personal influence and direction will be with Newton going forward,” said Holve, whose favorite Newton varietal is the hallmark ‘The Puzzle.’

incorporating Mt. Veeder grapes and fully capturing what the Mayacamas Mountain Range can give us,” said Holve. “Getting to play with different vineyards to come up

“ Ultimately, the environment shapes all of our wines, and I nurture and allow them time to make a wine that spotlights and stands true to the Napa Valley. It’s been pretty special being at Newton because there are not many wineries that have vineyards from elevations of 1800 feet, with all of these different exposures and aspects. I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the history of one of Napa Valley’s most historic and highly acclaimed wineries.” Created three decades ago as a Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes sourced from a Spring Mountain plot resembling a puzzle piece, The Puzzle has evolved into a delectable Bordeaux Blend of grapes from several Newton sites. The 2018 The Puzzle is a blend of varieties sourced exclusively from 43 individual parcels - 33 from Spring Mountain, five from Yountville, and five from Mount Veeder. Deep ruby in color with a purple hue, its notes of black fruit, bay leaf, and sage mingle with iodine and oyster shell characteristics to create a complex and pleasant bouquet. “The Puzzle is rooted in this Spring Mountain Estate, but we are now

with a blend that is my own interpretation of the property and being able to capture the particular vintage expression and season is why I get out of bed in the morning. The Puzzle allows me to fully express our unique mountain top vineyards and share this sense of place. To be able to create this incredible wine with my unique interpretation is very rewarding to me.” “Ultimately, the environment shapes all of our wines, and I nurture and allow them time to make a wine that spotlights and stands true to the Napa Valley. It’s been pretty special being at Newton because there are not many wineries that have

vineyards from elevations of 1800 feet, with all of these different exposures and aspects. I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the history of one of Napa Valley’s most historic and highly acclaimed wineries.” Holve is proud that Newton recently received the CCOF Organic Certification for all three of their estate vineyards, a rigorous three-year administrative process led by viticulturist Laura Deyermond. “Minimizing our impact on the land and working with nature has always been part of our DNA and ethos,” said Holve. With a ‘nature by design’ philosophy, Newton embraces rather than seeks to alter the complexities of its land and climate. The steep vineyard blocks have always dictated that farming be done by hand, resulting in artisanal quality that is inherent in every wine, celebrating the high standards to which Newton has always remained committed. While Newton’s Spring Mountain facility is rebuilt and the vineyards replanted, the team partners with St. Helena’s Brasswood for winemaking facilities and wine tasting venues. “After what we’ve gone through the last year and a half, the spirit of this Newton team is inspiring,” said Holve. “Our dedication and resolve are unflagging; the future is bright.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.newtonvineyard.com FALL 2021

NVL winemaker spotlight

Winemaker Sal Ianni

TRUCHARD VINEYARDS Photos courtesy of Truchard Vineyards

ccording to Jo Ann Truchard, co-owner of Truchard Vineyards, Winemaker Sal De Ianni is a dream come true. “Sal doesn’t get the appreciation he deserves,” Joann said. “He has a great palate, and he’s a great team player. Sal has us taste our wines blind – twice – to ensure everyone is comfortable with the decisions made. He knows the style we want, and he sticks true to the varietals.” According to Sal, “I just try not to mess anything up.” Jo Ann warned that Sal is humble, especially considering his rich and unique background before becoming a winemaker. Decades ago, while pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at Northwestern, Sal had an epiphany. “I thought chemistry was fun until I was studying it. I wasn’t as interested in all the theory,” Sal shared. “Then I decided to take a wine appreciation course just for fun. I remember the first glass of wine was a Chenin Blanc, and I tasted it and thought – this is so much more fun than chemistry,” he laughed. “I went home and researched careers in winemaking.” He finished his master’s degree but stopped short of getting a Ph.D. Instead, he packed up and drove from Chicago to California to study winemaking at the University of California at Davis. His chemistry background provides a good knowledge base, but Sal believes his love of cooking makes him a good winemaker. “I grew up in an Italian family. My mom is a phenomenal cook, and I grew up helping her, creating in the kitchen. We didn’t follow recipes because 62

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“There’s chemistry in winemaking. Acids, buffers, changing pH, I have a good handle on that, and I have the confidence to do what’s needed— but it isn’t needed very often with Truchard.”

we followed the palate. And that’s how I make wine today, on the fly and based on the palate.” Still, he gives some credit to his chemistry knowledge. “There’s chemistry in winemaking. Acids, buffers, changing pH, I have a good handle on that, and I have the confidence to do what’s needed—but it isn’t needed very often with Truchard.” This year will be his 24th harvest. After graduating from UC Davis, he traveled to Australia to work as an interim winemaker at a small estate in Margaret River. He’s grateful that he had the chance to work harvest in the Southern Hemisphere. When asked what’s next for his career, Sal doesn’t hesitate to confirm that he will be at Truchard Vineyards. Sal explained, “Our vineyards are set, we have 13 different grapes already, and now our focus is on getting a new facility built. We have 400 acres and a small facility, so it’s a challenge getting all the grapes in the way we want or having the luxury of time to try new things.” Jo Ann agreed that Sal is here to stay. He’s like a member of the family, which is vital to the Truchards. Jo Ann added, “We live right here; this is our home. We want everyone to feel like we are adopting them, and Sal and his family are part of our family now.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.truchardvineyards.com

EVERYONE

Can Be a Winemaker

JUDD’S HILL WINERY AND MICRO-CRUSH Photo by Kenny Kim Photography

Photo by Judy Doherty Photography

Photo by Kenny Kim Photography  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

udd’s Hill Winery has been around since Judd Finkelstein’s parents purchased the property in the 1970s. However, it is so much more than just a winery, having been touted as “THE Place for Custom Crush Winemaking in Napa Valley” by Food & Wine Magazine. MicroCrush began for grape growers wanting to have wine made from their grapes. “Friends of my father had issues selling fruit to large wineries to put in their blends and felt they weren’t getting the value they deserved; they knew their fruit was better than that. So, they wanted to make pure varietal wine to be able to show the quality of their fruit,” Judd said. The business grew as more people heard about it. Judd continued, “Eventually, people who did not have their own grapes started contacting us because they wanted to make their own wine. After a couple of years, we put our first ad in Wine Country Classifieds, and it blew up. Nowadays, we have two main customer bases, vineyard owners and wine enthusiasts.” Judd’s Hill’s MicroCrush Manager, Susie Dineen added, “We cater to enthusiasts,

winemakers, and people with vines in their backyard that don’t know what to do with the fruit. We help them produce the wine from start to finish, including label design, approval, printing, and packaging selection. In addition, we have established a deep network of vendors that MicroCrush vintners are welcome to access.” Susie explained, “Our custom crush is unique because we produce 150 to 160 one-barrel, –Food half-ton lots. The few facilities that do what we do require larger minimums. People can bring their fruit, we can source fruit for them, or they can select from one of our barrels of ultra-premium wine.” Pricing depends on the appellation, varietal, and market rate, but the one-barrel (24 cases) price tag roughly ranges between four to five thousand dollars, or around $14 to $18 per bottle. In addition to having the benefits of club membership, MicroCrush vintners enjoy a high level of touch in the winemaking process. They can join in on

crush, punch-downs, regular tastings, almost any part of the process they want. Most of the sourced fruit is from Napa Valley vineyards, and clients can pinpoint the AVA and style of wine they prefer.

“ THE Place for Custom Crush Winemaking in Napa Valley” & Wine Magazine Susie added, “If you only want one bottle, we welcome you to try your hand at winemaking with our Bottle Blending Day Camp experience. That’s the best way to get a bottle or case of personally made Napa Valley wine. That’s the great thing—whether you want one bottle from our day camp or several barrels of ultrapremium wine you’ve had a hand in over several years, Judd’s Hill lets you be your own winemaker.” FOR MORE INFORMATION www.juddshill.com FALL 2021

NVL winemaker spotlight

A Passion Filled Life

Wesley Steffens of Correlation Wine Company  BY VALERIE OWENS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORRELATION WINE COMPANY

journey composed of food, wine, and artistic expression defines Wesley Steffens’s artistry, Founder of Correlation Wine Company. “I am so lucky to do something that I love,” expressed Steffens. Born and raised in New Jersey, Wesley was introduced to the world of culinary arts and fine wine in his youth. A collector for many years, Wesley’s Father planted a seed that would not only inspire but lead to a life full of passion. Electing to enroll in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Wesley’s talent and education placed him in California, interning under the tutelage of Thomas Keller. After graduation, Wesley moved to Napa and took a position with Thomas Keller at The French Laundry, followed by four harvests under the direction of Bob Levy at Harlan and BOND Estates in Oakville. Through this experience, Wesley took his place building upon a dream that his father started in 1999 and became the Estate Director and Associate Winemaker for Vineyard 7 & 8. Then, in 2017, Wesley and his wife Jess wanted to create a new 64

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expression and voice outside of the family estate. A career infused with knowledge, dedication, and an inherent connection between people, wine, and food paved the way for Correlation Wine Company. “All of the experiences that I have had have shaped me into who I am today,” said Steffens. “Through my love of food and wine, I have learned that growing grapes and food are essentially the same thing. Understanding where they come from, where and how they are made lies at the heart of both. Correlation Wine Company allows us to explore the valley through a different lens. The valley is about relationships and people and how they enjoy wine. How someone chooses to enjoy a bottle of wine is endless.” With a wine portfolio consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, and Sauvignon Blanc, Wesley and Martha McClellan produce terroir-driven wines that reflect their passion, experience, and relationships. “These “Correlations” are the backbone of our wines,” said Steffens. Producing just 1,500 cases, Correlation Wine Company sources fruit from several

Napa Valley AVA’s, including Spring Mountain, Rutherford, and Atlas Peak. Their vision to create dynamic wines that over-deliver on quality with an emphasis on exploration defines the heart and soul of the brand. Living a life full of passion, artistry, and dexterity, Wesley Steffens has pursued a course full of food, wine, photography, and love. Wes even started a photography business during the pandemic, synonymously named Correlation Photo Co (@ correlationphoto). He sees photography as an extension of his journey thus far and an additional art form that defines his character, light, and journey. As a husband, a son, and father to three beautiful children, Wesley has proven that life is full of correlations, inspiring those around him to follow their dreams.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.correlationwines.com

Wine Regions Series

PA RT

T WO

Willamette Oregon WINE

COUNTY

HOME of the

BRAVE  BY CHRIS SAWYER

Photo Courtesy of Sokol Blosser

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Dan Warnshuis of Utopia Winery

uch like Lewis and Clark braved the elements and uncharted waters as they headed west to find the Pacific Ocean from 1803 to 1805: Young wine pioneers and University of California Davis graduates David Lett, Dick Erath, and Charles Coury left the sunny conditions of the golden state and traveled north in the mid-1960s to plant the first Pinot Noir grapes in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a sweeping agricultural zone known for its wet winters, cool springs, unpredictable summers, and chilly afternoon maritime breezes. The following decade, the first wave of free-spirited, wine lovers-turned-vintners with no previous wine industry experience arrived in this untested area, planted dream vineyards, and launched a series of new start-up labels like Ponzi Vineyards, Sokol Blosser, Oak Knoll Winery, Adelsheim Vineyards, Elk Cove Vineyards, and Amity Vineyards. As time passed, this strong-willed group“of new Oregonians banded together to hone their skills, share ideas, and develop a business plan for the region. Susan Sokol Blosser, whose family’s Sokol Blosser winery is celebrating its 50-year anniversary said, “When we got here, we found there were a handful of other couples thinking the exact same thing as us. It amazes me how you can think you are so unique just to find out you are a part of a big social movement. It really was the start of a worldwide phenomenon, and we were part of it in Oregon.”

TALKING CLONES On a national level, the benefits of this group effort blossomed in the early 1980s. After receiving stellar reviews from Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate, a set of wines from the 1983 vintage were put in front of influential wine critics at the Burgundy Challenge, a blind tasting held in 1985 at the International Wine Center in New York. In the end, the top five Pinots selected were from Oregon instead of Burgundy, claiming the attention of sommeliers and critics from around the world, subsequently raising the bar for worldclass wines coming out of the region. As the number of Willamette Valley producers doubled from 30 to 60 from 1980 to 1990, David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyards played a vital role in the movement forward by working with local vintners to raise funds to launch the state’s first viticultural and enology program at Oregon State University and building a bond with vineyard experts at

Adam Campbell of Elk Cove Vineyards

the University of Dijon in Burgundy providing growers with access to new plant material through the importation of the Pinot Noir clones 113, 114 and 115 in 1984 and additional clones 667 and 777 in 1988. “I realized that if we were able to get those clones somehow, that might be capricious to the industry,” said Adelsheim, who worked the 1974 harvest in Burgundy before launching his family’s inaugural releases in 1978. To create a signature wine that reflects the maturity of the vines and the character of the vintage over time, proprietor Dan Warnshuis of Utopia Winery in Newberg crafts his annual release of Estate Pinot Noir with twelve separate clones from vines planted at 500 feet on the southfacing slopes of Ribbon Ridge and includes the classic Wadenswil 2A and Pommard 4 and 5 selections developed in the 1960s. The dramatic, high-elevation slopes are also home to a series of special clonal blocks developed by well-respected brands like Beaux Freres, Bergstrom Wines, Brick House, Trisaetum, and Ribbon Ridge Winery. “When I designed this vineyard,

I wanted to have tools as a winemaker and give myself a lot of diversity given the variability of the growing seasons,” said Warnshuis, who farms all his estate properties organically. Although the fancy “Dijon” clones are now widely planted in Oregon and California, one of the fans of the old vine heirloom clones is Adam Campbell, the second-generation winemaker at Elk Cove, a medium-sized winery that has been making a unique series of vineyard-designate wines near Gaston since 1978. “To me, Pommard is more Oregonian. There’s always that great balance between sweet fruit, complex flavors, and freshness rather than earthiness. I very rarely taste an Oregon wine that has a cooked-fruit character, and even the dark-fruited wines tend to have a lot of fresh black cherry fruit,” said Campbell.

“ It really was the start of a worldwide phenomenon, and we were part of it in Oregon.” – Susan Sokol Blosser FALL 2021

NVL wine

Steve Lutz of Lenné Estate Photo courtesy of Lenné Estate

DEFINING THE FLAVORS AND SUB-AVAS Named after the Willamette River, Willamette Valley was designated as an official AVA in 1983. In the exciting period between 2005 to 2006, the boundaries of the first six sub-AVAs of Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, and YamhillCarlton were defined based on climate conditions, topography, and the unique selection of soils found in each area. Since 2019, the Van Duzer Corridor, Tualatin Hills, and Laurelwood District have been added to the list of AVAs as well. An excellent site expression within an appellation is the Lenné Estate ‘South Slope’ Pinot Noir from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, a deep, dense wine made with Pommard and Dijon 115 clones. Before starting this boutique brand with his wife Karen in 1999, proprietor Steve Lutz graduated from the University of Oregon in 1979 and fell in love with Pinot Noir while working for Robert Mondavi at Napa Valley’s Vichon Vineyards in the 1980s. To him, the character of this small 16.5acre south-facing hillside vineyard starts with black fruits on the nose. This vintage comes through as dark cherry and plum mixed with hints of licorice, lavender, wild mushrooms, fresh thyme, and mineral. “Today, I’m happy to say there are still a lot of us that are still mom and pop types that take this hands-on approach very seriously,” smiled Lutz, who worked the first six years for local brands Chateau Benoit and Anne Amie Vineyards while he developed the Lenné brand. Passing the torch to the next generation, the Purple Hands Winery and Urban Tasting 68

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Claire Jarreau from Brooks Estate // Photo by Carolyn Wells Kramer

Room in Dundee is owned by Cody Wright, whose dad Ken Wright has become one of the most respected winemakers in Oregon. To pay tribute to the distinctive Willamette Valley AVAs, Cody bottles limited release wines from the famed Shea Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton; Freedom Hill (a famous Willamette Valley site, west of Eugene), West Wind Vineyard on Ribbon Ridge, and four different sites in the Dundee Hills. “There’s always something here to learn if you want to,” said Wright.

WHITE WINE FOCUS

As a grand departure from the buttery, oaky styles that were all the rage 15 years ago, talented winemaker Katie PayneBrown uses a mixture of stainless-steel tanks, concrete vessels, and a plethora of neutral to new oak barrels to showcase the different expressions of the estate-grown Chardonnay grapes in each new release. In addition, a couple of years ago, a 2015 Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine was released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first Chardonnay plantings on the property. “To me, Chardonnay really showcases what it was fermented in,” said Katie. “It’s an incredible grape to work with because you have a golden opportunity to help define its identity.” Before the Pinot Noir boom in the mid1990s, the aromatic white grape variety Riesling represented nearly a quarter of the vineyard acreage planted in the state. To make sure the investments of the pioneer families are not lost, the team at Brooks Winery in Amity Hills makes its popular “ARA” Riesling and a series of limitedreleases series of bottlings with 20 to 25 separate lots of old vine fruit from the estate or sourced from respected vineyards in the Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton AVAs. “We like to call the stylistic differences our Rieslings flavorful strokes for different folks,” laughed Claire Jarreau, the assistant winemaker and grower liaison at Brooks. “In each case, our goal is to capture the fresh fruit flavors, tangy acidity, and personality of the vineyard inside each bottle we make.” Other delicious examples of dazzling white wine gems from the region worth noting include the Ponzi Pinot Blanc, Aram Cara Nicholas Estate Dry Riesling, and the Hyland Estates Gewürztraminer made with fruit from old vines planted in 1971.

In the white wine category, the success of Pinot Gris in Oregon has been helped along by the popular large-scale of the big brands like King Estate and Willamette Valley Vineyards, which produce annual bottlings that are widely available across the nation. But for travelers who visit the region, delicious examples of these crisp, elegant wines with floral aromas and ripe, fruity flavors can be found at wineries like Coeur de Terre, Sokol Blosser, Fox Farm Vineyards, and The Eyrie Vineyards. After investing in the Ridgecrest Vineyards and Chehalem labels in the 1990s, Willamette Valleynative, Bill Stoller purchased his family’s turkey farm located near the historic town of Dayton. Today, this lovely hillside property is home to Stoller Family Estate, which has gained a stellar reputation for Pinot Noir, as well as seven distinctive styles of Chardonnay Brooks Estate Vineyard Garden with fruit from the 60-acres of Photo by Andrea Johnson vines planted on the rising slopes.

FALL 2021

NVL restaurant spotlight

WINSTON’S CAFÉ

Paulie’s Bagels finds a Napa Locals’ Focused Home  BY ELIZABETH SMITH | PHOTOS BY EMMA K. MORRIS

Over the past couple of years, Napa locals have come to love Paulie’s Bagels. After three decades of eating his way through various styles and flavors of bagels, owner and chef Paulie W. Brown, IV, began making his own four years ago. Describing himself as “a dimwit with an unhealthy bagel obsession,” he created his own recipe and style by “rejecting made-up bagel mythology.” 70

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lex Macaraig, an experienced chef and business proprietor – and owner of 1517 Third Street in downtown Napa – had planned to open a café for locals – but with a different approach. He wanted to “break the mold” and offer the quality of food one expects to find in major cities like San Francisco and New York City. Macaraig’s dream came to fruition when he and Brown were introduced. “This partnership came together between Alex's desire for that special local café and my existing business of bagels with my unique, obsessively dialed-in formula,” said Brown. The result of their collaboration is Winston’s Café, named after Macaraig’s dog. The café, located in the prior ABC

“ We are not limiting ourselves to California or ‘wine country’ cuisine, but rather, serving an exciting, eclectic selection of dishes focused on what is delicious and crave-worthy,” shared Brown. Bakery’s location on Third Street, is also the first brickand-mortar location for Paulie’s Bagels. Brown’s menu includes his signature style of bagel selections, Pennsylvania Dutch-style potato rolls, and an array of other foods representing various national and international specialties. “We are not limiting ourselves to California or ‘wine

country’ cuisine, but rather, serving an exciting, eclectic selection of dishes focused on what is delicious and craveworthy,” shared Brown. Their cultural backgrounds – Brown is from Pennsylvania and Macaraig is Filipino-American – influence the menu, which will include items such as soft pretzels, donuts, and cheesesteaks, along with classics like eggs Benedict and breakfast sandwiches with house-made longanisa sausage. “Too often a dish like eggs Benedict tastes like a forced menu option. If it’s on Winston’s menu, it’s because we spent months perfecting the details,” they said. Brown and Macaraig have a shared philosophy – each component of a dish should be fantastic as a standalone item. For Paulie’s Bagels, the duo is gradually moving away from unsustainable items like salmon and instead adding lots of fresh and pickled vegetables with distinctive flavors and textures, which is vegetarian friendly by default. In addition, he and Macaraig are taking a grassroots approach to their menu, gradually expanding it as they see which dishes excite their customers. Step by step, they are adding a wide variety of food options to accommodate all guests, including gluten-free. Their goal is to ensure all diners can have an easy substitution for their specific dietary requirements and preferences. The future also looks bright for Brown and Macaraig to expand Paulie’s Bagels to Bay Area grocery stores and local markets. “Everyone should have access to a real bagel, and we have a plan to make that a reality,” said Brown. Upon their November unveiling, Winston’s Café will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The café will offer counter service with ample seating and takeout either in person or by online preorder. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.pauliesbagels.com

NVL food

SHRIMP ETOUFFEE eh-too-fay Four Servings EQUIPMENT NEEDED • Dutch Oven • Cutting board • Chopping knife • Whisk • Citrus juicer, reamer (or strong hands)

Cooking with

KAREN CROUSE

touffee in French means smothered or suffocated. In cooking, it refers to slowly cooking (smothering) in a Dutch oven. Etouffee is simply a flavorful stew made with vegetables and seafood and served over rice. It is authentic Louisiana comfort food. My version is an amalgamation of the many recipes I have tried through the years. A friend of mine could never remember the word etouffee, so she would ask me to make “that suffocated dish.” I always knew exactly what she meant.

In this cooking adventure, you will learn to make a roux. A roux is flour and fat cooked together to create the base of a dish. It is also used to thicken sauces. Depending on how long you cook it, the colors vary from white, blond, brown, to dark brown. I prefer a blond roux for my etouffee. This recipe is slightly like Spanish Paella. It showcases the culinary influence Spanish Settlers brought to Louisiana Cuisine and reflects Louisiana's uniquely rich melting pot.

INGREDIENTS • 11/3 pounds Gulf Shrimp shelled, deveined, rinsed • 1 cup unsalted butter, plus 3 tbs COLD butter • 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped • 1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped • 1 cup celery, finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic minced • 5 tbs all-purpose flour • 1¼ cup seafood or chicken stock at room temperature • 1 tsp salt • ½ lemon, juiced • 2 bay leaves • 1/8 – ¼ tsp cayenne pepper • ½ - 1 tsp Creole/Cajun seasoning (I like Tony Chachere's Original) • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika • ½ cup green onion, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped • 2 cups of cooked white jasmine rice INSTRUCTIONS • Toss the shrimp in the Creole/Cajun seasoning. • Melt butter over medium-high heat in the Dutch oven. Add bell pepper, celery, onion, and garlic and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. • Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in flour and salt until smooth. Cook, constantly stirring until flour is lightly browned, approximately 10 minutes. • Watch the roux carefully and stir, stir, stir, or else it will burn, and you will have to start over. While the roux will brown quicker at a higher heat, it is best to cook the roux at medium-low to medium heat until you get the hang of it. Just remember that the higher the heat, the less margin for error you have. • Stir in the stock a little at a time, so it forms a paste. Add the remainder of the stock gradually and constantly whisking until it is the consistency of gravy (not too thick) • Add the shrimp, lemon juice, Bay Leaves, cayenne, Creole/Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Cook, stirring until shrimp are cooked – about 5 minutes. • Add the green onion and parsley and cook for another minute. Stir in the 3 tbs of COLD butter. • Garnish with green onion and/or parsley. Serve over rice and enjoy it with a glass of Hess Collection Mount Veeder Grüner Veltliner

FOR MORE INFORMATION karencrousenapavalley.com 72

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TIP: Letting the cold butter melt slowly in the hot liquid will thicken it to the perfect consistency

GIFTS ON THE CUTTING EDGE MADE IN THE ROCKIES The ultra-giftable knife your food friends don’t already have...” The Petty Knife This is the knife for everyone on your list, no matter their experience level. The perfect level-up for someone just getting into cooking, and a welcome addition to the pro-chef’s knife roll.

The Carving Set Add a sense of pomp to the time-honored tradition of sharing meat with this fine fork and knife. These instruments make the wielder feel like the king or queen of any feast.

The Teton-Edge Santoku A great fit for the active home cook. It’s sleek and manageable for folks intimidated by a larger blade and the etching provides an elegant flourish while allowing food to release more easily.

S7 Tomahawk Designed for throwing with bull’s-eye accuracy, the lightweight design and sharp edge also make it an ideal addition to any camping pack.

LIFETIME GUARANTEE & SHARPENING. Visit us in Napa Valley | 1380 Main Street, St. Helena, CA | 707-244-5188 | NewWestKnifeWorks.com | @nwknifeworks FALL 2021

NVL stay

SOLAGE Even Better Than Before

Photos courtesy of Solage  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

odd Cilano, the General Manager of Napa Valley's Solage and the regional vice president of Auberge Resorts Collection, gushed, "Solage has always been a home away from home for ardent foodies, vintners, and wellness lovers seeking Napa Valley's particularly enviable version of 'the good life.'" How right he is, and now Solage is even better than before. This year, the award-winning Napa Valley resort completed a $30M renovation. The updates included reimagining its 89 guest studios from top to bottom and adding eleven newly built cottage-style suites, including two two-bedroom Estate Suites and seven onebedroom Orchard Suites. Each Suite has a private outdoor patio, shower, and soaking tub for indulging in panoramic views of the Palisades and Mayacamas Mountains. In addition, one of the Estate Suites boasts an oversized patio with a 100-plusyear-old Valley Oak Tree, and the other shares a courtyard with one of the Orchard Suites that can be closed off and combined into one ample accommodation. Leading designers and architects conceived of the reimagined resort, including Napa Valley architect Howard Backen and award-winning Los Angeles-based design agency Studio Collective. For the redesign of the resort, Studio Collective drew inspiration 74

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from the rustic yet refined charm of the surrounding Napa Valley landscapes and vineyards, crafting a palate of natural materials and neutral hues. The result is a sense of casual elegance inspired by the region's European influence and Mediterranean climate and a relaxed yet refined environment that encourages guests to unwind and connect with the natural setting. Along with the redesign, the resort also welcomed Picobar, a new open-air dining concept from Gustavo Rios, Executive Chef of the resort's primary restaurant, Solbar. Picobar's poolside dining brings Baja-inspired, contemporary Mexican cuisine to Napa Valley, and new outdoor lounge seating brings the pool experience to another level. Amenityrich cabanas, stocked with TVs and WiFi, fruit, champagne, and other refreshments.

"The redesign delivers more open-air social space than ever before and a vibrant and modern resort experience that keeps true to Solage's cool and comfortable wine country roots," said Cilano. The reworked resort offers a more dynamic, family-friendly outdoor lounge experience with family cabanas playing host to custom games, family-style meal options, a personalized snack hour, and afternoon activities for kids. For the premier guest experience, each Estate Suite comes with a designated Mercedes-Benz for the duration of the guest's stay and complimentary access to a Cabana for one night during their stay upon availability. As if that weren't enough to make you never want to leave, the award-winning Spa Solage offers 20,000 square-feet of health and wellness with 14 treatment rooms, a bathhouse, a state-of-the-art gym, and a Yoga & Movement Studio with complimentary daily fitness classes. Adam Goldstein, principal and design director of Studio Collective, said, “We have created a space that is true to both Calistoga’s and Auberge’s roots, and a property that is equal parts casual and cozy while providing guests with an air of simple sophistication.” FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.aubergeresorts.com/solage

The Only Private Golf Club in Napa Valley F U L L O R S I N G L E G O L F • T E N N I S • B O C C E • S O C I A L • J U N I O R • C O R P O R AT E N O N - R E S I D E N T • W E D D I N G D E S T I NAT I O N • S P E C I A L E V E N T S

Limited Membership Opportunities Available.

INQUIRIES WELCOME | 707.603.3486 | akreisler@napavalleycc.com | www.NapaValleyCC.com

NVL side trip

Ha l f M o o n B a y

Hits All the Right T rav e l N ot e s  BY FRAN MILLER

If the mention of Half Moon Bay conjures pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms, it’s time to take a closer look at this charming oceanside locale. Less than a two-hour drive from Downtown Napa, Half Moon Bay does indeed provide these particular fall and winter visit motivations, but in any season, the town features all the great shops, galleries, restaurants, hotels and inns associated with a funky California beach village, yet with smaller crowds than those found at its seaside neighbors to the south.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay // Photo courtesy of the resort

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

hile time here appears to stand still, growth has been slow and steady, but it doesn’t show. Visitors will find original farms, plenty of open space, and miles of unspoiled coastline, which can be easily explored by walking the flat, paved California Coastal Trail. Lodging options run the gamut, from quaint bed and breakfast inns to luxurious resorts. A variety of restaurants line Main St., offering everything from coffee shop comfort fare to renowned Italian cuisine. And with 70 wineries within an hour’s drive, one need not stray far to taste some of California’s (and the world’s) best.

WHERE TO SIP La Nebbia Winery: A local landmark since 1979, La Nebbia is the oldest bonded winery in town. The charming tasting room and garden are the perfect spot at which to nibble a la carte charcuterie and sip varietals sourced from throughout California’s varied wine regions. Listen to music, play a game of bocce ball, and enjoy the camaraderie generated by more than 40 years of fine hospitality. // www.lanebbiawinery.com Vinoteca: This sleek tasting room located on Main Street features half glass, glass, and bottle options of various wines from around the world – from French bubbles to Argentine Rosé to Spanish Tempranillo. Most wines are from small, family-owned wineries, each with a story to tell. The tasting room walls are lined with photos of the owners’ travels to France, Italy, Argentina, and California wine regions. Vinoteca also serves local beers from Hop Dogma and Half Moon Bay Brewing. // www.vinotecahmb.com Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese Company: This downtown mainstay features a collegial tasting bar at which 60 different wines stand at the tasting ready. The large shop also carries picnic supplies and unusual gift items. The knowledgeable and friendly staff can help curate your tasting based on your favorite flavor profiles, and they can also serve up a cheese and charcuterie accompaniment with your selected flight. // www.hmbwineandcheese.com

Beach House patio. Photo courtesy of the Beach House

Outdoor dining at Bardessono

La Nebbia Garden. Photo courtesy of La Nebbia

La Nebbia Charcuterie Plate. Photo courtesy of La Nebbia

Barterra: A visit to Barterra is like taking a tour through California’s AVAs. The staff is forever on the hunt for the very best California wines. Featured are Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sparkling from Carneros, Sangiovese from Silverado, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Primitivo from Lodi, Viognier from Paso Robles, Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River, Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Riesling and French Colombard from Mendocino, and special dessert wines from Madera. // www.barterrawinery.com Thomas Fogarty Winery: Not exactly located in Half Moon Bay, but worth the 40-minute drive to the beautiful Woodside

Visitors will find original farms, plenty of open space, and miles of unspoiled coastline, which can be easily explored by walking the flat, paved California Coastal Trail.

Outdoor Bathtub at Bardessono

FALL 2021

NVL side trip

Photo courtesy of Jupiter & Main

Photo courtesy of Dad's Luncheonette

Beach House Penthouse. Photo courtesy of the Beach House

vineyards and Silicon Valley. The romantic setting makes it a popular Bay Area wedding venue. // www.fogartywinery.com

W H E R E T O S TAY

The town features all the great shops, galleries, restaurants, hotels and inns associated with a funky California beach village, yet with smaller crowds than those found at its seaside neighbors to the south. mountains is Thomas Fogarty Winery, best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 300-acre estate and its tasting room and patio command stunning views of the Suite at Bardessono

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Vintage House Photo by Will Pryce Situated atopLobby a breathtaking ocean bluff overlooking 50 miles of rugged California coastline, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is undoubtedly the region’s hospitality grand dame. The six-story shingle-style structure evokes the ambiance of the grand East Coast and European seaside sanctuaries of yore. Featuring Ritz-Carlton glamour and the brand’s trademark stellar service, the resort is designed to blend in unobtrusively with a coastline that embraces its equal share of fog and sunshine. // www.ritzcarlton.com

If smaller is more your style, try the Nantucket Whale Inn, inspired by the grand homes on Nantucket Island. Located on the quieter end of Main Street, this charming inn features seven rooms and a lovely garden in which to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine each evening. Walk to nearby shops, the beach, and many fine restaurants. // www.nantucketwhaleinn.com

Café or venture to El Granada for omelets, scrambles, bagels, and grilled cheese at The Press. // www.moonsidebakery.com; www.thepressgrilledcheese.com Dad’s Luncheonette, located in a historic train caboose along Highway 1, is an ‘inthe-know’ favorite for lunch. ‘Dad’ is former Michelin-star chef Scott Clark, who offers roadside classics like burgers, homemade

Poplar Beach // Photo by Kevin Henney

Pescadero State Beach // Photo by Kevin Henney

If a room with a view is paramount, check out Beach House Half Moon Bay. This luxury boutique hotel’s 54 junior suites are designed to take advantage of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz Mountain vistas. Each suite features a fireplace, cozy robes, and sumptuous bedding. // www.beach-house.com

WHERE TO DINE For breakfast, check out the pastry selections at Main Street’s Moonside Bakery and

potato chips, and mac & cheese. Be sure to get there early as they often sell out. // www.dadsluncheonette.com For dinner, head to family-owned It’s Italia, where delicious gourmet pizzas, house pastas, and creative cocktails have been pleasing customers since 1997. // www.itsitaliarestaurant.com For the ultimate in fine dining, it’s Navio at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Chef de Cuisine Francisco Simón helms this destination restaurant where he serves innovative yet approachable cuisine that celebrates the bounty of the sea as well as prime cuts. Select from the three-course prix fixe menu or Chef Simón’s signature five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu with an optional wine pairing. // www.ritzcarlton.com

If the mention of Half Moon Bay conjures pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms, it’s time to take a closer look at this charming oceanside locale.

An Elevated General Store in the Heart of Half Moon Bay’s Main Street.

Live a life less ordinary. 432B Main Street, Half Moon Bay / @jupiterandmain 

Jupiter&MainQuarterPg.indd 1

8/27/21 11:05 AM

W H AT T O D O Don’t miss Jupiter & Main, a general store that harkens to a bygone era; customers are encouraged to peruse artisan home goods, self-care products, quality barware, fashionable menswear, leather goods, and an extensive apothecary. // www.jupiterandmain.com Feed & Fuel features small, live animals in the back and Cunha’s Country Store Vintage House Suite Photo by Will Pryce & Deli has been in operation since 1924. // www.hmbfeedandfuel.com; www. cunhacountrystore.com Walk along the docks at Pillarpoint Harbor and check out the local fishermen selling fresh seafood directly off of their boats. Then stop-in at Mavericks Surf Company, owned by Jeff Clark, who surfed the region’s famed waves for 15 years before the big-wave surfing community discovered the area. // www.maverickssurcompany.com Horseback riding, whale watching cruises, swimming, and surfing are also all within easy reach.

FALL 2021

NVL real estate spotlight

There are a few key areas to think about to help you spruce up your home when you’re getting ready to sell which will bring the most return: 1

Neutralize the color palette. Try to make the home as easy as possible for someone to move right in and picture their things in the space. While you think the purple bathroom or your paisley wallpaper in the dining room is brilliant, there’s a good chance they will not appeal to a new owner. Putting up a fresh coat of neutralcolored paint is an inexpensive way to freshen up the home and make it feel bright again.

2 Less is more. Get a storage unit and minimize

clutter inside and outside the house. In wine country, outside areas are often used for entertaining and dining al fresco. Unless you are only looking to sell your home to families with small children, get rid of the playhouse and swing sets.

3 Update key areas like the kitchens and bath-

rooms. For example, replacing a vanity or lighting in a bathroom can make it look current; upgrading old appliances in the kitchen or doing something as simple as updating cabinet knobs are well worth the investment. Replace wall-to-wall carpet with neutral wood, pressed wood, or tile. Carpet is outdated, and no one likes to move into a home with carpet that’s been lived on by someone else.

4 Know potential showstoppers. Something as

REAP MORE REWARDS

costly as a roof repair can be a huge leverage point for a new buyer. Pay to have a home inspection done upfront and make appropriate fixes before listing.

by Prepping Your Home to Sell

o many times, I talk to clients who want to get their home on the market to sell – “As-Is.” In today’s market, it’s not a wise choice. After getting through a global pandemic, the world has changed. There is more focus on work/life balance, and time has become the most valuable commodity. When putting your home on the market, “free time” is an asset a savvy seller should consider to appeal to today’s buyers. The thought of moving into a new place and spending time taking on a big project or doing fix-up work can be daunting, especially for second-home buyers.

Often sellers don’t have an extra $20K-$50K lying around to prep their homes, so I like to suggest a program at Coldwell Banker that offers an interest-free upfront loan of up to $30K which can be paid back with proceeds at the close of escrow. It’s a great way to offset the improvement costs until after the sale of the home. Doing the refresh of the home upfront makes it more appealing to any buyer resulting in a faster sale. The longer it takes to sell a home, the more subject it is to price reductions and concessions, ultimately costing the seller more in the end.

Tracy Warr // Napa Tracy Style // Napa Valley Real Estate Specialist My mother was a REALTOR®, I’m a REALTOR®, and my daughter is a REALTOR®, so you could say that real estate is in our blood. Having pursued this profession for more than 17 years, my passion for the Napa Valley began in 1985, when I bought my restaurant in Calistoga. While food and beverage hospitality allowed me to share my love of our Valley with visitors and locals, I have found that helping people sell and buy real property affords me the best opportunity to get more folks to fulfill their dreams experience their own Napa Valley passions. 707-287-1994 // TWARR@CBNAPAVALLEY.COM // NAPATRACYSTYLE.COM // DRE# 01443203 80

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

DISCOVER IN LIFE NEW HOME COMMUNITIES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PITTSBURG

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Liberty, Positano at San Marco, & Capri at San Marco Starting in the high $700,000’s Approx. 1,814-3,218 sq. ft. | 3-5 beds | 2.5-3.5 baths The Preserve at Stonewood & Cypress Estates Starting in the high $700,000’s Approx. 1,918-3,272 sq. ft. | 4-5 beds | 3-4 baths Muir Heights Starting in the mid $700,000’s Approx. 1,376-1,844 sq. ft. | 3-4 beds | 3 baths

Bristowe at North Village Starting in the high $600,000’s Approx. 1,815-3,344 sq. ft. | 4-5 beds | 2-4.5 baths The Tides at Newport Starting in the low $700,000’s Approx. 2,377-2,812 sq. ft. | 4-5 beds | 2.5-4 baths Meadow Brook Ranch & Montecito Starting in the low $500,000’s Approx. 1,298-2,671 sq. ft. | 3-5 beds | 2-3.5 baths

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FALL 2021

NVL community

NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Supporting the Future of Viticulture and Wine Education  BY ELIZABETH SMITH

he Napa Valley College Foundation is committed to helping the most vulnerable students stay in school and earn their degrees. During the 2020-21 academic year, the Foundation awarded more than $205,000 in scholarships to over 133 students, including college-bound high school students. It rewarded student achievement, encouraged leadership, and provided financial support. With the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation assisted students who were in the most need of support and raised funds to cover unplanned financial expenses related to housing, lost wages, technology, groceries, and more. “Last year brought much uncertainty for me. However, I received two scholarships that are helping to cover my living expenses, so I can continue with my physics major and path to transfer to a four-year university,” said Aisha Burns, scholarship recipient. “The Foundation’s mission is to provide every student with access to the resources they need for an exceptional educational experience. We link students with the community, providing for them and empowering them to succeed,” said Jessica Thomason, Executive Director, Napa Valley College Foundation. In addition to scholarships and emergency aid, the Foundation raises funds for other College programs and campaigns. Recently the Foundation coordinated a $10 million gift from The Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation to construct new facilities named ‘The Wine Spectator Wine Education Complex’ for the College’s Viticulture, Wine and Technology (VWT) program. The Wine Spectator Wine Education Complex will include a new state-of-the-art sensory classroom and conversion of an 82

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and winemaking programs, complete with a five-acre vineyard and commercial winery. “Napa Valley College’s VWT program has long been supported by our community. The Trefethen family were early donors and helped spearhead contributions from others, including the Napa Valley Vintners, and the program wouldn’t be where it is today without their funding,” said Malcolm de Sieyes, president, Napa Valley College Foundation. The Napa Valley College Foundation was founded in 1968 to increase community awareness and provide financial support for Napa Valley College and its students. The Board of Directors includes professional, business, and philanthropic leaders who have a dedicated interest in the College and its students.

existing classroom into a modern wine laboratory. Additionally, an existing building will be converted and expanded to include indoor and outdoor spaces for hospitality, marketing, and sales instructional courses and a public tasting room. Upon completion, the Wine Spectator Wine Education Complex will be organized into three buildings: a classroom, laboratory, and tasting room. “If there was ever an educational institution poised for significant contributions to the growth of the California wine industry, this is it,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “It is our hope that the door for learning opens wider for young adults from all walks of life, providing a platform for future leadership in the wine industry.” Napa Valley College’s VWT program is one of the country's largest college viticulture

The Napa Valley College Foundation is an independent California non-profit, public benefit corporation and is tax-exempt as provided by IRS Sec. 501 (c)3. Federal ID# 23-7003565. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.napavalley.edu/AboutNVC/Foundation/

In Celebration:

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH  BY LAURA LARSON

Photos courtesy of Napa Palisades Saloon & Beer Company

ach year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate Latinos' histories, cultures, and contributions to the US economy. This annual celebration began in 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson declared the first Hispanic Heritage Week. Now, 52 years later, the reason to celebrate is stronger than ever. Within Napa Valley, there is an abundance of Latino community leaders and organizations who actively drive awareness of Hispanic presence in the agricultural industry and raise money to encourage and support future generations. The Napa County Hispanic Network (NCHN) is a local community resource established in 1983 by local Latino leaders to provide an information-sharing hub to the Spanish-speaking community to help bridge some of the gaps. Their primary focus is to provide higher education opportunities through a college scholarship program because they believe that higher education is a pivotal stepping-stone for upward mobility. Every year, NCHN hosts a gala to raise funds for its scholarship program. And thanks to generous partners and funders, to date, they’ve disbursed over $600,000

to local students with strong GPAs who are faced with economic hardship. Oscar Robles, financial advisor and board member of Bank of America’s Northern California employee network Hispanic/ Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA), shared his inspiration after attending a recent NCHN scholarship presentation for local Hispanic collegebound high school students. “I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for what this community has accomplished collectively. Gathered with their families, these young scholars, with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, were being honored with merit and needs-based scholarships to help pay for college expenses. Throughout lunch, 24 scholarships were awarded to some of the most incredibly focused and hardworking students I’ve come across. They aspired to become teachers, farmers, winemakers, engineers, lawyers, and doctors. Most had already been accepted into four-year colleges, including UCLA, Berkeley, Davis, Cal Poly, and our own Napa Valley College.” Robles pointed out that getting into any good college is a massive undertaking of

hard work, faith, and luck, and especially true for the often-forgotten children of the region’s Latino immigrant farm laborer community. “These essential workers are the backbone of our world class wine and agriculture industries, without whom our region would not be what it is today. They work for modest wages with workdays from pre-dawn to dusk. Yet somehow, despite the long hours and time away from their children, they’ve managed to instill a focus on education and hard work while challenged with obstacles such as language barriers, costs, and navigating our complex education, financial, and healthcare systems,” said Robles. In the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Napa community celebrates the contributions and successes of local Latinos-- from the hardworking generations of parents who pass down their cultural values of faith and resilience, the young scholars for their dedication to hard work and perseverance to realize their college dreams, and the Napa County Hispanic Network, whose information and resource sharing has and will continue to contribute immeasurably to the growth and success of the local Latino community. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO DONATE:

www.napacountyhispanicnetwork.org

FALL 2021

NVL people & art

Photo by Diana Jex

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

AN OASIS OF ART AND BEAUTY  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DI ROSA CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

lmost thirty years ago, Rene di Rosa envisioned Mark di Suvero's thirtyfoot tall sculpture “For Veronica” taking center stage at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art. He planned to place it on a Carneros hillside, visible from every direction so that the massive piece would identify di Rosa as an art center, not a winery. But Napa County at the time was not able to approve the location for the 30-foot sculpture, and Rene placed it in di Rosa’s Sculpture Meadow at the back of the property instead. Happily, Rene's original plan came to fruition earlier this year when the county finally approved it, and sculptor di Suvero enthusiastically coordinated the move of the 9,000-pound sculpture to its preferred place of prominence. Veronica di Rosa first saw and fell in love with the sculpture (initially titled “Erk Through Able Last”) at Socrates Sculpture Park in New York. It was renamed “For Veronica” in honor of Rene’s wife, and it now stands in homage to the di Rosas – whose legacy lives on with the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art. The Center is located almost exactly on the NapaSonoma county line, across from the grandiose Domaine Carneros winery. 84

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The di Rosa center features two galleries, a sculpture park, and a 35-acre lake. Gallery 1 highlights new exhibitions and installations every few months. A recent show, “Fort Phooey: Wiley in the Studio,” recreated the iconic artist William T. Wiley's art studio, which was a meeting place for generations of Bay Area artists. Densely layered with words, images, and objects, his studio was an immersive experience. “Being in the studio was like entering into a Wiley artwork,” explained Executive Director Kate Eilertsen. A highly anticipated show comes to Gallery 1 from November 19 to February 20, with artist Oliver Lee Jackson's exhibition “Oliver Lee Jackson: Any Eyes,” a

selection of Jackson's works in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Eighty-sixyear-old Jackson has exhibited his works in museums and galleries for over five decades, including recent National Gallery of Art exhibitions in Washington, D.C., and the Saint Louis Art Museum. The expansive Gallery 2 at di Rosa currently features “The Incorrect Museum: Vignettes from the di Rosa Collection.” The exhibition includes favorite artworks from di Rosa’s vast collection of Northern California art. Beyond the galleries, the sprawling di Rosa estate is an oasis for art and nature lovers. The stunning 217-acre property has become a highly sought-after locale for private events. Flanked by vineyards in every direction, the scenic location is available for weddings, corporate events, and private rentals. In the extraordinary Sculpture Meadow, guests revel in the artwork dotted across the landscape, bring picnics, relax in the shady Olive Grove, go birding, or find a nook to read a favorite book. The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is located at 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.dirosaart.org

FALL 2021

NVL artist spotlight

JERMAINE DANTE BURSE

The Comic Book Kid Makes It Big  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF JERMAINE BURSE

Jermaine Burse is an anomaly, an entirely self-taught artist who only recently began studying art history. Of course, it's not uncommon for an artist's evolution to begin with classical training that eventually leads to a signature expression. Yet, Jermaine's innate creative skill showed itself early, when he was a child fascinated by cartoons and animation.

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“I

was the typical kid, up every Saturday morning and sitting in front of the TV with a big bowl of cereal from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. But while other kids watched cartoons for the jokes, I was mesmerized by the animation,” he said. Before he even knew their names, Jermaine taught himself skills like foreshortening,

Wiley, the artist behind the iconic painting of President Obama hanging in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, personalities and pop culture inspire Jermaine. His work also references artists Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol, merging to become the form of art known as “Spontaneous Realism.”

“Art was my therapy; it was my recovery. I put a paintbrush in my hand instead of a glass.” perspective, and light sourcing. He sketched cartoon characters and collected comic books to study their techniques. Like many creatives, Jermaine initially did not believe he had the talent to provide an income for himself through his art. Trying to be practical, he studied Business Management and suppressed his creativity for over a decade. To say it was unhealthy is an understatement. While working as a Food and Beverage Director in the Napa Valley, he turned to alcohol to fill the creative void. Unfortunately, he did not realize what he was doing until it was almost too late when in 2014, he discovered his organs were failing from alcohol abuse. Magically, his road to physical recovery prompted a creative metamorphosis. While lying in a hospital bed, he picked up a sketch pad for the first time in over a decade and began sketching, and then he moved to paint. It re-engaged him in life. “Art was my therapy; it was my recovery,” he shared. “I put a paintbrush in my hand instead of a glass.” He let his soul sing with vibrant, expressive urban realistic portraits. Like Kehinde

And Jermaine has a social message too. “I want to bring awareness to social, economic, and world issues through portraits of minority and urban subjects. Portraits and pieces of my art open a window into the inner workings of this community,” he shared. Befitting his subject matter and message, he uses a cubist faceting on many of his subjects' faces, lending an architectural vibe and sense of strength, reinforced by the bold colors and foreground placement that appear in almost all his work. The up-and-coming Bay Area artist shows his fine artwork at galleries, art shows, restaurants, tasting rooms, coffee shops, and wineries, even exhibiting at Art Basel in Miami. He's been successful; Jermaine now works almost entirely on commission. At present, he has nine projects in the pipeline. There is no telling where Jermaine's art will take him next, but there is no doubt it will be worth watching. Suffice to say, his natural talent and social messages resonate. The comic book kid and recovered artist has already achieved a lot, and he's just beginning.

Offering tailored Interior Design services throughout Wine Country and beyond. kitchen + bath design | custom furniture | window treatments color consultation | space planning | decor + styling Representing fine lines such as Lee Industries®, Hickory Chair®, Visual Comfort® lighting, and many more.

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NVL shop local spotlight

The Perfect

PROVENANCE Curated to Capture a Time and a Place  BY VALERIE OWENS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PERFECT PROVENANCE

ffering men's & women's fashion, home décor, and gifts from around the world, The Perfect Provenance supports artisans, capturing a time and place through curation. “Our concept is about quality and the provenance of an item,” expressed Lisa Lori, Owner of The Perfect Provenance. “We want to create a transplace in time. A feeling like when you go on vacation and find items that are truly unique and special. We want to be a part of a memory, ‘Remember when we went to Napa.’ It’s a powerful emotion, and that is what we strive for every day.” Raised in Lafayette, a piece of Lisa’s heart always stayed in California. Moving to New York after college, Lisa and her family moved to Greenwich,

Connecticut, where she opened The Perfect Provence in 2016 after 25 years working in luxury goods, marketing, and PR. Married in Rutherford, Lisa always had a dream of coming back home. After moving back to California and opening a new location in Tiburon in 2020, Lisa closed her Greenwich store and went after her dream. Located in downtown Napa at 1300 First Street, The Perfect Provence opened during the memorial weekend of 2021. “I was married in the Napa Valley, and it has always had a special place in my heart,” said Lori. It has always been a dream of mine to open a store here. I have always been about being close to the community where I live, and I want to bring that aspect to Napa. We have a

home in Belvedere and St. Helena. Our goal is to immerse ourselves in the community. We will have a calendar of events monthly and will incorporate themes through our events and culturally influenced merchandise. We also have an extensive online store and two locations for our patrons to visit.” Voted best of the Gold Coast Awards and the 2020 Reader's Choice Awards winner for Best Boutique by the Marin Independent Journal and Best Men's Clothing Store in 2021 by Marin Magazine, The Perfect Provenance is an authentic expression of culture and elegance. Napa’s newest boutique is curated to perfection, offering a little something for everyone, creating an inspired foot print composed of fashion, lifestyle, and artistry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.theperfectprovenance.com // 1300 1st St. Suite 352, Napa, CA 94559

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1040 Main Street, Suite 105, Napa, CA 707-690-2028 www.whirlwindblowdry.com

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FALL 2021

NVL shop local spotlight

The Family Bakery that Won Over the Napa Community

WEST WON BREAD  BY ELIZABETH SMITH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST WON BREAD

est Won Bread is the brainchild of Kyle and Elise Kuehner. Kyle, the head baker, quit his desk job to learn the craft of artisan bread baking. He worked at various bakeries in the San Francisco Bay area for four years before relocating to Napa with Elise, where he launched the business as a certified cottage bakery from home, selling limited quantities of organic breads at the Napa Farmers Market. As their breads quickly became a local favorite, the Kuehners outgrew their home bakery and signed a lease for a brick-andmortar location. “We feel that Napa raised our family and our business, so we wanted to create a neighborhood family bakery that reflects the nurturing community we live in,” said Elise. Following six months of construction during the pandemic, they opened their retail location in April 2021. The name West Won Bread comes from Kyle’s childhood memories of his grandfather exclaiming about the dark, dense, and seeded hunk of

bread he would have with every meal, “This is the bread that won the west!” The Kuehners have expanded their production to offering toasts, grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, cheese boxes, spreads, and dips, ideal for picnics and winery visits. Customer favorites include their Avocado Toast with Italian Salsa Verde, Thai Peanut Salad (vegan), and Portobello and Burrata Sandwich (vegetarian). West Won Bread uses organic whole grain flours for their bread and pastries and incorporates many ancient grains into their Khorasan, Einkorn, and Durum loaves. “Ultimately, using these ancient grains and sprouting our wheat and rye berries, as well as quinoa, are all about building flavor and utilizing the whole grain for a more nutritious, flavorful, and unique product.” All West Won breads are vegan friendly with only flour, water, salt, and additions like olives, seeds, pecans, and raisins. Their top-selling bread is the West Won Sour, an old-world traditional countrystyle loaf using whole wheat and whole rye

starters, which gives it depth of flavor and subtle sourness. The sprouted quinoa and brightly golden-colored Khorasan baguette are also popular. Also well-received is the Olive Fougasse, with kalamata olives and herbs de Provence, which is sculpted and scored in a leaf shape, making it a showstopper at any table. The Kuehners are constantly developing new breads and other food products that utilize these alternative grains and flours for maximum flavor. They also partner with local farmers and purveyors as often as possible and shop at the farmers' markets for produce. Current partners include Naysayer Coffee Roasters, Triad Bevs, and Handsome Carver. West Won Bread is open daily except for Mondays, 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. weekends for takeaway or indoor and outdoor seating. Their breads are also available at Browns Valley Market, Hudson Greens and Goods, Oakville Grocery, Sunshine Foods Grocery, and CalMart in Calistoga.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 1800 A Soscol Avenue, Napa, CA 94559 // 707-927-5597 // www.westwonbread.com 90

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NAPA

VA L L E Y

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

One can search a lifetime hunting down an excellent Cabernet value amongst Napa Valley producers... Silver Ghost is a wine that fits this description. – Wilfred Wong

AWA R D - W I N N I N G 2 0 1 8 V I N TA G E

93 Points James Suckling visit SilverGhost Cellars.com

or ask for it at your local fine wine retailer

Treasures await you at La Bohème!

ART • FURNISHINGS • VINTAGE • DÉCOR • JEWELRY • FASHION Proceeds from sales and donations support Collabria Care's programs for serious illness and end-of-life care.

1428 Main St., St. Helena 707.244.4686 Open Tue – Sat, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. FALL 2021

NVL money & wealth

Why Women May Emerge from the Pandemic

STRONGER THAN EVER Bank of America and Merrill women leaders share lessons learned to help you move forward financially, professionally and emotionally this year.

ach year, women’s history month shines a light on the often unsung contributions of women around the world. This year, more than ever, women’s contributions deserve recognition. Holding families and society together, women have done it all during the pandemic: Wife. Mother. Daughter. Teacher. Front-line worker. Caregiver. First responder. Professional. Politician — including, finally in the U.S., even Vice President. “I have seen all of the women in my life step up to work even harder — as caretakers for sick loved ones, teachers to their children, to help feed their communities and fight for social justice. Their response has left me in awe,” says Marci McGregor, senior investment strategist, Chief Investment Office, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank. On the other hand, the financial impact of the pandemic has threatened to erase decades 92

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of economic gains and progress towards equality; many women have left the workforce, citing the pressures of juggling careers and homeschooling as a reason. Yet, as vaccination programs ramp up and stimulus plans help to boost economic recovery, women may emerge stronger and more resilient than ever, using lessons learned to re-set their financial and professional lives and continue boldly on the path toward gender equality. Below, several Bank of America and Merrill women leaders offer tips for moving forward.

Q. How have you dealt with the stress of the pandemic, and what lessons have you learned? “What a roller coaster of a year!” says McGregor. Like many women, she found that prioritizing her health was key to managing stress. “Just finding a way to get outside every day helped,” she says.

Ninon Marapachi, head of Asset Manager Relationships, Investor Solutions Group, Bank of America, shares that “the recent health crisis has taught me to treasure moments with people who are close to me.” Learning to let go and “not strive for perfection” were key takeaways for Nancy Fahmy, head of Alternative Investments and Specialty Asset Management, Bank of America. And from Jen Auerbach-Rodriguez, managing director, Strategic Growth Markets, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, comes this reaffirmation of a valuable rule to live by: “Give people the benefit of the doubt. You never know what someone is going through.”

things unrelated to work,” says McGregor. Many women leaders point to the value of mentorship as a way of staying connected and contributing to the culture of their company. “Make the time to check in on people,” says Auerbach-Rodriguez. Fahmy also recommends “looking for opportunities to present your work at team meetings,” even via video camera. On the subject of career building, Kirstin Hill, chief operating officer, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Bank of America, offers this advice: “Let your managers know what you have accomplished, in a clear, simple way, allowing them to tell your story on your behalf.”

Q. Do you have tips for staying connected, proving your value and getting promoted while working remotely?

Q. What financial advice do you have for women who want to step back professionally—to create better work-life balance or manage a caregiving role?

“I have tried to set aside time to catch up with colleagues I used to see in the office about

“Having additional time at home, or for yourself, can be

priceless,” says AuerbachRodriguez. Fahmy agrees: “Ensure that you can afford to take a career break. You may need to adjust your spending habits or lifestyle.” Adds McGregor, “Check in with your HR department. Many employers are offering expanded benefits to caregivers and to support their employees’ physical and mental health right now.”

wills, financial planning and health directives before you are in a crisis.”

Q. Who has inspired you the most in the last year?

Healthcare workers and educators rank high in almost everyone’s estimation. Fahmy applauds her childhood friend, a pediatric ICU nurse: “She worked tirelessly to care for coronavirus patients while continuing to care for her own family.” And Hill celQ. How can all of us be bet- ebrates her daughter’s teacher, ter prepared financially for saying “not only did she keep my the next unexpected event? daughter engaged academically “Not spending all that you earn remotely, but she did so with an — it is important to have an extraordinary sense of empathy money sense emergency fund to cover at least and understanding. She is one of six months of basic expenses,” many teachers like that.” says Marapachi. McGregor adds, “There are just too many “Pay yourself first. It sounds so choices,” sums up Auerbachsimple, but being diligent about Rodriguez. Women’s contrisaving is the best way to prepare butions during the pandemic money sense and how to say no — if family members turn to you for financial support. for unexpected events. Set it up are nothing short of extraorto happen automatically.” She dinary. And their example a position to provide it. Yet the “Finances in develop philosophy that applies to also recommends having “the provides hope for aa basic brighter Retirement” survey found that few respondents everyone. Explain that this philosophy helped difficult conversations about future for us all. had budgeted to be able to help family members your family build its wealth and that any loan or financially, despite giving an average of $6,500 gift decisions will be made based on your core Opinions and hypothetical forecasts are those the author(s)values, and subject to change. annually to family. “We create budgets forofsuch such as a strong work ethic, pride We and work with our clients, their families and Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no things as travel or shopping, so why not for self-sufficiency. If you’re dreading the prospect nt client experience and communication, Merrill health care team to develop a plan of care. guarantee of future results. Bank of America, Merrill, their affiliates, and advisors do notgiving?” provide legal, accounting advice. Clients should consult their legal and/or family askstax, BillorHunter, Retirement of refusing a request, prepare your reasons Then we provide experienced California taxExperience, advisors before making any financial & decisions. The Chief beforehand Investment Office Client Director, Strategy Solutions so (CIO) that you can explain them registered home care aides to assist our provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global tionally,atapproximately • Startsolutions; saving for and take oversight Bank of America. unemotionally. When you can’t afford clients to give, with their individual care needs. markets; portfolio management due retirement diligence; and solutions data analytics. arehow developed for Bank ofoutline America Private Bank, for your decision. reasons ults with aand retirement advantage of much having longevity onthe Hunter advises that CIO youviewpoints determine a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, e made you an canearly commit to this purpose without a family business is involved, notes ady your side. Contribute to anWhen employer-

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registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of it’s America your retirement planning and current Schmieder, possible that your relatives don’t marilydisrupting to cover debt. sponsored savings plan such as a Assetyou allocation, not ensure athe profitcompany’s or livingCorporation. needs. When have diversification that figure, and rebalancing do understand financial limitations. • Non-medical in-home care protect against loss in declining markets. are subject to stock market 401(k) — atEquity leastsecurities at a level that meets derstandably concerned e consider your that other priorities. Aretothere anyand business“Not everyoneBonds may be aware, for instance, that planning and preparation fluctuations occur in response economic developments. • Meal match. are subject to interest rate,any inflation creditin risks. Investments focused owners in a certain changes you may needcompany toand make order company have an obligation to reinvest ldren’slifestyle wellbeing and • Medication reminders industry mayto pose additional risks due to lack of diversification, volatility, keep giving family tough their industry profits into their businesses to maintain portingtothem financially. •during Talk to to yourtimes? local Merrill advisor, whoand economic turmoil, susceptibility economic, political or regulatory risks other Mostsector important, before youMerrill give,Lynch, be sure to set growth,” he says. Use this opportunity• to Light explainhousekeeping and pet care concentration risks. Pierce, Fenner &together Smith Incorporated (also amount spent by can assist with putting a to as “MLPF&S” makes available certain investment products profits aren’t a ready • Transportation to errands or appointments asidereferred an emergency fund or for“Merrill”) yourself to help that the company’s source ir earlyensure adult children iswill have toorhelp pursue your goals. sponsored, managed, distributed provided by companies areor affiliates that you aplan comfortable cushion forthat gifts loans. of • Additional care for clients in a care facility Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, 2 ver billion annually. in retirement. registered investment adviser, Member SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA r $500 As you consider each request, it’s always • Hospice and palliative care For more information, contact Corp. products: 3. Set firmInvestment guidelines yes. Decide in important to remember that gifts or loans to n’t entirely bleak, as the for saying • Dementia care Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor advance under what circumstances you would family members will have a direct impact on rly adults (72 Are percent) with bathing, walking or Not FDIC Insured AreF. NotGonzales Bank Guaranteed in the May Lose Value Eric feel comfortable giving or lending money. your retirement planning. There might• beAssistance an d benefit from Are financial Are Not Insured By Any Federal Are Not a Condition to Any transferring, dressing, incontinence care “If you’re going to make a gift of the money, unwritten fifth rule, says Hunter: “Beware of Napa, CA, office Not Deposits Government Agency Banking Service or Activity e is some advice earlythe occasion think aboutto using as a teaching being overly generous, or you could end up at 707.254.4606 moment,” suggests Hunter. Without needing financial help yourself.” their pursuit of financial © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All sounding rights reserved. or eric_gonzales@ml.com. Locally owned and operated by Kim Geis,

MAP3482855 | WP-07-21-0239.A 472503PM-0421 | 07/2021 preachy or judgmental, try to| explain to your Administrator and Krystal Smith, RN relative how you’ve put yourself in a position to tick toprovide a budget. Track this assistance. Have you kept your debt under control, your expenses, and for instance, or lived within your g means or avoided s where you can make high-interest credit cards? CALL US FOR A FREE IN-HOME “For young adults in the FOR family, this INFORMATION could be a MORE to fund your goals. 1 Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. ASSESSMENT valuable lesson,” he says. Contact Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor , “How Does Student Debt Affect Early Career ur debt. Ericto F. be Gonzales in the Napa,aCA office at “IfPay you high-interest, expect paid back, create loan Retirement Saving?” 2018. 707-254-4606 recommends2 or Joeeric_gonzales@ml.com. C. Schmieder, uctible document,” debt first (e.g., Age Wave/Merrill Lynch. “The Financial Journey of principal consultant of the Family Business and then other non-tax Parenting: Joy, Complexity and Sacrifice,” 2018. For more information, contact Consulting Group. This may include details on HOME CARE LICENSE #284700010 FALL 2021 ebt (e.g., an auto loan). how frequently repayments will be made and Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor

707-296-1177

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 707--812--6853 | jaxwhitemulediner.com

NVL dining guide

AMERICAN SOLBAR RESTAURANT Solbar divides its menu into light, delicate flavors to stimulate your palate and bold, savory dishes, all with ingredients that showcase the best of what’s fresh and seasonal in the Napa Valley. Enjoy outdoor dining on the sunlit Solbar patio, or the new Picobar, for dining al fresco or relaxing by the firepits overlooking the landmark pool. 755 SILVERADO TRL, CALISTOGA // 707- 226-0860 // AUBERGERESORTS.COM

AMERICAN

TARLA - True to our namesake, the Tarla Grill aims to yield nourishing, creative, and culturally eats originating from Turkeynewest and Greece, lands heralded forfeatures their FIRST &exciting FRANKLIN Downtown Napa’s Marketplace and Deli cuisine and a culture that takes pride in the relationship between mankind and the the best of the Napa Valley. The Marketplace offers a full-service deli and a land! We take our responsibility of ensuring the origins of our ingredients seriously specialty Grocery Store selling local wine and craft beer. The store is filled with and pride ourselves on using local, seasonal and organic fare whenever possible.

grab-and-go or made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and picnic side salads for

you to home enjoy on either of their two patios. 1480 1sttake St, Napa, CAor 94559 707-255-5599 | www.tarlagrill.com

1331 FIRST ST., NAPA // 707-252-1000 // WWW.FIRSTANDFRANKLIN.COM

JA PA N E S E

I TA L I A N CA' MOMI OSTERIA Providing the Napa Valley with an obsessively authentic Italian experience, Ca' Momi Osteria serves up locally-sourced organic ingredients featured in their historic Italian recipes, certified pizza Napoletana and garden to glass cocktails. Ca’ Momi Osteria also offers tastings of Ca’ Momi Napa Valley and Italian wines plus late night live music each weekend.

EIKO’S - Eiko’s delivers imaginative twists on traditional Japanese cuisine. Our vision EIKO'S Delivering a modern, imaginative twist on traditional Japanese cuifor the menu combines modern and authentic traditional Japanese cuisine including sine, Eiko's menu includes seasonal, fresh sustainable fish and ingredients deseasonal, fresh sustainable fish and ingredients delivered daily from our local markets livered daily from local markets andraw purveyors. In addition to traditional and purveyors. In addition to traditional fish preparation, our chefs creates a raw fish preparation, their chefs createbyaour selection of innovative dishes featuring inspired selection of innovative dishes inspired local culture and taste profiles by local culture and profiles featuring Napa as influence and inspiration. Napa as influence and taste inspiration.

1141 FIRST STREET, NAPA // 707-224-6664 // WWW.CAMOMI.COM

1385Napa NAPA TOWN CENTER, NAPA // 707-501-4444 // WWW.EIKOSNAPA.COM 1385 Town Center, Napa, CA 94559 707-501-4444 | www.eikosnapa.com

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SOUTHSIDE CAFÉ Southside is a community-centered café and coffee bar with three locations: Carneros, Yountville, and Century in South Napa. They serve a chef-driven menu of authentic California cuisine with a Latin influence, specialty coffee from Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters, and beer & wine from friends in the Napa Valley. Open for breakfast, lunch, and Century is also open for dinner.

PIZZERIA TRA VIGNE For the past 25 years, Pizzeria Tra Vigne reigns one of St. Helena's local treasures. Guests of all ages enjoy the pasta, pizza, or a fresh daily special to go at this vibrant, family restaurant. Their pizzas are a crowd favorite to eat in or carry out. There's plenty of seating outdoors on the beautiful patio, complete with a bocce court, or inside with family and friends.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS // WWW.SOUTHSIDENAPA.COM

1016 MAIN ST, ST. HELENA // 707- 967-9999 // WWW.PIZZERIATRAVIGNE.COM

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

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C CASA Offering reimagined Mexican cuisine, C CASA features fresh food crafted with nutrient-packed ingredients sustainably sourced. Handmade tortillas are made from 100% USA grown, non-GMO, organic white corn. C CASA offers a modern and fine casual approach to tacos, salads, quesadillas and rotisserie meats. And everything is 100% Gluten Free! Vegetarian/Vegan offerings available.

FILIPPI’S PIZZA GROTTO For over 15 years, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto has been one of Napa Valley’s favorite Italian restaurants among locals and visitors alike. Best known for its extensive pizza menu, their dinner entrées include traditional Italian favorites such as Veal Scaloppini, Eggplant Parmigiana and Linguini with Clam Sauce. Soups, sandwiches and gluten-free options are also on the menu.

OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET // 610 1ST ST., NAPA // 707-226-7700 // MYCCASA.COM

635 FIRST ST, NAPA // OXBOW DISTRICT // 707-254-9700 // REALCHEESEPIZZA.COM

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NAPA PALISADES SALOON Located in downtown Napa, Napa Palisades is a local gourmet grub pub serving American comfort food with a twist. Their full bar serves up their own Napa Palisades Beer Company house brews, over 30 local craft beers and many guest taps. They boast 16 big screen TV’s, weekend brunch and a popular happy hour.

GRILLE 29 Nestled in Embassy Suites Napa Valley, Grille 29 offers a casual, friendly space ideal for a business lunch, after work drinks or dinner with the family. The tall rustic ceiling with chandeliers, sofa seating and beautiful oak bar add an old-world charm to the intimate dining room and lounge. Enjoy delightful entrees using fresh products and herbs grown from its very own garden!

1000 MAIN ST, NAPA // 707-492-3399 // WWW.NAPAPALISADES.COM

1075 CALIFORNIA BLVD., NAPA // 707-320-9520

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THE GRILL AT SILVERADO A one-of-a-kind Napa Valley restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar appetizers, The Grill at Silverado features Wine Country Cuisine, emphasizing fresh and sustainable products. Just minutes from downtown Napa, the Grill overlooks one of the most beautiful golf courses on earth and offers a respite from the daily routine for everyone who visits.

NAPA NOODLES Eiko’s sister restaurant, Napa Noodles, is an Asian Pacific Rim-style restaurant that fuses the delicious taste of Asian noodles with Napa Valley cuisine. Specialties include house-made noodles, savory soups, slow-roasted meats, seasonal salads, duck, flavorful rice dishes, Asian beers, Sake, and local wines.

1600 ATLAS PEAK RD, NAPA // 707-257-5400 // WWW.SILVERADORESORT.COM

1124 FIRST ST, NAPA // 707- 492-8079 // WWW.NAPANOODLES.COM FALL 2021

Bob McClenahan

photography

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bobmcclenahan.com

Here’s to one of the most special places on earth, where hardworking families and wanderlust travelers raise their glasses together at one table. Here’s to rolling hillsides and endless hiking and biking trails, miles of vineyards punctuated by ﬁve charming towns, and the legendary spirit of collaboration that inspires us all to live the good life. And, of course, let’s not forget our roots — all those layers of sand, soil, and silt that create the perfect growing conditions for winemakers to produce vintages desired around the world. In this land we call home — where farmers inspire culinary artists, and makers and vintners hone their crafts — let’s raise a toast.

Here’s to the Napa Valley we share, savor and rediscover each day.

visitnapavalley.com

LET’S GO HOME Quick Move-Ins Now Available Round Barn in Fountaingrove is excited to welcome you to the neighborhood this year. Round Barn combines farmhouse architecture with modern amenities, offering the serenity of Sonoma County with convenient access to downtown Santa Rosa’s vibrant night life. FROM THE HIGH $600,000s | 1,746-1,884 SQ. FT. | 3-4 BEDROOMS | 2.5-3.5 BATHS LOW HOA & NO MELLO-ROOS

RussianRiverLiving.com | 707-657-3353 | 208 Semillon Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 All renderings, floor plans, and maps are concepts and are not intended to be an actual depiction of the buildings, fencing, walkways, driveways or landscaping. Walls, windows, porches and decks vary per elevation and lot location. In a continuing effort to meet consumer expectations, City Ventures the right to modify prices, floor plans, specifications, options and amenities without notice or obligation. Square footages shown are approximate. *Broker/agent must accompany and register their client(s) with the onsite sales team on their first visit to the community in order to be eligible for any broker referral fee. Please see your Sales Manager for details. ©️2021 City Ventures. All rights reserved. DRE LIC # 01979736.

Napa Valley Life - Fall 2021

Articles inside

Everyone Can Be a Winemaker

Willamette Oregon Wine County

Half Moon Bay

SOLAGE

A Toast to Visit Napa Valley

HARVEST

The Gift GUIDE

What's Hot

The Perfect Provenance

West Won Bread

Local Artist: Jermaine Burse

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

Napa Valley College Foundation

Hispanic Heritage Month

Napa Tracy Style: Reap More Rewards by Prepping Your Home to Sell

Cooking with Karen Crouse

Winston's Café: Paulie's Bagels

Wesley Steffans: Correlation Wine Company

Sal Ianni: Truchard Vineyards

Napa de Oro

Newton Vineyard Winemaker

Frank Family Vineyards

Mira Winery

Robert Biale Vineyards

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Tour de Napa Exploring Napa by Bike

Kirk Venge: Venge Vineyards

Wine Collectives: Discover Napa's Hidden Treasures

How Napa's Wine Industry is Managing Climate Change

Napa Valley Vintners Premiere Release Week

Napa Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour

Calendar of Events

Inside Track: