Napa Valley Life Magazine - Fall 2022

Advice for what matters most, when

need it most

F. Gonzales

being named to the Forbes

The Gonzales Group

Management

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Data as of 6/30/21. Source: Forbes.com (April, 2022). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).

Creating moments centered around reconnecting, the quintessential wine country experience at Hotel Yountville presents romantic candlelit dinners served on private patios and an elevated couples spa service in the couples treatment rooms at the guest-only Spa.

967-7900 hotelyountville.com 6462 Washington St. Yountville, CA 94599

Bardessono’s mindful approach to living the good life features newly curated spa services, a fresh season of culinary offerings inspired by the Lucy Garden, and an immersion into the most sustainable, luxurious environment in the Napa Valley.

(707) 204-6000 bardessono.com 6526 Yount St. Yountville, CA 94599

Novato’s

Hamilton

Fall into Harvest

Another Fall and harvest is upon us. Even with the heat spikes the area experienced in September, it’s shaping up to be another stellar growing season, and there is much to celebrate.

Since it’s harvest season, we begin our celebration with our cover story about industry veteran Todd Graff and his impressive 20-year career with Frank Family Vineyards. When Graff started working with the Frank Family in the early 2000s, his first vintage was only a few thousand cases, small enough to fit into several small barrels. Two decades later, in his dual role as head winemaker and General Manager, Graff oversees the production of the company’s robust wine program. The far-reaching portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, méthode champenoise sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, small lots of Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, and dessert wines. With Graff at the helm vintage after vintage, every bottle is consistent in style, leaving his indelible mark on some of the most delicious wines (and one of the most popular wineries) in Napa Valley.

For those looking for a wine country adventure, don’t miss our side trip feature on Anderson Valley. Established as an AVA in 1983, it’s one of the coldest wine-growing regions in California, best known for producing lush Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and cooler climate varietals like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. It also has an interesting history dating back to its earliest inhabitants, the Pomo people, whose dialects can still be heard today.

Since the Holidays are almost upon us, our varietal series focuses on Napa Valley dessert wines. Not as easy to find as dry wines in this region, many Napa producers make these wines as a labor of love, often only during years the grapes are showing exceptionally well. Our shortlist includes a delectable selection of sparkling, sweet, and fortified wines to bring the best to your holiday table.

Photo by Lowell Downey

Speaking of the holidays, we hope you enjoy all the goodies in our annual Holiday Gift Guide. Many of the area’s small and family-owned businesses represent this year’s brilliant selection of wine country gifts. So when making your lists, what better way to find that perfect gift for yourself or a loved one than by choosing to shop local.

Cheers and Happy Harvest,

Laura Larson Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING

NV Scene

What’s Been Happening Around Town

NAPA PORCHFEST

# PHOTOS BY LOWELL DOWNEY

After a two-year hiatus, on July 31, Napa hosted its 10th Annual Porchfest, a free one- day event where streets around Fuller Park and Old Town Napa are closed to vehicles and people stroll from porch to porch with family and friends enjoying the sounds of local Napa bands. Approximately 50 musical acts representing a diverse array of styles from rock to reggae and country to indie were performed by local musicians. Thousands of locals and visitors attended on foot, bicycle and skateboard, and enjoyed food and drinks from over 15 food trucks offering burgers, pizza, tacos, salads, desserts and water-filling stations.

SAVOR YOUR STAY with

JAN DEC OCT 29

Cooking with Comedians

Join Chefs of The Meritage Resort and Spa as they team up with a different comedian every show. Participants will gain culinary tips, tricks and confidence to cook more at home, with plenty of laughs and tastes along the way!

Family Fall Fest

Come join us in Napa, where your family can partake in carnival games, Halloween crafts and more while enjoying live music and bites to eat from our Food Truck.

Cabernet Classic

A premier, three-day event focused specifically on the namesake variety, Cabernet Classic invites enthusiasts and experts alike to celebrate the region’s most renowned creation with pairings, tastings, and more.

Merry Meritage

Welcome in the holiday spirit by enjoying an afternoon of ice skating, lounging by the fire with a warm drink, or listening to live Carolers sing your favorite seasonal songs.

New Year’s Eve Gala

Ring in the new year at our special celebration, which includes several ways to step into 2023 with style—from raising a glass of famed wine and sharing a toast to dancing the night away with your other half.

BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Blue Note teamed up with the historic Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena, CA for Napa Valley’s first-ever Blue Note Jazz Festival. Hosted on July 29-31, the festival was an outdoor, multi-day, multi-stage event, which made its debut to sold-out crowds. With its electrifying mix of top-tier hip hop, jazz and comedy performances set amid the laid-back beauty of California wine country, the festival provided a unique and intimate experience for its 6,000 attendees. The all-star lineup, with Artist in Residence Robert Glasper and comedian host Dave Chappelle, featured Black Star Yaslin Bey and Talib Kweli, Maxwell, Chaka Khan, Snoop Dogg, Corinne Bailey Rae, D Smoke, Kamasi Washington, Alex Isley, Thundercat, Chief Adjuah, Frédéric Yonnet and others. The event also drew celebrity attendees including Nas, Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union, Michelle Wolf, Katt Williams, Anthony Anderson, Terry Crews, JEEZY, and more. // www.bluenotejazzfestival.com

Chaka Kahn Photo by Michelle Glotzer

Photo by Michelle Glotzer

Dave Chapelle Photo by Mathieu Bitton

Dave Chapelle Photo by Mathieu Bitton

Robert Glasper // Photo by Mathieu Bitton

Maxwell

Photo by Marc Fong

Corrine Bailey Rae

Chief Adjuah

MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR BRAIN HEALTH AND ONE MIND

# PHOTOS COURTESY OF ONE MIND, RAFAEL MOTTO, FLYING PIG STUDIO

On September 10, One Mind’s 28th Music Festival for Brain Health was held at Staglin Family Vineyard. Co-Hosted by Shari and Garen Staglin, along with their children Brandon and Shannon, former Congressman and One Mind Board Director Patrick J. Kennedy, Congressman Mike Thompson, and the One Mind Board of Directors, over 400 festival guests enjoyed an en lightening and fun-filled day, which began with an engaging scientific symposium, followed by an epic tasting of some of Napa’s most acclaimed wines and a rousing live concert performance by award-winning recording artists Jewel and Hunter Hayes. Immediately following the concert, VIP guests enjoyed a post-concert dinner created by Chef Sarah Grueneberg of renowned Monteverde Restaurant & Pacifico in Chicago. Proceeds from the event raised $3 million, pushing One Mind’s annual fundraising total to over $12 million dollars. // www.onemind.org

Guests enjoy the wines from premier sponsor vintners

One Mind Champion and multi-award winning singer, songwriter, actress, and bestselling author, Jewel performs at the event

Former Congressman and One Mind Founding Board Member, Patrick Kennedy addresses the crowd

Staglin Wines Pouring at the event Photo by Laura Larson

Brandon Staglin welcomes Keynote speaker, Regina Dugan, PhD, President and CEO, Welcome Leap to kick off Scientific Symposium

Vintner Bob Trinchero honored as One Mind Vintner of the Year. (L-R-Brandon Staglin, Shannon Staglin, Shari Staglin, Bob Trinchero, Garen Staglin)

Congressman Mike Thompson greets attendees at the event

One Mind Champion and multi-platinum recording artist, Hunter Hayes performs at the event

HARVEST STOMP

# PHOTOS BY SUZANNE BECKER BRONK

On August 27, The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) hosted their 15th annual Harvest STOMP fundraiser at Oscar and Denise Renteria’s 360 Vineyard in Oakville, CA. Also serving as 2022 Auction Chairs, the Renterias, owners of Tres Perlas Wines and Renteria Vineyard Management, and John and Michele Truchard, owners of JaM Cellars and FARM Napa Valley Vineyard Management, brought together those with a shared passion for the preservation of local agriculture, building a legacy for the Napa Valley, and providing life-changing opportunities for Napa’s vineyard workforce. With the support of a dedicated community of grape growers, vineyard managers, winery owners, wine lovers, and vineyard professionals, the event raised a record-break ing $3.3 million for the two organizations. // www.napagrowers.org

Guests raised their paddles during the NVG and FWF Fund-a-Need

Premier Partner, Mechanics Bank, enjoy the Harvest STOMP festivities

The night concluded with music and dancing

After party country singer, Nicole Marden

Presenting Partner, JaM Cellars, greets guests with Butter Chardonnay and new Butter Bubbles

2022 Harvest STOMP Chairs, Denise and Os car Renteria and Michele and John Truchard announce the auction night success

Culinary Eye Catering served a Tex-Mex meal for guests

Guests stood in applause to honor Salvador Renteria, founder of Renteria Vineyard Management

The Meadows has been serving seniors in Napa Valley for over 30 years. And folks who have visited know, it is like a luxury resort—a sprawling green campus, active and independent residents, and amenities straight out of your wildest dreams. But did you know, The Meadows offers direct admission for all healthcare needs?

right. And our new private suites are the largest and most beautiful around— including private patios, and a true residential feel. Please call to schedule your personal tour. And once you visit, we think you’ll agree, there really is nothing quite like it.

The Meadows of Napa Valley. Perfect for those who need help. And, of course, want to feel like they’re at a resort.

V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION

WINE CELEBRATION

The V Foundation for Cancer Research raised more than $6.5 million during the 2022 Wine Celebration, a full weekend of events in the Napa Valley with proceeds supporting early detection research. The weekend was hosted by V Foundation Board Member and Duke University’s former Men’s Basketball Coach Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, and Devon Still, former NFL defensive end and 2015 Jimmy V Perseverance Award winner. From the gala dinner and live auction at Nickel & Nickel Winery, to the Answer for Cancer Symposium, ‘Rock the V’ party at The Estate Yountville and more, the event hosted over 600 guests. The auction’s top lot—6 Liters of Screaming Eagle in Memory of Ron Kuhn—fetched $270,00 and was purchased by Gary Jabara, the new owner of Estate Yountville. // www.v.org

Bidders raise their paddles at the Gala Auction CEO of V Foundation, Shane Jacobson welcomes guests at the Gala Auction

Past event chair Julie Maples passes the baton to board member Amy Marks Dornbusch, who led the events for the weekend

Maggie Rose Dirty Dozen Band at the Rock the V Party

Grammy winning singer-songwriter Victory Boyd performs at the Gala Auction

Former Defensive End Devon Sill and Coach Mike (Coach K) Krzyzewski kick off the Gala Auction

Auctioneer Liam Mayclem and Jessica Lonergan at the Dolce Lounge afterparty

Vintner Beth Nickel and SF Giants catcher Buster Posey at Dinner with the Docs event

L-R: PGA TOUR Senior Executive Donna Orender, FISA world rowing champion and Kate Johnson, former world No. 1 female billiard player Jeanette Lee, High Jump Champion Chaunté Lowe and Olympic champion cross-country skier Kikkan Randall

Since the fall of 2021, demand for vineyard ground has ramped up as water resources are scarce and the state is threatening to curtail water rights. As a result, bare ground values are also ramping up with Sauvignon Blanc being the hottest trending varietal. Historically, Lake County has been used as a wine blender but more recently, it has become a sought-after terroir for Red Hills AVA Cabernet Sauvignon and Big Valley AVA Sauvignon Blanc. It is also becoming an investment hotspot as planting contracts are available in the market as are 1000+ gallon per minute agricultural wells. For prospective buyers and investors who have access to water and plants, it’s a great time to expand.

119 acre property

River

of

Sq.Ft.

The NorCal Vineyards Team, managed by 3rd generation grape grower Tony Ford, has represented buyers and sellers of vineyards, wineries, land and estates in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake County for over 19 years. Tony has transacted over $650 Million dollars in sales volume specializing in agricultural assets, vineyards, land and estates. Tony’s reputation is built on value-added services, ranging from assisting in the creation of wine brands, grower relations of wine grapes, and more. His main territory is in the North Coast but is known to branch out across the broader Bay Area region and the greater California landscape. Tony approaches with crucial area knowledge giving his clients a high degree of confidence and customer experience when they engage his services. Tony has spent the last two decades building ironclad relationships, and much of his business comes from word of mouth and referral.

A 90 acre property

to vineyard with

average of

year yield and

new 3 year

NV Calendar

Upcoming Parties, Concerts, Celebrations and Events

Event dates subject to change. Please check event websites for current schedules.

October 21 – 22 WINE COUNTRY WEEKEND

Join the Guy Fieri Foundation, Neighbor's Keeper, and the Tug McGraw Foundation for Wine Country Weekend’s “Food, Heroes, Softball, and Music,” a two-day event, beginning with Cabs, Culinary, and Country at Silver Oak Cellars on 10/21 with food prepared by Chef Guy Fieri and music by Country Superstar Tim McGraw, and on 10/22 the Honoring Heroes BBQ hosted at Borman Field Veterans Home in Yountville. The goal is to honor, raise funds and bring awareness to support the brain health and wellness of veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and their families. // www.winecountryweekend.org

October 29 – 30

ALPHA WIN NAPA VALLEY

FALL TRIATHLON

Whether you have raced in Napa Valley before or are brand new to the area, this race is for you! The rugged but majestic terrain offers a course full of

twists and turns through breathtaking vistas. Napa Valley is one of the BEST triathlon venues globally, with a view of the exquisite Lake Berryessa and a chance to see a variety of Northern California’s beautiful wildlife. // www.alpha.win

November 4 – 6

CABERNET CLASSIC

Cabernet Classic is Napa Valley's premiere event explicitly focused on Cabernet in all its varieties. The threeday gathering will bring together Master Sommeliers, wine enthusiasts, industry experts, and world-class wineries celebrating Cabernet Sauvignon, the region’s most renowned varietal. Enjoy expert-led tastings featuring 100's of wines, including rare vintages and chef-curated culinary experiences, all situated at The Meritage Resort, Napa. Presenting sponsor Kaiser Permanente, also sponsored by BMW of Fairfield and Wine Spectator Magazine. // www.cabernetclassic.com

November 20 // 1:00 – 4:00pm

CALISTOGA FOOD & WINE GRAND TASTING

Treat yourself to world-class wines from 30+ Calistoga AVA wineries for an afternoon of live music, gourmet culinary bites, and exceptional wine at the 2022 Calistoga Food & Wine Grand Tasting. Hosted at the spectacular Solage Resort & Spa, the walk-around wine-tasting includes gourmet food pairings from some of Calistoga’s favor ite restaurants – plus live music. // www.calistogawinegrowers.com

November 20 – 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 award-winning restaurants fill the air. Over six weeks, the celebration in cludes a full calendar of events, a holiday gift guide, and a holiday light tour. www.yountville.com/events/ holidays-in-yountville/

Tim McGraw Photo courtesy of Wine Country Weekend

Guy Fieri Photo courtesy of Wine Country Weekend

Cabernet Classic Photo by Joanna Salazar

November 24 // 6:00 – 8:00pm

NAPA TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

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 our 30’ tall Christmas tree is lit up in Veterans Park. A great start to the Holiday Season! // www.donapa.com

November 27 // 5:00 – 8:00pm

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, march ing bands, dancers, classic cars, and community groups through the 2nd and 3d Streets Downtown. Meet Santa after the parade for pictures with the kids. // www.donapa.com

December 3 // 7:00 – 8:30pm

CALISTOGA LIGHTED TRACTOR PARADE

Come watch the 26th Annual Calis toga Lighted Tractor Parade celebrat ing the city’s agricultural heritage. Admire the dazzling sights and sounds of the holiday season as over 50 decorated tractors, floats, and farm equipment cascade through downtown Calistoga. This is a special Calistoga tradition you won’t want to miss. Fun for the whole family. // www.visitcalistoga.com

Inside Track What the Locals are Doing

Carneros Resort and Spa

Artisan Pizza al Fresco

Happiness is served by the slice at Market in their new outdoor pizza oven. Stop by from 11am to 3pm every ThursdaySunday for a taste of artisanal pizza featuring handmade dough, fresh ingredients, and spices harvested from their garden. Elevate your experience with a local wine or beer pairing from Market, and a round of bocce at Town Square.

Napa Moose Lodge

Find a local sponsor and become a member of the Napa Moose Lodge. Their charter is to celebrate life together, serve those within the Napa community, support children in need who deserve a second chance, and stand by senior members as they enter their twilight years. Members will find a wide array of activities in which to participate both as an individual and as a family- such as holiday parties, dances, sports, themed dinners and live entertainment.

Feast it Forward Karaoke Night

The Yard by Feast it Forward is now hosting Karaoke nights on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. In partnership with BRING IT KARAOKE & ENTERTAINMENT and com munity sponsors, the event features wine specials from The Studio by Feast it Forward as well as dinner options from Empress M. Sign up starts up at 5pm / Karaoke is 6pm8pm. $5 door entry supports a local selected charity.

MCKINSTRY

Sweetie Pies Weekend Nights

Every Friday and Saturday Napa’s favorite riverfront bakery is open until 10 p.m. serving up Monster Shakes topped with multiple creative desserts along with handmade pastries such as frosted Cinnamon rolls, morning buns and gooey caramel sticky buns, hot out of the oven at 8 p.m. Enjoy a desserts ala mode, or grab a banana split for two. Available for dine in or via Door Dash

have delivered at home.

ST.,

Yountville Locals Day

Yountville Locals & Industry Day-Live Like a Local every Monday! Locals Day features special offers from Yountville and Napa Valley’s shops, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, spas and resorts. A “Local” is defined as anyone who lives in the Napa Valley or a visitor that’s heard about Locals & Industry Day.

Photo by Bob McClenahan

CYCLING IN NAPA VALLEY

for EXPERIENCED RIDERS

BY FRANCIE LOW

Whether a day trip or weekend excursion, Napa Valley’s renowned beauty offers cycling adventures for the beginner to the most advanced rider. Not only are the rolling hills ideal for growing grapes, but they are a quintessential topography for touring on two wheels.

For cyclists looking for distance with challenging climbs and idyllic views, Napa Valley’s wine country is overflowing with options.

WHEN TO GO

Fall is one of the best times to experience wine country when the light is golden, spilling across the valley of vineyards, and the air is perfumed with recently harvested fruit from August through October. By November, the valley is exploding with to rusty-red, burnt-orange, and golden-yellow foliage with musty aromas of fermented fruit and fallen leaves. With the cool mornings and warm afternoons, there’s no better way to take it all in than on a bike.

The Napa Valley Vine Trail a great place to start. The scenic, paved, car-free path is relatively flat, but can easily be woven into a more challenging ride as it currently spans 12.5 miles and offers a welcome respite with plenty to see.

“Bicycling in Napa Valley is an activity that engages all five senses,” said Kellie Macway of Napa Valley Bike Tours. “When you slow down and engage all of your senses, it makes for the most lasting memories.”

WHERE TO RIDE

Avid cyclists looking to experience Napa Valley like a local, knowing where to go is key. Ride with a guide, club, fundrais ing event, or go it alone using a down loadable map.

NAPA VALLEY BIKE TOURS

For cyclists who prefer a self-guided ride, Napa Valley Bike Tours posts loads of routes on their website with details on mileage, climbing, and difficulty. Courses are downloadable, depending on the rider’s cycling computer. Distances range from twenty-four miles to sixty-nine miles; the most popular are labeled as Guest Favorite and can be found under the “planning tools” tab. Rides begin and end in Napa or Yountville, convenient to their two shops, coffee and lunch spots, and wineries for post-ride tastings. Bike rentals are avail able, including e-bikes, so a traveling com panion who doesn’t ride or isn’t of the same

Calistoga // Photo courtesy of Ride Napa Valley

fitness level can share the experience. // www.napavalleybiketours.com

STANLY RANCH RESORT

Guests and non-guests can plan a beau tiful ride starting at the newest addition to the Auberge resort collection, Stanly Ranch, lying at the southern edge of the Napa Valley. The location of this relaxed modern farmhouse property is slightly closer for cyclists coming from the Bay Area for the day and a great home base for overnight guests. Plan a convenient cycling experience with all the ameni ties. Coffee, snacks, water, light breakfast and lunch items are available at Gavel, the resort’s coffee shop, offering outdoor seating in a peaceful setting. Bike racks and pumps are at-the-ready, and parking is free.

Guided rides (approxi mately two hours) are avail able every other Saturday for intermediate-level riders for $15 and include a compli mentary post-ride coffee and pastry. Enjoy the surround ings of wine country to the fullest without worrying about getting lost. The adventure begins in the heart of the vineyards, down a eucalyptuslined road, and into the heart of the Napa Valley. Plans are in the works to host a quarterly event, including a guided ride and guest-chef, post-ride brunch. Reservations required. // www.aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch/ experiences/cycle-team/

EAGLE CYCLING CLUB

For a truly local experience, the Eagle Cycling Club of Napa Valley is an ultrafriendly group that welcomes drop-ins. Weekly scheduled rides (Wednesdays and weekends) are generally at a leisurely pace of 8-12 mph with elevation gains of under 1,000 feet and up to 2,500 feet, regularly regrouping to allow slower riders to catch up. Route descriptions are posted on the website calendar. After the first ride, the club asks riders to become members for in surance purposes. The good news is the first year is free. // www.eaglecyclingclub.org

RIDE NAPA VALLEY

Riding for charity is another great way to experience wine country. Ride Napa

Valley, founded by Rebecca Kotch, an avid cyclist, combines her love of cycling with her drive to help humanity. She organizes several cycling fundraisers yearly that give back, boast beautiful and scenic rides, and test even the toughest cyclist. The Napa9 event on October 16th is the ultimate chal lenge, offering cyclists the opportunity to climb three, six, or nine peaks in the Napa Valley—the hardest, covering 125 miles and 13,000 feet of elevation. Proceeds benefit the Napa Police Youth Services to support underserved youth and teens.

“Napa Valley has all the challenges that you would need - from windy steep climbs to awesome descents, to rural roads (with no cell service), you can escape on the bike for two hours or eight,” said Ride Napa Valley founder, Rebecca Kotch.

Ride Napa Valley is also delighted to cus tomize a guided ride for any level of cyclist for any distance, whether it’s twenty-five miles or seventy-five. A fan favorite is an out-and-back between Napa and Sonoma, including a lunch break. Another popular adventure begins at the CLIF FAMILY WINERY, offering espresso, Bruschetteria food truck, and wine tasting. Rebecca and her team have connections to some of the best food Napa Valley offers and can meet any dietary needs, so participants will be amply fed.

www.ridenapavalley.com

“ When you slow down and engage all of your senses, it makes for the most lasting memories.”

Photo by Jody Parks

Napa Valley Vine Trail // Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Bike Tours

Franz Valley

Photo courtesy of Ride Napa Valley

Photo

The

pandemic may have revolution ized working from home, but it didn’t change the need to feel connected to our colleagues. A 2022 Indeed-Forrester workplace survey found that the two most important drivers of well-being at work are feeling energized by your tasks and a sense of belonging in your company. So how do smart companies facilitate that? They take their teams to Napa Valley.

“Corporate team building is back,” says Mary T Beller, founder, and Curatorin-Chief of Verve Napa Valley, which has been curating unique experiences for wine country visitors since 2012. “Our Silicon Valley neighbors, national groups, and even some international organizations are reaching out wanting to bring their people to Napa Valley.”

Visit Napa Valley, the official destination management organization for Napa County, notes that group visit inquiries for the first seven months of 2022 are up 40% over 2019. “Companies are definitely interested in getting out of Zoom purgatory,” says Visit Napa Valley’s CEO, Linsey Gallagher. “They tell us their teams are craving collaboration and time in person outdoors.”

These corporate visitors are embrac ing a variety of team-building activities in Napa Valley, from farm-to-fork cooking classes, guided bike rides, and cheese tastings to wine blending competitions and sabrage contests. “Corporate groups don’t want just to visit wineries and taste wine,” Beller says. “We are constantly brain storming with our partners to create new experiences that suit each group’s interests and budget.”

A group interested in technology might want to explore a winery’s cutting-edge sensor systems for tracking the vineyard’s moisture, temperature, and wind speed.

At the other end of the seriousness scale, Verve put together an Olympics-inspired lawn sports tournament that was entirely

wine-themed: ring tosses on bottlenecks, barrel-rolling, cork throwing, and more. A tea blending seminar can introduce abstain ing guests to the properties and flavors of the various tea components available and let them create their own proprietary blend to take home–or back to the office. Some groups have even had Verve set up volunteer opportunities, spending part of their time in Napa Valley giving back to the community.

With axe throwing and archery plum meting in popularity–thank goodness, says Beller–the hottest corporate team-building activity right now seems to be the “BottleYour-Own-Barrel” experience. With one hand holding a wine glass, coworkers team up, assembly line-style, to get their handcrafted Napa Valley wine out of a 60-gallon

barrel and into 750ml-bottles, which they then cork, seal with foils, and label with their own design, ready for corporate gifting.

According to Verve’s Director of Operations, Rob Roy, the main goal of most corporate visits is not to learn a new skill or come away with a neat memento; the folks in charge simply want to get people hanging out together away from the workplace and its stresses. More often than not, the group just wants to discover a beautiful part of Napa Valley and stay a while. “When people are taking their shoes off,” he says, “you know you’ve got the right relaxed vibe.”

“ We are constantly brainstorming with our partners to create new experiences that suit each group’s interests and budget.”

Photo courtesy of Verve

Photo courtesy of Verve Photo courtesy of Verve

Entrecot

Entrecot, an Argentinian-inspired bistro is the newest addition to Napa’s bustling river front. Located in the prior Frati Gelato shop, proprietors and architects Gonzalo Barrado and Antonella Tesio designed the space to offer a unique Argentinian experience, in cluding the menu, created by Argentinian Chef Mercedes Solis and Chef Luciana Arjol. It includes traditional iterations of beef, steak and barbeque with regional special ties and tapas such as Vitello Tonnato, Gazpacho, Fried Polenta and Caponata. The wine list features a selection of wines from Argentina, Spain, Chile and Uruguay, as well as a beautiful selection of local labels. Open Wed – Sun 5pm – 10pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 670 Main St., Napa //

Whiskey Bar

Archer Hotel Napa’s Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar toasted its newest addition with the debut of Whiskey Bar. The exclusive, reservationonly alfresco hideaway welcomes whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike with a list spanning more than 100 choices with unique and rare pours that can be sipped neat, on the rocks, and within its specialty cocktails built on private barrel selections. Whiskey Bar’s cuisine complements the savory profiles that pair well with the distilled spirit and is built around the bar’s stone hearth pizza ovens. In true Archer fashion, details big and small will round out the immersive experience, including a complimentary arrival bar snack and games to test one’s whiskey wisdom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1260 1st St., Napa // www.skyandvine.com

Napa Yard

Napa Yard has transformed the former south Copia gardens into an amazing outdoor space reminiscent of a European beer and wine garden. The 3.5-acre site along the river in the Oxbow District of Downtown Napa is family friendly (dogs welcome!) and contains organic, culinary gardens and orchards whose bounty is showcased in the restaurant and bar featuring garden-to-table and garden-to-glass menus. The space is perfect for parties and events. Future plans include a grab-and-go marketplace. Open Tues – Thu 12 –8pm and Fri – Sun 11am – 9pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 585 First St., Napa, 94559 // www.napayard.com

Whiskey Bar at Sky & Vine // Photo courtesy of Archer Hotel

Photo courtesy of Napa Yard

Photo courtesy of Entrecot

The Hollywood Room

Napa Valley Distillery’s new Hollywood Room is an intimate, craft cocktail lounge offering extraordinary, “spirit-forward” mixed drinks, barrel aged cocktails, and a selection of the finest spirits from around the world. Unraveling itself apart from the world it presently sits in with its visuallyaesthetic and vibrant 1920’s interior decoration the hidden location invites guests to join their skilled mixologists in a cocktail tasting venture that will leave them wanting more each time. Open Thu – Sat from 2pm – 9pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 2485 Stockton St., Napa // www.napadistillery.com

The Village Bistro at Meritage Resort

The Village Bistro offers a French-influenced menu with a wine country twist. Based on the culinary legacy of The Meritage Resort’s Director of Culinary Experience, Vincent Lesage. The Village Bistro menu is inspired by Vincent's first memories in the kitchen with his grandmother in France. Featuring over 90 French and local Napa Valley wines and served family style, the “Pop-Up” Village Bistro experience is open now through the end of the year. Open Fri – Sun 5:30pm – 10:00pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa // www.meritageresort.com

First & Franklin Wine and Food Market

First & Franklin expands to include an artisan wine and food market. The grab-and-go space is set up with a wide selection of foodstuffs and accoutrements for the gourmet picnic or to serve at home. The deli serves a formidable menu of sandwiches, salads, and snacks that can be paired with wines from the newly designed wine shop, overseen by wine industry veteran Dan Dawson (Wine Adviser, Back Room Wines) and focuses on an eclectic, value-driven selection of boutique wines.

INFORMATION: 1331 First St., Napa // www.firstandfranklin.com

Photo Courtesy of the Hollywood Room

Dan Dawson and Owner, Chuck Meyer in the new First and Franklin Market

Photo courtesy of Meritage Resort

The GUIDE Gift

Napa Valley gift ideas for everyone on your list

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.

LIV + GRACE SKINCARE

Bridging the Gap between Beauty and Wellness. Napa Valley’s premier customizable skincare blends clinically proven actives with the finest quality, nutrient dense organics and botanicals to trigger the body’s natural healing and youthful radiance.

decanted. This collection's hearts and mini staves are handcrafted from retired Cabernet barrels and adorned with gold-filled hardware and semi-precious gemstones. These pieces are a sustainable and sentimental way to keep you or a loved one connected to the Napa Valley.

PRICE: $80 – $200 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.APRILMARTINDESIGNS.COM

JUNO’S LITTLE MERCANTILE BOISSIER GIFTS

It began in1872, in Paris when Béllissaire Boissier set up shop on the Boulevard des Capucines. He was an instant success with the ladies of Parisian high society — Victor Hugo famously wrote about Boissier: “It is thanks to Boissier my dear doves, that we fall happily at your feet, for the strong we conquer with bombs and the weak we conquer with sweets.”

PRICE: $6 – $68 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.JUNOSMERCANTILE.COM

BEST FRIEND FACIAL CLUB HOLIDAY FACIAL + STOCKING STUFFER

Make your holidays ‘Merry & Bright’ with this sure to please holiday gift. Gift this hourlong, seasonally scented facial to yourself or a loved one. Includes, take-home lip care and single-use face mask to be used while sipping through the Napa Valley holidays.

PRICE: $150 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.BESTFRIENDFACIALCLUB.COM

WINEGRASP®

wineGrasp® keeps your drink safe and within reach. The strong grip allows attachment to surfaces up to one inch and the ergonomic design makes it easy to use. Fits most rounded stemware. A perfect take along and makes a great gift. Made in the USA. Wholesale pricing available.

PRICE: SINGLE: $9.99 // SET: $19.99

WHERE TO BUY: WWW.WINEGRASPCO.COM

NAPA VALLEY HOT SAUCE

Napa Valley Hot Sauce was started by two local kids born and raised in the Napa Valley who love hot sauce and good wine. Their mission is to find the perfect hot sauces for any and all occasions. With hand picked favorites including Habanero, Jalapeno, Chipotle and more, they are destined to be a favorite gift.

PRICE: $5.95 AND UP • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.NAPAVALLEYHOTSAUCE.COM

OLIVE ST LEATHER MOHAVE WINE TOTE

This Mohave Wine Tote is a beautiful handmade leather wine carrier that is a must-have accessory for anyone gifting a bottle of wine or as a treat for yourself. It is perfect for those who frequent dinner parties, wineries, brunches, picnics or anywhere you plan to BYOB.

PRICE: $74.99 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.OLIVESTLEATHER.COM OR WWW.WINEX.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

WHERE TO BUY:

SUGAR + LEMON SUGAR HAIR REMOVAL, SKIN THERAPY + SELF CARE

NAPA RUNNING COMPANY GET-IN-SHAPE GEAR

SIMPLY UNWINED WINE GLASS MUST-HAVES

This innovative Wine Brush takes the challenging task of cleaning wine glasses and makes it stressfree. Couple that with these new Wine Towels, and your crystal-clear wine glasses

be the envy of all your friends. Sold individually or bundled together, these

the perfect

MEGHAN BO DESIGNS HANDMADE JEWELRY

Designed and handmade in

small group of

Bo Designs

TALLOW DREAM CREAM

Tallow Dream Cream is all natural, American made and American sourced with high quality ingredients. Grass fed tallow is rich in minerals and stearic acid, which helps repair damaged skin and improve skin’s flexibility. This brand continues to create products that benefit every family member—pets too!

Elegant to the eye, and meticulously crafted by hand with soft, natural Paraguayan leather, the Bati Wine Caddy stands out as the signature item in its leather wine accessories line. It fits one normal sized bottle (designed to hold Veuve Clicquot), and is the perfect gift item.

ATLAS PEAK OLIVE OIL

Your source to Napa Valley’s Finest Olive Oil. This season’s harvest is proving to be a gift that keeps on giving! This 100% virgin olive oil is made in small batches to retain its fresh potency. Farmed by the 5th Generation Hammond family, the olive trees on the land have been producing since 1882.

PRICE: $21 • WHERE TO BUY:

THE BENNINGTON COPPER COLLECTION

Exclusively from India, these beautiful pieces are made with stainless steel and copper. The collection includes a strong insulated tumbler, condiment bowls, trays, gelato bowls, and many other pieces that are perfect for entertaining.

CLIF FAMILY WINERY SPREAD THE BUZZ COLLECTION

A buzz worthy gift! The Solar Grown™ Honey collection features honey harvested from hives on pollinator-friendly solar farms, which increases biodiversity and pollinator friendly habitat. Each set includes Clif Family Solar Grown™ Raw Honey, Hot Honey and three flavored Honey Spreads. Plus a wooden honey spreader and 3 recipes from Executive Chef John McConnell to kick start your culinary creativity.

PRICE:

TO BUY:

NAPA VALLEY SHOPPING NEW STYLE EUROPEAN DRESS

Focused on carrying the best fashion and wine products the industry has to offer, Napa Valley Shopping was started by Napa native, William Mc Cune because of his love for his sister, a fashion industry icon, who passed away from breast cancer.

PRICE: $69.99 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.NAPAVALLEYSHOPPING.COM

SIREN JEWELRY LALA NECKLACE, OPAL RING, STACKING HAMMERED RINGS

Siren Jewelry uses fine materials such as gold fill, pearls, opals & other natural stones to create stylish and feminine designs you can wear all year long. Thoughtfully designed for daily wear, Siren Jewelry makes a wonderful gift for the modern woman.

PRICE: $18 – $106 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.SIRENJEWELRY.COM

GIFT CARDS

Simply Green Day Spa offers nail care, massage, facials and waxing from head to toe. They use the most natural and organic products free of DBA, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Paraben, Phalate and no animal testing. Simply Green Day Spa’s model is “If we won’t use it on us, we won't use it on you”.

PRICE: $20 – $150 • WHERE TO BUY:

ESTATE CHEESE COLLECTION

Wine Chips are made to pair with wine by our team of Master Sommeliers. Grab all five Wine Chips cheeses in our popular Wine Chips Estate Cheese Collection. Plus get a single refill bag of each flavor. That’s a total of 10 bags of our hand-crafted Estate Line Cheese flavors.

PRICE: $79.99 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.WINECHIPS.COM

THE PAINTED LADY

SPA SERVICES

Anticipate oodles of holiday goodies in the perfect pink house with the shimmering golden door. The Painted Lady Tanning & Spa boasts an array of beautifying services for your secret Santa. UV Tanning, high pressure tanning, Red Light Therapy, Airbrush Tanning, Mystic Tanning, infrared sauna, eyelash extensions, soothing massage therapy, and Reiki treatments await on a perfect pink gift certificate.

PRICE: $30 AND UP • WHERE TO BUY:

TICKET CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONS

From northern California’s Sierra foothills, Ticket Chocolate brings you artisan chocolate confections: Belgian truffles, gourmet marshmallows, hot chocolate on a stick, chocolate bark and more, all hand-crafted from the very best ingredients.

PRICE: $5 – $50 • WHERE TO BUY: WWW.TICKETCHOCOLATE.COM

FRANK FAMILY’S

TODD GRAFF Celebrating 20Years

 BY MARISA MCCANN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS

Frank Family Vineyards has exploded in popularity since its founding by former Disney Studios President, Rich Frank nearly three decades ago. But while their tagline has fittingly become “Great Wine Happens Every Day,” their success didn’t happen overnight.

What started as a weekend retreat for Frank became a fruitful winemaking venture, thanks hugely in part to the commitment and dedication of their longtime Winemaker and General Manager, Todd Graff. Petaluma-born and globally trained, Graff has been at the helm of this world-class winery since 2003 and will produce his 20th vintage for them this harvest.

WINEMAKING AND WANDERLUST

An alumnus of U.C. Davis’ class of 1984, Graff immediately launched his winemaking career as a cellar intern for Joseph Phelps Vineyards, where he learned the fundamentals and worked

alongside fellow interns from some of the world’s top winegrowing regions. The friend ships he made there took him around the globe chasing an endless harvest. “After two harvests at Phelps, I loaded up my bags and got a job in Australia’s Hunter Valley, where I followed the sun for a year pulling hoses in the cellar before moving on to Mosel, Germany, and then Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, France,” said Graff. Finally, he made his way back to Napa Valley, broke but full of invaluable life experience.

In 1987, Stag’s Leap Head Winemaker took a sabbatical, and Graff happily filled in as the Assistant Winemaker, receiving a healthy dose of decision-making early in his career. “I was

feeling the travel bug again, though, and longed to get lost in a good way,” said Graff.

“So, when I found out Schramsberg was looking for a sparkling winemaker for a joint venture in Portugal, I raised my hand, and somehow they picked me.”

Graff worked the next five years as a “flying winemaker,” spending half his time in California and the other half in Portugal, where he consulted

sparkling wine world and came to Frank Family Vineyards.”

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Frank Family was essentially a blank slate when Graff was appointed Winemaker in the early 2000s. “The opportunity was great, but it certainly wasn’t the same winery it is today,” stated Graff. His first

vintage was only a few thousand cases, small enough to fit into several small barrels. Two decades later, Graff oversees the production of a robust wine program that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, méthode champenoise sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, as well as small lots of Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, and even dessert wines.

Across Frank Family’s far-reaching portfolio, every bottle is consistent in style - defined by purity of fruit and balance of flavor. “The good thing about having a knucklehead like me at the winery for 20 years is that there’s a consis tency in our wines,” joked Graff. Kidding aside, Graff’s influence has achieved an elegant and balanced style with which Frank Family has become synonymous.

“There isn’t one aspect of Frank Family that isn’t touched by Todd’s passion and precision,” said Co-founder Leslie Frank. “His commitment to crafting remarkable wines of balance is the thread of continu ity in our style from vintage to vintage.”

In addition to defining the house style and making no compromises in his pursuit to maintain it, Graff established Frank Family’s vineyard-focused, wineryexclusive collection of wines during his tenure. By leveraging fruit from Frank Family’s exceptional estate vineyards and relationships with long-term grape

and led multiple sparkling wine projects. But the time came when he realized he needed to settle down, stop traveling, and get serious. When he was offered an op portunity to work with the Franks helping build their up-and-coming Cabernet Sauvignon program, he felt his calling. “If you’re going to be in Napa, Cabernet is the game to play,” said Graff, “so I left the

“The good thing about having a knucklehead like me at the winery for 20 years is that there's a consistency in our wines.”

– Todd Graff

growers, such as renowned Beckstoffer and Sangiacomo Vineyards, Graff has truly put Frank Family on the wine map. Their flagship Winston Hill Bordeauxstyle blend and highly allocated, 98-point Patriarch Cabernet Sauvignon have been critic and consumer darlings for years now, but the winery has also built much of its reputation on Graff’s refined style of Chardonnay, which was recently nomi nated as the “Best White Wine” in the 2022 Napa Valley Register’s ‘Napa Valley’s Finest Awards.’

POURING IT FORWARD

Most recently voted ‘Best Local Winemaker’ in Napa Valley Life Magazine’s 2022 Readers Choice Awards, one may be surprised to learn that with all the talent and accolades Graff has amassed, he is a down-to-earth team player. Indeed his sense of collaboration is perhaps one of his most valuable assets as a winemaker and General Manager.

“I look at my job as a team game - we win as a team and lose as a team,” said Graff referring to his small but mighty crew made up by Assistant Winemaker, Corey Garner, who has been at Frank Family for six years, and Cellar Master, Armando Padilla, who has been at the winery even longer than Todd. The three have worked closely together for many years, and Todd hopes to bestow the legend-turned legacy that is Frank Family Vineyards onto them in time. “I’m not going anywhere; I’ll be in Napa for life, but who knows, ten years from now, I would love to be an emeritus winemaker and just come in for some blending trials and tastings and then leave for lunch at the Rutherford Grill or go fly fishing,” teased Graff. Regardless of where Todd

may be, he will have risen to marquee status by lifting others.

A TOAST TO TODD’S 20TH

With such distinctive style, passion, and expertise designating his 20 years at Frank Family, the winery celebrated in Todd’s honor with an exclusive winepaired dinner earlier this October. Hosted by Todd at their Calistoga-based winery, the evening featured some of his favorite vintages from his two-decade tenure, in cluding his inaugural vintage of Winston Hill Cabernet Sauvignon in a 9-liter format and a ten-year-old, late disgorged

sparking wine called Lady Edythe, a nod to Todd’s time at Schramsberg. The wines were served alongside an exquisite fivecourse dinner curated by Napa Valley pre eminent chef Christina Machamer. The momentous event was a prelude to the celebrations Frank Family has planned for 2023, which marks the winery’s 30th anniversary. A commemorative wine, an elaborate event series, and the unveiling of a brand-new Howard Backen-designed hospitality space all await in the new year.

Larkmead Lane,

L-R Armando Padilla, Todd Graff and Corey Garner

“His commitment to crafting remarkable wines of balance is the thread of continuity in our style from vintage to vintage.”

– Leslie Frank

CHANGES LIVES

 BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAPA VALLEY FARMWORKER FOUNDATION

Arnulfo Solorio ventured to Napa from his native Mexico at age 14 to follow his dream of attending school. In Mexico, he was told by his rancher family that “books do not feed you; land and animals do.” But from an early age, Solorio felt education was the key. In Napa, he began working in the fields at Charles Krug while studying hard to receive his high school degree. The first in his family to attend school of any kind, he went on to receive an associate’s degree at Napa Valley College while working as vineyard manager for some of the Valley’s most storied wineries. Today, he is a partner and vice president of operations at Silverado Farming Company, where he is part of the team developing training,

education, personal growth, and employee reward programs.

With firsthand knowledge of how education can change lives, Solorio helped to found the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) in 2011 while serving as the first Hispanic board member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Foundation (NVG). FWF supports and promotes Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through educa tion and professional development, and it was the first organization of its kind in the United States. FWF provides educational opportunities, advanced training programs, leadership and management classes, English literacy programs, and much more – all free of charge. Significantly, most programs are offered during the workday,

and Napa Valley employers support their teams to attend. To date, FWF has served more than 25,000 vineyard workers and their families.

FWF also offers multi-day conferences, such as the upcoming Leadership, Management, and Best Practices conference, November 16-18. The comprehensive 3-day program is dedicated to leadership and communication skills, education on viticultural best practices, safety in the workplace, and financial literacy. In addition, Spanish language seminars will be presented by industry experts from UC Davis, Napa County RCD, Pan American Insurance, AgSafe, Nicola Health and Safety, Napa County Ag Commissioner’s Office, and more. Highlights include

The 2022 Patrick Foley Fields of Opportunity Summer Mentor Program graduates. The Fields of Opportunity program is hosted by the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation in partnership with NVG, NVEF, and NVUSD. Participating high school students have a range of academic trajectories but all benefit from the mentorship of leaders in the wine industry and chance to envision a brighter future. Since its inaugural year, 109 students have graduated from the program.

programs such as Multigenerational Communication-Fostering a Culture of Respect, Healthy Soils-Best Practices and Why We Do Them, Road Security & Safety, Water Management in the Vineyard, Top 10 OSHA Violations, and Personal Budgeting for the Year Ahead.

“While FWF was a team effort from the beginning, the idea came to me from my own experience,” said Solorio, whose humble demeanor and strong work ethic are admired throughout the Valley. (He was honored this year as the NVG’s Napa Valley Grower of the Year.) “Education is power, and it’s one of the best ways to improve our farmworker baseline. I know firsthand how difficult it is to be super vised by someone who means well but does not know how to manage people. It is important to me that other farmers not go through what I went through with mistreatment, confusion, and the challenges that come along with managing people.”

As a director on the FWF Board and chair of its Farmworker Education Committee, Solorio is making sure that his fellow farmworkers are well apprised of the free programs available to them through FWF, such as the English Literacy Program from which Roberto Juarez is a proud graduate.

“When FWF started the program, I immediately signed up to take this great opportunity to improve my English,” said Juarez, vineyard manager for Moulds Family Vineyard, where he serves as an unofficial FWF ambassador, encouraging others to take advantage of the opportuni ties that the organization offers. “It took me about five years to be able to write, read, and speak the language and to stop asking for Spanish-speaking people when making phone calls. I believe the English Literacy Program allows for better opportunities and a better life.”

Juarez also took advantage of FWF’s evening computer classes, despite the time commitment which took him away from the family and friends who served as his inspiration. “I worked very hard, and it was very difficult, but it was worth it! Today, I can help my children with homework, and I know what they are saying when they speak in English.”

FWF also offers financial literacy courses, providing those interested with the tools and necessary knowledge to

make important financial decisions in their professional and personal lives. Bertha Rodriguez, director of human resources and employee development at Joseph Phelps Vineyards (and also a FWF Education Committee member), has wit nessed firsthand how these courses make a difference in her employees’ lives.

“The Farmworker Foundation has been a blessing for many of our vineyard employ ees and an invaluable resource for employ ers,” said Rodriguez. “We have so many vineyard employees in the Valley who have a keen desire to continue to expand their knowledge and abilities but don’t always have the resources or means. FWF provides a solid foundation for anyone who wants to further their education or may want to learn a new skill.”

Meanwhile, Solorio continues his quest to assist the community considered the heart and soul of Napa Valley. “The dream for most winemakers is to make 100-point wines,” said Solorio. “My dream is to make 100-point farmworkers.”

FWF is funded by government grants and private donations.

“I believe the English Literacy Program allows for better opportunities and a better life... I worked very hard, and it was very difficult, but it was worth it!”

–Roberto Juarez

Attendees walking through an educational wine tasting at the 2021 Leadership and Management Conference. Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk

Roberto Juarez, vineyard manager for Moulds Family Vineyard. Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk

Families gather to celebrate and support graduates of the English Literacy Program. Photo by Sarah Anne Risk.

NAPA GREEN Leading the Movement Towards a More Sustainable Wine Industry

 BY MARISA MCCANN

TheNapa Valley wine industry is uniquely positioned to lead the sus tainability movement. Wineries are at the forefront of wildfires, drought, and climate change and are given a great plat form to tell their sustainability story, espe cially since their product resonates deeply with so many consumers. Napa Green, the leading non-profit sustainable winegrowing program, has been working collectively with local wineries since 2004 to prove that the term sustainability – so often employed to appeal to the conscious consumer – can evoke true meaning and that real change is not only possible but essential.

NAPA THRIVES

Led and developed by Executive Director Anna Brittain, Napa Green is one of only four sustainable winegrowing programs nationwide, providing the opportunity for comprehensive soil-to-bottle certification in both the vineyard and the winery. Their targeted six pillar-guided platform ad dresses the core elements that any agricul tural program needs to tackle to truly call itself a sustainability leader truly: water savings and efficiency, energy savings and efficiency, waste prevention, phasing out harmful pesticides, social equity, justice, and inclusion, which all fold into climate action and regenerative farming.

To accelerate these six pillars of sustain ability, Napa Green recently led the design

and facilitation of a first-of-its-kind climate action symposium called Napa THRIVES. Divided into six half-day, tightly focused events, Napa THRIVES drew nearly 600 guests and over 70 expert speakers and leaders in June 2022. The inaugural sympo sium was a change-making convening of the world's cutting-edge sustainability leaders and wine thinkers, such as wine critic and Master Sommelier Jancis Robinson, Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, Sustainability Scientist Kimberly Nicholas, Vice President of Napa Wildlife Rescue, Tom Clark, and many more.

"Napa THRIVES was over a year in the making, and we are excited and hopeful that it will not only inspire and create action-based leadership locally but will galvanize industry change globally," said Napa Green Social Media Manager Meghan Vergara. "This project was uniquely fun for me as a communicator because I love collaborating with people who actually talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to sustainability." The Napa THRIVES events will culminate in April 2023 with a Green and Blue Black-Tie Acceleration Gala hosted in "The Grove" at Raymond Vineyards. The goal is to raise funds to directly support impactful, on-the-ground sustainability practices and actions for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

THE WORK IS NEVER DONE

Last year, Napa Green became the world's first winegrowing certification program to redevelop and completely overhaul its sustainability standards. The organiza tion's new model, called the Napa Green Vineyard program, officially replaced the Napa Green Land program in January 2021 and places greater emphasis on climate action, regenerative carbon farming, and social equity. "Sustainability has to evolve," said Vergara. "We must constantly evaluate and improve our standards to ensure the long-term health of the wine industry."

The new Napa Green Vineyard certi fication provides a pathway for growers to improve soil health, become carbon neutral to negative within six to nine years, and increase the resilience of vineyards, busi nesses, and the community. As of summer 2022, Napa Green has successfully transi tioned its first ten growers to the ground breaking Napa Green Vineyard certifica tion, and another 42 growers are actively transitioning, collectively representing more than 15% of Napa County's vineyard acreage. "Sustainability is a journey of con tinuous improvement, and Napa Green is leading the way in establishing increasingly rigorous standards for climate action and social equity," concluded Vergara.

Photo courtesy of Napa Green

Photo courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards

Good Fortune Plus Good Genes

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

BY SUZANNE BECKER BRONK

Sometimes,

serendipity is the spark for the best things. And Scalon Cellars seems to have more than its fair share of good fortune. Even the name was born by chance, scrambling letters from the co-founders’ surnames.

That said, scoring a Double Gold for the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is anything but chance. “We focus heavily on our farming techniques to make small lots of unique varietals,” said General Manager Tim Goodwin. “We are not trying to be the next big adventure, but we are making the investment to get it right. When you are small you must be sure to get it right. There’s no room for missteps. We are proud of who we are.”

IN THE BEGINNING

How Scalon Cellars was founded is another good Napa story. As a young laborer, Jesus Espinoza planted grapes for years, rising to become vineyard manager at Caldwell

Vineyard. He met Cruz Calderon during the construction of the wine cave there, and they forged a friendship that flourishes today.

“Eventually, they asked John Caldwell to sell them one barrel. Well, one barrel turned into seven, and in 2010, Scalon Cellars was born,” Goodwin explained.

In 2014 the team added renowned winemaker Julien Fayard, who likes to say he creates “terroir-driven wines made with French finesse.” Goodwin stated, “Fayard was the missing link to our team and has raised our program to a level we are ex tremely proud of.”

NAPA TASTING ROOM WITH A VIEW

The brand’s most recent stroke of luck came in November 2021 when they opened a new tasting room in Napa’s historic 19th-century Sawyer-Tannery complex along the Napa River. From these windows there is a view of Scalon Cellars’ very own Coombsville vineyard tucked up against

the foothills of the Vaca Range. Yet this perfect alignment was not realized before hand, Goodwin confided.

“We’re not about a traditional sense of place; we’re about the essence,” he sug gested. “Jesus is on a tractor and Cruz is in jeans and sneakers, stepping off-site from one of the 200-plus wine caves he’s worked on over the years. There’s no pretense.”

IT’S A PRIORITY

Do not miss the brand’s signature Priority, a Bordeaux-style blend that took years to perfect. Garnet-colored, it’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc — all Coombsville-grown fruit. Goodwin remarked, “Allocations are offered directly to our mailing list, includ ing some that aren’t poured in the tasting room. We continue to score high and are proud to be recognized as one of the best values in the valley.”

BAZÁN CELLARS Brand Building Fires Up Vintner Gloria Bazán

Considering that Bazán, at the time a pediatric dentist, didn’t speak much English—and that shortly after she arrived here in 2005, her groom, Mario Bazán, informed her he was start ing the namesake wine label she’d end up running—this qualifies as an under statement. Along with the tale of Mario’s odyssey from Oaxaca three decades earlier, her saga marketing Bazán Cellars makes for compelling conversations at the downtown Napa tasting room where the couple showcases its flagship Cabernet Sauvignons.

ALWAYS THE ENTREPRENEUR

“I’ve always thought of myself as an entre preneur,” said Bazán during a recent tasting that began with Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinot Noir, and three Napa Valley Cabs. Most of the top-of-the-line Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from Gloria and Mario’s 2-acre Monticello Road estate bor dering the Coombsville appellation.

Bazán started her first “business” in high school, selling her jewelry creations

for pin money. She gave up jewelry making to devote herself to dentistry but renewed her passion once in Napa, taking lamp working classes at first locally and later internationally to learn glass making using a blowtorch. This remains her preferred method for crafting the light-as-a-feather colored glass of necklaces she sells in the tasting room.

INCORPORATING TWO JOURNEYS

Having promoted her dentistry practice back home, Bazán, who studied viticulture and enology at Napa Valley College, was acquainted with branding-related issues but conceded that it took a while to build the Mario Bazán brand. One objective was to honor the fortitude that enabled Mario to emigrate from Oaxaca in 1973 and rise through the vineyard ranks at Robert Mondavi, Opus One, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars before starting his own manage ment company in 1996.

Bazán also wanted to incorporate the journeys that brought her and Mario together as a couple and vintners. Their winery’s labels tell part of the story:

terra-cotta-colored wings and a simi larly hued flower represent both a tra ditional Oaxacan female-apparel pattern and the color of roofs in Mario’s native village, with the wings also symbolic of the couple’s separate “flights” north to California. (Oaxaca is also on a flyway for migratory birds.)

MAKING THINGS HAPPEN

During the tasting, Gloria described being captivated early on by Mario’s selfconfidence. Later at the vineyard, Mario praised his wife for her creativity and de termination to achieve her life goals. With a wry smile, he recalled a pregnant Gloria musing that maybe she’d like another child and him suggesting one would be sufficient. A few weeks later, an ultra sound image revealed she was carrying twins. “She has this way of making things she really wants happen,” chuckled Mario. “I just looked over at her and said, ‘You win!’” With their business and now teenaged sons, Antonio and Alexander, when Gloria wins, Mario usually does, too.

“What can I say—I like adventure,” laughed Gloria Bazán, explaining her decision to abandon a 15-year professional career in Michoacán, Mexico, to marry a Napa Valley vineyard manager she’d met on the Internet.

the finest and most unique wine storage facility serving Napa, Sonoma, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Rutherford Wine Vault is located in the historic Beaulieu Vineyard champagne department - 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-art security systems.

FINE WINE

In 2015, Sands moved to California fulltime with his family. He began to work on a new project with Alejandro Bulgheroni, an Argentinian-Italian businessman, farmer, vintner, and entrepreneur with an impres sive portfolio. Sands has been working at Lithology in St. Helena ever since, and this is where the team has the freedom to select the best grapes each year, which is a huge factor in making premium wines.

Meet Lithology Winemaker, MATT SANDS

 BY CHARLENE PETERS | PHOTO BY SANDOVAL MEDIA

MattSands, a native of New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, found his way to California through snowboarding. The wine came later, following a career as a snowboard instructor at Lake Tahoe, where he met his American wife, Amanda. The couple relocated to New Zealand in 2009, and Sands began working at Passage Rock Winery, helping in their café and vineyard, pruning vines, bottling, and in every aspect of the winemaking process. “It was a four-year boot camp on how to make wine,” he said.

While his education at the Eastern Institute of Technology in New Zealand was more than hands-on, Sands said his biggest influence was from David Evans at Passage Rock Winery. In the off-season,

he spent about six months in California to gain more experience. Admittedly, Sands had no idea which wineries to contact, so his outreach began with a Google search on interesting Napa wineries.

“I sent about 100 emails,” he said. “Ten people responded, seven said no, and I received three offers.”

The offer he accepted was from Screaming Eagle. Following his second harvest in Napa at Bryant Estate, he was introduced to Philippe Melka, a FrenchAmerican winemaker from Bordeaux with his own label, Melka, and a con sultant for several brands in the Napa Valley. The two met for coffee to discuss potential work for upcoming projects and stayed in touch.

Access to the best vineyards, such as To Kalon, helps. Still, the biggest influences on his winemaking style have been at tributed to his New Zealand experience training as a winemaker at Passage Rock, Man O’ War, Stonyridge Vineyard, and his work with Melka.

For this year’s harvest, Sands has reported the canopy looks good, which is a crucial element of winemaking as the vineyard offers the expression of taste. In fact, Sands explained the grapes are harvested on the earlier side to create voluptuous Cabernet Sauvignon with a stronger sense of place.

“Everything about it, climate, soil, varietals that grow in the right place – all of it coming together,” Sands explained of Lithology wine’s success. “It’s not just the climate of To Kalon that’s good. It’s the particular climate that, combined with the alluvial soil, gives an expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that is unique.”

And then there’s the winemaking. With time spent with Melka at Lithology, Sands finds it interesting to see how vintages perform when blending more restrained wines with a team that includes the famous French consultant Michel Rolland.

“It’s not just the climate of To Kalon that’s good. It’s the particular climate that, combined with the alluvial soil, gives an expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that is unique.”

601 CELLARS :

Grenache with Panache

F or many reasons, some vintners and growers in Napa Valley are starting to cast wider nets when determining which varietals to produce, breaking the conventional mold of making Napa Valley Cabernet. Whether it be warmer growing seasons due to climate change, competitive pressures tied to increasing prices, or the upand-coming generation of adventure drink ers and vintners with a passion for breaking tradition, the opportunity to discover some of the region’s lesser-known varietals is ripe for the taking.

For Napa Valley vintners Brian Doody and Laura Larson at 601 Cellars, whose specialty is producing small batch, oldworld varietals, the timing couldn’t be better. The duo is passionate about finding and making off the grid varietals, particu larly from the Napa Valley terroir, where grapes are picked later than their European iterations, resulting in more fruit-forward, elegant, and complex wines. Along with their award-winning Sangiovese and Super Tuscan labels, they also produce Grenache. They started dabbling with the grape in 2017 with fruit they sourced from The

Duarte Georgetown Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. Intrigued with its lightness in style and rugged elegance, they found it to be a perfect juxtaposition of an easy-drink ing wine that was complex enough to pair with almost any food. The following year, in collaboration with industry winemaking veteran Rudy Zuidema, they were offered an opportunity to obtain grapes from the acclaimed Heritage McGah Vineyard in Napa’s Rutherford AVA. Renowned for its exceptional fruit, the five-acre vineyard is looked after and sourced by a handful of vintners, including Zuidema, who produces Grenache under his wine label, Zuidema Wine Co. “We grow the grapes old-world style, keeping costs down by head training the vines and keeping it simple. Everyone seems pleased. The fruit coming out of McGah is exceptional,” said Zuidema.

And that it is. 601 Cellars’ first vintage in 2018 is well-structured and has a rich, ruby hue with pops of red cherry and bright acidity. Its versatility is light enough to sip on its own and incredible with food. The 2019 vintage, which will be released this Fall, expresses similar character, elegant

structure, and balance, reflecting an ex ceptional growing season. Each Spring, they also produce a small lot of Rosé from Heritage McGah, which sells out to a waiting list each year.

Brian, who heads up the winemaking for 601 Cellars, incorporates a foundation al approach that allows the fruit to be the star, letting the grapes express the natural characteristics of each vintage. He uses neutral French oak barrels and ages each vintage at least two years in barrel and 12- 16 months in the bottle. Every bottle is handcrafted, with less than 300 cases produced each vintage.

When asked how they compete in Napa Valley’s ‘Cabernet Country,’ their answer is straightforward. “We see ourselves in a more approachable niche, whether it be the palate or the price point. Our wines are ones you can drink anytime. They’re fun, food-friendly, and since almost every bottle is between $30 and $60, they can be opened any day of the week. The way we see it, every day is a special occasion.”

Photos courtesy of CAMi Vineyards

Photo by Lowell Downey, Art & Clarity

Spectacular Sparklers, Napa Style

FRANCIE LOW

Sipping

a sparkling wine, one cannot help but feel festive and happy.

“Bubbles are for celebrations,” is the customary thinking. However, wine producer, Paula Kornell, aims to redefine this tradition with her label, Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine.

“I want people to enjoy sparkling wine all the time and know that it’s intended for all occasions and non-occasions,” said Paula.

As a fourth-generation sparkling wine producer, Paula is primed to take this vision to reality. She grew up in Napa Valley, her father, Hanns Kornell, bringing his German wine-making talents to California in the 1950s. Sparkling wine was often served as part of their everyday life, whether it was a Tuesday-night supper or a grand affair.

Paula always imagined carrying on the family business until her father was forced to shutter the doors in 1992. Instead, she took her family experience to esteemed wineries such as Joseph Phelps and Robert Mondavi, where she expanded her knowledge, learning every aspect of the wine business, and eventually started a consulting firm of her own, Kornell Wine Company. Despite her career success, deep down, Paula knew sparkling wine was in her blood, and she returned to her roots–quite literally.

“Creating Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine is a dream come true,” said the Napa Valley native.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Paula uses the méthode Champenoise technique to produce both her wines, a California Brut she describes as “approachable, fun and delicious,” while the Blanc de Noirs, she calls “elegance in a bottle.” Her name graces the label, along with the same logo as her father’s wine, the Men of Canaan: two men carrying clusters of grapes. The figures represent Hanns’ journey to the bountiful land of California, much like the Biblical story of Moses sending a scouting party into the promised land, two men re turning with proof. The imagery felt right.

Continuing the legacy is a ‘coming home’ for Paula, whose vision is simple --to produce great sparkling wine. And she does

it with award-winning style, receiving high ratings for both cuvees. The 2017 Blanc de Noirs earned 91 points by Wine Spectator and 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, along with the Editor’s Choice Award. In 2020, the California Brut ranked fifth of the top 100 wines by Wine Enthusiast and scored a 94-point rating.

It’s no wonder how two great sparklers came to be, as she shares similar tastes for the ideal wine with her winemaker Robin Akhurst. Together, they are as compatible as the traditional Champagne-style vari eties selected for Paula’s sparkling wine: pinot noir and chardonnay. The result is delicious wines with pinpoint bubbles and high acidity to complement any food.

Paula puts her heart and soul into each bottle, as inspired by her father’s very words. She welcomes the opportunity to share the Napa Valley experience and her family legacy, an effervescent invitation that reflects both her and her wine for any moment and any meal.

Photo courtesy of Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine

TRADITIONS OF THE PAST, WINES OF THE PRESENT

Book your wine tasting experience in a private and intimate winery and garden setting.

Located in beautiful St. Helena, Napa Valley

VENGE VINEYARDS

Winemaker Kirk Venge Is Having The Time Of His Life

BY DANIEL MANGIN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF VENGE VINEYARDS

“We’re on the cusp of harvest,” enthused Kirk Venge in mid-August. “It’s going to be busy and exciting and I cannot wait for it to begin!”

Thewinemaker appeared remarkably calm for a guy soon to be juggling pick-date, fermentation, and other decisions for his wineries—southern Calistoga’s Venge Vineyards and Sonoma County’s Croix Estate—and the dozen elite brands that hire him as a consultant. “I’m having the time of my life,” he declared.

Loving It From The Start

Then again, the Rutherford native and St. Helena High grad does know the drill. Born the same year (1976) as the Judgment of Paris tastings that raised the Napa Valley’s profile, he’s the son of Nils Venge, famous for earning the first 100-point score critic Robert Parker bestowed on a wine from these parts. Before entering kindergarten, the younger Venge was already performing farming and cellar chores—and loving it. Counting his grandfather, Per Venge, a wine-and-spirits importer, Venge is part of his family’s third generation in the wine business.

Standing amid his 12½-acre Calistoga estate’s Bone Ash Vineyard, Venge inspect ed its 32-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines, elated with their progress despite California’s ongoing drought and dodgy spring weather that included frost scares and hail. Two years earlier from nearly the same vantage point, Venge watched the Glass Fire burn to within 20 feet of

his 9,500-square-foot skylit, solar-powered production facility. “We were getting rained on by ashes that were still on fire,” he recalled. The gravity-flow winery survived the conflagration.

Attention To Detail

The attention to quality-elevating detail begins in the vineyard. Venge’s crew makes six or seven passes through the rows each season, from pruning in March and dropping fruit in mid-summer (to focus vines’ energy on the remaining clusters) to harvesting. Although not certified organic, Bone Ash benefits from the use of compost, cover crops, and nutrient-laced “teas” applied to the soil; no herbicides or pesti cides are sprayed.

View From The Porch

Guests sitting on the wide porch of the hillside former home the winemaker con verted into a tasting space take in vineyard, winery, and Silverado Trail views as they sip. The lineup always includes Scout’s Honor, a predominantly old-vine Zinfandel blend, and the Silencieux Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines over-deliver for their reasonable price points.

Other wines to look for include the Stagecoach Vineyard Block I-4 Syrah from

the fabled Atlas Peak vineyard; the Igneous Cabernet, a tribute to Calistoga’s volcanic soils; and the Cabernet from Bone Ash. The pièce de résistance at many tastings is the Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Cabernet. An Oakville heritage site dating to the 19th century, Missouri Hopper is Venge’s favorite Napa Valley vineyard.

Opulent And Big

Venge described his style as “opulent and big,” his wines meant to be drinkable now but with sufficient acidity to support aging for two decades or more. Although the wines routinely garner mid-to-high90s scores, hosts at one-on-one tastings maintain a low-key atmosphere reflecting the ebullient Venge’s unpretentious ways. Think old-Napa hospitality with a dash of new-Napa winemaking panache.

Premium Without Pretense

In2005, ambitious young couple Jeff and Karen Fontanella discovered a beautiful and serene 26-acre property nestled in the illustrious Mt. Veeder appel lation. Located up one of Napa’s spectacu lar roads that winds through oak forests and rises 600 feet from the valley floor, this property would become home to their growing family and in the short years that followed, Fontanella Family Winery.

Today Fontanella is a small, familyowned winery producing approximately 4,000 cases annually. Jeff and Karen are involved firsthand in the day-to-day op erations of the vineyards and winery. The team at Fontanella is small and tight-knit. Their hallmark is creating a welcoming, comfortable, and relaxing atmosphere where guests feel at home, away from the hustle and bustle of Napa Valley, despite the winery being only 15 minutes from downtown Napa.

This year, the Fontanellas will celebrate their 15th harvest on Mt. Veeder, and the future has never been brighter. With seven acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the estate in 2012, the family acquired an additional 55 acres next door in 2016 and planted another seven acres of Cabernet Sauvignon in 2017. In 2023, another seven acres of vineyards will be planted as they continue their focus on taking advantage of

the microclimates and diversity offered by the rolling hills of their estate location.

This summer they released the third and fourth vintages – 2017 and 2018 – of their flagship wine, the Estate Reserve Cabernet. This wine was the alpha mission for the estate and showcases the potential for premium grapes and all the special char acteristics that make Mt. Veeder unique in Jeff’s signature style. Harvested from the best vineyard blocks on the estate and selected from the best barrels within those lots, the Estate Reserve Cabernet exhibits layers of complexity, concentrated dark fruit notes, and a tremendously long finish. It is truly a wine to experience.

In conjunction with this milestone, Fontanella has launched an exceptional new tasting experience. The Reserve Tour and Tasting is designed for Cabernet Sauvignon

lovers. It features a tour of the vineyards and winery, a selection of their Cabernet Sauvignons – including the Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Per Sempre Cabernet Sauvignon – with a host guiding guests through what makes Mt. Veeder and the Estate unique. It also includes artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and a barrel sampling from an upcoming release in the cellar.

With a portfolio of wines that includes Viognier, Chardonnay, and Rosé, another must try is Fontanella’s Zinfandel – a nod to Jeff’s Italian heritage and love of food and wine. Jeff makes it in a balanced, food-friendly style with Napa and Sonoma grapes. It is extremely versatile – delicious by itself or a variety of foods.

The debut of long-anticipated projects like Per Sempre – a multi-vintage, solerastyle Cabernet Sauvignon – are a testament to the family’s fortitude and dedication to their craft and the pursuit of quality. “While we’ve had some unfortunate situations with the earthquake and fires that will always be a part of our history, our focus is growing our estate vineyard and the excitement of years to come,” they shared. “We could not be more thrilled for what the future holds, and we invite you to be part of it.”

T H E M I L L K E E P E R . C O M | @ T H E M I L L K E E P E R W I N E

Decadent Side

DESSERT WINES

FROM ACROSS THE VALLEY

With the onset of the holiday season, there’s no shortage of comfort food, decadent desserts, and an endless array of festive beverages. So stocking wine selections celebratory feasts and tablescapes this holiday is a must, and dessert wines from Napa Valley shouldn’t be overlooked.

While dry wines are usually the go-to for pairing with traditional holiday meals, dessert wines also have a place on the table. The higher sugar content and bright acidity of dessert wines are ideal for creative food pairings. They can be great served with hors d’oeuvres, think cheese and charcuterie trays or cros tini smeared with sweet jams and honey. During the main course, dessert wines lend themselves nicely to savory dishes like cream-based soups or cheese-infused potato au gratins. But most of all, dessert wines pair exceptionally well and most naturally with desserts—whether it’s an after-dinner aged cheese plate or savory favorites like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or cheesecake.

Dessert wines are a labor of love and, because of that, are limited across the Valley. “Dessert wine is something we produce because we love it, and we only make it during years that we feel the grapes are showing exceptionally and will create a beautiful wine,” said Todd Graff, General Manager of Frank Family Vineyards. Because the grapes must be just right to craft a dessert wine, quantity is very limited, but splurging on a local dessert wine is well worth it as bottlings are inher ently high quality due to the meticulous vineyard care, harvesting, and nature of production.

The best dessert wines strike the right balance between sweetness and acidity to lend themselves well to pairing with a vast array of culinary flavors, and select Napa Valley producers are bringing their very best to the holiday season table.

Styles of Dessert Wine

Dessert wines are made from the same grapes as still wines. The simple difference is that fermentation is stopped early before the yeast converts too much sugar into alcohol. Dessert wines can be classified into many categories. Here is a handful of some of the most popular styles: sparkling dessert wine, sweet dessert wine, and forti fied wines.

SPARKLING DESSERT WINE

Sparkling dessert wines offer a nice balance between effervescent acidity and varying degrees of sweetness. They can be made in styles ranging from demi-sec (off-dry) to moelleux (very sweet). At Artesa Vineyards & Winery, the estate crafted their first Grand Reserve Demi-Sec Sparkling Wine this year in homage to their Catalan roots.

“Artesa was founded as a sparkling house by the Codorniu family, creators of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) over thirty years ago,” said Ana Diogo-Draper, winemaker at Artesa Vineyards & Winery. “We have always produced sparkling at Artesa, however, all our sparkling and still wines have always been dry. Due to demand by our Wine Club for a sweeter wine, we felt launching a Demi-Sec Sparkling was a perfect fit for Artesa as we continue to expand our sparkling offerings.” The inau gural bottle is just in time for the holidays with ripe notes of peach, honeydew, and

praline; it shows off its brilliant acidity juxtaposed against subtle sweetness, all wrapped up in a rich and silky profile dealt by six years of lees contact.

SWEET DESSERT WINES:

LATE HARVEST + BOTRYTIS

Sweet dessert wines can be anything from an off-dry Riesling to a Sauternes-style wine made from Botrytized grapes to lateharvest expressions. Late harvest wines are made from grapes that hang on the vine much longer than grapes used for making dry wines; they possess a much more concentrated flavor and much higher sugar levels. Frank Family Vineyards crafts a Late Harvest Chardonnay with aromas of honey, chamomile, caramel, and butter scotch; the palate is luscious and rich with notes of candied orange and honey—this is a nice match for a cheese plate, as the

Artesa Demi Sec Photo courtesy of Artesa Vineyards

Photo courtesy of Dolce

Photo courtesy of Dolce

rich sweetness offers balances against the salty and savory quality of cheese.

Dolce, produced by the makers at Far Niente Winery, is a nod to the Sauternes style of dessert wine made with Botrytis grapes and comprises 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. The Coombsville vineyard at the base of the Vaca Mountains is protected from the winds, allowing the cool fog to hang longer. “For the harvest of Dolce, we wait for botrytis to take place naturally in the vineyard but do everything we can to promote it,” stated Greg Allen, winemaker at Dolce. As a result, the vineyard doesn’t always see Botrytis, but when it does, the Dolce bottling is crafted in highly limited quan tities. Sweet orange and apricot aromas open on the nose while the palate offers rich vanilla bean pots de crème. It has a rich, round, and silky profile that begs for

savory dessert recipes like a pecan pie or crème brûlée.

FORTIFIED WINES

Sweet wines made in the fortified style have a distilled spirit added to them; this increases the alcohol content and forti fies the wine. The fortified wines category is vast and includes bottlings such as Port, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, and more. In Napa Valley, Prager Port Works is most well-known for its Port-style dessert wines, of which they produce many. While traditional Port requires that it be made in Portugal from specific grape varieties, local expressions of Port-style wines pay homage to the style with varieties grown in Napa Valley.

At Prager Port Works, the estate produces red port, white port, and tawny port. Their classic Prager Port is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon; it is aged for 32 months in neutral oak barrels and showcases cherry notes, dark chocolate, and currants. They make a couple of different white ports, one of which is made from 100% Napa Valley Chardonnay grapes; the Aria sees three and a half years in neutral oak and is ver satile with a wide variety of foods. Their Noble Companion Ten-Year-Old Tawny Port is one of their pinnacle offerings, with more than ten years of aging in neutral oak barrels and boasts notes of rich caramel and nuts framed by vibrant acidity.

With so many sparkling, sweet, and fortified wines from which to choose, local winemakers are keeping holiday tables full of sweet Napa Valley bounty.

Dessert Wine & Holiday Pairings

Dolce + Mascarpone Ravioli

“Dolce and Mascarpone Ravioli is a pairing that is unmatched. The 2001 Dolce has nuances of white truffle amongst the familiar fruitful notes and was particularly well suited for pairing with ravioli filled with mascarpone and finished with a truffle-based sauce. The soft and creamy texture of the ravioli was perfectly matched by Dolce. While pairing Dolce with a crème brulee seems like the ideal, we love to explore savory pairings.”

– Greg Allen, Dolce Winemaker

Frank Family Vineyards Late Harvest Chardonnay + Thanksgiving Pies

“This wine goes phenomenally with Thanksgiving pies such as pecan or pumpkin, which bring out the layers of spice and honey. Even a more fruit-forward pie such as apple would go well with this wine’s intense aromas of dried apricots, quince paste, and hints of pear.”

– Todd Graff, Frank Family Vineyards Winemaker and General Manager

Artesa Vineyards & Winery Sparkling

Demi-Sec + Cheese and Tart Desserts

“A perfect holiday pairing for the Demi-Sec Sparkling would be a tart cheese, such as a Manchego paired with quince, or a tart dessert. Images of cranberries –cranberry crumble, cranberry trifle or even cranberry and chocolate cookies would be a great match for this wine.”

– Ana Diogo-Draper, Artesa Vineyards & Winery Winemaker

Photo courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards

Photo courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards

Napa

SEARCHING for

New Mexico is no stranger to growing grapes. In fact, the first wine-growing grapes were planted in New Mexico almost 400 years ago by the Spanish in 1629 along the Rio Grande River. Today, this region has become the Middle Rio Grande Valley AVA, along with two other AVAs in the state: Mimbres Valley and Mesilla Valley.

BY MELISSA VOGT

Photo

History and Present Day

While the state saw significant setbacks in wine-growing due to Prohibition and a series of Rio Grande River floods, grape growing came back from its historical roots in the late 1970s. At present, there are 2,500+ acres of grape vines and 50 wineries; the state is also starting to rely on the wine industry as a viable source of tourism, and younger generations are working to transform their wines.

As with many wine-growing states who have worked to revive their wine-growing history in the last fifty years—like neighboring Texas and Arizona—New Mexico is seeing an uptick in interest from younger gen erations. Next-generation winegrowers and winemakers are working to better understand the land and combat its challenges, narrow down varieties better suited for the extreme growing conditions and elevate the quality of the state’s wine production. Such feats take time, and across estates, some produc ers are still working with a combination of non-New Mexico fruit in addition to a small percentage from their own and/or local vineyard sites.

AVAs and Terroir

When one thinks about New Mexico, the vision is a dry, hot, and barren land scape. Unfortunately, wine-growing is

not exempt from these extreme condi tions. While altitude is on their side and can be beneficial for growing certain varieties, frost and wind are enduring challenges across the state. And the abrupt seasonal shift from summer, nearly skipping fall, straight into the depths of an icy cold winter also brings its own set of drawbacks.

Middle Rio Grande Valley AVA is the historic wine-growing region in New Mexico and has been an official AVA since 1988. It’s located just south of Albuquerque and very high in eleva tion, ranging from 4,000 to 6,500 feet. Mimbres Valley AVA was established in 1985 in the southwestern part of New Mexico. Many compare the terroir and climate here to that of Mendoza, Argentina, with its high elevation and semi-desert topography. The Mesilla

Valley is a tiny wine-growing region covering less than 50 acres and became an AVA in 1985. All three AVAs are home to a continental climate. Days are hot and nights are cool, with winter seeing below-freezing temperatures.

Grape Varieties

“We have a broad diversity of flavors in New Mexico, over 75 different grape varieties in the bottle, so it makes for a pretty broad offering,” stated Christopher Goblet, Executive Director of New Mexico Wine—a non-profit organization that was created in 1991 as the trade association for the winery and vineyards of New Mexico. Varieties include a range of Italian grapes, French classics like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and more obscure of ferings such as Arneis, Mission, and Alfrocheiro. There’s a bit of everything, as young, eager winegrowers and wine makers are exploring varieties and still searching for New Mexico wine style.

As there seems to be a leaning towards sparkling wines, only time will tell if younger generations of winegrow ers and winemakers can grow and craft purely New Mexico-made sparkling wines. But, for now, the limited offer ings from New Mexico-grown grapes are worth getting to know, and the wine makers who are crafting sparkling from outside grapes are worth watching.

“We have a broad diversity of flavors in New Mexico, over 75 different grape varieties in the bottle, so it makes for a pretty broad offering.”

Wineries To Visit

Vara Winery & Distillery is in Albuquerque and is a great place to visit. Both a winery and a distillery, the estate celebrates the spirit of Spanish influence in New Mexico, paying homage through their line of Spanish-influenced sparkling wines and spirits. All their spirits are made in-house. Their extensive line of sparkling is crafted from grapes grown in Lodi, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo, as well as Spain. And they

produce a handful of New Mexico-grown wine. Their Vina Cardinal is made from 100% New Mexico Listan Prieto grapes in a fortified, slightly off-dry style and works well as an aperitif. In true Spanish fashion, it’s best served alongside traditional anchovy-stuffed Spanish olives. // www. varawines.com

La Chiripada is New Mexico’s oldest winery, established in 1977 and situated in Dixon, about an hour north of Santa Fe. The estate produces a whole host of wines, including classics like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as sweet offerings and blends made from obscure grape varieties such as Léon Millot and DeChaunac for their Rio Embudo Red and Vidal Blanca and Seyval Blanc—among a couple of

others—for their Winemaker’s Select white. With more than a dozen wines in their collection, La Chiripada is a good place to get to know New Mexico-grown grapes. // www.lachiripada.com

Gruet Winery is a sparkling house that sources fruit from their New Mexico vine yards and vineyards in California and Washington. The sparkling expressions are a blend of grapes from these regions, so there is no distinction in the number of grapes included from New Mexico. Still, it is promising that the estate is

growing the varietals and including them in their sparkling lineup. Perhaps in time, there will be an entirely New Mexicomade sparkling wine. Gruet has two loca tions for tasting: one in Albuquerque and one in Santa Fe. // www.gruetwinery.com

Black Mesa Winery & Cidery is another fun estate that doubles as both a winery and a cidery. Their wine program focuses on New Mexico-grown fruit. It showcases traditional varietals and more creative of ferings, such as the Abiquiu White made of Traminette and Seyval and the La Bajada Red, comprised of Baco Noir, Leon Millot, and Zinfandel. Their lines of Bite Me Hard ciders are made with 100% New Mexico apples and are sourced from neighboring orchards that range from 65-85 years old. // www.blackmesawinery.com

Photo courtesy of Vara

Photo courtesy of Gruet.

Photo courtesy of La Chiripada

W I N E C O U N T R Y ‘ C U E

The Best BBQ Joints

NAPA VALLEY

BY MARISA MCCANN

Barbecue is perhaps the ultimate American food, with regional styles as diverse as the country itself. So while Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, or the Carolinas might immediately come to mind when one thinks of the nation's best barbecue, the truth is there are plenty of seriously good BBQ spots worth seeking out in the middle of Napa wine country.

From high-class BBQ bistros that pair smoked goodness with an array of the region's finest wines to down-home joints serving up tried-and-true family recipes, the options are endless up and down the valley.

BOUNTY HUNTER WINE BAR & SMOKIN' BBQ

Located beside the Napa River on First Street, Bounty Hunter is known for having the best wine and barbecue selections in Downtown Napa. Patrons have access to an impressive library of local and international wines and spirits that can be enjoyed on their own, as part of a tasting flight, or paired with any dish on the restaurant's delicious menu. Some menu staples include beer can chicken and the group-sized smokin' BBQ platter with pulled pork, smoked beef brisket, half a rack of St. Louis ribs, and coleslaw. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun with community tables, high tops, wide booths, a full bar featuring an 18-page wine list from around the world, and over 40 American whiskeys available by the glass or for purchase in their retail shop. // www.bountyhunterwinebar.com

to run into the legend Buster himself. While adult beverages are unavailable on the menu, Buster's Real Lemonade is highly recommended by Calistoga locals. // www.busterssouthernbbq.com

DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT

Hidden in south Napa along Imola Avenue, this fast-casual restaurant is home to au thentic Texas-style barbecue. Founded in Dallas by Travis Dickey in 1941, Dickey's has become a low and slow-smoked barbecue legacy with more than 550 locations within 44 states. Featuring recipes that have been handed down for generations, the Dickey's Napa menu includes beef brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis-style ribs, cheese jalapeño kielbasa, and hickory-smoked turkey with a variety of homestyle sides from brisket chili macaroni and cheese to jalapeño baked beans. The full menu is available

for dine-in, pickup, or delivery and can be ordered online or through the Dickey's app. // www.dickeys.com

FARMSTEAD RESTAURANT

For a laid-back yet Napa-chic experi ence, Long Meadow Ranch's Farmstead Restaurant is just the ticket. Their menu, curated by Executive Chef Stephen Barber, celebrates American farmhouse cuisine with organic produce and grass-fed beef and lamb from the family farm, ranch, and vine yards, with items such as farm-fresh deviled eggs with pimento cheese, mini ham sand wiches on homemade cheddar biscuits, and caramelized beets with local goat cheese crema, greens, and chimichurri. In the restaurant's front yard, a prominently displayed wood-fired smoker delivers in toxicating aromas as it slowly cooks St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, and paprika-spiced

BUSTERS SOUTHERN BBQ

Busters has been an institution for over 50 years, serving up authentic Louisianastyle barbecue in Calistoga since 1965. Located at the crossroads of Highway 29 and Lincoln Ave, this rustic, outdoor BBQ joint transports diners to the south with its bold and nostalgic flavors. Founder Charles "Buster" Davis slathers his secret sauce, passed down from generations, onto tri-tip, pork loin, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. Patrons can choose to eat inside the woodpaneled dining room or outside on the new hillside patio surrounded by Redwoods. Live blues and jazz music is played outdoors on Sunday nights, where chances are good

Busters BBQ // Photo courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards

Beer Can Chicken Photo courtesy of the Bounty Hunter

Photo courtesy of Farmstead

chicken wings. Whether visiting for brunch, happy hour, or dinner, their cocktail selec tions are not to be overlooked with whimsi cal names such as "Bee in a Bow Tie," which combines barrel-aged gin and golden moon crème de violette with honey, lemon, pink peppercorn bitters, and egg whites or the "Peachy Keen" which comprises of bourbon, peach, lemon sherbet, and sparkling wine. Farmstead's locally famous "Big Easy" beignets with bourbon caramel sauce are the perfect ending for sweet tooth lovers. // www.farmstead.com

THE Q BAR AND RESTAURANT

After 11 years in Napa's Bel Aire Plaza, local's favorite The Q Restaurant moved into its new home on Main Street earlier this summer. Their new digs afford them greater indoor and outdoor dining space,

plus a vibrant bar scene. The restaurant's focus on American heritage and Memphisstyle barbecue remains on center stage with popular menu items like fried gulf shrimp with habanero tartar sauce, roasted vinegar chicken, and baked-to-order cast iron skillet cornbread with honey butter. Chef de Cuisine Pablo Cerano is also known for his inventive fusion salads and soups such as beef brisket pho and Asian fried chicken salad. The bar's craft cock tails and wine and beer list are equally noteworthy and are 50% off from 4-7 pm Monday – Friday. // www.theqrandb.com

RED ROCK CAFÉ & BACKDOOR BBQ

Situated on an unassuming neighborhood corner in Downtown Napa, Red Rock is a homey barbecue joint that has been around for more than 35 years. This Napa icon serves up hearty and delicious burgers, zesty barbeque sauce, and fried chicken strips that keep locals flocking. The sports game is always playing on the TV behind the bar, and the quaint dining room is full

of red and white checker-clothed tables for families to dine in. Red Rock also provides one of the best on-tap beer selections in town and wines by the glass. Takeout is also a popular option, and the restaurant's secret barbecue sauce is even available for grab-and-go for only $6 per bottle. // www.backdoorbbq.com

RUTHERFORD GRILL

Centered in the heart of Rutherford, amongst some of Napa's oldest historic wineries like Beaulieu Vineyard and Inglenook, the Rutherford Grill has quickly become a favorite meeting place among valley winemakers and tourists alike. The island bar is the focal point of the interior dining space, where one can belly up to

enjoy craft cocktails and deli cious barbecue platters. Two levels of booth seating create a casual and comfortable at mosphere to enjoy an ample menu highlighting modern American comfort food and the best wines of the Napa region. Classic burgers and hearty salads are featured among the Grill's slow-cooked entrées like Texas Hill Country-inspired barbecue pork ribs and the always popular BBQ combina tion plate, which includes slow wood-fire roasted rotisserie

chicken and pork ribs served with coleslaw. The restaurant also offers an abbrevi ated but equally delicious menu for patio seating and always provides complimen tary corkage to the first 750ml bottle.

STANLY LANE SMOKEHOUSE DELI

One of the newer barbecue spots in Napa Valley, Stanly Lane Smokehouse in Carneros, is a family-owned deli specializing in pit-smoked meat sandwiches. Signature sandwiches include the "Carnivore," which piles pulled pork, brisket, bacon, caramel ized onions, smoked Gouda, and BBQ sauce on a fresh ciabatta roll, and the "Carneros Cheesesteak," which presses tri-tip, grilled peppers and onions, Swiss cheese, and garlic aioli between two slices of toasted sweet French bread. Also home to the seasonal Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch, the Stanly Lane Smokehouse is the perfect fall family destina tion for dining, pumpkin picking, and enjoying the petting zoo through November 1. // www.stanlylanesmokehousedeli.com

Photo courtesy of Farmstead

Photo courtesy of Red Rock Cafe

Photo courtesy of the Rutherford Grill

Cooking with KAREN CROUSE

This recipe is the trifecta – inexpensive, easy, and delicious. It appeals to all ages and allows for a help-yourself setup. Make soft or hard tacos, salads, and quesadillas, or add some to scrambled eggs. You are only limited by your imagination.

Slow-Cooked SHREDDED BEEF TACOS

6

TIME

HOURS

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

slow cooker

sharp serrated knife

measuring cup

two serving forks

INGREDIENTS

1.5 pounds beef chuck roast

One medium onion, diced

1 cup water

One package (1.25-oz.) Taco

Mix (I like Bearitos)

package of hard taco shells

TOPPINGS

shredded lettuce

diced tomato

shredded Jack or Cheddar cheese

sour cream

guacamole

salsa

mild or hot peppers

You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply adjust the cooking time to 5-6 hours on a low setting.

PREPARATION

Dice the onions and wash and dry the beef. Put the onions in the slow cooker and place the meat on top. Combine the water and seasoning mix in a small bowl and pour it over the beef and onion. Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 8 hours. Do not lift the lid. (You won’t be tempted if you start the crock pot before going to bed.)

When cooked and still in the crockpot, shred the beef with two forks and stir to incorporate the juices evenly. Cover and keep warm.

When ready to serve, fill the taco shells with beef mixture. Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serve with 2016 Evidence Cab. The mountain fruit in this Cab nicely balances the hearty flavors of the beef. Add a little spice to this recipe to bring out this wine’s earthiness and hints of cardamom and nutmeg. Yum! www.evidencewines.com

TRICK: For a richer flavor, brown the beef for 1-2 minutes on all sides before adding it to the slow cooker.

FRATTEY and FRATTEY SHAMS ofAnderson Valley

Ona leisurely drive from Napa Valley to the hills of Anderson Valley along scenic highway 128, views of old oak trees, vineyards, and the Mayacamas Mountain range impress. The best way to take it all in is to roll down the window and engage the senses. Deep breaths during this ride offer fresh mountain air blended with a vague scent of salt water from the nearby Pacific Ocean. Once arrived, be ready for a visit to an area reminiscent of Napa in the ‘70s and ‘80s, a time when modest family wineries opened their tasting rooms to showcase sips extraordinaire.

Anderson Valley established its wine standing as an AVA in 1983. Before

that, the region’s earliest inhabitants were the Pomo people, who settled in the verdant valley long before 1851, when William Anderson arrived in what he called a “garden of Eden.” Interesting to note is the Pomo spoke in one of seven unique languages, and the lingo of Boontling can still be heard in Boonville. Frattey is the Boontling word for wine, and frattey shams refers to the grapevine.

It wasn’t until the turn of the 19th century that the area’s agricultural cash crops of apples and lumber took a back seat to grapevines on the nearby Greenwood Ridge, also known as “Vinegar Hill.” As one of the coldest wine-growing regions in California (up

Goldeneye // Photo by Bob McClenahan

BY CHARLENE PETERS

Bee Hunter Sauvignon Blanc Vin D'Ambre Photo by Charlene Peters

to 50 degrees in a diurnal shift), the predominant varietals that thrive among Anderson Valley’s 90 vineyards include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. It’s also unique in that a sparkling wine trail runs from Foursight Wines to Handley Cellars. Absolutely bahler (Boontling for exceptional).

WHERE TO SIP

In the funky town of Boonville, Pennyroyal Farm & Winery is where you can taste an Alsatian-style Sauvignon Blanc with a shoutout taste of crisp green apples. The farm is a sister winery to the iconic Navarro Vineyards, a working cheese farm and organic vineyard. In addition to its Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinot Trio white blend, sparkling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are notable. // www.pennyroyalfarm.com

Nearby is Foursight Wines, with exqui site tastes of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This winery is operated by a husband and wife team (Kristy is fourth generation on property) who focus on lower alcohol wines fermented from native yeasts. // www.foursightwines.com

Bee Hunter Wine is a small family-run winery and a must-stop in Boonville if only to taste the Vin d’Ambre Sauvignon Blanc. Its amber color and essence of orange peel and earthiness come from maceration with the grape’s skin. This is an exciting blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, and Semillon. // www.beehunterwine.com

Halfway between Boonville and Philo is Lichen Estate , where a splash of sparkling Lichen Blanc de Noir and its organic estate Pinot Noir showcases the minimalist techniques used by this vineyard team. // www.lichenestate.com

In Philo, Goldeneye, part of the Duckhorn portfolio, has changed the game with its Pinot Noir house established in 1996. This established winery is in the heart of Anderson Valley and well worth a stop to take in its sweeping vineyard, redwood views, and gorgeous landscaping. Like many tasting stops in this region, Goldeneye’s winery is dog friendly. A taste of the Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir will tell its own tale of untamed fruit best described as exquisite elegance. // www.goldeneyewinery.com

A stop on the sparkling wine trail to the underdog sister company to Roederer, Scharffenberger Cellars is where you can taste an exploratory flight of five dif ferent styles of sparkling, produced in a more California style (vs. French). // www.scharffenbergercellars.com

Toulouse Vineyards & Winery is an organic and sustainable family operation that offers a wine and cheese pairing on the outside deck overlooking Handley Park and the Navarro River in Philo. A glass of their Muscat pairs well with a goat’s milk blue cheese imported from France. Their Pinot Gris pairs per fectly with in-season Dungeness crab. // www.toulousevineyards.com

Located in Philo since 2019 is Twomey Cellars , part of the Silver Oak Cellars family. The team at Twomey prides itself on its vibrant and bright Pinot Noir with an expression of the entire Anderson Valley. Grapes are sourced from its western location at Monument Tree Vineyard, Bearman Bend in the north, and Ferrington further inland to the south. // www.twomey.com

Husch produces an Alsatian-style Dry Gewürztraminer and uses the same grapes in its Late Harvest sweet wine. Husch was also the first winery to plant Pinot Noir in 1971 (the Knoll Vineyard). // www.huschvineyards.com

Another stop on the sparkling wine trail is Roederer Estate , to which most

lovers of bubbles are familiar. In addition to offering French-inspired wine such as the Brut Roederer Estate with grapes harvested from among the 600 acres of family-owned vineyards since 1982, they now have an estate chef – and are also dog-friendly. Sparkling fanatics will want to save the dates of May 19-21, 2023, to attend the Pinot Noir & Bubbles Festival hosted by the Roederer Family of Wines. // www.roedererestate.com

One of the pioneer wineries in the valley is Handley Cellars, located 18 miles from the seacoast and where tastings are hosted in its breath-taking courtyard overlooking the surrounding vineyards. This winery offers a spectrum of wine from sparkling to Alsatian varietals (the 2020 Gewürztraminer is a must-taste) to Pinot Noir from their estate vineyard. The family collected the tasting room’s art col lection during the last century, and worth a viewing. // www.handleycellars.com

Lula Cellars is located at the “Deep End” of Anderson Valley, closest to the coast. Its cooler climate sets the stage for a fantastic and balanced Gewürztraminer. // www.lulacellars.com

On a leisurely drive from Napa Valley to the hills of Anderson Valley along highway 128, views of old oak trees, vineyards, and the Mayacamas Mountain range impress. The best way to take it all in is to roll down the window and engage the senses.

NVL side trip

WHERE TO EAT

Arrive early for breakfast empanadas at Mosswood Market Café & Bakery, a wom an-owned family operation offering incred ible pastries and lunch. Be sure to grab an empanada before they sell out, typically by 9am. // www.mosswoodmarketcafe.com

At the Boonville Hotel, Chef Perry Hoffman, grandson to Sally Schmitt (Founder & Chef of The French Laundry) serves prix fixe dinners in the courtyard during the warmer months. // www.boonvillehotel.com

Schmitt’s daughter, Karen Bates, offers cooking classes and sold-out monthly dinners at Philo Apple Farm. There’s also lodging available here. // www.philoapplefarm.com

Closest to the coast in Navarro, The Bewildered Pig offers a monthly seasonal dinner series that sells out within a few hours. On the weekend, it’s the place to go for lunches and to pick up some goodies at its specialty market. // www.bewilderedpig.com

Keep it casual at The Company Kitchen in Philo for exceptional Mexican food made by local legend Chef Libby, located at 8651 Highway 28.

For tapas paired with local and in ternational wines, Boonville’s Laurens at The Buckhorn is the place to stop. // www.laurensgoodfood.com

WHERE TO STAY

Lichen Estate produces up to five spar kling wines along with still wines like Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, but this property also offers a place for guests to stay in its dogfriendly vineyard house or airstream. // www.lichenestate.com

In Philo, the “homestyle lodging” at Indian Creek Inn is a cluster of five singlestory hubs, each offering its own shared common room with a full kitchen, dining, and relaxation spaces. Guests have their own private room, en suite bath, and separate exterior entrance. Booking for a group of guests is more like a private vacation rental but without the expense. // www.indiancreekinn.biz

A modern roadhouse in Boonville is where the Boonville Hotel offers 17 rooms designed with simplicity in mind. // www.boonvillehotel.com

The Madrones, located in Philo on a Mediterranean compound, was once a rural homestead and TV repair shop. Designer and lifestyle entrepreneur Jim Roberts spent 20 years creating the property as it stands today. There are two wine tasting rooms represent ing small lot wineries in Anderson Valley and an herbal apothecary and curiosity shop. // www.themadrones.com

Little River Inn is just outside the Victorian town of Mendocino, perched on a bluff with an unparalleled view of the

More to Taste

Explore tastings from these newer producers making a name for themselves in Anderson Valley:

Weatherborne Wines

Taste coastal wines from around California with winemaker Cris Carter in the historic redwood mill in downtown Philo. www.weatherborne.com

Brashley Vineyards

Taste with owner Ashley Palm who offers art, chef pairings, and a beautifully renovated tasting room and outdoor patio area. www.brashleyvineyards.com

Remember to stop in Yorkville on the way in or out of Anderson Valley.

Yorkville Cellars & Seawolf Wines

Both are owner-operated and offer tasting experiences with sweeping views and memorable wines ranging from Zinfandel to Bordeaux varieties. www.yorkvillecellars.com; www.seawolfwines.com

Pacific Ocean. At sunset, the sky becomes the color of “oxidized citrus,” and its magic becalms the soul. Down below, waves crash against the cliff that attributes to its mes merizing sound. // www.littleriverinn.com

TO DO

The Harvest Tidrick Celebration, a Friday evening harvest Boucherie pig roast with local wines, beer, ciders, and more to kick off a weekend of harvest-inspired wine tastings and tours. // www.cellarpass.com/events/ harvest-tidrick-celebration-9136

White Wine Festival wine and food pairings highlighting the region’s white wine, sparkling, and rosé. // www.avwines.com/ white-wine-weekend

Pinot Noir Festival features multiple days of Pinot Noir from more than 50 producers. // www.avwines.com/pinot-noir-festival

FOR MORE INFORMATION 707-895-WINE // www.avwines.com

Greenwood Ridge // Photo by Tina Casey

Roederer Estate tasting // Photo courtesy of AV Wines

Discover Anderson Valley

A

ual Events

side trip

Introducing BRASHLEY VINEYARDS to Napa Valley

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

It’s

a long way from the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, but it’s a fun second career for the husband and wife team, Bram and Ashley Palm. They’re proud to introduce Brashley Vineyards as the new kid on the block. In this case, that means 10 acres of Pinot Noir grapes, a new label, and a brand new tasting room at this first-generation winery in the heart of Anderson Valley.

Originally moving to California in 2013, they spent time in Marin and Sonoma county before meandering up to Anderson Valley for the Anderson Valley Pinot Festival. When it was time to sell the 111-year-old family business back home in upstate New York, that’s when the Anderson Valley love affair blossomed. They started with the purchase of an estate vineyard, Hacienda Sequoia, with a strong reputation for its 100% Pommard clone grapes and the amazing winemakers that have tended to this vineyard over the years. A subsequent purchase of the eight-acre Bevel Vineyard created a home for the Brashley Vineyards Tasting Room, opened in late 2021 after remodeling.

All Brashley Vineyards wines are single vineyard, organically sourced, and proudly Mendocino County grapes. Brashley Vineyards’ inaugural 2018 Hacienda Sequoia Vineyards Pinot Noir received 92 points from Wine Enthusiast–and they were on their way.

Exciting times! Brashley hired wine maker Ashley Holland, who jumped at the chance to work with Brashley. Initially tapped for the FLX Riesling project with Brashley, her ambition and passion were perfect for their full line of wines. “With the addition of a dry Riesling,” Ashley said, “the Brashley 2021 Finger Lakes Riesling will be our signature dry Alsatian wine, and we are excited for this vintage release in

late 2022. We are expecting 150 cases for 2021.” Always eager to look ahead, a 2022 Blanc de Noir sparkling is in the works.

The team also grew to include Sean McTiernan as Tasting Room host and chef, elevating the food experience. The tri-level wine club to suit all preferences has been launched, too. Ashley noted, “We’ve got the whole package now.”

Guests are invited to the new Brashley Vineyards Tasting Room, a clean, fun space overlooking the vineyard that’s delightful all year round with a patio, artwork, fountains, and flowers. This autumn, the opening days and times are Friday through Monday, 11am to 4pm The “Siesta Flight” tasting menu includes their Rosé of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Blanc, and two of Brashley’s signature red Pinots. Looking for something different to do on Thanksgiving Day? The Tasting Room in Philo will be open from 11 to 4pm. Kids and dogs are welcome, too. Appointments are not required but, are preferred for parties of six or more.

Guests are invited to the new Brashley Vineyards

Tasting Room, a clean, fun space overlooking the vineyard that’s delightful all year round...

Photo by @quickdrawpics

THE SHIFT IS REAL!

A Recession Doesn't Mean Falling Prices

Home Price Change During the Last Six Recessions

Overthe last two years, the real estate market has seen recordbreaking growth in the US and glob ally. Napa Valley, in particular, has reigned as a top destination for buyers through the pandemic, which attracted many to the area since they could work remotely and for those looking for a better quality of life, a vacation home, or even a place to retire.

Unfortunately, many buyers struggled with the process to purchase here due to the simple economics of supply and demand–insufficient inventory. Homes have been selling at unprecedented speed, giving buyers minimal time to think or make a choice. As a result, it's been a seller's market, with multiple offers to consider and, in many cases, at prices over asking.

Like any fast-paced market trend, the peaks and valleys are often unsustainable, and eventually, the sporadic dynamics level out.

With the worst of the pandemic behind us and rates increasing, the market is starting to stabilize. More houses are on the market, forcing sellers to be more com petitive with their pricing and giving buyers more choices, resulting in a much healthier real estate marketplace. Home shopping in a less frenetic environment allows buyers the flexibility to look over the inspections thoroughly, make offers that give them the discretion to include contingencies, and make informed decisions.

While the logistics have become less hectic, sellers need not fear the market is crashing. It is shifting. Industry economists estimate we are heading for a 10% increase in value this year, reflecting higher interest rates, inflation, and a possible recession. But let's face it, 50- 75% value increases over two years is not normal. Having the market return to a steady state is healthy for both buyers and sellers. For buyers,

there are more options for the 'move up' (buying a bigger home) or the right size (downsizing). For sellers, the opportunity is ripe, but they'll need to be more creative. With the market becoming more competi tive, they'll need to take extra steps to make their property stand out through home prep and staging and being flexible to offer con cessions on loan programs, such as buying down the rate on a higher interest rate loan, rather than reducing the price.

Whichever way the general market trends, home prices in Napa Valley Valley are still viewed as highly affordable in the Bay Area. We still don't have enough homes to sell to fill buyer demands, so values will continue to increase, but at a healthy pace.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.

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

NEW HOMES IN

IN

IN

Trio at Napa is a trendy collection of new homes, both single and two story, designed in the moder n far mhouse style and located in a well-established neighborhood.

Trio at Napa is a trendy collection of new homes, both single and two story, designed in the modern farmhouse style and located in a well-established neighborhood.

Trio at Napa is a trendy collection of new homes, both single and two story, designed in the moder n far mhouse style and located in a well-established neighborhood.

attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

3-4

3-4

3-4

homesites

homesites

homesites

unit

attached accessory

t r i o

t r i o

trio

ART of

walking through the oak

watching a majestic waterfowl feed and skim across a lake, or gazing out over vineyard landscapes with the rolling hills and mountains of Napa in the background.

Adventures

such as these can be captured within Art & Clarity’s Art of Seeing program, a custom-cu rated photographic excursion designed to share professional photography techniques while fine-tuning one’s deep appre ciation for nature.

Janna stated that one of her ob jectives is to teach observation and how to use the direction of light to create compelling photographs. “Imagine waking up to discover the fabulous,” Janna added, “and being guided to see differently. Everyone comes on this journey with a different goal of how they want to expand their photographic skills and discover the beauty of Napa. One woman wanted to create better photographs of her children; another person wanted to develop his skills before embarking on a Safari. Knowing how to blend the combination of a fast ISO, shutter speed, and F-stop is es sential for those one-of-a-kind moments.” Whether one opts to use the camera on their phone or a 35 mm camera, Art of Seeing Adventures stretch es beyond camera functions into the poetics of perception, fostering awareness of light

“We began the Art of Seeing Adventures in Napa Valley,” said Lowell Downey, co-owner of Art & Clarity with Janna Waldinger, “to add to the wine and cuisine experience our valley guests and local residents are offered.” The three-hour sessions, recently listed in the New York Times as one of the top ten photography adventures in the world, are custom curated for individuals or groups.

and composition, and bringing new vitality to one’s way of seeing.

Art of Seeing Adventures in Napa Valley is a creative exploration for locals and visitors to take solo, within a small group of friends or family, or for corporate team building.  Art & Clarity also offers Make Art of My Day, a six-hour excursion document ing an entire day.

area

Napa’s Trusted Property Management Company

FIRST & MAIN  BY ELIZABETH SMITH | PHOTO COURTESY OF FIRST & MAIN

What sets First & Main Property Management apart from other businesses is creating a more modern and elevated way of doing property management that gives owners and tenants access to features that may not be available through other companies. They employ high technology automation and have developed proprietary marketing plans and systems to help them best serve their clients.

Although First & Main Property Management is a new company –opening its doors in March 2021 – owner Jessica Buurma brings with her 13 years of property management experi ence and her busi ness partner, Damian Bennett, 20 years of ex perience in technology. The two decided to join forces after working together previously, both realizing property management would benefit tremendously from the implementa tion of modern technologies. Together they offer full-service residential and commercial property management in Napa Valley.

First & Main Property Management wants to protect and grow property investments,

allowing owners the financial security that real estate provides. While most property management companies collect rent and pay bills, First & Main Property Management does that, but with the additional focus of maximizing the returns of their clients’ real estate investments. Owners can opt for a full-service manage ment package which includes services such as managing account ing and maintenance issues with licensed and insured vendors, conducting annual inspections, produc tion of tax forms for vendors and owners, preparation of budgets, and even developing a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan specific to their client’s property.

One of the most crucial owner services First & Main Property Management offers is its marketing campaigns, which include taking professional photos and producing premium videos to best showcase the properties they represent. They also post property listings to social media outlets and engage with the community both online and face to face to ensure the highest level of exposure for the vacant properties. A glance at their Instagram account, @firstandmainpm, demonstrates their cutting-edge approach to property management, with stunning visuals and meaningful engagement with their followers.

First & Main Property Management is invested in and cares about the Napa community as a whole. They are fully committed to Napa Valley and its fantastic residents and businesses. They encourage people to shop local, support their com mercial tenants, and enjoy being part of the community. First & Main Property Management strives to always be available beyond regular business hours. “We pick up the phone. We’re friendly. We enjoy this business. We have a proven track record that the way we do it all works well.”

They are fully committed to Napa Valley and its fantastic residents and businesses. They encourage people to shop local, support their commercial tenants, and enjoy being part of the community.

First & Main Property Management is invested in and cares about the Napa community as a whole.

Photo

Darren Brazil

FILIPPI’S

Let’s raise a glass to the farmers, the makers, and the vintners.

To the authenticity and beauty of Napa Valley. To the laid-back luxury found in the everyday and the extraordinary. To the memories that we sip, savor, and discover together. Here’s to moments that will age beautifully.

To discover more, go to VisitNapaValley.com or stop by our Napa Valley Welcome Center in the heart of downtown Napa.

William Hill Estate Winery

For healthcare that’s vital to the valley.

SAY

Look at all we do. Together.

Since 1972, OLE Health has been exceptionally proud to delivery essential healthcare services to the essential workers of the Napa Valley. We provide expert family medicine, pediatrics, dental, vision, and behavioral health care that’s available and accessible to all. Today, OLE Health cares for 1 in 4 Napa County residents, and more than 4,000 farmworkers and their families.

Napa can count on us, because we can count on the generosity of members of this community who support our work keeping Napa healthy.

Every dollar makes a di erence.

Support OLE Health by making a donation today.