Napa Valley Life Magazine - Summer 2022 by napavalleylifemagazine

SUMMER 2022

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PHILANTHROPY ISSUE PLUS+

Napa Valley Vintners: Celebrating a New Chapter of Giving Viognier: Aromatic and Irresistible Fall in Love with Virginia Wine Country

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Contents

F E AT U R E S / / S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 / / T H E P H I L A N T H R O P Y I S S U E

28 Cover Story

Napa Valley Vintners: Celebrating a New Chapter of Giving

32 Third Annual

Philanthropy Issue Honoring Napa's Community Leaders

66 Viognier: Aromatic and Irresistable

69 Wine Region Series

Fall In Love with Virginia Wine Country N A PA V A LLEY LIFE M AG A Z I N

SU MM ER 202 2

the

PHILANTHROP YI

PLUS+

Napa Valley Vintners: Celebrating a New Chapter of Giving Viognier: Aromatic an d Irresistible Fall in Love with Virgini a Wine Country

SUMMER 2022

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

SSUE

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NVL contents

D E PA R T M E N T S / / S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 / / T H E P H I L A N T H R O P Y I S S U E

NV Scene • 12

What’s Been Happening Around Town

Things To Do

16 Calendar of Events

17 Inside Track: What the Locals are Doing 18 Play Winemaker for a Day 22 The Wine Lover's Summer Reading List

What’s Hot • 24 Community

50 WineGlass Marketing & FONCAS: Giving Dogs Their Day 54 COPE Family Center: Celebrating 50 Years 55 Frank Family Vineyards: Heritage of Giving Back

Drink

56 New Frontier Wine Co.

62 Boisset Collection 64 Raymond Vineyards and American Truffle Co.

Wine & Winery Spotlights 58 Acre Wines

60 Katnip Wines

Eat

72 Sensational Summer Salads 76 Cooking with Karen Crouse

Side Trip

78 Winters: 'You Only Live Once'

Around the Valley

82 Napa Valley Country Club: Featuring Golf Director, Tom Sims

Real Estate

84 Napa Tracy Style: The Rise of the ADU

People & Art

86 Napa Valley Art Association

Shop Local

88 TINA Stephens

Health & Wellness 90 Abide Napa

Money & Wealth

92 Merrill Lynch: Keep Your Retirement Savings on Track

Dining Guide • 94 6

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

TIME TO MAKE YOUR MOVE

Jennifer Klingbeil, Realtor® UpValley Specialist

Beyond the gorgeous landscapes, the exquisite dining and award-winning wines you will find a warm sense of community in the Napa Valley. People come from all over the globe to get off the treadmill of life to live in the moment. This state of mind is evident when you greet neighbors at festivals, wine auctions, school fund-raisers, or even a crab feed. Whether you’re living here already or consider becoming a member of this welcoming community, Jennifer and her team at Golden Gate Sotheby’s can help you move into the next exciting stage of your Napa Valley Life. NapaLifeProperties.com | Lic.# 02067543 | J.Klingbeil@ggsir.com | m 707.492.0435 Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.

NVL editor’s letter

SUMMER

A Time For Giving O

ur summer issue is a very special one for Napa Valley Life Magazine. It’s the time of the year when we pause to thank all the extraordinary people, nonprofits, and organizations committed to helping make life better for those who are less fortunate. Now in its third year, Napa Valley Life’s Philanthropy Issue recognizes these community leaders and the positive impacts they are making for a myriad of causes such as healthcare, poverty, food assistance, education, housing, animals in need, or caring for our land. Our cover story features one of Napa Valley’s most influential philanthropist organizations, the Napa Valley Vintners. Since its founding in 1944, The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence by inspiring its members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership, and care for the extraordinary place they call home. Since 1981, NVV has cared for the extended Napa community, donating more than $200 million to local nonprofits through its annual fundraising event, Auction Napa Valley, and more than two-dozen philanthropic programs. This year, NVV celebrates the success of its vision and plans to relaunch the legacy Auction program as Napa Valley Collective to expand its reach even further. Our regional wine destination series continues in this issue, focusing on Virginia wine country. Steeped in America’s history as one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia’s founders also proved to be wine lovers, notably Thomas Jefferson, who grew grapes on his Monticello Estate. Today, 28 types of grapes are cultivated in over 4,000 acres of vineyards throughout the state, and since its founding in 1788, Viginia has proved itself to be a formidable haven for wine lovers. Our Napa Valley varietal series focuses on Viognier, a French grape that produces a crisp white wine with characteristically quintessential floral aromas. While not as easy to find as the ubiquitous Rosé every spring, it’s a perfect wine to kick off the summer. Lastly, if you’re searching for a new place to explore this summer, take a side trip to Winters. Located less than five miles from the border of Napa County, the small town offers a peek at the Old West, with wineries, a distillery, and a charming downtown filled with culture and entertainment. Photo by Bob McClenahan

Cheers to a happy summer,

Laura Larson Editor

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT:

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Bob McClenahan

photography

________________________

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Derek Wright

experience

napa like never

before

Embark on a stunning vineyard voyage & explore Wine Countr y on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

PRESIDENT Kevin Evans CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal EDITOR Laura Larson laura.larson@napavalleylife.com ONLINE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA Jackie Cyr jackie.cyr@webmediagroup.com ADVERTISING/SALES Doris Hobbs – 209-207-4876 doris.hobbs@napavalleylife.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fran Miller Laurie Jo Miller Farr Layne Randolph Elizabeth Smith Marisa McCann Melissa Vogt Mark Gudgel Charlene Peters Danny Mangin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Art & Clarity - Lowell Downey and Janna Waldinger Bob McClenahan Suzanne Becker Bronk ABOUT THE COVER Napa Valley Vintner Board Members toasting to a new chapter of giving Cover Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk

Napa Valley Life Magazine is published six times a year. We have four quarterly publications and two annual publications. 1370 Trancas Street # 770, Napa, CA 94558 Copyright 2022 by Napa Valley Life Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Subscriptions are available for $12/year by visiting napavalleylife.com and clicking on subscriptions at the top.

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NV Scene

What’s Been Happening Around Town STAGS LEAP VINEYARD TO VINTNER WEEKEND

Saturday Luncheon Photo by Bob McClenahan

The Stags Leap District Winegrowers Vineyard to Vintner weekend returned in April, bringing enthusiasts together with vintners, winemakers, and principals for three days of esteemed wines, enchanting dining, and in-depth education celebrating the people and wines of the Stags Leap District. Activities were hosted by vintners at 16 famed properties and included library wine dinners, an Appellation-focused Gala luncheon, and Masterclasses on Stags Leap District viticulture and history which included on-site seminars and property tours. Guests were also invited to create their own itineraries for private, curated experiences among 13 wineries, several of which are not open to the public. // www.stagsleapdistrict.com

Friday Dinner at Silverado Photo by Sarah Risk

Saturday Luncheon Photo by Bob McClenahan

Doug Shafer and Elian Fernandez of Shafer Vineyards Photo by Bob McClenahan

Photo by Bob McClenahan

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Friday Dinner at Silverado Photo by Bob McClenahan

DISCOVER COOMBSVILLE – GRAND TASTING # PHOTOS BY ELAN VILLAMOR

On April 30th over 30 vintners from Coombsville’s wineries partnered with the beautiful and historic Napa Valley Country Club to present some of the AVA’s premier wines. Guests were invited to mix and mingle directly with winemakers, vintners, producers, and growers to learn more about the Coombsville AVA and their different winemaking styles while savoring gourmet food pairings by Chef Brandon Hughes. Bid and win silent auction lots also took center stage, filled with unique wine packages and winery experiences from participating wineries. The event benefited Puertas Abiertas, a local non-profit organization working with Latinos to achieve healthy living, self-sufficiency, and community engagement. // www.coombsvillenapa.org

SUMMER 2022

NV scene

ST. HELENA BASH

# PHOTOS COURTESY OF APPELLATION ST. HELENA

Appellation St. Helena (ASH) brought back its signature “bASH” event on Saturday, April 2 at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone. The annual signature event, now in its 11th year, is a wine and food pairing competition where wines from 19 ASH member wineries are paired with savory bites prepared by teams of ‘rising star’ students at the CIA as well as by esteemed winery chefs and St. Helena Restaurants. Along with appointed local chef judges Michelle Mutrux, Traci Dutton and Ines Chiarello, over 250 attendee/guests also got to vote on their favorite combinations. The event also included the ASH Wine Raffle, a collection of wine from participating wineries. Proceeds from the evening go to Appellation St. Helena and the scholarship fund of the Culinary Institute of America. // www.appellationsthelena.com

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NV Calendar

Upcoming Parties, Concerts, Celebrations and Events Event dates subject to change. Please check event websites for current schedules.

piazza of the Meritage Resort and Spa where guests can wander the grounds, sampling fare from more than 70 local wineries, restaurants, and culinary artisans. The Reserve Tasting Salon offers exclusive premium wine tastings in a private setting. Live music throughout the afternoon completes this effortless getaway. Ticket prices range from $125- $250. // www.festivalnapavalley.org July 16

WINESHINE HALF MARATHON

Photo courtesy of WineShine

The 27th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain returns to Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. Taste wines from over 45 premier wineries serving samples of current and library Howell Mountain Vintages accompanied by gourmet bites from Ring of Fire Catering and live music from the Hummingbirdz. Wine and gift packages will be available to bid in the live and silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the Howell Mountain Education Foundation. // www.howellmountain.org

visual arts, chamber music, jazz, wine tastings, and concerts for families with young children. Highlights include Trisha Yearwood, Joshua Bell, Larisa Martínez, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Tessa Lark, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, a “Tchaikovsky to Rolling Stones” dance gala, Donizetti’s “L’elisir d’amore,” and more. Throughout the week, musical and wine tasting events will be hosted at iconic Napa wineries such as Charles Krug winery and Nickel and Nickel, the CIA at Copia and the Meritage Resort and Spa. // www.festivalnapavalley.org

July 15-24

July 16

Back for its 16th year, Festival Napa Valley announced the schedule of events and performances during the ten-day summer program featuring symphonic concerts, opera, dance,

Savor a day of exceptional food, wine, and music at Taste of Napa, the annual celebration of the bounties and splendor of Napa Valley. This year's festivities again take place on the central

June 18

TASTE OF HOWELL MOUNTAIN

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

TASTE OF NAPA

The Napa Valley Marathon is thrilled to launch a new summertime race in Napa Valley! The new race, which starts and finishes at the Silverado Resort & Spa, runs along the famed Silverado Trail, passing by sweeping vineyards, beautiful hillsides, and iconic wineries. But unlike most marathons, participants will get to sample some of the area’s best varietals at the post-race festival. Running + wine= The perfect combo. Proceeds from the event support Napa Firewise and the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation. // www.wineshinehalfmarathon.org July 30

CRUSH MS

Crush MS hosts its 8th Annual Summer Celebration on the grounds of Reid Family Vineyards in Napa, CA. Guests will taste wines from many of Napa’s finest wineries, enjoy small bites from area chefs, and bid on items in the live and silent auction. Proceeds from the event help ensure that vital MS research is funded, and support programs are in place to help people live well with the disease. // www.crushms.org July 31

PORCHFEST

Porchfest is back! Voted as one of Napa Valley’s all-time favorite events,

the annual neighborhood music festival highlights local musicians on front yards and porches at approximately 60 historic Victorian houses in Downtown Napa. Over 100 musical acts representing a diverse array of styles from rock to reggae and country to indie are scheduled to perform. The free event, now in its 10th year, attracts thousands of locals and visitors who stroll, bike and dance their way from porch to porch. Local food trucks are available to sell food and beverages. // www.napaporchfest.org August 4-7

24TH ANNUAL V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION The V Foundation Wine Celebration will take place August 4-7 in the heart of the Napa Valley, offering several days of culinary and vintnerhosted events and a thoughtprovoking cancer symposium while raising awareness and funding for cancer research. Highlights events include an exclusive performance by Grammy -Award winning artist Jon Batiste at Friday’s “Rock the V” party, Saturday’s informative and entertaining Answer for Cancer Research Symposium at the Estate Yountville, and Saturday’s Gala, celebrating Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski’s final year of coaching. // www.winecelebration.org August 3-21

MUSIC IN THE VINEYARDS

Now in its 28th season, Music in the Vineyards welcomes musicians from around the world to convene in Napa Valley barrel rooms and caves to present the much anticipated annual chamber music festival. After presenting a combination of virtual and limited live performances for the past two years, the festival celebrates a return to fully live concerts featuring internationally acclaimed artists and musicians at multiple venues throughout Napa Valley. // www.musicinthevineyards.org

Inside Track

What the Locals are Doing Oakville Wine Merchant Hangouts Stop by for Happy Hour! Every first and third Thursday of the month from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. the Oakville Wine Merchant serves up a selection of over 60 local wines on tap with specially featured wines of the evening, light bites and cheese boards from the Oakville Grocery, music, and with great discounts for locals. // 7856 ST. HELENA HWY., OAKVILLE • WWW.OAKVILLEGROCERY.COM/OAKVILLE-WINE-MERCHANT

Cadet Winemaker Wednesdays Every Wednesday from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cadet Beer and Wine Bar features winemakers from near and far. Rub elbows with local Napa winemakers, brewers, small production domestic wineries and even producers from across the pond. Expect an offering of flights, special keg takeovers, by the glass options and even bottles available to-go at special pricing. Every event is different but it’s always a blast. // 930 FRANKLIN ST., NAPA • WWW.CADETBEERANDWINEBAR.COM

Genova Delicatessen A Napa institution since its opening in 1985, the DeVincenzi family’s Genova Delicatessen is known for its fresh sandwich bar, where patrons take numbers and wait in droves to customorder sandwiches and salads from a cornucopia of choice meats, cheeses, accoutrements and breads. Genova’s homemade pastas, lasagna, and imported Italian delicacies such as cakes, cookies, olive oil, crackers, and a bountiful wine selection are popular items among Napa’s locals and wine country picnickers. // 1550 TRANCAS ST., NAPA • WWW.GENOVADELINAPA.COM

Cordeiro’s Steakhouse Lounge For locals ‘in the know,’ Cordeiro’s Steakhouse is a hot ticket for a memorable fine dining experience, and for its popular lounge. The cozy neighborhood restaurant located on the east side of Silverado Trail, hosts a cadre of regulars who enjoy an extensive wine list, beer on tap and handcrafted cocktails accompanied by a delectable selection of bites served on their exclusive lounge menu. Open 4:30- closing. // 2025 MONTICELLO RD., NAPA • WWW.CORDEIROSSSTEAKHOUSE.COM

Waterfront Seafood Grill Riverwalk Bar Matt Cordeiro’s hottest new restaurant, best known for its fresh seafood menu, is also a locals favorite for its lively bar scene. For those in the know, the patio boasts six outdoor seats right on the Riverwalk with a pass through to the restaurant bartenders who serve up handcrafted cocktails as well as the full dinner menu. Get there early—these seats go fast! // 2025 720 MAIN ST., NAPA • WWW.THEWATERFRONTSEAFOODGRILL.COM

NVL things to do

Play a

WINEMAKER for a Day I N N A PA VA L L E Y  WRITTEN BY MARISA MCCANN

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

A winemaking career requires years of scientific study and a highly developed sense of smell and taste. Playing one for a day? That just requires reservations. As if tasting wine in Napa Valley was not impressive enough, a handful of wineries now offer unique opportunities for guests to hone their palate, explore the winemaking process, and blend and bottle their own wine. These experiences explore what makes a good wine – including structure, acidity, balance, and finish – and inspire participants by tasting high-quality wines and learning alongside some of Napa Valley’s most skilled wine educators. RAYMOND VINEYARDS

Photo Courtesy of Raymond Vineyards

One can expect a touch of pizzazz with a visit to Raymond Vineyards, located in Rutherford, just off Highway 29. Vintner Jean-Charles Boisset purchased the property in 2009 and has since reinvented the winery as a place for visitors to experience wine in various environments, including the lavishly decorated Red Room, the extravagant Crystal Cellar, and the outdoor Theater of Nature located in Raymond’s organic garden. Perhaps their most grandiose experience is that of the Winemaker for a Day ($125/person) which involves metallic-colored lab coats, shiny glass beakers, and exclusive access to the winery’s blending room. A neon fixture spelling out “Winemaker for a Day” hangs brightly above the laboratory entrance just beside a wall of stainless steel tanks. Guests are invited to don a sparkly silver lab coat and beret hat before taking a seat in front of a set of wine samples, glasses, beakers, and tasting notes. Before blending begins, participants are guided through a tasting of new oak Cabernet Sauvignon, neutral oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which will all be used to craft their perfect Bordeaux-style red blend. Using pipettes, “winemakers” are instructed to transfer the wine from beaker to glass, where they can create up to three blends. The winning combination will then be bottled, corked, capsuled, and dressed with a custom label to take home. For the amateur vintner who believes they’ve truly SUMMER 2022

NVL things to do

Photo Courtesy of Raymond Vineyards

Joseph Phelps Photo by Matt Morris

Blending Experience ($150/person) is a hands-on immersion led by a wine expert who delves into the distinct nuances of each AVA, from the mountain appellations of Atlas Peak and Diamond Mountain to the valley floor appellations of Rutherford and Oakville. Guests are also introduced to other main Bordeaux grape varieties like Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot and begin to discover how subtle additions of each of these varieties can add softness, structure, or complexity to the final blend. Then equipped with blending techniques and strategies, guests create a proprietary blend that caters to their specific palate, bottle it, cork it, and take it home to enjoy later. “The Barrel Blending Experience elevates the traditional wine tasting by making it interactive, educational, and personalized,” said Conn Creek Winemaker Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant. “No other winery offers such a wide variety of wines from different sub-appellations in one experience.” // 8711 Silverado Trail, St. Helena // www.conncreek.com

BENNETT LANE WINERY

Conn Creek // Photo Courtesy of Untapped Media

mastered the art of winemaking, additional bottles and cases of their personal blend can be purchased to share with family and friends. // 849 Zinfandel Ln, St. Helena // www.raymondvineyards.com

JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS Joseph Phelps Vineyards, home to Insignia, the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend in California, offers a rotating schedule of educational wine seminars far beyond the scope of a traditional wine tasting. In addition to a Wine Aroma Challenge, Bountiful Table wine and culinary pairing, and a vertical tasting of six vintages of Insignia, the iconic winery also provides a popular Insignia Blending experience ($125/person) which seeks to answer: Can you make a wine as good or better than their flagship bottling? 20

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Following the guidance of a skilled wine educator, guests taste through a selection of Joseph Phelps’ single-vineyard wines, including Pastorale Vineyard Chardonnay, Quarter Moon Pinot Noir, and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, before diving into six components of the current vintage of Insignia. Each guest is given the creative freedom to smell, taste, and experiment with percentages of Suscol Vineyard Malbec and Cabernet Franc, Home Ranch Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Barboza & Las Rocas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, among others, for a chance to replicate Insignia’s carefully crafted blend. Then the current release of Insignia is poured for a side-by-side comparison of your blend to one of Napa Valley’s most esteemed wines. // 200 Taplin Rd, St. Helena // www.josephphelps.com

CONN CREEK WINERY Conn Creek Winery in St. Helena offers an exceptional opportunity to taste Cabernet Sauvignon from multiple sub-appellations straight from the barrel. Their Barrel

Bennett Lane Winery in Calistoga offers an exclusive Private Blending experience ($225/ person) that features a vineyard tour and a sensory evaluation seminar focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah – the principal components of their signature red wine, Maximus Red Feasting Wine – followed by a custom blending experience. During the blending, guests are given the tools to blend their own bottle of Maximus using the same lab techniques and equipment as Bennett Lane winemaker Rob Hunter. Each blend is bottled, corked, foiled, and labeled before toasting with a glass of wine paired with a well-deserved cheese plate on the winery’s scenic patio overlooking Mount Saint Helena. // 3340 State Highway 128, Calistoga // www.bennettlane.com

JUDD’S HILL WINERY Just minutes from downtown Napa along the entrance of the Silverado Trail, Judd’s Hill Winery offers an informative, year-round Bottle Blending Day Camp™ (starting at $125/person). Each private session starts with a guided tasting, education, and blending tips before mixing and matching four barrel samples to make a traditional Bordeaux-style red blend. Guests learn how to hand-bottle, label, and apply foil capsules to their personally crafted wine that goes home with them at the end of the day. // 2332 Silverado Trail, Napa // www.juddshill.com

BE A WINEMAKER FOR A DAY The Barrel Blending Experience® at Conn Creek is an opportunity to explore, taste, and blend Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy a guided tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon from distinctly different areas of this famed wine region. After learning blending techniques and strategies, you’ll experience what it’s like to be a winemaker and craft your own custom blend to bottle and take home. Reservations are available Thursday through Monday at 10:30am and 2:00pm

SUMMER 2022

NVL things to do

The

Wine Lover’s

h, summer. It’s a much anticipated season when sunny days, beach reads, and chilled wine are always top of mind. Luckily, there has never been a more exciting time for the wine lover to peruse the ever-expanding wine genre. Regardless of one’s level of expertise in the subject, these easy-going must-reads are perfect for every type of oenophile. From memoirs and romantic novels to travelogues and historical fiction, the following selection of books focuses on wine as the main character, with suggested wine pairings to enjoy with each of them.

ADVENTURES ON THE WINE ROUTE, by Kermit Lynch

READING LIST (With Suggested Wine Pairings)  ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY MARISA MCCANN

Famed wine importer Kermit Lynch, a name synonymous with French and Italian wines, recounts his experiences among the vineyards and deep within the wine cellars of France. With Lynch leading the way, travel through Loire, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Provence, and more in this timeless read. As Lynch looks to add authentic wines that express their terroir to his portfolio, he takes readers on a captivating journey meeting colorful French winemakers along the way. This down-to-earth guide is perfect to page through if a trip to France is on your bucket list – or the unpretentious and adventurous wine taster. // Pairing Suggestion: A crisp Sancerre or Chinon Blanc, two beloved wines Lynch encounters from France’s Loire Valley.

THE CORK DORK, by Bianca Bosker Former tech journalist Bianca Bosker takes readers on an unbelievably hilarious and thoughtful journey through the wine world’s inner circle of sommeliers. Chapters entitled “The Secret Society,” “The Magic Kingdom,” and “The Orgy” hint at the playful yet insightful nature of this entertaining memoir as Bosker explores her evolving palate and relationship between wine, food, and life itself. In a conversational tone, she provides access to a universe not often seen, offering a sneak peek into underground tasting groups, exclusive New York City restaurants, industrial winemaking, and wine science as she strives to uncover the true meaning of wine. // Pairing Suggestion: A Provençal style of rosé, a wine that can be consumed as easily as this page-turning novel.

THE EXES IN MY GLASS, by Lisa Mattson This hyper-relatable dating memoir follows the bewildering journey of a naïve, insecure mid-west girl as she matures into a confident, 22

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

self-loving wine country woman. Author Lisa Mattson, a wine marketing professional and former magazine editor, provides an autobiographical look at the world of dating in which every chapter signifies a man and a drink of choice from her past. Mattson hones her palate with each ex-boyfriend and learns to love herself, eventually finding her way to Sonoma County, where she now lives with her husband. The best part about picking up this inspiring book is that 100% of the proceeds benefit wildfire victims through Sonoma Family Meal. // Pairing Suggestion: Pop open a bottle of Champagne and enjoy a toast to living life with a glass always full, a major takeaway from this heartwarming tale.

GODFORSAKEN GRAPES, by Jason Wilson This book will undoubtedly inspire wanderlust, leaving one with a strong desire to book a trip to the beautiful and remote places producing some of the world’s most obscure and underappreciated wines. Author and wine and spirits expert James Wilson brings readers along for a journey through Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, even New Jersey, and beyond to discover rare but locally revered grape varieties like Chasselas or Blaufränkisch. He probes why these grapes fell out of fashion or why they never took off in the first place in this witty, thought-provoking, and equally humorous account. // Pairing Suggestion: Try a new wine to spark an adventurous spirit.

THE LOST VINTAGE, by Ann Mah Ann Mah, a food and travel writer who splits her time between Paris and Washington D.C., introduces readers to an engaging and suspenseful story about family secrets and lost love in Burgundy, France. The book seamlessly transitions from the vineyards of modern-day Burgundy to the terrors of Nazioccupied France through Mah’s effortless dual-perspective storytelling style, featuring two female protagonists. She introduces readers to the depth of French culture, language, food, and wine with impeccable detail in this part historical fiction, part romance novel. // Pairing Suggestion: A white Burgundy for a wine as compelling as this female-centered book.

THE VINTNER’S DAUGHTER SERIES, by Kristen Harnisch This two-book series takes readers on a one-way trip to wine country, immersing them in the rich vineyard culture of both the Old and New Worlds. The first book, “The Vintner’s Daughter,” follows the

dreams of two aspiring French winemakers who arrived in Napa in the late 19th century. The romance, betrayal, and redemption that ensues provide the subject matter for Harnisch’s second novel of the series, “The California Wife.” Wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike will drink this up as Harnisch skillfully weaves the history of the wine industry into a passionate love story while bringing the beautiful settings of the Loire and Napa Valleys to life. The third and final book of the series, “The Vintner’s Legacy,” releases in summer 2022. // Pairing Suggestion: A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will set the stage for this memorable read.

WINE GIRL, by Victoria James Victoria James, well-respected for becoming the youngest certified sommelier in the country at age 21, is the heroine of this harrowing yet uplifting story of resilience.

James shares her profoundly personal path in the toxic restaurant business, starting as a roadside diner waitress at the age of 13 to climbing to the pinnacle of New York City’s fine-dining scene, shedding light on all the obstacles she faced along the way, such as male chauvinism, agism, mistreatment, sexual abuse, and more. James’s eye-opening memoir is not only compulsively readable but vitally important. She is a role model to women in the wine industry and all industries. // Pairing Suggestion: A Tuscan red such as Brunello di Montalcino offers the perfect mix of boldness, complexity, and grit, much like the story and author herself. SUMMER 2022

NVL what’s hot

Brendel Tasting Lounge

Photo by Matt Morris

Located in the heart of downtown Napa across from the Archer Hotel on First Street, Brendel Wines new tasting room is a collaborative project launched by Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy Jr. and the Lawrence family of Heitz Wine Cellars. The space honors the irreverent persona of Leon Brendel and his commitment to making great wine in the purest form. Under the helm of winemaker Brittany Sherwood, Brendel’s wines are farmed with 100% Napa Valley fruit and are free of any unnecessary ingredients. Wines are available to taste by the flight, glass, or bottle with optional food pairings courtesy of Contimo Provisions. Open Thu-Mon from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1227 First St., Napa //

Loveski Deli

www.brendelwines.com

Oxbow Public Market’s newest addition is brought to Napa Valley by renowned chef, Christopher Kostow and his wife Martina. Loveski is a “Jewish” deli that presents traditional elements of Christopher’s Jewish family heritage and Martina’s Thai upbringing, resulting in a menu that culminates current time and place. Specialties include handmade sourdough bagels, house-made pickles and other ferments, soups and salads made with vegetables from the Kostow farm, and the best cured and smoked meats. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 610 First St., Napa // www.loveskideli.com

Photo courtesy of Brendel Wines

C Casa Napa Valley’s favorite Mexican taqueria expands to its new location in the Oxbow Market. Located in the vacated Kitchen Door location, the new space boasts a mid-century/modern Hacienda vibe with a sit-down restaurant and full cantina offering tequilas, craft cocktails, exciting beers as well as their own wine, C VINO, made by Caldwell Vineyards. The dining room offers an elevated separate menu and has dedicated seating inside and out. The back patio features seven custom-made fire tables and fireplace, a water feature and a cactus garden. C Casa’s original Taqueria has relocated to the new space and shares seating in the market as in the past. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are available at both the taqueria and the restaurant. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 610 1st St. # 24, Oxbow Public Market //

www.mycasa.com

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NVL what’s hot

ARBARETUM The ARBARETUM, from Napa Valley Distillery, is now open on First Street. The new location is at the cutting edge of Napa Valley's cocktail scene, offering patrons the most extensive premium spirits list in Napa Valley with the highest level of cocktail service -- right in the heart of downtown Napa. The unique space offers dozens of handcrafted cocktails, tasting flights, small bites and sweets, live music, and DJ nights with seating indoors and out. Available to book for private events for up to 50 people. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1149 First St., Napa // www.napavalleydistillery.com

Photo Courtesy of NV Distillery Arbaretum

Photo courtesy of Levendi Winery

Levendi Winery Levendi Winery joins the list of new tasting rooms opening up in downtown Napa. Conveniently located across the street from the Andaz Hotel, the winery’s founders tout a Greek heritage of winemaking through the Gianulias family, who have been making wine for centuries. Their portfolio focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay under the helm of industry veteran winemaker Alison Doran, who is celebrating her 45th harvest. Current vintages which also include their Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé are available to taste by the flight or purchase by the bottle or glass. Open Mon, Thurs, Sun: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Fri, Sat: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1465 First St., Napa // www.levendiwinery.com

Photo courtesy of Ace & Vine

Ace & Vine Happy Hour Get into the spirit with Ace & Vine’s new happy hour program. From 3:00- 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, along with great discounts on local wines, beer, and drinks, patrons get one free for the same or less value with the purchase of an appetizer. The comfortable lounge is ideal for singles or groups, as is the famous outdoor deck overlooking the Napa River, which touts three fire pits, each with seating for up to ten. The menu has an Asian flair, with popular items such as the Bo Bun, Popcorn Shrimp, Honey Cauliflower, Tempura Shrimp, and an assortment of tacos. For additional entertainment, gaming rooms are open for 24 hours. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 505 Lincoln Ave., Napa // www.aceandvine.com 26

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1915

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

•• THE RUTHERFORD WINE VAULT ••

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

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

W W W . R U T H E R F O R D W I N E V A U L T . C O M

Gathering, Enjoying Wine, and

DOING

GOOD

Napa Valley Vintners Reinvents Community Fundraising with Innovative Collective Napa Valley  BY DANIEL MANGIN | MONTAGE PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS

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Three decades before the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting elevated the Napa Valley’s status as a winegrowing region, the seven founding members of the Napa Valley Vintners laid the groundwork for that triumph by establishing an organization based on collaboration and camaraderie. The Paris tasting and the valley’s subsequent evolution as a winemaking and hospitality destination par excellence proved correct the vintners’ intuition that they could achieve more by working together than by going it alone.

hough engaged in serious wine-industry business, the original septet referred to their organization as an “eating and drinking society.” The mingling of work and pleasure supplied the blueprint for later charitable endeavors, most notably Auction Napa Valley, which enjoyed a four-decade run as the valley’s preeminent fundraiser. In 2022, the association, now nearly 550 members strong, unveiled a revised philanthropic vision, Collective Napa Valley, as a way to connect year-round with wine fans who care about the Napa Valley, its people, and the area’s future. The format may be new, but Collective Napa Valley’s guiding principles—“gathering, enjoying wine, and doing good”—hark back to the original embrace of cooperation and fun.

Impressive Reach Napa Valley Vintners has long taken a leadership role in caring for the community. Since 1981 it has donated more than $200 million to local nonprofits. In a county with just under 140,000 residents, the reach is as impressive as the dollars amassed: 115,000 people benefit from more than two-dozen programs each year. Auction Napa Valley, which became a model for wine-charity fundraising around the nation, raised the bulk of the vintners’ funding. Focusing on children's education, Napa Valley Vintners supports nonprofits whose services include pediatric dental care, special-needs education,

family and senior assistance, and more. The signature achievement, OLE Health, was started by a group of vintners and growers to care for the farmworkers in the community. Thanks to $42 million in NVV funds over the years, OLE Health now serves a third of the population—children and adults in the wine industry or not, whether they have insurance or not— in four locations. NVV is one of the largest local funders of the Community Health Initiative, through which every child in Napa has access to health insurance. The association also supports four Boys & Girls Club locations where after-school and summer programs include leadership development, tutoring, and physical education. Another area of interest is farmworker housing, with money from an assessment vintners impose on themselves used to build, maintain, and operate farmworker housing centers. NVV has been particularly visible in times of crisis, providing a lead gift of $10 million following the 2014 south Napa earthquake. Stepping up again when the Covid-19 pandemic began, NVV immediately made available $100,000 to ramp up testing efforts, later investing $275,000 in vaccination clinics, where more than 30,000 Napa County residents and employees have been fully vaccinated. Partners included OLE Health, Queen of the Valley, the St. Helena Hospital Foundation, and Lydia Mondavi and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort).

SUMMER 2022

Lives Improved Beyond the statistics, though, lie compelling stories of specific lives touched and improved through the nonprofit partners that NVV funds: • A foster child overcoming abuse and abandonment • A mason with foot sores diagnosed as a diabetic and assisted with diet plans and comfortable work boots • The parents of an infant with Down syndrome and bone-marrow issues supported emotionally

In addition to community health and children's education, NVV also funds scholarships to increase diversity in the wine industry and a program to develop the valley’s next generation of leaders. With so many individuals and community groups who do good work through NVV grants, the announcement that after four decades, the wildly successful Auction Napa Valley, which last took place in June 2019, was being retired raised concerns about funding continuity. To address them, the association pledged $15 million from

2021 through 2023 during the transition from the auction to Collective Napa Valley.

Innovative, Inclusive

Built around spring, summer, and fall events, with additional curated experiences, Collective Napa Valley was conceived as an innovative, year-round, more inclusive successor to Auction Napa Valley. In a tent holding at most a thousand people, the high-ticket auction was beyond the reach of many wine enthusiasts, and at least short-term, the coronavirus pandemic

• An uninsured mother of three receiving fibroid surgery able to care for her children free of medical debt • A formerly homeless mother with drug problems now enrolled in college • A preschooler with speech issues getting therapy to keep from falling behind his peers • A teen with drug problems becoming the first in her family to graduate from high school • A grandmother parenting her grandkids obtaining custody and other legal advice

Some of NVV Founding Members pictured Left to Right: Charles Forni (Napa Valley Cooperative Winery), Robert Mondavi (C. Mondavi & Sons), Brother Timothy (Mont La Salle), Al Huntsinger (Napa Valley Cooperative Winery), Mike Ahern (Freemark Abbey), Charles Beringer & Fred Abruzzini (Beringer Brothers), Louis M. Martini, John Daniel Jr (Inglenook Vineyard Co.), and Martin Stelling, Jr. (Sunny St. Helena). Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Vintners

Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk

Front row: David Duncan Beth Novak Milliken Alycia Mondavi Delia Viader Darioush Khaledi Robin Baggett Second from front: Jaime Araujo Rick Jones David Pearson Jack Bittner John Hamilton Back Row: Cyril Chappellet Doug Shafer

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rendered the packed-to-the-gills milieu problematic. For 2022, Collective Napa Valley events are in-person with a virtual component. The new fundraising endeavor, described as “a giving cooperative,” provides access to vintners and wine-related activities for aficionados of all stripes, from novices just embarking on their enological adventures to serious, well-heeled collectors.

Choose Your Level Auction Napa Valley highlights such as the June barrel auction of still-aging wines remain in the new platform’s lineup, but capitalizing on lessons learned marketing wine online during the pandemic, Collective Napa Valley incorporates digital activities. And the three main donor tiers include one

that’s complimentary. “There is a place at our proverbial table for anyone who loves wine and believes in doing good,” reads a line on the Collective Napa Valley website, where a donor can also join as an Enthusiast ($1,000 annually) or Premium Enthusiast ($5,000). So far, more than a thousand members have joined, raising $1 million.

Multiple Benefits In a recent interview, NVV president and CEO Linda Reiff noted that the first word in Collective Napa Valley’s name is intentional, encompassing the vintners and the larger winemaking and wine-loving community. For donors locally and around the world, Collective Napa Valley represents a win-win chance to gain entrée to stellar social and culinary activities while maximizing the value of each dollar contributed to proven community programs and organizations. It’s all about the collective pooling of resources to do good and make a difference, maintained Reiff. Benefits for all members include exclusive wine-buying opportunities, eligibility to attend the June Barrel Auction Weekend, access to the spring and fall virtual offerings, and subscriptions to a magazine and a newsletter. Paying members are eligible to purchase tickets to special winery experiences and other bonuses that make joining worthwhile.

Innovative Collaborators The following industry leaders serve on the 2022 Napa Valley Vintners Board of Directors.

Jaime Araujo Trois Noix

Jack Bittner

Ovid. Napa Valley

Cyril Chappellet

Chappellet Vineyard

David Duncan Silver Oak

Andy Erickson Favia

Rick Jones

Jones Family Vineyards

Alycia Mondavi Aloft Wine

Beth Novak Milliken Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery

Doug Shafer

Shafer Vineyards

Delia Viader

Viader Vineyards & Winery

Elizabeth Vianna

Chimney Rock Winery

Seasonal Events

Robin Baggett (Advisor)

Collective Napa Valley debuted in 2022 with its first annual Spring Offering. The highlight, a live SOMM TV broadcast, starred Robin Lail of Lail Vineyards (her great-granduncle, Gustave Niebaum, started Inglenook in 1879), wine lover and former NFL free safety Will Blackmon (aka “The Wine MVP”),

half-bottles of wines in advance to sip along with the hosts and guests. Billed as a whirlwind tour through the Napa Valley’s

Alpha Omega

Collective Napa Valley represents a win-win chance to gain entrée to stellar social and culinary activities while maximizing the value of each dollar contributed. SOMM TV cast member Claire Coppi, and more than two-dozen winemakers and other wine folks. Audience members attending virtually were able to purchase

terrain and microclimates, the show also revealed the diverse backgrounds and deep passion for excellence of the people who create wine here.

On the first weekend in June, the date of Auction Napa Valley for many years, vintner Jean-Charles Boisset and his wife, Gina Gallo, of the famous winemaking clan, are hosting the in-person barrel auction, the pinnacle event of the Summer 2022 festivities. The weekend’s events of note include vineyard walks and private winery events throughout the valley, the Napa Valley Barrel Auction at Raymond Vineyards, and a community-wide celebration in Yountville with nonprofit partners. The Fall 2022 gathering, on the first weekend in November, will celebrate the harvest season. With harvest wrapping up, the accent will be on the 2022 vintage’s “fresh juice,” with winemakers reporting on what’s happening in the cellar. Another auction, this time of finished wines and customized winery experiences, is also planned. Bart, Daphne, Jaime and Greg Araujo of Accendo Cellars will co-chair this get-together.

Collective Leadership Reinvention doesn’t happen without effective leadership. More than 60 vintners and community members came together to brainstorm ways to reinvigorate NVV’s fundraising programs. Reiff credited “the passion and spirit of our vintner leaders” for being willing to “dig in and work together, deliberate and debate, but have fun, and be innovative” as they came up with something new and better to replace the auction. “Collective Napa Valley is a team effort with my colleagues and the vintner community.” The leaders of Collective Napa Valley include 16 NVV board members plus community representatives and other key players. Geologically speaking, the Napa Valley is a rare place indeed. Recognizing this, vintners here view themselves as not only stewards of the unique natural resources but also the human ones. As proven by Auction Napa Valley, Premiere Napa Valley, and numerous other events, they also know how to show wine lovers a fabulous time raising money for their groundbreaking programs. By prioritizing inclusivity, Collective Napa Valley promises to expand the possibilities for both. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.collectivenapavalley.org

SUMMER 2022

THIRD ANNUAL

PHILANTHROPY ISSUE “Giving is not just about making a donation. It’s about making a difference”. – Kathy Calvin Former CEO, United Nations Foundation

oo often, people assume to be called a philanthropist, there must be a monetary component involved. But, in fact, a philanthropist is a person who contributes any attribute of value with the intent to make a positive change, whether it be time spent, experience utilized, skills shared, talent leveraged, or money raised to help create a better world. Now in its third year, Napa Valley Life’s special Philanthropy issue allows us the opportunity to pause and recognize some of Napa Valley’s leaders and local organizations committed to making life better for the less fortunate. Thanks to their dedication to caring for others, these community champions’ philanthropic efforts have resulted in constructive changes with positive impacts, whether it be in support of healthcare, poverty, food assistance, education, housing, animals, or caring for our land. Each year it’s a challenge to make our final selection of philanthropists to recognize in this issue because taking care of each other is an intrinsic way of life within our local community. For this, Napa Valley is truly blessed.

Profiles by: FRAN MILLER

SUMMER 2022

LIZ ALESSIO

OPERATION WITH LOVE FROM HOME

iz Alessio has served the City of Napa since 2018, when she was elected to the city council. But her civic and community involvement started long before. A fourth-generation Napan with a family history of volunteerism and public service, Alessio helped establish Operation With Love From Home (OWLFH) in 2008, a non-partisan group of volunteers that provides care packages to deployed service members who are in harm’s way. “Our goal is to reach every soldier or service member that isn’t receiving cards or care packages from home or their community to ensure they aren’t left behind or forgotten. We provide the best quality care package with each item vetted by those who receive them, so we know what we are sending is needed, desired, and/or a morale boost.” As executive director of the community effort, Alessio oversees the grassroots effort that welcomes the involvement of all. “OWLFH allows for anyone to participate, whether it’s a donation of a pack of gum, a handmade card, volunteering to sort and count donations, be a sponsor, or fill care packages,” said Alessio. “Our goal is to keep this a community effort so that others have an opportunity to demonstrate appreciation for our veterans to family members of those deployed.” When Alessio was first approached to lead the OWLFH effort, she knew nothing of the needs of service members. She assumed they had everything they needed, including support from home. But when she learned differently, her heartstrings were pulled. “I knew I was all in from that moment,” said Alessio, who is also a mother of a Marine who’s been deployed three times in Afghanistan. “We are a community with a history of families serving in the Armed Forces. However, we often forget that most of those who feel called to serve are young adults, many of whom are vulnerable and not from the best circumstances and are looking for a path of purpose for the future or help pay for college or vocational training. Thanking them with care packages is the least we can do.” // www.operationwithlovefromhome.org

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Liz Alessio, Photo by Lowell Downey of Art & Clarity

YVONNE BAGINSKI SHARE THE CARE

vonne Baginski founded Share the Care in 2014 with the desire to create a neighborhood ambassador program in which people are assigned to keep an eye on and help aging neighbors. The idea didn’t exactly fly. “Most people offered to help on a one-time basis,” said Baginski, a Jefferson Award winner. Instead, with the assistance of the Gasser Foundation, she created a program of ten volunteers assigned to help out specific “high need” people over a period of time. Baginski herself provided intense care management and assessments, and volunteers served as companions. The calls for help came in daily; she averaged 10-12 referrals a week. “We were an emergency, crisis type of operation. People called us when there was no place else to call for help.” Baginski also started collecting medical equipment and home health supplies, making them available on her front porch for those in need. Everything imaginable was donated, creating days when Baginski couldn’t access her front door due to the accumulation. People came from far and wide to collect the recycled items. When the pandemic hit, restrictions forced Baginski to halt services, yet she continued with the Front Porch offerings until her retirement in 2021. After a career in geriatric services, she has shifted to environmental causes. She serves on the executive committee of the Napa Sierra Club and serves as a Senior Senator representing Napa and Solano Counties in the California Senior Legislature, where she is working with Senator Bill Dodd on SB 842, which would extend the medical recycling program to allow additional state funds for programs in surrounding counties. Though retired from Share the Care, she is proud to report that the organization has expanded and now works out of a large building at 162 S. Coombs St. rather than her home. “I am still working on behalf of our community’s older adults, but many of their issues also affect people of all ages… poverty, illness, loss...that’s true of any age. We are all here for each other.” // www.sharethecarenv.org

SUMMER 2022

JEAN-CHARLES BOISSET BOISSET COLLECTION

harismatic, charming, and ever the bon vivant, vintner JeanCharles Boisset is passionate about wine. He is equally passionate about the environment, diversity, equity and inclusion, human welfare, hunger, education, the arts, history, and so much more. “It is my fervent belief that the wine life I am fortunate to live demands that I give back to mother nature, to my community, and to the legacy of the destinations our wineries steward,” said Boisset, who supports many causes and non-profit organizations in the regions in which he lives and works – from Napa and Sonoma to Burgundy and throughout France. In addition to supporting local and regional food banks, cancer research,

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animal rescue, environmental causes, first responders, and veterans, Boisset also donates to the hundreds of charities and wine auctions in wine communities throughout the country and the world. “These moments show the power of wine to galvanize giving,” said Boisset. “We have always believed in one world united, and the world of wine exists to unite us all.” After the 2017 fires, Boisset chaired an auction, led several fundraising events, and created a wine named Honoris with 100% of the proceeds donated to help rebuild the communities of those directly impacted by the fires. He also created an emergency relief fund to support his employees in times of need, and he continues to maintain this fund.

In 2021, he created a Cabernet Sauvignon called Unity to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. The wine helped raise more than $180K, which he donated to African American Vintners and Wine Unify. During COVID, he raised funds and contributed to the United Sommelier Foundation, an organization created to support sommeliers impacted by the closure of restaurants. “We are all stewards of the Earth and its inhabitants,” said Boisset. “We are responsible not only for the Earth and ourselves but also for one another - now and for future generations. Wine has the power to inspire generosity – I am compelled to always contribute in gratitude to the communities that make the wine world possible.” // www.boissetcollection.com Photo courtesy of Boisset Collection

KIT CRAWFORD and GARY ERICKSON CLIF FAMILY FOUNDATION

it Crawford and her husband Gary Erickson were both raised to believe in the power of community. As the Clif Bar & Company founders, the duo act on that shared belief by giving time and money to hundreds of organizations through their Clif Family Foundation. In 2020, they funded 545 grassroots organizations to the tune of 2.7 million dollars. “It is important for us to show that we are part of both the larger Clif Bar community and our local community here in Napa County,” said Crawford, president of Clif Family Foundation, who prefers the title ‘brand ambassador.’ Erickson serves as secretary. Through Clif Bar & Company and Clif Family Winery, they also give back to local communities through their employee volunteer programs. And yet another initiative has national reach; entitled “In Good Company,” the program invites other companies to join with Clif Bar & Company in volunteerism throughout the country. Crawford, characteristically modest, throws credit to her staff. “After initiating our vision for how we give back, Gary and I let our employees run the show,” she said. “They have created the programs at the winery such as “Sip and Support,” whereby local Napa Valley non-profits are chosen as beneficiaries at monthly wine tasting events. Recipients have included Girls on the Run, Nimbus Arts, Fire Fighters Resiliency Fund, the Suscol Intertribal Counsel, and the beyond Napa yet timely World Central Kitchen, which provides meals for Ukrainian Refugees. “We are all in this together, and when you can lend a hand to someone, you build strength both inside the organization and throughout the community, and even the world,” said Crawford. “It just feels good to give back, whether it’s for our environment or people who need a helping hand. When we all work together, we can fill a variety of needs.” // www.cliffamilyfoundation.org

Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery

SUMMER 2022

LESLIE FRANK BOARD MEMBER, ST. HELENA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

eslie Frank is an Emmy awardwinning broadcast journalist, philanthropist, and co-founder of Frank Family Vineyards, a winery known for its highly acclaimed Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and for having one of the most popular tasting rooms in wine country. Recognized as the “Philanthropist of the Year” by the North Bay Business Journal in 2019, Leslie’s ambitious advocacy work is farreaching, extending to the arts, health, social justice, and more. Leslie recently became the newest board member at the St. Helena Hospital Foundation. This respected local organization has 38

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raised over $90 million to fund the latest equipment and technology and obtain the finest medical team for Adventist Health St. Helena. Thanks to their mobile health testing and vaccination programs, the SHHF has made incredible strides to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Through their nearly 300 vaccine clinics from American Canyon to Calistoga, SHHF ensured farmworkers, seniors, teachers, teens, kids, and essential workers were the first to receive vaccinations, keeping Napa Valley protected and essentially free from the devasting outbreaks experienced within other parts of California.

Their mission to improve the quality and availability of critical healthcare services in the community is also fulfilled through the SHHF’s innovative pilot program to bring the Galleri cancer test, a simple blood test that can detect up to 50 different cancers, to those eligible in the agriculture community, without cost. “It’s the impressive work the SHHF has done during the pandemic and their commitment to making St. Helena Hospital one of the leading hospitals in California that makes me passionate about being a part of their leadership team,” said Leslie. // www.shhfoundation.org

Written By Marisa McCann // Photo courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards

ERIC F. GONZALES

JUSTIN-SIENA’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (DISP)

s the founding sponsor of Justin-Siena High School’s Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship Program (DISP), Eric F. Gonzales is helping to change the lives of students from traditionally underrepresented communities. By providing access to JustinSiena’s Lasallian education via scholarships, his goal is to attract more diversity-passionate businesses and families to become DISP sponsors that can provide underserved students. Eric’s hope is that participating DISP students will one day, in turn, pay it forward and give back to the community at large. “As the son of Filipino immigrants who only became naturalized because of my father’s service in the US Army, I know the impact that race, ethnicity, and heritage can have on educational and economic opportunities,” said Gonzales, a 25-year veteran financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Napa, CA. “As we met with faculty, staff, parents, and students, it became clear that Justin-Siena provides something special - a campus community that sees, knows, and loves its students. The DISP program is a natural extension of the school’s mission and purpose, which calls for the promotion of an inclusive community that provides access to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnicities.” The annual DISP award offsets the student’s tuition at Justin-Siena and may be combined with other merit scholarships and/or tuition assistance awards. Additionally, scholarship recipients will have access to networking and job shadowing opportunities throughout their Justin-Siena education and beyond. “I was raised to see my diversity as a strength,” said Gonzales, who served as the former chair of Justin-Sienna Parent Association (J-SPA) and on the boards of Community Action of Napa Valley, Nelda Mundy Elementary School and the JustinSiena Foundation. “It is what propelled me through school to become the first in my family to go to college in the United States.” // www.justin-siena.org/ about/diversity-and-inclusion

Photo courtesy of Eric Gonzales

ROCHELLE HESKETT CANINE GUARDIANS

s the founder and president of Canine Guardians Assistance Dogs (CGAD), Rochelle Heskett is the organization’s principal trainer, working with Golden and Labrador Retrievers who will ultimately serve as working companions to veterans and individuals with physical disabilities. She founded CGAD in 2013 after serving as a Puppy Parent for another service dog organization. “I saw a great need and started my own program in Napa,” said Heskett, who would one day like to add equestrian therapy services to her program. “Veterans who suffer from PTSD benefit greatly from riding horses.” To prepare herself for her CGAD venture, Heskett attended Bergin University of Canine Studies in Santa Rosa to become a certified Service Dog Trainer. She involves the greater community in CGAD by asking adults and high school students to become Puppy Parent Volunteers and help with training the dogs. Puppy Parents are requested to take a dog into their homes for 12-18 months and socialize it by taking it wherever the volunteer goes: work, school, restaurants, stores, etc. Puppy Parents are also required to attend training classes every other week. “Our high school students take the dog to school with them, and the dog is a great source of comfort to students going through a stressful time,” said Heskett. “Our dogs save lives. Many of our veterans are on the verge of suicide before receiving one of our dogs. Their lives change for the better after they start living with their new dog. Their mental attitude becomes more positive; they sleep better at night and feel more confident in public. For individuals with physical disabilities, our dogs help them live a more independent and happy life.” // www.canineguardians.org

Photo courtesy of Rochelle Heskett 40

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LARRY KROMANN CALISTOGA AFFORDABLE HOUSING

hen Larry Kromann retired as principal at Napa Christian in 2006, he and his wife Shirley moved to the Springs MH Park in Calistoga. After supporting a neighborhood effort to protect rising rental costs, he joined the Calistoga Affordable Housing (CAH) Board, serving as president since 2009. CAH advocates for financially attainable housing and encourages residents to get involved on behalf of their own interests and for the future of Calistoga. “The Calistoga community is a unique composite of small businesses, hospitality venues, Hispanic farmworkers (49.3%), and seniors ages 45+ (43.6%),” said Kromann. “Calistoga has a much lower income base than other Napa communities due to our demographics; thus the need for affordable housing.” Kromann explained that developing housing is challenging due to the parameters outlined in the AG preserve protection plan. Over the past 17 years, CAH has developed 58 low-income housing units, among the most of any developer in Calistoga. “A small amount when compared to current need,” added Kromann, who, in 2019, partnered with the CA Senior Legislature and CA Sen. Bill Dodd to change CA law, allowing senior MH park owners to rent portions of their homes. Kromann, a recipient of Calistoga Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year award in 2011 and AARP's “Create the Good” national recognition in 2012, is actively involved in various community projects and committees that advocate the unique needs of his community. “Affordable housing is a right,” said Kromann. “I will continue my work in ensuring that opportunity exists for every Calistoga resident to live safely and with their means.” // www.calistogaaffordablehousing.org

Photo courtesy of Larry Kromann

MARLENA GARCIA PARENTSCAN

hen a parent learns their child is diagnosed with a disability, it launches one of the most challenging journeys a family can face. Such families within Napa County can turn to ParentsCAN for help. As executive director of ParentsCAN, Marlena Garcia's work is inspired by her two brothers with intellectual disabilities. At ParentsCAN, Garcia utilizes her personal experience in helping families navigate the associated challenges of raising children who have a wide range of special needs. “At ParentsCAN, we believe that every child's journey is different,” said Garcia, a former banking executive and mother of two. “We partner with and guide parents when challenges arise in their child's development, health, education, or behavior. We work towards creating a community where every individual is valued and accepted, regardless of the degree or severity of their disability.” Starting as a volunteer with ParentsCAN in 2005, Garcia held many positions within the organization before taking on the director role in 2012. She finds gratification in sharing her own family's journey with others. “Every human being desires to be accepted and have opportunities to fulfill their potential,” said Garcia. “Children with disabilities and their families are no different, yet they face tremendous obstacles in accessing services and support that help them thrive. ParentsCAN staff are parents of children with disabilities themselves, so we understand the challenges families face on a very personal level. Investing in a child's early years, helping them before they give up on themselves, is the best investment a community can make.” // www.parentscan.org Photo courtesy of ParentsCAN

SUMMER 2022

RYAN MACDONNELL BRACHER and MILES MACDONNELL ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

heir father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis led Ryan MacDonnell Bracher and her brother Miles MacDonnell to the Alzheimer’s Association, where they found the compassionate help and resources they needed to navigate the disease. “Elizabeth Edgerly, executive director for Northern California and Northern Nevada, was so caring and helpful in guiding our family throughout the process,” said Bracher, co-owner with her brother of Round Pond Estate. So when the duo (each of whom has lived within Napa Valley for more than 20 years) and their families considered a cause for Round Pond to support, the Alzheimer’s Association was a natural choice. “This was something very close to all our hearts. We were thrilled to start a program in 2020 of donating a percentage of Round Pond wine sales to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of our dad and the 50 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.” The organization focuses on providing support to those in need and enhancing care for those living with the disease and its mission of advancing research. “Through our work with the Alzheimer’s Association, we hear countless stories from customers, partners, and friends who have personally been touched by this disease that affects one-third of all seniors,” said Bracher, who well knows how shattering it is to watch a loved one struggle with the disease. “It is truly staggering how prevalent the disease is in our world today. The more we can educate people and shine some light on it, the more we can help those suffering from it, and the higher possibility that we may someday find a cure. Our dad believed in hard work, kindness, and taking care of people. Our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association honors our dad and his commitment to making the world a better place.” // www.alz.org

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Ryan Bracher and Miles McDonnell, Photo by Alexander Rubin

JESSEL MILLER JESSEL GALLERY

rtist, or HeARTist, Jessel Miller has always utilized her talents for the betterment of society, her selflessness instilled by her small-town doctor father, whose devotion to his community provided her example. Canadaraised and living in Napa since 1980, Miller’s philanthropic efforts are spread amongst several nonprofits, including ALS Cure Project, The Lou Gehrig Foundation, Elephants for Africa, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and currently, the World Community Kitchen and other organizations supporting Ukraine, for which proceeds from her portrait of Volodymyr Zelensky are donated. An intuitive painter Photo by Joy West

who works in watercolor and acrylic after finding she was allergic to oils, Miller began her career with portraiture, painting famous faces such as Dianne Feinstein and Melvin Belli, but the intense connection required between subject and painter became exhausting for the formerly shy and retiring introvert. So she pivoted to abstracts, opening a gallery where she openly exhibited other artists’ works. “To be honest, I never liked the spotlight on me personally, so the idea of just my work in the space seemed too exposing,” said Miller. “So I started to show other artists alongside my work.” That magnanimous nature has made Miller a Napa Valley gem. She shares

her talent via painting classes within and atop her gallery/apartment rooftop, and she has written and illustrated six read-aloud books for children and adults. Her ‘full circle moment’ happened in 2020 after the death of Kobe and Gigi Bryant when she was compelled at 4 a.m. to paint their portrait “to honor these two souls.” And so it was that she returned to ‘famous faces’ and her portrait of Zelensky. “I feel blessed every day that I have the time to do my work after devoting most of my artistic career to supporting other artists. I love what I do, so it really can’t be called work. It is more a “devotion” to letting go of the HeART.” // www.jesselgallery.com SUMMER 2022

PETER READ CIRCLE R RANCH

hile Peter Read’s Circle R Ranch survived both the Atlas Peak and Hennessey fires, his 1200 Atlas Peak acres suffered significant damage. In the aftermath, Read has led by example, clearing dangerous underbrush, low-hanging tree canopies, and ladder fuel. And he is safeguarding the area’s natural wildlife via a master plan created in collaboration with the Land Trust of Napa Valley. “The animals were here long before we were, roaming the area for centuries,” said Read, the former Grocery Outlet Bargain Market CEO who purchased his ranch land in 2015. “We are improving their habitat and creating a wildlife corridor, giving them room to wander. With the addition of our own horses, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and cats, we are wisely grazing and improving the land.” Read has upgraded fencing and gates, refurbished springs and water troughs, and added three new watering stations. He is adamant that the land be protected in perpetuity, committing to no future building construction. Originally entitled for 295 acres of vineyard, Read’s plan calls for a total of 75 acres to be planted, and income from the sale of grapes and livestock will be used to support local non-profit organizations. “We hope that by our example of creating a wildlife corridor, implementing sustainable farming practices, and reinvesting in the community, it will encourage others to follow suit,” said Read. “At this stage of my life, I have come to realize the importance of giving to worthy causes and organizations with far-reaching impacts and positive consequences. It is satisfying and fulfilling and ‘food for the soul.’ It helps me appreciate the support and assistance I have received over these many years from family, friends, and community, without whose help I would not be where I am today.”

Photo courtesy of Peter Read

MICHAEL RUPPRECHT THE HERO FOUNDATION

s Michael Rupprecht witnessed the destruction caused by the 2017 wildfires, he was called to action. “I saw that our community was being struck with a level of panic and adversity not faced by Napa in our lifetimes and felt it necessary to act,” said the longtime Napa resident and guest services coordinator at Frog’s Leap Winery. With friends Raphael Genty and Dominic Di Pasqua, Rupprecht founded The Hero Foundation as a platform to carry out community aid whenever and wherever needed. “The three of us agreed that our world needs more heroes, so we formed what would hopefully become a home to all future heroes.” Rupprecht’s dream is for The Hero Foundation to become the premier, state-of-the-art platform for people of all ages and backgrounds to directly involve themselves in community issues that matter to them the most. Through the organization, Rupprecht, who serves as executive director, hopes to organize as many Napa County residents as possible to tackle a multitude of service projects. “The concept for The Hero Foundation was a dream and idea of mine for quite some time prior, but the 2017 wildfires presented a sort of “if not now, then when?” question,” said Rupprecht. “There are children, teenagers, and even young adults who have the energy to offer to vital causes, yet they do not know where to start their search for these service opportunities. As an integral part of the Napa County community, The Hero Foundation is a resource for when there is a call for aid in Napa County and, one day, the greater Bay Area and beyond. The foundation and I share the same mission: Do our part in saving the world every day in any way we can. That is what The Hero Foundation’s purpose has been and always will be.” // www.theherofoundationus.org Photo by Alexander Rubin Photo courtesy of The Hero Foundation

MONICA STEVENS JAMESON HUMANE

s co-founder and president of Jameson Humane, Monica Stevens oversees strategy, vision, and fundraising in achieving the impact-driven non-profit’s mission to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. “We are a solutions-based organization that works to champion all animals as sentient beings deserving of freedom from harm or cruelty,” said Stevens, who works with a talented team of 15 staff and a crew of 400 volunteers. “Additionally, we help humans in need care for their animal companions, which limits the number of animals being surrendered to shelters or worse, due to financial constraints, domestic violence situations, houselessness, evacuation from disaster, displacement, death, etc.” Stevens also leads the donor communication and planning for Jameson’s annual fundraiser, WineaPAWlooza, one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated yearly events. Jameson Humane programs include a variety of novel solutions and approaches, driven through education to create a truly unique animal welfare organization unlike any animal rescue or sanctuary in the nation. Programs of note include a 7-day per week Helpline, a Senior Citizen Pet Wellness Program, helping to maintain activity and care for seniors’ companion animals, Pet Pantry and Disaster Supply Program, developed during the wildfires and pandemic to provide free pet food for families who are unable to provide for their animal companions, and Community Animal Assistance Program (CAAP), ensuring animals and humans can stay together through subsidized medical care, food, and temporary housing assistance. Stevens is especially proud of Jameson’s soon-to-be-opened Regional Disaster Response Center, a gathering place for local Community Animal Response Teams, law enforcement, and Community Emergency Response Teams to serve as an Incident Command Post for communication, training, and response to varied disasters. Stevens founded Jameson Humane in 2014 with her husband David, in memory of their beloved, adopted Great Pyrenees Jameson. “Jameson brought immeasurable companionship and love to us, helping us see beyond the traditional path of animal rescue by listening to the community and responding holistically to the needs of the animals and their human guardians.” // www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org Photo by Sally Seymour

SUMMER 2022

DANIELLE BARRECA and JILL TECHEL LEADERSHIP NAPA VALLEY

ounded in 1987, the Leadership Napa Valley (LNV) program is the most prominent leadership program in the Valley, preparing its ‘students’ for effective participation in nonprofits, businesses, and government roles. Danielle Barreca serves as president, guiding the Board of Directors in decision making, program innovation, policy, and future growth, and Jill Techel, former mayor of Napa, serves as program coordinator, organizing and running the nine-month program. Through their partnership, this dynamic duo mentors future generations of local leaders – those who seek to be instigators of positive impact in the

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community. “We identify and develop individual strengths to help leaders become more effective,” said Techel, a five-decade resident of Napa who has worked with LNV since 1989 when she was a student in the second class; Napa’s City Manager recruited her after she ran a recreation bond for the City of Napa. “We also develop and work on team and collaboration skills, and we explore all aspects of Napa so leaders can see the complete picture.” Barreca has worked with LNV since 2015 when she was accepted into Class 29. After graduating, she joined the Board of Directors and became Chair of the Alumni Events Committee before accepting her

role as president. “Leadership Napa Valley was one of the most transformative experiences of my adult life,” said Barreca, who has worked in local real estate since returning to Napa in 2013 after living in the region as a child. “I gained confidence as a leader and was inspired to start giving back to my community and LNV as well. And that’s what LNV does - we inspire residents to give back in their own unique ways. Having involved and informed leaders eager to participate and volunteer in our community benefits everyone.” Added Techel, “We empower citizens to make a difference, whatever their passion.” // www.leadershipnapavalley.org Photo by Katherine Zimmer

SONIA TOLBERT OLE HEALTH

or 50 years, OLE Health has provided vital care for the essential workers that power Napa Valley. Its mission is to improve the health of the communities served by providing high-quality, comprehensive care to all, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. As the organization’s chief development officer, Sonia Tolbert oversees OLE Health’s nonprofit foundation to support this mission. She fundraises for the organization, leads outreach efforts in the community, and is responsible for marketing and communications. “My goal is to increase community and donor engagement,” said Tolbert, who has been with OLE for just more than a year. “If you have enjoyed a meal in a Napa restaurant, stayed at a Napa hotel, or had a glass of Napa wine, you have benefitted from OLE Health’s services. I want people to understand that and support OLE so we can continue to provide those vital services for the next 50 years. We fill a vital gap in Napa’s healthcare landscape, and if we weren’t here, I believe we would see much poorer health outcomes in the community.” Tolbert also believes that if OLE Health did not exist, the industries and businesses that define Napa Valley would grind to a halt. “We provide healthcare to nearly one in four people in Napa Valley. Nearly 80 percent of our patients live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. Most are on some form of Medi-Cal or lack insurance. They are the hourly and seasonal workers who work the fields, wash the dishes in restaurants or clean the hotel rooms and homes throughout Napa Valley. Access to high-quality care keeps these individuals able to work and provide for their families. It also reduces unnecessary emergency room visits. There aren’t many primary care options in Napa Valley if you have private insurance; there are fewer if you’re on Medicaid/Medi-Cal, Medicare, or don’t have coverage. And we welcome everyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, because everyone deserves access to quality health care.” // www.olehealth.org

Photo by David Ortega

SUMMER 2022

RON JOHNSON and TED ZIMMERMAN ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN MISSION FARM

or 55 years, Ted Zimmerman (better known as Farmer Ted) served as a Lutheran pastor in Napa Valley and San Francisco. Now in retirement, he is the spokesman for a corps of volunteers that oversees St. John’s Lutheran Church Mission Farm, growing and harvesting organic fruits and vegetables for distribution among food anxious families in the Napa Valley by the Napa Valley Food Bank. This year, Zimmerman, fellow pastor Ron Johnson, and their fellow volunteers have raised and delivered 29,000 lbs. of produce to the Food Bank. “In retirement, I sought a change of pace in how I delivered service,” said Zimmerman. “As a pastor, I used my theological acumen, mind, and 48

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verbal skills. With Mission Farm, I found that I could serve people by employing my brawn and my hands. It was a nice change of pace.” Zimmerman has worked the farm for 12 years, starting when it was attempting to grow beyond a few raised vegetable boxes that produced salad makings for lunches for a few needy families. “I saw the potential since the congregation was blessed with three acres of land held for future development but were likely to remain unused for ministry for a very long time, if at all,” said Zimmerman, who comes to his avocation naturally. His father was a grocer, his grandparents were gardeners and canners, and while in college, he earned money by working the produce aisle in

a grocery store. “So getting involved in gardening and working produce again was a natural and delightful activity in which to engage.” Zimmerman notes that while the Napa Valley is an agricultural area, hunger exists, and the success of the church’s ministry depends upon volunteers who donate time, talent, and energy. “It has always been necessary for the blessed to reach out to the food stressed and share. These past two years with the pandemic in full force saw a marked increase in the need for increased donations. We ‘hopped to’ and increased our production to help the Food Bank meet their need.” // www.stjohnslutheran.net

Photo courtesy of St. John's Lutheran Mission Farm

NVL community

Susan DeMatei-President, Wine Glass Marketing & Miryam Chae, President of FONCAS

Susan DeMatei and the Wine Glass Marketing team

GIVING DOGS THEIR DAY

WineGlass Marketing and Friends of Napa County Animal Shelter  PHOTOS COURTESY OF WINEGLASS MARKETING

When WineGlass Marketing founder and President Susan DeMatei adopted her first bulldog in 2002, it was love at first drool. “I instantly related to this short, stocky, awkward, but stubbornly smart puppy that was suddenly making demands of me,” said DeMatei. Fast forward 20 years, and DeMatei and her husband are on bulldog number nine.

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hey are well known in the rescue community for their willingness to drive anywhere at the drop of a hat to pick up wayward bulldogs for foster, hospice, or medical care. “We run the bulldog retirement home.” The DeMateis typically take in older, unhealthy, or untrained bulldogs for which people do not have patience. DeMatei's dogs now greet anyone involved in her company WineGlass Marketing, a digital marketing, support, and advertising firm on Jefferson Street in downtown Napa. In 2019, WineGlass Marketing employee and Friends of Napa County Animal Shelter (FONCAS) board member Katrina O'Quinn invited DeMatei to a fundraising event for the newly developed non-profit, which was founded in 2017 by shelter volunteers who recognized a need to create, fund, and manage programs to assist with pet adoption and lifetime care. The FONCAS purpose struck a chord with DeMatei. So, with DeMatei's friend and President of FONCAS, Miryam Chae, the trio hatched a plan. Chae saw the non-profit's need for marketing assistance, and DeMatei agreed that FONCAS should be a pro-bono client for WineGlass Marketing. Chae explains, “All too frequently, we are faced with animals that require more than routine care or surgery. FONCAS steps

in by providing the medical emergency funds necessary to ensure these animals have a chance at getting a loving home.” DeMatei has put the full force of her company behind the charity. Her team has built a new website and now creates awareness for the charity on social media channels with postings several times a week and ongoing advertising. With several well-targeted fundraising campaigns, participation in local Napa programs like the Give!Guide campaign through Napa Valley CanDo, and with WineGlass Marketing matching contributions, the agency's digital marketing efforts have been instrumental in helping FONCAS meet its fundraising goals. In addition, to its fundraising efforts, WineGlass Marketing with FONCAS promotes the Napa County Animal Shelter with varied messages - from highlighting hours of operation to providing tips on adoption and the care of animals. They also feature animals that are available at the shelter. “Agreeing to add an animal to your family is a lifetime commitment - the animal's lifetime,” says Chae. “Caring for a senior dog is the most rewarding experience anyone can have. Their love is unconditional, and ours should be as well.” DeMatei couldn't agree more.

La Bohème & Act Two Your eco-friendly stores in St. Helena

purchasing gently-used goods to our St. Helena stores. Your transactions support Collabria Care’s services for the seriously ill.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.friendsofnapaanimals.org

Now in its 10th year, WineGlass Marketing offers domestic and international clients a valuable mix of support on digital marketing, wholesale support, and traditional brand advertising. As the founder and president, DeMatei serves all her passions within the agency - dogs, marketing, and wine, and she is proud of the agency's growth. “While many firms outsource to save money, we work hard in cooperation with our clients to keep Bay Area families employed and working.” www.wineglassmarketing.com

Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 1428 Main St, St. Helena • 707.244.4686

Monday – Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 345-A LaFata St, St. Helena • 707.244.4687 SUMMER 2022

For healthcare that’s vital to the Valley. J U S T S AY 52

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Since 1972, OLE Health has been delivering essential healthcare services to the Napa Valley. We offer expert family medicine, pediatrics, dental, vision, and behavioral health care that’s available and accessible to all, from the families who live here to the workers who make the valley a world-class destination. As Napa County’s only nonprofit community health center and the only fully bilingual primary care provider, OLE Health has a 50-year track record of being there to ensure healthcare for everyone regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. Today, we provide care for more than 40,000 of our neighbors — 4 out of 5 of whom have an annual household income of $53,000 or less. For our patients, OLE Health is their safety net. Their lifeline. And our safety net? You. Our community of generous supporters. From our humble beginnings as a volunteer organization to now operating a network of seven health centers with nearly 350 employees, we owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the thousands of you who have given generously of your time, your monetary gifts, your expertise and your counsel.

Because we can count on you, Napa can count on us. 7 health centers 6,000 new patients a year 1 in 4 people in Napa County come to us for care, including 1 in 3 children 4,000 farm workers and families rely on us 60,000 COVID-19 vaccinations 40,000 lbs of food distributed annually to families in need 1,000 people experiencing homelessness have a place to go for health care

Calistoga, Fairfield-Suisun, Napa, St. Helena | 707.254.1770 | www.OLEHealth.org SUMMER 2022

NVL community

C O P E F A M I LY C E N T E R

Marks 50 Years In A Supporting Role  BY CHARLENE PETERS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF COPE FAMILY CENTER

ifty years ago, Cope Family Center launched in response to a child abuse-related death. The center’s founder, Linda Thomas, recruited a group of community volunteers to establish resources that included a 24-hour hotline for parents in crisis. Though much has changed since then, Cope’s mission to support parents and protect children in need remains critically important. Without support, stress can overwhelm struggling parents and even lead to abuse or neglect. This tragic outcome is reflected in the count of 159 confirmed victims of child maltreatment in Napa County last year, a number that is likely under-reported. Parenting is challenging, and the struggles are real, but they can be mitigated with resources. Cope provides parents with vital support during tough times so they can raise children who thrive. The inherent parenting challenges may be magnified by additional stressors such as job loss, divorce, or food insecurity. Cope offers drop-in services to help meet families’ urgent needs with crisis support, emergency aid, and connection to community resources. Their services are free

“What I realized is that we’re all learning. It’s important to be open about our struggles so we can support each other.” of charge, thanks to government and community support. All programs are available in English and Spanish. Cope’s parent education program offers one-on-one and group parenting classes for parents of children ages 2 through 16 years. One example of how these parenting classes helped a Cope recipient, Debbie, was by offering her the tools to build a stronger relationship with her children and help her realize she wasn’t alone. “I think a lot of people feel alone,” she said. “They feel like they aren’t a good parent but may not want to ask for help because they feel like they should know what to do and are ashamed.” Cope helped Debbie realize there is no such thing as a perfect parent. “What I realized is that we’re all learning. It’s important to be open about our struggles so we can support each other.”

Cope’s Home Visiting program works with families and provides long-term support for young children up to five years old or until the child enters kindergarten. Working with their Home Visitor, parents build stronger family relationships, strengthen parenting skills, and foster their children’s healthy growth and development. “Every parent struggles at some point,” said Julie Murphy, Program Director. “Raising children is no easy task, especially when combined with other stressful situations or challenging life events. However, asking for help is a sign of strength, and I want every parent to know that they can come to Cope for help. We will listen with compassion and connect them with the resources they need to get through tough times.” When children experience abuse, neglect, and other childhood trauma, it can have immediate and lifelong effects, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicide, drug use, heart disease, and cancer. By supporting parents through challenging times, Cope helps ensure their children grow up in safe, healthy, and loving homes so they can have the brightest probable future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 707-252-1123 // www.copefamilycenter.org // 707 Randolph Street, Napa, CA 94559 54

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F R A N K FA M I LY V I N E YA R D S ’

Heritage of Giving Back  BY MARISA MCCANN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS

rank Family Vineyards, a renowned flagship winery in Napa Valley, conceived the #FrankForACause giving campaign as a philanthropic avenue to contribute to the well-being of their community. Their efforts have garnered over $100,000 to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Feeding America, Autism Speaks, the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good Campaign, the Humane Society of the United States, and most recently, the Arbor Day Foundation.

Frank for a Cause debuted in October 2018 during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “It was exactly one year after the devastating wildfires of 2017 ravaged Napa and Sonoma wine country,” said Founder, Leslie Frank. “Frank Family felt inspired to do our small but impactful part to make a difference in our community.” The slogan ‘Frank Drinks Pink’ became the awareness call, with a portion of sales from the winery’s popular sparkling Brut Rosé dedicated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“Little did we know, this campaign would be so well received from our Napa Valley and online communities,” said Frank. The response motivated the winery team to reintroduce Frank for a Cause “bigger and better” for four consecutive years encompassing six campaigns. This April, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Arbor Day holiday, Frank Family supported planting trees in vulnerable forests along the West Coast in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees. For every bottle purchased of their 2015 Blanc de Blancs, Frank Family planted six trees where they were most needed. In addition, they pledged to plant 150,000 trees which will significantly help address reforestation and aim to protect not only forests but the people and wildlife who rely upon them. This invaluable partnership comes amidst a record-breaking year of fires, which severely damaged forests from California to Oregon to Australia. “Working alongside organizations like Frank Family Vineyards is a key component in our ability to do what we do best,” said Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees and forests are helping to solve some of the most pressing issues people and the planet are facing today and environmental action requires a tremendous amount of teamwork, which is why we are so thrilled to have Frank Family on board to help.” Frank Family has a heritage of supporting sustainability efforts, having been 100% third-party certified for both land and winery by Napa Green since 2014. “Our winery truly values the importance of the environment and sustainability,” said Frank, “and we are proud to have the opportunity to partner with fellow organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation, who share the same passion for contributing in whatever way possible.” Looking ahead, Frank Family Vineyards remains evermore devoted to supporting both local and global causes near to their hearts. They have many purpose-driven plans in the works with non-profit partners that will be announced throughout the year. Supporters of Frank Family’s ongoing charitable campaigns can learn more about their impactful work by following #FrankForACause on social media. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.frankfamilyvineyards.com SUMMER 2022

NVL wine

Come In, Relax and Stay Awhile

NEW FRONTIER WINE CO.  BY MARK GUDGEL | PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE WOLDEN, WINEGLASS MARKETING

inery tasting rooms have been an integral part of the wine-tasting experience for quite some time. In the past, it was not uncommon for wineries to invite customers to belly up to a standing bar, hoping that customers would buy a bottle or two or join the winery’s subscription club. More recently, the wine tasting experience has become a rather elaborate affair. Many require reservations and most charge fees. The tasting rooms have also become more luxuriant and are designed to reflect the winery’s brand, some with fancy food pairings, white table cloths, marble, fine art, stone pillars, or even fountains. Regardless of 56

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whether one likes the elaborate aesthetics, the reality is that these settings can often feel less like a winery and more like a fine restaurant or luxury hotel. Tasting spaces are also popping up where there is more foot traffic – such as a downtown location. A walk down Main Street in Napa or around the square in Sonoma confirms this budding trend of bringing the tasting room to the public rather than the other way around. One of downtown Napa’s newest tasting rooms is The New Frontier Wine Co. Situated on Main Street, the new space places great emphasis on comfort with an

enticing vibe that encourages guests to “Come in and relax, be comfortable and stay awhile.” The inspiration for the design came from observing the popularity of social clubs and how they act as a home away from home, offering a familiar feeling of having a relaxed conversation with friends in their living room. Combining comfort, craftsmanship, and community, the space breaks with the current conventions of many tasting rooms, one in which wine lovers can lose— or find—themselves, inviting guests to come as they are, relax, and explore the impressive and diverse portfolio of brands New Frontier Wine Co. offers.

Few places in Napa embody the cosmopolitan nature of wine as effectively and as thoroughly as the New Frontier Wine Co., which offers a variety of quintessential Napa Valley wines from which to choose, produced from premier fruit grown in nearby local vineyards or from their vast array of incredible wines produced from New Frontier Wine Co.’s global vineyards, available in flights or by the glass. “What makes this place unique is the atmosphere and our broad portfolio of wines,” explains Managing Director of New Frontier Wine Co., James Silver. “People are looking for comfort and a relaxed atmosphere where they can explore and experience our wines at their leisure. Our tasting lounge is designed to make all feel comfortable, whether they are a wine aficionado or someone beginning their wine journey.”

craft some of the most unique and impressive wines on the market today. Several wines in the collection have scored a perfect hundred points from Jeb Dunnuck, while almost all are widely heralded by critics from the United States and abroad. Not only are the winemakers behind The New Frontier Wine Company a creative force of nature, but they also have access to some of the most prestigious and storied vineyards in the area, including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, Beckstoffer Las Piedras, Beckstoffer Georges III, Ritchie, Grieve, Starscape, Charles Heintz, Renwood Estate Ranch, and Lowrey. This combination of phenomenal artisan winemakers and some of the best terroir in the world is a recipe for winemaking success. Now, wines that have previously only been available internationally or by strict allocation are

readily available at New Frontier Wine Co.’s Tasting Lounge. The legendary vineyards of the Napa Valley, the best wines of Bordeaux, Argentina, Australia, and more, are all waiting to be experienced at New Frontier Wine Co.’s Tasting Lounge. The inviting space, excellent staff, and incredible wines are all ready and waiting to welcome wine lovers into what may be the most cosmopolitan and relaxed atmosphere found anywhere in the world. This is the newest phase in the evolution of the tasting room, where the world of wine converges on a single, relaxed location, right here in downtown Napa. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.newfrontierwines.com

“What makes this place unique is the atmosphere and our broad portfolio of wines.” These wines, and New Frontier Wine Co. as an entity, are the brainchild of Alejandro Bulgheroni, an internationally recognized humanitarian and entrepreneur. What makes Mr. Bulgheroni’s vision so unique is a twofold approach to making the global wine scene accessible in one location. The first part comes with devotion to the world as a whole and his commitment to the reality that phenomenal wines can be made anywhere. Bulgheroni and his team repeatedly prove this, producing wines from Napa and Sonoma, Amador County, Mendoza and Patagonia in Argentina, the Barossa Valley of Australia, and the storied soils of Bordeaux. The second aspect of Bulgheroni’s unique vision is embodied by the company he keeps. His team consists of a ‘who’s who’ of modern winemaking, including industry superstars Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka, Maayan Koschitzky, Matt Sands, Alberto Antonini, Joe Shebl, and Juan Pablo Murgia. This stable of creative forces come together under Bulgheroni’s umbrella and work together to SUMMER 2022

NVL winery spotlight

ACRE WINES

Bringing It Full Circle  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS BY MARIANA CALDERON PHOTOGRAPHY

hen Mike and Talley Henry acquired Acre and One Acre Wines from founders Dave Becker and Bob Babbe in 2017, their primary focus was on the access to incredible vineyards and vineyard managers. The founders worked with Napa Valley’s Hoxsey family, sourcing grapes from Hoxsey vines planted in the late 1830s by Napa Valley’s first resident, George Yount, for whom Yountville is named. Today, fourth-generation Andrew Hoxsey owns Yount Mill Vineyards and Napa Wine Company, and his 650 acres of prime Napa Valley land, including seven single vineyards, attained organic certification in 1986. Talley Henry explained the importance of collaborating with seasoned grower partners who have the same commitment to sustainability that she and her husband shared. “Their philosophy resonated with ours. We appreciate their choices in vineyard management and sustainability, expressed by Hoxsey’s grandfather, who said, ‘Nobody owns the land, we are merely stewards of it, and we have to leave it better than we found it.’” When considering the Acre Wines purchase, Talley and Mike made it a top priority to focus on organically farmed 58

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vineyards. Their dream was to create fantastic wine while protecting the environment and preserving the soil, and they found the perfect pairing with Acre Wines. The Acre Wines portfolio includes Acre, One Acre, and Old Lodge. The Henrys produce high-quality Acre Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. One Acre wines are produced from single acre Cabernet Sauvignon plots. Old Lodge wines are small-production and the latest addition to the Acre Wines portfolio with Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and a red blend. The Henry family had known veteran winemaker Richard Bruno for over 20 years when the talented Bruno joined Acre Wines as consulting winemaker. Bruno credits Mike’s father, Warner Henry, and The Henry Wine Group with helping to give him his start in the business decades ago. Happy with the growing and winemaking part of their business, the Henrys turned to marketing. They selected another partner that matched their vision: Feast It Forward Tasting Collective. Katie Shaffer built the Feast It Forward collective from the ground up on a property she purchased across from Napa‘s Oxbow Market. The collective

has more than a dozen members and offers three branded tasting room lounges inside for Acre Wines and two other wineries— Layne Family Wines and B Wise Vineyards. “Katie is a visionary and a dynamo,” Talley raved. “She is constantly improving and adding to the space, and the partnership is very beneficial for us.” Shaffer outfitted the house with indoor lounges (“The Studio”) and recently expanded the outdoor spaces (“The Yard”). During the pandemic, Shaffer opened the parking lot and teamed up with restaurants to help local businesses and keep guests coming. Today, Feast it Forward is not only a tasting collective; it offers a festival experience year-round with an outdoor stage for live bands, an outdoor pizza oven, and rotating food trucks. With their invaluable partnerships, historic vineyards, and Napa Valley legacy, the Henrys are bringing everything full circle to highlight the best of what the remarkable region has to offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.acrewines.com

NVL wine spotlight

KATNIP WINES: A Serendipitous Journey

 BY CHARLENE PETERS

he symbiotic relationship between Julia Child and Katie Pratt couldn’t have been predicted way back in the ‘60s when these two Cantabs (residents of Cambridge, Mass.) first met. “It was a family thing,” said Pratt, explaining their common thread as educators and creatives. Pratt, owner of Katnip Wines, formed her first connection to wine during her youth. Her grandfather and father were wine buffs, and she would join her father, Herb Pratt, and Paul Child in their wine cellars to select bottles for dinners they shared as neighbors and friends. Paul gave her art lessons as a teenager while her mother Pat worked on the set of Julia’s television show, The French Chef, and would bring home recipes to test. Then, in the ‘80s, Pratt embarked on her own creative path and headed to Berkeley, Calif., where she worked for BAYFOOD magazine (now defunct). “We interviewed many up-and-coming foodies in the Bay Area,” she recalled. “And then I worked at my first winery, Carmenet, part of the Chalone Wine Group portfolio, thanks to Julia, who probably called the owner, Richard Graff, and said I was interested in working at a winery.” 60

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“I’m translating what I’ve learned into a personal and meaningful project.” Admittedly, Pratt had no formal education as a winemaker, but through her years of firsthand experience at Carmenet and opportunities to work with an importer of organic French wines, she had learned a thing or two. After Paul Child died (1994), Pratt paid tribute to him by publishing a book in 2017 titled France is a Feast: The Photographic Journey of Paul and Julia Child (Thames and Hudson), co-created with Alex Prud’homme. Pratt also created and curated the eponymous exhibit “France is a Feast” at the Napa Valley Museum of Art. Just as her book was a passion project, so is Katnip Wines. The concept for this Provençal-style rosé brand began as a personal dream inspired by entrepreneurial wine and foodie role models and friends. She created the playful name of Katnip, combining “Katie” with taking a “nip” of wine.

As a small, licensed winery working from her Napa residence, Pratt has four vintages under her belt, thanks to a custom crush facility she uses to produce 125 cases annually. Katnip Wines are sold in Napa at Foodshed Takeaway, First & Franklin Marketplace, Jeffries General, and direct to consumer. Katnip Rosé 2021 is a food-friendly wine made in the Bandol style, with spicy, complex, and vibrant qualities attributed to a blend dominated by the Tempranillo and Mourvedre grapes. Pratt’s most recent release adds a little Grenache to the blend; all three grapes are sustainably grown in Yolo County. The label speaks to Pratt’s art background working with glass blowing/fusing and color and design. It’s a photograph of fused glass she once made, with an added tribute to the Fibonacci Spiral. “I’ve been the student of amazing teachers and inspirational wine and food creators in my life, and now I’m translating what I’ve learned into a personal and meaningful project,” she said. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.katnipwines.com

NVL wine

BOISSET COLLECTION

Bringing the Inside Out  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS BY SCOTT CHEBEGIA

Jean Charles Boisset, the proprietor of the eponymous Boisset Collection, is a champion of innovative approaches to luxury, exquisite fine wine, and tradition and history in northern California and his native France.

s usual, Boisset has been busy cooking up projects to enchant guests and raise the bar for the Napa Valley wine experience. Now that warmer weather has arrived in California, Boisset is unveiling the fruits of his labor. He is rolling out VIP tastings in private cabanas at Boisset Collection’s Raymond Vineyards and outdoor garden wine tastings at the 1872 Post Office Building, home to the company’s Elizabeth Spencer Winery. And the Boisset Collection just inked a collaboration with truffle connoisseurs American Truffle Company (ATC) to cultivate truffles at Raymond Vineyards. Raymond Vineyards has always been about the ultimate in sensory enjoyment with tasting experiences like the Crystal Cellar, inspired by the traditional candlelit cellars of France, where guests sample Raymond’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon

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beneath Baccarat chandeliers, and the Red Room Lounge, an opulent all-red velvet room, where guests enjoy bottle service while relaxing and playing cards or perusing the collection of unique books. With pandemic-required measures all but a thing of the past, it is time for another kind of sensory experience, the kind bestowed by Mother Nature: fresh air, sunshine, and in the case of Raymond, a glorious oasis with a view of vineyards in every direction. There is something about sipping a fabulous glass of wine among the vineyards that awakens our senses. To add to this magical atmosphere, Boisset has added the ultimate in luxurious, relaxing wine tasting experiences. Raymond Vineyards gave its outdoor space, The Grove, a revitalization this year, with Parisian bistro-themed furnishings oozing understated elegance in a hideaway

shaded by rows of sycamore trees and vineyards. The convivial host Boisset knows that wine tastings al fresco encourage guests to slow down and stay awhile. In addition to the refurbished Grove, Raymond upped the sensory ante with “The Oasis at Raymond Vineyard,” an exclusive tasting experience. Guests are treated like VIPs in one of four private cabanas. Nestled underneath a lush canopy of twenty-six majestic Medjool palm trees and enclosed by flowering plants and shrubs, star magnolia, blue spruce, and coastal oak trees. In this picturesque sanctuary, guests enjoy private and personalized bottle service in a secluded paradise while gazing at sweeping views of vineyards and the Mayacamas and Vacas Mountain ranges in the distance. Another Boisset property and iconic Napa Valley spot, the recently acquired Elizabeth Spencer Winery’s historic 1872

Post Office building, lies in the undisputed “heart” of Napa Valley, Rutherford, a wine lover’s premier destination. Rooted in history and strategically located on Hwy 29 between Yountville and St. Helena, the scenic courtyard and outdoor gardens are ideal spots for boutique outdoor tastings of Elizabeth Spencer’s small-production wines from Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino. The winery’s outdoor pavilions are the perfect place to unwind, sample the Elizabeth Spencer portfolio of wines, enjoy a grazing-style menu of artisanal cheese, charcuterie, salads, cold pastas, and house-made macarons, and perhaps stir up a friendly competition with one of the board games provided. “As a Frenchman, Rutherford has been a dream of mine for many years. It breathes the story of wine and the origins of this great valley,” said Boisset. “The 1872 brick post office building is a gem of Napa’s history, and we intend to continue to be its steward, as [founders and husband-and-wife-team Elizabeth Pressler and Spencer Graham] have done so well.”

Born in Burgundy, France, Boisset is no stranger to truffles. “We are fortunate to work with ATC to be early pioneers for growing Périgord black truffles in the Napa Valley,” he shared. Périgord black truffles are among the most expensive foods in the world, routinely commanding over $1,000 per pound, and they have been produced almost exclusively in Europe. However, ATC found that Northern California’s wine-growing regions offer particularly suitable climates and soil for truffle cultivation. Boisset could barely contain himself when he said, “To be able to revel in the experience of cultivating truffles in harmony with nature; to be able to grow them on our land and make an epicurean delicacy from

the Old World locally available to the New, and to share it all with our guests at dinners and events is a dream!” Boisset will complement ATC’s efforts in truffle distribution by sharing them with restaurants and chef clientele at the Oakville Grocery, Raymond Vineyards, and select JCB (Jean-Charles Boisset) events and VIP dinners. With more than twenty-six historical and prestigious still and sparkling wineries in the world’s preeminent terroirs, including Burgundy, Beaujolais, Jura, the Rhône Valley, the south of France, and California’s Russian River Valley and the Napa Valley, the Boisset Collection keeps raising the bar when it comes to extravagant guest experiences. “We have always believed in providing the best, highest quality products and ingredients to passionate food and wine lovers. We love Napa Valley. We want to be in every village of our valley,” Boisset gushed. FOR MOR INFORMATION

www.boissetcollection.com

The Boisset Collection is constantly innovating, searching for the next wonderful thing to add to its Napa Valley experiences. As Boisset knows all too well, an outdoor atmosphere can be peaceful and create a festive, fun setting. At Boisset Collectionrestored, historic Oakville Grocery, the oldest continuously operating grocery store in California, guests enjoy wood-fired pizza, artisan sandwiches, or gourmet picnic fare with a glass of wine while watching the goings-on along the original pathway into the valley. Guests can also tour the 1881 Napa Valley Wine Museum next door. The Boisset Collection is constantly innovating, searching for the next wonderful thing to add to its Napa Valley experiences. To add a new and highly anticipated addition to The Boisset Collection, Boisset recently partnered with the American Truffle Company (ATC), the truffle science and cultivation leader in North America, to cultivate Périgord black truffles at Raymond Vineyards. This marriage of Boisset’s luxury wine and spirits, food, and home and lifestyle goods portfolio and ATC’s leading truffle brand, advance Old and New World traditions with the best cutting-edge truffle science possible. SUMMER 2022

NVL wine

Fabulous Fungi ...

TRUFFLES Raymond Vineyards cultivates truffles in Napa Valley

his spring, Boisset Collection's Raymond Vineyards partnered with the American Truffle Company® (ATC) to cultivate one of the world's rarest and most delectable foods: Périgord black truffles. Embracing the Old and New World traditions exemplified by Boisset's luxury wine, spirits, food, and lifestyle goods portfolio and ATC's cutting-edge truffle science, the unique partnership will produce truffles for professional chefs as well as for enjoyment at home.

What the heck are truffles? Truffles are underground fungi that grow on the roots of certain trees (often oak or hazelnut). There are thousands of species, but the most prized black truffle is the Périgord (also known as 'black diamond/gold'). The dazzling, irresistible aroma of truffles has captivated humans for centuries. Their lore is mythical, filled with mystery and superstition. Ancient Egyptians thought truffles sprang from the ground where the gods struck lightning bolts. The Greeks and Romans believed they provided eternal

health to the body and soul. In the Middle Ages, the church condemned their exotic aroma as the devil's creation. During the Renaissance, King Louis XIV brought truffles back as a culinary delicacy, making them a darling of the noble class. Truffle farming has long been a lucrative crop in Europe and is rapidly gaining ground in other parts of the world, including North America. Like planting a vineyard, a truffle orchard takes five to six years to produce. The good news for truffle growers is that once an orchard has been established, it requires relatively little maintenance and no inorganic/toxic practices to sustain it. And a successful truffle orchard can enjoy a long and healthy lifespan—up to 60-80 years, depending on the host tree and maintenance methods.

a tree. Truffles emit an odor similar to the sex pheromone found in male pigs, which drives the female pigs absolutely wild with desire. For years, sows were used for hunting truffles, but extracting them from their eager, vice-like mouths proved treacherous, causing many hunters to lose a digit or two. So today, dogs are used for the hunt—a far more affable and obedient alternative. For many growers, the real fun of growing truffles begins with the harvest. Accompanied by a trusty truffle-hunting dog and spade, harvesting truffles is an exhilarating, hands-on endeavor. Almost any dog can be trained to truffle hunt, but in the burgeoning American truffle cultivation world, foraging dogs are typically hunting or herding breeds. Because these dogs are highly trained to hunt the black gold, they're worth their weight in gold.

Dogs lead the hunt for truffles

Want to learn more?

According to legend, truffles were discovered by a farmer who saw his pig digging the subterraneous fungus up from the root of

Attend the 11th annual Napa Truffle Festival, January 13-16, 2023. For details, visit NapaTruffleFestival.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.RaymondVineyards.com // www.AmericanTruffle.com 64

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SUMMER 2022

VYING for

VIOGNIER Select Producers Are Still Crafting Viognier in the Valley  BY MELISSA VOGT

Viognier Grapes-Photo courtesy of Fortunati Vineyards

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In the Northern Rhône Valley of France, Viognier vines are rooted in small vineyard parcels in two tiny appellations: Condrieu and Chateau Grillet—the latter a namesake of a single producer. The location is flanked by the small Syrah-producing appellation of Côte Rôtie to the north and other well-known, Syrah-producing appellations of Saint Joseph, Hermitage, and Cornas stretching to the southern tip of the valley.

n its French expression, Viognier is characteristically a low-acid white wine with stone fruit flavors and a very distinct floral aroma. It’s a highly aromatic white with full body and offers significantly more texture than other white varietals. The low acidity gives it an unctuous composition and a distinct profile that really sets it apart from other French whites. In California, there were roughly 3,000 planted acres of Viognier across the state in 2019, with much of the vines planted on the Central Coast.* Famed estate Tablas Creek Vineyard, a pioneer of Rhône varietals in California’s Central Coast appellation, likely stakes claim to the oldest planted Viognier in the state, dating to 1992. In Napa Valley, the number of producers consistently crafting Viognier has dwindled in recent years, and production is so limited that estates sell out rapidly, creating a natural local scarcity. “There isn’t much of this varietal grown here or available to purchase from winegrowers,” said Ellen Reich-Luchtel, vintner and proprietor of Fortunati Vineyards. “In 2021, there was only 94 tons crushed in Napa Valley (versus 10,520 tons of Chardonnay crushed).” That being said, because the grape was nearly extinct worldwide as recently as the 1960s, those who are still crafting it locally have become the champions of this sophisticated French grape varietal.

or mountainous elevation. Across these appellations, sun exposure varies based on vineyard planting and slope level, and soil composition is distinct in each region. In the Oak Knoll District, the soils are predominantly sand, gravel, and clay. In the elevated appellation of Mt. Veeder, the soils are rockier and more influenced by ancient seabed deposits. In Los Carneros, they’re primarily rocky, shale-based clay. In Los Carneros, at the southernmost point of Napa Valley, Hyde Vineyards Estate produces a very limited-production Viognier. This appellation is predominantly influenced by its proximity to San Pablo Bay. As a result, it is the coolest

region in the Valley, and temperatures remain moderate even through the hottest times of the growing season, with morning and evening fog and a significant diurnal temperature shift. “The cool climate of our Los Carneros site allows for great acid retention,” stated Larry Hyde, Founder of Hyde Vineyards Estate and a trailblazer in the Los Carneros appellation long before it was officially designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA). For some, like Hyde, planting Viognier was merely just by chance. “I had come across this particular clone, and simply put, I had the opportunity to plant it and try it out. We were originally pleased with

Those who are still crafting it locally have become the champions of this sophisticated French grape variety. Photo courtesy of Fortunati

Where Does Viognier Grow in Napa? As with all Napa Valley wines, varietals come with their signature characteristics that harken to their origins while showcasing the terroir of the golden state. In France, Viognier does best when planted on granitic slopes with lots of sun exposure. In Napa Valley, Viognier is primarily grown in a handful of appellations: Los Carneros, Oak Knoll District, and Mt. Veeder—all cooler climate regions, given either their closeness to the San Pablo Bay

Photos courtesy of Hyde Vineyards

SUMMER 2022

NVL wine

Where To Find This Scarce Varietal Bougetz Cellars

Photo courtesy of Hyde Vineyards

2020 Belle Reve Yates Family Vineyard Viognier, Mt. Veeder This expression comes from the Mt. Veeder appellation and is a lovely look at the mountainous profile of this varietal. Stone fruit and flowers abound on the nose, with flavors of white peach and pear on the palate. It's full-bodied with a clean finish.

Buoncristiani Family Winery

While the Buoncristiani family is sold out of their 2019 Viognier, the 2020 vintage is on its way—keep an eye out for this stunner produced from the Rattlesnake Ridge Block of the Stagecoach Vineyards. Their expression sees time on the lees, giving it layered texture and body.

Darioush

Viognier Grapes Photo courtesy of Bougetz Cellars

Photos courtesy of Darioush

the results and continue to be impressed even more so as time goes by,” Hyde said. Los Carneros proved to be a good location for Viognier because “like in the Rhône Valley, our particular vineyard has a lot of rocks,” Hyde pointed out. In addition, Hyde’s Viognier vines possess an eastern exposition, “which means less heat from the afternoon sun,” he furthered. The Hyde Viognier has found a suitable home in this microclimate, and the resulting expression is delicate and balanced. In the Oak Knoll District at Fortunati Vineyards, Winemaker Gary and Proprietor Ellen Reich-Luchtel farm their vineyards sustainably. The estate’s commitment to Rhône-style wines is admirable. In addition to their single-varietal Viognier that they craft from estate vines at just 250 cases, they also make a Syrah co-fermented with 5% of that Viognier—produced in the traditional French way that gives Rhône Syrah such a lovely fragrance. At Darioush, their Viognier also comes from estate-grown vineyards in the Oak Knoll District. “Our estate in 68

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the Oak Knoll AVA benefits from the dense early morning fog and late afternoon breezes – ideal attributes to help Viognier ripen slowly and completely,” said Alessandra Murillo, Director of Marketing at Darioush. As producers who love to champion unexpected grape varietals, “Viognier has garnered its place as one of Darioush’s most beloved offerings,” Murillo furthered. While local bottlings of Viognier vary in style, they all possess those quintessential floral aromas that make Viognier so easily detectable in a blind tasting. Napa Valley producers who craft this limited varietal do so not because it’s profitable or prolific but because they love the grape and want to showcase its beauty as an alternative to more common Napa Valley whites like Chardonnay. Production is extremely limited, and many estates sell out of their bottlings quickly, so garnering these wines can be a challenge. It is recommended to reach out to the estates to check availability before visiting to purchase. * Source: www.coravin.com

2021 Viognier, Oak Knoll District Classic aromas of honeysuckle and acacia make for a fragrant bouquet, with notes of nectarine, apricot, and sun-kissed citrus on the palate. This 2021 expression was recently released and will sell out fast—don't miss it.

Fortunati Vineyards 2020 Viognier, Oak Knoll District This is a lovely estate-grown Viognier. Bringing together barrel fermentation and aging in both seasoned oak and stainless steel, this is a balanced expression with juicy flavors of apricot and dried white flowers. It's silky and full-bodied with a long finish.

Freemark Abbey 2020 Lower Cardinale Vineyard Viognier, Napa Valley The Freemark Abbey Viognier possesses floral and tropical fruit aromas, with some surprising banana and pineapple notes. On the palate, more traditional flavors of white peach are present, with lots of texture and body.

Hyde Vineyards Estate 2020 Viognier, Los Carneros Classic notes of peach and honeysuckle lead on the nose, while the palate shows fresh apricots, a creamy texture, and vibrant notes of Meyer lemon zest. It is classic in its style with less acidity than expected and offers lots of texture in return.

Wine Regions Series

Virginia Wine Country has

PA RT

SI X

‘Legs’  BY CHARLENE PETERS

Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia. Photo by Charlene Peters

Virginia may be better known as the state for lovers, but this southeastern state, famed as one of the original 13 colonies in the United States, has become a significant player as a wine destination over the past decade.

ne of Virginia’s most prominent and enthusiastic boosters is wine professional Fred Reno, who loves to share stories of the region’s long winegrowing history and its modern-day success on his podcast, Fine Wine Confidential. For example, he recounts how in the year 1619, the Virginia legislature, the House of Burgesses, enacted Acre 12, a resolution that required each male colonist in the Old Dominion of Jamestown to plant ten grapevines for the production of wine “for Crown.” However, the grapes were hard to grow, and the resolution soon failed.

Today, 28 types of grapes are cultivated in over 4,000 acres of vineyards throughout the state, and because of the diversity of growing conditions in 10 disparate regions (mostly in north and central Virginia), seven distinct AVAs (American Vinicultural Areas) have been assigned. Red or white? Well, in Virginia, it’s a 50/50 split. It would be reasonable for anyone living in the Napa Valley to be skeptical about Virginia’s standing as a wine country. But plan to be pleasantly surprised on day one of wine tasting because Virginia indeed has legs in the wine world. SUMMER 2022

NVL beyond the valley

The Walsh Family Photo courtesy of Walsh Family Wine

The front entrance at The Salamander Resort. Photo courtesy of Matt Owens

Photo courtesy of Bluemont Vineyards

WINERIES TO VISIT IN THE MIDDLEBURG AVA Loudoun County is located 50 miles west of Washington, D.C., bounded by the Potomac River to its north and the Blue Ridge to its east, west, and south. It spans almost 200 square miles and contains over 230 acres of vineyards and 24 wineries. Stone Tower Winery Upon arrival at Stone Tower Winery, located on Hogback Mountain Road in Leesburg, one might swear they were in the Napa Valley. However, the lush expanse of vineyards and its sophisticated wine tasting spaces reveal a seriousness of purpose completely unexpected. With reservations pre-arranged, arriving guests are greeted for a private tour by a winery brand ambassador before boarding an all-terrain vehicle for a ride to view the winery’s 85 acres of vines. As guests cradle a glass of Stone Tower Chardonnay, the brand ambassador explains the surrounding geology. For example, a hogback, also known as hog’s back, is defined as a long, narrow ridge or a series of hills with a narrow crest and steep slopes. Also noted is the climate, which is usually windy and explains the label’s name: Estate Wind Swept Hill, a 2015 cabernet blend with a tasting profile pleasantly merlot dominant, sure to be a favored sip on tour. From the vineyards, the ATV’s next stop would be up to the building that houses Stone Tower’s private tasting room. Guests are invited to take a seat on a comfortable sofa to enjoy a food and wine 70

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pairing akin to one served in a Napa Valley winery. At meal’s end, expect a tiny pour of Wild Boar Porton, the winery’s delicious, fortified wine with tastes of wild berries. // www.stonetowerwinery.com Walsh Family Wine Also in Loudoun County is Walsh Family Wine, founded in 2014 by Sarah and Nathan Walsh. Both Sarah and Nathan have worked in the wine industry their entire adult lives. In 2019, Nathan wrote about the progress of quality Virginia wines in the Walsh Family Grown, Produced, and Bottled By magazine. He noted, “Over time, I believe that the great sites of Virginia will gradually become known through consistency of quality and vineyardspecific bottlings.” If proof is in the tasting, the Walsh Family has succeeded in its mission. One taste of a Petit Manseng, a white grape with a lemony pear taste, offers a shoutout to a varietal that hails from southwest France. Let it be stated that Virginia produces the grape just as admirably. // www.walshfamilywine.com 8 Chains North Down the road from Leesburg, eight miles west, is a rustic boutique winery called 8 Chains North. This Virginia winery is where its former owner, Ben Renshaw, retains his place as vineyard manager and winemaker. The property offers extensive outdoor seating, a dog park, and a beautiful private event space perfect for weddings — all with stunning vineyard views.

To savor a glass of North Furnace Mountain Red, a Bordeaux blend barrel-aged for 18 months, is to taste the best of fourteen Old-World wines produced here. // www.8chainsnorth.com Bluemont Vineyard On the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bluemont Vineyard’s tasting room is over 900 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Loudoun Valley. Bluemont Vineyard was established in 2007 when the first grapevines came into full production. Today, the vineyard grows over ten varietals of grapes, including Viognier, Norton, and Cabernet Franc. Bluemont’s winemaker, Scott Spelbring, wrote, “There is a creative ability as a winemaker to blend and shape each bottle in the cellar. In many ways, a winemaker with barrels is like a chef with spices or an artist with paintbrushes. Each bottle of wine is a creative expression of the winemaker’s vision. My goal as a winemaker is to create balanced wines and show finesse and structure while also conveying the uniqueness of Bluemont.” // www.bluemontvineyard.com

WINERIES TO VISIT IN THE MONTICELLO AVA Barboursville Vineyards Moving south to Central Virginia in the Monticello AVA proves that tasting more Virginia wines would entail repeat visits to its various wine regions. Barboursville Vineyards, for instance, is located half an hour from Charlottesville, Virginia, and sits on land with a mansion with a notable octagonal dining room, one designed by none other than Thomas Jefferson in 1814. Unfortunately, the mansion burned in a fire on Christmas Day, 1884; its ruins today are considered a historic landmark in Albemarle County. Their Reserve Viognier touts a winning taste with a tropical fruit palate with hints of orange and honey, as does their blend called Octagon with its premier blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. On the label is a reproduction of the mansion’s floor plan, making this wine impossible to sip without a visualization of Jefferson and his friend, Virginia Gov. James Barbour, enjoying a bottle in that peculiarly-shaped dining room. // www.bbvwine.com Stinson Vineyards Also in Albemarle County, Stinson Vineyards stands out for making the Uruguayan varietal, Tannat, a grape rarely found in the United States. Its taste is akin to Pinot Noir but with tobacco notes and more plum on the finish. This family-run boutique winery sits in “downtown” White Hall, a historic property with outstanding views highlighting the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its winery is a repurposed garage fashioned

with a farm store tasting room with choices of small-batch wines and farm store goods such as grass-fed beef and organic freerange eggs. // www.stinsonvineyards.com Blenheim Vineyards Located in the Piedmont region of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the county of Albemarle is Blenheim Vineyards. In 1999, Dave Matthews, the lead performer in The Dave Matthews Band, purchased more than 10 acres of land in Albemarle County to preserve its historical significance, which dates back to 1730. John Carter, Secretary of the Colony of Virginia, obtained a patent for 9,350 acres northeast of present-day Carter’s Bridge in what is now Albemarle County. Here, Carter and his son Edward built the first Blenheim house before 1799. The house was named in honor of the War of the Spanish Succession, fought and won by the British under the command of the Duke of Marlborough. Blenheim Farms was also where Thomas and Martha Jefferson are said to have experienced coach trouble during a snowstorm. They stopped at Blenheim for warmth and a rest before continuing to Monticello by way of horses borrowed from Edward Carter. Matthews later decided to plant grapes on the property since it is located within both the Virginia and Monticello viticultural areas. Touches of Dave Matthews’s design prowess may be found in the tasting room. // www.blenheimvineyards.com Ankida Ridge Vineyards Ankida Ridge Vineyards in Amherst County is considered Virginia’s “Little Burgundy.”

This family-run micro-boutique vineyard grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, establishing its premier place in this wine country. Further confirmation is in the translation of Ankida in Ancient Sumerian: “Where heaven and earth join.” // www.ankidaridge.com

WHERE TO STAY Salamander Resort & Spa Loudoun County, where Virginia’s renowned horse and wine country is located, is less than an hour from Washington’s Dulles Airport. It’s also where The Salamander Resort & Spa is situated on an expansive 340-acre site in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the lovely town of Middleburg. This Forbes five-star resort property is a destination unto itself and is a perfect home base when exploring the region’s wineries. The stately drive into this country estate leads to its grand entrance, reminiscent of its history as one of the original 13 colonies. At the back of the resort, the rooms’ French doors open to a sprawling emerald lawn upon which guests in its 168 rooms may gaze (each room features a private balcony or patio). // www.salamanderresort.com 1804 Inn and Cottages In Monticello, Barboursville Vineyards features three suites on its historic plantation. The octagon suite, in particular, is a visual feast overlooking the Historic Ruins from the bedroom, balcony, and private formal garden. Inside, walls are decorated with historical portraits, while furniture includes rare inlaid fruitwood chests, credenzas, and an armoire. // www.bbvwine.com/our-inn FOR MORE INFORMATION www.virginiawine.org

Other Wineries To Visit Early Mountain In the foothills of the Blue Ridge

Mountains, Early Mountain Vineyard in Madison County produces a white wine blend of Petit Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris and a curated sampling of Virginia wines. // www.earlymountain.com

RdV A tasting experience at RdV is inspired by Founder,

Rutger de Vink's inspiration from Napa Valley and Bordeaux. Enjoy a glass of Dom Perignon before sampling a Second Growth Bordeaux, RdV's Lost Mountain, and a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. // www.rdvineyards.com

King Family Vineyards This 327-acre farm produces a portfolio of wines from a parcel of California vines planted on the property. Their wine label, Crosé, is the namesake of their location in Crozet. // www.kingfamilyvineyards.com SUMMER 2022

• N A PA VA L L E Y ’ S B E S T •

t a i s o n n e al S m m e r u S Salads  BY ELIZABETH SMITH

The Q R&B Asian Chicken Salad // Photo by Bob McClenahan 72

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It is summer in Napa Valley, which means there is a bounty of salad-ready vegetables and fruits. When one thinks about salads, likely the most ordinary immediately come to mind. However, local restaurants have elevated the salad experience to another level. Chefs have become increasingly innovative in creating sensational salads as main courses – many with international twists – using premium, locally sourced ingredients. There is no better time than to enjoy some of the best.

First and Franklin Cobb Salad

C Casa Taco Salad

C CASA C Casa, which recently expanded to the old Kitchen Door location in Napa’s Oxbow Public Market, serves what founder and president Catherine Bergin and her team call “reimagined Mexican food.” Since opening in 2011, the restaurant has offered a 100% gluten-free menu using locally sourced and house-made ingredients. In recent years, the restaurant has offered a dedicated plant-based menu. One of the most popular dishes is the C Casa Taco Salad, which is large enough for an entree or perfect for sharing as a starter. It is made with mixed lettuces tossed with a lime cumin vinaigrette, piled high with black beans, roasted corn salsa, pico de gallo, queso fresco (or vegan cheese), and avocado, then drizzled with chipotle aioli (vegan also available) and topped with tortilla crisps and cilantro. A protein like their rotisserie chicken, prawns, or steak can be added. // www.myccasa.com

THE DUTCH DOOR Chef Brent Pennington of Pennington Provisions founded The Dutch Door in

The Dutch Door Saporito Bowl

downtown Napa, where he offers “craveworthy hits” to go from his kitchen through a Dutch door. When he arrived in Napa nearly a decade ago, he realized the food scene was “missing the middle” – a casual gourmet experience with high quality, 100% organic food at affordable prices. The restaurant is known for its innovative plant-based meal options, like its popular vegetarian Saporito Bowl, inspired by a trip to Amalfi a few years ago. “We were always amazed at the mix of fresh and vibrant ingredients in this coastal town, especially the simple number of ingredients given their superb quality,” said Pennington. Saporito – Italian for tasty or savory – is the perfect name for

Chefs have become increasingly innovative in creating sensational salads as main courses – many with international twists – using premium, locally sourced ingredients. his salad bowl that brings together greens, pasta, citrus, fennel, olives, cheese, and pistachios, a food experience he describes as “harmonious but different with every bite.” // www.thedutchdoornapa.com SPRING 2022

NVL food

It is summer in Napa Valley, which means there is a bounty of salad-ready vegetables and fruits. Local restaurants have elevated the salad experience to another level. cabbage tossed with cucumbers, carrots, mung bean sprouts, peanuts, cilantro, mint, peanut lime vinaigrette, then topped with a crispy fried chicken breast, pickled red Fresno chiles and green onions. Another is its Citrus & Avocado Chop – romaine and red leaf lettuce tossed with Asado spicerubbed chicken, cilantro-pumpkin seed dressing, oranges, tomatoes, black beans, pickled red onions, and quinoa, then topped with avocado, toasted pumpkin seeds, and Cotija cheese. // www.gotts.com

Tarla Octopus Salad

Napa Valley Bistro Dungeness Crab and Secundino

HERITAGE EATS

this, with its fusion of Mary’s Free-Range chicken, applewood smoked bacon, fresh produce, signature lemon vinaigrette, bleu cheese, and fresh eggs sourced locally from Emma Rasmussen of Hen Pen Farms. The Cobb is flavorful, with a balanced ratio of toppings to lettuce. It is also modifiable, dietary restriction friendly, and low carb. “Every bite has all the taste elements that make it a great choice. It does not feel like the sad salad option,” shared the restaurant. // www.firstandfranklin.com // www.napapalisades.com

Voted #1 Vegetarian Menu in Napa Valley Life Magazine’s 2022 Best of Napa Valley Readers Choice Awards, Heritage Eats, a local favorite in Napa’s north end, is known for its “delicious meals inspired by homes across the globe. Made for yours.” Their menu includes chef-creation or sandwiches, wraps, and bowls, or patrons can customize their own. The salad bowls start with a base of spring mixed greens which can be topped with internationally-themed mains like Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Thai Pork, Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegan Tofu, Texas Steak, Southwest Pork, Mideast Falafel, and Coastal Shrimp. There is a delicious selection of house-made toppings and garnishes like pineapple jicama slaw, mayo-free crunchy cabbage slaw, quinoa tabbouleh, kimchi, carrots with daikon, and pico de gallo. // www.heritageeats.com

GOTT’S ROADSIDE

NAPA VALLEY BISTRO

A visit to Napa Valley would not be complete without stopping at one of its two Gott’s Roadside locations at the Oxbow Public Market or in St. Helena. While most famous for its burgers and fries, the menu also offers a couple of beloved salads. The first is its Vietnamese Chicken Salad made with romaine lettuce, kale, and shredded

Napa Valley Bistro in downtown Napa has been open since 2013. Chef-Owner Bernardo Ayala dreamed of opening a small bistro-style restaurant downtown, a charming gathering place for locals and visitors. The restaurant focuses on local, fresh, and sustainable ingredients and serves world-class entrées like its Blue

Gotts Salad Photo by Elizabeth Smith

FIRST & FRANKLIN MARKETPLACE AND NAPA PALISADES SALOON Looking for a great Cobb Salad? Look no farther than First & Franklin Marketplace and its sister restaurant, Napa Palisades Saloon. Their hearty Cobb has long been a customer and staff favorite and ideal for diners who want to eat healthily but enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal. First and Franklin’s approach to food is details matter. The team focuses on combining flavors and textures that make great sandwiches and salads. Their Cobb is a fitting example of 74

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Corn Tortilla Crusted Halibut and Pan Seared Pacific Sea Scallops. However, one of the favorites that has stood the test of time is the Dungeness Crab Louie Salad. The best seller includes a generous mound of fresh Dungeness crab, organic radish, cucumber, carrots, avocado, asparagus, and farm-fresh egg sourced from local farms and gardens with a like-minded philosophy. Another must-try is the classic Bistro Chopped Salad, made with broccoli, carrots, goat cheese, farm egg, bacon, avocado, cranberries, and mustard vinaigrette. // www.napavalleybistro.com

THE Q RESTAURANT & BAR Serving what owner Gene Tartaglia describes as “American fare with a Southern influence,” The Q Restaurant & Bar – or simply “The Q,” as locals fondly call it – is another Napa city local favorite. While the restaurant is best known for its Memphis-style barbecue ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken, its Asian Fried Chicken Salad is also a crowd-pleaser. The base is made with Asian coleslaw, one of the restaurant’s four options, and includes Napa cabbage, carrots, cilantro, soy,

sesame, ginger, garlic, and vinegar. The sweet and sour acidity of the slaw serves as the perfect foundation for enhancing the lean, crispy coasting of The Q’s nobuttermilk Southern fried chicken. “The dish was a serendipitous event when a cook wanted some protein on their salad. So now it is one of our most popular menu items,” said Tartaglia. // www.theqrandb.com

RISTORANTE ALLEGRIA Ristorante Allegria, a local gem located in downtown Napa in an old bank building built in 1916, describes its cuisine as “northern Italian influenced with California cuisine.” Its ambiance is “casual elegance,” and it serves a variety of appetizers, entrees, and salads. One of its most popular menu items is its renowned Napa Cabbage Salad. This is not just any cabbage salad – It’s served slightly warmed and includes crispy pepper bacon, mushrooms, house-made garlic croutons, crumbled blue cheese, and its signature red wine vinaigrette. Another salad standout is the Insalata di Arugula made with baby arugula, fresh pears, jicama, toasted walnuts, blue cheese, and papaya vinaigrette. Grilled free-range chicken

or prawns can be added to both salads. // www.ristoranteallegria.com

TARLA MEDITERRANEAN BAR + GRILL Tarla Mediterranean Bar + Grill, whose name means “field” in Turkish, is a small and unassuming local bistro. Popular with locals, its location on First Street next door to the Andaz Hotel is often discovered by visitors passing by. The restaurant is committed to using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible and authentic international ingredients. It is known for its “culturally exciting eats” from Mediterranean countries like Turkey and Greece, including its plentiful and popular Grilled Octopus Salad, added to the menu after a discussion between the owner and chef. They tried hummus and chickpea-based pairings, deciding that chickpea was the perfect accompaniment. Most restaurants in Turkey and Greece traditionally serve octopus with Roka (arugula) salad. Tarla’s rendition is sweet and citrusy, with the addition of beets, oranges, apples, cherry tomatoes, apple-basil vinaigrette, and a pomegranate balsamic glaze. // www.tarlagrill.com

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SUMMER 2022 MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

NVL food

JACKET POTATOES SERVES 4 EQUIPMENT NEEDED • BBQ grill or oven • Pastry brush • Shallow dish

INGREDIENTS • 4 Russet potatoes (12 oz. each) • 4 TB flaked Sea Salt • Freshly ground black pepper to taste • 2 TB granulated garlic

Cooking with

KAREN CROUSE Baked potatoes, though a comfort food, are often forgotten, yet when you think of them, you are reminded of how tasty they are, and you instantly crave one.

hey are simple, affordable, and pleasing to palates of all ages and make any backyard BBQ complete. If you have been following my recipes, you know that it is not what I cook but HOW I cook that makes the difference. I find that potatoes benefit from the same precision applied to baking. Though precise, my recipe is simple and

bakes the skin “jacket” to a perfect and flavorful crisp. These potatoes are an enticing option as an entrée and a worthy accompaniment to steaks, chops, or ribs. When I bake potatoes this way, I prefer them prepared simply with butter, chives, and sour cream, but load them up if you prefer. You want a baked potato now, don’t you?

• Baking sheet (for oven) • Wire cooling rack (for oven) • 4 TB butter, melted or olive oil • Chives or green onion, chopped • Butter • Sour cream

TIP: When shopping, choose potatoes with an even brown tone and without a greenish tint, discoloring, bruising, or sprouts. PREPARATION • Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees, or preheat your BBQ grill to 450 degrees. • Combine the salt, granulated garlic, and pepper in a shallow dish and set aside. • Thoroughly wash the potatoes and dry them completely. Wet potatoes render soggy skins. • With a fork, pierce the potatoes a couple of times on all sides. Place them in the oven on the wire rack atop the cookie sheet or directly on the center rack with a cookie sheet below it. If you use your BBQ grill, place them on the upper rack. • Bake the potatoes for about 25 minutes or until the skins look dry and slightly wrinkled. Then, carefully remove them (remember which side was facing up). Brush with butter on all sides and roll them in the salt, granulated garlic, and pepper mixture. • Place them back on the oven/grill with the opposite side up and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until they are soft when you squeeze them. If not, cook at 5-minute intervals until they are.

TO SERVE Slice the potatoes lengthwise with a sharp knife. Squeeze the ends slightly to break up the flesh. Use a fork to fluff, and add the chives/onions, butter, and sour cream in that order. Salt and pepper to taste. Dig in, and don’t forget to eat the skin.

FOR MORE INFORMATION karencrousenapavalley.com 76

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If you have leftovers, consider making potato salad by chopping up the potato and mixing it together, toppings and all. Add more sour cream if the mixture is too dry. Now, you are ready for a summer picnic.

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V is it

yolo county because

 BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR | PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT WINTERS

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Lake Solano

About 40 miles east of St. Helena in the heart of Yolo County, Winters is probably quite used to gibes about #YOLO, the contemporary social media acronym. Actually, Yolo County is one of California’s oldest, dating back to statehood in 1850. The name is derived from the Patwin word “Yoloy,” meaning place of the rushes, given by the native inhabitants that lived off the wetland’s resources.

oday, Winters is a small town of fewer than 7,000 residents beside Putah Creek, an 85-mile-long stream with headwaters in the Mayacamas Mountains. Despite the name, it’s a warm and sunny destination near Lake Berryessa that offers a peek at the Old West, with a charming downtown and a historic steel trestle bridge spanning the creek. Biggest surprise? Winters is less than five miles from the border of Napa County, so the potential for wine growing isn’t a stretch. Gravelly-clay-loam soils and delta breezes met by cool winds off Lake Berryessa make for a long growing season.

be found in the tasting room and father Tony in the fields. In Argentina, Luciana’s winemaker father, Norberto Moreno, assists with three sparkling wines for the label. Since 2007, Turkovich has been known for Syrah and Viognier, along with Tempranillo and Petite Sirah. We understand that Grenache and Mourvedre are also showing immense potential. // www.turkovichwines.com On Friday nights from 6 p.m., live music performed by locals emanates from the

Main Street tasting room of Berryessa Gap Winery. On Thursday through Sunday afternoons, visitors are also welcomed at the estate vineyard tasting room on Highway 128—gateway to Napa—where winemaker Nicole Salengo has been crafting 90-plus point Rhone and Iberian varietals and more since 2013. Book ahead for a weekend tour. // www.berryessagap.com Yolo County’s first distillery opened in 2016; Patio29 is family-owned, specializing

Turkovich Tasting Room & Winters Cheese Co.

DOWNTOWN WINTERS Main Street between Second Street and Railroad Avenue is the friendly heart of Downtown Winters, just two blocks long. Three things stand out: Everybody seems to know one another, there’s a local theatre production company; and live music almost always fills the streets.

WHERE TO DINE At the crossroads of downtown, join the locals for classic American-style dining out at Putah Creek Cafe or Buckhorn Steakhouse. Try the quiche at Steady Eddy’s Coffee House, or grab a packed deli sandwich lunch to go from Preserve Market. Outdoor dining is plentiful, Ficelle is popular for Spanish tapas, and tasting rooms offer bites with flights.

WINE AND SPIRITS SCENE It’s a family affair at Turkovich Family Wines, a top local name for small lot production and an air-conditioned tasting room with outdoor seating at 304 Railroad Avenue. Third-generation Chris Turkovich and his wife, Luciana, are the winemakers, while younger brother Danny is the founder of the downtown Winters Cheese Company, located right next door. Winery tastings and tours at the vineyard on Buckeye Road (see the Vaca Mountains from the other side) can be booked in advance. Mother Joanie may

Berryessa Gap Winery tasting room in downtown Winters

Outdoor Bathtub at Bardessono

SUMMER 2022

Hiking at Lake Berryessa

NVL side trip

Solano County Park has several hiking trails, including an easy 1.6-mile out-and-back course that’s great for birding, fishing, and trail running. // www.solanocounty.com/ depts/rm/countypark/lakesolano.asp Meanwhile, back in town, there’s live music on Sunday afternoons on the patio at Hooby’s Brewing, a family-owned brewery with a popular taproom at 9 E. Main Street. // www.hobbysbrew.com

WHERE TO STAY Hotel Winters is the newest place in town. Opened in 2019, the four-star boutique property has 78 oversized rooms in a

Hotel Winters

Wine tasting in Winters

in seven hand-crafted premium spirits using grains and fruits sourced from Yolo, Solano, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Just across the street from the library parking lot, stop in for tasty bites and flights, live music tastings, craft cocktails, and a tour. // www.Patio29.com As an alternative to driving, book Yolo365 Tours for a guided tour by locals in a comfortable open-air vehicle (with or without wineries and craft breweries) for an insider’s look at the best local spots. // www.Yolo365Tours.com

THINGS TO DO Winters Chamber of Commerce maintains a staffed Visitor Center (Mon - Fri, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) where the walls are adorned with historic photos to tell the Winters story. During March through October, time a weekend visit to coincide with the monthly Fourth Friday Festival, an all-day Suitewine, at Bardessono fair with street food, local olive oil 80

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

tastings, live music until 10 p.m., and fun for all ages at Main Street Railroad Ave. Next door, Winters Opera House is an 1886 landmark, one of California’s oldest, where the local production company stages live plays. Upstairs, Palm Playhouse shares the premises where a huge hardwood dance floor in a room with great acoustics attracts musical acts and up-and-coming talent. Watch for a post-pandemic reopening of the venue. On the ground floor, Cloth Carousel stocks 1,200 bolts of fabric, offers quilting lessons and hosts a Saturday morning Art Walk through historic downtown. // www.sites.google.com/site/ clothcarouselquiltshop On Saturdays at noon, take a two-hour Park Winters Guided Tour of lush gardens and the organic Kitchen Farm. Walk among 150-year-old trees amid hundreds of acres of farmland with unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To further enjoy the outdoors, head for Lake Solano, a fun family place for camping, fishing, paddleboat, and canoe rental. Lake

low-rise building on Abbey Street, an excellent base for exploring both town and country. There’s an interior courtyard patio with a shallow wading pool and water feature, a rooftop bar, an on-site restaurant, and a full-service spa. // www.hotelwinters.com Abbey House Inn has all the Victorian charm of a 1905 home just five minutes’ walk from the center of town. Book a minimum two-night stay in one of the five rooms, each with a private bath. Guests may park on-site (electric chargers available) before settling into the lounge by the cozy fireplace or with a refreshment at the wraparound patio. // www.abbeyhouseinn.com The Inn at Park Winters is a lovingly restored 1865 bed and breakfast farmhouse with four guest rooms. Nine miles from downtown, the country estate has complimentary breakfast, air conditioning, high-speed internet, and a large outdoor pool set in the pretty landscaped grounds. // www.parkwinters.com FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.DiscoverWinters.com

Wine tasting at Crown Point Vineyards Photo by Dan Miller

NVL around the valley

MAKING

ALL the BEST

SHOTS

Napa Valley Country Clubs’ Director of Golf, Tom Sims  PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAPA VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

om Sims, Director of Golf at Napa Valley Country Club (NVCC), has only been at NVCC for a little over a year, but his impact to the club has been monumental. Sims, a Class A PGA Golf Professional for over 27 years, brings years of local golf experience to the 100+-yearold NVCC. “The Director of Golf at NVCC is integral to our success, and Tom checks all the boxes,” said Ari Kreisler, the club's General Manager. “Not only is Tom responsible for juggling the day-to-day golf operations, but he also ensures our members are getting a

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

private country club experience by taking advantage of all our offerings, including tournaments, clinics, private lessons, Junior camps, and couples tournaments.” Kreisler, who created the Director of Golf position at NVCC, lauded the club's decision to hire Sims. “After years of the top golf position at NVCC being the Head Pro, I felt we needed something more to meet the growing level of golf enthusiasm.” However, Kreisler contended that the title didn't change what Sims brings to the club. “Tom showed up on his first day at 4:30 am, and he was the last to leave. And over a year later, he's still that guy. He's great with the men. He's great with the ladies. He's great with the kids. He's just special, and he makes NVCC special.” According to Heather Vigil, the Club's Sales and Marketing Director, golf is seeing the highest interest in the sport in 20+ years. As many young professionals are moving to Napa from the Bay Area, the activity level at NVCC is off the charts. “We have seen a huge uptick in membership interest as the sport grows and the club evolves to meet its members' expectations better.” In fact, NVCC has a waitlist to get in. That list is growing longer and longer as more and more people hear about just

how ideal it is to be a member of NVCC. According to Vigil, Tom deserves a lot of the credit. “Not only is Tom operating our golf program at full capacity, but he is also rockin' it! Members love him. His staff loves him. And he brings such great energy.” Sims is also making a significant impact with the membership at NVCC in terms of innovation. “One of our most recent investments in the golf department has been the purchase of a Trackman,” said Sims speaking of the golf simulator the Members approved purchasing earlier in 2022. “It combines doppler radar with high-end optics to help golfers improve their game, and it has been a great addition to the golf instructional program.” Sims has also added a digital scoring platform to help members post their scores during tournaments giving them a live scoreboard. Providing Juniors with golf lessons and clinics over the years has created even more demand for Sims as people flock from around the Valley to have Sims teach golf to their children. Sims said, “I even have a few of my mentees working for me now as cart attendants. It's great to see their passion for the game.” FOR MORE INFORMATION www.napavalleycc.com

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. What does the future hold? With the current lack of groundwater, 2022 is sure to be a wild ride. But the question remains: Will low yields from 2021 rebound or will continue in 2022 and only further increase demand?

For more information on the vineyards and wineries we represent for sale please visit our website at www.norcalvineyards.com

A 119 acre property on the banks of the Russian River with a 5,550 Sq.Ft. custom estate home built in 2010. 60 acres planted with a shop, guest house, and more. // $4,100,000

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.

707.391.5950 // DRE #01406167 // 109 Mill St., Healdsburg, CA 95448

A 90 acre property featuring 62+/-acre planted to vineyard with 10 year yield and an average of 7+ TPA. Includes a new 3 year Grape Purchase Agreement // $2,450,000

NVL real estate spotlight

THE RISE of the ADU Avava ADU // Photo courtesy of avavadwellings.com

o say our lives have changed and how we live since COVID is an understatement. So many have decided to move away from the brick-and-mortar workplace to enjoy a different lifestyle or have more room to sprawl. With so many people working remotely and sporadically commuting to work, this has led to the need for larger homes to accommodate family and work-life. One of the on-trend solutions to accomplish this is the accessory dwelling unit (ADU). With the rising need for housing, the ADU has created a unique niche to increase property value by adding functional space for offices, additional dwellings for guests, relatives (think granny-unit), au pairs, or even classrooms for kids. The most

significant use case for an ADU is rental space, whether it be a monthly lease or an ongoing vacation rental. These second units are being added over a garage or as a separate, constructed unit on the property, often beautifully appointed, so there is a seamless flow. And, of course, with the massive housing shortage in the Bay Area, these fabulous units add a perfect solution to a significant problem. Even better news… Napa county is very much behind increasing the number of ADUs in the county and is spending $9 million to help spur their construction. The average composition of the units is between 400sq ft-1000sq ft in size. Whether built from scratch or installed as a prefabricated unit placed on the property, the ADU

phenomenon plays a significant role in helping to house our teachers, nurses, and hospitality industry, who are desperate for housing near where they work. And for the homeowner, it’s a great way to supplement income to help pay their mortgage or build financial stability. In summary, ADUs present a winning proposition for everyone. Whether you want to increase the value of your home, add space to supplement income, or provide additional living space for your family, the health and prosperity of the entire community benefit from the availability of increased housing.

Tracy Warr // Napa Tracy Style Napa Valley Real Estate Specialist

My mother was a REALTOR®, I’m a REALTOR®, and my daughter is a REALTOR®, so you could say that real estate is in our blood. Having pursued this profession for more than 17 years, my passion for the Napa Valley began in 1985, when I bought my restaurant in Calistoga. While food and beverage hospitality allowed me to share my love of our Valley with visitors and locals, I have found that helping people sell and buy real property affords me the best opportunity to get more folks to fulfill their dreams experience their own Napa Valley passions. (707) 287-1994 // TWARR@CBNAPAVALLEY.COM // NAPATRACYSTYLE.COM // DRE# 01443203 84

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ESTABLISHED EXCELLENCE

in Senior Living L IF E ST Y L E •

Community of engaged, active friends and neighbors

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Gorgeous 20-acre campus on the sunny south end of Napa

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Variety of classes, events, and daily activities

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Indoor pool and fitness center

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Resort-style amenities, services, and dining

O P T IO NS •

Variety of floor plans and price ranges to suit your lifestyle

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Independent living with peace of mind

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Assisted Living, Memory Care, and CMS Medicare 5-Star rated Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

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Immediate short- and long-term care available

ADVA NTAG E S •

Napa’s premier community for over 20 years

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Unparalleled legacy of service

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Professional, dedicated staff

Everything we do is tailored to you. Learn more about the retirement experience you deserve! Call 707-415-2010 or visit us online at retirement.org/meadowsnapa

An IOOF Community. A not-for-profit, resident-centered community. Equal housing opportunity. RCFE#: 286801070 • COA#: 334 • SNF#: 110000292.

NVL art spotlight

Photo by Susan Segal

Artist Nicholas Cann

Photo by Susan Segal

A R T A S S O C I AT I O N N A PA VA L L E Y

OVER 70 YEARS OF IMPACT in the Napa Valley  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

Art Association Napa Valley (AANV) has supported Napa Valley arts and culture for over 70 years with a small group of adamant supporters and artists, ensuring that the private, non-profit arts organization provides funding, advocacy, marketing, and exhibition opportunities for local artists. Layla Fanucci // Photo by Chick Harrity

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hey do this via the cooperative Art Gallery at 1307 First Street in beautiful downtown Napa and the Art Center on Behrens Street in Napa, the long-time home of the Association. The Center features an abundance of studio, meeting, workshop, and class spaces. In addition, Open Studios Napa Valley, an event sponsored by AANV, offers a self-guided art discovery tour through the creative art spaces of Napa Valley on the last two weekends of September each year.

AANV’s most impactful endeavor is the Scholarship Fund, which benefits art-careerminded students at seven public Napa Valley high schools and the Napa Junior College. Behind the scenes, the nonprofit is kept running through the dedication of a core group of 15 to 20 local volunteers and Gallery artists, who, in addition to their monthly studio space fees, agree to work at the Gallery for four to eight hours per month depending on the size of their art space. The level of commitment from the organization’s supporters and members is shown in the group’s fifteen-member board, which includes members who have been with AANV for decades, like former President and current Treasurer Mary Atman. “She has given the most to the Gallery and Foundation; she has consistently gone over

and above over the years,” gushed Jeanne Dillon, Gallery Manager. Janis Adams is the current president. With around 150 members and 54 Gallery artists, the Napa non-profit can accomplish a surprising amount of good in the Napa Valley. Since 2016, the organization has awarded $24,000 in scholarships, and it would have been more were it not for two years of pandemic closures that put a pause on the Fund. AANV’s most impactful endeavor is the Scholarship Fund, which benefits art-careerminded students at seven public Napa Valley high schools and the Napa Junior College. The scholarship is primarily funded by member dues and by a percentage of art sold at the Gallery. Nicholas Cann, a former set illustrator for MGM Studios, is one of the gallery artists who works with and teaches young artists at the Center. One of those students was Sebastian Guerra, a scholarship recipient in 2014. “I met Sebastian when he was a junior at New Technology High School. He later spent a semester at Oxbow School. When he was asked to paint a portrait of a fellow student for his final project, my wife was so impressed that she commissioned him to paint an eight-by-four-foot portrait of me, which was then featured in the Arts Section of the Napa Valley Register.” The scholarship allowed Sebastian to attend the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, graduating with honors. The proud Cann shared, “After graduation, [Sebastian] was hired at Disney Studios, with six artists reporting to him. A year or two later, he was offered a job in animation with Netflix, where most recently, he was offered the position of top art director on a new feature, where he manages fifty artists.”

You Don't Have to Settle For Less! Senior Helpers' new 24/7 in-Home Virtual Care Support enables for easy & affordable round-the-clock care for your loved one.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.artnv.org SUMMER 2022

NVL shop local spotlight

TINA Stephens Travel Friendly, Lifestyle Clothing

ina has always been an adventurer, spending her free time traveling the world, exploring new places, and immersing herself in regional cultures. While always on the go, she found it challenging to find comfortable, travelready clothing that was versatile enough to wear on a plane and stylish enough for a dinner reservation. Instead of being frustrated with what she couldn’t find, she created her own clothing line. Her original Tees by Tina line is centered on luxury basics, offering a variety of mix and match items such as tanks, tees, camisoles, dresses, and bottoms that are stylish yet comfortable, fit any body type and are available in a rainbow of colors. The success of Tees by Tina eventually led her to expand her portfolio to include more styles and fabrics, specializing in easy, fashionable classics--dresses, tops, tunics, bottoms, and wraps designed to be worn by themselves or paired with her basics. In 2018 she launched her most recent line, TINA Stephens Made in Italy, in collaboration with a few Italian designers she met while

on one of her trips to Italy. Now her most popular collection, the elegant and easy to care for design components add more luxurious European styles to the mix and are made with natural fabrics such as silk, cotton, and linen. When Tina set out to create the TINA Stephens brand, she felt it was essential to implement five key design criteria: Every piece must be fashionable, moderately priced, comfortable, easy to care for, and versatile, making them perfect for traveling, a night on the town, or relaxing at home. The result: Body-flattering designs that work for just about everyone, with a neutral sizing scheme available in a choice of colors. TINA Stephens has 10 locations across the US, many central to popular travel destinations, such as Boca Raton, Naples, St. Simons Island, Kiawah Island, Charleston and Palm Desert. Her newest location is in Napa Valley’s very own Yountville, strategically located in the JCB Village next to the Old Train Depot. The doors to the shop are usually kept open, offering a casual, boutique-style shopping experience

with personalized customer service. As in every one of her stores, everyone who enters feels welcome, and staff members are meticulously focused on helping each customer find the perfect style to suit their unique body type or style preference. The TINA Stephens shop in Yountville offers a wide variety of moderately priced, comfortable, figure-flattering, and stylish women’s clothing. Whether it be one of her layered silk dresses, flowy linen tunics, figure-flattering bottoms, or popular cashmere wraps, the gorgeous selection offers locals and visitors a variety of chic clothing styles to complement a warm day or chilly evening in wine country style. Tina has discovered Yountville’s many delights that make it a special place for visitors, but she would not feel at home if not for the staunch support she has received from the local community, including her staff, who are all Yountville residents. “We are excited to be centrally located in the town’s historic depot and especially thrilled to be part of the Yountville community.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.shoptinastephens.com // Yountville@ShopTINAStephens.com // 6505 Washington Ave., Yountville 88

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

SUMMER 2022

NVL health & wellness

More Than Medicinal ABIDE ABUZZ WITH RETAIL CERTIFICATION FOR ADULT-USE CANNABIS PRODUCTS  BY CHARLENE PETERS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABIDE

bide Napa has taken the medicinal cannabis market in downtown Napa to an elevated level. It is the first dispensary in the county with retail certification to offer adult-use cannabis products. Adding this amenity to the city aligns with the growing, hip destination scene, but the success of a recreational use dispensary is, to be blunt, that cannabis products require qualified cannabis sommeliers. Since its recent approval to expand the medicinal use to include adult-use retail in this premier wine region, the ‘budtenders’ at Abide Napa are ready to welcome – and educate– its customers, which include visitors and residents alike. Walking into a dispensary can be a bit overwhelming, though, especially with the various product choices and options in ratios of CBD to THC. Consider the following anecdotal story, a cautionary tale proving the need for knowledgeable budtenders. During a recent vacation in Southern California, two friends spent the evening exploring the downtown scene before stopping in a dispensary and enjoying a gummy. Neither of them were seasoned cannabis users, but one friend recalled the 1:1 ratio as the perfect gummy on a visit to Aspen a few 90

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years ago. With this past purchase in mind, they felt confident in purchasing a small box of pomegranate-flavored gummies with a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC. When they opened the box, the gummies were different than what one friend remembered. Instead of Lifesaver-looking gummies, these were flattened squares. They each took one before a stop at a restaurant to enjoy cocktails and appetizers al fresco. About 10 minutes later, they felt the gummies kick in – and not in the same format as Aspen, which was a light, fun, and slightly giggly feeling. Instead, this was a much stronger drugged feeling, a ‘our stomachs hurt --make it stop’ effect. When they met for breakfast the next day, they realized an entire gummy was double the recommended dose. If only the budtender had informed them one piece was actually two doses, they would have been able to function and have fun instead of feeling truly impaired. There are choices to be made during a visit to a dispensary, and a professional on staff is essential to provide accurate information. The engagement of legal cannabis lends to a new social etiquette and the responsibility of knowing how

much is too much and how to measure that level for a recreational, not out-of-control, experience. Abide Napa holds its staff to the highest standards and is at the ready to assist customers in the selection of products best dispensed for an individual’s recreational desires. Its mission is an honest approach to cultivating and dispensing product, and educating consumers to find the right delivery system, whether edibles, tinctures, vapes, topical creams, or ointments with the ideal dosage to meet their needs for either medicinal or recreational use. Micah Malan, co-owner of Abide Napa, said it best: “With our expert understanding of cannabis’ medical properties, terroir variations, and terpenes in our strains, we are proud to be the cannabis sommelier of Napa.” Malan is proud of Abide Napa’s curated menu and cannabis sommeliers. “You don’t want someone to take on too much cannabis if they’re not an experienced user,” he added. “We aren’t going to just wring you out. Buyers must understand what they’re getting. We educate you first and foremost.” FOR MORE INFORMATION www.abidenapa.com 1963 Iroquois St., Napa // 707-266-1967

SUMMER 2022

NVL money & wealth

WO ME N and RETIREM EN T

Keep Your Retirement Savings On Track

Bank of America offers financial tips to help women plan ahead for a more comfortable, secure retirement. Here is what Merrill suggests you know.

omen’s increasing longevity highlights the importance of preparing financially for those extra years. “We tend to prioritize our families’ financial needs,” says Marci McGregor, senior investment strategist, Chief Investment Office, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank. “In the process, we can sometimes lose sight of our own financial future, and with our increasing longevity, that can put us at risk of outliving our assets,” she adds. If you feel like progress toward your retirement savings

goals has slowed, the tips below from McGregor and several other Merrill women senior leaders can help you get back on track. Q: What strategies can women use to save for retirement, especially if they have taken time out of the workforce to care for family? A: First, make saving for your future a top priority. “We have found that women are often more focused on near-term financial goals and less focused on retirement,” 1 says Stacy Bucchere, head of business

enablement and client management, Merrill Wealth Solutions. One tip that can help: “A lot of people save whatever is left after they pay bills and spend. We recommend you flip that on its head,” says Nancy Fahmy, head of alternative investments and specialty asset management, Bank of America. “Put a little away for yourself first. Then pay your bills. Spending any disposable income should come last.” “Make use of all available retirement savings vehicles,” adds McGregor. These could include Roth IRAs or your employer’s

401(k). “Set up automatic contributions from each paycheck and consider automatically increasing the amount you contribute to your retirement accounts each year,” McGregor adds. Q: How can women investors balance the need for growth and income in retirement? A: “Pursuing growth a little more aggressively could help women investors be better prepared for retirement,” says Fahmy. “Taking some risk is essential to growing the value of your investments and keeping up with inflation.”

Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available. Investments have varying degrees of risk. All annuity contract and rider guarantees, or annuity payout rates and all insurance policy guarantees, are the sole obligations of and backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They are not obligations of or backed by Merrill or its affiliates, nor do Merrill or its affiliates make any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary. 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.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Insurance and annuity products are offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc., a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Trust, fiduciary and investment management services are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and its agents, Member FDIC, or U.S. Trust Company of Delaware. Both are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products offered through MLPF&S, and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA.: Are Not FDIC Insured

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A financial advisor can help you determine an asset allocation that takes into account your risk tolerance, the time you have until retirement, and your cash, or liquidity, needs, adds Ninon Marapachi, head of asset manager relationships, Investment Solutions Group, Bank of America. Q: What should women consider as they begin to withdraw their assets in retirement?

suggests. When used along with a high-deductible health insurance plan, “it is a taxefficient way to help you save for medical expenses.” And looking at long-term care insurance might also be prudent, she suggests. Q: Are there any solutions that can help to create a retirement income stream? A: You could look into annuities, suggests Lasher-Ross. Insurance contracts that can offer guaranteed monthly income, “annuities are a useful tool to help protect against the risk of outliving your retirement savings,” she notes. “You invest today and use the income they produce later to fill any gaps you have between your essential expenses and your other sources guaranteed income.” turn to of you for financial support.

A: “By the time women reach the age of 85, they outnumber men who have reached that age by two to one,” says money sense McGregor. So women need to be planning on making their savings last for more years ey sense than men, on average. Work with your advisor to determine nd how toa withdrawal say no — ifrate family that members is based on factors specific to your situQ: What is the best age ation,toshe suggests. a position provide it. Yet the “Financesfor in women develop a basic philosophy that applies to to claim Social Bucchere tells that clients to Retirement” survey found few respondents everyone. Explain that this philosophy helped Security? start by taking an inventory of members had budgeted to be able to help family your family build its wealth and that any loan or all their income sources. “Add A: “Get educated early onwill the clientfinancially, experience and communication, Merrill despite giving an average of $6,500 gift decisions be made based on your core We work up toyour expenses to optimize annually family.essential “We create budgets forstrategies such values, such asyour a strong work ethic, pride and with our clients, their families and health care team to develop a plan of care. and weigh them against Social Security benefits,” things as travel or shopping, so why not for self-sufficiency. If you’re dreading the prospect your sources of guaranteed says Lasher-Ross. “It aisrequest, one prepare your reasons nally, family approximately Start saving for retirement take giving?” asks Bill •Hunter, Retirement of and refusing income,” sheDirector, says. advantage “Then work&ofSolutions of the longevity few sources Experience, Strategy beforehand that you can explain them s withClient a retirement having on outsothere • Concierge approach to care coordination with advisor to figure out of guaranteed income.” While at Bank of your America. When you can’t afford to give, made an how early your side. Contribute to be anunemotionally. employerthe assets in your retire• Non-medical in-home care you may eligible to claim outline the reasons for your decision. Hunter advises that you determine how much plan such as a arily to cover debt. sponsored savings ment accounts can help you benefits as early as age 60, • notes Experienced California registered home care aides you can commit to this purpose without When a family business is involved, fill inyour the gaps.” — at at a level that depending on yourmeets work and disrupting retirement401(k) planning andleast current Schmieder, it’s possible that your •relatives rstandably concerned Mealdon’t planning and preparation KeepWhen in you mind as match. marital status, it maythe make anythat company living needs. have that figure, understand company’s financial limitations. en’s wellbeing andage, “we spend more sense to wait for several more • Medication reminders women consider your other priorities. Are there any “Not everyone may be aware, for instance, that ting lifestyle themonfinancially. • Talk to your local Merrill advisor, who • toLight housekeeping and pet care health care, and medical years, or even a decade. changes you may need to make in order company owners have an obligation reinvest costs have risen much faster Longevity can work to your mounttospent by to family during can assist putting together a into their businesses •to maintain Transportation to errands or appointments keep giving toughwith times? their profits than regular inflation recently advantage, say all the Most children important, you give, sure to setyour goals. growth,” he women says. Use this opportunity to explain personalized care for clients in arly adult is before plan to be help pursue • Additional — closer to 27% than 2%. You to help leaders. Thethat longer you have profits aren’t a ready source aside an emergency fund for yourself the company’s congregate living facilities $500 billion annually. have thata comfortable your cushion to invest, the your ensure that to youfactor will have formore gifts time or loans. Forinto more information, contact • Hospice and palliative care planning,” Amanda assets have to potentially grow. in retirement. entirely bleak, as the says As you consider each request, it’s always Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Lasher-Ross, head of wealth Discussing all of the strateDementia care Set firm guidelines forEric saying Decide inin the important to remember that gifts•or loans to adults3. (72 percent) F.yes. Gonzales management retirement sales gies above with your financial • Assistance with bathing, walking or under what circumstances you would family members will have a direct impact on enefitadvance fromsupport, financial Bank Napa, of America. advisor can help you be better CA, office feel comfortable giving or lending money. your retirement planning. There mighttransferring, be an dressing, incontinence care some advice earlylook at You to might opening prepared to make the most of 707.254.4606 “If you’re going to makeinto a gift of the money, unwritten fifth rule, says Hunter: “Beware of savings account, a long and fulfilling retirement. ir pursuit ofhealth financial think aabout using the occasion as she a teaching being overly generous, or you could end up or eric_gonzales@ml.com. moment,” suggests Hunter. Without sounding needing financial help yourself.” Locally owned by Kim Geis, 1 Opinions are as of 12/20/2021 and are to change. try to explain to your preachy or subject judgmental, owner of Hearts that Matter for 20 + years! k to arelative budget. Track how you’ve put yourself in a position to ur expenses, andassistance. Have you kept your debt provide this under control, for instance, or lived within your here you can make means or avoided high-interest credit cards? fund your goals. CALL US FOR A FREE IN-HOME for Retirement at Boston College. “For young adults in the1 Center family, this could beResearch a FOR MORE INFORMATION ASSESSMENT “How Does Student Debt Affect Early Career lesson,” he says. debt. valuable Pay high-interest, Contact Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor

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of Happiness: inancial Independence

We Care When You Need It The Most

Retirement Saving?” 2018.

EricbeF.paid Gonzales the Napa, CA office “If you expect back,increate a loan ble debt first (e.g.,to 2 Lynch. “The Financial Journey of at recommends 707-254-4606Age or Wave/Merrill eric_gonzales@ml.com. document,” Joe C. Schmieder, d then other non-tax Parenting: Joy, Complexity and Sacrifice,” 2018. principal consultant of the Family Business (e.g.,Consulting an auto loan). For more information, contact Group. This may include details on

how frequently repayments will be made and encies such as health

A PARTNER IN CARING

Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor

707-296-1177

HOME CARE LICENSE #284700010

of our signature burgers. A fun spot to meet up with friends or enjoy a meal with the whole family! 1122 First Street, Napa, CA 94559 707--812--6853 | jaxwhitemulediner.com

NVL dining guide

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

AMERICAN

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

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

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

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

Photo by Darren Brazil

JA PA N E S E

G LO B A L HERITAGE EATS Heritage Eats offers a fast-casual, globally-inspired menu that thinks and acts locally. The popular restaurant serves up tacos, wraps, baos, rice and salad bowls made-to-order with choice of protein, toppings and sauces with unique flavor profiles from all over the world. The Dirty Fries, Papa K’s Burger and Haven Wings are local favorites.

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

3824 BEL AIRE PLAZA, NAPA // 707-226-3287 // WWW.HERITAGEEATS.COM

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

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

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

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS // WWW.SOUTHSIDENAPA.COM

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

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MEXICAN

I TA L I A N

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

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

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

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

AME R I CA N

AMERICAN

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

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

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

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

THE

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AMERICAN

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

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

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

1124 FIRST ST, NAPA // 707- 492-8079 // WWW.NAPANOODLES.COM SUMMER 2022

B R I NG N A PA VA LLE Y to YOUR FRONT DOOR WINTER 2019

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WINTER 2019

With our bucolic landscape, abundant fresh produce, and of course, wine to be savored, there's no place like Napa Valley in summertime. Whether you're exploring by bike, car, balloon, or trail, you're sure to be in the company of visitors and locals alike. So, raise a glass to those around you as you share summer's bounty and celebrate the good life together. Scan the QR code to learn more about a taste of the good life.

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Come experience Ascend, City Ventures’ new townhome community in Novato’s vibrant Hamilton Field. These solar included homes are in a neighborhood surrounded by parks and protected wetlands, yet closely connected to San Francisco and Sonoma County via Larkspur Ferry and the SMART train. Nearby shopping centers like Vintage Oaks, restaurants, and a variety of hiking trails provide the ever-desirable town and country lifestyle. Closer to home, a community garden, bocce courts and play area rounds out this new community. Models now open daily. 1,737 - 1,875 Sq. Ft. | 3 - 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 - 3.5 Baths From the $900,000s to Low $1 Millions CityVenturesNovato.com Ascend@CityVentures.com | 415.214.4689 | 802 State Access Road, Novato, CA 94949

All renderings, floor plans, and maps are concepts and are not intended to be an actual depiction of the buildings, fencing, walkways, driveways or landscaping. Walls, windows, porches and decks vary per elevation and lot location. In a continuing effort to meet consumer expectations, City Ventures reserves the right to modify prices, floor plans, specifications, options and amenities without notice or obligation. Square footages shown are approximate. Broker/agent must accompany and register their client(s) with the onsite sales team on their first visit to the community in order to be eligible for any broker referral fee. Please see your Sales Manager for details. ©️2022 City Ventures. All rights reserved. DRE LIC # 01979736.

Napa Valley Life Magazine - Summer 2022

Articles inside

Inside Track: What the Locals are Doing

New Frontier Wine Co

Giving Dogs Their Day