PREMIER
NAPA VALLEY REAL ESTATE
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
A Wine Country Lifestyle Magazine
Cover photo Courtesy of Julie Larsen Compass
JUNE 2021 | VOLUME 37, ISSUE 6 A publication of Napa Valley Publishing Company JUNE 2021
Cover property information on pages 2-3 DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 1
The possibilities at this property are numerous while enjoying some of the income from the leased Chardonnay vineyard (just under 9.0± acres).
With a spacious barn and outbuildings that housed Champion Duroc Hogs over the years, you too can raise your own livestock, use it as a productive workshop and more.
Your piece of the Napa Valley awaits ... but don’t wait too long.
Julie Larsen | 707.260.4663 julie.larsen@compass.com DRE 01194150
julielarsen.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01866771. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
y er t Pr op Co ve r
2598 Las Amigas Road, Napa Valley 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,300± Sq. Ft. | $3,300,000 12.0± Acres | Vineyard | Pond | Barn For 5 generations this Carneros property has been a working farm and a home. Filled with Apricot and Sugar Plum trees in the early years and now provides some of the Napa Valley’s most amazing Chardonnay grapes. Enjoy the view from the house overlooking the deck onto the pond with vineyards in the background. Life doesn’t get any better than this.
SOLD Calistoga Countr y Retreat
3051CalistogaRetreat.com
Approx. 2 acres | Stunning Views of Vineyards & Palisades Mountains | Remodeled in 2020 | 3 br & 3 ba Main House Plus 1 br & 1 ba Guest Cottage | Spacious Basement for Studio or Wine Cellar | City Water Plus 16 GPM Well | Move-In Ready
$1,595,000
SOLD Modern Architectual Jewel
8277RutherfordJewel.com
Magnificent Execution of Vineyard Estate | Sweeping Views of Rutherford AVA Vineyards A Full-Length Ridge Skylight | Lastest Most Efficent High Tech Glazing | 3 Bedroom Suites Master suite - A Private Oasis with Spa-Like Amenities $5,995,000
Local Experts Innovative Global Marketing YVONNE RICH Exclusive Estates 4 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
fabulousnapavalley.com JUNE 2021
C
asa
A
ffascinante $1,695,000
1251SpringBrook.com
ULTIMATE NAPA VALLE Y COMPOUND
1350NapaValleyCompound.com
Perched high above St. Helena, a magnificent execution of a modern stone & stucco contemporary farmhouse - 8,416 sq ft, 3 br/4 ba main house, 2 br/2 ba stone guest cottage & 1 br/1 ba caretaker’s residence. Fine living always demands extra touches - this estate has a grand 2,400+ sq ft wine connoisseur’s cellar & wine tasting room for ultimate Napa Valley entertaining. Sited on nearly 12 acres w/ sweeping Napa Valley Countryside views, this estate offers a great room with intricate vaulted ceilings, ornate wood floors, richly crafted dining room & library, his & her offices, & a large whimsical kitchen with double islands. Sumptuous master suite & master bath w/ unique wall of glass looking out to an intimate fountain. The grounds are truly a vision an artfully designed waterfall, pool, fire pit, outdoor bar/grill & extensive cobblestone patios. A private pond adds to the tranquility of the estate & boutique Chardonnay vines & fruit orchard truly make this a Napa Valley compound.
$7,900,000
YVONNE RICH 707-968-9888
yvonne@fabulousnapavalley.com 1338 MAIN STREET
FOLLOW US
ST. HELENA
CA
BRE#01045780
DRASTIC PRICE REDUCTION
Vineyard Paradise
33OakRock.com
4+ acres | Stunning Views | Chic Contemporary Single-Story | 5 BR & 5 ½ BA Soaring Ceilings | Well Appointed Chef ’s Kitchen | 4 Car Garage | Pool & Spa Wine Cellar | Cabana/Guest House | 3 acres of Pinot Noir Vineyard $4,195,000
Magnificent 110 Acres in St . Helena
110AcresNapaValley.com
A Private 110 Acres | Near Pritchard Hill with Lake Hennessey Views | Prime 1 Acre Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard | Erosion Control Plan for 2+ Acres of New Vineyard | Paved Road Access | Electricity & Excellent Well $1,795,000
Local Experts Innovative Global Marketing YVONNE RICH Exclusive Estates
fabulousnapavalley.com
St . Helena Modern Contemporar y
149KnollPlace.com
Sophisticated Contemporary Home | Expansive Mountain & Vineyard Views | 3 BR & 3 BA | Floor-toCeiling Glass Walls | Stone Floors Throughout | Pool | Ultimate Modern Chef ’s Kitchen | 5 minutes from downtown St. Helena | Move-in Ready $3,250,000
Modern Vineyard Estate
4447VineyardEstate.com
18+ acres | 360’ Views of Vineyards | Elegant European Touches Throughout 3 Bedroom Suites | 4 acres of Premium Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard | Fruit Orchard Pond | 1,200 sq. ft Studio | Wine Cellar | 200 GPM Well
$7,100,000
YVONNE RICH 707-968-9888
yvonne@fabulousnapavalley.com 1338 MAIN STREET
FOLLOW US
ST. HELENA
CA
BRE#01045780
In this issue
14
10
Calistoga map
12
Burt Polson’s Real Estate in the Napa Valley: It’s not only about the rent — part two
14
Diamond Mountain District: The secret gem of the Napa Valley
16
St. Helena map
18
Wine and friendship that sparkle: The story of Las Amigas Cuvée
20 Chris Salese: Napa’s Loan Ranger: Appraisal costs rocket higher 22
Yountville map
30 Gerrett Snedaker: Wine Country Real Estate Trends in May 2021 32
Napa map
38 Chris Craiker, The Architex Angle: Carbon is not our enemy; EPDs could help measure our carbon footprint 42 Three dreamy deck building products that sidestep sky-high lumber prices 44 A fire starts in a residential home every 86 seconds. Are you prepared?
JUNE 2021
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
18
44
To advertise in Distinctive Properties or any Napa Valley Publishing outlet, contact Randy Dowis at RDowis@napanews.com.
D
istinctive Properties provides print and digital platforms for Napa Valley real estate and real estate related advertising. We feature property listings, open houses, articles and more in our magazine, newspaper sections, on our website and on our social media pages. NapaValleyRegister.com/homes
EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF SALES Davis Taylor 707-256-2234 davis.taylor@lee.net ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Randy Dowis 707-256-2229 rdowis@napanews.com
Distinctive Properties - Napa Valley @DistinctPrperty
PREMIER NAPA VALLEY REAL ESTATE
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
©
A Wine Country Lifestyle Magazine
1615 Soscol Avenue, Napa, CA 94559
Distinctive Properties makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Distinctive Properties is a registered trademark of The Napa Valley Publishing Company.
8 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
JUNE 2021
N A PA VA LLE Y ’S #1 R E A L ESTAT E C O M PAN Y Luxury Estates | Vineyards | Wineries
BEAUTIFUL WINE COUNTRY HOME WITH GUEST HOUSE
715 HUNT AVENUE, ST. HELENA, CA Listed at $1,475,000
!
"
#$
%%
& %
' ( ) *
% + , %% ( ) - % .
/
0
SUZY ANDERSON 7 0 7. 4 9 4 . 0 3 3 3 Suz y @ Suz y A n der s o n.c o m Suz y A n der s o n.c o m Lic. #00827232
©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
CALISTOGA Old Faithful Geyser
TUBBS LN
PETR IFIED FO
Heather Oaks Park
MITZI DR REST
RD
MORA AVE
R ANCHO
DR
HWY 128
Y EL WA MICHA
Napa County Fair Grounds
ST
LAKE ST
F
YRTL WM
Y ST BERR
T TH S OUR
D THIR
ST
VIEW RD
N OL C LIN
E AV
E ST
T ND S SECO T NG S T ST SPRI FIRS een r pst Sha useum Cal r e e isto ST M Pion k ELM ga Par D ST R A R a R g E G sto f ST Calimber oce KLIN r a e h RAN F C m m EL ST Co Post ANNA ST HAZ Offi ce T S PINE Y ST EDD
LEY AW D L R D OL TOLL
SILVERADO TR
R ST SILVE
HWY 29
T GRANT S
TON ST
GOLD
T AR S CED
L BLVD FOOTHIL
ST OAK
OAK ST
FAIR WAY
G WASHIN
ST LILLIE
LN MONEY
GRANT ST
ST CEDAR
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
O LINC
VE LN A
BR ANNAN
Rea
lty
ST
N W
E S
ST EARL
H WAS IN G TON
HWY 29
RIVER NAPA
Bothe Napa Valley State Park
ST
HWY 128
Calistoga Realty 707-942-9422
1473-C LINCOLN AVENUE CALISTOGA, CA 94515
CHARMING OLD WORLD STYLE
C
ustom home with a dramatic great room and wood burning fireplace, beamed ceilings and French doors leading to patio, terraced gardens, soothing water features and large fish ponds. Sunroom is an ideal “work from home” space with floor to ceiling windows overlooking gardens, fruit trees, rose garden and nature. Two parcels, totaling 6.83 acres would make a perfect family compound just minutes to downtown Calistoga. $1,250,000
TANGLEBROOK
A
special place in the Napa Valley. Through the gated entry, cross Blossom Creek and up the hill is a beautifully renovated Normandy style home, affording stunning views of vineyards and the Palisades. Separate guest house, office/art studio, in ground pool, Master gardener designed rose garden, all situated in a magical park-like setting. www.3227hwy128.com $2,750,000
CENTENNIAL CIRCLE
L
ocated down a tree lined street this four bedroom, three bath home is ready for a new owner to add their personal touches to it. Great floor plan - inviting living room with beamed ceiling and gas fireplace, dining area and kitchen with plenty of counter space and storage including a small pantry. Cozy family room with gas fireplace and access to large backyard with small hobby vineyard and room for gardens and a pool. Close to town and schools. $968,000
Sharon Carone, Broker
Darlene Brissard, Realtor
Brian Durnian, Broker
Ziggy Gutierrez, Realtor
REAL ESTATE IN THE NAPA VALLEY
It’s not only about the
W
ith rent being one of the most significant expenses, a tenant desires the best terms and conditions to keep the rent and expenses low. A landlord is looking for the best return possible. But, that is not all there is to consider in negotiating a lease or, if you are an investment real estate buyer, the terms of the current leases in place. Part one discussed rent, term, and the early termination clause. Below we will BURT POLS highlight tenant improvements, options to buy, and the format of the lease agreement. TENANT IMPROVEMENTS There is a difference between tenant improvements (TIs) and refurbishing or updating a space. A tenant improvement is usually made as part of negotiations in bringing in a new tenant. You could consider three types of TIs: new construction, tenant required, and general. In new construction, a tenant may be offered an unfinished space called a “plain vanilla shell,” which has the basics except for wall and floor finishes and possibly a ceiling. A developer may provide a TI allowance for finishing the space to the tenant’s specifications. Tenant-required TIs are geared to the tenant’s use. Converting a space to a 12 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
RENT— part two BURT POLSON burt@acresinfo.com
restaurant, for example, thereby requiring a commercial kitchen, is a tenant-required use and is usually at the cost of the tenant. General TIs could be upgrading the electrical service, updating for ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) requirements, or reconfiguring the space. The payment of such TIs could be negotiated as these upgrades may improve the space for future tenants. TIs should not be confused with refurbishing or updating a space. An old and tired space should be updated to entice a new tenant. In addition to new finished surfaces, this could also include an updated door and window line, new lighting, or an updated restroom. OPTION TO BUY You may find during negotiations a tenant desiring to add an option-to-buy provision in the lease agreement. This is not unheard of, especially if a tenant performs hundreds of thousands of dollars in TIs. They would want the option to purchase the property if the landlord chooses to sell. There are several different types of options available, each having its own requirements and triggers. Two options to consider are the Right of First Offer to Purchase and the Right of First Refusal to Purchase. These should not be confused with the lease option. The options to buy are a bilateral agreement where both parties must agree to sell. A lease option is a unilateral agreement as the landlord already agreed to the sale with the tenant under specific terms. The tenant
then has to decide at a future date to initiate the sale. FORMAT OF LEASE AGREEMENT Popular are three boilerplate lease agreement companies that produce several different lease agreements depending on the property and basic terms in the industry. We use these daily and are familiar with the terms and conditions enough that we usually do not need to seek outside counsel. However, often a landlord or corporate tenant opts for their own lease contract because their counsel created it with terms in their favor. When this occurs, outside counsel is usually sought to determine the agreement’s contents and how it will affect the landlord-tenant relationship today and ten years later. Commercial leasing is different in two important ways; first, the lease agreement remains in effect for many years, unlike a purchase agreement transaction completed in a few months. Second, purchasing a leased investment property is usually subject to the leases, so be sure as a landlord you know what to expect. Burt M. Polson is the CEO of ACRESinfo. com, a commercial real estate brokerage company and CEO of StoneMarkerInvestments.com, a private equity real estate fund. Call him at (707) 254-8000 or email burt@acresinfo.com and burt@stonemarker investments.com. JUNE 2021
Searching for a new home? You can start here.
NapaValleyRegister.com/homes Pick your beds, baths, price and neighborhood and we do the search for you!
THE PEAKS AROUND US
The secret
GEM of the Napa Valley Diamond Mountain produces inimitable wines 14 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
L AY N E R A N D O L P H
There’s so much history in the hills and valleys of the illustrious Napa Valley region. A large part of that history involves the earliest pioneers, those who came for the Gold Rush, and those who relocated themselves from other countries to pursue their craft, namely, growing wine grapes. Imagine seeing what we now know as Diamond Mountain for the first time, sparkling in the sunshine, full of promise and allure. While the sparkles were not actual diamonds, the eventual product would be almost as valuable and rare. Diamond Mountain is known for being home to some of the most exquisite wines in the world, and it is itself considered a secret gem. The “diamonds” on Diamond Mountain were pieces of reflective volcanic glass from the ancient volcanic soils of the area. These soils are well-drained, porous, and infertile
— the perfect combination to produce small, concentrated berries with thick skins. As a result, Diamond Mountain District’s inky, complex wines are known for their distinctively earthy, almost-chocolate flavors and rich, opulent tannins. The area, now known as Diamond Mountain District, has been home to vineyards and wineries for over a century. In the 1860s, German immigrant Jacob Schram planted his first vines, eventually totaling 100 acres of vineyards by 1892. Schram founded Schramsberg Vineyard before Phylloxera and Prohibition forced him, like so many others, to shut his doors in the early 1900s. The Schramsberg property was essentially a ghost winery for the next 50 years until the Davies family purchased it and brought the parcel back to life in 1965 with Davies Vineyards. JUNE 2021
Sarah Klearman, Register
Designer Geoffrey Curley, left, plans a shot of McEacharn Vineyard at Schramsberg Vineyards with President Hugh Davies, right, as part of the 360 degree virtual tour Curley is putting together for the winery. Schramsberg is perhaps the best known winery in the Diamond Mountain AVA.
Photos by TIM CARL PHOTOGRAPHY
Above: Kisha and Jason Itkin of Theorem Vineyards in the Diamond Mountain AVA in 2019. Right: Jen and Francis Ranin are the owners of the Rainin Vineyard in the Diamond Mountain appellation in the hills west of Calistoga.
Decades later, in 2001, what we now know as The Diamond Mountain District received official sub-appellation status. Rudy von Strasser of Von Strasser Winery and 15 other Diamond Mountain winegrowers formed the Diamond Mountain Appellation Committee. They formally petitioned the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to designate the zone a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. The committee argued that the microclimate of the mountain was so distinct from surrounding areas that it JUNE 2021
warranted its own geographical boundary and appellation designation. The Diamond Mountain District AVA (American Viticultural Area) sits at elevations up to 1,700 feet in the Mayacamas Mountain range west of Napa Valley near Calistoga. It encompasses around 5,000 acres, of which less than 500 are planted to vines, making this the smallest AVA in the Napa Valley. Diamond Mountain District is slightly warmer than Spring Mountain District to
the south, but both areas experience the cooling influence of marine breezes from the Pacific Ocean. The climate is significantly cooler than the Napa Valley floor and the adjacent area to the west, Sonoma County. The volcanic soils, topography, and more temperate climate combine to provide an ideal setting for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Diamond Mountain District wines tend to be tannic, structured, and lush with mountain fruit intensity and great age-worthiness. DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 15
ST. HELENA MAIN ST
S To
R IN SP
OT ERAD V L I S To
R
s Ro a
OU M
ta an
G
N AI NT
T PRAT
AVE
RD N ON L FULT A
r Lib RA RY
LN
o
E OAK AV
HUDSON AVE
Post Office
LIB
d ra ve Sil m y & eu ar M u s
all City H Fire & e c Poli tment r Depa
AD AVE R AILRO
ON MADR AVE
S ST ADAM
Lyman Park
S ST ADAM
SPR
Lewis Station Park
T IN G S
ST
MAIN ST
LEY VAL
NORTH CRANE AVE
DR HELL MITC
Meily Park
ALLISON AVE
POPE
CHURCH ST
AVE HUNT
E ER AV TAINT
CHARTER OAK AVE
W VIE ST
VIDOVICH AVE
N W
E St. Helena Chamber of Commerce
S
MILLS LN
CRANE AVE
LAFATA ST
GRAYSON AVE
VINTAGE AV E
Crane Park HWY 29
DOWDELL LN
To SIL VERA DO
TR
ST. HELENA REAL ESTATE NAPA VALLEY I SONOMA
NAPA VALLEY INDUSTRIAL FARMHOUSE
ST. HELENA COMPOUND
A newly constructed, unparalleled estate perched on 10.93 +/- private acres with sweeping views. 6 total bedroom suites.
1 +/- acres luxury estate featuring a single level main residence, guest house, and 3-car garage with studio above.
ST. HELENA
I
$16,950,000 I 861CONNVALLEY.COM
ST. HELENA I $6,325,000 I NAPAVALLEYHOME.ORG
MATT BJORNER 310.528.1768 I Mbjorner@gmail.com
JACQUELINE WESSEL 707.738.7338 I Jacquelinenapavalley@gmail.com
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
NAPA VALLEY ESTATE SITE
Large parcel with two separate residential units and walking distance to downtown St. Helena. Features two garages / storage units.
Exceptional 2.25 Acre parcel located in a private rural enclave of high -end residential estates and just minutes to Downtown St. Helena.
ST. HELENA I $1,100,000
ST. HELENA I $1,550,000 I
MICHELLE WAGNER 707.637.3465 I Michelle.m.wagner78@gmail.com
MATT BJORNER 310.528.1768 I Mbjorner@gmail.com
IMPRESSIVE ST. HELENA RESIDENCE
PANORAMIC VIEW SITE
Minutes to Downtown, this upscale residence offer 4 beds / 4 baths, pool, outdoor entertainment area, privacy and inviting floorplan.
Panoramic 12+ acre estate building site with unobstructed valley floor, mountain and bay views. Offers vineyard potential.
ST. HELENA I $2,750,000
NAPA I $1,995,000
GAIL MORGAN LANE 707.291.0156 I Gail0634@gmail.com
MATT BJORNER 310.528.1768 I Mbjorner@gmail.com
STHELENAREALESTATE.COM 1346 Main Street , St. Helena, CA I 707.967.9570
I
LIC# 01026604
13BOURNEMOUTH.COM
Hector Antuna
Miriam Puentes, co-owner of Honrama Cellars (top) and Lola Llamas, co-owner of Llamas Family Wines (bottom) with bottles of their first collaboration, Las Amigas Cuvée, in 2020.
18 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
JUNE 2021
Wine and
friendship that
sparkle
refreshing wine with notes of pear and honeydew. It goes well with many different entrees, including mole, fried chicken, truffle popcorn, and shrimp ceviche,” said Puentes. Llamas said the cuvée, which has an ABV of 12%, is light and not “super sweet.” “Schramsberg Vineyards fans say it reminds them of those sparkling wines,” said Llamas. Llamas and Puentes said they are the first Mexican-American vintners in Napa Valley with their own wine brands who joined forces to create a sparkling wine separate from each of their portfolios. “(Our effort) is bridging our wineries together. We started this project together because we both own micro-wineries. We share the vision of scaling our wine companies. We also believe in building a legacy for the future of our children and our loved ones,” said Puentes. She added making the cuvée has been like “sailing a ship with two captains.”
Photos by Evan Roscoe
Juan Puentes (left) and Miriam Puentes (second from left), co-owners of Honrama Cellars, with Lola Llamas (second from right) and Oscar Llamas (right), co-owners of Llamas Family Wines, all holding glasses of Miriam and Lola’s first collaboration, Las Amigas Cuvée. JUNE 2021
Las Amigas Cuvée Las Del Vino lasdelvinonapavalley.com Honrama Cellars
JESSICA ZIMMER
Las Amigas Cuvée, the first collaboration on a limited edition Napa Valley sparkling wine, is now available from Honrama Cellars, Llamas Family Wines, and third-party sellers. The wine is now also offered at a number of Napa Valley restaurants, including La Calenda in Yountville, Celadon in Napa, and Napa Valley Bistro in Napa. Las Amigas’s 200-case run is the brainchild of two Latina friends, Miriam Puentes, co-owner of Honrama Cellars and Lola Llamas, co-owner of Llamas Family Wines, both in Napa. “Our slogan is two families, two brands, one dream,” said Llamas. Puentes said the wine comes from grapes picked in 2013. The cuvée is a 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay blend from grapes grown in Napa County. Both varietals are grown in the Los Carneros AVA. “This is a well-balanced, crisp, and
A bottle and a glass of Las Amigas Cuvée, a sparkling wine created in 2020 by Lola Llamas of Llamas Family Wines and Miriam Puentes of Honrama Cellars.
honramacellars.com Llamas Family Wines. llamasfamilywines.com
“We even have both our wineries’ logos on the label. This has been a journey, from our first step of acquiring the grapes to now, when we’re developing fun, welcoming events for guests,” said Llamas. A friendship that started with MAVA Llamas and Puentes’ friendship began in 2015, when they met through the Mexican American Vintners Association (MAVA). Their wineries had joined MAVA before that year. Soon Llamas and Puentes were traveling to Los Angeles and San Diego together for wine-related events. They also regularly teamed up to put on MAVA’s annual harvest festival. “Over the course of these six years, we’ve found we had so much in common. During the pandemic, we started spending time together by taking walks and bike rides,” said Llamas. On their travels, the two women would talk about the wine they were creating. In early spring 2020, Puentes told Llamas her husband, Juan Puentes, could offer them a batch of wine from an unrealized project. “That’s when Lola and I decided to take our first step in making sparkling wine together. We both loved bubbly wine, but were new to the processes involved. Our baby steps involved figuring out the dosage (the amount of sugar that must be added to sparkling wine) and how frequently to riddle the bottles (regularly twist them back and forth to make sure the wine is freed of sediment),” said Puentes. At the same time, Llamas and Puentes began promoting the wine. “We did an Instagram launch for our brands (Honrama Cellars and Llamas Family Wines) in late May 2020, titling the project “Las Del Please see Friendship, Page46 DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 19
NAPA’S LOAN RANGER
Appraisal costs rocket higher
O
ver a year ago, the world ran into a global pandemic. Suddenly we were forced to slow down and ultimately stop because of the super-bug. Our lives were running fast before this happened so moving into a lockdown shocked everyone. But now we are waking up and coming out of the lockdown. In fact, we aren’t walking, we are running out of it. It feels like everything is moving faster than it was CHRIS before we had SALESE to retreat to our homes for the last year. Unfortunately, the speed in which we are trying to rebound economically, socially and mentally from the pandemic is causing problems that we did not see coming. For example, the lending industry was caught off guard by the sustained and steep drop of interest rates last year and how COVID-19 impacted the entire operational chain of moving home loans through the system. An incredible amount of time and money was spent by lenders to quickly retool their systems in order to be able to service their existing loan portfolio and to provide as many homeowners as possible the opportunity to lower their borrowing rates via a refinance transaction. Even though technology assisted with this process, it still takes a tremendous amount of human capital to make it work. As such, it has caused fatigue along the way for many in their respective positions. I’m talking about lenders, escrow officers, inspectors, contractors and appraisers. Now it has rolled up to include Realtors as well. There are very few who could have forecasted the current 20 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
© Valmedia Creatives | Dreamstime.com
real estate market conditions that we are experiencing today. Buyers are trying to take advantage of the COVID fueled low-interest rate cruise ship before it heads out to sea and are lining up all over the place looking to purchase. In turn, sellers are pricing their homes at lofty levels because they can. On top of that, everyone wants to move fast. Everyone wants it done asap. It’s frantic, almost panic-type of intensity. When this happens, you need to be mindful of your financial commitments. It is crazy—I’ve never seen the cost for property
appraisal reports as high as they are today. If you are unable to qualify for what’s called an appraisal waiver via either Fannie or Freddie, then you’ll be required to get an appraisal on the property that you are trying to finance. Even if you remove your loan and appraisal contingencies on a purchase, without a waiver, an appraisal is still required. Therefore, the pressure being created by both buyers and sellers plus all of the parties involved in facilitating their real estate transactions has resulted in a ridiculous amount of pressure on appraisers to perform in short
periods of time. In addition, large earnest money deposits are at stake with purchase contracts and the odds for more errors, in general, have increased too. If everyone can take a collective deep breath, that would go a long way to preventing a bigger mess down the road. Chris Salese can be reached at chris@delsurmortgage. com or 707-363-4439. He is a licensed California mortgage lender (LO NMLS #254469 — CA-DBO #254469 Corp NMLS #1850 Equal Housing Opportunity. JUNE 2021
YOUNTVILLE R ILL
D SS R
NE R LL D
N COL LIN
YO
T NS M ADA
FO ST
FIN
R LL NE
D
U YO
ST NI RO D E E P AV KEY R STA
ST NT
ON ST
T EK S CRE
RR
N RL TE S E
VE TA N OU M
S FER JEF
AVE
Oakville Rutherford St. Helena Calistoga
O DIS MA
FIN
HWY 29
ST
LN
Yountville Park
E RO
EW VI
TA LL EN TL N
ST
N MO
S AG ST
VE RA BBE ST E W DT OL B M HU
NE FIN
R LL
D T RS PU S RK ST LA RT R E LB MU
SH WA
Yountville Chamber of Commerce
Vineyard Park
IR KC OA
ING
ON SSI I M
ST
N TO ST
E PR
SO
SID
W
LA NO
E
RN
R
IA
CI
DR
TS EN
Athletic Field
N
AM CH
S
AV E
DR
n ra te e V k le a r vil i a l P t un o r Yo em M
E GN PA
CA LIF O
GT ON
T TS UN YO
WA SH IN
M
UN TV ILL EC RO
T UN O Y
D
s
YOUNTVILLE
1894 Larkspur Street Yountville | $1,359,000
3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,188 SF Enjoy this delightful 3 bed/2 bath home located just a few blocks from downtown Yountville. Convenient to world class restaurants & shopping. This lovely renovated home features an open floor plan, updated kitchen, two guest bedrooms and a spacious master suite. The very large, newly landscaped backyard is perfect for entertaining, gardening or expanding the home. Beautiful wood floors, tiled baths, a new roof & much more!
Steve & Marla Ericson
Mike Bertolucci
Sales Associates 707.483.2428 teamericson@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01054001 & 01067260
Owner 707.333.7772 mike@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#1724725
0 Madrona Ave
St. Helena | $1,485,000 buildable lot | .5+/- Acres Private and secluded build lot Just below western hills of prestigious St. Helena Cleared and ready to build Great place for your Napa Valley dream home
11074thAve.com Napa | $1,199,000
3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,273 SF First time on market in 50+ years Quiet East Napa location Approx. 1.2 +/- acres Gated property with countless amenities
131VineyardCir.com Yountville | $849,000
2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,154 SF Stunningly remodeled Yountville condo Hardwood floors throughout Private wine room Designer finishes, sold turnkey
4
5
BEDS
BATHS
1542 Yountville Cross Road
$3,450,000 Yountville
Rarely does a spectacular custom home become available in Yountville with vineyard views! It will wow you from the moment you walk through the front door and experience the grand scale of the massive two story great room open to the kitchen and dining area. The stunning open kitchen would be the pride of any chef. Wolf Range and ovens,Sub-Zero refrigerator,large island that seats six, pantry closet plus plenty of storage, wine coolers & a secretary desk perfect this space.The large open dining area enjoys pool views.There are four large luxurious en suite bedrooms, two on the main floor and two on the second story. Each with its own unique personality and design. The oversized screened indoor/outdoor patio room that you can enjoy year round. Featuring a dream outdoor kitchen/BBQ and living room with a flat screen TV and fireplace for entertaining. The perfect home for anyone seeking all that Yountville has to offer!
Cyndi Gates Broker Associate 707.333.7770
CyndiGates.com 6550 Washington St. Yountville, CA 94599 CalDRE#00711618
$2,795,000 Yountville
3 4 BEDS BATHS
17StagsViewLane.com • Large master suite • View of the vineyards • Artfully designed • Open atmosphere • Outdoor kitchen
• Chef’s dream kitchen • High ceilings • Large parcel • Large loft • Pool
$1,495,000 Yountville
3 1 BEDS BATH
1542EsteeAve.com • Near Silverado Country Club • Minutes from shopping • Existing fence for horses • Backyard for entertaining • Raised garden beds
• Living Room with fireplace • 2-car garage • Vineyard Views • Farm style artist studio
$1,250,000 Napa
2 2.5 BEDS BATHS
153MillikenCreek.com • Privated, gated entrance • Silverado Country Club • View of golf course • Vaulted ceilings • Open floor plan
Cyndi Gates Broker Associate 707.333.7770
• Beautiful built-in cabinetry • Golf cart included • Golf cart garage • 2-car garage • Master en-suite
CyndiGates.com 6550 Washington St. Yountville, CA 94599 CalDRE#00711618
4080 Atlas Peak Rd | Napa $5,999,500
2701 Hillcrest Dr | Napa $2,495,000
2000 Silverado Trail | Napa $1,799,000
3 beds | 2.5 baths | 3,300 SF
3 bedrooms | 3.5 bathrooms | 3,476 SF
4 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | 2,646 SF
Kelly Norris 707.294.8885 k.norris@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01874429
Samson, Simone & Ray Team 707.342.0809 d.samson@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01915989
Samson, Simone & Ray Team 707.342.0809 d.samson@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01915989
102 Lilac Ln | St. Helena $1,375,000
1010 Myrtle St | Calistoga $1,230,000
2651 Utah St | Napa $799,000
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,765 SF
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2,216 SF
5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 1,531 SF
Steve & Marla Ericson 707.483.2428 teamericson@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01054001 & 01067260
Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062
Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062
2377 Atlas Peak Rd | Napa $679,000
9421 Oak Trail Cir | Santa Rosa $597,000
590 Wall Rd | Napa $579,000
buildable lot | 1.03± acres
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,414 SF
buildable lot | 10.49± acres
Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062
Bill Birdsong 707.689.8016 b.birdsong@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01915228
Lynn Carl 707.481.4100 l.carl@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01997048
Napa Valley’s Only Locally Owned & Operated Sotheby’s Realty Office
Dry Creek Rd | Napa $499,000
Linda Falls Terrace | Angwin $449,500
6468 Washington St #233 | Yountville
buildable lot | 2.89± acres
Buildable lot | 1.63± acres
3 beds | 2 baths | 1,664 SF
Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062
Jeff Veness 707.227.2827 j.veness@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01486001
$399,000 Kelly Norris 707.294.8885 k.norris@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01874429
4 La Canada | St. Helena $389,000
2410 Harness | Pope Valley $330,000
7 La Cuesta | St. Helena $319,000
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,440 SF
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2,678 SF
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,440 SF
Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062
Jeff Veness 707.227.2827 j.veness@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01486001
Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062
1070 Westridge Dr | Napa $65,000
1073 Arroyo Grande Dr | Napa $65,000
1058 Westridge Dr | Napa $55,000
buildable lot | .21± acres
buildable lot | .26± acres
buildable lot | .20± acres
Margaret Schloezer 707.495.5027 m.schloezer@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01842724
Margaret Schloezer 707.495.5027 m.schloezer@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01842724
6550 Washington Street | Yountville, CA 94599 707.944.0888 | vintagesothebysrealty.com Each office is independently owned and operated
Margaret Schloezer 707.495.5027 m.schloezer@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01842724
Wine Country Real Estate Trends in May 2021
Dreamstime
Y
EAR OVER YEAR COMPARISONS In mid-March 2020, the COVID19 pandemic was declared and all parties were told to “Shelter in Place”. This basically shut down the residential real estate industry through the month of May 2020. The market then accelerated rapidly in May through October. Year over year statistical comparisons are therefore going to be skewed by these market aberrations. North Bay Real Estate Trends for May 2021 For all of the areas covered by our Multiple Listing Service (BAREIS), which includes GETTETT SNEDAKER Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties, there is an inventory of 1,804 homes and condominiums for sale at the end of May. Inventory is 43% below that of a year ago (3,151) and it is 10% ahead of the inventory last month (1,635). At times, the inventory has exceeded 10,000 homes in the BAREIS region. There were 1,924 sales for the month of May. This number is 17% above a year ago (1,640) and 6% ahead of the pace of last month (1,819). I have been following a data point I call the “Price Reduction Ratio” for the past six months, or so. Across the country, one might expect that 20 to 25% of the homes put into the MLS will have a price reduction before they eventually sell. For May 2021, of all 30 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
GERRETT SNEDAKER, CRB closed homes in our Wine Country markets, the range was from 13% (Mendocino and Napa Counties) to 15% (Sonoma County). Conversely, the ratio of homes selling in excess of Original List Price ranged from 49% (Mendocino) to 61% (Sonoma County). It was 56% in Napa County. The average Price Reduction Ratio for all areas has gone from 29% in September 2020 to 14% in May of 2021 while the sales of homes in excess of Original List Price went from 33% to 55% over the same period. NAPA COUNTY The inventory of homes and condominiums available for sale in Napa County at the end of May (262) is 34% below the inventory in May 2020 (398) and it is 15% above the inventory last month (228). Sixty-seven percent of the inventory in Napa County (175 properties) is priced at $1,000,000 or above. New sales (168) are 41% ahead of the pace of last year (119) and are 4% above the 161 sales last month. There is a 1.6 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for homes closing in Napa County is currently 46 days. For the purpose of our MLS (BAREIS) “Days on Market” represents the time from when the property is first listed in the MLS to the date the property goes into “pending” (all conditions removed) status. On average, it can take anywhere from 0 to 30 additional days for properties to close after going pending. The median price of the 141 homes closed in May in Napa County
($800,000) is 28% ahead of the median price of a year ago ($625,000). Over the past four months, Napa County homes are selling at roughly 96% of original list price. NAPA COUNTY LUXURY HOMES If one takes the highest quartile (25%) of available inventory as the “Luxury Market”, the Luxury Market begins at $3.500,000 in Napa County at this time. There has been an increase of 134% for the number of closings (78) of Luxury Homes (sales price in excess of $3,500,000) in Napa County for the period 6/1/20 to 5/31/21 compared to 31 closings in the period 6/1/19 to 5/31/20. There are 67 luxury homes in inventory at the end of May 2021 which is the same as the inventory at the end of May 2020. There were 8 new Luxury Home sales in May compared to 8 last year and 12 last month. This results in a 7.5 months supply of available Luxury Homes based on the current sales pace compared to a 1.6 months supply for the County as a whole. Days on market for the 5 luxury homes closings in May was 98 days. Over the past four months, Napa County Luxury Homes are selling at roughly 90% of original list price. NAPA Fifty-four percent of the inventory in Napa County is in the City of Napa. There are 141 available homes and condominiums in inventory at the end of May in the City of Napa. This is 34% below the supply at the end of May 2020 (213) and it is 17% above the JUNE 2021
inventory at the end of last month (121). New sales (125) were 67% ahead of the pace of May 2020 (75) and they were 18% above the pace of last month (106). There is a 1.1 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for the 92 closings last month was 39 days. The median price of the homes that closed in the City of Napa in May was $815,000. This is 23% ahead of the median price of the homes closed in May 2020 ($665,000). UP VALLEY NAPA COUNTY The inventory of homes and condominiums for sale in the Up Valley Napa County market (Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Yountville) at the end of May (101) is 24% below the level of 132 in May 2020 and it is 15% ahead of the inventory last month (88). There were 25 new JUNE 2021
sales this month compared to 21 a year ago and 34 last month. There is now a 4.0 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for the 26 closings last month was 71 days. Approximately 51% of the Luxury Market inventory (price in excess of $3,500,000) in Napa County is in the Up Valley Market (34 homes). There were four luxury home (price in excess of $3,500,000) closings in the Up Valley Market last month and there were five new luxury home sales.
sales last month. There is a 0.5 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. American Canyon remains the tightest market in Wine Country. The Days on Market for 7 homes that closed in American Canyon last month was just 36 days. The median price of the homes that closed in American Canyon in May ($745,000) was 35% ahead of the median price of a year ago ($553,000). The average price per square foot of the homes sold in American Canyon was at $339 last month, This is above the $275 to $300 range where AMERICAN CANYON the sales have been over the past several years. There are only 5 available homes and conFor additional information please contact dominiums in inventory at the end of May Gerrett Snedaker at 707-939-2009 or gsned@ in American Canyon. This is 78% below the winecountrygroup.com inventory a year ago (23) and it is slightly below the supply last month (7). There were For more information, please contact Ger10 new sales in the month. This is 17% below rett Snedaker at 707-939-2009 or gsned@ the pace of last year (12) and 11% above the 9 winecountrygroup.com. DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 31
NAPA YAJOME ST
YOUNT ST
VALLEJO ST
ST SE M IN AR Y
ON
ST
CLINTON ST
ST
SE CO N
ST
Napa Valley Wine Train
PEARL ST
FIR ST ST
Napa Visitors Bureau
Napa Chamber of Commerce
D
CAYMUS ST
FIRST ST
D
FIRST ST China Point Park
ST SECOND ST
N W
E S
1030 Third St., Napa, CA (707) 226-1823
RIVERSIDE
DR
ST
ST
BS
OM CO
ST
FOU
SIXTH ST
BR OW N
N RA
H LP DO
ST
RD
BURNELL ST
N C apa Libounty rar y
SOSCOL AVE
ON W IL S
THI
FIFTH ST
ST
ST
IN KL N A FR
ST
Veterans Park MAIN ST
D IV ISIO N
ST K OA
EN EV
RTH ST
COOMBS ST
FOU
THIRD ST RANDOLPH ST
ST
ST
FRANKLIN ST
SCHOOL ST
OA K
WATER ST
EIGHTH ST
BAILEY ST
EN JEF FE RS
W AR R ST CO LL EG E
LK ST
ST
McKINSTRY ST
IR
GA
AR RO YO ST
MAIN ST
PO
CL AY
TH
CA LIS TO
BROWN ST
ST
NAPA ST
RTH ST
J I L L L E VY
SELLING NAPA VALLEY
R E A L T O R
4
2
1
BEDS
BATHS
1/2 BA
$3,995,000 Napa
18 Old Coach Road Stunning view property in a gated setting on east side of Napa. Mostly single level custom home with primary living areas on the main level. Perfect synergy of indoor/outdoor living with multiple outdoor entertaining areas. Temperature controlled wine cellar and whole house generator.
3
3
1
BEDS
BATHS
1/2 BA
$3,195,000 Napa
5200 Silverado Trail Napa Valley vineyard estate located in the highly desirable Oak Knoll AVA. Within the vineyard and mountain views lies a remodeled single level 2 bedroom,2bathmainhouse, 1bedroom,1bathguesthouse.Plantedoneacre Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Perfect turnkey second home property!
3
3
1
BEDS
BATHS
1/2 BA
Napa
4254 Dry Creek Road | Just Sold California adobe style ranch property with stunning views in private/gated setting in Dry Creek corridor of north Napa. Gorgeous park-like grounds with extraordinary single level home. Hacienda style with deep front porch, redwood ceilings, and French doors. Heated pool and park-like grounds.
3
2
BEDS
BATHS
$2,995,000 St. Helena
1305 Stockton Street | In Contract Sophisticated 1902 remodeled farmhouse. Modern white on white palate, ironwood hardwood floors, high ceilings, shiplap walls, and wood frame windows/doors. Gourmet kitchen and 46 bottle wine refrigerator. Outdoor entertaining area, pool, fire pit, and a resort-like back yard.
Jill Levy, REALTOR® Real Estate Agent Lic. #01230055 Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty 780 Trancas Street, Napa, CA 94558 Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty Top Producer - #1 Agent, Wine Country 2018, 2019, 2020
$3,495,000
707.479.9612 | J.Levy@ggsir.com NapaHomesAndEstates.com
Find Your Napa Valley
Dream Home
NapaValleyRegister.com/homes
Contemporary Getaway 3bd/2ba/2806’/10.16ac Tranquil, private, and exclusive country get-away. On Napa’s east side, yet only 20 minutes to downtown Napa. Near famed Stagecoach Vineyards, this bucolic 10+ acre property includes a 2,806’ main house (3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms), 520’ guest house (1 bedroom and 1 bathroom), and a huge 3,200’ Workshop with Studio Apartment and 1 bathroom. Passive solar-heated Swimming Pool with shade structure, Fruit Tree Orchard, raised garden beds A 5-acre vineyard-ready plot with an already approved erosion control plan!!! Views of Atlas Peak within the Rector Watershed and Foss Valley all the way to Rutherford. Live and relax in the famed Atlas Peak appellation. www.3580SodaCanyonRd.com Mark Lesti
707.320.8950
$2,250,000
Contemporary Home with Vineyard 4bd/5ba/6698’/12.19ac Nestled amongst a Sea of Vines! Retreat to this private gated 6,698 sq.ft. villa on 12+- acres located only minutes to downtown Napa cafes and restaurants. Extensively expanded and renovated in 2010 and 2020 the 4 bedroom (all en-suite) 4.5 bath modernist residence is the perfect family compound and spot to entertain. Amenities include- Infinity pool w/swim up bar & sunken kitchen, large detached pool house w/1 bathroom and spa area, media room, wine cellar, elevator, and 2 bonus rooms w/1 full bathroom and separate entrance ideal for home office or gym, and 4 car garage. Resort like in every way, most rooms lead to the designed grounds that include expansive patios and courtyards, olive trees, vegetable garden, greenhouse and an orchard w/mature lemon & orange trees lining the side driveway. All surrounded by your own Chardonnay and Cabernet vineyards (7.8 acres chard & .9 cab).Live the Life! Adjacent 13+- vacant parcel planted in Chardonnay is separately listed at $4,000,000. Mark Lesti
707.320.8950
$7,200,000
N. 3rd Avenue Privacy 5bd/4.5ba/3547’/2.2ac So close to downtown Napa, yet worlds away with elbow room, spacious living, and a pool. www.2051NorthThirdAve.com
Two Units on One Lot 5bd/4ba/2512’/.24ac’ Beautifully remodeled in Napa. Two updated homes on one lot. Perfect for investor, family compound, in-laws, etc. Main house is a 3/2. Second unit is a 2/2. Also a conditioned artist studio, and, a cellar! Water well for irrigation! Public water for homes. Rent, own or both. Turnkey and ready to go.
Mark Lesti
Mark Lesti
707.320.8950
Christine Lesti 707.320.8999 Lic#01854423
Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 Lic#01784430
$2,795,000
Paul Everett 707.299.9949 Lic#02016753
Ted Stumpf 707.246.9825 Lic#02020069
707.320.8950
Rigo Guijosa 707.540.3615 Lic#02055858
$1,275,000
Gary Prince 707.227.7282 Lic#01735857
(707) 226-1823 | 1030 Third Street, Napa | TheLestiTeam.com WINDERMERE NAPA VALLEY PROPERTIES IS A MEMBER OF WHO’S WHO IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE AND OUR LISTINGS ARE FEATURED ON WWW.LUXURYREALESTATE.COM.
North Napa Contemporary 5bd/3ba/3369’ Beautiful and spacious home in fantastic neighborhood. Large and gorgeous chef’s kitchen with a preparation island and high-end appliances. Large Primary Bedroom with sitting area and two walk-in closets.
East Napa Custom 4bd/3.5ba/3365/.22ac’ Spacious comfort and panoramic views define this custom home perched at the crest of a hill. The generous living space with soaring cathedral ceilings and a chef’s kitchen opens up to views of vineyards, Skyline Park, Mt. Tamalpais, and the hills of Carneros.
Brendan Lesti
$1,485,000
Dean Castelli
0.68 acres
American Canyon Lot 2
707.337.0659
American Canyon Lot 1
707.694.8294
$1,395,000
0.57 acres
One of Two Adjacent Lots only 11 miles from Napa and 38 miles from San Francisco. Easy access to Highway 29 and zoned for mixed commercial use. www.0MelvinRd.com
One of Two Adjacent Lots only 11 miles from Napa and 38 miles from San Francisco. Easy access to Highway 29 and zoned for mixed commercial use. www.0MelvinRd.com
Rigo Guijosa
Rigo Guijosa
707.540.3615
$425,000
707.540.3615
$425,000
Large Lot 1.58 acres Large lot for residential building purposes. Bucolic settings with nice views. Very spacious and desirable part of Napa. Possible ADU or JADU (check with City of Napa). Not able to subdivide. Come and build your dream home! www.491CasswallSt.com
Panoramic Views 60 acres Striking Hilltop lot with panoramic views, just minutes to Lake Berryessa and 30 minutes to world-class restaurants and wineries in the beautiful Napa Valley.
Mark Lesti
Gary Prince
707.320.8950
$375,000
707.227.7282
$289,000
Nick Validia 707.225.5810
Brendan Lestin 707.337.0659
Ashley Cloud 707.320.8040
Dean Castelli 707.694.8294
Steven Adams 707.334.7506
Sheree Moorhead 707.287.6665
Malissa Seiger 707.484.9773
Lic#01980975
Lic#01855197
Lic#02112543
Lic#02113716
Lic#02114770
Lic#02118199
Lic#02138509
(707) 226-1823 | 1030 Third Street, Napa | TheLestiTeam.com WINDERMERE NAPA VALLEY PROPERTIES IS A MEMBER OF WHO’S WHO IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE AND OUR LISTINGS ARE FEATURED ON WWW.LUXURYREALESTATE.COM.
THE ARCHITEX ANGLE
Why carbon is not our enemy
EPDs could help measure our carbon footprint
Image by Craiker Architects
Mid-century home designed with 40 percent recycled materials.
W
e’re starting to treat carbon as our enemy. The reality is, we are all made of carbon. Our buildings are made of carbon, and if they are built, used, maintained, and recycle properly, our world can be pretty much eco-safe. It’s only when carbon breaks down, burns, or, as in the case of buildings, is wasted or made into unusable debris, that it becomes a toxic enemy. But how do we know what is good, not so good, or is a really bad use of carbon? CHRIS D. One approach is to look at CRAIKER EPDs, environmental product declarations, to study the total impact of individual materials through processing, transportation, use, recyclability, and the entire lifecycle use of a product from cradle to grave. EPDs are the international gold standard for determining a product’s carbon footprint. One could think of them similar to nutrition labels, but instead of fats and carbohydrates, EPDs list environmental impacts such as the global warming impact on ozone depletion, acidification potential, and more. In other words: what is the total carbon footprint. Wow ... that’s over my head, as well as Einstein’s. Let’s simplify. EPDs is a method to address future global warming potential, resources use such as water, sustainability, energy used for its production, and, as importantly, debris recycling. Some manufacturers are using EPDs for their products, but it is critical that many other industries jump in for the economies of scale, sustainability, and reduced transport costs. Let’s take wood. It can be locally sourced, 38 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
CHRIS CRAIKER
has a high recycling advantage and low embodied carbon, compared to coal or oil, but it has a high atmospheric destructive level when burned or inappropriately processed. We should be composting and recycling wood leftovers, but then, it’s hard to give up our wood-burning fireplaces and pizzas. We don’t like to admit it, but science shows that plastic products, made from petroleum, have a lower total environmental impact when considering their processing, transportation, and lightweight. In no way do I excuse the worldwide use and misuse of plastic. It’s the lack of a universal recycling strategy that’s the “enemy” since the world treats plastic-like toilet paper: easily accessible, dispensable, and not their problem. Where and how we use our raw materials is crucial when we consider that some sources may be depleted in our lifetimes. For example, sourcing wood responsibly is especially critical, and the most trusted certification system is the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC. The FSC certifies responsible forest management including keeping our wood hunger from endangering the land from which it is harvested. When seeking renewable materials, rapidly renewable products made from bamboo, cork, hemp, recycled wood or agriboards are other great options. Using EPDs demonstrates the carbon footprint strengths and weaknesses while giving us a voice in the eco-design of our buildings, and ultimately our lives. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy grading system; A+ to F-. But here are some key issues to consider in your product choices: • Procurement process: how were raw and processed ingredients obtained? • Embodied carbon content • Transportation distances and procedures
• Supply chain of custody: how many actions have added to the product? • Is there independent third-party verification? • Date of research: must have updating process • Life-cycle assessment that is easy to understand Too much, you say? Yes, it can be overwhelming, but think simple and look out for Green-washed marketing. Too many ingredients can be a red flag. THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION? Wood is man’s oldest and most resilient construction material, shielding civilization from sun, wind, rain, and marauding enemies. It remains vulnerable to all these agents, so is there a treatment that could make wood last like the stones of the pyramids? An interesting response is Atmospheric Wood, a surface treatment of the union of three elements – wood, photosensitive powders and liquids, and natural UV light. From the reaction of these ingredients, a soft, surface protective coating is imprinted on the wood that could be a long-term preservative. The look is a blue hue, familiar to architects as “Blueprints,” historic ammonia, and treated paper process for copying drawings. We’ll see where this goes. Lastly, I’m waiting for someone to figure out how to economically recycle plastics into construction studs and more building products. Currently, the cost is too high, but we recycle newspapers into fire-proof insulation. Why not wall studs from plastic bottles? Chris D. Craiker, AIA/NCARB: Chris still uses a pencil but don’t call the drawings “blueprints.” JUNE 2021
DISTINCTIVE ®
PROPERTIES Find us on Facebook
Facebook.com/DistinctivePropertiesNapaValley LIKE US AND STAY UP TO DATE Premier Napa Valley listings • Latest real estate news Interior design concepts • Remodeling ideas Housing trends • Wine Country events
NAPA COUNTY’S LATEST HOME SALES* ADDRESS
RECORD DATE
SALE PRICE BED BATH SQ FT YR BLT Single Family
American Canyon
ADDRESS
RECORD DATE SALE PRICE BED BATH SQ FT YR BLT
251 ST ANDREWS DR
2/10
$538,000
4
3
2,635
1969
3/16
$548,000
3
2
1,662
1969
2/18
$550,000
1
1
836
1937
3/3
$550,000
3
1
1,123
1954
2/9
$380,000
3
2
1,344
1987
2371 BEACH ST
11 AMARILLO DR
2/18
$460,000
3
1
1,072
1954
2258 THIRD ST
420 DANROSE DR
2/26
$480,000
4
2
1,440
1971
2008 IMOLA AVE
564 GRANITE SPRINGS WAY
3/16
$500,000
5
4
3,696
2005
1439 RUBICON ST
3/11
$560,000
3
2
1,079
1956
262 LOS ALTOS
3/26
$520,000
3
2
1,085
1954
137 DE WITT AVE
2/25
$565,000
2
1
872
1941
448 CANYON CREEK DR
3/19
$530,000
4
3
1,627
1993
2911 DEVITA DR
3/5
$568,500
2
1
943
1950
34 ALTA LOMA DR
2/25
$550,500
3
2
1,105
1956
66 BELLEVUE AVE
3/30
$570,000
3
1
805
1941
30 ALTA LOMA DR
3/9
$580,000
3
2
1,433
1955
3597 BECKWORTH DR
3/30
$570,000
3
2
1,063
1959
2/10
$585,000
4
3
2,033
1987
2901 LAUREL ST
3/4
$575,000
2
2
1,064
1961 1956
40 SOLERA LN
286 ARDEN CT 64 CRAWFORD WAY
2/12
$590,000
3
2
1,379
1988
2078 S TERRACE DR
3/15
$590,000
3
2
1,132
7 KARLY CT
3/26
$610,000
3
2
1,841
2005
1033 TERRACE DR
2/26
$590,000
2
1
1,250
1940
22 MELVIN RD
3/1
$610,000
2
1
915
1953
3330 MACLEOD ST
3/22
$595,000
4
2
1,305
1961
2262 ELLIOTT DR
3/4
$650,000
4
3
1,886
1988
2040 APPOLLO CT
3/18
$600,000
3
3
2,106
2007
232 HUMMINGBIRD WAY
2/25
$690,000
5
2
2,539
2001
2596 FIRST ST #H
2/25
$605,000
2
3
1,442
2018
229 NEWBURY WAY
3/22
$720,000
6
4
2,981
1989
199 CESTA ST
3/11
$605,000
3
2
950
1953
138 TUSCAN OAK TRL
3/29
$753,000
4
3
2,811
2006
2033 W F ST
3/5
$605,000
2
1
1,000
1960
3/2
$755,000
4
3
2,829
2006
2034 PATTON AVE
3/22
$610,000
3
2
1,082
1967
115 FORD DR
3/30
$780,000
4
3
3,368
2004
3959 LAP CT
3/16
$617,500
3
2
1,596
1981
616 MEADOW BAY DR
3/26
$788,000
5
3
2,418
2002
3720 DOVER ST
2/23
$620,000
3
2
1,420
1959
308 WETLANDS EDGE RD
3/11
$829,500
4
4
3,302
2003
2058 PATTON AVE
3/25
$624,000
3
2
1,082
1967
102 FORD DR
3/17
$838,000
7
3
3,862
2004
889 LAGUNA ST
2/22
$625,000
3
2
1,337
1960
14 OAKSTONE WAY
66 GOLDFINCH DR
3/15
$864,000
5
3
2,916
2000
19 VIA TREVISO
2/19
$899,000
4
3
3,844
2003
Single Family
Calistoga
1415 EAST AVE
2/19
$625,000
3
1
774
1940
1596 VERNA DR
3/30
$635,000
3
1
1,261
1954
2248 TROWER AVE
3/30
$649,000
1
1
720
1940
1315 SPRING ST
3/25
$675,000
3
2
1,354
1910
750 JACOB CT
3/18
$650,000
3
2
1,698
1978
2008 HIGH ROCKS DR
3/10
$720,000
3
2
1,310
1993
1459 RUBICON ST
3/29
$651,000
3
2
1,871
1956
1716 MAGGIE AVE
3/12
$939,000
3
3
1,841
1985
2486 REDWOOD RD
3/16
$651,500
3
2
1,688
1964
1711 EMERALD DR
3/18
$1,000,000
3
3
1,939
2015
243 S FRANKLIN ST
3/2
$660,000
3
2
1,440
1953
1703 MAGGIE AVE
3/18
$1,095,000
3
2
1,990
1990
1295 SPRUCE ST
3/29
$675,000
4
2
1,274
1953
1581 CENTENNIAL CIR
3/22
$1,995,000
3
2
2,400
1966
1025 COOMBSVILLE RD
2/12
$675,000
3
2
1,296
2002
454 KORTUM CANYON RD
3/15
$2,800,000
3
5
3,532
1993
158 S SEYMOUR ST
3/18
$676,000
3
2
1,338
1943
124 HARTSON ST
2/22
$680,000
2
1
816
1936
1972
3262 BROWNS VALLEY RD
2/19
$680,000
3
2
1,462
1971
3/17
$690,000
3
2
1,408
1956
2/18
$690,000
3
2
1,189
1956
3/5
$691,000
2
1
1,000
1951
Single Family
Napa 3979 HISCHIER CT
3/18
$168,500
4
2
1,690
3/5
$305,000
3
2
1,084
1958
3502 BAXTER AVE
1247 EGGLESTON ST
2/19
$360,000
2
1
720
1934
3517 IDLEWILD AVE
129 HOMEWOOD AVE
2/16
$385,000
4
2
1,132
1941
2789 IDAHO ST
2/9
$395,000
4
2
1,153
1941
1351 RUBICON ST
3/29
$700,000
3
2
1,189
1956
3/22
$433,500
3
2
1,556
1969
2509 BUTTE ST
2/25
$700,000
3
2
1,680
1958
2,666
1974
3640 PARRETT AVE
3/11
$700,000
3
2
1,481
1973
3074 MONTCLAIR AVE
3090 LAUREL ST 3561 MARIPOSA CT 155 KAANAPALI DR
3/9
$454,000
3
2/9
$525,000
4
2
1,199
1955
1412 SHERMAN AVE
3/9
$701,500
3
2
1,512
1963
1424 LAREDO ST
3/16
$525,000
3
2
1,100
1966
1535 H ST
3/3
$705,000
2
2
850
1898
723 MONTGOMERY ST
2/19
$529,000
1
1
1,016
1925
221 COLLIER BLVD
2/26
$705,000
3
1
1,153
1957
3/9
$530,000
3
2
1,066
1954
3931 DUNHILL ST
3/23
$730,000
2
2
1,650
1973
2731 WIMBLEDON ST
1618 CAROL DR
*As recorded at the Napa County Tax Assessors Office / John Tuteur (707) 253-4459 / Property sales reported may include partial interest transfers; sales that are included with other properties; sales that are less any liens on property.
www.NapaValleyRegister.com/Homes
NAPA COUNTY’S LATEST HOME SALES* ADDRESS
RECORD DATE
SALE PRICE BED BATH SQ FT YR BLT Single Family
Napa
ADDRESS
RECORD DATE SALE PRICE BED BATH SQ FT YR BLT
960 CAPITOLA DR
2/24
$1,145,000
4
3
3,177
2007
2/17
$1,155,000
4
3
2,854
1989
3/16
$1,160,000
3
4
2,485
2004
3/1
$1,169,000
4
4
2,730
2007
2504 MACLENNAN ST
2/17
$731,000
4
2
1,553
1966
40 ST FRANCIS CIR
4413 DOVE CT
3/19
$735,500
5
2
1,994
1973
127 MACINNES CT
3776 NORFOLK ST
2/24
$741,000
4
2
1,216
1959
242 BUTTERCUP CT
3/1
$745,000
3
2
1,110
1938
17 SKYLARK CT
2/23
$1,195,000
4
3
2,351
1984
1,197
1967
1095 FIRST AVE
3/25
$1,200,000
4
2
2,129
1964
1102 COOMBSVILLE RD 2540 GREENWOOD CT
3/26
$745,000
3
2
1019 OAK ST
2/22
$749,000
2
1
972
1896
1203 PARTRICK RD
2/16
$1,225,000
3
1
1,934
1966
635 CUNARD DR
3/19
$750,000
4
2
1,765
1971
347 ST ANDREWS DR
3/26
$1,232,500
3
3
2,404
1977
3/1
$755,000
3
2
1,245
1992
773 LA SALLE WAY
3/29
$1,280,000
3
3
2,702
1969
1520 E ST
10/9
$759,000
2
2
1,032
1899
433 ASHLAR DR
3/17
$1,300,000
4
4
3,803
1966
681 LATHROP CT
2/26
$760,000
3
2
1,641
1983
233 SILVERADO SPRINGS DR
2/24
$1,318,000
3
3
2,192
1990
2345 LOUISA ST
3/25
$780,000
2
1
1,052
1948
21 LIGHTHOUSE CT
3/19
$1,395,000
4
3
2,170
1992
3721 JOMAR DR
3/15
$785,000
3
2
1,626
1964
210 ALCHEMY WAY
3/16
$1,500,000
4
3
3,305
2001
107 E FIRST ST
3/26
$790,000
3
2
1,220
1938
33 LIGHTHOUSE CT
3/3
$1,500,000
5
3
2,579
1990
3045 BLANE WAY
3909 OXFORD ST
3/19
$790,000
3
2
1,268
1962
192 SKYLARK WAY
20 BLACKBERRY DR
3/2
$795,000
4
3
2,711
1999
152 FOOTHILL BLVD
2561 EDGEWATER DR
3/4
$805,000
3
2
1,440
1980
22 SPYGLASS CT
3/15
$1,600,000
3
3
3,035
1989
3/10
$810,000
3
2
1,432
1974
55 AUTUMN RUN WAY
3/23
$1,689,000
4
4
3,914
2005
4145 RHINE CT
3/24
$1,541,000
4
4
2,979
2012
3/5
$1,595,000
3
3
2,730
1890
136 CHERRYVIEW CT
3/23
$811,000
4
3
1,687
1996
37 N NEWPORT DR
3/2
$1,750,000
4
3
2,467
1996
101 S NEWPORT DR
3/18
$815,000
3
3
2,129
1997
345 RANDOLPH ST
2/26
$1,995,000
4
3
2,028
1911
3444 ARGYLE ST
3/25
$825,000
3
2
1,639
1973
1 N NEWPORT DR
2/19
$2,000,000
4
3
2,481
1997
3205 BROWNS VALLEY RD
2/18
$840,000
3
3
2,081
2001
20 GREENBRIAR CIR
3/16
$2,390,000
4
4
4,120
2005
3956 SOLOMON AVE
3/1
$860,000
4
2
1,584
1973
1030 ROSS CIR
3/4
$2,630,000
4
3
3,409
1959
4466 JEFFERSON ST
3/3
$860,000
4
3
2,004
1971
212 WESTGATE DR
3/19
$3,675,000
7
5
4,741
2019
1183 MOUNTAIN VIEW CIR
3/16
$865,000
4
2
1,845
1975
4255 WINE COUNTRY CT
3/19
$878,000
4
3
2,148
2017
4109 PINOT DR
2/17
$893,000
4
3
2,102
1972
4453 DALTON DR 10 WINE BARREL LN 2986 FIRST ST
2/23 2/9 3/30
$905,000 $905,000 $925,000
4 4 3
3 3 4
2,407 2,717 2,468
1993 1920
3/19
$929,000
4
3
2,094
2015
26 DICKERSON LN
2/22
$931,000
4
3
2,050
1990
4170 BROWNS VALLEY RD
2/9 3/12
$932,000 $937,000
4 3
3 3
1,983 1,679
943 POPE ST
3/9
$725,000
2
1
1,344
1908
1376 MAGNOLIA AVE
3/19
$900,000
3
4
1,613
2014
1357 MAGNOLIA AVE
3/12
$950,000
3
3
2,115
2015
1820 SPRING MOUNTAIN RD
2/12
$1,250,000
3
2
2,019
1978
1747 PARK ST
2/11
$1,260,000
2
2
1,712
1970
702 HUNT AVE
2/23
$1,600,000
3
2
2,212
2001
1427 ALLYN AVE
3/30
$1,717,000
3
3
1,456
1910
1843 SPRING MOUNTAIN CT
2/18
$1,980,000
3
2
1,943
1966
1440 STOCKTON ST
3/10
$1,995,000
3
2
1,633
1991
1576 VOORHEES CIR
3/10
$2,110,000
3
3
2,259
1998
2647 COLOMBARD CT
2/19
$2,345,000
4
4
2,319
1982
3/4
$3,500,000
4
3
2,124
1935
1997
881 SARATOGA DR
2110 WAVERLY ST
Single Family
St Helena
1961 1959
865 ERIN WAY
2/26
$945,000
4
3
2,081
2015
1555 SALVADOR AVE
3/22
$950,000
4
2
1,679
1964
2288 THIRD ST
2/12
$962,000
3
3
1,704
1925
1242 MADRONA AVE
1029 FOSTER RD
2/25
$1,010,000
3
2
1,584
1950
2733 STILES CT
2/16
$1,025,000
3
2
2,004
1966
Yountville
673 CABOT WAY
2/10
$1,070,000
3
2
1,394
1973
6521 HEATHER ST
3/23
$1,080,000
3
2
1,318
1970
3/15
$1,295,000
3
2
1,400
1982
Single Family
3922 ALEXANDER ST
2/12
$1,085,000
4
3
2,128
1976
1918 OAK CIR
14 CLEMENT CT
3/30
$1,110,000
4
3
2,324
1989
1973 ADAMS ST
2/26
$1,306,500
3
3
1,796
2006
3530 SANDYBROOK LN
2/17
$1,119,000
4
3
2,012
1973
13 STAGS VIEW LN
2/25
$1,449,000
3
2
2,176
2001
1536 JUANITA ST
2/18
$1,120,000
3
3
2,363
2018
1984 ADAMS ST
2/23
$2,165,000
2
2
1,946
2005
*As recorded at the Napa County Tax Assessors Office / John Tuteur (707) 253-4459 / Property sales reported may include partial interest transfers; sales that are included with other properties; sales that are less any liens on property.
www.NapaValleyRegister.com/Homes
Dreamy decks 3 building products that sidestep skyhigh lumber prices BRANDPOINT
According to a recent survey on the latest outdoor living trends, home improvement pros and deck building specialists tell Qualified Remodeler magazine that, “everyone is thinking about building something bigger, better, stronger and wider,” and that “homeowners are requesting increasingly larger, more customized decks.” The appeal of more expansive, retreat-worthy decks should come as no surprise considering the unencumbered enthusiasm for outdoor living that has swept the country over the course of a notably unprecedented year. If you also find yourself dreaming about building a sprawling deck to relax on this summer, first consider the type of building materials you’ll need to tackle the project. Lumber has been the traditional deck building material of choice, largely for its low upfront cost and familiarity. However, the series of lumber mill closures in the spring of 2020 wreaked havoc on the building industry’s supply chain, sending lumber prices through the roof. The outdoor living explosion has only further driven up the price. In fact, industry findings from April 2021 reported the price of lumber had jumped to a record-breaking $1,048 per thousand board feet—up nearly 200% from the start of the pandemic. Demand for the commodity product is only poised to grow during peak outdoor living months. Don’t let historically high lumber prices empty your wallet or material scarcity put your deck project on hold altogether. Innovative manufacturers are bringing wood-alternative offerings to the table that provide weatherability, premium performance and unmatched customization capabilities. Consider these three alternative building products before you break the bank building your dream deck. COMPOSITE DECKING One of the many allures of today’s composite decking is that it emulates the natural wood grain aesthetic and richness that standard wood deck boards provide, but lacks the propensity to warp, crack or deteriorate over time. Because it’s incredibly resilient and can handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way, it will stand strong and look beautiful underfoot wherever you call home, from mountainous snowshrouded settings to sun-parched desert landscapes. What’s more, composite deck boards are 42 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
Brandpoint
engineered to last longer than traditional wood decking. Leading brands offer products that can last 25 years or more, making these readily available boards a sustainable and cost-effective purchase when considering product longevity. With its impressive wood-emulation and enduring composition, composite decking is a smart choice for deck projects. STEEL DECK FRAMING Once surface boards have been selected, it’s time to think about where your boards will rest. While pressure treated lumber is often the de facto deck framing material of choice, soaring lumber prices and availability concerns are now shedding light on alternatives like steel. Strong and durable, many are beginning to recognize how well steel performs as the underbelly of a deck system. “Since today’s wood-alternative deck boards are engineered to last for several decades, homeowners want enduring framing materials that can match the longevity of their surface boards,” said Toby Bostwick, VP of Product & Brand at Fortress Building Products. “The benefits of purchasing a steel framing system make a lot of sense from an investment standpoint, especially when factoring in material longevity, ongoing maintenance costs and treated lumber’s current market rate.” Framing with steel will also eliminate issues associated with moisture absorption, one of the most common reasons wood frame decks begin to show signs of decomposition. In fact, steel is resistant to most tangible threats, including rot and decay, fungi, pests (such as termites) and weathering. In application, this means steel frame profiles will keep surface boards flat and smooth underneath your feet, safeguarding your investment. Not only does steel framing offer long-lasting support for your chosen deck boards, but it also offers a modern, high-end
aesthetic that’s rising in demand. While the rising price of pressure treated lumber and the current lumber shortage will certainly drive framing trends this summer—the shift in mentality may be permanent, given steel’s impressive performance. ALUMINUM RAILING While it’s certainly natural to gravitate toward a familiar railing material like wood as you finish out your deck project, an aluminum system can bring strength and personality to a larger deck at a cost-effective price point. A wholly customizable railing system, the aluminum panels of Al¹³ HOME™ from Fortress Building Products can be personalized with an array of infill options—including cable and glass insets—to accommodate the vision behind your dream deck. What’s more, the system comes with an Accent Top Rail (ATR) and cap rail clips, and is dressed in a multi-layered anti-corrosion powder coating for a no-fuss solution. Not only does this ensure lasting style and safety around the perimeter of a deck, but it also helps create a finished deck structure that requires very little upkeep. For peace of mind, the railing is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. With its dreamy customization capabilities and strong warranty, this readily available aluminum railing solution is something your family can “lean” on this summer. BUILD A BIGGER, BETTER, STRONGER DECK NOW With today’s wood-alternative building products within reach, there’s no need to put your deck project on hold until debilitating lumber prices retreat. Instead, you can “deck” out your larger-than-life outdoor living space with dreamy solutions that serve up performance and lasting style. JUNE 2021
CAN I AFFORD A NEW HOME? Calculate your Mortgage NapaValleyRegister.com/homes
Are you prepared? A fire starts in a residential home every 86 seconds.
Photos by Brandpoint
BRANDPOINT
You check your alarms regularly and practice your emergency escape plan—but are you overlooking an essential component of home safety? Having fire extinguishers—and knowing how to use them—is important to help ensure your home and family are prepared for the unexpected. “A fire starts in a residential home every 86 seconds in the U.S.—and the rapid protection offered by fire extinguishers can make the difference between minor, insignificant damage and greater tragedy,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety. “Fire extinguishers are an important first line of defense in home safety, therefore it is important to know how to use one should a fire break out.” To practice whole home safety and help ensure your family is prepared in case of fire, follow these tips on fire extinguishers in the home: KEEP IT WITHIN REACH Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association (NPFA). When seconds count, having an extinguisher within reach is crucial for quick response. Place fire extinguishers on every level of your home, plus the common places like the kitchen and garage. The NFPA recommends installing fire extinguishers close to room exits so that you can discharge them and quickly escape if the fire cannot be controlled. 44 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
When selecting a home fire extinguisher, two of the most important features are size and intended use. Select a home fire extinguisher that weighs three pounds or less for easy handling. For home fire extinguishers, other features to look for include a metal valve and trigger, which offer the durability of a commercial grade extinguisher, as well as an easy-to-read color-coded gauge for accurate measurement. Remember, a fire extinguisher that has been discharged is no longer effective, so consider rechargeable extinIn addition, make sure that every responsible guishers, which can be recharged by a certified member of your household (including house professional if the unit is used. sitters and babysitters) knows where each fire extinguisher is placed. KNOW YOUR ABCS While they may look similar, fire extinKNOW HOW TO USE IT guishers have very specific ratings that indicate Fire extinguishers generally include instruc- what kind of fire they are designed to extintions on proper usage, but a simple way to guish. Extinguishers with a Class A rating can remember the steps is with the acronym PASS: put out fires caused by wood, paper, trash and • Pull the pin on the extinguisher other common materials, while Class B rated • Aim the nozzle low toward the base of extinguishers are intended for gasoline and the fire flammable liquids. Class C rated extinguishers • Squeeze the trigger are meant for fires caused by electrical equip• Sweep the nozzle from side to side ment, such as frayed cords. For trusted reliable Frequently repeat the acronym when prac- protection, it’s best to select a multi-rated extinticing your family escape plan so that, if a fire guisher, such as the First Alert Rechargeable occurs, the response will be automatic. Home Fire Extinguisher, which is capable of handling most types of household fires, includCOMPARE FEATURES ing wood, paper, fabric, flammable liquid and When it comes to fire extinguishers, there electrical fires. are a variety of types to choose from—from To learn more about fire safety, visit home and kitchen to commercial applications. FirstAlert.com. JUNE 2021
Want to live in the Napa Valley?
Find your perfect home at NapaValleyRegister.com/homes
FRIENDSHIP From19
Vino.” Later we created a website for the wine, designed and printed the label for the bottle. We also came up with budgets for operations and advertising,” said Llamas. After the partners bottled the wine in late August 2020, they assembled a schedule of events that spanned the coming year. Events for days Puentes and Llamas said it has been extremely challenging to work through the obstacles 2020 and early 2021 have presented. “We faced the pandemic and related shutdowns as well as fires, smoke, and power outages. Our strategy was to start with soft launch parties in late August, just a handful of people outdoors,” said Puentes. Llamas said over time, she and Puentes organized other events, particularly ones that involved local businesses. “In September 2020, we shared the wine at an in-person Dailey Barre Express class at Honrama Cellars that featured a glass of Las Amigas Cuvée and light bites afterward. Also in September, we partnered with the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley to offer Las Amigas Cuvée at the organization’s annual Sisterhood Brunch. That event was virtual. We gave attendees a 15% discount on all wine purchases and an invitation to two complimentary wine tastings at our homes, for not only Las Amigas but all of the wines each of us make,” said Puentes. In October 2020, Llamas and Puentes offered a free virtual tasting of Las Amigas with the Napa County Hispanic Network. “We donated 25% of donations to NCHN’s scholarship program,” said Puentes. In December 2020, Llamas and Puentes discussed Las Amigas Cuvée on “The Wine & Chisme Podcast,” a wine podcast hosted by
Lola LLamas
Gear to celebrate the first vintage of Las Amigas Cuvée, a sparkling wine created by Lola Llamas of Llamas Family Wines and Miriam Puentes of Honrama Cellars.
Jessica Yañez, a San Diego native. This podcast showcases wine professionals of color. For Valentine’s Day 2021, Llamas and Puentes offered a deal of a bottle of Las Amigas Cuvée and chocolate-covered strawberries, with free local delivery. In March 2021, Llamas and Puentes partnered with Be Bubbly Napa Valley, a sparkling wine lounge in downtown Napa, for a soldout event. In April, Llamas and Puentes spoke about Las Amigas Cuvée as part of an Inspirational Women’s panel event at St. Helena Teen Center, a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga. Puentes said the schedule has been full but she has loved working with Llamas on this project. “Las Amigas is about two women supporting one another. I’m so happy with the outcome. It’s been eye-opening to go from being good friends to being business partners,” said Puentes. Llamas said she is proud that Las Amigas has been well received well in Napa’s Latinx
Javy Herna
Juan Puentes (left) and Miriam Puentes (second from left), co-owners of Honrama Cellars, with Lola Llamas (second from right) and Oscar Llamas (right), co-owners of Llamas Family Wines. 46 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
Tony Almanza
Miriam Puentes, co-owner of Honrama Cellars (left) and Lola Llamas, co-owner of Llamas Family Wines (right), take a bike ride to share several bottles of wine, a few from Honrama Cellars and a few from Llamas Family Wines.
community and beyond. “In the past, most of the sales happened in the tasting room. This year, we’ve gone outside those doors. We brought our sparkling wine to an audience that is enjoying it, with yoga, meditation, and other activities that bring people closer together, but without the risk,” said Llamas. Puentes said the effort has resulted in the sale of at least 100 cases. “Given the success of Las Amigas Cuvée, this is an effort we want to repeat. We’re going to make the cuvée again next year. We are also considering making a sparkling rosé,” said Puentes. Llamas said working closely with Puentes and networking with other women has changed how she sees business. “Sharing Las Amigas awakened me to the fact that there are so many women in the wine industry and industries tied to it. Let’s promote each other. We’re already supporting one another. Let’s do more,” said Llamas. Puentes agreed, stating the productive and positive interactions with other women in Napa Valley motivated her to think of new ideas. She added she and Llamas are considering entering Las Amigas Cuvée into a competition for boutique wines. “All of the work Lola and I did and the help other people offered to support Las Amigas was a bright spot during a hard year. Making this wine strengthened my relationship with a friend as well as with other women. That’s why we’re proud that we did this. I know we have the grit to keep Las Del Vino going and move forward this fall,” said Puentes. JUNE 2021
YOU WILL LOVE YOUR NEW HOME WITH US.
REBUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.
Make Your Dreams Reality. We will work with you to design your new home, build your own plan, or choose one of our over 50 proven, ready to build plans. Then, with the help of a team of professional studio designers, you will select flooring, fixtures, or those special design elements that really make a house a home. You are never on your own.
Christopherson Builders has worked with hundreds of home owners for over 40 years in the North Bay. Rebuild with us and benefit from our experience quality, and solid reputation. This really sets Christopherson Builders apart from the pack. We are ready to be there for you. Bring us all your questions. Ask us for references. Let’s talk.
(707) 584-6377 | ChristophersonBuilders.com Photography is for presentation purposes only. Information, specifications, availability, & dimensions subject to change without notice.
LIVE WINE COUNTRY
3
2
BEDS
BATHS
$1,475,000 Napa
275 Stonecrest Drive Recently remodeled single level home with a detached 2 car garage and a permitted ADU with full kitchen and bath. This home and location gives a feeling of serenity and privacy. Open floorplan with small separation wall that features a gas fireplace on both sides gives just enough room definition while retaining easy conversation and connection to those in the kitchen or living room. Plantation shutter in bedrooms, solid surface counter tops, tiled baths and shower surrounds. Kitchen pantry, upgraded HVAC, and tankless water heater. A 0.33 acre lot with mature oak trees and a bucolic setting.
4
2
BEDS
BATHS
$1,150,000 Kelseyville
$479,000
20±
Napa
ACRES
3715 Wood Plaza Way Single story living in Riviera West with open floor plan. Cook’s kitchen, professional grade appliances, formal dining area, and a built-in wine cellar. Fully owned grid-tied solar system with battery back up, and a new HVAC system with propane electric heat pump.
Grandview Road Spectacular 20± acre parcel with great views of mostly Oak trees and grasses. This property has a gravel road with access to the main building pad that faces south west, and a 3000 gallon water storage tank fed by a booster pump from city water. Electric is available at a near by pole.
Gary Rose, REALTOR®
Brian Gross, REALTOR®
Real Estate Agent | Lic. #00940226 Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty 707.529.5174 | G.Rose@ggsir.com GaryRose.GoldenGateSIR.com
Real Estate Agent | Lic. #01908361 Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty 707.337.3689 | Brian.Gross@ggsir.com BrianGross.GoldenGateSIR.com
Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty Top Producers - Wine Country 2018, 2019, 2020