ER
N A PA VA L L E Y R E A L E S TAT E
P R OP E R T I ES
A Wine Country Lifestyle Magazine
Cover photo courtesy of Michelle Wagner St. Helena Real Estate
JANUARY 2020 | VOLUME 37, ISSUE 1 A publication of Napa Valley Publishing Company
Cover property information on page 17 ď ľ
MAXIMIZE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME
HIGH-TOUCH, SERVICE-MINDED, AND TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN; OUR REPRESENTATION GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND ALL OTHERS, DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE WITH US.
From streamlined cash-free property preparation, to next level marketing, to our buy-before-selling advantages, to the most off-market options, discover the difference with us. GoldenGateSIR.com |
St. Helena
2900SpringMountain.com GRAND NAPA VALLEY WINE ESTATE -
Seize the opportunity to acquire a beautiful grand Napa Valley estate on nearly 40 acres with 6 acres of double planted premium mountain Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard along with a highly rated Napa Valley wine brand receiving accolades of 95-97 point ratings and private & serene 2.25 acre knoll building parcel with panoramic 360’ views. Ultimate Napa Valley dream winery estate.
$29,800,000
Local Experts
Innovative Global Marketing YVONNE RICH Exclusive Estates 4 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
fabulousnapavalley.com JANUARY 2020
V I L L A M I L L E RO S E
O
akville - Napa Valley
7900oakville.com
Napa
Villa Mille Rose -
An Italianate Villa with unmatched architectural authenticity, striking landscaping design & bountiful organic harvests-truly one of the most extraordinary estates to become available in Napa Valley in this decade. Sited in Oakville; consists of 2 legal parcels. Main villa, 4 additional dwellings, 2 barns, 6.5 acres of ultra premium Oakville AVA vineyard, Italian style gardens, 100 fruit trees & a 2-acre Gold Medal olive orchard.
$26,500,000
YVONNE RICH 707-968-9888 yvonne@fabulousnapavalley.com 1338 MAIN STREET
FOLLOW US JANUARY 2020
ST. HELENA
CA
BRE#01045780 DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 5
SOLD 1325Crestmont.com
Angwin
Supreme Setting with Serene Views -
This contemporary style home on nearly 4 acres is uniquely positioned for supreme privacy with spectacular Napa Valley views - a tranquil setting & breathtaking visual paradise minutes from downtown St. Helena & Meadowood Country Club.
$1,595,000
TuscanNapaValley.com
Calistoga
Tuscan Country Estate -
Tuscan style country estate tastefully renovated on 5+ acres with unobstructed views of vineyards & mountains. This estate was designed by local architect, Mary Sikes, for indoor/outdoor lifestyle capturing warmth, comfort, along with elegance and modern sophistication.
$1,800,000
1552Centennial.com
Calistoga
Sophisticated Calistoga Home - This stylish and sophisticated Calistoga home displays an open and easy-flowing floor plan with dramatic lines & modern contemporary details. Experience the best of Calistoga living near the golf course and easy walking distance to downtown for fine dining & shopping.
$995,000
3051CalistogaRetreat.com
Calistoga
Calistoga Country Retreat - Perfectly positioned at the
apex of nearly 2 acres with views of vineyards & the magnificent Palisades mountains, this artfully remodeled home offers the feel of true country living while being less than 5 minutes from downtown Calistoga. A beautiful setting with the promise of even greater potential.
$1,275,000
Local Experts
Innovative Global Marketing YVONNE RICH Exclusive Estates 6 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
fabulousnapavalley.com JANUARY 2020
4447VineyardEstate.com
1362Stockton.com
Calistoga
Modern Vineyard Estate -
Architecture by renowned Andrew Batey whose designs are inspired by centuries of European classical rural architecture emphasizing symmetry & simplicity. Set on 18+ acres, light-filled home surrounded by prime mountain Cabernet vineyards with spellbinding views over the valley from every angle.
$6,900,000
St. Helena Farmhouse -
Circa 1912 single-story farmhouse located on one of the most coveted streets on the west side of St. Helena. Stockton Street is loved for its close location to downtown and known for its elegantly restored homes. A graceful vintage home - full of old-world charm, character, & modern updates.
$2,100,000
SOLD
PRICE REDUCED 90NapaRanch.com
15Huntington.com
Napa
Modern Contemporary Ranch -
Immaculate 20acre modern contemporary ranch positioned for privacy with panoramic 360’ views - this magnificent ridgetop retreat is luxurious with resort-worthy amenities. Exceptional style & character are clearly evident in every aspect of this artistically remodeled residence.
$1,999,000
St. Helena
Napa
Sophisticated Napa Estate -
This strikingly sophisticated estate is transformed into a glamorous designer showplace featuring an open floorplan with stimulating architectural details and towering ceilings adds an overwhelming sense of volume. A desirable Browns Valley location, just a short distance to shopping and restaurants.
$2,150,000
YVONNE RICH 707-968-9888 yvonne@fabulousnapavalley.com 1338 MAIN STREET
FOLLOW US
ST. HELENA
CA
BRE#01045780
In this issue
24
11
How to keep your house warm—even in freezing temperatures
14
Chris D. Craiker: Hot renovation projects for the ‘20s
18
Smart homes aren’t smart without fire sprinklers
24
It’s that ‘70s (and ‘80s) show in home decor
28 Wineries offer guests usual events, activities to accentuate the wine brand 32
Self-care re-imagined: Achieve higher quality ‘me time’ in the bathroom
34 Napa’s Loan Ranger Chris Salese: RateStar and BorrowSmart: two programs that might help you 36 Four home upgrades that are good for the environment 39 Gerrett Snedaker: Wine Country Real Estate Trends in December 2019 42 Better baking: 5 things to know about your oven 44 Tacos Don Carlos — home of the $1 taco
JaNuaRy 2020
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
28
44
45
Gardening trends for 2020
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 Norma Kostecka 707-256-2228 nkostecka@napanews.com 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
JANUARY 2020
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Find Your Place in Napa Valley. 479 Cross Street, Napa PENDING
$679,000 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,533 SF In the heart of Old Town Napa (and located in the Opportunity Zone) you will find this beautiful home filled with Napa history and many original features. This location, a few blocks from downtown and a few hundred feet to the Napa River, offers many events and activities to enjoy. No flood insurance required as this home has an elevation certificate. Entrances on both level provide privacy for multiple occupants. The kitchen and baths were modernized in 2008. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway in the Napa Valley or your primary home, it's right here and ready for you.
1042 Seminary Street, Napa $889,900 3 BD | 2 BA | 2,753 SF Local Landmark ready for new owners! Zoned DMU - Downtown Mixed Use. Perfect for Investors, developers or rehab enthusiast. Bring your vision and a hammer and be a part of Downtown Napa Valley
Julie Larsen 707.260.4663 julie.larsen@compass.com DRE 01194150
julielarsen.com material presented herein is intended 018667 . All m y laws. License Number 01866771. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity 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.
Find Your Napa Valley
Dream Home
NapaValleyRegister.com/homes
CALISTOGA Old Faithful Geyser
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Calistoga Realty 707-942-9422 1473-C LINCOLN AVENUE CALISTOGA, CA 94515
Live in A DesirAbLe CAListogA neighborhooD
S
unny 3 bedroom, 2 bath, single story home with a great floor plan and professionally landscaped yard. Inviting living room with vaulted ceiling, built in bookshelves, formal dining room and family room w/fireplace. Kitchen opens to breakfast nook overlooking a private backyard. Close to downtown, and golf course. $895,000
eAsy Living
O
n the inviting front porch of this charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in Rancho de Calistoga. Upgraded kitchen appliances, kitchen island, light bright rooms, and ready to move into and start enjoying Calistoga. $175,000
beAutifuL buiLDing site
O
n this Oak studded 14+ acre property with views of neighboring hills. This quiet, peaceful property is located in Sonoma County and a short drive to downtown Calistoga or Santa Rosa. Approximately 3 acres of usable and the remainder is hillside. $795,000
Looking to buiLD
B
eautiful level building site affording panoramic valley views looking at the Palisades, Calistoga, down valley and across Bennett Lane to the Western hills. Old survey on file, well report - 6.5 gpm appears limited by pump size per report, perc test on file. Sellers are currently working on the driveway to meet new Napa County standards. Room for a hobby vineyard.This parcel is located just 1/2 mile past Tubbs lane just above Chateau Montelena. $795,000
room to roAm
J
ust over 7 acres resting on the hillside of Mount St. Helena, you will find this ranch style home. Offering large picturesque windows looking down towards the valley of Calistoga, newly updated kitchen with cathedral ceiling and granite countertops. With plenty of land to roam and an abundance of natural light, you are given the chance to create your own small ranch, hobby vineyard on the virgin soil, or enjoy the natural layout as it is. $799,000
Sharon Carone, Broker JANUARY 2020
Darlene Brissard, Realtor
QuAint Country CottAge
o
n a 1+ acre parcel situated in the Foothills above Hwy 128 between Tubbs Lane and Bennett Lane. Views towards the Palisades. Updated kitchen, bonus room in the basement with an extra bathroom. Perfect weekend retreat just located within minutes to downtown Calistoga. Use your imagination. With some additional tree trimming you could enhance the views. $655,000
Brian Durnian, Broker
Ziggy Gutierrez, Realtor DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 13
HOT RENOVATION PROJECTS for the ’20s
© Andrea De Martin | Dreamstime.com
O
K, construction industr y! Get ready for the 21st Centur y Roaring Twenties… or will it be the Evolution Epoch? Which way is the wind blowing? The construction industry has always tried to predict future construction trends and improvements that will gain the biggest return in turbulent times. Whether one is a homeowner, real estate investor or a house flipping-artist, which renovation project will best resonate with end-users is always the big question. We know that wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas, are always on top of home renovation projects, but the Outdoor or Alfresco Room is becoming very popular. More on that later. What’s in the near future? The latest Harvard leading indicator, Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, LIRA, predicted the construction renovation slump of 2019 will continue this coming year at -3%/yr., mostly due to increased labor and material costs as well as dwindling opportunities. There just aren’t enough properties at acceptable prices to jump on. Nonetheless, there will be increased activity nationwide for maintenance and long-term care of residential properties, 14 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
CHRIS D CRAIKER AIA/NCARB according to Buildfax.com, an industry collector and distributor of building information to insurance and investment firms. This suggests more real estate is being treated as long-term assets rather than quick turnovers. 2020’s overall residential construction spending of $499 billion will not be near the 2018 frenzy of $562 billion, but we should see a lot more renovation work in long-term quality construction. Hopefully construction inflation will slow. Interestingly, since 1993 it held a steady increase of 3.5%/yr even in the Great Recession. However, the recent economic stampede has averaged 8%/yr. This will definitely slow big private construction projects, except government projects that never say ‘NO’ to a construction project, no matter what the price or…..surprise!.... change orders. Large scale residential construction projects may struggle but continuing low interest rates will propel residential renovation projects on a climbing trajectory even though the market may be tightening. Historically, the kitchen has always been the center of home life. Interestingly, kitchen space has gone from 25% of an early 19th century cottage to less than 8% in a 50’s track home. Now, a kitchen can be up to 20% of the contemporary home. Ironically, people are cooking less and
ordering in more. Kitchens are the “Tiara” in the crown, not to be touched or used. Architecturally, the emphasis is less on fancy appliances but more on opening up the space to the rest of the house. Longer counters and big islands are the hot buttons with less overhead cabinets. The 2019 remodeling impact report from the NARI, National Association of Remodeling Industry, reveal some interesting homeowners’ perceptions. NARI came out with a “joy score”, a 1 to10 rating of different interior projects. The highest Joy score was kitchen renovations, reaching as high as 95%. After a renovation, 74% of those surveyed had a greater desire to be in their home and 65% said they experienced increased enjoyment in life in general. 77% felt a major sense of accomplishment. You would hope so, after they just spent at least $50,000 for a new kitchen! The bottom line is: more investments in kitchens are improving homeowner peace of mind rather than merely flipping the residence for profit. Of course, resales are always on the horizon and a necessary target, but not the first priority. If you can’t live with it, don’t renovate it. The other highly desired improvement is the Outdoor Alfresco Room. Even in
uncomfortably hot or cold inclement regions, people want to spend more time outside. The “room” has become a standard in new homes and is applicable to existing homes whenever somebody is considering a renovation. Sometimes a simple trellis becomes a “covered pavilion” with a gas fire pit and seating area. This will quickly become the most important “room” in the house. Add a TV, ceiling fan or heater, and you won’t get the family and guests uprooted for dinner. Unfortunately, the construction industry tends to relay on its own antiquated buyer sales data rather than on impending buyer/ user demographics. The biggest demographic evolution will be the evolving Millennium buyer profile. They aren’t traditional buyers, and this will be the biggest challenge to builders, investors, architects and home-flippers. OK, Boomers. Move over! Chris d Craiker AIA/NCARB has been swinging a hammer and pouring concrete for over 50 years. Chris d Craiker AIA is a prominent Bay Area architect with over 40 years patching up shaky marriages and challenging renovations. For a CSI form or more information, call 707.224.5060 or e-mail: info@ craiker.com. JANUARY 2020
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ST. HELENA REAL ESTATE NAPA VALLEY I SONOMA
CALIFORNIA PROVENCAL ESTATE
NAPA VALLEY INDUSTRIAL FARMHOUSE A newly constructed, unparalleled estate perched on 10.93± private acres with sweeping views. 6 total bedroom suites. ST. HELENA
I
$16,950,000 I 861CONNVALLEY.COM
Designed by architect Robert A.M Stern. 23.92± acres offering a main residence, guest house, tennis court and sweeping valley floor views. OAKVILLE
I
$13,495,000
I
1494WALNUT.COM
MATT BJORNER 310.528.1768 I Mbjorner@gmail.com
BARRY BERKOWITZ 707.529.7406 I Barry@winestates.com
CALISTOGA MODERN ESTATE RANCH
THE WINE WAY INN
Enchan�ng private estate on 21.62± acres. Features a main residence, pool / entertainment house and guest house with bocce court.
Established turnkey B&B with 8 well appointed guest rooms each with private baths. Experienced staff in place.
CALISTOGA
I
$5,495,000
I
CALISTOGACOMPOUND.COM
CALISTOGA
MATT BJORNER Mbjorner@gmail.com
$3,125,000 I THEWINEWAYINN.COM
I
JACQUELINE WESSEL 707.738.7338 I Jacquelinenapavalley@gmail.com
JACQUELINE WESSEL 707.738.7338 I Jacquelinenapavalley@gmail.com
NEWLY REBUILT CALISTOGA COMPOUND
CALIFORNIA CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMAN
Excep�onal single-level main residence with one a�ached bedroom unit and two newly-constructed co�ages. B&B License. CALISTOGA
I $3,150,000
I
1503LAKE.COM
CALISTOGA
JACQUELINE WESSEL 707.738.7338 I Jacquelinenapavalley@gmail.com STHELENAREALESTATE.COM 1346 Main Street , St. Helena, CA I 707.967.9570 16 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
I
Brand new 3 bedroom residence on 4.95± acres . Designed for the Napa Valley lifestyle and located minutes to downtown Calistoga. I
$1,990,000 I 957PETRIFIED.COM
GAIL MORGAN LANE 707.291.0156 Gail@winestates.com
MATT BJORNER MBjorner@gmail.com
LIC# 01026604 JANUARY 2020
ST. HELENA REAL ESTATE NAPA VALLEY I SONOMA
ONE LANE BRIDGE VINEYARD RANCH
COVER PROPERTY
Ideally located in the Western foothills on Napa in the Mount Veeder AVA, approximately twelve of the twenty-two total acres are planted to high quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The Ranch includes a spacious farmhouse residence with chef’s kitchen, open living area, pool and wrap around porch with expansive entertaining space. The classic red barn / second dwelling brings addi�onal character to this incredible ranch. NAPA I $9,750,000 I ONELANEBRIDGEVINEYARD.COM MICHELLE WAGNER 707.637.3465 I Michelle.m.wagner78@gmail.com
TRANQUIL ST. HELENA ESTATE
THE CRAFTSMAN INN - DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
Private Napa Valley estate situate on 6.02 acres, just minutes to town and around the corner from Meadowood Resort. ST. HELENA I $5,450,000
I
SARAHSWAYESTATE.COM
MATT BJORNER 310.528.1768 I Mbjorner@gmail.com
BARRY BERKOWITZ Barry@winestates.com
STHELENAREALESTATE.COM 1346 Main Street , St. Helena, CA I 707.967.9570 JANUARY 2020
I
Approved build ready plans to develop an exis�ng B&B property into a luxury hotel with 13 large suites, a restaurant and luxury spa. CALISTOGA
I
$4,950,000 I CALISTOGABOUTIQUEHOTEL.COM
JACQUELINE WESSEL 707.738.7338 I Jacquelinenapavalley@gmail.com
LIC# 01026604 DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 17
SMART HOMES AREN’T SMART WITHOUT
FIRE SPRINKLERS Protect everyone in your household from today’s faster, scarier fires
T
oday there are many automated options that make homes more comfortable, energy efficient, cost-effective and safe. Typically referred to as smart home technology, these features may include automating control of items such as lighting, temperature, window shades, surveillance cameras, locks, smoke alarms, even pet feeders. Often, these features have smartphone apps that allow the homeowner to control them from anywhere. There is one technology that is so smart it can save the lives of everyone in the home, including pets. It works independently and an app is not needed: home fire sprinklers. Smoke alarms warn you if there is smoke in your home, but your escape depends on your hearing the alarm and your ability to act on it. Fire sprinklers are smart because they automatically control or put out the fire quickly so everyone can get out of the home safely. Each sprinkler has a temperature-sensitive component, often a glass bulb that works like a plug. If a fire starts, the high heat from the fire, usually between 135165 degrees Fahrenheit, breaks the bulb, allowing the water to flow onto the fire. Typically, only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates, not the entire system. Smoke from burnt food or smoking materials can’t activate the system, only high heat. The sprinklers are typically connected to the household water main. Where there is no 18 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
BRANDPOINT
Brandpoint
city water supply or well water available, a tank and pump can be used for the water supply. Piping is hidden behind walls and ceilings. One or two sprinklers can usually protect an average size room. Home fire sprinklers are small and inconspicuous. There are several kinds of sprinklers made for residential use, some of which can be hidden behind cover plates. Some sprinkler companies will offer custom-painted options to match your home’s decor. FIRE SPRINKLERS ARE SMART BECAUSE TODAY’S FIRES ARE FASTER AND DEADLIER Fires today are faster and deadlier. A house fire can become deadly in less than two minutes. Why? Because most items in our homes are made
of synthetic materials that burn quickly and produce deadly, poisonous smoke. There’s a danger associated with new construction homes built with unprotected, lightweight building materials that burn faster and fail more quickly in a fire, collapsing in less than half the time of older construction material. Large open layouts (as opposed to smaller rooms with closing doors) also enable faster flashover during a fire. COULD EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY ESCAPE A FIRE IF IT HAPPENED IN YOUR HOME? A home fire occurs every 87 seconds, with 74% of all fire deaths in the home (NFPA 2018). Everyone is susceptible to these fires, but older adults and people with disabilities are
at greatest risk. Recent trends in U.S. housing show that more homes are becoming multi-generational, with around 64 million people living together with two or more generations under one roof (Pew 2018). And today 67% of households own a pet (APPA 2019). Two minutes is not much time for everyone to escape a deadly fire. Home fire sprinklers are dependable. They not only save lives; they can also protect your property and possessions, and limit fire and water damage. Because of this added benefit, most insurers offer sprinkler discounts that lower your homeowners’ premiums. Learn the facts about home fire sprinklers from the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, which offers free information and resources about fire safety. JANUARY 2020
Our Napa Team is here to serve you.
Back row left to right- Suzette Rose, Stacey Glenn, Emily Howe, Tessie Quintos-McKinney, Jonny Karpuk Front Row- Connie Rendon, Elizabeth Arroyo, Carl Accardo Jr., Maria Pantoja
T hank you to our colleagues, clients, family and friends for all that you do and for helping to make the past 56 years amazing. We are excited to kick off our 57th year of serving Napa County 1700 Second Street #120 • Napa, CA 94559
707-254-4500 www.firstamnapa.com JANUARY 2020
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 19
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YOUNTVILLE
1510YountvilleCrossRd.com
8ForresterLane.com
Yountville | $3,795,000 4 beds | 4 baths | 4,000 SF | 1.35± acres
Yountville | $1,750,000 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1,876 SF
Single story, eastern valley floor home Large open kitchen, massive new bonus room Huge landscaped yard with pool to entertain Outdoor dining area, raised garden beds, fruit trees
Farmhouse style home with vineyard views Open floor plan, spacious master suite Loft style office area upstairs Close to downtown Yountville
155 Moss Lane
6600YountSt17.com
Napa | $849,000 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1,973 SF
Yountville | $629,000 2 beds | 1 bath | 1,054 SF
Stunning vineyard views behind home Hardwood floors throughout New siding, new roof, new appliances Backyard perfect for al fresco dining
Charming Yountville condo complex Bright, open floor plan Spiral staircase leads upstairs Close to dining, shopping, wine tasting
Cyndi Gates
6550 W Washington ashington Str Street eet | YYountville, ountville, CCAA 94 94599 599 707.944.0888 | gatesestatessir.com Each office is independently owned and operated
Broker Owner 707.333.7770 cyndi@gatesestatessir.com CalDRE#00711618
This undated photo shows Anthropologie’s Adriana velvet chair. The chair, in a 70s-era rust hue, is a comfy, cushy nod to the groovy décor trend. HONS
IT’S THAT
’70s (AND ’80s)
SHOW
IN HOME DECOR You might have noticed it in clothing stores 24 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
KIM COOK Associated Press You’ve probably noticed it in clothing stores: racks and shelves full of high-waisted flares, rib-knit turtlenecks, acid green sweatshirts and disco ball metallics. It’s that ‘70s — and ‘80s — show. These two fashion trends have, as usual, worked their way into home decor as well. “Right now, in home design, it feels like a total ’70s takeover,” says Apartment Therapy’s Danielle Blundell. “This time period had two pretty distinct things going on — boho hippie vibes and glam, glitzy disco feels. Which means you can probably find a way to work something ’70s into your home no matter your aesthetic.” Watch for patchwork and peasant prints, fringe and earthy hues. Shaggy, textured woven rugs. Modernist wall art. Rattan etageres and side tables. One of the hallmarks of
the 1980s was Memphis style. Started by Austrian-born but Italian-raised architect Ettore Sottsass, it was characterized by squiggle and geometric pattern, mixing of pastels with black and brights, and an overall playful, whimsical approach. Sottsass and his team designed for Fiorucci, Alessi and Esprit among others, and Karl Lagerfeld and Bowie were collectors. Designer Sasha Bikoff created a buzz-worthy Memphis-inspired staircase for the 2018 Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse in Manhattan. New Yorker Raquel Cayre manages an Instagram account dedicated to all things Sottsass, and even created a temporary space in Soho called Raquel’s Dream House, chock full of Memphis themed interior décor. Memphis originals are pricey, but you can find referential decorative items that are affordable. JANUARY 2020
HONS
Genevieve Garrupo
This undated photo shows the staircase inside the Kips Bay Showhouse in New York. New York-based designer Sasha Bikoff created the exuberant showstopper of a staircase for 2018’s Kip’s Bay Showhouse in Manhattan. Using Memphis Milano designers Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendinii as her inspiration, the space was filled with brights and pastels, mirrors, and a riot of pattern. The designer encourages home decorators to “be fearless,” and that confident, positive attitude is at the heart of the 70s/80s décor trend.
Street brand Supreme offers clothing and skateboard decks; designer Ellen Van Dusen’s Brooklyn-based eponymous company makes clothing and home goods featuring her own versions of Memphis pattern. SURFACES Imola Ceramica has the Pop collection of ceramic tile, with Roy Lichtenstein-inspired art comics printed on subway-style tile. Their Let It Bee collection features groovy, semi-circular, tone-on-tone designs in brick red, indigo, apple green and dark yellow. Designer/architect Luca Andrisani has designed a collection for New York Cement Tile called Geometrika. Inspired by midcentury op art, there are retro hues, square and rectangular shapes, and eye-catching optical illusion patterns. . Walker Zanger has Australian designer Pietta Donovan’s hip new ‘70s-patterned tile collection. At www.spoonflower.com you’ll find several peel and stick wallpapers and fabric by the yard with Memphis style or leopard prints. Here as well are ‘70s-style florals in wallcoverings and fabric. European bathware designers have been featuring pedestal sinks, toilets and tubs in colors JANUARY 2020
HONS
This undated photo provided by Walker Zanger shows tile by Australian designer Pietta Donovan, who has created a hip collection of cement tile inspired by the kaleidoscopic shapes, curvy profiles and distinct colorways of 70s wallpaper.
like cranberry, moss, mustard, teal and pink — colors that would have been destined for the bin a few years ago. Here in North America, eBay and salvage sites like Retro Renovation are good places to source vintage wares. For new products, Aquatica USA has roomy resin tubs in dark red or moss green with white interior, while Bella Stone’s got a fun one in fire-engine red.
vegetable prints, geometrics and paisleys in soft goods like napery and throw pillows. Sometimes it’s the little things that bring the look home. Atomic starburst knobs, for example; and www.zazzle.com has several patterns. Cabinet and doorknob backplates come in starry shapes at www.rejuvenation.com. At www.dusendusen.com, find soft furnishings printed with bold check, dot, stripe, cutout ACCESSORIES and squiggle patterns. There are Check out www.roostery.com patterned pet beds, pillows and for whimsical ‘70s-style fruit and shower curtains, too.
This undated photo provided by Beam shows the Gus* X LUUM Halifax Chair. Gus*Modern and LUUM collaborated on a collection of powder-coated steel, hardwood and performance-fabric upholstered chairs and side tables inspired by playful, colorful vibe of Memphis design.
FURNITURE In a collaboration with London-based Soho Home, Anthropologie offers the Adriana chair; in a deep terracotta velvet, the chubby, channel-seamed silhouette echoes Italian postmodern design. Kardiel’s curvy Miranda gold-velvet two-seater has an Austin Powers flair. At Beam, you’ll find simple yet stylish chairs and tables made of powder-coated steel, hardwood and performance fabrics, part of a collaboration between Gus(asterisk)Modern and LUUM inspired by the Memphis Group’s color palette. ModShop has a treasure trove of options, including the Chubby 2 lounge chair that swivels on a brass-clad base, and the St. Germain side table and credenza, with an abstract, patterned front in poppy colors, perched on chunky acrylic legs. Ball-shaped and half-dome lighting in matte and polished metallics reference the ‘70s, as do embossed ceramic bases and cane and rattan fixtures. Look for combinations of pyramids, squares and balls, as well as thick glass circle shapes in ‘80s-style fixtures. CB2, Urban Outfitters and All Modern have well-priced designs, while Chairish and 1stDibs are good places to hunt for vintage pieces. DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 25
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1405 2nd St., Napa, CA (800) 681-1361 26 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
JANUARY 2020
J I L L L E VY
SELLING NAPA VALLEY
R E A L T O R
4
BEDS
4
BATHS
1
$7,985,000 Napa
1/2 BA
45 Hunter Ranch Road Napa Valley vineyard estate located in a private gated setting in coveted Oak Knoll AVA minutes to Yountville and downtown Napa.
4
BEDS
$3,495,000
4
Calistoga
BATHS
1821 Foothill Boulevard Contemporary Napa Valley vineyard estate located in a private gated setting minutes to wine tasting, 5 star dining and world class resorts.
3
BEDS
2
BATHS
1
1/2 BA
$2,195,000 St. Helena
1729 Alexander Court A 1920’s farmhouse remodeled by the dream team of Trainor, Webster & DeGiulio near the the iconic town of St Helena.
5
BEDS
3
BATHS
1
1/2 BA
Napa
4268 East 3rd Avenue European-inspired home with guest house on 5 acres with high-end cabernet vineyard, rustic barn and resort-like outdoor entertaining area.
4
BEDS
3
BATHS
1
1/2 BA
$2,500,000 St. Helena
1560 Silverado Trail Located off the famed Silverado Trail lies a European-inspired Napa Valley estate with a stone clad main house and a 2 bedroom guest house.
4
BEDS
$1,395,000
3
Napa
BATHS
495 Montgomery Street Mostly single level character home modernized with architectural integrity located in one of downtown Napa’s most coveted neighborhoods.
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 by volume, Wine Country 2018
$5,125,000
707.479.9612 | J.Levy@ggsir.com NapaHomesAndEstates.com
Crafting the
experience Wineries offer guests usual events, activities to accentuate the wine brand
N
apa Valley wineries have mastered the art of designing visitor experiences to match their wines and brands. The range of activities visitors can enjoy at local wineries goes well beyond pickup parties and tours to include horseback riding, blending your own bottle, and ethnic celebrations. Élan Fayard, co-owner of Napa-based Azur Wines, who is also a consultant for Élan Fayard Consulting, a winery consulting business, said she designed Azur’s tasting room to include a view of the winery’s production facility. “The winery is in an urban area off North Kelly Road in Napa. We call our tasting room ‘The Green Room.’ It has an expansive glass wall that looks onto our production cellar. The furniture includes a green velvet couch, a nice reclaimed wood bar, and a living wall of ferns and succulents. It’s got a very relaxed lounge feel, with low lighting,” said Fayard. Fayard says Azur’s tasting room reminds guests of a speakeasy. “People don’t get to see hands-on winemaking often. In The Green Room, you see something new happening every day to produce quality wines. It is truly a unique experience for those seeking a view behind the scenes,” said Fayard. Fayard said the best visitor experiences are those that are authentic and over-deliver. “I’ve found from working as a consultant for a variety of Napa Valley wineries that sales will falter if the experience doesn’t match. The only instance where a mismatch benefits the winery is if you have a really fancy interior and inexpensive wines,” said Fayard. FROM TRAIL RIDES TO PERSIAN CULTURE Rudy Zuidema, winemaker at Shadybrook Estate Winery at the Rapp Ranch, located in Napa, said Shadybrook Estate has created a rustic, adventure-oriented experience for its 28 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
JESSICA ZIMMER Trail rides at Shadybrook Estate Winery’s Rapp Ranch. Submitted photos
staff put everyone at ease with these beautiful animals. There are so few working ranches left that it’s hard to find an experience like this in Napa Valley,” said Zuidema. Zuidema said riding options include a half hour or 50 minutes. Guests have the option to explore the property’s vineyards and oak groves on both rides. “We also offer corporate team-building exercises in the arena where the horses kick around inflatable soccer balls as big as a table. We play a version of ‘Musical Chairs’ using horses. Riders don’t get off the horse, but have to get their horse to secure a position in the arena before the other riders do,” said Zuidema. Zuidema said horseback riding bridges A wine and food pairing at Shadybrook Estate. the theme of the property to the Rapp Ranch wines. guests with horseback riding. “We create two brands of wine, Rapp “We purchased Rapp Ranch in 2016. We Ranch wines, which are more approachable, began offering trail riding on American quar- and Shadybrook wines, which are more ter horses in 2017. Guests love it. The barn refined and sophisticated,” said Zuidema. JANUARY 2020
Architecture and décor can also be excellent tools to help guests understand a winery’s approach. Darioush Winery in Napa welcomes guests with impressive stone pillars, reflecting pools, and flower gardens outside. There are Persian-style statues and architecture in the tasting room. “Ancient Persia was known as one of the birthplaces of winemaking. Proprietors Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi are proud to share not only the unique architecture, inspired by the capital city of Persepolis, but...the beautiful art, history, and culture of their native land. (One) small example (is) in our tasting room, (guests) will find Persian-roasted pistachios served at our tasting bar. (These) are a long-standing symbol of hospitality,” said Marc Moynier, director of hospitality for Darioush Winery. Moynier said the wine at Darioush “is all about balance.” “We make bold yet distinctive Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from our southern Napa estate vineyards. Many of our guests are experienced collectors. As such, our hospitality team is comprised of many highly educated hospitality professionals. We have several advanced and certified sommeliers. The majority of our team has earned at least a (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 certificate,” said Moynier. Moynier said Darioush treasures teaching visitors more about pairing by offering different tastings, including wine and cheese pairings and sensory experiences with olive oil. “We enjoy offering unique, elevated wine experiences to cater to the many diverse and unique interests of our guests,” said Moynier. TEACHABLE MOMENTS, PARTIES, AND OPEN DOORS Tracey Hoff, director of retail at Conn Creek Winery in St. Helena, said Conn Creek makes its guests feel at home by welcoming them to blend their own bottle of wine. “Our ‘Barrel Blending Experience’ takes place in the AVA Room, which was remodeled in November of 2018. The guests taste through six AVA Cabernet Sauvignons and four Bordeaux varietals. Their host guides them through the tasting with an overview of Napa Valley and an introduction to blending. Guests like the comradery and competition, as well as the opportunity to learn more about Napa Valley,” said Hoff. Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant, winemaker for Conn Creek, said the barrel blending experience is similar to how she approaches blending sessions. “Everyone gets a pipette and a graduated cylinder, similar to what I use. Before they JANUARY 2020
The Grgich Hills Estate Pizza Pairing Experience
make the full blend, they make a small mock blend. Guests get to choose AVA wines from the Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, Chiles Valley, and Atlas Peak. We have them taste one Napa Valley Cabernet against all the different AVAs. (This helps them) taste the difference and uniqueness of each (wine),” said DeLouise-Gant. DeLouise-Gant said the idea for the ‘Barrel Blending Experience’ came from Mike McGrath, the former winemaker at Conn Creek. “He brought this idea to Conn Creek after his visit to France in the 1990s. The ‘Barrel Blending Experience’ is very popular for educational purposes, team-building events, and celebrations,” said DeLouise-Gant. Full-blown parties are another good way to share a winery’s offerings. Nicholas Berube, director of hospitality and marketing at Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford, said Grgich welcomes guests with a wide variety of celebrations, including its Annual Blessing of the Grapes in August, its daily grape stomp that runs August through October, and its Fourth of July party for wine club members. “We love bringing people together and have a lot of practice at it. One of our biggest events is our Croatian Extravaganza, which takes place in early July. We usually have 300 to 400 guests for this event. We invite folk dancers who perform in traditional Croatian costumes, sing both the U.S. and Croatian national anthems, and serve Croatian dishes, including roasted lamb,” said Berube. Berube said Grgich targets guests that look for “affordable luxury.” “Our events and even visits to our winery are an immersive experience. Our hospitality
A guest makes a custom blend at Conn Creek’s “Barrel Blending Experience.”
staff take visitors into our gardens and vineyards. (There) they’ll see owl boxes and beehives, which are important elements of our organic farming practices. They get an understanding of why we value organic farming. In our American Canyon vineyard, chickens and Guinea fowl roam freely. During events, they come to the tables where our guests are seated,” said Berube. Berube said one of the most important aspects of a visit to Grgich’s tasting room along Highway 29 is the winery does not require reservations for bar tastings. “People can stop in anytime. We don’t want to be exclusive. We often hear how friendly we are. People are impressed with the fact that they can join us with their friends and taste great wine without pretension,” said Berube. DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 29
TheLestiTeam.com
1050 Olive Hill Lane
1135 Monticello Road
BELLE VUE Vineyard Estate in the Coombsville AVA. Beneath the Vaca Mountains, minutes to downtown Napa. 5 acre gated knoll with panoramic views, 2 homes (2nd 1000 sq. ft. with kitchen) meticulous craftsmanship, French doors framing mesmerizing vineyard views. 3.5 Acres Cab. 1000 bottle-cave. 4 car garage. Pool house, Bocce, Outdoor kitchen, Pizza-oven, vegetable garden.
12+ acre gated Vineyard/Estate minutes to downtown. Renovated, for grand entertaining and everyday enjoyment. Focal points are the great room and slick kitchen w/multiple pivot folding doors leading to large tiled terraces. Single level w/2 suites downstairs + office-media-guest-wing, wine cellar2nd floor elevator to 2 private suites. Resort like outdoor w/ infinity-edge pool-pool house+bath. 7.8 acres Chardonnay + .09 acre Cab. Live the life.
Mark Lesti
Mark Lesti
707.320.8950
$7,900,000
1107 Castle Oaks Drive
707.320.8950
$7,800,000
29 Pinnacle Peak Street
Spectacular Silverado Estate offers views, main level living Beautiful and stylish view home at Silverado Country Club. Privacy and an entertainer’s dream backyard. Enjoy amazing views and tranquility. End of cul-de-sac location and no rear neighbors. Views of the valley abound from the tall soaring windows. Amazing hardwood from the backyard around the beautiful pool and spa. Beautiful floors. Huge family room opens to the kitchen and the magnificent view Kitchen! The main level master suite features fire place, sitting windows. A bright and light architectural gem. Several well-situated patios room and work space. This is a unique one of a kind Silverado and decks take in the views while you dine and entertain. The master bedroom suite is on the main level for easy living. Separate rooms for living, Highlands home. family, dining, offices and more (also on the main level). Plus a large wine closet conveniently located on the main level. No HOA. Solar power system. Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 $2,850,000 Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 $2,250,000
Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 Lic#01784430
Christine Lesti 707.320.8999 Lic#01854423
Paul M. Everett 707.299.9949 Lic#02016753
Sarah Peyton 707.339.2163 Lic#01869521
Ted Stumpf 707.246.9825 Lic#02020069
Brandon Hagler 707.210.4292
707.226.1823 • 1030 Third Street, Napa
Lic#02073516
Gary Prince 707.227.7282 Lic#01735857
TheLestiTeam.com
4129 Dry Creek Road
2138 First Avenue
Huge Panoramic Views!!! Build your dream home. Close to Beautiful country setting meets tranquil elegance! Gorgeous both Yountville and Napa. This is a special property; as the wood ceilings and hardwood floors. Recently updated kitchens Viewshed Permit has already been obtained. Road and home and baths. 1936 Wedgewood stove and updated lighting and permits also already obtained. Extremely private, and ready fixtures. Office area and fantastic sun room to enjoy your scenic to accommodate your special estate home (as well as a guest backyard. Stone wall in the open back yard. Views of horses, home). This rare parcel is for the discriminating Buyer. One of Mt. George and open space! the last remaining hillside view parcels with amazing views. Mark Lesti
707.320.8950
$1,950,000
Mark Lesti
707.320.8950
$1,125,000
2024 First Street
26 Avalon Court
Downtown Napa. Rare and beautiful. Lovely Storybook character home, and 2nd home, on a large lot. Perfectly located in downtown Napa among historic homes and B&B’s. Special characteristics of the period include the gothic front door, curved leaded windows and elegant light fixtures. The newly refinished hardwood floors tie together this amazing home. The 2nd home shines with hardwood floors, a large living area, a separate bedroom and bathroom, and a kitchen. The driveway leads to a 2-car garage and shop area (this garage structure needs work). Come and see this rare jewel of downtown Napa.
Beautiful and ready to move in! Updated kitchen and
Mark Lesti
Bob Souza 707.363.6335 Lic#01439572
707.320.8950
Bob Wallin 707.337.5279 Lic#01492251
gorgeous unit. Good sized back yard. Private back yard. Very low maintenance.
$1,250,000 Mark Lesti
StephanieThompson 707.226.1823 Admin
Howard Giles 650.796.5195 Lic#01428277
707.320.8950
Hanan Kim 602.579.5927 Lic#01982155
Christine Marek 707.226.1823
707.226.1823 • 1030 Third Street, Napa
Lic#01730062
$525,000
Nick Valdivia 707.225.5810 Lic#01980975
Self-care
RE-IMAGINED Achieve higher quality ‘me time’ in the bathroom BRANDPOINT T he long-overdue self-care movement acknowledges what you’ve known for years: Taking time for yourself gets you in a better state of mind to handle your crazy life and tackle your long to-do list. A day off and a massage appointment are both acts of self-care that can work wonders on your stress. When the pressure builds and you can’t fit some time out into your schedule, incorporating self-care in your routine can also do a lot to restore your equilibrium. The perfect place to start is in the bathroom. If you’re like most people, the bathroom is a place to prepare for the major transitions of the day. So why not rethink the bathroom as a space where you’re performing a ritual to prepare your body and your spirit for the next thing? Introducing a ritualized mindset to your routine infuses positive purpose into your actions. Calibrate it to the right energy level for the next part of your day, so you’ll feel invigorated before heading into work, or soothed and relaxed before bedtime. To inspire you, the following are ideas and upgrades for your daily self-care ritual. ADORN THE SPACE WITH FLOWERS AND CANDLES For centuries, fresh blooms and a flickering flame have been used to give spaces meaning and sacredness. Seeing the colorful flowers will give you a lift, and it will serve as a special reminder 32 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
Brandpoint photos
of the purpose of this time and INVEST IN QUALITY space. As always, the low light of Before introducing something a candle can set a relaxing vibe. new to the space, whether it’s a fresh set of towels or upgrading MAKE TIME FOR a major fixture, consider whether MINDFULNESS it adds a self-care component to Bringing a meditative ele- your day. One upgrade to conment to your get-ready ritual sider is TOTO’s SP WASHLET+ can quiet the chatter of the busy Wall-Hung Toilet. The warm brain. With a little experimen- water spray offers a gentle, natural tation, you can find something way to leave you feeling cleaner, that works for you. During your so you can go about your day time, look for opportunities to confident and refreshed. It also be mindful and present. That features advanced sensor techmeans devoting your headspace nology, automatically raising and to absolutely nothing but the lowering the lid; activates relaxaroma of your favorite body ing seat warming; and does the wash or the muscle soothing flushing for you. Finally, its minsensation of the warm water. imalist wall-mount design makes Or, try pausing for a mindful any bathroom more stylish. Altominute, where you just close gether, this is one upgrade that your eyes and focus on your redefines self-care. breathing for 60 seconds or so. These actions can lower your LUXURIATE IN THE TUB blood pressure and help you get Yes, a bath takes longer than focused on what’s ahead. the usual shower. But if you pay
attention to what the research says about the benefits of hydrotherapy, it’s well worth the extra effort. A 2014 report published by the North American Journal of Medical Science shows how a warm water soak results in lower blood pressure and a lower heart rate. To make your bath extra relaxing, lower the lights, play soft down-tempo music, and add a handful of Epsom salts to the water. To create the ultimate selfcare refuge, TOTO’s Flotation Tub with ZERO DIMENSION simulates zero gravity, offering you the experience of total weightlessness. Imagine what having access to that experience, anytime you want, can do to restore your body and mind. Self-care doesn’t have to be limited to weekends or special occasions. It’s something you can practice every day if you take the time to re-imagine your daily routine. If you’re interested in learning more about TOTO’s award-winning line of luxury-inspired, design-forward fixtures, visit TOTOUSA.com. JANUARY 2020
APPLY ONLINE NOW at NVCH.ORG!
MATCH-UP PROGRAM A FREE SERVICE We match home providers who have an extra room in their home, with renters seeking an affordable place to live in Napa County. We screen and check references for each candidate and refer potential housemates to one another. We help facilitate the home sharing agreements, and are available for follow up questions and concerns.
150 Camino Dorado, Napa CA (707) 253-6157 | NVCH.ORG JANUARY 2020
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 33
NAPA’S LOAN RANGER
RateStar and
BorrowSmart
Two programs to help you
C
ongrats. You did it! You made it to 2020. A year when the first two digits match the second two digits, comes around only every so often. Think back to 1919. And speaking of cool, the 19th amendment was ratified in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. Therefore, 2020 marks a century CHRIS celebration of this SALESE breakthrough for our society. Let’s set the scene that it’s possibly your second day in a row on the couch now to start the new year.
Perhaps you’ve been thinking about a failed purchase attempt you experienced last year because you didn’t have enough funds for closing costs or maybe you are scratching your head looking to find ways to save money this new year on your monthly mortgage payment. Fortunately, there are two programs that could potentially help you. The first program is from Freddie Mac and is called BorrowSmart. It can help by providing a grant for closing cost assistance to qualified borrowers who complete housing counseling through a Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved counseling provider affiliated with the Homeownership Preservation Foundation network. There are three grant levels available for this program. There’s the Very Low-Income Purchase level, where if your
qualifying income is less than or equal to 50% of the county area median income then you can qualify for $2,500. Next, there’s the Low-Income Purchase level, where if your qualifying income is greater than 50% and less than or equal to 80% of the county area median income then you can qualify for $1,500. Last, there’s the Moderate-Income Purchase, where if your qualifying income is greater than 80% and less than or equal to 100% of the county area median income then you can qualify for $1,000. The second program, called RateStar, is from Arch mortgage insurance company. It’s customizable private mortgage insurance that allows you to effectively create your own payment. This, of course, assumes you’re leveraging the benefit of obtaining private mortgage insurance or if you simply have no choice. As I’ve mentioned in past columns, private mortgage insurance is typically used when you don’t have the 20% down
payment for purchase or if you don’t have 20% equity in your home on a refinance. With RateStar, you’re able to customize the private mortgage insurance premium to meet your specific payment goals or to help keep your qualifying ratios within acceptable parameters. Your lender can also use this program to gain flexibility around unexpectedly high home insurance quotes, especially in extreme fire rated areas, by adjusting the payment on the private mortgage insurance premium to offset some of the added monthly expense from the home insurance. In s u m m a r y, yo u h a ve options, and you should explore all of them with your trusted local lender. 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.
Dreamstime
34 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
JANUARY 2020
HOME IMPROVEMENT STAGING + DESIGN INSPECTIONS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Rest Easy. From cover to cover From soup to nuts The whole nine yards HOWEVER YOU PHRASE IT, IT’S WHAT WE DO.
We are real estate professionals who offer a full service experience from start to finish. Always have, always will. TFGPrealestate.com
4
HOME UPGRADES
THAT ARE GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BRANDPOINT
Consumers today are more mindful about the environmental impact of everything they do, from driving and traveling to energy usage in their homes. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps homeowners can take to save energy and help the environment. BOOST YOUR INSULATION You may already know what areas of your home are poorly insulated, simply by how you feel when it’s cold or hot outside. You can have a professional home energy audit conducted to help pinpoint areas that need improvement. Many energy companies provide an audit free of charge. Start with the attic: If your attic is insufficiently insulated, you could be losing a lot of heat over the winter, which means your home is wasting energy—and money. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that boosting attic insulation can save 10-50 percent on heating costs. UPGRADE YOUR HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM Heating and cooling your home uses the most energy, so investing in Energy Star certified HVAC products can make a big difference when it comes to cutting energy costs and your home’s impact on the environment. For a new HVAC system in a variety of styles to fit any décor that can be easily installed by a contractor, you might consider wall-mounted duct-free systems from a trusted brand like LG. 36 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
framing materials, including multiple panes of glass, with air- or gas-filled space between for additional insulation. They’re made from Low-E (low emissivity) glass, with special coatings to reflect infrared light. Warm edge spacers keep the glass panes the correct distance apart reducing heat transfer through the window.
Brandpoint
They offer a variety of ultraquiet “Art Cool” options (the sleek Mirror, stylish Premier and unique Gallery, which looks like a picture frame and allows you to display your own artwork). These systems are smart-enabled, allowing homeowners to adjust the temperature from their LG ThinQ app for Android and iOS users, or with simple commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The most eco-conscious consumers will want to look for “Energy Star Most Efficient” HVAC solutions. For example, the Art Cool Mirror earned the 2019 designation and also features advanced “Reliable to Extreme Degrees” LGRED, heating technology that delivers 100 percent heating capacity down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and continuous heating down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you warm and
comfortable all winter long with remarkable energy efficiency. REPLACE DOORS AND WINDOWS You may be losing a lot of heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer through your doors and windows, especially if they’re older. The latest energy-efficient models of windows and doors not only reduce leaks around the frames, but they’re made from materials that enhance insulation. Doors: According to EnergyStar.gov, energy-efficient doors not only fit better and have improved weather stripping to reduce air leakage, but also use improved core materials for superior insulation. Where glass is used, they reduce heat flow via double- or triple-paned insulating glass. Windows: Energy Star qualified windows use superior
GO SOLAR While most people are aware that solar power harnesses the sun’s energy to create electricity, many don’t know how easy and cost-effective it is to go solar. The newest technology behind solar energy has made it increasingly accessible and appealing for homeowners. For example, new energy solutions such as LG’s “NeON R ACe” are high-efficiency solar panels that incorporate a built-in micro-inverter (that converts DC electricity to AC) instead of a separate traditional inverter. Recessed into the frame of the solar module, the micro-inverter simplifies the installation process and allows more flexibility to create a solar array that looks attractive on your roof. When going solar, it’s important to seek out a brand you trust, one like LG that offers solar panels covered by a 25-year limited product, part and performance warranty. Choosing just one area to upgrade will save energy, reducing your home’s carbon footprint. You’ll also feel more comfortable throughout the year, as you better regulate the temperature of your home. JANUARY 2020
WE STAGE HOUSES TO SELL!
Serving the Napa Valley for over 27 Years! 1326 Main Street, Napa 707-224-8485 Monday - Friday 10-6 Saturday and Sunday 10-4 JANUARY 2020
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 37
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!
38 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
JANUARY 2020
Wine Country Real Estate Trends in December 2019 GERRETT SNEDAKER, CRB I’ve done a chart of Wine Country Market Value Shifts dating back to 1998. I’ve added the latest data for 2019 so if you’d like a copy, drop me an email. According to the Bay Area Real Estate Services MLS figures, the average price GERRETT SNEDAKER of residential real estate sales across Wine Countr y (Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino Counties) decreased by 4.31% in 2019. The average price of all closings in Sonoma County was $744,663, the average in Napa County was $921,092 and the average in Mendocino County was $484,395. I’m expecting a relatively flat market in 2020, even or slightly positive – but not negative. It will vary from market to market and in different price ranges. There were 6,617 closings of single-family homes and condominiums across Wine Country in 2019 compared to 6,655 closings in 2018. This is less than a 1% decrease in volume. There was a negligible decrease in volume (less than 1%) in Sonoma County (4,709 in 2019 compared to 4,723 in 2018) while Napa Country was down 2.8% year over year at 1,265 units compared to 1,301 units in 2018 and Mendocino County was up 2% in volume – 643 sales compared to 631 in 2018. I expect the 2020 volume will again be steady or slightly down from the volume in 2019. Low mortgage interest rates will serve to buoy the markets. The total sales dollar volume was nearly $5 billion dollars—$3.5 billion in Sonoma County, $1.2 billion in Napa County and $311 million in Mendocino County. NAPA COUNTY The inventory of homes and condominiums available for sale in Napa County at the end of December (282) is 3% below the inventory in December 2018 JANUARY 2020
(292) and it is 29% below the inventory last month (395). This is consistent with the seasonal trend that typically sees inventory come down through January or February of this year. Fifty percent of the inventory in Napa County (141 properties) is priced at $1,000,000 or above. New sales (67) are 10% ahead of the pace of last year (61) and are 22% below the 86 sales last month. There is a 4.2 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for homes closing in Napa County is currently 91 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 96 homes closed in December in Napa County ($703,000) is 1.5% ahead of the median price of a year ago ($692,000). Over the past four months, Napa County homes are selling at roughly 92% 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 $2,500,000 in Napa County at this time. The number of closings (48) of Luxury Homes (sales price in excess of $2,500,000) in Napa County for the period 1/1/19 to 12/31/19 compared to 59 closings in the period 1/1/18 to 12/31/18. This is a decrease of 19%. There are 73 luxury homes in inventory at the end of December 2019 compared to 45 at the end of December 2018. There was just one new Luxury Home sale last month compared to 6 in November. This results in an unrealistic 73 months supply of available Luxury Homes based on the current sales pace compared to
© Melpomenem | Dreamstime.com
4.2 months supply for the County as a whole. This is sure to come down in the next several months. Days on market for the 3 luxury homes sales in December was 101 days. Over the past four months, Napa County Luxury Homes are selling at roughly 87% of original list price. AMERICAN CANYON There are 11 available homes and condominiums in inventory at the end of December in American Canyon. This is 56% below the inventory a year ago (25) and it is 27% below the supply last month (15). New sales (9) are 50% above the pace of last year (6) and essentially equal to the 8 sales last month. There is a 1.2 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for homes that closed in American Canyon last month was 65 days. The median price of the 7 homes that closed in American Canyon in December ($556,000) was 12.5% ahead of the median price of a year ago ($494,000). The average price per square foot of the homes sold in American Canyon remains in the $250 to $300 range. It remains a tight market in American Canyon. NAPA Fifty-one percent of the inventory in Napa County is in the City of Napa. There are 144 available homes and condominiums in inventory at the end of December in the City of Napa. This is 12% below the supply at the end of December 2018 (163) and it is 32% below the inventory at the end of last month (211). New sales (52) were 27% ahead of the pace of December 2018 (41) and they were 7% below the pace of last month (56). There is a 2.8 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for the 68 closings last month was 88 days compared to 66 days in December 2018. The
median price of the homes that closed in the City of Napa in December was $703,000. This is 6% ahead of the median price of the homes closed in December 2018 ($662,000). UPVALLEY 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 December (92) is 21% higher than the level of 76 in December 2018 and it is 29% below the level last month (130). There were just 6 new sales in the month compared to 13 a year ago and 17 last month. There is now a 15.3 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for the 16 closings last month was 89 days. Properties generally take longer to sell in the Up Valley than in the rest of Napa County. Approximately 60% of the Luxury Market inventory (price in excess of $2,500,000) in Napa County is in the Up Valley Market (44 homes). There was one luxury home (price in excess of $2,500,000) closing in the Up Valley Market last month and one new luxury home sale. ANGWIN The inventory of homes and condominiums for sale at the end of December in Angwin is 7 homes. This compares to 8 homes in December 2018 and 9 homes last month. There were no new sales in the month of December compared to one a year ago and one last month. The average asking price of the 7 homes in inventory in Angwin is $1,207,000. Gerrett Snedaker, CRB, is a Broker/Partner with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate|Wine Country Group. Contact Gerrett at gerry. snedaker@winecountrygroup. com or 707-939-2009 DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 39
NAPA COUNTY’S LATEST HOME SALES* Address
record dAte
sAle Price
Bed BAth sq ft Yr Blt
American Canyon
Single Family
Address
record dAte
sAle Price
Bed BAth sq ft Yr Blt
3469 TWIN OAKS DR
12/13/20 12/13
$639,000.00
4
2
1,334
1973
12/02/20 12/2
$650,000.00
4
2
1,509
1955
5 DEL REY CT
11/19/20 11/19
$270,000.00
3
2
1,085
1954
2590 DORSET ST
14 STONEGATE LN
12/13/20 12/13
$360,000.00
2
2
1,056
1987
920 CAYETANO DR
11/26/20 11/26
$669,000.00
4
3
1,612
1989
235 W CAROLYN DR
12/04/20 12/4
$455,000.00
3
2
1,032
1957
2505 VINTAGE CT
11/27/20 11/27
$674,000.00
3
2
1,549
1973
411 RIO DEL MAR
11/21/20 11/21
$477,000.00
3
2
1,032
1957
2085 W PARK AVE
11/21/20 11/21
$695,000.00
3
2
1,100
1948
218 ANDREW RD
11/25/20 11/25
$485,000.00
2
1
1,056
1955
2426 ALLEGHENY DR
12/06/20 12/6
$695,000.00
3
3
1,771
1992
404 MARSHCREEK DR
11/20/20 11/20
$515,000.00
5
3
2,082
2001
4 WALKABOUT LN
12/03/20 12/3
$700,000.00
3
3
1,713
2001
361 DORCHESTER PL
12/10/20 12/10
$520,000.00
3
3
1,681
1989
1256 LEGION AVE
11/27/20 11/27
$719,000.00
3
2
1,239
1941
20 MICHAEL LN
11/20/20 11/20
$565,000.00
4
3
2,465
2002
31 WILD RYE WAY
11/26/20 11/26
$725,000.00
3
2
1,742
1999
240 NEWBURY WAY
11/20/20 11/20
$625,000.00
4
3
2,467
1989
148 KERNS CT
11/22/20 11/22
$735,000.00
3
2
1,655
1960
10 VINE TERRACE WAY
11/27/20 11/27
$665,000.00
4
2
2,401
2000
1165 BROADMOOR DR
11/27/20 11/27
$750,000.00
3
2
1,600
1977
30 SIRAH DR
11/22/20 11/22
$695,000.00
6
3
3,164
2006
119 CAPSTONE CT
12/06/20 12/6
$760,000.00
4
2
1,864
2000
3409 BOULDER CREEK CT
12/05/20 12/5
$765,000.00
4
2
1,845
1975
1993
244 ACACIA AVE
12/04/20 12/4
$785,000.00
3
2
2,394
1943
1990
20 MONTECITO BLVD
12/06/20 12/6
$795,000.00
3
2
1,612
1947
1980
1908 SILVERADO TRL
12/06/20 12/6
$815,000.00
4
3
2,912
1973
3663 NEWARK DR
11/22/20 11/22
$825,000.00
4
2
1,929
1965
732 SARATOGA DR
12/02/20 12/2
$830,000.00
4
3
2,163
2016
139 PARADISE DR
12/06/20 12/6
$975,000.00
3
3
2,827
2008
15 LEXINGTON CT
11/25/20 11/25
$998,000.00
4
3
3,361
2002
412 TROON DR
12/04/20 12/4
$1,015,000.00
3
3
2,195
1990
130 HEUN LN
11/26/20 11/26
$1,046,000.00
4
4
2,628
2018
62 LIGHTHOUSE CT
11/22/20 11/22
$1,049,000.00
4
3
2,170
1990
12/02/20 12/2
$1,070,000.00
3
3
2,186
2008
Calistoga 1904 CINNABAR CT 1552 CENTENNIAL CIR 2281 FOOTHILL BLVD
Single Family
12/4 12/04/20 12/3 12/03/20 11/22 11/22/20
$650,000.00 $975,000.00 $1,625,000.00
3 3 3
2 2 3
Napa
1,294 2,458 2,035
Single Family
2474 CLARET CT
11/26 11/26/20
$115,000.00
4
3
2,226
1974
4078 ENCINA DR
11/26 11/26/20
$145,000.00
3
2
1,094
1952
2144 GRANADA ST
12/4 12/04/20
$320,000.00
4
2
1,171
1966
2461 PACIFIC ST
12/10 12/10/20
$370,000.00
2
1
875
1943
1033 PUEBLO AVE
12/13 12/13/20
$375,000.00
2
1
1,065
1930
2973 SUNRISE DR
12/13 12/13/20
$385,000.00
3
1
1,093
1951
115 CESTA ST
12/5 12/05/20
$387,500.00
3
1
950
1952
114 COTTAGE COVE LN
1977
138 HEUN LN
11/27/20 11/27
$1,139,000.00
4
4
2,628
2018
1966
1157 WYATT AVE
12/05/20 12/5
$1,250,000.00
4
4
2,921
2019
12/04/20 12/4
$1,300,000.00
2
2
2,518
1987
3998 KLAMATH WAY
12/3 12/03/20
$440,000.00
3
2
1,294
2450 MERCED ST
11/26 11/26/20
3038 STADIUM AVE
11/22 11/22/20
$465,000.00
3
2
1,197
1960
4220 CHARDONNAY CT
3307 CARMEL DR
12/10 12/10/20
$488,000.00
3
3
3,049
2012
1172 RIVER PARK BLVD
12/03/20 12/3
$1,325,000.00
4
3
2,616
2002
75 MALLARD CT
11/27 11/27/20
$489,000.00
2
1
839
1994
1074 ALPINE CT
11/25/20 11/25
$1,425,000.00
4
3
2,396
1981
1504 KING AVE
11/26 11/26/20
$495,000.00
4
2
1,138
1949
3202 ATHERTON CIR
11/25/20 11/25
$1,435,000.00
4
4
2,923
2014
2788 PINE ST
11/26 11/26/20
$499,000.00
2
1
868
1935
1168 PENNYROYAL ST
12/05/20 12/5
$1,443,500.00
4
4
2,700
2019
2365 GERALD ST
12/6 12/06/20
$499,000.00
3
2
1,120
1955
116 SILVERADO SPRINGS DR
12/09/20 12/9
$1,450,000.00
4
3
3,065
1990
481 PICKWICK DR
12/4 12/04/20
$500,000.00
4
2
1,199
1955
31 PASCALE PL
11/25/20 11/25
$1,525,000.00
3
3
2,188
2019
720 GREENBACH ST
11/26 11/26/20
$513,000.00
3
2
1,204
1955
20 GARFIELD LN
12/03/20 12/3
$1,600,000.00
4
3
1,622
1878
2613 YAJOME ST
11/27 11/27/20
$525,000.00
3
1
1,107
1951
15 HUNTINGTON CT
12/13/20 12/13
$2,000,000.00
4
4
3,599
2001
3548 PALOMAR WAY
12/10 12/10/20
$540,000.00
3
2
1,189
1956
1183 ROSS CIR
12/09/20 12/9
$2,550,000.00
4
6
3,187
1978
2281 LERNHART ST
11/26 11/26/20
$551,500.00
3
2
1,639
1951
989 CENTRAL AVE
12/13 12/13/20
$560,000.00
3
2
1,461
1954
St Helena
1152 EGGLESTON ST
11/27 11/27/20
$560,000.00
2
1
856
1900
2331 EVA ST
12/10 12/10/20
$560,000.00
3
2
1,120
1955
4420 SUMMERFIELD DR
12/6 12/06/20
$580,000.00
3
2
1,186
1973
2422 FLORA ST
12/13 12/13/20
$588,000.00
3
2
1,443
1976
2580 HAWTHORNE CT
12/11 12/11/20
$589,000.00
4
2
1,408
1956
31 BLACK WALNUT LN
12/02/20 12/2
$615,000.00
4
3
1,826
1999
1014 BROADMOOR DR
12/03/20 12/3
$617,500.00
3
2
1,355
1956
1104 PRINCETON LN
12/02/20 12/2
$630,000.00
2
2
1,478
1959
Yountville
2591 EMERSON ST
12/06/20 12/6
$630,000.00
4
2
1,779
1956
2180 MONROE ST
40 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
$450,000.00
4
2
1,812
Single Family
962 MCCORKLE AVE
11/19 11/19/20
$850,000.00
3
2
1,602
1877
1711 CRINELLA DR
12/9 12/09/20
$879,000.00
3
2
1,992
1965
1607 KEARNEY ST
12/05/20 12/5
$1,150,000.00
2
3
1,580
1953
1709 ADAMS ST
12/06/20 12/6
$1,250,000.00
3
2
2,592
1956
807 ALLISON AVE
12/13/20 12/13
$1,550,000.00
2
2
1,741
1890
1810 QUAIL CT
12/13/20 12/13
$2,050,000.00
4
3
2,295
1996
1713 ADAMS ST
12/06/20 12/6
$4,585,000.00
5
7
3,865
1920
11/22
$1,014,000.00
1
1
480
Single Family
1965
JANUARY 2020
NAPA COUNTY’S LATEST HOME SALES* Address
record dAte
sAle Price
Bed
BAth
sq ft
Napa 718 PUEBLO AVE #5 3520 SHELTER CREEK DR
Condos 12/3
$345,000
2
1
840
1982
11/26
$389,000
2
2
1,081
1972
1138 MARINA DR
11/27
$395,000
2
2
943
1972
109 FIREFLY LN
11/25
$399,000
3
4
1,478
2010
9 VANESSA CT W
11/25
$449,500
2
2
1,212
1984
2173 REDWOOD RD
11/27
$465,000
2
2
1,120
1977
1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #210
12/10
$490,000
1
1
676
1968
1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #228
11/20
$500,000
1
1
676
1968
2708 ELKS WAY
12/6
$510,000
3
2
1,407
1988
58 AVALON CT
11/26
$540,000
2
3
1,239
1993
1314 MCKINSTRY ST #3057 588 MAIN ST #208
12/2
$550,000
1
1
723
2008
12/10
$615,000
1
1
903
2009
102 VALLEY CLUB CIR
11/26
$625,000
3
3
1,630
1988
931 MARINA DR
12/10
$725,000
3
3
1,482
1974
1616 THIRD ST
11/26
$864,000
3
2
2019
1720 THIRD ST
12/4
$890,000
3
2
2019
1716 THIRD ST
12/5
$905,000
3
2
2019
1712 THIRD ST
11/19
$920,000
3
2
2019
24 FAIRWAY DR
11/26
$950,000
3
2
St Helena
1,282
1970
Condos
951 MARIPOSA LN
12/3
$550,000
2
2
1,160
1975
1071 MARIPOSA LN
12/3
$740,000
3
2
1,316
1975
350 BROOKSIDE DR
12/13
$1,470,000
4
4
3,311
1993
1058 ARROYO GRANDE DR
11/22
$270,000
3
2
1,049
2006
4036 SPRING MOUNTAIN RD
11/21
$1,825,000
4
4
2,306
1978
3190 VICHY AVE
11/25
$660,000
3
2
2,158
1976
12/2
$1,582,000
3
3
2,173
1976
555 SPUR ST
11/27
$189,000
3
2
1,334
2007
1130 DEPUTY DR
11/22
$235,000
3
2
1,524
1982
2267 STAGE COACH CANYON RD
11/25
$248,500
3
2
1,778
1992
12/6
$900,000
3
2
1,512
1983
11/26
$1,400,000
3
3
2,265
1967
Angwin
Berryessa Calistoga Napa
1105 LA GRANDE AVE
Pope, Chiles, Wooden Valleys
1414 INK GRADE RD 219 KNOLL PL
Address
record dAte
sAle Price
Units
Napa 1164 SYLVIA CT 430 RANDOLPH ST 1233 LAUREL ST
1413 SPRING ST
Rural Residential Rural Residential Rural Residential Rural Residential Rural Residential
Yr Blt lot size
Res. Multi Family 11/26
$135,000
1
12/9
$900,000
2
11/20
$950,000
1
St Helena
JANUARY 2020
Yr Blt
6,632 1955
11,134
1890
6,440
Res. Multi Family 12/10
$1,475,000
1
1992
12,394
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 41
Better BAKING
5 things to know about your oven Brandpoint
BRANDPOINT
M
easuring, mixing, blending and kneading—there is so much that goes into the art of baking. You start with the right materials and techniques, but you also need to be familiar with how your oven works to get the best results. Getting to know your oven could be the difference between a beautiful baked good and a not-so-great one. Here are five questions to ask before you get started on your next batch of goodies. GAS, ELECTRIC OR CONVECTION? This is an important distinction. This not only determines where the heat comes from, but also how it moves around inside the oven. Convection ovens—such as the LG ProBake Oven—are the best for baking as they circulate the air inside the oven for even heat on every rack. They have a bottom heat source but are also equipped with fans to blow the hot air around. Many gas and electric ovens are 42 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
also heated from the bottom, but the heat is not evenly distributed. WHEN WAS IT LAST CLEANED? Many people go months, or even years, without cleaning their ovens. But months of buildup can cause smoke and ruin your food. Remember to wipe away any spills in the oven after each use or use a drip pan to catch any grease or drippings.
WHERE ARE YOUR OVEN RACKS? The placement of the racks inside your oven is more important than you may think. Most ovens get hotter at the top, so if you have two baking sheets in at once, the one on the higher rack tends to cook faster. For best results, place racks in the middle, and be sure to rotate your pans from front to back and top to bottom.
ARE THE NOOKS AND CRANNIES CLEAN? Crumbs and spills hiding in the gaps around your oven can attract pests. One easy way to get these areas clean is to wrap a damp cloth around a butter knife and run it through the cracks, shaking out the dirt and food morsels in the trash as you go. Then, repeat this step with a vinegar-dampened cloth to ensure the area isn’t a welcoming home to mice, ants or other unwanted guests.
DO YOU HAVE AN OVEN THERMOMETER? Many home ovens are off by five to 15 degrees, some even up to 25 degrees or more. It might seem insignificant, but the wrong temperature can affect your final product. Use an oven thermometer to make sure you’re baking at the correct temperature. Get to know your oven. Answer these questions and follow these tips for delicious, successful baking every time. JANUARY 2020
CAN I AFFORD A NEW HOME?
Calculate your Mortgage NapaValleyRegister.com/ homes JANUARY 2020
RENOVATE!
707-224-5060 www.craiker.com DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 43
FOOD TRUCKS OF THE NAPA VALLEY
TACOS DON CARLOS HOME OF THE $1 TACO MARIA SESTITO What you’re eating: Tacos, tacos and more tacos – all made with fresh ingredients and available for only $1. But don’t let the price fool you, these tacos are bursting with flavor and, if you’re up for trying something a little more fiery, Tacos Don Carlos has a trendy and Instagram-worthy option for you. (Hint: It involves Flamin’ Hot Cheetos). That’s right, here you can get Flamin’ Cheeto Tacos with homemade fiery shells and topped with Cheetos, or a Flamin’ Cheeto Rito (burrito). Meat choices include steak, grilled chicken, chorizo, al pastor (pork), carne asada, and pollo asado. Gluten-free corn tortillas are also available and, according to the owners, pair well with a side of guacamole. Who’s making your food: Speaking of the owner, it is often Carlos himself who you will see inside the truck alongside either his wife, Maria, or one of his other family members. “I want to keep it a family business,” says Carlos Mata, who works six days a week to run the truck with his family. He is at the store every morning by 7 a.m. to buy supplies, opens the truck up by 11:30 and keeps at until they sell-out, usually about 9 p.m. “We cook to order – we’re constantly cooking,” Mata says. Mata first started selling food from a taco cart a few years ago Friday and Saturday nights at Trower Avenue and Jefferson Street in Napa. He was serving between 60 and 80 people each night, but, he says, he didn’t know at the time he needed a permit. Unable to afford one at the time, he was forced to close. Mata, however, kept receiving messages from people about how much they loved and missed his food. “Two years later,” he says, “people were still calling me ‘We miss your tacos.’” When Mata, a self-proclaimed “taco guy,” was finally able to buy his truck with help from his family, he decided to keep the business family friendly. That’s why he continues to serve $1 tacos and, he says, takes Sundays off to spend time with his own family. “We’re a family of six – we gotta make it affordable for everybody,” Mata says, 44 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES
Maria Sestito photos
“Nowadays nothing is $1.” Don’t leave without trying: If you’re a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos fan, then the Flamin’ Cheetos Taco. If it is bacon that gets you drooling, then try the Puerco Wrap Burrito – a burrito wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection. Pro Tip: Ask for grilled onions and chili peppers and they’ll be sure to “slap some on.” Price Range: Most tacos are $1, but it’s $2.50 if you want homemade tortillas. A
quesadilla is $8 and that bacon wrapped burrito is $15. Where to find it: Tacos Don Carlos is located at 1700 Soscol Ave. in Napa. It is opened between 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (or when they sell-out) Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the truck is out at special events. Search for the truck on Instagram or Facebook for updates. Word to the wise: In a rush? Order ahead by texting (707) 430-2252. JANUARY 2020
Gardening TRENDS FOR 2020 Think unconventional, sustainable DEAN FOSDICK Associated Press
G
ardeners in 2020 will veer from the beaten path, opting for unconventional varieties and eco-conscious surroundings, according to a plant trends study by horticulturalists with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Their forecast is based largely on market observations and feedback from people seeking information from Extension offices. Interest is strong for native plants, dwarf hybrids, “re-wilding” gardens, edible settings, wildlife-friendly landscapes, dark foliage, succulents, novel greens, landscaping for natural disasters, and softer, leafier floral arrangements, the horticulturists said. “More and more folks are wanting to think about sustainability,” said Mark Tancig, a UF/IFAS agent based in Leon County. “They’re wanting to plant things that don’t require as much water or fertilizer,” he said. “Plants that resist disease and insects. Plants that provide for wildlife use and need less maintenance and input. That not only saves money but it looks good, too. It’s restorative to the environment.” Breaking down the study’s trending Top 10:
DARK FOLIAGE Plants with red, purple or black leaves are striking additions to any landscape, making them attractive to gardeners looking for something new in 2020, said Marguerite Beckford, a horticulture agent in Sarasota County. SUCCULENTS People are reaching out for lesser-known succulents that offer interesting shapes, textures and growth habits, the University of Florida horticulturists say. Dean Fosdick
Online For more about the 2020 food and plant trends report, see this Infographic from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences: https:// branding.ifasufledu/promotional/ UFIFAS—TrendReport20
a specific place generally are lower maintenance, requiring less water, pruning and fertilizer. DWARF HYBRIDS Gardeners without a lot of living space increasingly are choosing the dwarf varieties of their favorite plants. They also require less pruning.
RE-WILDING GARDENS To encourage beneficial NATIVE PLANTS insects and the health of your These plants original to garden, allow shrubs to return
JANUARY 2020
NOVEL GREENS Vegetable gardeners will be looking to diversify their harvests with leafy greens generally grown outside the United States — bok choy, mizuna and komatsuna to their natural shapes, let grass among them, according to the grow longer and permit a few horticulturists. weeds to flower, said Theresa Badurek, horticulture agent for LANDSCAPING FOR Pinellas County. “Some of those NATURAL DISASTERS volunteer weeds may be great “ St o r m s a r e b e c o m i n g wildflowers.” more erratic and more feared,” Tancig said. “Plant the kinds EDIBLE SETTINGS of trees around your home that Fruit-bearing plants, orna- reduce risk.” mental vegetables and edible flowers do double duty, adding SOFTER, LEAFIER FLORAL beauty as well as nutrition to ARRANGEMENTS the home landscape. Flowers combined with foliage are gaining in popularity. PLANTS FOR WILDLIFE “We are going away from the “Most contemporary land- bundle bouquet of solitary flower scapes lack diversity, so garden- blooms to the soft, organic feel ers should choose a variety of of greenery,” said Karen Staudplants that flower and fruit,” erman, an Extension horticulture Badurek said. Plants with berries agent for Volusia County. attract birds, and layering plants of varying heights provides hid- You can contact Dean Fosdick ing places for other species. at deanfosdick@netscape.net
This June 15, 2015 photo shows a dwarf hybrid blueberry plant growing in a container on a residential sidewalk near Langley, Wash. Growers without a lot of living space increasingly are choosing the dwarf varieties of their favorite plants, making this one of the hottest gardening trends predicted for 2020.
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