English: CIA Campus in St. Helena, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Produced in California’s renowned Napa Valley, Premiere Napa Valley is one of the rarest wine brands in the world. For 16 years the region’s top winemakers have offered ultra-boutique wines to the trade, crafted in as few as 60 bottles and never more than 240 bottles, as individual bottlings for the brand known as Premiere Napa Valley.
These wines, created each only once, by 200 different wineries are offered as futures at auction only to the wine trade—individual restaurateurs and wine retailers—so they have the most unique, and some of the very best wines made from America’s leading appellation. Essentially think of Premiere Napa Valley as a brand consisting of 200 “single vineyard,” small case production offerings.
Each wine from each producer is one-of-a-kind, and will not be found in the market except by the wine seller who secures the unique wine via an annual trade auction held each winter. Though reminiscent of how Hospice de Beaune wines are produced, the process is uniquely American. The winemakers take a gloves-off approach, often using varieties they may not bottle as a stand-alone, or perhaps a noted white-wine-only house producing a red wine. These wines are innovative and showcase the region’s sense of explorations in fine winemaking.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, February 21
Premiere Preview Parties Locations throughout the Valley
Drop in at your leisure for this walk-around, three-vintage perspective tasting of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. This tasting provides a snapshot of wine coming to, already in and finishing up in the market, offering insight into how vintages may unfold with time. Join a discussion with industry opinion leaders following the tasting.
Premiere Preview Parties Locations throughout the Valley
Saturday, February 23
Barrel Tasting & Auction The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone 2555 Main Street, St. Helena
The weekend’s highlight! Taste and network with owners and winemakers from 200 of Napa Valley’s finest producers in the barrel room, enjoy lunch prepared by the staff and students of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, and then head into the auction room for the fast-paced and high-energy live auction of the 200 made-for-this-event-only wines previewed earlier in the day.
9:00 am – Registration opens 9:30 am – 12:30 pm – Barrel Tasting 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch 1:00 pm to last gavel – Live Auction
Photo of a vineyard in the Loire Valley, France. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
French red wine from the Loire Valley region of Chinon. Predominately Cabernet franc. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you are planning a holiday party, you may be interested in some of my favorite wine and cheese pairings.
Wine and goat cheese are a wonderful combination; I have included 3 goat cheese selections.
Cheeses (Photo credit: Smabs Sputzer)
Take the cheese out of the refrigerator and unwrap the pieces to bring them to room temperature; this will fully develop their flavor. Present them on separate cheese boards or plates with one cheese knife for each variety. Displaying their names on a card near the board. Use glass domes for exceptionally fragrant, ripe cheeses so they don’t overwhelm the less fragrant selections.
Here they are:
Le Chevre Noirgoat cheese is hard and crumbly and pairs with a ChinonLoire Valley red wine. Aged chevre, typically dry, rich and intense, also works with classic heavy reds like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chevre Noir (Photo credit: Renée S.)
Chevre Noir (Photo credit: euqus)
A wine cave in the Loire Valley wine region of Chinon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Loire Valley (Photo credit: lightmagic)
Chevreau a flan de coline (Photo credit: Erminig Gwenn)
Drunken Goat was a farmhouse accident. A wheel of chesse rolls into a barrel of wine and the rest is history. This semi-pasteurized goat cheese is from Spain’s Mediterranean Coast. It pairs with a smooth Spanish Red Tempranillo.
Tempranillo varietal wine bottle and glass, showing colour Shot with Nikon D70s (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Truffle Tremor pasteurized goat cheese from Cypress Grove Creamery is made with black truffles. Pairs with a fruity Pinot Noir.
Comte cow cheese from Fort Saint Antoine in the Jura Mountains. Pairs with a big chewy California Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. Buy some Kronos Vineyard Napa Valley Corison if you can.
Corison
Happy Holidays from Vino con Vista
Thirty minutes before guests arrive, uncork the wine to give them time to aerate and develop their flavors and bouquets.
English: Cropped image of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Hedges Vineyards in Red Mountain, Washington. Photo taken August 28th, 2007 with a Kodak z650 camera. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Add some grapes, olives, pears, cured meats, breads, crackers, plain almonds and cashews and dried fruits like figs, dates and apricots to your holiday table. Use your treasured holiday corkscrews and dishware!
Cover your dining room table with your favorite holiday table cloth. Make a fabulous holiday centerpiece with candlesticks:
. I prefer my crystal candlesticks with silver candles. Crank up the holiday music and enjoy the party.
English: Vineyard in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I loved the Flavor Napa Valley Appellation Trail Event at the Culinary Institiute in Saint Helena. It was truly the ultimate celebration of Napa Valley Food and Wine!
Here’s a short video:
Greystone in Napa California
At the Appellation Trail there were more than 100 wineries pouring everything from Albariño to Zinfandel.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 30: ‘Next Iron Chef’ castmember Michael Chiarello attends the ‘Next Iron Chef’ interactive experience kick-off on the Streets of Manhattan on September 30, 2011 in New York City. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
English: Napa valley vineyard Français : Vignoble de Napa Valley, Comté de Napa, Californie, États-Unis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This was a perfect time to visit Napa. The leaves on the vines were russet and burgundy. Many of the shops were decorated for the holidays. I loved the holiday selection at Ivy Twig & Twine in downtown Napa.
Christmas in Napa
Christmas in Napa
Christmas in Napa
Downtown St. Helena also had an interesting assortment of decorations.
There are many Holiday Events in Napa:
Beringer is hosting a Holiday Open House in Saint Helena on December 8th from 11 am to 4 pm;
Yountville is having the 23rd Annual Festival of Lights on Washington Street.
Calistoga will have a Holiday Village starting on December 1st and the 17th annual Lighted Tractor Parade.
The Napa Holiday Historic Tour and Taste Event is December 1st from 3-7 pm www.napaholidaytour.com
Attend the Twelve Days of Christmas at Meadowood Napa Valley with twelve unique evenings of ffod and fun to benefit Share Our Strenth. For reservations call 707-963-3646.
I attended the second annual Flavor! Napa Valley Food and Wine Festival 2012. What a spectacular Vino con Vista Weekend I had with 50 Chefs, over 125 Vintners and 3 days of fabulous food and wine adventures in the heart of Napa Valley Wine Country!
Watch this video to see what I witnessed in Napa:
English: Vineyards in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Mustards in the spring in Napa Valley. Photo by Emily Bryden, 2005 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Flavor! Napa Valley food and wine festival was originated by Chef Michael Chiarello.
English: A photo of chef Cindy Pawlcyn, taken at Congregation Beth Sholom in Napa, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The event in Napa Valley was led by an impressive array of Napa Valley-based celebrity chefs including: Thomas Keller, Christopher Kostow, Cindy Pawlcyn, Jeffrey Jake and Masaharu Morimoto.
Here’s a short video of Chef Morimoto preparing fish at the event:
Way to go Chef!!
Morimoto Restaurant in Downtown Napa
Flavor Napa Valley 2012 at the Culinary Institute in Saint Helena
WHERE: Started at Amusee Napa: A Downtown Napa Tasting on Wednesday, November 14th. Appellation Trail Grand Tasting on Friday night. Individual events require tickets during the week.
TICKETS: Individual event tickets range from $85 To $325, with the historic, two-day Legends of Napa Valley tasting at $3500 per person.
I went to the Appellation Trail Event at the Culinary Institute on Friday night. Manyl of the outstanding wineries were pouring. There was live entertainment and plenty of food on two floors of Greystone’s historic building.
The loved the Wine Makers’ Dinner at the Silverado Resort on Friday night where I met many of the legendary winemakers. The food was outstanding!
Flavor Napa Valley Winemaker Dinner
Flavor Napa Valley Winemaker Dinner
According to festival producer Herb Karlitz, one of the festival highlights is a two-day tasting of wines “that have and continue to put Napa Valley on the map, reaching back to the post-Prohibition wines of the ‘40s through the present day.”
Each table at the dinner event had their own winemaker. We drank the winemakers selection with each course.
The dinner was held in the ballroom of the Silverado Resort.
The Silverado Resort in Napa
Old Vine cabernet from Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I also loved the Flavor Napa Sunday morning brunch at the Silverado.
I loved the Napa Valley Brunch Event
Lovely Farm-to-table Centerpiece at the Flavor Napa Valley 2012 Brunch
Flavor Napa Valley 2012 Brunch
Heitz (Photo credit: Rachel Black)
Featured amazing wines at one of the seminars were: ’57 Louis Martini Pinot Noir, ’66 Charles Krug Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘76 Joseph Phelps Insignia, ’77 Beringer Private Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, ’78 Heitz Wine Cellars Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, ’78 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Chateau Montelena in Calistoga California
English: Fall in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Flavor! Napa Valley was a five-day Napa Valley food and wine festival featuring the area’s superlative chefs, restaurants and wineries.
The festival format included a series of creative tastings and seasonally-inspired meals, as well as a variety of hands-on and educational experiences led by the region’s most notable chefs, vintners and sommeliers.
English: CIA Campus in St. Helena, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Event venues included the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone in St. Helena, as well as restaurants and wineries throughout the region.
Events ranged from a new series of small and hands-on immersions entitled Terroir to Table™ to a historic, two-day library tasting of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wines in the last 50-years, including today’s “cult” wines, appropriately named The Legends of Napa Valley: A Definitive Tasting. Net proceeds from all events support programs and scholarships at CIA’s Greystone Campus.
English: Autumn in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Individual event tickets ranged from $85 To $325, with the historic, two-day Legends of Napa Valley tasting at $3500 per person. Many of the area’s lodging partners offered offering special Flavor! Napa Valley packages that combine a stay with festival tickets, such as Silverado Resort and Spa’s Flavor! Napa Valley package, which includes accommodations in a one-bedroom Fireplace Suite, breakfast for two in The Grill, a signature culinary welcome gift and tickets to Amusee Napa: A Downtown Napa Tasting on Wednesday, November 14.
Silverado Resort in Napa
The Wine Cellar at Hess Winery (Photo credit: don j schulte @ oxherder arts)
Here are some of the Hotel Packages that were offered in Napa Valley:
Flavor! Napa Valley 2012 announced ticket-only and lodging packages for the food-and-wine festival, which takes place Nov. 14 to 18. In addition, all guests with confirmed reservations at a Napa Valley hotel or inn during this time will automatically receive 20 percent off of Appellation Trail tickets and select ticket packages.
1. Guests staying at Milliken Creek any time from Nov. 1 to 24 for two nights will receive a third night at 50 percent off the best available rate when booking online by entering the promotional code FESTIVAL. Daily gourmet breakfast for two, sunset Magic Hour wine and cheese reception, a late-night cordial bar and guest passes to Synergy wellness and fitness center are included in the rate.
2. At Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, guests save 10 percent on nightly room rates for Friday and Saturday night stays and 20 percent on midweek stays. All Flavor! guests receive a special welcome amenity from the chef and a culinary keepsake.
3. At the Villagio Inn & Spa and Vintage Inn in Yountville, guests who mention Flavor! Napa Valley when making reservations receive 20 percent off of room rates. This offer is valid from Nov. 14 to 18 and includes complimentary amenities, such as bottle of wine upon check-in, a champagne buffet breakfast, daily afternoon tea and access to Spa Villagio’s facilities. Ticket-only packages range from $350 to $955 per
English: Vineyards in Napa Valley. Français : Vignobles de la Napa Valley. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: Vineyard in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here are the details for the Appellation Trail Event on Friday Night at Greystone including participating Chefs and Wineries. When you go to Napa County, make sure you check out these incredible links:
I love Brother Timothy’s Corkscrew collection in the CIA in St. Helena
There are 16 subappellations in Napa where “the wine is bottled poetry.” You can pamper your wine-loving inner foodie and walk in the footsteps of Napa’s legendary wine pioneers.
Famous Napa Valley Sign
Napa Valley and Sonoma County are wine regions in California with plenty of Vino con Vista wine tourism opportunities. There are more than 450 wineries in Napa Valley. Visit the Vitner’s Hall of Fame in the Barrel Room of the Culinary Institute in St. Helena.
English: Napa Valley Opus One If used outside of Wikipedia please credit Photographer: D Ramey Logan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: Vineyard in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In the world of wine, matching grapes with microclimates and soils is the key to effective business. In addition, those grapes always grow in the most beautiful places. The grape-growing locations provide plenty of incredible Vino con Vista touring and tasting opportunities for travel and wine tourism enthusiasts.
Napa Cellars Winery (Photo credit: Jason DeRusha)
Napa’s wineries have plenty of Tasting Rooms in 30 miles. Take Highway 29 in one direction and return on the Silverado Trail.
English: Napa Valley OpusVines Photo D Ramey Logan If used outside of Wikipedia please PUBLISH the credit as: Photographer: D Ramey Logan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cellar at Rubicon (Photo credit: K. Todd Storch)
Watch this video:
English: Autumn in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I think autumn is the most beautiful time of year in the Napa Valley; the vines are golden, russet and burgundy and the trees sparkle in the bodies of water.
Here are some of the Napa Valley regions (subappellations/AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) with distinct microclimates and terrain for you to visit.
The Wine Cellar at Hess Winery (Photo credit: don j schulte @ oxherder arts)
There are plenty of luxury hotels and resorts with many fine dinig opportunities along the way including:
The California wine region of Atlas Peak in the Napa Valley. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Vineyards in the California wine region of Atlas Peak in the Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“Climate: Cool, mountain-influenced, with temperatures about 10 to 15°F cooler than the Valley floor in summer. Above the fog line, there is a low diurnal change, with summer temperatures rarely above 90°F (32.2°C). Elevation: 760 to 2600 ft (231m to 792m). Rainfall: 38 inches (96cm) annually. Soils: Volcanic in origin, with basaltic red color, shallow with limited water retention, so irrigation is often essential.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon: Bright berry and cherry fruit, and more acidity than wines from Stags Leap District. Chardonnay: Crisp, floral, aromatic, with distinctive pear-mineral flavors and bright acidity.
The Calistoga AVA is one of my favorites!! You can even visit the Old Faithful Geyser.
California – Calistoga: Schramsberg Vineyard (Photo credit: wallyg)
Go to Castello di Amorosa and you feel like you have been transported to Tuscany. Make sure to visit Chateau Montelena; they won the Judgement of Paris for Mike Grgich Chardonnay. Visit the beautiful gazebo and tranquill Jade Lake on the property.
Jade Lake (Photo credit: maureen lunn)
Chateau Montelena in Calistoga
Chateau Montelena in Calistoga
Barrels infront of Chateau Montelena in Calistoga
California vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Visit the Sterling Winery via ski lift. This is an outstanding Vino con Vista Opportunity!!!
Sterling has the best winery tour in Napa!
Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga
Sterling’s Terrace; take the ski lift to this panoramic view of Napa!
Climate: Warm to hot, depending upon time of year; lower humidity; summer temperatures peak to 90°F (32.2°C) and fall to low 50s°F (11°C), the result of marine air from the northwest; cool afternoon and evening breezes Elevation: 300 to 1200 ft (92 to 370m) Rainfall: 38 to 60 inches (96.5 to 150cm) annually Soils: Almost completely of volcanic origin, soils range from rocky, stony loam on the hillsides, to gravelly or cobbly loams on the alluvial fans, to heavier clay-silt soils in the valley center areas.
Calistoga, CA (Photo credit: bobrpics)
Principal varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah.”
The Chiles Valley District AVA
“Climate: Fairly warmer summer days (mid-80°F plus/28.8 to 31°C), but due to higher elevation and summer fog at night, quite chilly at night (below 50°F/10°C). With colder winters and spring, as well as strong winds, harvest comes later than on valley floor at Oakville. Elevation: 800 to 1300 ft. (242 to 394m). Rainfall: 35 inches (88cm) annually. Soils: On the valley floor, primarily alluvial soils with silty-clay composition of marine origin, with good fertility. Hillsides show more clay-loam and stony-clay composition, mostly marine in origin, with some volcanic outcropping, and less fertility.”
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc: Cabernets usually reveal a lush yet firm texture with good acidity, firm tannin and distinctive cherry-blackberry flavors. Merlot typically has vibrant black cherry flavors mixed with a touch of cocoa.
Coombsville is the newest AVA
“Climate: Temperate climate moderated by near-proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the influences of marine air Elevation: Most vineyards are in the 100-500 foot (30-150 m) zone, though a small portion tops 1000 feet (300 m) Rainfall: Average rainfall is 24.6 inches (62 cm) per year over the last 100 years Soils: Primarily weathered volcanic rock and alluvial deposits from the Vaca Range that surrounds the region.”
Principal varieties: Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon on the hillsides with Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir in the lower, cooler sites
The California wine region Diamond Mountain District AVA in Napa Valley. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Climate: Moderately warm temperatures with lower maximum temperatures and higher minimum temperatures than north Napa Valley floor, due to topography and altitude. Significantly cooler than valley floor near Calistoga, 50 to 95°F in growing season (10 to 32°C). Elevation: 400 to 2200 ft. (130 to 530m) Rainfall: 40 to 55 inches (135cm) annually. Soils: Residual uplifted soils of volcanic origin, often reddish and very fine-grained, even gritty in texture, composed of both weathered sedimentary and volcanic origin.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc: firmly structured, rich and fairly tannic when young, with strong blackcurrant, mineral, and cedary flavors. Less supple and fleshy than valley or benchland wines, with good aging potential. Chardonnay: Full-bodied, yet revealing mineral, green apple-peach aromas with fairly firm acidity; less richly textured than valley floor wines.
Climate: Similar to the facing Spring Mountain AVA, however slightly warmer and dryer overall due to strong afternoon sun influence. Fairly cool nights in both ranges and higher elevations help maintain good acidity. Elevation: 600 to 2200 ft (184 to 675m). Rainfall: 40 to 50 inches (125cm) annually. Soils: Predominantly volcanic, shallow and infertile. Drainage is high, fertility low.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel: Powerful, firm, blackberry-currant flavors and often richly tannic, with excellent acidity for aging. Chardonnay, Viognier: Sinewy, firm and not as fruity as those of the valley floor, revealing more citrus and stone fruit flavors.
Los Carneros AVA will present some outstanding Pinot Noir tasting opportunities!
Visit Etude, Acacia and Cline on your way to San Francisco..
“Climate: Cool, with prevailing marine winds from the San Pablo Bay and through the Petaluma Gap to the west. High temperatures during summer rarely exceed 80°F (27°C) with less diurnal range variation. Elevation: 15 to 400 ft. (4.6 to124 m) Rainfall: Lowest in Napa Valley: 18 to 24 inches (7.2 to 9.6cm) annually. Soils: Clay dominated, very shallow in general, with more loam and hillside alluvials in the northern section. Yields typically are restrained by the hard claypan subsoil, which prevents deep-rooting.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Chardonnay: minerally pear-apple and spice flavors. Merlot: sinewy and lightly herbal, with fine tannins and sleek structure. Pinot Noir: ripe cherry-cinnamon spice flavors with earthy notes.”
Mount Veeder AVA is the home of the Hess Collection Winery where they still lease some land from the Christian Brothers. Take time to visit Mount Vedeer Winery.
English: Napa valley vineyard Français : Vignoble de Napa Valley, Comté de Napa, Californie, États-Unis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Climate: Cool to moderate, with most vineyards above the fog-line, meaning warmer nights and cooler days and less diurnal range than the valley floor. Typical mid-summer high temperatures about 85°F (30°C). Elevation: 600 to 2100 ft. (183 to 650m). Rainfall: 35 inches (87.5cm) annually. Soils: Sedimentary based, former seabed, shallow and generally well drained, as well as more acidic, with low fertility. Most have a sandy or sandy-loam texture.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Ageability is a hallmark of Mt. Veeder wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel: Low yields give red wines a firm, tannic structure with strong earth-berry aromas and rich, but powerful flavors. Chardonnay: minerally, appley, even citrus flavors with good acidity.
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA
Climate: Moderate to cool: marine air and fog can remain until mid-morning. Late afternoon breezes frequently occur, maintaining slightly cooler temperatures than upper valley. Mid-summer temperatures may reach 92° F (33.3°C) and drop to around 50°F (10°C) at night. Elevation: sea level to 800 feet (244m) Rainfall: 36 inches (90cm) annually. Soils: The valley’s largest alluvial fan formed by Dry Creek creates the defining feature of the district. The northwest area is composed of volcanically derived soils, with stony or gravelly consistency. South and east areas are transitional from gravel to silty clay loam.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon benefit from a longer growing season with slightly cooler temperature, though crop size is typically less than in other AVAs. Elegant style is the common note with fruit flavors of cassis, tobacco and spice typical to Bordeaux-style reds. Chardonnay showcases flavors of crisp apple, mineral notes and tropical fruit with fine acidity.
Oakville AVA is teaming with Cult Cabs!
Silver Oak Vineyards Cellar Door (Photo credit: kk+)
Visit Silver Oak where a former Christian Brother named Justin Meyer, who studied under iconic Brother Timothy, built a world-class winery! Then head over to Far Niente and Nickel and Nickel.
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes growing in the vineyard of the Napa Vally winery Opus One. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Oakville. As a matter of fact, many of the tasting rooms are within walking distance; you will need alot of time in Oakville. You may want to stop at the Oakville Grocery, a popular dining spot with picnic tables.
Turnbull Wine Cellars, Oakville, California, USA (Photo credit: jimg944)
Turnbull Wine Cellars, Oakville, California, USA (Photo credit: jimg944)
California Cabernet from Napa Valley including Chateau Montelena, Nickel & Nickel & Paul Hobbes in stemless Reidel glasses (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Turnbull Wine Cellars, Oakville, California, USA (Photo credit: jimg944)
Turnbull Wine Cellars, Oakville, California, USA (Photo credit: jimg944)
“Climate: Moderately warm, with temperatures commonly in the mid-90°F (34-35.5°C) range in high summer, but also still strongly affected by night and early morning fog which helps keep acidity levels good.”
Watch this Nickel and Nickel Video:
Image of Opus One Winery via Snooth
English: Napa Valley Opus One Photo D Ramey Logan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
East side of the AVA receives more of warmer afternoon sun. Elevation: 75 to 500 ft (23 to 150m). Rainfall: 35 inches (87.5cm) annually. Soils: Primarily sedimentary gravelly alluvial loams on the western side, with more volcanic but heavier soils on the eastern side. Low to moderate fertility and fairly deep, with average water retention.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot: Ripe currant and mint flavors, rich texture and full, firm structure tempered by rich fruit. Sauvignon Blanc: Full, steely, yet very fleshy.
Mike Grgich worked with Brother Timothy and the Christian Brothers Winery before opening his own winery
Rutherford AVA is home to Grgich Hills Estate where you can learn about iconic Mike Grgich from Croatia! There was a documentary about him this year at the Napa Valley Film Festival called “Like the Old Vine.”
Visit the Rubicon Estate, Caymus, Quintessa, Rubicon, Peju, Cakebread and Frog’s Leap. If you’re loooking for bubbles head over to Mumm Napa.
“Climate: Moderately warm, still marginally influenced by early morning fog. Western bench area is cooler, with less late afternoon sun, tempered by afternoon marine winds. (This AVA averages a bit warmer than Oakville and Stags Leap District). Usual summer peak temperatures are mid-90°F (34-35.5°C) with good diurnal range. Elevation: 100 to 500 ft. (33 to 150m). Rainfall: 38 inches (95cm) annually. Soils: Western benchland is sedimentary, gravelly-sandy and alluvial, with good water retention and moderate fertility. The eastern side has more volcanic soils, moderately deep and more fertile.”
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel: Quite intense cherry and mineral, almost earthy aromas. Flavors are full, ripe, and notably currant with firm, but supple tannins for extended aging.
Spring Mountain District AVA is on the way to Santa Rosa.
harvest 2005 Spring Mountain District above the Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“Climate: Similar to Mt. Veeder AVA, with cool weather prevailing and smaller diurnal changes. Fairly cool nights and higher elevations help maintain good acidity. Elevation: 600 to 2200 ft (184 to 675m). Rainfall: 40 to 50 inches (125cm) annually. Soils: Primarily sedimentary; weathered sandstone/shale, loamy and friable in texture. Drainage is high, fertility low.”
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel: Powerful, firm, blackberry-currant flavors and often richly tannic, with excellent acidity for aging. Chardonnay, Viognier: Sinewy, firm and not as fruity as those of the valley floor, revealing more citrus and stone fruit flavors.
The St. Helena AVA is my favorite place to stay in Napa County.
St. Helena (Photo credit: jimforest)
Brother Timothy’s Corkscrew Collection in the Culinary Institute
This appellation covers 9,000 acres towards the northern end of the valley between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains.
Charles Krug opened his winery here in 1861. There are more than 50 wineries including Chappellet, Duckhorn and Heitz Cellars.
If you walk over to Gott’s Roadside Grill, you will find two interesting wineries: Merryvale and Bello. You may want to have a burger while you’re there-it’s an incredibly popular spot!
My favorite Napa Map
I loved the Merryvale Syrah and their Cabs were incredible!
Merryvale Winery
Check out the fabulous red wine bottle chandelier and the Cab named after their award-winning racehorse name Megahertz. The swanky new tasting room at Bello Family Winery was so elegant!
Megahertz from Bello Winery
Bello Winery in St. Helena
V. Sattui Winery
There are so many interesting places to visit in St. Helena. Stop at V. Sattui for wine and a picnic. Dine at their popular Italian Deli.
Don’t miss Duckhorn, another one of my favorites! I love when they host wine dinners in Chicago.
Take time to visit the Corison Kronos Vineyard at the Winery on St. Helena Highway.
Corison
Corison
Corison
Corison in St. Helena
In St. Helena you can also visit: Louis Martini, Joseph Plelps, Charles Krug, Tudal and Heitz. Plan to spend alot of time in this incredible AVA.
Don’t miss the fabulous Beringer Mansion at 2000 Main Street. They are having a holiday open house on December 8th from 11 am to 4 pm. Visit www.beringer.com/events for details. Then walk next door to Greystone Cellars, the former Christian Brothers Winery in St. Helena. Today it is the home of the Culinary Institute of America.
Napa County Seal (Photo credit: J. Stephen Conn)
Dine at Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant at The Culinary Institute at 2555 St. Helena Hwy. Don’t forget to visit Brother Timothy’s Cork Screw Collection; housed in this former Christian Brothers stone castle.
Brother Timothy’s Corkscrew Collection in the Culinary Institute
I also liked the comfort food at French Blue at 1429 Main Street, right in the heart of town. Meadowood has two restaurants in their swanky resort at 900 Meadowood Lane.
English: Fall in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“Climate: Warm, due to greater protection from western hills, with less fog or wind incursions. The narrowing of the valley floor provides more heat reflection off the hillsides. Mid-summer temperature peak is often in the mid- to high-90°F range (34 to 35°C). Elevation: 150 to 600 ft. (46 to 185m). Rainfall: 38 to 40 inches (95 to 100cm) annually. Soils: South and west borders are more sedimentary, gravel-clay soils, with lower fertility and moderate water retention. Further north and to the east soils are prevalently volcanic in origin and are deeper and more fertile.”
Principal varieties and characteristics: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot: deep, ripe, often jammy flavors, with firm tannins for structure, and appealing aromas of currant and black fruit. Rhone varieties (Syrah, Viognier): Fleshy, supple and slightly earthy. Zinfandel: Blackberry-like, well-structured.
bottle of stag’s leap cabernet sauvignon Français : bouteille de cabernet sauvgnon stag’s leap (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Stags Leap District AVA is the home of the Stag’s LeapWine Cellars. Check out Chimney Rock and Clos du Val in thisw AVA.
Climate: Moderately warm, with afternoon marine winds acting as an ‘air-conditioner’ to cool the warmer air radiating off the bare rocks of Stags Leap itself and the surrounding hillsides. This AVA is often up to 10°F warmer than in Yountville AVA. Mid-summer temperatures can reach 100°F (37.7°C), but more regularly are in mid-90° range (32-34°C). Elevation: 66 to 400 ft. (20 to 123m). Rainfall: 30 inches (75cm) annually. Soils: Volcanic gravel-loams on the floor of the valley, with rocky hillsides, and low to moderate fertility due to hard clay bedrock subsoils 2 to 6 feet down.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese: Distinguished by lush, velvety textures and fine perfumed cherry and red berry flavors, supported by soft tannins. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc: Round and ripe, especially Sauvignon Blanc, yet retain excellent citrus and apple flavors.
Wild Horse Valley AVA
Climate: A warmer area well to the east of Napa Valley proper, but still moderated by both altitude and prevailing winds coming off Suisun Bay to the southeast. Elevation: Wild Horse Valley 400 to 1500 ft. (123 to 460m). Rainfall: 35 inches (94cm) annually. Soils: Volcanic in origin, with basaltic red color, shallow with limited water retention, so irrigation is often essential.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese: Bright berry and cherry fruit, and more acidity than wines from Stags Leap District. Chardonnay: Crisp, floral, aromatic, with distinctive pear-mineral flavors and bright acidity.
Yountville is the home of many Michelin restaurants.
The line never ends at the Bouchon Bakery next to the restaurant with the same name. Make reservations way in advance if you plan on dining at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in Yountville.Visit the garden across the street from the restaurant where some of the farm-to-table produce grows. There’s plenty of shopping at V Market in Yountville. Check out Hurley’s for casual dining. Visit the Jessup winery, Hope and Grace and the Hill Family Estate.
Domaine Chandon
You can also check out Domaine Chandon in Yountville; everyone loves that place! Dine at their etoile-Domaine Chandon Restaurant at 1 California Drive. You will love the art collection in this winery.
Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon
“Climate: Moderate, with definite cool marine influence and fog contributing to cool summer mornings and the marine breeze keeping afternoons more comfortable than further up valley. Mid-summer peak temperatures may reach 90°F (32.2°C), with noticeable diurnal fluctuation to the mid-50°F range (13°C). Elevation: 20 to 200 ft (6 to 61m). Rainfall: 32 inches (80cm) annually. Soils: Principally gravelly silt loams, sedimentary in origin, and gravelly alluvial soils with rock, moderately fertile.”
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot: Yountville favors Cabernet and Merlot with ripe, violety aromas and rich, but supple flavors and firm tannins.”
Ramey (Photo credit: Jonathan Caves)
Foodies will love the 13 Napa Valley restaurants that were included in the 2013 Michelin Guide. Many of them are on Washington Street in Yountville; the restaurant row of Napa County.
Here they are:
Three Stars “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in Yountville at 6640 Washington Street
The Restaurant at Meadowood in St. Helena
One Star “A very good restaurant in its category”
Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford
Bouchon in Yountville at 6534 Washington Street
Trefethen’s 1976 Chardonnay earned best Chardonnay in the world at the 1979 Gault Millau World Wine Olympics in Paris.
La Toque in Napa at the Westin Verasa
Westin Verasa
Westin Verasa
Some of the other Michelin restaurants are:
Redd in Yountville at 6480 Washington Street
Solbar in Calistoga
Terra in St. Helena
Napa Wine Train
Napa Valley Wine Train, Napa Valley, California, USA (Photo credit: jimg944)
Join me for lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a Vino con Vista from Napa to Calistoga. Hop on right by Oxbow Market.
Let’s throw a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Party. Have a Napa Valley Harvest Fest tight in your backyard. Send this post to your friends and have them pick a bottle of wine from the list provided.
Old Vine cabernet from Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cabernet grapes growing in the vineyards of the Napa Valley winery of Opus One. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Dehydrated Cabernet Sauvignon grapes left on the vine in mid-November at Sterling Vineyards in the California wine region of Napa Valley. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When you have plenty of premier Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; you have the perfect day for a party. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes gained prominence in Bordeaux wines where they are often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Sauvignon vines growing in Bordeaux. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I have included some iconic bottles of Napa Cabs that will make all the wine snobs swoon!
You can’t throw a Napa Fest without plenty of sunflowers. Cut the stems short and place them in a clear vase on all your tables. Your friends will be so impressed! I also have some grape lights that I use on my Christmas tree; if you can find some use them to decorate your dining space.
sunflowers
Here’s what we are serving:
Make your antipasto on a wooden cutting board. Make sure you have plenty of imported Prosciutto de Parma sliced paper thin, Genoa salami and soppressata. Get a large chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and place it on the cutting board. Slice some fresh, crusty Italian bread and offer plenty of colorful imported olives on the side. Add some dried fruit like dates and apricots on the tray with some walnuts and almonds.
Grab some Silver Oaks Cab, Nickel & Nickel and Rubicon too!!
A bottle and remnants of a 1994 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Napa Valley California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cellar at Rubicon (Photo credit: K. Todd Storch)
olives
If your friends what to bring some wine, create a checklist and have them sign up. Theis will provide a wide array of Cabs that pair nicely with the menu.
They can also bring some Champagne, Franciacorta or Prosecco if they prefer.
Nickel & Nickel Napa Valley Cab
It’s fun to display the wine on a barrell if you can find one. Start your festivities with a champagne toast.
Display your wine on a Barrel if you can find one
English: Fall in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I think your wine buddies will open up their wine cellars and pull out a few iconic bottles of wine for the party.
Opus One Winerymakes a Bordeaux-style blend based upon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is located in Oakville California. It was founded as a 1980 joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothchild and Robert Mondavi.
Exterior of the Napa Valley winery Opus One founded by Mondavi and Rothschild of Bordeaux. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
To-Kalon vinyard at the Robert Mondavi winery (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
You can get some Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars from the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. In 1987, the original winery established by Warren Winiarski was sold to Chateax St. Michelle of Woodinville, Washington and Marchesi Antinori of Italy for $185 million.
Get some Chateau Montelena as well. I love their winery in Calistoga California!
Chateau Montelena in Calistoga
Napa Valley (Photo credit: Sarah_Ackerman)
Some of your friends may not like red wine so prepare plenty of Margaritas with Gran Marnier. Don’t forget the cherries!
Then cut up a bunch of ripe delicious fruit and stack it artistically on a pretty platter. Use pinapples, honeydew, cantalope, strawberries and crown the platter with bunches of red grapes.
Fruit Platter
Now its time for some grilled vegetables. Grill zucchini, eggplant, red onions, red and yellow peppers and smother them with a layer of portobello mushrooms. Everyone will love it!
Then place some big juicy chilled shrimp on an iced platter with some lemon wedges.
shrimp
Next, grill some medium rare fillet mignon that was marinated overnight in olive oil, garlic, rosemary and cabernet sauvignon.
Grilled Filet Mignon
Slice the meet up and make some Filet Sliders. Don’t forget the Bernaise Sauce.
Now it’s time for dessert. Make or buy colorful mini-cupcakes and stack them on a three-tiered tray.
On you computer, play videos of harvest from the Nap Valley vineyards at www.napavintners.com/harvest. Now you can order your tickets for Flavor Napa Valley held in November.
Plan to attend the Naperville Wine Festival 2012. Wine festivals offer outstanding and affordable Vino con Vista opportunities. Wine connoisseurs can discover new wines, attend wine seminars and meet wine-makers in an outdoor festival setting.
Here’s a short video with some of my favorite Vino con Vista Buddies that I met at the Naperville Wine Festival in 2011:
WHEN: Friday, August 24, 2012 from 4-10 pm
Saturday, August 25, 2012 from 3-9 pm
WHERE: City Gate Center in Naperville
From author: “From left to right: Iron Horse 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Testarossa 2006 Garys’ Vineyard Syrah Calera 2006 Ryan Pinot Noir Chateau Montelena 2007 Chardonnay Ridge 2007 Zinfandel” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Tickets: Adult Wine Tasting Ticket – One day admission
$28 in advance or $35 at the door.
Admission ticket good for either day. This ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount.Designated Driver Ticket – One day admission
$10 in advance or at the door.
Admission ticket good for either day. This ticket includes two non-alcoholic drinks, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, souvenir wine glass upon departure. Under 21 admitted free when accompanied by paid adult.
Assortment of wine from Domaine Chandon in Yarra Australia showing their sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot noir wine as well as a still pinot noir. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Local chefs will offer foodies an opportunity to taste some of their cuisine. Here’s a list of the restaurants that will be serving food at the 2012 event:
SugarToad Restaurant2139 Citygate Lane Naperville, IL 60563630-778-8623 www.sugartoad.comSullivan’s Steakhouse 244 S. Main Street Naperville, IL 60540 630-305-0230 www.sullivansteakhouse.com
The outdoor festival will feature more than 200 wines from around the country and the world with wine seminars and cooking demonstrations. For a nominal charge you can sample pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and chardonnay wine from various regions.
Here’s a complete list of the wineries and distributors that will be attending the 2012 event:
The ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount.
Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides and Apps @ www.vino-con-vista.com and attend many food and wine events.
Last year, I fell in love with Cass Winery’s Reserve and had a case shipped to my home from the winery. Try the Cooper’s Hawk Barbera; it’s from a local winery near Naperville.
Entrée . Chandon Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2009 Lamb Trio – roasted lamb loin with roasted garlic jus, grilled loin chop with chimichurri, and lamb sausage with potato rosti, rosemary mustard, and caramelized onion
Dessert . Chandon Riche Extra Dry Mini Peach Cobbler with salted caramel gelato
English: Plaza at Park Grill from AT&T Plaza (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Penfolds is Australia’s most popular winery. You can enjoy their 2007 Penfolds Cellar RSV Pinot Noir, their 2009 Bin 389 Shiraz/Cabernet blend; and the 2009 Bin 28 Shiraz.
Pinot noir grapes have a much darker hue than the bluish-gray coloring of Pinot gris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Geja’s famous chocolate fondue will be paired with the Penfolds Club Tawny Port. The four-course dinner features Geja’s house Salad, Cheese Fondue, Beef Tenderloin, Chicken & Jumbo Shrimp Entree, and Flaming Chocolate Fondue for dessert.
From author: “Penfolds Bin 407 – 1997 Cab Sav, Krug Grande Cuvee and Botrytis from Bimbadgen.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
PRICE: $225 per person, all inclusive Reservations required
The anniversary dinners will be the first release of the 2008 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet in Chicago and each location will be raffling off a magnum as a door prize. Silver Oak Cellars will donate a portion of the wine dinner proceeds to The Greater Chicago Food Depository.
adverb. Example sentence:Hai fatto bene a chiamare subito l'ambulanza, il caso è grave!Translation:You did well to call the ambulance, his condition is critical!
I attended the second annual Flavor! Napa Valley Food and Wine Festival 2012. What a spectacular Vino con Vista Weekend I had with 50 Chefs, over 125 Vintners and 3 days of fabulous food and wine adventures in the heart of Napa Valley Wine Country!
Resort on Friday night where I met many of the legendary winemakers. The food was outstanding!
Principal varieties & characteristics: Ageability is a hallmark of Mt. Veeder wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel: Low yields give red wines a firm, tannic structure with strong earth-berry aromas and rich, but powerful flavors. Chardonnay: minerally, appley, even citrus flavors with good acidity.
Make your antipasto on a wooden cutting board. Make sure you have plenty of imported Prosciutto de Parma sliced paper thin, 
