Cabernet grapes growing in the vineyards of the Napa Valley winery of Opus One. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are 18 member wineries in Stags Leap participating in “Vineyard to Vitner.” This wine district is located in the eastern portion of the Napa Valley. “This area benefits from cool Pacific breezes, long, dry summer days and unique volcanic soils with overlays of bale loam.” The appellation’s unique conditions of soil, climate and exposure are reflected in the excellence of its wines.
Here’s Wine Spectator’s wine map of Napa with the key subappellations, from Calistoga in the north through Rutherford and Oakville, down to Carneros
http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Napamap.pdf
The Stags Leap District produces wines critically acclaimed for their lush fruit and soft tannins. A longer growing season of warm days and cool nights is perfect for late-maturing varietals like Cabernet. This district of Napa is comprised of 2,700 acres with about 1,200 acres planted. The signature varietal of the Stags Leap District is Cabernet Sauvignon.
Image of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars via Snooth
WHEN: April 27-29,2012
This 3-day celebration of the Stags Leap District gives visitors access to all eighteen member wineries. You can purchas exclusive backstage passes to winery open-houses, four intimate vintner-hosted dinners and a Stags Leap District Cabernet seminar hosted by Saveurmagazine’s David Rosengarten.
Vineyards in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here’s are two of the Friday night dinners from the website. One of the events is hosted at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars with Pine Ridge Vineyards, Steltzner Vineyards and Taylor Family Vineyards:
Bottles of the California wine Stag's Leap Wine Cellars from Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
1. “This special dinner will be held in the elegant Great Room in the wine caves at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. The dinner will be prepared by guest Chef Ken Frank of Napa Valley‘s famed La Toque restaurant. Chef Frank will be creating signature dishes to pair with the wines from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Steltzner Vineyards and Taylor Family Vineyards for this spectacular feast. Proprietors and winemakers from each of these esteemed properties will be hosting the dinner and digging deep into their cellars to find special wines for the evening. You will leave with a true understanding of what makes the Stags Leap District such an incredible place for fine wine. This will be a night to remember!”
Limited to 45 guests · First-come, first-served · 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Image of Hartwell Vineyards via Snooth
2. Another dinner will be hosted at Hartwell Vineyards with Baldacci Family Vineyards, Ilsley Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards and Terlato Family Vineyards:
“Be enchanted for an evening as you feast and imbibe amid soft candlelight and barrels in the rustic elegance of Hartwell Estate Vineyards great fermentation hall. Join Hartwell along with fellow vintners from Baldacci Family, Ilsley Family and Silverado Vineyards as Chef Stephen Barber, Executive Chef at Long Meadow Ranch and Farmstead Napa Valley, creates a sustainable feast paired with specially selected wines from each of these esteemed Stags Leap District properties. Chef Stephen brings an ingredient-driven approach to cooking which utilizes the organic produce, grass-fed beef, eggs, and olive oils from local artisanal producers. Recognized by Michael Bauer and the Michelin Guide, Chef Stephen consistently graces the top chef and restaurant lists in the country. No doubt, he will inspire you with local, artisanal fare, while our vintners regale and charm with personal stories and their finest wines.”
Limited to 45 guests · First-come, first-served · 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Image of Silverado Vineyards via Snooth
There will also be a Sunday Brunch from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM at Silverado Vineyards.
“Join us for the world’s ultimate Sangria – a Stags Leap District designated first! Samba your way through Silverado Vineyards’ gorgeous California mission-style plaza to the Latin beat of Trio Solea. Meet and mingle with our vintners when they come together Sunday for fun and fiesta fare. Fill up on a hearty brunch of huevos rancheros, and much more, prepared by famed Michelin-starred Meadowood Resort, and be the first to savor our exclusive SLD Sangria blend. Plus, for the wine purist, swirl and sip your way through a preview of the acclaimed 2008 Appellation Collection.”
Open houses will be hosted by Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Hartwell Vineyards, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Regusci Winery, Robinson Family Vineyards, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, Taylor Family Vineyards and Terlato Family Vineyards. For more information, call 707-255-1720 or visit www.stagsleapdistrict.com.
Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com
Autumn in Napa Valley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
