Nor Cal Edition – Apr 27, 2012

8/2/2019 Nor Cal Edition Apr 27, 2012

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LIVERMOR

WINE AUCTIOPAGE 62

PAGE 24

MOONDANCE

CELLARSPAGE 56

MAYO FAMILY

RESERVE ROOMPAGE 20

RUTHERFORD

PASSPORTPAGE 25

TASTING ROOM:

JESSUP CELLARSPAGE 42

OUR GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA WINE, GETAWAYS, THINGS TO DO & EVENTS APRIL 27, 20

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TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

4 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

W

INERYFEAT

URE

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INERYFEATURE

56

TASTING

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EEK

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Mayo Reserve Room

Jessup Cellar

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Moondance Cellar

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolle


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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | TABLE OF CONTENT

A P R I L 2 7 , 2 0 1 2 I S S U E 1 7 V O L U M E 3 1

ON THE COVERSonoma Valley Wine Trolley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SPECIAL COUPONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Northern California Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Wineology by Len Napolitano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-18

WINE COUNTRY GETAWAYS

Overnight Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

SUISUN VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33

Suisun Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

NAPA VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-45

Downtown Napa Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

St. Helena Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Napa Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41

Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Calistoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45

SONOMA COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-59

Sonoma County Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47

Russian River Area Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Downtown Healdsburg Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Sonoma Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52-59

Sonoma Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Sonoma Plaza Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Glen Ellen & Kenwood Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61

Lake & Mendocino Counties Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

LIVERMORE VALLEY Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

TREASURE ISLAND Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ & MONTEREY COUNTIES . . 64-66

Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Mountains Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Salinas Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67-78

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NAPA VALLEY

ANDRETTI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 5 BALDACCI VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 23

BERINGER VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting in the Rhine House w/ad 23 CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 CALISTOGA BALLOONS Spring Fling package 45 ETUDE WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 25 GOLDEN HAVEN Discounts on Couples Mud Bath/Spa Getaway 3 HAGAFEN CELLARS Free tasting for 2 with ad 4JELLY BELLY20% off purchase with ad 22JESSUP CELLARS Tasting fee waived with purchase 43 LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 35 OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER $1 off with ad 45 PINK MANSION 15% off with ad at check-in 45 REATA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 4 RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad BACK PAGE

ST. CLEMENT WINERY2 for 1 tasting 7 ST. SUPRYExtra Library Selection, see ad 7 STAGECOACH EXPRESS Complimentary shipping box 38 SUMMERS WINES 15% discount with ad 44 TURNBULL WINE CELLARS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 19 WILLIAM HILL 2 for 1 tasting with ad 27SONOMA COUNTY

ALDERBROOK WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 50

ARROWOOD WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 53 BALLETTO VINEYARDS Complimentary tasting with ad 49 CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 CELLARS OF SONOMA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 47 CHATEAU ST. JEAN 2 for 1 tasting with ad 58 FERRARI-CARANO 2 for 1 Classic Wines tasting with ad 72 FRITZ WINERYMention ad for $5 off wine tasting 48 KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY2 for 1 Reserve Tasting with ad 31 LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS Mention ad for upgraded tasting 59 MARTIN RAY WINERY15% discount with ad 49 MATANZAS CREEK 2 for 1 tasting with ad

57 RODNEY STRONG Complimentary tasting/20% discount with ad 50 VIANSA WINERY2 for 1 tasting & 10% off purchase with ad 53BAY AREA: TREASURE ISLAND/LIVERMORE

BODEGA WINE ESTATES Complimentary tasting for 2 with ad 63 MacGRAIL VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 62SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ & MONTEREY COUNTIES

HAHN WINERYComplimentary tasting for two with ad 66 VINE HILL $10 tasting fee waived with ad 65

*See individual ads for details.

Special Coupons


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The whole issue of the weather and its effect on winemaking isabout a wines overall quality, flavor, richness, age-ability, complexity

and even cost. A bountiful harvest could mean an abundance of

wines at great value. A spoiled crop may mean increased prices and

limited availability of good wines. There are always exceptions, and it

is very possible to find great wines from not-so-great vintages, and

vice versa.

First, winemakers speak of climate zones, which are geographic

regions differentiated according to the average amount of warmth

above 50 each year. This part of the weather equation is steady, with

minor variation over the long-term. Therefore, knowledge of climate

zones helps a grape grower determine which types of vines to plant.

For example, cooler zones are known to be best for growingChardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, while warmer zones have proven

beneficial to Syrah and Zinfandel.

The other side of the weather story is the one that can stress the

winemaker as much as the grapes the weather conditions in any

given year, regardless of the climate zone. No two years will have an

identical number of days of sun, rain, fog, mist, hail, frost and wind.

Whats more, the timing of these unpredictable events throughout growing season of March to October can mean the difference betw

a perfect vintage and a horrible one. Thus, wines are identified w

the vintage year information critical to wine buyers.

With the help of Vintage Charts, you can compare vintages of a

major wine-growing regions, which, in effect, is comparing the

weather from year to year. If you buy your wine at wine specialty

shops, vintage charts are normally available for reference, if you ask

When it comes to wines from California, our wine region weather

fairly good and consistent. In dry periods we irrigate the vineyards

But European vineyards depend more on the weather and wines fr

France especially can vary greatly from year to year.

So what kind of weather will produce a perfect vintage? It starwith rain in March, but as of April, is practically rain-free. The day

are warm, the nights are cool, and the summer is long and mild. If

the days get too cold, the grapes will ripen too slowly, sometimes

never fully maturing. This will increase the tartness and acidity in t

wines. If the weather is too hot, the wine tends to be flat and heavy

But the real devastator is rain during, or nearing, harvest time.

This excess moisture will dilute the juice in the grapes and may ev

cause rot to form on the grapes. The period from mid-August to

October is critical to grape growers and winemakers, as they must

continually measure the ripeness of the grapes in making their

decision on when to pick them. They hope for continued warmweather and will shudder at even the threat of rain, as heavy rain a

harvest time can ruin an otherwise great growing season.

Fw twer @WeCrt10

i n t e l l i g e n c e f o r t h e W i n e c o n S U M e r

by Len Napolitano

Len Napolitano lives in San Luis Obispo County and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators,

Wine & Spirits Education Trust and Chicago Wine School and continually gains knowledge from his frequent con

with California winemakers. More information is on his website, www.wineology.com.

Send your questions about wine to: [email protected] or by mail to Len Napolitano in care of

Wine Country This Week magazine. Wineology is a registered trademark of Len Napolitano.

What is the relationship between wine and the weather?


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CalEndaR oF EVEnts | WinE CountRy this WEEK

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ongoingNapa Valley Wine Trainnapa, www.wa.m, 800-427-4124 Ap 26: Pa Ba S A

ongoingTaste at Oxbow Wine and Chocolate Pairingnapa, tas 5 as w 5 ws, $20, 12-7pm Suday u tusday12-9 pm fday ad Sauday. rsvas mmdd. 707-265-9600.

ongoingLive Music Fridays at Taste at Oxbownapa, m vas, 707-265-9600, www.asaxbw.m

ongoingSeminars & Tastings at Merryvale VineyardsS. ha, 10am-6:30pm, www.myva.m, 707-963-7777 Myva as, $15 rsv as, $35 W Ssy Sma, $45, fdays 12pm by app W & cs exp, $45, by app Smm gad rsv tas, $65, by app

ongoing FRidays-sundaysBarrel Tasting & Tours at ReataBa as: 11am, 2pm & by appm, tus by appmnapa, www.aaws.m, 707-254-8673x119

ongoingJefferson House Reserve Room

Tasting at Monticello Vineyardsnapa, rsv W Sma, cy famy napa Vay $25rSVP 707-253-2802 x18, www.cyfamynapaVay.m

ongoingV. Sattui WineryS. ha, 9am-6pm, app. ssay, www.vsau.m, 707-963-7774 cass as, day, $5 Pmum as, day, $10 fd & w pa, M-tu, $18 Asa a & w pa, Sa-Su, $25 iaa Makpa w 200+ ss D w pa, sadws, abaks & m Wkd BBQ, wd-d pzza, yss, mzzaa ba 2 as -sadd p uds

ongoing FRidays-sundaysFood & Wine Pairings at Etude Winerynapa, 10am, 1pm & 3pm, $35, $25/mmbswww.udws.m, 707-257-5300

ongoingRombauer VineyardsS. ha, www.mbau.m, 707 963-5170 fday-Suday: op by adva appm y Mday-tusday 10am-5pm tas $10 W & cs Pa day by appm y, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $25

ongoingTours and Tastings at William Hill Estate Winerynapa, 10am-5pm, by app., www.wamsa.m, 707-265-3024 tas napa Vay, $12 tas Svad B, $20 esa exusvs, $25

i Wam h esa tu ad tas, $25 t Wam h esa exp tu ad tas, $40

ongoingTours & Tasting at ZD Winesrud, rSVP 800-487-7757, www.zdws.m tada tas, $10, day 10am-4pm Pm tas, $15, day 10am-4pm Pva gup tas, $20, by app ca tu & tas, $25, 1pm wkds & days, M-f by app Vyad Vw tas, $40, Sa-Su 11am, M-f by app Abaus tas, $600 4-6 pp, by app W ta, $180

ongoingVineyard & Winery Tours at Raymond VineyardsS. ha, 11am (by app), $15, gup us avaab (by app)www.aymdvyads.m, 800-525-2659x620

ongoingTours & Tastings at Andretti Winerynapa, www.adwy.m, 877-386-5070x227 idvdua tass, $15 Pva Wy tu & tas, $20/ps by appm Vyad tus, $20/ps by appm

ongoingTasting at Grgich Hills Estaterud, 9:30am-4:30pm, tus a 11am & 2pm, $10W bay as/$30, Ba as ms fdays 2-4pmwww..m, 707-963-2784

ongoing

Tastings & Tours at Artesa Winerynapa, rSVP, 877-224-8309, www.asawy.m V Qus, W & cs exp, $40 Day gudd tus Vs & Ws, A Vyad tu, $40

ongoingTours & Tasting at Black Stallion Winerynapa, 10am-5pm, www.baksawy.m, 707-253-1400 rua as, $10 rsv as, $35, Sa-Su

Asa s adda $7.50/ps

ongoingEducational Tours & Wine Tastingat Castello di Amorosacasa, www.asdamsa.m, rSVP, 707-967-6272 rua u & as, $25-$40 rsv u & as, $35-$50 t as y, $ 10 -$ 25 Y u a du u s, $ 15 -$ 20

napa Vay nb Pam Pva ViP usongoing

Tastings at St. Supryrud, www.ssupy.m, 800-231-6116 Vyad gass, Saudays, 2pm, $50 S Supy hsa tas, Sudays, 2pm, $50 ca tu, fdays, 2pm, $50 Dad lbay tas, day, $25 u lbay tas, day, $25

ongoingWe t Experece Beeere VerS. ha, www.bssvyads.m, by app 707-963-5853x105 Psazd W fs, day, $10 Vyads Wak tu & tas, M-W, 10:30am, $15 fud Pa exp, Su, 10:30am, $15 Ba tas, rSVP, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $20 Ba tas & cu ras, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $25

Ba tas & Va, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $25 gup tas, Sa-Su, 1:30pm, $15

ongoingJep Pep Ver: t & semrA ppuy papa a wd a x smas. 1 11am day; 2:30pm, Mday-fday & 2pm, Sauday & Suday. $40, xisa Bd/$60, /w ub mmbs. ta ass day, $ 2rSVP, 707-967-3720, das www.jsppps.m isa Bd W Ama ca S Vyad cabs napa Vay rks Ba sma

ongoingtr & t C Vnapa, day 10am-5pm, www.sduva.m, 800-993-9463 cass ass, $10: wavd w puas a b w. rsv ass, $20: wavd w puas a b w tus by appm w 24 u adva

ongoing satuRdays & sundaysCk demr te deB tereS. ha, cuay isu Ama a gys, 1:30-2:30pm, $20W a samp p ad gys [email protected], www.a.du, 707-967-2320

ongoingVr Prrm Rber Mv Werf das, www.bmdav.m, 888-rMonDAVi x2 t S a u t u & ta s t W t as B as s t exus v ca tas t as Byd Bas t havs Jy tu & lu

ongoingViP t & ar Brre Fcr trBuassa Vyads, napa, M-f by appm, $15 md-wk spaM s s, www.buassavyads.m, 800-499-2366

ongoingt sver Vernapa, www.svadvyads.m, 707-259-6611, 800-997-1770x611 Saddbk Vyad tas, $75 lbay tas, $75 Day tas rm fs, esa/$10, Pm/$20 Pub tus & tas, 10:30am & 2:30pm, $15 Pva tu ad tas, 15-25 uss, $20/u, $25/u & as

thiRd satuRday oF thE MonthBcc t Rccs Pas, casa, , 2pm, Mu-mda psa hsy Wwww.spas.m, 707-942-4981

ongoing satuRdaysnp Rverwk w hr gere Webber2 u u w as & d w napa, 10am, $20, 707-251-8500

sECond sundayssec s spper CbAViA napa, napa, 5:30-7pm, $110www.avas.m, 707-224-3900

ongoingnp Ve oper he1030 Ma S, napa, www.v., 707-226-7372 Ap 20: Wm fuy cd Ap 21: lsa lb Ap 24: tusday n fks, Sa fas Ap 25: Ma + caa gua t Ap 25-26: t A cmpay, cmdy es & Juus casa May 3: Ka Bam & raaa hm May 5: VoenA, Vs l

May 8: Sdm S cma, t n o May 9: fu B Babs

NAPA VALLEY

uPCoMing Daily: Vally firs tour

Daily: gri hills esa Winry tour

fri-Sun: Domain candon Winry tour

Sa: Vallys only evnin Winry tour

Mon-tu: Ambassador Winry tour

April 26: Piao Bar Sig Alog


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WinE CountRy this WEEK | CalEndaR oF EVEnt


14/8014 Fw twer @WeCrt


ongoingWe t Bck Rm Wenapa, 5-9pm, www.bakmws.m, 707-226-1378

ongoing Rnapa, www.dsapsv., 707-226-5991 o u Ju 10: hu lu, nw Wk Ap 28: Sp nau hk May 5, 19: Sp nau hk

ongoinglve upw terenapa, www.upwaapa.m, 707-259-0123 Ap 25: ca fus Ap 27: cs isaak May 4: Davd Sdas

ongoing FRidaysFr n Pe tAcMe f Ws, S.ha, 5-7pm, www.amws.m, 888-963-0440

ongoing FRidaysBbbe Br 1313 Mnapa, 9pm-12am, www.1313ma.m, 707-258-1313

ongoingFr n Wemker EveJV W & Sps, napa, 5-7pm, $2, www.jvw.m, 707-253-2624

ongoing

t Eve Were f np Venapa tw c, napa, k wbs ms & pswww.apavas.m, 707-253-9450

ongoing WEdnEsdaysWemker Wee 1313 Mnapa, 6-8pm, www.1313ma.m, 707-258-1313

ongoing thRough aPRil 30Napa Valley Arts in AprilVaus vs & as napa Vay!www.ldaynapaVay.m

aPRil 19Fm scree: amenapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7-9pmwww.apavaymusum., 707-944-0500

aPRil 21Andretti Winery Celebrates Wine

& Cuisine with LunchJ c caa lav cuyad, napa, $70, 12pmwww.adwy.m, rSVP, 888-460-8463x229

aPRil 21Lobster Fest at V. SattuiS. ha, 6:30-9:30pm, $99/mmb, $109/usswww.vsau.m, 707-963-7774

aPRil 212008 Lot No. 1 Cabernet SauvignonRelease at Louis M. Martini WineryS. ha, $30/mmbs, $40/usswww.usma.m, 866-549-2582

aPRil 21Cabernet Blending Event at BeringerS. ha, www.b.m, 707-963-8989x2036

aPRil 21

Ck CJ c Sa ot ad cs du Va Wycda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $160www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

aPRil 21-22April in Carneroshspay d s cas. Vs papa ws!10am-4pm, $39/adv, $45, www.asws.

aPRil 22New DARE Releases & Paella Party at ViaderD Pak, 12-4pm, $60, www.vad.m, 707-963-3816

aPRil 26te ar f Cme denapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7pmwww.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500

aPRil 27Sunsets on the Silverado Bench at

William Hill Estate Winery

napa, 5:30pm-sus, rSVP qudwww.wamsa.m, 888-909-9463

aPRil 27-29s lep drc Ver VerVaus vs & as, www.sasapds.m

aPRil 28

Spanish Dinner at Artesanapa, 6:30pm, $90, cub Mmb evwww.asawy.m, 877-224-8309

aPRil 28!WAR Arts in April Benefit at Hess Collection

napa, 3pm, $100, www.wmavu.mwww.ss.m, 707-255-1144

aPRil 28Farmers Market Lunch at Acacia Vineyard

napa, 11am-3pm, $40/mmbs, $50www.aaavyad.m, 707-226-9991x2

aPRil 28Kce e Ver hme & gre trtu ks napa Vay, 9:30am-4:30pmwww.apavaymus., 707-258-5559

aPRil 283r a hall Cbere CkffhAll S. ha Wy, S. ha, 11am-3pm$60, $48/mmbs, www.aws.m, 707-967-2657

aPRil 29Peju Art Exhibit Reception

rud, 1-4pm, www.pju.m, 707-963-3600

aPRil 29Ece yr see w sm-Crercuay isu Ama, S. ha, 1:30-4pm$80/cub cu mmbs, $95/-mmbswww.smau.m, 707-237-3466

May 414 a Cc e M gf CcSvad rs & Spa, napa, 707-967-8038

May 4-6Wme fr Wesee gr EveVaus vs & as napa Vay.www.wwsadv.

May 5Wine Club Pickup Party & Cinco de Mayo

at Acacia Vineyard

napa, 11am-3pm, /mmbs, $20www.aaavyad.m, 707-226-9991x2

May 5Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at St. ClementA cub Mmb exusv evS. ha, www.sm.m, 707-265-5000

May 5Ck CJ c Ba Wm ad gad Wy

cda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $160www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

May 5Wr f Werb Mdav Wy, oakv, 5-7:30pm, $150www.amysvapa., 707-255-0966

May 5-6Rutherford Passport to Fiesta

Vs 11 ws d & w! $75, $60/Suday ywww.ud-appa-ws.m

May 63rd Annual Wine Auction on the

Lawn at Charles Krug

S. ha, 2-5pm, www.asku.m, 707-967-2200

ongoingLive Music at Centre du Vinlds h, Smawww.ds.m, 707-996-9779 Ap 21: Jss Py Ap 28: Da Das & Jy ga May 4: c d May cba, lua iz

ongoingPrivate Tastings at Viansawww.vasa.m, 800-995-7470 iaa W & cs Pa,10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm

$10/mmbs, $25 rsv W & fd Pa, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm

/mmbs, $45

ongoingReserve Wine & Food Pairing Private

Tasting at ViansaSma, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appmwww.vasa.m, 800-995-7470, /mmbs, $45

ongoingCarneros Bistro & Wine Bar Introduces

Thematic Wine Programh a a w maks. Pus, a tusday, 6:30-8pm by wds. t ld a Sma, rSVP, www.dasma.m, 707-931-

ongoingVineyard Walk & Photography Workshop

at B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 10am-1pm, $45, $35/mmbswww.b.m, 707-931-7924x123

ongoingExclusive Wine & Cheese Tasting

at B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/mmbswww.b.m, 707-931-7924x123

ongoingPrivate Wine Tastings

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Pk Bu v ws, 6-8 pp, $20-$40ppby appm, www.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700 Sms ts yu Sm Mmy W W lvs ws pad w Asa ss K rds ws pad w dd us ad as Mamak w ad d pa PVa tas ws pad w Asa cau pa cab t tas mpas ws m d vas

ongoing FRidays, satuRdays & sundaysTaste with the Count at Buena Vista

A 45-mu u ad w as, 11am & 12:30pm, $20A 90-mu tas w cu w rsv Bua Vsa ws cus la by cu. 2pm, $45, rSVP, 800-926-1266

ongoingWine and Food Pairing

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mamak, a a ad s ma ws w p d. 6-8 pp, $35pp, by appmwww.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700

ongoingFree Guided Winery Tour

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mday-Sauday, 10am, by appmwww.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700

ongoingGroup Private Tastings

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu iuds 5 ws, 9-25 pp udud a, byappm. $20 p ps, www.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700

ongoingTerroir & History Tour at Chateau St. JeaKwd, A vs caau S. Ja s a yu sss.cmpmay, 11am-2pm, www.aausja.m, 707-833-4134

SONOMA COUNTY


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WinE CountRy this WEEK | CalEndaR oF EVEnt

ongoingFood and Wine Pairing

at the Mayo Reserve Room9200 Sma hwy, Kwd, Day, 10:30am-6pm, 7 us d/w as$35, rsvas mmdd, www.mayamywy.m, 707-833-5504

ongoingWine Experiences at Chateau St. JeanKwd, t ps mmum, 2 us, $5 0, by appmwww.aausja.m, 707-833-4134x5258 cq cpas Bd Sma, e ps mmum, 2 us, $75 cq cpas cmp tas, e ps mmum, 1.5 us, $25 Pva ViP W tas, 10:30am, 1 & 3pm, $25, 1 u Bx lu Pam w tu

ongoingTours, Tastings & Seminars

at St. Francis WinerySaa rsa, t ps mmumca m ma & svas888-675-Wine(9463)x255, www.saswy.m cau, day 11am-4pm, $25/$20 ub mmbs W & fd Pa, $35/$28 ub mmbs

ongoingGuided Winery Tours at Gloria FerrerSma, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $10, www.a.m, 707-996-7256

ongoingWine & Food Pairing at Kendall-Jacksonfu, Spa sv d & w as, 10am-4pm, $25www.kj.m, 707-571-7500

ongoing sundaysDomaine Carneros Sparkling Brunchat the Fairmont Mission Inn & SpaSma, 9am-1pm, www.am.m.sma, 707-938-9000

ongoing sundaysSunday Brunch at the Centre du Vinlds h, Sma, 9am-1pmwww.ds.m, 707-996-9779

ongoing WEEKEndsWine & Chocolate Pairings at Fritz Winerycvda, 10:30am-4:30pm, $5 as vs pawww.zwy.m, 707-894-3389

last thuRsday oF thE Month50 Mile AV Vintner's Diningg e, Ba as & od V P n & Syas m As Vyad.fds sud ay. 4-7PM, asws.m, rSVP, 707-935-3456

ongoing thuRsdaysThirsty Thursdays at AnabaSma, ejy mpmay s & aks pa w yu was. 4-5:30pm, www.aabaws.m, 707-996-4188

ongoing thuRsday sundayUnique Food & Wine Pairings at

HKG Tasting Roomg e, 12-6pm, www.pkwy.m, 707-938-7622

ongoing WEdnEsday-satuRdayLive Music at Cellars of Sonoma

Saa rsa, 7:30-10:30pm, www.assma.m, 707-578-1826 Wd: rky Aa ray tu: Dus Say

f: J Pa Sa: rb ha & By Ksbu(y aa vy Sauday)

sECond thuRsday oF thE MonthComedy Night at Cellars of Sonoma

Saa rsa, 8:15-9pm, www.assma.m, 707-578-1826

ongoingMoondance Cellars & Orchard Station Win

g e, Pad w W cuy cas tu tass, $10www.mdaas.m, 707-938-7550

ongoing thuRsday-satuRdayMce-scmberer Wer gree trhadsbu, 10:30am, $25www.msumb.m, 800-447-3060


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18

aPRil 22Er dW Vyads esa Wy, lvm, 11am-4pmwww.wvyads.m, 925-456-2450

aPRil 27Rb Frruby h Wy, Pasa, 6:30-9pm, $10www.ubywy., 925-931-Wine

May 2

Fr Wee sree PrMa S, Dww Pasa, 4:30-10pmwww.pasadww., 925 -484-2199

May 5Cc e Mercda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-4pm, $8www.damuawy.m, 925 -373-6636

May 518 a lvermre Ve We aclvm Vay Wws fudaW Vyads, lvm, www.lVWf., 925-321-8338

May 8spr gre trW Vyads esa Wy, lvm, 10:30am-2pmwww.wvyads.m, 925-456-2450

May 11Wemker der e n dereeW Vyads ev c, lvm, rSVP6:30-9pm, $109 ud w, $89/mmbswww.wvyads.m, 925-456-2450

May 12B.y.o.B. - F yr ow Becda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-4pm, $8www.damuawy.m, 925 -373-6636

May 13Mer d Pccwww.zawy.m, 925-447-8941

Jwww.zawy.m, 925-447-8941

ongoing thiRd thuRsdaysswee tr Cer RwMy, famy u, mus, d & dsus, 4-8pm, 831-649-6690

ongoingse Cr Ceer-Crmecam, www.sus.m, 831-620-2048 Ap 22-23: My Sympy, c 6, fm f gud Ap 25: t Am, Aa Ap 26: Maa S d Mx Ap 28: 1964t tbu May 3: Aus w Aus

ongoinglve Mc KRMl Rt easwd Bud, cam, www.kmad.m, 831-624-6432

ongoing thiRd thuRsdays

Mere Mem f arMy, ev mus, w ad s d'uvs, 5-7pm, 831-372-5477

EVERy tuEsdayFc Mere C Wecpa W Ba, ra cas, cam, 3-8pmwww.aas.m, 831-625-5646

EVERy WEdnEsdayWe dw Weef Wy, gy, 5-8pm, , www.wy.m, 408-842-3305

ongoing thuRsdaysExpr Wela m abu w & w appa, as a ws !cam rd Wy, cay rw, My, 4-6pm, $40www.amd.m, 831-324-0035

aPRil 20-22Wfwer swPa gv Musum naua hsy, Pa gv10am-5pm, www.pav., 831-648-5718

aPRil 21s. Mr B-te-se a spr Bk seS. Mays By-t-Sa epspa cu, Pa gv9am-2pm, www.pav., 831-373-4441

aPRil 28

Wine Country Tapas at Hahn EstatesSdad, rSVP, www.asas.m, 831-678-4555

aPRil 28J R! J K 3Klvs P, Pa gv, www.bsm., 831-373-3304

aPRil 29B sr ier Mrcam, 6am-1pm, www.bsm.

May 3i yr ow Bckr sere: Mee e Qee f QceSp, Sw, Sav & la, hma ra tas rm, cam Vay, 6pmwww.maa.m, 831-659-2640

May 3-632 a sebeck Fevnaa Sbk fsva, Saas, www.sbk., 831-755-4721

May 5

te Q Mrcce gerQua ld g cub, cam Vay, 10:30am-3pmwww.quadvs.m, 831-620-8887

May 5-6s Crz C 2012Ba Wy, Squ, 11am-5pmwww.ba.m, 831-475-2258

May 13Mer d BrcBadus ld, cam Vay, 11am-3:30pm, $75, $32/5-12yswww.badus.m, 831-658-3400

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

ongoingt Rm teSaa cuz Muas Wws Assa, t fam Sa Js, Sa JsWy psav w pu & b avaab v ak. 5-7pm

www.am.m, www.smwa.m, 800-441-1414, 831-685-8463aPRil 22

J. Lohr Down to Earth CelebrationJ. l Sa Js W c, Sa Js, 6-9pm, $75www.j.m, 408-918-2176

May 5-616 a a l Cre & arlv mus, as/as a sw & mu m! 10am-6pm, cas S, Mua Vw, www.mamavs.m, 650-964-3395

May 19Cork Equity #36 at Guglielmo WineryB yu w d w! Ma hwww.umwy.m, 408-779-2145

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

ongoingtr n Mc sereBa Wy, Squ, ejy mus, d & Ba w! 6-8pmwww.ba.m, 831-475-2258x11

aPRil 21Passport Wine TastingVs papa Saa cuz Muas Wws Assa ws.11am-5pm, $45, www.smwa.m,831-685-8463

aPRil 28Mr h dww spr We srDww Ma h, 1-5pm, $25/adv, $35www.s.m, 800-487-9463

aPRil 29Rver f Cce Fevt Mua Wy, Saaa, 1-5pmwww.muawy.m, 408-741-2822

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

ongoingscrme Rver trwww.saamva.m, 8 00-866-1690 Ap 28: ga ta rbby Ap 28: Sus D May 5: ga ta rbby

ongoingMv Ceer fr e Perfrm arU.c. Davs, www.mdavas., 866-754-ArtS Ap 18-21: t Bad Pus Ap 19-22: t impvsd Sakspa cmpay Ap 22: empya esmb, Ss, Wsps, tas & Uas,

nw Wks V Ap 23: t Ss Ap 25:Suba Sus Ap 28: lys S Qua Ap 28: Maya Bs Ap 29: Uc Davs Baqu esmb& Davs h S Baqu esm May 2: Sa fas Sympy camb esmb May 6: Uc Davs Sympy osa May 9: Pa Sm

SUISUN VALLEY

ongoing satuRdays$5 We b e gWawk Wy, fadW & mpmay pzza 1-6pm, v mus 2-5pmwww.wawkwy.m, 707 -428-6977

sunday nightsDate Night atMankas Tapa Bar & Steakhousefad, $49/up a 3 us dwww.makassakus.m, 707-425-3207

sunday nightsGrand Master Tastingat Mankas Tapa Bar & Steakhousefad, $29/ d & aswww.makassakus.m, 707-425-3207

aPRil 2725th Annual SolanoWine & Food Jubileenu t cmpx, Vaav, 6:30pm, $75/adv, $100www.waddjub., 707-646-3133

May 12-13Cmpe & treWd Vay Wy, Susu Vay, 11am-4pmwww.wdvay.m, 707-864-0730

SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ& MONTEREY COUNTIES

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

SOLANO COUNTY

Check the website for more eventswww.wecourysweek.com

Email Your Events [email protected]

for bs rsuls, snd your mails a las 6 o 8

wks prior o h da o your vn. evn lising

ar r, and publishd as spa is availabl and a

h disrion o Win counry this Wk.


19/80 1www.WeCrtWeek.cm

WinE CountRy this WEEK | WinE CountRy nEW

Anderson Valley WinegrowersHost Annual Pinot Noir Festival

Tickets are on sale for the 15th annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Festival, to be held May 18-20. The event, which is put on by TheAnderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA), will feature agrand tasting that highlights 40 producers pouring just one singlevariety from one appellation (Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and PinotNoir ross).

The Pinot Noir Festival weekend kicks off on Friday, May 18 witha day-long technical conference aimed at members of the trade andavid Pinot consumers. Conference topics include wastewatermanagement, a Boonville vs. deep end Pinot tasting moderated byMichael Mina Group Wine Director Rajat Parr, a Cerise Vineyardfocus tasting and more.

The technical conference will be followed by a casual, outdoorbarbecue at Husch Vineyards, with pulled pork sandwiches and

other BBQ delicacies, a live band and plenty of Pinot Noir.After a press tasting on Saturday morning, the grand tasting at

Goldeneye Winery in Philo will showcase Anderson Valley Pinot witha latin beat. Pinots will be paired with classic Mexican dishes like figmole chicken and a group of local women will be making fresh salsasand homemade tortillas during the event. There will also be livemusic and a silent auction to benefit the Anderson Valley HealthCenter and Hendy Woods State Park.

Participating wineries at the grand tasting include: Balo Vineyards,Baxter Winery, Black Kite Cellars, Breggo Cellars, Brutocao Cellars,Champ de Reves, Claudia Springs Winery, Copain Wines, CouloirWines, Drew Family Wines, Elke Vineyards, Esterlina Vineyards,

Expression Wine, Foursight Wines, Frati Horn, Fulcrum Wines,Goldeneye Winery, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, Handley Cellars,Harmonique Wines, Husch Vineyards, Knez Winery, Lazy CreekVineyards, Littorai, Londer Vineyards, LuLa Cellars, MacPhail FamilyWines, Maggy Hawk Vineyard, Navarro Vineyards, Phillips HillEstates, Philo Ridge Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Roessler Cellars,Scharffenberger Cellars, Standish Wine Co., Toulouse Vineyards,Twomey Cellars, Waits-Mast and Zina Hyde Cunningham.

On Saturday evening, May 19, local wineries will host fourwinemaker dinners in Anderson Valley and on the Mendocino Coast.This years dinners include: Roederer, Goldeneye and Fulcrum atRoederer Estate; Baxter and Navarro Vineyards at The Philo AppleFarm; Scharffenberger Cellars, Phillips Hill Estate and Waits-Mast atScharffenberger; and Esterlina, Greenwood Ridge and Champ deReves at the MacCallum House in Mendocino.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday, May 20 with open housesat Anderson Valley wineries, featuring special tastings, educationaltalks, music and food (a list of winery open houses can be found atwww.avwines.com).

Tickets for the 15th annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festivalcan be purchased at www.avwines.com.

For additional information about the event, visit the AVWAwebsite at www.avwines.com, call (707) 895-WINE or [email protected].


20/8020 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

FEATURE STORY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

MAYO FAMILY RESERVE ROOMBY ALEXANDRA CHARSLEY

As you are traveling through Kenwood, there are many wineries to visit and its easy tofeel overwhelmed. Mayo Family Winery has made it simple for you with two locations.

The Mayo Family tasting room in Glen Ellen is casual and a great way to get acquainted

with their wines. However, if you want to fully experience their wines they offer a seven

course food and wine pairing at their Reserve Room located right in downtown Kenwood

As you walk into their Reserve Room, you are met with wonderful smells from the

kitchen. Executive Chef J. Clayton Lewis is there to greet you and entertain you for the en

pairing. The Reserve Room is unpretentious, comfortable, intimate and Sonoma casual.

Their main focus is a sensory exploration that allows guests to share the delights of Mayo

Family reserve wines paired with delicious bite size portions prepared by Chef Clayton.

This seven course pairing menu allows you to taste their reserve wines and pushes flav

boundaries in neat, composed dishes. First, wines are poured and explained so you can on those while Chef Clayton and his sous chef prepare the first trio of food pairings. The

is also a handy printout of each wines flavor profile that is there to guide you on this

sensory journey. Each pairing is personally served by Chef Clayton and he tells of his

inspirations for these dishes and also why he has chosen the specific flavors to match each

wine. These seven courses compliment the Mayo Family reserve wines and together wer

perfect match. All the foods served contain different components that you normally eat b

with a twist that made for fun pairings and allowed you to see how their wines can be

included with your everyday meals. Their wines are made to be enjoyed now and each o

can stand alone or pairs beautifully with food. After you have indulged in this elaborate

tasting experience, you can join any one of their six wine clubs for year round enjoyment

MAYO FAMILY RESERVE ROOM

Open Thursday through Monday 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Final seatings at 4:45 p.m.

9200 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452(707) 833-5504 | www.mayofamilywinery.com

WINERY FEATURE


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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | FEATURE STOR

Mayo Family reserve wines.

Chef Clayton is a very

knowledgeable and fabulous

host. He is engaging and while I

didnt know this was an

educational event, I left feelingenlightened. After all the tasting

notes and advice, my next

pairing will be enhanced and I

will be able to allow the scents

and flavors to come through

with both food and wine. This is

a luxurious food and wine

experience that is a must when

visiting wine country.

Mayo Family Winery

produces small lots of single

vineyard wines under the

premise that the worlds most

interesting and highest quality

wines must come from a single-

vineyard. Founded in 1993 by

Henry and Diane Mayo, the

winery has two winemaking

facilities in Glen Ellen each fitted

and equipped to produce

particular types of wines. Their

son Jeffrey along with

winemaker Michel Berthoud,continue the familys heritage of

producing single vineyard wines.

The cost is $35 and

reservations are recommended

especially for their weekend

hours and can be made by

calling (707) 833-5504 or

visiting their website. Their

new spring menu is set to begin

sometime in April and I cant

wait to try it! Chef Clayton hassaid he is going to show us

what wines will go with the

foods we like to eat when the

weather heats up. Mayo Family

wines are sold exclusively in

their tasting rooms and online

and since they have an

extensive wine list including a

sparkling wine, everyone will

savor this trip.


22/80

A Benefit for the Mendocino Coast Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation

presented by WineSong, The Coast Radio (KOZT) and Visit Mendocino County

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer/ songwriter, Chris Hillman

(Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Manasas) and singer/ instrumentalist,

Herb Pedersen come to Fort Bragg for one night of magical acousticalmusic to benefit the Mendocino Coast Hospital on May 26 at 8 p.m.

at the Cotton Auditorium is at 500 N. Harold, Fort Bragg.

Doors open for the show at 7:30 p.m. Dinner is available prior to

the show benefiting the Fort Bragg Senior Center at additional cost.

Tickets to the show are $25 advance, $30 at the door. For more

information and to purchase tickets visit www.winesong.org or call

(707) 961-4688. Tickets to WineSong 2012 will also be available to

purchase at the show.

Chris Hillman was one of the original members of The Byrds

which in 1965 included Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, David Crosby

and Michael Clark.

Along with frequent collaborator, Gram Parsons, Hillman was a key

figure in the development of country rock, virtually defining the genre

through his work with the Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and later

become the leader of the country rock act, Desert Rose Band.

Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen have collaborated musically for

more than forty-five years. Their history together goes back to the

early days of the folk and bluegrass movement.

Before the show, concert goers will have the opportunity to enjo

Mexican feast at the Fort Bragg Senior Center (proceeds from the

dinner benefit the Senior Center) adjacent to the Cotton Auditoriu

Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation, a non-profit organizatio

is dedicated to raising funds for the Mendocino Coast Hospital. Itsmission is to help the small rural hospital provide the best possible

medical care to residents as well as the many visitors to the

Mendocino Coast.

This year WineSong 2012 is Friday and Saturday, September 7-

First, the 28th Annual Winesong will offer guests the opportunity

get an insiders view of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir on Friday,

September 7th as Winesong and AVWA (Anderson Valley

Winegrowers Association) present An Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Celebration hosted by the Little River Inn. On Saturday, Septembe

8th, guests can stroll through the enchanting Mendocino Coast

Botanical Gardens enjoying a spectacular array of wine and food fr

100 highly acclaimed wineries and 50 top notch Northern Californ

restaurants. The spectacular wine celebration continues on into the

Auction Tents for the always entertaining Live and Silent Charity

Auctions. The Hospital Foundation has raised over $6 million in

Winesong generated funds which has enabled the Hospital to

purchase essential medical equipment and improve services.

Visit www.winesong.org for details.

Fw twer @WeCrt


22

a spec Eve w Cr hm, herb Peere

UPCOMING

April 20

Grgich Hills Estate

May 18

Hartford FamilyWinery

June 22

B.R. Cohn Winery


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WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

24 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

SONOMA VALLEY WINE TROLLEYBY MICHELLE J. BAKER

What could be more fun on your wine country getaway than to be whisked

around in an authentic replica cable car with a professional tour guide at the wheel

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley now offers two different full-day wine tours in vehiclesmodeled after late 1890s San Francisco cable cars. All aboard!

While competition for the regions tourist business is healthy, and imitation is th

most sincere form of flattery, company owner Tom Buck says, we are the original

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley. The project began in early 2007, and finally came to l

in 2010 when Bucks team finished their first cable car restoration. Due to the

demand for additional tours, and the increase in private charters, we are on target t

add more motorized cable cars this year, added Buck.

The new season for the trolley also brings a new alternate tour route: The Valle

of the Moon Tour! On rotating days, guests can choose either the new tour or the

original Sonoma Valley Tour! Or, take the tour on two days and enjoy two comple

different experiences. Similar to the Sonoma Valley Tour, the Valley of the Moon To

also features Sonomas history, but is more focused on the current winemakingfamilies that have helped make Sonoma Valley a premiere wine and food destinatio

These daily tours run from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Your tour guide will pick

you up from most major lodging in Sonoma, or you can hop aboard at the Sonoma

Plaza. Either way, be ready to enjoy a day of sightseeing, wine tasting and fun! The

trolleys friendly and knowledgeable guide will take you to four exceptional winerie

known for their great wine and warm hospitality.

Each tour also includes a catered picnic lunch from the famous Girl & the Fig

restaurant in Sonoma. They have consistently provided what many have said is sim

the best food theyve ever had on a group tour. Lunch is served family style so tha

everyone can choose from a variety of sandwiches, side salads and desserts.

Local historian and actor George Webber is the official voice of the Sonoma ValleWine Trolley. Between winery stops, enjoy his upbeat, whimsical style and stories a

the trolley takes you through Sonoma Valleys rich history. Some of the historic

landmarks on the tour include Sonoma and Swiss Hotels, General Vallejos Soldier

Barracks, Mission San Francisco Solano (Sonoma Mission), Bear Flag Monument an

General Vallejos Home and State Park.

The trolley stops at four wineries during each tour two historical wineries and

two boutique family wineries. While the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley operates all ye

the spring season 2012 is kicking off with some new winery partners, including

Ravenswood, Benziger and Paradise Ridge (to name just a few). Loyal partners from

the tours inaugural year include Buena Vista, BR Cohn, Mayo Family and Sebastian

The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley is available for private events. As May and June

approaches, so does wedding season! Many brides have chosen the Wine Trolley astheir vehicle of choice for wedding pictures, and for shuttling guests to and from

hotels and the wedding site. The Wine Trolley is also perfect for group wine tours,

and is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and PA, including

iPod/iPhone connections.

The trolley recently hosted the Bay Area Travel Writers Association in conjunctio

with the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. Delighted guests enjoyed a trip that includ

brunch at Estate restaurant, and a private wine tasting at VJB Estate.

Tickets for wine tours are just $99 per person (winery tasting fees not included)

Purchase tickets online for the trolley at www.sonomavalleywinetrolley.com or by

telephone, toll-free at 1-877-WINETROLLEY or locally at (707) 938-2600.


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2

In honor of Cinco de Mayo the Rutherford Appellation Wineries

will hold their spring passport event, a Rutherford Passport to

Fiesta, on the weekend of May 5th and 6th. Eleven wineries will

offer special tastings and comida to those who purchase a two-daypassport for $75 or a Sunday-only passport for $60.

Each winery will offer a unique tasting experience such as barrel

samples, limited-edition wines or tastings with the winemaker, all

accompanied by festive Cinco de Mayo fare. Participating wineries

include Alpha Omega, Beaulieu Vineyard, Conn Creek Winery, Honig

Vineyard & Winery, J. Moss, Peju Province, Pia Napa Valley,

Raymond Vineyards, St. Supery Vineyards & Winery, Sawyer Cellars

and Tres Sabores.

Who doesnt love a fiesta? says Regina Weinstein, Director of

Marketing and Retail for Honig Vineyard & Winery. This should be a

good weekend for guests to come to Rutherford in the heart of the

Napa Valley and enjoy great wines paired with wonderful food. Were

ready for a party!

As always, profits from the event will be donated to a local charity.

Passports may be purchased online and will be available for pick-up

at the Rutherford Grange on Saturday, May 5th.

For more information or to purchase a passport, visit the website

at www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com.

About Rutherford Appellation Wineries

Rutherford Appellation Wineries was established as the direct t

consumer marketing arm of the Rutherford Dust Society

(www.rutherforddust.org) to educate the public about the

significance of the Rutherford appellation as Napa Valleys preemin

grape-growing area. This consumer-focused organization was crea

to promote the uniqueness of the area and encourage visitors to

experience personally the quality of the wines produced in this

special place.

Rutherford Appellation Wineries Rutherford Passport to Fiesta


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www.WeCrtWeek.c

WinE CountRy nEWs | WinE CountRy this WEEK

26

ST. CLEMENT VINEYARDSReminding Us All That Old Napa Never Left!BY JoSh Stein

Surrounded by Cabernet vines, on a knoll at the base of Spring

Mountain over-looking the upper-Valley, sits the 1878 Victorian mansio

which houses St. Clement Vineyards. Originally built by Fritz

Rosenbaum, the man responsible for furnishing the homes of SanFranciscos Guilded Age, the property went through a number of

winemaking owners before it was purchased and renamed in 1976 whe

local opthalmologist William Casey bought it and built the stone winery

behind it. The name pays tribute to Caseys ancestors who helped foun

the state of Maryland, the cross in the St. Clement logo coming from th

states flag. Its hard to find a more magnificent example of the Old Na

idea of a grand winery.

The exterior is surrounded by gardens with picnic areas and shaded

awnings, allowing for spots to stop and savor: the Patio and Bistro Terra

the Winery Terrace with its antique fountain, the wisteria-covered

st. ClEMEnt VinEyaRdsop daiy 10 a.m. 5 p.m.

2867 S. ha hiway n, S. ha, cA 94574

Adva rsvais ad Wi cub Qusis: 1-866-877-5939Sam-Day rsvais: 707-265-5000

www.sm.m


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Pergola all harken back to a more timeless sense of the Valley.

Stepping into the house is stepping back in time, to an age of

quiet kindnesses and elegance. A grand staircase greets you

upon entry, dividing the bottom of the house into the two tasting

rooms, and a small childrens playroom resides under the stairs

themselves. One gains a sense of the Valleys history simply bylooking around.

Equally, its the focus on vineyard location and matching site

to varietal which has given St. Clement the edge over others in

the Valley. Long-term relationships have been key in

developing special vineyards from which to source the best

grapes as no single property can do it all. Carneross Abbott

Vineyard is perfect for Chardonnay and Merlot because of its

fog and breezes. South Napas Bacigalupi Vineyard offers

consistent growth for the Napa Cab bottling. Verhey Vineyard

in Atlas Peak provides ultra-concentrated Cabernet grapes

while Gamble Ranch Vineyard between Yountville and

Oakville presents amazing Sauvignon Blanc. Rutherfords StarVineyard supplies the backbone for the Oroppas Cabernet

with St. Helenas Bale Lane Vineyard providing aromatic

Sauvignon Blanc and Tournahu Vineyards two different Cabs

because of different soil types. The hills are equally showcased,

with Howell Mountains Steinhauer Ranch giving Cabernet and

Mount Veeders Progeny providing Cabernet and Syrah.

There are lots of wines to enjoy, ranging from Napa Valley

whites and reds to a half-dozen single-vineyard bottlings of

Cab. Winemaker Danielle Cyrot allows each to showcase its

varietal pedigree while not losing the sense of place for the

grapes. The Chardonnay and Sauvignon show careful, detailed

winemaking, and the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon andMerlot are some of the best, especially at these pricepoints, in

the Valley. The single-vineyard Cabs really show off Napas

locations, with distinct differences in wines from the different

areas of the Valley. Additionally, the winerys flagship release,

the Oroppas Cabernet, named for then-owners Sapporo, ha

been showing off the finest of each vintage within St.

Clements combintorial wineblending for more than two

decades.

The variety continues in your tasting and touring options

most which the winery suggests or requires you to makereservations for so that theyre able to make the experience

personalized and special. The Introduction to St. Clement

Tasting can be poured on the patio in nice weather, providin

amazing views to pair with the wines. The Discovery and th

Reserve Tastings take place inside the main bar in the house.

In the intimate Oroppas Tasting Room, you can experience t

Stand-Out Single Vineyards Tasting or the Oroppas Tasting.

The Stand-Out Single Vineyard Tasting lets you experience t

similarities and differences of these special bottlings. The

Oroppas Tasting gives you the opportunity to try and compa

multiple vintages of the Oroppas. All of the above can be

supplanted by Cheese or Chocolate Pairings or BoxedLunches again, let the winery know ahead of time what

youre looking for and theyll take care of the rest.

Still looking for a reason to come visit? There are several

upcoming events which should do the trick! April 21sts

Oysters and New Releases Party will pair the bivalve with

wines, including the new Sauvignon Blanc and two new

winery-only exclusives. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will be

bringing in the Valleys greatest food trucks, and late-Mays

Memorial Day Passport Weekend promises exclusive access t

five of the North Bays greatest wineries this one shouldnt

missed! There are even two different clubs, with a reds-only

option, too, so you can have access to both the wines andthese kinds of experiences all year round. As you can see,

theres a lot going on up just past St. Helena. Do yourself the

favor: pick up your phone and give the kind folks at St.

Clement a call right now youll be glad you did. Enjoy!

Continued


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LITALIA IN VIGNETOAndretti Winery Celebrates Italian-style Wineand Cuisine with Chef Chiara Iacovielloat Its Fabled Tuscan-inspired Vineyard andEstate in the Heart of Napa Valley

In the heart of the Napa Valley, legendary race car driver Mario Andrettis

Tuscan Villa Estate is home to a 42-acre vineyard, winery, barrel-aging chai a

an Italianate dining room. The property is modeled after a rambling Italian

village, reminiscent of the home of its founder. Here, visitors can tour the

winery as well as savor the essence of Italian-style wine and cuisine, prepare

by Andrettis own Chef, Chiara Iacoviello. Seasonal favorites, favoring local

ingredients prepared in a central-Italian style, offer guests a unique combinaof old world-flavors and modern-day pleasure. Four-course dinners or three

course lunches with wine pairings are available on Fridays and Saturdays

throughout the year.

Andretti Winery is renowned for its portfolio of fine wines featuring

traditional regional varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay,

well as luxury Italian varietals, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Dolcetto.

A sample menu might include a first course of Bruschette al Carpaccio d

Funghi (toasted bread topped with marinated mushroom), second course o

Risotti ai Mirtilli (savory risotto with blueberries), third course of Polpettone

Limone (Italian meatloaf stuffed with cheese and prosciutto, with a lemon

sauce) and dessert of Salume di Cioccolato (traditional chocolate and cookie

roll), all paired with Andretti wines.At Andretti, dinner is served at 7 p.m., lunch at noon. The price for dinn

$95 per person; lunch is $70 per person, both with a 16-guest maximum.

For dinner, the evening begins with a chilled glass of white wine in the

beautiful Fountain Courtyard. Visitors are then led into the Tuscan House,

where Chef Chiara Iacoviello presents and describes the evenings menu. He

seasonal favorites are paired with the winemakers own selections. After dinn

guests can tour the historic winery and enjoy a barrel tasting. The elegant fo

course dinner concludes with a dessert wine.

For lunch, the afternoon begins with a chilled glass of white wine in the

beautiful Fountain Courtyard. Visitors are then led into the Tuscan House,

where Chef Chiara Iacoviello presents and describes the days menu. Herseasonal favorites are paired with the winemakers own selections. After lunc

guests can tour the historic winery and enjoy a barrel tasting. The elegant th

course lunch concludes with a dessert wine.

Upcoming dinner dates are Friday, May 25; Saturday, June 9; Saturday, Ju

14; Friday, August 3; Friday, September 21; Friday, October 26; Friday,

December 7; and Saturday, December 15. Lunch dates are Saturday, April 2

Saturday, May 26; Saturday, June 16; Saturday, July 28; Saturday, August 4;

Saturday, September 29; and Saturday, October 20.

To make reservations, call Tenaya at 1-888-460-8463 ext. 229. Reservatio

should be made at least 48 hours prior to requested dates.

andREtti WinERyop Daiy 10 a.m. 5p.m.

4162 Bi ra rad, napa, cA 94558(707) 259-6777 | adiwiy.m

Chef Chiara Iacoviello


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PinK Mansionthe perfe napa wie asig experiee. Valley or fores views from eah room,

lavish breakfas ad aferoo wie asig, large idoor heaed pool ad Jauzzi,

i-room massage ad faials available. 1-800-238-74651415 F Bv, C www.pkm.cm

BRannan CottagE innSx spaus, mab ms w ad vws, pva as, pva bas,qu-sz bds ad a a. tw m-sus av s ms w v-ss as w. A d ad as su m du summmvss. Dw ms ad pas zy ad ma vs.109 Wp s, C [email protected] (707) 942-4200

lEdson hotElsluxuy suad s Sma Paza. Sx dvduay dad msw k-sz bd, wp bas, pa ad bas.Appd w aqu adu pad w md ams. (707) 996-9779480 Fr sree E, s m www.ee.cm

inn at thE tidEsBay vws, wak dsa spp, sauas; swmm p, ub,ss , saua; ms w vws ad pas; massa avaab;a bakas 1-800-541-77888 00 h w o e , B e B w ww .i e t e .c m

VintnERs innfy-u spaus ms ad sus w bas pas;

suudd by vyads. 1-800-421-24350 Bre R , s R www.ver.

CaldERWood innA s Va i a hadsbu

25 W. gr sree, hebr [email protected] 707-431-1

hilton gaRdEn inn

2200 gew Cr, (707) 426-6

Frfe www.re.

holiday inn EXPREss hotEl & suitEs

316 Pm R (707) 864-3

Frfe www.expre.

lonE oaK lodgE

W mus aquaum, ws, My hab, spp, avs, sauas, .

1-800-283-5663 www.eke.

sonoMa County noRthERn

MontEREy Bay/CEntRal Coast

FaiRFiEld/suisun VallEy

sonoMa County Coast

sonoMa County southERn

naPa VallEynaPa VallEy

CandlElight inn

Privae bahs; tV/phoe ad Ac; wo-perso

marble jauzzis ad fireplaes; baloies or

deks; hree-ourse gourme breakfas, hors

doeuvres, wie ad sherry i he eveig; luxu-

rious 30'x60'; swimmig pool

1045 Easum Drive, Napa

1-80 0-624-03 95 candlelig htinn.com

l o d g i n glk fr mre p www.WeCrtWeek.cm

Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in DowntownNapa to Offer Overnight Kits to Walk-in Guests

Lodging properties in the city of Napa now offer complimentary

Do Napa Overnight Kits to guests looking to book a same-day

reservation. Hospitality managers often find that day-trip visitorsleave the city at the end of the day, despite wanting to stay overnight,

because they havent packed for an evening away.

We often find that day-trip guests think about staying the night

after theyve experienced a full day enjoying the city of Napa, said

Sara Brooks, chairman of the Napa Tourism Improvement District.

Were offering same-day lodging guests these Overnight Kits to

make them feel welcome and make it easy for them to stay the night

on a whim so they can savor the entire Napa experience.

The Do Napa Overnight Kit is equipped with almost everything

a visitor will need to stay the night. The Overnight Kit includes: An

overnight shirt for sleeping; Do Napa canvas tote bag; brush, hairbands and a mirror; contact lens case and saline; 29 cosmetics face

products for the ladies also available at Cake Plate Boutique; lip

balm; makeup remover; Woolite for delicates and deodorant.

Anything not included will be available at the hotel or bed and

breakfast where guests are staying, making it easy to stay the night in

Napa. Do Napa Overnight Kits will be available at select properties

in the city of Napa that are members of Napas Tourism

Improvement District while

supplies last. Local bars,

restaurants and the Napa

Valley Welcome Center will

also have informationabout the Overnight Kit to

distribute to visitors.

To check availability,

visitors should inquire at

the front desk or call ahead

on the day of their visit.

Participating lodging includes: 1801 Inn, 3 Palms Napa Valley, Arb

Guest House, Beazley House, Best Western Elm House, Best West

Inn at the Vines, Best Western Ivy Hotel, Blackbird Inn, Candlelig

Inn, Cedar Gables Inn, Chablis Inn, Churchill Manor, Discovery I

Embassy Suites, Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham, Hennessey Hou

Inn on First, La Belle Epoque, La Residence Country Inn,

McClelland Priest House, Milliken Creek Inn, Napa Inn, Napa Riv

Inn, Old World Inn, River Terrace Inn, Wine Valley Lodge, The

Meritage Resort & Spa, Westin Verasa and Wine Valley Lodge.

For more information or to search lodgings in Napa, visit

DoNapa.com. Napa is also on Facebook at

Facebook.com/DowntownNapa and Twitter @NapaDowntown.

New Overnight Kits Help Visitors with Spontaneous Stay


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Featuring New Category Players Such asBachelor Ben Flajnik's Envolve Ros and

Croft Pink the Worlds First Ros Port to theIconic Chteau DEsclans Garrus Ros,

Pink Out! SF Celebrates the ContinuingRise of Fine Ros in the U.S.

The 8th Annual Pink Out! SF fine ros celebration will take

place on Tuesday, May 8th in San Francisco. In tandem with Pink

Out! SF, Ros Avengers & Producers (RAP) is teaming again with

TasteLive the worlds premier online tasting community to host

a live, interactive Webcast from Butterfly, with wine bloggers

joining the tasting remotely from around the U.S. The virtual

tasting is sponsored by CellarPass and will feature four select

wineries to be announced in the coming weeks.

Over the eight years that weve produced Pink Out! SF, weve

witnessed winemakers, retailers, restaurateurs and U.S. consumersenthusiastically embrace fine ros, said Joel Quigley, RAPs

director, who also heads up business development for TasteLive.

RAP is proud that weve played at least a small role in the growth

of the category though our annual event and public relations

efforts. Once again, well be showcasing new entries into the

market, as well as venerable ros producers from around the

world.

The Pink Out! SF celebration at Butterfly restaurant will featu

an extensive walk-around tasting of 40-plus classic still and

sparkling ross from throughout the world, accompanied by

delicious appetizers, chill DJ grooves and the TasteLive Webcast

Chef Lam of Butterfly restaurant will present ros-inspired Pan-

Pacific appetizers from sustainably and organically sourced

ingredients. Guests are encouraged to wear their most fun and

entertaining pink attire. Tickets are again expected to sell out in

advance and are available online only at

www.RapWine.com/events.

Participating wineries include: Amorosa Bella, Carneros Wine

Co., Chteau DEsclans, Chateau Roubine, Cornerstone Cellars,

Croft Pink, Dashe Cellars, Dunstan Wines / Durell Vineyard,

Ellipsis Wine Company, Envolve Winery, Freixenet, Gloria Ferre

Isabel Mondavi Wines, Kristine Ashe Vineyards, Lasseter Family

Winery, Midsummer Cellars, Muscardini Cellars, Peju ProvinceWinery, Pisoni Vineyards, Segura Viudas, Tedeschi Family Wine

Think Tank Wine Company, Truett Hurst and VML.

Butterfly Restaurant, is located on Pier 33 at Bay Street, The

Embarcadero, San Francisco. Media and trade tasting is from 3 t

6 p.m.; credentials are required. Consumer tasting is from 6:30

9 p.m.; TasteLive broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $35 onl

advance / $45 at door if available.

8 a Pk o! sF R t, M


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Wine Tasting ins u i s u n V a l l E y

s u i s u nV a l l E yW i n E R i E s

Visit Vezr Family VineyardsVezr Family Vineyards is one of the more picturesque and

inviting of the Suisun Valley wine region. Owned by the famouslyfriendly and welcoming Frank and Liz Vezr, the winery is a

refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of their more well-known

neighbors over the hill. With a climate that boasts of sun-drenched

days and sweet foggy nights, the grapes of the Vezr Family Vineyards

enjoy near perfect growing conditions. Their winery is best known

for the luscious Petite Sirah that they produce, as well as their hearty,

fruit-forward Zinfandel and a little known, but magnificent blend, La

Salette. While lacking the big name appellation, these wines are by

no means also-rans. In fact, the region is rated as the oldest and best

in the State of California by the U.C Davis University. These are

seriously good wines.

The Vezr Family Vineyard tasting room is located in the tinyvillage of Mankas Corners. The town was originally established by a

local miner in 1846. Hints of its old west history can be seen in the

old general store and surrounding buildings. The tasting room is

open seven days a week and no appointment is necessary. The ten

dollar tasting fee is waived with a wine purchase. But, to really get the

most out of your visit, opt for their VIP Barrel Blend Tour. At a bargain

price of $35, this tour is well worth the extra investment.


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The 2012 Solano Wine & Food Jubilee will celebrate its 25th

anniversary when the event returns to the Nut Tree Complex inVacaville on April 27. In honor of this silver celebration, event

organizers promise an array of enhancements that should make the

Wine & Food Jubilee already Solano Countys must-do social

event of the year an even hotter ticket to obtain.

The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee is the primary fund-raising

event for the programs of NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, and

over the past 24 years the gala affair has raised more than $2

million. These funds have enabled NorthBay to provide physical,

emotional and spiritual care for the terminally ill, allowing these

patients and their families to live their final days as peacefully

and as comfortably as possible.

The Jubilee, as the areas premiere food and wine tasting event,will offer ticket-holders an opportunity to spend hours tasting an

array of sweet and savory foods from the regions most notable

restaurants and food merchants, paired with pourings from

numerous top-flight wineries and breweries.

There are also several exciting new 25th anniversary twists

planned, including a raffle with $35,000 in cash and prizes. The

top prize in the raffle is an Electra Glide Ultra Limited motorcycle

in Vivid Black donated by Harley-Davidson ($23,999 MSRP), and

$11,000 in additional cash prizes. Making this deal even more

enticing is the buy two, get the third free offer.

The 2012 Silent Auction is sure to include many 25-themed

items, including such things as signed movie posters, an entire

start-up wine cellar, sporting event tickets, exotic jewelry, artwork,

travel opportunities and wine-tasting events.

The Time Bandits, the areas most popular and in-demand

band, returns for the 2012 event. This nine-piece rhythm and

blues and rock band is known for their mastery of dance tunes

from the 70s to today, and they may be joined by several specialguests.

As in the past, the event will be held under an enormous ten

through a joint arrangement with Total Home & Garden Show.

This year, the show will be held at the Nut Tree the weekend

before the Jubilee, from April 20 to 22. This large venue means

there will be plenty of food, wine and brew vendors on hand.

Organizers will also offer a limited number of VIP Table for

Eight packages that include many of the benefits afforded VIP

ticket-holders early admittance, special treats on arrival, and

access to the VIP Lounge for $1,000. This reserved package

must be purchased before March 23, 2012.

The Solano Wine & Food Jubilees Presenting Sponsors for2012 are Patt & Al Shaw, Dr. Lee Freeman, Burger King

Restaurants, Golds Gym, Iron Steed Harley-Davidson and the N

Tree. The event benefits NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, whi

provides its services to all regardless of their ability to pay, and

includes access to an integrated program of physical, emotional

and spiritual care for the terminally ill.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and for a

minimum of $1,000 a sponsor can enjoy early entrance to the

Jubilee, an invitation to a private reception at the event, hotel

accommodations and limousine service.

The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, a black tie-optional affair

(denim discouraged), gets under way at the Nut Tree Complex

beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, for those ages 21 and over, mus

be purchased in advance and are $75 each, or $100 at the door

still available. To purchase tickets, call (707) 646-3133, or go

online at www.wineandfoodjubilee.org.

Its a Silver Celebration for 2012 Solano Wine & Food Jubile

If this is one of your many visits to the wine country, you are no

doubt looking for something a little different. So why not change

things up and take the road less travelled through Suisun ValleyThe Napa Back Road. We all no doubt have our favorites, but we

are always looking to one up our friends back home. Yes, that

never ending search for something new and refreshing, but still

preserving all that made you first fall in love with the whole Wine

Country Experience.

If you are staying in downtown Napa, do you realize you are

just approximately 15 to 20 minutes away from a valley that

preserved what Napa was in the 1960s? However, the wines at

such places like Vezer Family Vineyard and the Blue Victorian

Winery take advantage of both the old traditions, such as 100%

hand punched down wines, along with implementing the

important new techniques learned from those great Californiawinemakers over the last 50 years.

This Suisun Valley has been a long-time held secret in the wine

country. In fact, many of the locals try to continue this secret,

simply because it is where they go to still experience those old

feelings of days gone by. Suisun Valley is where you can find wines

that would sell for over $150 a bottle at the popular better known

tourist destinations in Napa, for $30 to $60. These same wines

have 94, 95 and 97 point rankings and medals from the greatest

national and international competitions!

Dont Miss Suisun Valley Wine Country

The NapaBack Road


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DAVID FULTON WINERYSmall Production Big Acclaim

David Fulton Winery, a historic Petite Sirah producer, has announced mo

high accolades coming in for their Petite Sirah 2008 Old Vines, from their Helena Estate. In addition to medals already awarded from San Francisco

Chronicles International Wine Competition and the 2012 Womens

International Wine Competition, theyve now received 92 points and two m

medals, both gold.

92 Points from Wine Spectator first announced in their Insider A Memb

Only Biweekly Publication. Here is what they had to say: Fragrant, with pre

violet and huckleberry aromatics that show details of licorice and blackberry

The black cherry, spicy tobacco leaf and cedar flavors are rustic and muscula

but still extremely charming. Drink now through 2018. M.W.

The first of the new gold medals was awarded from The American Fine W

Competition held in Boca Raton, FL. The second medal is from the 2012 Sa

Diego International Wine Competition. These are two very well respected wcompetitions by both people in the industry and consumers, alike.

The 2008 Old-Vines Petite Sirah holds true to the many previous release

elegance. This vintage provides a wider range of bright, high-tone fruit flavo

emanating from the expected deep, dark color of the varietal. Youll find

pleasing aromas of blackberry, fig, cinnamon, dark bakers chocolate and

licorice along with flavors of red cherry, boysenberry, raspberry and distinct

vanilla on the palate. With soft tannins, this is a round, velvety, silky wine th

will not need much cellaring to enjoy.

We have one vineyard and make just one wine here at David Fulton

Winery. Our total production is only around 400 cases a year. (The Valleys

largest winery produces around nine million cases a year!) We hand-sort our

grapes three times before fermentation and have a three-year aging programbefore release, says Stephanie Trotter Zacharia, DFWs Director of Winemak

If youd like to visit, were proud to not only pour a couple of vintages of ou

Petite Sirah for you, but also pour Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and a Riesling

style wine called One Last Kiss from our neighbors Scott & Jana Harveys

winery. Their world-class wines are otherwise not available for tasting here in

the Valley.

The David Fulton Winery 2008 Petite Sirah is grown in the historic St. Hele

estate vineyards planted in 1860. David Fulton also built the towns first ston

wine cellar under the winery next to it just one year later. He also invented t

famous Fulton One Horse Plow. This exact location is where the wine is st

made today in much the same, old fashioned way.

The vineyard and winerys current owners are David Fultons great-grand

Fulton Mather and his wife, Dink. The grapes are picked each year and sorte

along with wine club members, friends and family, by hand before

fermentation. The fermented grapes are then pressed out in a traditional bas

press and the wine aged for nearly three years in thin-staved French oak barr

The resulting wine is consistently highly acclaimed among their peers and a

favorite referral among Petite Sirah fans.

In addition to two vintages of the award-winning Petite Sirah, they offer

tastings of Our Sweet Petite, a Port-style wine. All have very limited

productions. You should note that the winery doesnt have any commercial

signage, so youll have to look for the address (825 Fulton Lane) to enjoy the

winerys private setting!

daVid FultonWinERy & VinEyaRds

One Vineyard, One Wine, Made Right:

David Fulton Winerys Petite Sirah

825 fu la, jus u bks as hwy 29,i napa Vays isi S. ha

op asi fiday-Mday 11 a.m. 4 p.m. by appim

(707) 967-0719 | www.DavidfuWiy.mfid m fabk ad twi: @DavidfuPS


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WinE CountRy this WEEK | naPa VallE

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STERLING VINEYARDSTake a Sky Tram to Good Times!BY JoSh Stein

Few wineries anywhere directly control more than 1,200 acres of est

vineyards, and fewer still can lay claim to acreage from across the compl

range of Napa Valley sub-appellations: mountainsides, various spots on

Valley floor, Carneros and Calistoga. And only one can lay claim to a

green sky tram which takes you 300 feet above the Valley, giving uniqu

views and striking architecture with which to enjoy the wines: SterlingVineyards. Theyre proof that great things in the wine business truly do

better as they age!

A legacy of five decades of stewardship continues today as the winer

was one of the first twelve to be certified as a Napa County Green Winer

by the Napa Valley Vintners; Sterling has also received Napa Valley Gree

Land certification for its sustainable management, water conservation an

fish-friendly farming across all of its estate vineyards. Even the tram is

solar-powered! This commitment to doing things the right way naturally

extends to the winemaking after the grapes are grown. Whites are

harvested at night, going directly to press as whole clusters to preserve

WINERY FEATURE

stERling VinEyaRdsop Mday-fiday 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

Sauday ad Suday 10 a.m. 5 p.m.

1111 Duawa la, caisa, cA 94515(707) 942-3344 | www.siviyads.m


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quality. Reds are brought to the crush pad in small boxes and are

hand-sorted before being destemmed and innoculated with native

yeasts. Reserve wines are given even more special treatment in the

micro-winery-within-the-winery built in 2008. This 10,000-case

facility across from the caves allows for whole-berry fermentations,

barrel spinning for micro-fermentations and multiple small lots for

best-of-the-best bottlings.

That commitment to ensuring a legacy of quality is present in

every release, and given the variety of vineyards and locations under

its direct control a true rare luxury for the winemakers in todays

modern global marketplace its not a surprise to find wines to

appeal to all tastes and lifestyles. Indeed, there are the Napa Valley

wines for which the winery is well known; the Single-Vineyard

releases, which highlight the unique combination of variety and

place within various parts of the Valley; the Cellar Club wines, small

bottlings of club-only exclusives; the Vintners Collection, which

shows off other Sterling Vineyards in California; and the Reservewines, individual, special and rarely bottled. All are available to taste

at the winery, and many can only be found there altogether.

Beyond the tram and the wines, there is plenty more to enjoy

while on the property. The layout of the Greek island Mykonos-

inspired white stucco walls allows for wandering amidst famous

artworks and prints, architectural details and, every once in a while,

a random turn reveals breath-taking views of the Valleys narrowin

northern quadrant, with the Mayacamas and Vacas in extreme

proximity on both sides. Every quarter-hour, eight bells recovered

from Londons bombed out Church of St.Dunstans-in-the-East

accompany your movement around the winerys facilities. Self-pac

by design by utilizing motion-activated flatscreens, the general

admission tasting and tour covers the tram ride, the tour, tasting

five wines and a souvenir wine glass. For those wanting exclusive

wines, there are also the Reserve, Sterling Silver VIP and Sterling

Gold VIP options, which will taste you through reserve wines,

single-vineyard, limited-release and premier bottlings available

nowhere else. The goal is for visitors to be comfortable and able t

enjoy everything the winery produces.

Half a century ago, Sterling Vineyards was founded with the

ideal of growing grapes in the best locations the Napa Valley ha

to offer and then producing the best possible wines to showcas

those vineyards in an awe-inspiring setting. Lots of folks havecome and gone in that time, and the winery is still here, doing

what it does best: making wines that speak strongly of their

sources. Come find out for yourself what more than a quarter

million others annually do therere great wines still to be had

after all these years up in Calistoga at Sterling Vineyards. Go an

enjoy you wont be sorry!

Continued


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In its 22nd year, Women for WineSense holds its biennial Grand

Event on May 4-6 in the Napa Valley. Attracting participants fromacross the United States, wine professionals and enthusiasts pack this

sell-out event of 250 seats at the Culinary Institute of America at

Greystone in St. Helena.

Attendees enjoy behind-the-scenes knowledge of winery

operations at some of Napas most premier wineries. They will also

enjoy vertical tastings with Cathy Corison, food and wine pairings

with Andrea Immer Robinson, and panels on transitioning your

career into the wine industry and millienal wine professionals who

grew up in winemaking families.

A Welcome Reception at Robert Mondavi Winery kicks off the

three-day event with a Grand Tasting. On Saturday choose from 15

winery tours and exclusive Vintner Dinners from Idell Family

Vineyards, Linked Vineyards and Raymond Vineyards. At the CIA

Sunday, the day is filled with educational seminars, the WWSluncheon, Women in Wine awards, and the always-popular silent

auction.

Attendance is limited. Registration offers inclusive All-Access

Passesare $260 members; $310 nonmember. Single-day prices are

also available.

Proceeds from the event will underwrite Women for WineSense

educational programs, activities and professional networking

opportunities for women in the wine industry.

For more information visit www.wwsgrandevent.org.

s p fr r em eweer www.WeCrtWeek.c

naPa VallEy | WinE CountRy this WEEK

n a P ad o W n t o W n

s t . h E l E n a

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Women for WineSense Grand Event Sip the Wine, Savor the Moment, Share the Experience


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Legendaryhospitalitywith

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1091LarkmeadLane

4milesnorthofSt.Helena

OpenDaily10-5(707)942-0

859

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Welcome toy o u n t V i l l E

JESSUP CELLARSIn a verdant valley full of wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms, th

Jessup Cellars tasting room is something different. The wines are

excellent, the people are friendly (while also being efficient and

knowledgeable about their wines, art and hospitality in general). But

there are some things you will find when you visit that set Jessup apa

from the rest.

As any staff member will proudly proclaim if asked, Jessup is all

about the experience. Walk-in visitors are welcomed at the tasting ba

but for those seeking a more intimate occasion, the by-appointment

semi-private tastings are the way to best enjoy the tasting room and st

Taking place within Jessups art gallery, visitors get to enjoy a range of

wines available only from the winery in a relaxed, no attitude

environment. In fact, if you ask the right people around the Valley, yo

hear the same response: its the staff at Jessup, their willingness to answ

any question, their joy at getting to share what they love about the

wines, which really makes the distinction

To make it all the more enticing, a platter of cheese, chocolates an

JEssuP CEllaRs t asting RooMop daiy 10 a.m. 6 p.m. ( as sad asi a 5 p.m.)

rsvais i adva a dd sad asis.6740 Wasi S, Yuvi

www.jssupas.m | 1-888-537-7879 | (707) 944-8523


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mixed nuts are part of these seated tastings, and are included at the reasonable price of $20

per person which is waived with purchase.

When you taste you will be offered five wines, including, most likely, a Napa Valley

Chardonnay, a Zinfandel and a Cabernet Sauvignon produced using Napa Valley fruit. There

is also what they call their Table for Four from Napa Valley, sort of a bonus offering at the

end.

In addition to the varietals just listed, they make a Merlot, a delicious Sauvignon Blanc

(the second of their total of two whites), Petite Sirah and two ports, one from Cabernet and

the other (a personal favorite) from the Zinfandel grape. They also offer three red blends you

should consider: Juel, Table for Four and Mannys Blend (combining Zinfandel and Petite

Sirah). There are nine reds and those two whites in all.

While always known for their reds, executive winemaker and talented California native

Rob Lloyd, who received his masters in enology from that home to famous winemakers, UC

Davis, is proud to have elevated their two whites to world-class status. To a level where they

can now compete with any Chardonnay of Sauvignon

Blanc produced anywhere. And all of the wines are made

at their state-of-the-art facility down the road in Napa.

You might consider their popular wine club: My Jessup

Cellar. Jessup wines are very small in production and sold

only through the tasting room and Jessups popular wine

club. Most visitors opt for Jessups twice-yearly club,

which includes one full mixed case (12 bottles) shipped

twice a year for 25% off retail.

It is fair to say perhaps even an understatement to

consider a visit to this charming tasting room with its fine

wines, gracious wine country hospitality, collection of art,

handsome dcor and casual feel is a true treat for all of thesenses. To be able to sit, sample their exceptional wines

along with a bit of food in such a setting, where you learn

in such a way that it feels as if you are simply absorbing

knowledge instead of just being taught, is wonderful way

to spend an hour or so here in a small town that is a

beacon to wine lovers and gourmets from around the

globe. And, it certainly warrants planning ahead and

making that slight turn off of busy Highway 29 to

experience it all for yourself.

44www.WeCrtWeek.cm

Continued

YOUNTVILLE


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BY AlexAnDrA chArSleY

Calistoga Balloons is a unique and intimate flying experience over

the scenic northern end of the Napa Valley. These flights are more

rural in nature, providing pristine views. Experience Old Faithful

Geyser, the dramatic Palisade Cliffs, Mt. St Helena, as well as

spectacular views of world-renown landmarks, vineyards and

wineries including Chateau Montelena the winery that put

Californias Napa Valley number one in the world, Castello di

Amorosa the authentic 12th century Tuscan Castle-winery, SterlingVineyards a hilltop winery via aerial tram, along with Bennett Lane

Winery, Envy Winery, Vincent Arroyo Winery and more. Calistoga is

a unique destination whose vistas will remain with you for a lifetime!

Your adventure begins just after sunrise, between 6 a.m. and 7

a.m., when hot air ballooning

flight conditions are best and the

morning sunlight enhances the

natural beauty. Guests meet at the

historic Railroad Depot at 1458

Lincoln Avenue in friendly and

quaint, Calistoga and off to the

mornings determined launch site.

After the crew inflates the balloon,

guests hop into the wicker basket.

Documents

Nor Cal Edition – Apr 27, 2012