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Spring In Napa Valley...

3/11/2018

During the spring, everything is green and in bloom, making it a glorious time to visit and explore Napa. New shoots break out of the dormant vines. They can grow as fast as 1.5 inches in a single day. If you get close to the vines, you'll also see tiny clusters of grapes starting to form. The date when they first appear is called "bud break, " and it gives the first hint of when the grapes will be ready to harvest.

Mustard plants growing between the grapevines also start blooming. In a good year, it's a spectacular sight, with yellow carpets of blossoms everywhere. In other years, it's more like a dusting of yellow.

A few wineries also have lovely lavender gardens, among them Harms Vineyards & Lavender Fields in Napa and Ceago, which is north of Napa in Clear Lake. At Harms, you can combine wine tasting with your love of nature during a visit to for a sweet smelling tour of the winery where you can pick up organic gifts like lavender sachets, cooking stems and essential oils.

The mild weather makes it a perfect time to embark on a hike through the hills to get up close and personal with nature. Spend an afternoon traversing the trails in Skyline Park (admittance is free) and enjoy the park’s native plant garden.

Weather can be variable this time of year. In a wet year, you might get rained on during your hike or be deterred from venturing outside. February is Napa's wettest month. Chances of rain taper off as the year goes on, but March is still on the higher side of precipitation - on average. That being said, you never know when an unseasonable hot spell, cold snap or real rainstorm might happen.

Don't let that worry you, though: most tasting experiences are indoors. Conveniently most tastings are inside and A&W Transport ensures a seamless and dry trip from car to cabernet. Napa can be a little crowded on weekends and holidays in the spring, especially for Easter or around spring breaks. If you can visit on a weekday, Napa is decidedly quiet, with tasting room staff relaxed and ready to give you lots of attention.

Corporate Retreats in Napa

1/21/2018

A corporate retreat can provide a boost to company morale, and a chance for members of a team to reconnect. Many of Napa Valley’s wineries and resorts accommodate both large and small groups and offer world-class business services. Add amazing wine, delicious food, A&W transport, and Napa Valley is the perfect destination for your next team-building, seminar, board meeting, or conference. We checked out a few of the best itineraries to share with you.

The first should come as no surprise - Beringer, the world-class and renowned winery, has an array of beautiful and functional spaces for groups of all sizes. Spaces include the Rhine house, a beautiful 17-room stone mansion and historic exhibit of exceptional artistry and craftsmanship; Hudson House, built in 1852 as an original on the Beringer property with high ceilings and French doors, a wood-burning fireplace, and a wraparound porch; and the Grove, located just outside the Hudson House providing a landscaped outdoor setting surrounded by 100-year-old Redwood trees — an excellent locale for a group picnic. There’s also a Bocce Ball court and a variety of wine tasting experiences.

Beringer

In St. Helena, we love Charles Krug Winery. Whether it’s an intimate dinner in their stunning Redwood Cellar, a conference in the historic Carriage House, or an executive team-building retreat on the Great Lawn, the winery offers a variety of one-of-a-kind corporate event locales to dazzle your team or your customers.

Charles Krug

Solage, an Auberge resort, sets a new standard for corporate events in a gorgeous setting. The property is enormous with over 15,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor function space. The resort will custom-build an itinerary of activities, meals and presentations to provide guests with a truly well-rounded corporate and Napa Valley experience.

Holiday Happenings in Napa Valley

11/26/2017

The Napa Valley lights up with holiday happenings during the month of December. Given that it’s also the height of the region's Cabernet season, it’s the perfect time of year for a visit.

The CIA at Copia offers a wide range of classes, including Pies & Tarts for the Holiday, Unrivaled Hors d’oeuvres, Family Funday, Gifts from the Kitchen, and Bubbles for Every Occasion. They also have a spectacular holiday marketplace - a perfect stop on your way in or out when you need to knock a few gifts off your list.

Yountville sparkles especially brightly this time of year. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll downtown, taking in the thousands of twinkling holiday lights while exploring shops, tasting rooms, restaurants and hotels. Other fun activities include carriage rides through town, holiday movies, wreath making classes, gourmet food & wine walking tours, and holiday cooking and cocktail classes at numerous tasting rooms.

Calistoga shines brightly as well. On the first weekend of December, the city holds the Calistoga Holiday Village and Christmas Faire. You can stroll through downtown Calistoga and indulge in a holiday shopping spree before enjoying a community tree lighting, listening to traditional carols, and tasting Calistoga Cabernets paired with fresh gingerbread cookies.

Also on the first weekend in December is the 7th Annual Reindeer Run. This is one way to burn off some of those cookies and cabernet. Even better, the run benefits KHOPE International, a local non-profit supporting children living in poverty here and abroad. The family-friendly three- and six and half mile run begins and ends at the Wetlands Edge View Area Trailhead in American Canyon. Learn more and sign up here.

Getting Back & Giving Back to the Valley

10/29/2017

Napa and Sonoma County fires have burned 200,000 acres, 5,700 homes and businesses and claimed at least 42 lives. As firefighters reign in the devastation, the question has become how to help.

We’ve put together some suggestions below, but the easiest way to give back to Napa is to get back up there! The fires hit just as harvest ended and crush began, meaning wineries are craving a return of the tourism normally seen this time of year.

Nearly all wineries have reopened and you can give doubly by taking advantage of great tasting promotions being offered at wineries that saw little or no damage. For example, Gloria Ferrer has a 4 varietal “Relief” tasting, with all proceeds going to wineries and residents coping with damage and loss.

How to Support Napa From Afar

If you can't make it to Napa, you can support by visiting a host of Bay Area restaurants showing support.

Additionally SF Fights Fire, an organization created by SF chefs, offers details on volunteer opportunities, food donation guidelines, and ways to donate to victims.

You can also donate or volunteer through numerous well reputed organizations below:

Northern California Fire Fund (Northern California Grantmakers) Serving Northern California
Northern California Fire Fund (Silicon Valley Community Foundation) Serving Northern California
Northern California Fire Fund (Northern California Grantmakers) Serving Northern California
Northern California Fire Fund (Silicon Valley Community Foundation) Serving Northern California
The Salvation Army Serving Northern California
Community Foundation of Mendocino County: Disaster Donation Page Serving Mendocino County
Community Foundation of Sonoma County: Resiliency Donation Page Serving Sonoma County
Napa Valley Community Foundation: Fire Donation Page Serving Napa County
United Way Bay Area Serving Napa County
United Way of the Wine Country Serving Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma Counties
North Bay Fire Recovery Fund Serving Lake County
American Red Cross Serving All Counties
Center for Volunteering and Nonprofit Leadership Serving Napa and Sonoma Counties
Undocufund is raising funds for undocumented immigrants who live and work in Sonoma County. Unlike victims of the fire with citizenship, they do not qualify for FEMA assistance, so Undocufund will provide them with much-needed assistance in terms of temporary housing, home repairs, storage expenses, and even funds for funeral and burial expense.

Awaiting the Crush

9/10/2017

There’s more to the Napa Valley wine scene than just sipping local blends. Get active and have some good old fashioned fun with grape crushing this season! Harvest is around the corner and grape crushing follows soon after. Grape crushing, or stomping, encourages the use of bare feet to get the grape juices flowing in place of the traditional press. You can dress casual and be ready to get down and dirty, sharing laughs with new and old friends. A true one of kind experience - should be on every bucket list!

Now is the time to book your crush experience as most take place in early October through the end of the month. The harvest has already begun for some grapes, with the lighter Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling grapes picked first. From there, we’ll see other whites and reds harvested and prepped for the crush. This is also, conveniently, a beautiful time of year in the Napa Valley, albeit a bit warm at times. August and September can see temperatures in the triple digits, which makes that glass of water alongside your wine glass even more important.

By the time the crush begins, temperatures will dip and beautiful sunsets will take us through October when most wineries host their crush events, whether it’s the grape crushing mentioned above or early barrel tastings. Experienced wine country visitors might even recommend waiting until early November when the crowds have died down and the crush is nearly complete. That’s when barrel tastings begin and you can get an early taste of the just harvested varietals.

One thing is certainly true - the Napa Valley hold experiences like no other at nearly every time of the year!

Beringer: High-Class Tours, Tastings, and Wines

7/9/2017

As the oldest continually running winery in Napa Valley, Beringer boasts an impressive 140 year record of winemaking. Designated as a historic district, the estate is adorned with 19th century architecture, verdant gardens, stained glass windows, and is widely considered one of the most beautiful properties in the Valley.

Beringer Vineyards

When it comes to seeing the estate, visitors can select between two historical tours, including the Legacy Cave Tour, which guides guests through historic tunnels under the estate, as well as the Taste of Beringer Tour, where guests are treated to wine and food pairings in the famous Rhine House. For tastings, there’s setting options from private to porch, and for a single couple to a full group. Summertime in northern California brings plenty of sunshine, making the porch an ideal shaded spot to enjoy a glass or two.

Beringer Caves

And, beginning this weekend, guests can enjoy live music in Beringer’s backyard every Saturday from 12:30 – 4:30p.m. Set-up in picnic format, guests are invited to bring a blanket and can purchase picnic items and wines by the glass from the Sherry Shack, open from 11:00am – 5:00pm.

Should you want to continue the experience after you’ve left or discover a taste of it without leaving your home, we recommend purchasing a bottle or two. A personal favorite of ours is the 2001 Beringer Steinhauer Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.

Beringer's Steinhauer Ranch, renamed to honor the winery's long-time vineyard manager, Bob Steinhauer, lies just northeast of the town of Angwin, at about 1800 feet elevation. Its soil is volcanic with a richly red color and the texture is friable and loose. When Beringer first planted the vineyard, the distinctive character of the grapes was immediately evident, and it was selected as a regular part of the Private Reserve blend beginning in the 1993 vintage. Check it out now.

Rediscovering Wine Country After Your Trip

6/4/2017

At A&W Transport, we’re fortunate to serve both locals and tourists visiting the Bay Area . We take pride in developing unique itineraries for each group who travels with us, ensuring we visit an array of venues that showcase the beauty and delicious products of the Napa Valley. It is a truly magical place whether you’re taking a day trip with your girlfriends or enjoying it as just one piece of a larger journey around the Bay.

One question that we’re often asked by our clients is “How can I find the same experience in my city?” Our clients wish they could recreate their Napa Valley tasting experience at home, namely through enjoying more of those delicious bottles. It’s true that most wineries certainly offer the opportunity to purchase a bottle to enjoy on the same day or the chance to receive regular shipments as an exclusive club member. However, it’s hard to pack too many bottles in your suitcase and the clubs can be a bit limiting and expensive.

For example, the 2013 Cakebread Cellars Merlot. Often considered the entry point to red wine tasting, Merlot is created from dark grapes known for their softness and "fleshiness". This, combined with its earlier ripening, makes Merlot a popular grape for blending with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon (Cab), which tends to be higher in tannin. Merlot is one of the world's most widely planted grape variety with plantings of the vine outpacing Cab in many regions, including the grape's homeland of France.

Cakebread Cellars

Cakebread Cellars has perfected its Merlot. Not surprising from a winery who professes its dedication to making the highest quality wines, not just in Napa, but worldwide. Fragrant fruits complemented by whiffs of black tea, oak and chocolate,introduce this bold, beautifully structured merlot. Hearty with smooth cherry, plum and red currant flavors surrounded by solid, fine grain tannins, it finishes with zesty tea-leaf spice tones. Its delicious in a glass by itself but also pairs well with pork, pheasant and veal.

Rainy Day Wine Tasting

3/5/2017

Rains have arrived in Napa but that doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel on touring and tasting at some of the region’s finest wineries. We’ve rounded up a few cozy spots that will have you heading for the highway. These wineries are just what the doctor ordered when the sky turns a little somber. Think: fireplaces galore, soothing candlelight, and the rich smells of oak and smoke encircling you. Get ready to pull on your galoshes and run between the raindrops because we’ve got five amazing wineries right here in the Napa Valley that we think will meet your rainy day needs!

Fallia

Failla Wines – This winery boasts amazing cool weather wines and tasters can experience them while curled up in a beautiful 1930’s farmhouse. The tasting lodge is decorated with cozy furniture for guests to lounge upon while Failla staff hand out glasses and explain their winemaking and tell stories about the property. Tastings maintain a casual vibe–you’ll feel like you’re in a friend’s living room, complete with expertly curated lodge-like decor and a fire-engine red wood-burning stove jutting out from the stone hearth.

B Cellars

B Cellars Vineyards and Winery – B Cellars is famous for their expertly crafted, food-centric wines. Because they create blended wines, their wines pair much more readily with meals than varietal wines. B Cellars founders uses his viticulture studies and years of culinary experience to create amazing creations and pairings in the kitchen, You’ll definitely want to indulge in one of their tasting experiences if it’s raining - you don’t want to make a second stop to pick up food on the way home!

Macauley Vineyard – A wonderful alternative to crowded tasting rooms or sterile-feeling winery environments, Macauley Vineyards is a treat on a sunny or a rainy day. This appointment-only tasting is in a beautiful small home on the Hunnicutt Winery property, where Macauley’s wines are made, and allows you to enjoy quality wines in a casual, friend-next-door setting. Dry off next to the big fireplace and listen to your guide spin tales of your Cabernet’s journey from grape to glass.

Macauley Vineyard

Ovid Vineyards – Ovid Vineyards grows organically farmed and CCOF-certified grapes destined to become a delicious taste of heaven. The winery will allow you to imbibe as you stand in awe of the natural world, sheltered from the storm in full view outside the modern windows and skylights. The structure is all clean lines and natural materials–an amalgamation of new and old which will leave you feeling equal parts protected and exposed - a perfect place to be in a downpour!

It’s a Winter & Wine Wonderland!

1/2/2017

The 25th Annual Winter WINEland is a great opportunity to meet winemakers, taste limited production wines, new releases, or library wines. All participating wineries will highlight a Vintage, Varietal or Vertical tasting for the weekend. Ticket price will include wine tasting at all participating wineries for the weekend. You travel from winery to winery, visiting the ones you are interested in exploring. More than 140 wineries will be participating in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys. This year, you can also enjoy a Winemaker Breakfast and Q & A on Saturday January 14, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Advance ticket sales end soon on Jan. 9, 2017, and there are no tickets sold at the door so act now!

25th Annual Winter WINEland

Looking for something beyond wine tasting?

We hear you! This is the best time of year to expand your Napa Valley experience to include additional elements of the Sonoma Coast. Everything from succulent delicacies in Bodega Bay, to exhilarating seaside hikes are well within an hour’s drive. And during the winter, this stretch of the Northern California coast is often very mild and temperate — surprisingly sunny and warm even when more inland areas might be chilly.

Bodega Bay brims with beautiful art salons and shops, from local talent capturing the dramatic landscapes in paint, sculpture, glass, and even whimsical kites. Stop in the shops in the tiny town of Bodega on your way to the coast, and then again in the central town by the Bay, and browse to your heart’s content for everything from early California impressionistic portraits, to photography, to turned wood, and frothy, colorful scarves.

The easy Bodega Head hiking trail edges three miles around the headlands offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Harbor, and the town itself. The Bodega Head area is one of Sonoma County's top spots for whale watching; on weekends from January to May volunteers from the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods are on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge of whales and migration. To get to Bodega Head: Take coastal Highway 1, just past the town of Bodega Bay. Turn left on Eastshore Road, then right on Bay Flat Road. Go around the harbor and turn right at Campbell Cove, then head uphill, bearing right at the fork for the free parking lot by the cliff.

Chowder Tasting. Yes, that’s right, you can skip the wine in favor of some savory chowder. Chowder Day brings hundreds of delicious entrees on the last Saturday in January. Enjoy a culinary tour of this bayside town, meeting chefs and tasting chowders at participating sites. The $10 ticket includes a map and ballot, and entitles you to a taste of chowder at each location listed on the map.

Stay the Night: Special packages are available for overnight guests at the Inn at the Tides resort (800 Coast Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 800-541-7788). Another favorite hideaway is the Bodega Bay Lodge (103 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3525), so romantic and serene on its seaside perch. As the only AAA Four Diamond hotel on the Sonoma Coast, it offers a luxury escape, in rooms outfitted with real fireplaces, warm, snuggly down comforters, and private balconies for stargazing.

Bodega Bay Inn

Napa During The Holidays

12/11/2016

The holidays have a way of seeping into every aspect of our lives, sometimes making wonderful places even more wonderful. It’s true with Disneyland, and it’s true with the Northern California adult Disneyland that is Napa Valley. We’ve gathered a list of a few of our favorites:

Sonoma Square Holiday (Nov. 12-Dec. 31, 2016)

Sonoma Square

The official Attractions include 8+ acres of 100,000 sparkling lights, periodic musical performances, hot cider, hot chocolate and cookies. Check out more at http://www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events

“Holidays in Healdsburg” Tour (Daily Nov. 26 - Dec 31, 2016)
This gathering from Wine Country Walking Tours is so popular that it’s now become an annual event (view the calendar for all seasonal tour options). It centers around a four-hour guided Fine Wine and Foodie Walking Tour beginning at the festive tree lit Healdsburg Plaza. Then, you stroll the decorated tree lined streets throughout downtown, stopping at restaurants, tasting rooms and boutiques to savor freshly baked artisan breads, delicious chocolates and Ports, warm holiday spiced teas and delectable bites paired with wines all along the way. Day and evening tours are available.

Healdsburg Holiday Tour

Have a Dickens of a Christmas (15 performances starting Dec. 8, 2016 and continuing through Christmas Day)

San Francisco has the Dickens Fair, but Napa, of course, has the Dickens Dinner. The Dickens Dinners are a highlight of the year at Madrona Manor, when carolers wander the dining rooms, dressed in period clothing of 19th Century England, and The 12th Night Singers pause for private a-cappella serenades of “Jingle Bells” (complete with theatrical cracks for the whips) and breathtaking hymns. Michelin-star executive chef Jesse Mallgren prepares a five-course celebration of new and old holiday traditions, paired with wines.

Madrona Manor

Feast Like a Christmas King (Dec. 25, 2016)

Santé at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa puts together one of the most elaborate Christmas dinners to be found. This feast combines a lavish buffet made more delicious by holiday music. The menu from chefs Bruno Tison and Andrew Cain is extensive, with table after table of appetizers like house made pâté de campagne wrapped in Hobbs applewood smoked bacon; house made terrine of Liberty duck and organic pork in pastry; charcuterie; local and artisan cheeses; and caviar blinis.

There are salads, soups, and the showstoppers - carving stations featuring roasted all natural goose with spiced cranberry, apple and raisin relish; Niman Ranch beef tenderloin Wellington with mushrooms duxelle and sauce financière; and roasted marinated leg of venison with sauce poivrade. Other temptations include braised veal sweetbreads, roasted lamb shoulder à la Provençale, and dozens of hand-crafted desserts from pastry chef Dave Blom.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

Napa Valley First Time Visitors: Iconic Locations

12/4/2016

With thousands of wineries, ranging from boutique to iconic, planning for a first time visit to the Valley can be overwhelming. In this series, we explore our top recommendations for must-see destinations throughout Napa, Sonoma, and beyond.

Coppola Winery
The famous Coppola Winery, as in Francis Ford Coppola, is located near Geyserville, and was influenced by the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Known for its family friendly setting, the winery boasts swimming pools, bocce ball, a restaurant, along with memorabilia from Coppola’s Oscars, including Vito Corleone’s desk from The Godfather.

Coppola Winery

The Godfather Desk - Coppola Winery

Castello Di Amorosa
Situated in the hills of Callistoga, is Castello Di Amorosa, a winery unlike any other to be found in the valley. Constructed over a fourteen year period with custom wood and brick imported from Europe, the authentically-designed Tuscan castle has become an iconic must-see winery, and a popular destination for first time visitors.

Castello Di Amorosa

While basking in the backdrop of a unique Tuscan setting, Amorosa offers customers tastings, tours, food, and wine pairings. It also boasts a wide selection of varietals, including popular white and reds, as well as famous Italian blends including, La Castellana, and Il Passito.

Beringer
As the oldest continually running winery in Napa Valley, Beringer boasts an impressive 140 year record of winemaking. Designated as a historic district on the National Register of Historical Districts, the estate is adorned with 19th century architecture, verdant gardens, stained glass windows, and is widely considered one of the most beautiful properties in the Valley.

Beringer Rhine House

Beringer Cave Tour

Visitors can select between two historical tours, including the Legacy Cave Tour, which guides guests through historic tunnels under the estate, as well as the Taste of Beringer Tour, where guests are treated to wine and food pairings in the famous Rhine House.

Napa Valley First Time Visitors

11/25/2016

So you’ve decided a trip to Napa Valley is in your future, but when should you go? Summer is high season for visitors, and certainly a beautiful time of year, but the crowds and the heat can make it less than desirable. Seasoned vets will tell you Fall, from September through late October is the right time to visit. Not only is it “the crush,” when the grapes are harvested and celebrations abound, but it also offers warm, but not boiling temperatures, and thinner crowds as kids head back to school.
So, if you want to see a winery in action, come in Fall. November is also nice because the weather is still good but the crowds and rates have dropped. The second best time is Spring when the mustard plants are all in bloom. You’ll enjoy eye-popping color, despite the fact that the vines are barren of grapes.

Where To Stay?
Perhaps the number one question should be - are we staying? A day trip to Napa while staying San Francisco or anywhere else in the area is also possible. That’s where A&W comes in. However, should you decide to stay overnight, we have four primary spots in mind. Check these out and ignore others that claim proximity to Napa - trust us, American Canyon is nowhere hear it!

River Terrace Inn, Napa

Downtown Napa:
Cool and trendy old town, lots of terrific restaurants and usually the least expensive place to stay. Traveler's favorites? River Terrace Inn, Embassy Suites, and believe it or not, the Best Western Elm House Inn. For Bed and Breakfast lovers, Napa Inn passes the test with flying colors. River Terrace Inn is a very respectable and even more affordable option. It's not quite as nice as Vintage Inn, but the outdoor patio is wonderful for starting your day, especially since they have complimentary breakfast (and coffee).

Downtown Yountville:
A quaint town located within walking distance to some of the very best restaurants in town, including famous French Laundry, Bouchon, Bistro Jeanty, Hurley's, Redds, the list goes on. Best places? Villagio is #1, Vintage Inn is #2, Yountville Inn is #3. You might also like the Napa Lodge, but it's a step down in class. It is, however, located right in a vineyard.

Villagio, Yountville

St Helena & Rutherford:
If you were looking for hotels that are destinations in themselves, this is it. Big bucks, but worth it. Resorts are Auberge du Soleil and Meadowood. For a bit less cash, Harvest Inn is a top pick, and for something really different, go boutique at Rancho Caymus.

Calistoga: At the north tip of Napa Valley is a town made famous for their mud baths. Dr. Wilkerson is the motel that started it all, but there are other higher end options now, such as the majestic but pricey Calistoga Ranch.

Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga

Up Next, we’ll discuss which wineries to visit, where to eat, and other things to think about during your stay.

The Best of Wine Country Cheese

11/13/2016

Napa Valley’s cheeses may not be this wine region’s main tourist bait, but they can enrich the itinerary of anyone planning a getaway. And after a few glasses, who doesn’t need a little snack and a break from the wine? These sophisticated selections equal or surpass those in other Bay Area shops, and we highly recommend a visit to one or all during your tour with A&W.

Oxbow Cheese Merchant

Oxbow Cheese Merchant:
Order a glass of sparkling wine, a flight of reds or a pint of Deschutes Black Butte Porter and request a cheese board to match. The cheese staff here is knowledgeable, the selection well curated and neatly maintained. Cheeses from Northern California creameries make up the majority of the 275 to 300 cheeses— not surprising given the venue’s heavy visitor traffic — but you can also count on spotting some of the top new arrivals from Europe, like Quadro di Bufala and Bufala Nera, two exquisite Italian imports from water-buffalo milk. There are also some of the flawless Swiss wheels from importer Caroline Hostettler. We recommend the new Bellwether Farms Blackstone, an aged peppercorn-studded cheese from cow’s and sheep’s milk and the luscious Tomales Farmstead Teleeka, a three-milk blend.
Oxbow Cheese Merchant, in the Oxbow Public Market, 610 First St., Napa; (707) 257-5200

Sunshine Foods

Sunshine Foods:
St. Helena is known for its reds, so it’s not surprising that this grocery store and deli has been challenged to become a cheese monger as well. So they’ve crammed the shelves with little-known, low-production cheeses from around the world and hand-selling them. Monger Dylan Sharp says he’ll have 200 choices in peak summer season — but still reveals many treasures that even cheese aficionados won’t know. Pick up a wedge of Bio Urchruter, an organic Swiss alpine wheel or Omorro Amanteigado, a Portuguese varietal as scarce as some of Napa Valley’s cult Cabernets. Sunshine also has what may be the planet’s best collection of Andante Dairy cheeses from Sonoma.
Sunshine Foods, 1115 Main St., St. Helena; (707) 963-7070

Atelier by JCB

Atelier by JCB:
You know JCB (Jean-Charles Boisset) for his wines. Boisset, scion of a prominent Burgundian wine family, had an unlimited budget when creating his swank fine-foods emporium in Yountville, and spent it well, installing parquet flooring, gold-leafed shelving, Pierre Frey wallpaper and a swooping Baccarat chandelier. Cheese buyer James Ayers (previously with Sunshine Foods) has filled his cases with gems like Swiss Hornbacher, and Mad River Blue. Complete your glam picnic with high-end crackers, some hand-sliced meats and a bottle of JCB sparkling wine.
Atelier by JCB, 6505 Washington St., Yountville; (707) 947-7106

Napa Valley Hotel Bars Worth A Stop

10/30/2016

Whether you choose to stay in the Napa Valley after a day out tasting or not, you can always find a reason to check out these swanky hotel bars. Grab a quick drink and a bite to eat before hitting the road or prior to an evening out on the town.

FARM at The Carneros Inn
Located in South Napa in the Carneros region, the bar at FARM serves imaginative cocktails as well as an extensive list of Napa Valley wines. Their al fresco lounge area includes outdoor fireplaces and living room-style seating, so that you can enjoy your beverages in a relaxed atmosphere

Lucy Bar at Bardessono
Located in Yountville, the Lucy Bar offers a casual and seemingly health-conscious approach to fine dining. The menus are continuously evolving to showcase the finest and freshest ingredients sourced from the property’s expansive on-site, culinary garden. Enjoy live music every Wednesday evening in the summer.

Mercantile Social at Andaz Napa
This cozy cocktail and wine bar in downtown Napa features local spirits and wines along with light bites (some even in the healthy range). They also host local acoustic musicians playing their own music and a few classic covers every Wednesday and Saturday evening.

Take A Hike

10/23/2016

Exercise and wine-tasting are not mutually exclusive, believe it or not. With gorgeous weather and picturesque scenery, why not lace up your hiking boots (or really, just a comfy pair of sneakers) and get yourself to a winery? Even better, you’ll be rewarded with wine tasting at the end of your exercise.

Alexander Valley Vineyards
You’ll need reservations for Alexander Valley Vineyards’ hikes, which are hosted year-round, starting at 10:30am for strolls across the Healdsburg estate. Diverse trails stretch from the banks of the Russian River up onto the hillsides; you'll taste wines right where they're grown – primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot, plus a few of Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. The $50 price tag includes a box lunch and hikes are run rain or shine.
8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, avvwine.com

Seghesio Family Vineyards
Fourth and fifth generation vineyard managers Jim and Ned Neumiller will take you on an adventure through 120 year-old-vines and up to the top of Rattlesnake Hill on the Home Ranch estate ($75). History is part of the experience on this century-old property specializing in old-vine Zinfandel and Italian varietals. Fuel up with wine tastings along the way, then reward your hard work with a wine-paired lunch at a scenic perch overlooking Alexander Valley.
24035 Chianti Rd., Cloverdale, seghesio.com

Bartholomew Park Winery
Likely the best known winery with a hike, this gracious, historic winery is surrounded by 400-acres of Bartholomew Memorial Park. Tastings include self-guided hiking excursions along three miles of gorgeous meadow-to-mountain trails. Stop in at the museum chronicling the history of grape-growing in Sonoma, then treat yourself to a picnic near a replica of pioneer winemaker Agoston Haraszthy's Palladian Villa, which was destroyed by fire around the turn of the century.
1000 Vineyard Ln., Sonoma, bartpark.com

Kunde Family Estate Winery
Enjoy a four-hour romp led by fourth-generation winegrower Jeff Kunde himself or Sonoma Valley docent and state/regional parks expert Bill Myers. Each host explains the distinct ecosystems and native habitats across the 1,850-acre estate framed by the Mayacamas Mountains, and explains the vineyards as you sip wines right next to the grapes. Kunde's hike offers a bonus - his dogs Cooper and Marley come along, there's a tasting and Wine Country lunch, and a portion of your fee is donated to Canine Companions and the Sonoma County Humane Society.
9825 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, kunde.com

When Boutique is Better

10/2/2016

Napa Valley’s boutique wineries often offer better experiences than their better known, “brand name,” and sometimes imposing counterparts. You've probably never heard of these tiny tasting rooms, but a visit can give you one-on-one time with the winemakers as you sip healthy pours of delicious varietals.

St. Clair Brown Winery
You may have already scene this chic urban spot if you’ve ever taken a ride on the Napa Wine Train. Its friendly staff often wave at passengers rolling by. But do not let its exterior deceive you - St. Clair Brown (the last names of its two female co-owners) is a true oasis, hidden behind a lavish culinary garden, with the winery itself right across the parking lot. Sample from their hand-numbered bottles of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, zinfandel, syrah rosé, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and muscat. This one is the epitome of boutique with less than 200 cases made of each varietal.

850 Vallejo Street, Napa; stclairebrownwinery.com

St. Clair Brown Winery

Twenty Rows
Just down the road from St. Clair Brown, you’ll find a real winery in action at 20 Rows. You can wander amid the tanks and barrels while tasting, and catch a few tall tales from winemaker Brian and his wife Lori. They jazz up the concrete floor space with flowers, dimmed lights and votive candles, along with a sound system for extra energy. Dogs and dancers welcome.

880 Vallejo Street, Napa; twentyrows.com

Twenty Rows

Papapietro Perry Winery

Simplicity speaks volumes at Papapietro. While the tasting room does not offer more than a nice bar and comfy seats, the wine poured within its walls are renowned among Pinot Noir and Zinfandel-lovers. Enjoy local tales from the friendly staff, along with first-class tastings in Riedel glassware. For even more fun, reserve the Pinots on the Patio wine and cheese experience overlooking the vineyards.

4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg; pappietro-perry.com

Papapietro Perry Winery

Salvestrin Winery

Salvestrin has a true family-owned feel. It’s quaint, very intimate and cozy in appearance and experience. Take a quick flight of stairs to the tasting room for a personable, comfortable, social and fun tasting experience. Each varietal sample has excellent appearance, aroma, and a wonderfully extended finish.

397 Main St, St Helena http://www.salvestrinwinery.com/

Salvestrin Winery

Kelly Fleming Wines

If natural volcanic rock wine caves are something you haven’t seen before, you need to plan a visit to Kelly Fleming Wines. The tour, led by Kelly Fleming herself, showcases the estate's natural caves and includes a tasting of high-end, limited production wines. Kelly also tells you more about the vineyards, estate dogs, and even rescue donkeys. You’ll learn every detail that went into the rock-clad, 3,000-case, Tuscan-style tasting salon. Visits are by appointment only and limited to eight guests per day, so book early.

2339 Pickett Road, Calistoga; kellyflemingwines.com

Kelly Fleming Wines

September's Best Wine Crush and Harvest parties

9/18/2016

Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, the excitement of the season never dims. Harvest is one of the best times to plan a winery visit, to witness the hustle and bustle of sorting, stemming, crushing, and the beginning of fermentation.
When all is done, you’ll have a greater appreciation for the tremendous work it takes to make that beautiful wine you’re sipping. But you’ll also have an insider’s peek into the true fun and joy that goes into it, too. Check out a few of our favorite late September, early October events.

Quivara Farm To Table

Quivira Winery Farm to Table Dinner

It’s quintessential Sonoma County, dining right in the middle of the vineyards, under the stars, surrounded by flowers and organic vegetables in the Quivira garden. Be an indulgent locavore with these Dry Creek Valley Estate dinners, where you can see the grapes in full ripening mode, ask the winemaker his secrets of the trade, and visit with farm manager Jim Barausky for how the goodies were grown and raised for the four-course wine paired dinners. New this year: meals are prepared by top restaurants including Calavera, Madera, and AQ.

Cost: Get tickets by calling 707-431-8333.
Details: September 18, 2016, 4900 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-8354

Sonoma Valley Crush
Experience harvest, hands-on, as you enjoy a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes look at every aspect from picking grapes, to crush, to fermentation. Interactive fun at 15 wineries across Kenwood and Glen Ellen includes grape sampling in the vineyards, crush pad tours, and tasting fresh pressed juices like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cost for a Crush Wine Tasting Pass is $35 ($45 at the door)

Details: Pass gives you full access to harvest activities and wine tastings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Sept. 16-18, 2016.

Sonoma Valley Crush

20th Annual Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival
Tomatoes ripen at about the same time as grapes. So Kendall-Jackson celebrates both fruits, with wonderful harvests. Plan to spend the entire day at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center for an extravaganza showcasing more than 175 heirloom tomato varieties in a flurry of exotic names like Blue Fruit and Peace Vine, alongside tomato-inspired recipes from some 50 notable chefs plus wine samples of all kinds, drawing from Kendall-Jackson’s expansive collections including Vintner’s Reserve, Avant, Stature, Jackson Estate, and Grand Reserve.
Cost: $95-$175.

Details: Sept. 24, 2016, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, 800-769-3649

Kendall-Jackson Tomato Festival

42nd Annual Sonoma County Harvest Fair
This annual event brings so much more than just showcasing award-wining wine and beautiful food. Newer attractions include educational demonstrations, a cooking competition, expanded interactive tastings, and a sharpened focus on local and artisanal products. The highlight remains the Grand Tasting, with three days of sampling from 150+ wineries, including the opportunity to purchase bottles at a Fair-direct discount. Don’t miss the marketplace tasting seminars where you can learn about farming wine grapes, winemaking, and wine appreciation, directly from the winery owners and winemakers. Also new: the World Championship Grape Stompruns three days, instead of two, offering even more opportunity for messy fun and great prizes like $1,500 cash.

Championship Grape Stomp

Details: Sept. 30-Oct, 2-4, 2016, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa

Here Comes the Crush

9/5/2016

Grape picking, closely followed by the crush, and then the harvest, is now taking place up and down the Napa Valley. Harvest can stretch from late July and into November, but the vast majority takes places in September and October - two months that are often considered the best time to visit Napa, Sonoma, and nearby cities. The high temperatures of summer give way to a slightly cooler Indian summer and shorter days lend themselves to beautiful sunsets across the valley.

Several factors play a role in deciding when grape-picking begins. These include the grape variety itself; its location in the Napa Valley; the influence of microclimates throughout the valley (i.e. fog, exposure); winemaking styles; soil types (looser, gravelly soils tend to ripen grapes early; heavier, clay soil, later); and how the season’s weather impacts the overall harvest. There are certainly overlaps and sometimes block by block picking, but we’ve done our research to give you a sense of which wines comes in when and why.

Sparkling WineGrapes for sparkling wine are usually the first to be picked to ensure the bright acidity that winemakers are looking for in sparkling wines. The primary grape varieties harvested for Napa Valley sparkling wines are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the majority of which are from the cooler Carneros region.

Sauvignon Blanc and other Aromatic White WinesSauvignon Blanc and other “aromatic” white wine grapes, like Riesling, Pinot Grigio or Chenin Blanc, are typically the next varietals of Napa Valley fine wine grapes to be brought from vineyard to crush pad. These grapes tend to mature earlier than most other grapes, as the citrus, tropical and other fruit flavor profiles that exude the enticing and sometimes bracingly refreshing scents are articulated at a particular acid/sugar ratio that requires less heat and time on the vine.

Chardonnay
Winemakers creating lighter styles of Chardonnay are looking for slivers of bright acids showing through; those making Chardonnay with a sense of nectar are looking for slightly more developed sugars, translating to more time in the sun. Deeper, richer flavors of pear or caramel in Chardonnay typically take time in wood barrels and express a note or two of butter.

Pinot NoirOur transition from the harvest of white wine grapes to red shifts with this delicate grape variety. As with all classified wines, there are many expressions of a particular fine wine grape; Pinot grapes picked earlier have a fresh, plummy appeal and red tones; those picked later have a somewhat denser mouth feel and concentrated black fruit flavor. Key qualities include sweetness without astringency or tartness, the perfect pendulum of sugars and acids as harvest swings from late summer into fall.

Earlier Reds
Red wine grape varieties such as Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese are often picked in advance of the most intense period of harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. These red wine grape varieties tend to flower earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon; they typically have thinner skins; and are usually less dependent on phenolic development (tannins) than many Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Cabernet Sauvignon
There are a multitude of variables that go into when Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are picked: the location of the vineyards within the Napa Valley’s 16 nested AVAs and the many microclimates in our region; hillside or valley floor fruit; whether the vines are on the eastern slope (which receives more hours of sunshine) vs. the western slope (which receives somewhat less sunshine); what type of soil the grapes are grown in; and the style of wine that the winemaker ultimately seeks to create. The harvesting of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the Napa Valley begins later than most other varieties and typically lasts the longest. In some years that may mean the middle of November before Napa Valley’s harvest of grapes to make dry wines is officially considered “done!”

So get out and enjoy the crush and the harvest this year! And keep these timelines in mind as you taste each (and every) bottle!

Small Town Getaways: Yountville

8/28/2016

Thomas Keller’s elusive French Laundry and its endless waiting list put Yountville on the map. And it is a true food and wine lover’s paradise, bursting with boutique hotels and wine collectives.

French Laundry

One of these is Maisonry Winery Collective where boutique wines pair perfectly with art. The ivy-covered manor is filled with local works of art and limited production wines, both available for purchase. Maisonry is just north of the heart of Yountville and a short walk to many acclaimed hotels and restaurants. (maisonry.com)

Maisonry Winery Collective

Another coveted tasting spot is hope & grace, modest producers of 3,500 cases annually. Focusing on limited production, winemaker Charles Hendricks creates 100 percent single vineyard vintages—Pinots, Cabs, Chards. For a nominal fee, you can taste them all at the chic Yountville salon. (hopeandgracewines.com)

Hope and Grace Winery

The town is also home to other Keller hot spots, including his French bistro Bouchon, where meals can be made from starters alone: oysters, pate, and escargot, followed by savory crocks of French onion soup. Be sure to save room for the chocolate chip cake at Bouchon Bakery next door. Sold by the bagful, the decadent cake chunks are the perfect gift to take home (if they make it that far). (thomaskeller.com)

Bouchon Bakery

Before returning home, sample another type of gastronomy: grilled fish tacos topped with cabbage and tangy dressing at Tacos Garcia, a taco truck in the parking lot of the dive bar Pancha’s. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Tacos Garcia

Hotels in town keep stride with the food and wine. Bardessono is about as eco-chic as you can get, down to its platinum LEED certification (bardessono.com). The Hotel Yountville aspires to a contemporary French farmhouse vibe (hotelyountville.com).

National Pinot Noir Day!

8/21/2016

Pinot Noir is a wine with a cult following gone mainstream. We did our research to discover that pinot noir first came to California in the mid-1800s. A debate still rages over whether it was brought by Agoston Haraszthy of Buena Vista Winery, Charles LeFranc of Almaden Vineyards, or Frenchman Pierre Pellier, but by 1880, it was planted in Napa Valley by Gustav Niebaum, founder of Inglenook Winery.

Inglenook Winery

The Stanly Ranch in Carneros soon became pinot noir’s home. In 1942, ahead of his time, Louis M. Martini bought 200 acres of the Stanly Ranch and experimented to find the best pinot noir clones. From there, Carneros Creek Winery, Acacia, Saintsbury and a host of others became known for their pinot noir plantings and wine.

Saintsbury

Carneros remains a special place for pinot noir. Its close proximity to the ocean keeps the wines vibrant while letting them show off intense aromatics. Be sure to check out these spots when celebrating the holiday (or on any other day for that matter!)

Domaine Carneros
It’s the obvious choice. Most recognize Domaine Carneros for their famous bubbly and the massive Chateau that sits along Highway 12. But they also have a dedication to pinot noir, with four current offerings all sourced from their estate Carneros vineyards. Seated tastings take place at intimate tables on the balcony, offering flights of sparkling wine, pinot noir, or a combination of the two. The blanc de noir is made from 100 percent pinot noir grapes, which are fermented without the skins so that the wine loses its red color. Pairing plates of cheese, charcuterie, smoked salmon or caviar are also available for an additional cost.

Domaine Carneros,
1240 Duhig Rd., Napa
Domainecarneros.com
Appointments needed

Domain Carneros

Cuvaison
Just down the road is Cuvaison. The views are nearly as incredible as the wine at this modern glass house. Their typical wine flight includes a smooth estate pinot noir, and it’s worth asking if you can compare it to the Spire, a rich single block pinot reserved for club members. It will awaken your taste buds and just might make you a club member!

Cuvaison
1221 Duhig Rd., Napa
Cuvaison.com
Appointments needed

Cuvaison

Saintsbury

Just off Highway 121, Saintsbury is a hidden gem within the Napa-Carneros region. Dependent on the weather, your tasting will either take place in the English-style gardens adjacent to the Home Vineyard or on the eastside of the cellar overlooking the vineyards. The classic seated tasting lasts about 1 hour and includes four Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay exploring wines from select vineyards in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and Sonoma Coast. A Saintsbury host will also walk you through a tasting of current releases, detailing the winemaking practices, different terroirs, and story behind iconic Pinot Noir vineyards.

Saintsbury
1500 Los Carneros Avenue Napa
http://www.saintsbury.com/Visit-Us
Appointments needed

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