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Russian River Valley Wineries

8/8/2016

The Russian River is a fantastic Northern California summer destination. But beyond the rushing river, canoes and beaches, there is an entire world of wine tasting. Healdsburg is the “capital” of the Russian River Valley, but we encourage you to venture away from the Healdsburg hub to explore a few unique destinations.

The Russian River

Hook & Ladder Winery is the epitome of a “garage winery.” From a car garage to production facilities and a tasting room, Hook & Ladder combines the DeLoach family winemaking expertise with a laid back atmosphere. http://www.hookandladderwinery.com/

Hook & Ladder

Inman Family Winery has a Rosé reputation with sustainability as a high priority. And, yes, they are even sustainable when it comes to vehicles, providing visitors with an electric car charger. So drive your electric car over to Inman for wine and a charge. You’ll save the environment one bottle at a time. http://www.inmanfamilywines.com/

Lauterbach Cellars is a small family winery and tasting room. It has a rustic farm appeal reminiscent of old time Healdsburg. The proprietor, Stew Lauterbach is the wine-maker and the tasting room manager - really, a one-man show! https://www.lauterbachcellars.com/

Lauterbach Cellars

Porter Creek Vineyards is well known among the locals as a Pinot Pioneer. Tucked away from the road, it offers great wines and little noise from outside traffic. It’s Healdsburg’s best kept secret. http://www.portercreekvineyards.com/pages/home_main.html

Porter Creek Vineyards

Red Car Wines is a beautiful destination. If not for the wine that comes from Sonoma Coast vines, this place is a sight to see. Part music lounge, part boutique, part game hub, you will come for the wine and stay for the fun. http://www.redcarwine.com/

Red Car

Siduri is a small name with a big following! Siduri has a beautiful tasting room with wines that match. http://www.siduri.com/

Wine and Food Pairings

7/24/2016

Check out these spots when you need a nibble to hold you over or simply to experience the art of pairing.

Knights Bridge Winery
1373 Lincoln Ave
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 341-3391
Reservations Required

Knights Bridge Winery is making exquisitely structured wines from Sonoma and Napa Valley vineyards. Taste them in the historic Calistoga National Bank Building in downtown Calistoga. The news gets even better though—the geniuses at Knights Bridge have partnered with Evangeline Bistro across the street, a French bistro with a “Creole soul,” to create unforgettable pairings. There’s oysters on the half shell, house-made duck rillettes with pepper jelly, cubes of chilled Snake River Flatiron steak and more. The bites pair perfectly with the wines, which are often library selections of single-vineyard wines like the Knights Bridge To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon. A&W tip: Hungry for a quick bite? Try the cheese and charcuterie platter paired with four Knights Bridge wines.

Knights Bridge Winery

VGS Chateau Potelle
1200 Dowdell Ln
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 255-9440
Reservations: Required

Ken Frank of La Toque brings his genius work to VGS Chateau Potelle, where he pairs small bites with their beautiful wines. Housed inside the little house with the yellow door off of Highway 29, the whimsical tasting room is a fun backdrop for one of Napa Valley’s newest and best food and wine experiences. The small bites and delicious wines are a perfect example of how food and wine can truly enhance one another. A&W tip: Experience the ultimate from VGS Chateau Potelle with Lunch Above the Clouds, complete with vineyard views and a 5-course meal prepared by La Toque. Wine Club membership required for reservations.

VGS Chateau Potelle

Round Pond Estate
875 Rutherford Rd
Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 302-2575
Reservations: Required

The MacDonnell family has been farming their Rutherford estate vineyards for over 30 years and are known for their classic Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a little known fact that Round Pond Estate also produces olive oil, red wine vinegar, organic vegetables, eggs, honey, and more on the property. All of this bounty goes into the many food and wine pairing experiences offered, from the Estate Tasting with savory bites, to the Il Pranzo lunch pairing, to the incredible Garden to Table Brunch (which includes a garden tour and cooking demonstration). A&W tip: For a different kind of pairing, head across the street to Round Pond’s olive mill for an expertly led pairing featuring the estate’s olive oils, red wine vinegars, and sweet/tart citrus syrups.

Round Pond Estate

Napa Valley in the Summertime

7/18/2016

Sure, fall has harvest and spring sees the newest vines, but summer is when life really gets rolling in Napa, for locals and visitors alike!

Summer ushers in long sunshine-filled days and temperatures well into the 80’s at times. Perfect for outdoor tasting, picnics, and trips to nearby lakes, rivers, and, of course, pools. Interestingly, summer is also Napa's wettest season, with about 11 inches of rain. This keeps travel through the valley exciting and is just one more reason to trust A&W to navigate the road while you sit back and enjoy the views.

Looking for more than just wine tasting? Again, summer is the season for you. There are plenty of art, food, music and cultural festivals enticing crowds of young and old, families and couples, and even canine companions. A few worth checking out:

Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare Napa Valley engages and inspires our diverse community by creating lively and innovative productions of Shakespeare’s plays.
Outdoor Stage at the Napa Valley College Upper Valley Campus in St. Helena
1088 College Avenue, St. Helena CA 94574
June to July, more info at http://www.shakespearenapavalley.org/

Shakespeare in the Park

Festival del Sole
Festival Napa Valley™ is committed to enriching the cultural vitality of the community and making the arts accessible to all. Blending the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley with the very finest performing arts, the festival pairs world-class performances with culinary and wine pursuits staged in iconic wine country settings. More than 200 artists, wineries, resorts, theaters, restaurants and vintners participate each year.
July, more info at http://festivaldelsole.org/

Festival del Sole

Music in the Vineyards
Music in the Vineyards is a nationally-acclaimed chamber music festival held each August in the Napa Valley. The now four-week festival showcases nearly 40 world-class artists-in-residence from the U.S., Europe and Canada performing new and classic chamber music repertoire in stunning winery settings. With complimentary wine tastings at each intermission and breathtaking views of the wine valley, this unique combination of wine country ambiance and world class talent allows artists and audiences alike to experience chamber music in an intimate setting as it was intended to be performed.
August, more info at http://www.musicinthevineyards.org/about

Music In The Vineyards

Enjoy these events, a few winery visits, and soak up the sun on a summer trip to Napa. With A&W Transport, you can enjoy all of these completely carefree.

Small Town Getaways: Geyserville

7/4/2016

Located at the intersection of Napa and Alexander Valleys, Geyserville is another small town packed with tasting rooms, vineyards, and homegrown delicacies. It’s a great spot for a day trip, but even more fun overnight or even a full weekend.

Coppola

Coppola

If you’re looking to combine wine tasting and recreation, look no further than Francis Ford Coppola Winery, where the famed director has created an oasis including a gorgeous and enormous swimming pool with poolside service, a bocce ball court, an award winning restaurant, and, of course, plenty of wine.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery
https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com
300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441
P: (707) 857-1400

Burke's Canoes
Outdoor activities are plentiful as both the Russian River and Lake Sonoma are within a few minutes’ drive. If you try the river, Burke’s Canoes is the only way to go. This company has been in business for decades, so reservations are recommended. May through October are the best months for canoeing, but the nice weather stretches into late fall and early spring.

Burke's Canoes

Burkes Canoes
8600 River Road, Forestville
www.burkescanoetrips.com
P: (707) 887-1222

Catelli's
As with any town in this area, tasting rooms are aplenty. There are a few downtown, conveniently located within a block of one another and offering everything white, red, and bubbles. In the same short block, you’ll also find just a few restaurants, each unique and delicious in its way.

Catelli's

The definition of homegrown, Catelli’s is where siblings Domenica and Nicholas Catelli continue the family tradition of serving artisanal italian food.

www.mycatellis.com
21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, CA
P: 707-857-3471
email:catellisevents@gmail.com

Diavola
Diavola follows suit, practicing the time-honored tradition of cucina povera which consists of using the most basic locally available ingredients combined with recipes that have been proven through centuries.

Diavola

They take pride in our house-cured salumi and sausages, as well as their authentic Italian pizzas fresh from a wood burning pizza oven.They take pride in our house-cured salumi and sausages, as well as their authentic Italian pizzas fresh from a wood burning pizza oven.

www.diavolapizzeria.com
21021 Geyserville Ave at Hwy 128
P: (707) 814-0111

The Best Wine Bars In The Bay Area

6/26/2016

Sure it would be great to take a trip to the Napa Valley every weekend, but busy schedules don’t always allow for that. Fortunately, the bay area’s close proximity to Napa Valley means that a local tasting room or wine bar is never far away. These are a few of our favorites:

InnerFog Wine Bar & Kitchen, Inner Sunset
545 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
415.682.4116
http://innerfog.com/

InnerFog

When the fog rolls in, it’s only appropriate to escape to InnerFog, a cozy bar with an extensive list of wines-by-the-glass. It focuses heavily on small-production wines from California, but also throws in a few tasty options from Italy and France. They have a small kitchen with an equally small menu including flat breads and a cheese platter, and, to appease those less interested in vino, they offer an extensive beer selection. Their happy hour deal is also one to make note of; Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm, with select glasses of wine sold at $6 and four rotating beers for just $3.50.

The Hidden Vine, Financial District
408 Merchant Street, San Francisco CA 94111
415.674.3567
http://www.thehiddenvine.com/

The Hidden Vine

The Hidden Vine is known as a “date spot” and for good reason. Located in a “hidden” alley in the Financial District, it has a “monthly focus” on a specific region, showcasing a variety of wines. If you don’t like the wine from that part of the world, however, no worries; there are over 180 different wines available, and 40 of them are poured by the glass -- a few are even offered by the flight.

The Hidden Vine - Bocce Ball

The food menu is what you’d expect -- flat breads, cheese, and charcuterie. However, this spot gets bonus points for offering sliders and extra special bonus points for the feature that makes it such a great date spot: the bocce ball court.

Jamber Wine Pub, SOMA
858 Folsom, San Francisco, CA 94107
415.273.9192
http://www.jambersf.com/

It’s a wine bar. It’s a pub. It’s a wine pub! Jamber is different from your typical wine bar: to start, all of the wines are from California, and even more unusually, all of their wines are on tap.That means all of the wine is youthful and fun -- and meant to be guzzled while fresh.

Jamber

There are also over 10 beers on tap, plus a really, really good food menu that’s a total departure from any other wine bar. It’s a true challenge choosing between the fried pickle spears, poutine, nacho grilled cheese, mac 'n' cheese pizza, or parmesan and rosemary mashed tater tots. Happy hour runs every day 3:30pm to 7:30pm, during which you can get a wine sampler for $18 and a beer sampler for $10. Not bad, not bad at all.

The Punchdown
737 Broadway St, Oakland 94612
510.788.7877
Punchdownwine.com

The Punchdown has a truly unique wine list offering great flights all in a variety of price ranges. Don't have much to spend? They offer you the "I'm A Broke Ass" for 3 wines at $9.

The Punchdown

Their house wine is exceptional and the food menu is not nearly as scarce as others. The cheese plate and charcuterie are standouts, as is the olive tapenade and Grilled Goat Cheese sandwich. Add in a few monthly wine events (tastings) and a wine club that is pretty tempting. The Punchdown is a wine bar and more.

That’s just a few at the top of the list! Stay tuned as I’m sure we’ll revisit this topic!!

Small Town Getaways: St. Helena

6/19/2016

Located in the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena has long been renowned for its world class winemakers. Hall Wines is a clear standout where expressive art meets top notch Cabs.

Hall Winery

Clif Family Winery, located less than than a mile from Hall, hosts a roadside tasting room popular among both sports and wine enthusiasts. The winery is owned by the family behind Clif Bars. Appropriately, it also hosts a Bruschetteria Food Truck serving brussels sprouts, chicken wings, and (surprise!) bruschetta created with ingredients sourced from their family farm. Paired with a glass of wine, it makes for great lunch.

Clif Winery

Charles Krug is the oldest winery in the Napa Valley and the first to import French barrels for aging grapes. It’s owned by the recently deceased wine pioneer Peter Mondavi. The grounds alone are worth visiting to explore with wine and food pairings.

Charles Krug

A favorite among locals, Cook is a great spot to end the day with specials like pasta, calamari, and mussels. Terra is another one to try, along with Gott’s Roadside for a more casual affair.

Gott's Roadside

Overnight accommodations are not inexpensive. As with most of the highly desirable Napa Valley, St. Helena B&B’s commend a high price tag. We recommend investing in Wine Country Inn, just 5 minutes from downtown St. Helena on a secluded country lane. The breakfast buffet is not to be missed.

Small Town Getaways: Sebastopol

6/13/2016

Continuing in our series on small town getaways, we take a look Sebastopol, a small Sonoma County town that feels a little bit hippie with a whole lot of locavore.

The Apple Trees of Gravenstein

Allegedly named for an epic 1850s fistfight that reminded locals of the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War, Sebastopol is not just another stop in the Napa Valley. It’s also known for the Gravenstein apple trees lining State 116 (also called the Gravenstein Highway) north of town.

Mom's Apples Pie

Of course, it wouldn’t be Sonoma County without a tasting room or two. Sebastopol is home to Iron Horse Vineyards, renowned for its sparkling wines. These were most famously served at the White House for five consecutive Presidential Administrations, beginning with the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings ending the Cold War.

Iron Horse Vineyards

9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: (707) 887-1507
Email: info@ironhorsevineyards.com

Lynmar Estate
Another great spot is Lynmar Estate, offering both Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley wines. More than just delicious pinots and delicate chards, this winery offers unique food and wine pairings, and even hosts monthly “Pinot & Pizza” evenings.

Lynmar Estate

It’s no surprise that they also offer a guest house, located on the estate and surrounded by 360° views of the vineyards, organic vegetable gardens and wildflowers. “The Bliss House” is a gracious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is perfect for a romantic getaway or a base from which to explore wine country. A true splurge, per night pricing starts at $975 and increases to $1500 and is available for wine club members only.

3909 Frei Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: 707.829.3374

HopMonk Tavern

If you’re looking to grab a bite and a night’s stay a bit closer to town, start with HopMonk Tavern where the outdoor dining is a real treat.

HopMonk Tavern

The food is varied and satisfying, taking typical bar bites to a slightly higher standard, and their craft beers go down easy before or after a full day of tasting or exploring. For a night’s stay that feels a bit easier on the wallet, but still very quaint, try Avalon B&B where you’ll find innkeepers committed to the full B&B experience offering delicious breakfast, cozy beds, and the occasional glass of your choice. http://www.avalonluxuryinn.com/

Small Town Getaways: Healdsburg

6/5/2016

Sometimes a day trip isn’t enough! In this series, we explore individual cities in the Sonoma and Napa Valley and recommend great spots to visit during the day, into the evening, and even beyond. First up, a look at Healdsburg.

Healdsburg sits at the crux of three world-class wine-growing regions, the Russian River, Alexander, and Dry Creek Valley. Similar to Sonoma in format, Healdsburg has a historic downtown plaza lined with tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops. A standout amongst many is SHED, the legendary food emporium that features a cafe, pantry, and outdoor wood-fired grill. Beyond this, there’s Bear Republic, a classic brewery serving up Racer 5 IPA alongside burgers and bites, local cheeses and charcuterie. Just down the street is Studio Barndiva an art gallery and bar featuring eclectic collection of wire art, paintings, and sculpture.

Barndiva

While in Healdsburg, you can’t help but taste at the many glorious wineries. For a solid selection of whites and reds, head to Chateau Diana. It’s family-owned and offers Wine “lushies” as well as complimentary popcorn. For a classy tasting room and immaculate patio, try J Vineyards where a solid selection of bubbly, whites and reds await!

Chateau Diana

After all of the food and drink, enjoy an overnight stay in a cozy cottages or a luxurious boutique hotel. You’ll have your pick of quite a few from Healdsburg Modern Cottages to Relais and Chateaux Hotel Les Mars. Either way, you’re guarantee to enjoy the charm of Healdsburg.

Shed

Livermore Valley Wineries

5/29/2016

Looking for a change of pace? Why not take a day off from Napa wineries and explore a wine country to the south? Livermore Valley Wine Country has made a name for itself in the wine world, and can offer fewer crowds, lower pricing, and a shorter drive than Napa and Sonoma. This place is a wine enthusiast’s haven, offering the chance to taste, tour, and spend the day or even the whole weekend enjoying the area’s award-winning wineries.

We’ve put together a sample itinerary to get you started. We’ll return to the Livermore series to tell you more about the many fabulous stops that remain.

Page Mill Winery

Page Mill Winery

Start with Page Mill. Page Mill Winery began making wine in 1976 at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. in 2004 the winery moved to the serenity of the Livermore Valley. Flagship wines include the Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirah. Page Mill Winery offers more than a dozen wines from local vineyards as well as appellations across the state. The winery is located within minutes of the downtown shopping district.

Address:1960 S. Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA 94550
Phone:(925) 456-7676
Website:www.PageMillWinery.com
Tasting Room: Monday 12 - 4:30pm
Thursday 12 - 8pm, Friday - Sunday 12 - 4:30pm
$10.00 tasting fee ($5 applied to bottle purchase)

Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards

Wente is a can’t miss stop. The country's oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery, Wente Vineyards produces extraordinary wines from estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco, Monterey. You can enjoy sustainable walking tours or a private cave tasting.

Wente Vineryard Caves

This is also a great lunch spot. Taste for a bit and then head over to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Be on the lookout for a summer concert series, also not worth missing.

Crooked Vine Winery

Crooked Vine Winery

Crooked Vine Winery is a family owned and operated winery and vineyard in the heart of Livermore. The Barrel Room accommodates up to 100 guests. The Garden Terrace with lush gardens and lawn provide a beautiful space for a seat or even a ceremony site for up to 200 guests. Experience award winning wines and gracious hospitality.

Address:4948 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
Phone:(925) 449-0458
Website:crookedvine.com
Tasting Room: Monday - Saturday 11am - 4:30pm, Sunday 12 - 4:30pm
Also by appointment
$10.00 tasting fee, Parties of 10 more $15/guest

Mitchell Katz Winery

Mitchell Katz Winery

The handcrafted, vineyard designated wines from the Mitchell Katz Winery which show off the vast amount of micro-climates and soil variations in the historical Livermore Valley. A highlight of this winery includes a wonderful selection of award-winning wines with cheese and crackers that accompanies every tasting.

Address:2481 Buena Vista Ave, Livermore, CA 94550
Phone:(925) 454-9463
Website:www.mitchellkatzwinery.com
Tasting Room: Monday - Sunday 12 - 5pm

Napa After Dark

5/22/2016

Sometimes your days get started later than planned. Other times, you’re having too much fun to end the day at 5 pm. While most wineries in the Napa Valley close their doors about 5 pm, there is a growing number of fantastic tasting rooms and vineyards that are bucking the trend and catering to the evening crowd. These are a few to get you started...

John Anthony Vineyards

John Anthony

John Anthony’s tasting room is located in downtown Napa on bustling 1st Street, next door to the Andaz Hotel. It’s a convenient way to start or end your day, serving as late as midnight Thursday to Sunday! The Truchard family has created a country-luxe setting, with friendly staff and several seating choices. You can drop in at the bar or schedule a late night VIP tasting. If you purchase a bottle, you can reserve the table you want in advance online. Choose the table by the window to watch Napa’s nightlife unfold, or pick the cozy table in the back for a private conversation.

1440 1st St
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 265-7711
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.. Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – midnight
Reservations: Not required for the bar, required for VIP tastings

St. Clair Brown Winery

St. Claire Brown Winery

St. Clair Brown Winery is a hidden gem. The definition of “urban winery,” St. Clair makes its wine is made in a warehouse (they’ll soon brew beer here too) and the tasting room, The Garden Eatery, is located across the street. It’s a fitting name for a converted greenhouse that now houses outdoor seating in the culinary garden. Sample a flight of the excellent wines on the garden patio and order some of their small bites created straight from the garden that day, and not to be missed. Should you be in town during the week, don’t miss Local’s Nights on Tuesdays, with special drink deals, including half off all bottles of wine.

850 Vallejo St
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 255-5591
Hours: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Reservations: Not required, recommended on weekends

Somerston Wine Co. Tasting Room

Somerstone Winery

Somerston Wine Co. has a rustic but elegant feel. The plush sofas inside or tables on the patio are both welcoming spots to enjoy a wine tasting at the end of the day.

It’s a fitting name for a converted greenhouse that now houses outdoor seating in the culinary garden. Sample a flight of the excellent wines on the garden patio and order some of their small bites created straight from the garden that day, and not to be missed. Should you be in town during the week, don’t miss Local’s Nights on Tuesdays, with special drink deals, including half off all bottles of wine.

6490 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
Hours: Open daily 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Reservations: Not required for the bar tasting, required for a private tasting

A Day on Highway 29

5/15/2016

Alpha Omega

11 am: Alpha Omega
Start with something special! Alpha Omega is a new Napa winery that manages to cater to each and every crowd. Their modern tasting room and friendly staff welcome newcomers and Napa aficionados with open arms. The beautifully unique water feature outside is a perfect spot to start or end your day. It doesn’t hurt that the wine is spectacular, from big, bold reds that embody what everyone loves about Napa wines to smooth whites that offer delicate balance.

Beringer Vineyards

12 pm: Beringer Vineyards and Caves
From here, move on to Beringer Vineyards. One of Napa's original wineries, Beringer Vineyards offers lush landscaping and historic architecture along with a variety of tasting experiences. Those wanting to experience everything Napa has to offer should opt for the Legendary Cave Tour, a 30 minute walk through the tunnels and Old Winery while sampling 3 of their wines. More serious wine lovers will enjoy the reserve tastings in the Rhine House, the beautiful historic home where the Beringer brothers lived. Reservations are required for these special tours, but walk-ins are welcome for traditional tastings in their grand tasting rooms.

Beringer Wine Caves

1 pm: A historic lunch stop
Grab Lunch at the Bistro at Francis Ford Coppola's Winery
Started in 1879 by a wine loving sea captain, Inglenook produced some of the finest wines in the world until 1964 when it was unceremoniously sold to United Vintners who quickly dropped the quality in favor of the jug wine. Fortunately, a few decades later saw the sale of the winery to Hollywood’s Francis Ford Coppola, who begin to return it to its former glory. Its grandeur is impressive, but, even better, there is an outdoor bistro where you can purchase bread, cheese, meats and a delicious, moderately priced bottle of wine. Snag a table and enjoy your light lunch and vino with some first class people watching.

Inglehook

Mondavi

2 pm: Kick off the Afternoon with a Bit of History
Mondavi was one of the first wineries that put Napa Valley on the map. The basic walking tour happens on the hour and requires no reservations but you should upgrade to the reserve tour where you'll go from “vines to wines” in 90 minutes. This tour requires reservations which means you'll be away from the sometimes huge crowds of walk-in first timers trying to push their way to the front of the bar. Mondavi is not as posh or modern as some we’d recommend, but we promise you will not be disappointed in the history, wine quality, and undeniably classic Napa Valley feel.

Domain-Chandon

3 pm: End the day right!
Domaine Chandon is a beautiful winery with fantastic sparkling wines. Get there right when they open to order a flight of champagne. While the outside terrace is tempting, the indoor bar is equally as nice. Behind it, you will find well-educated servers able to tell you intricate details about each and every bottle, as well as general wine education for beginners. If you are coming with a large group of 10 or more, it’s worth noting that Domaine Chandon is one of the few wineries that will welcome your group - as long as you make reservations.

Best off the Beaten Path Tasting Rooms: Hestan Vineyards

5/7/2016

The Winery: Hestan Vineyards
Unique Point: Cooks in the Vineyard
Signature Wine/Varietal: five principle red Bordeaux varietals

Situated in the rolling hills of eastern Napa Valley, Hestan Vineyards is a 56-acre tapestry of small, individually farmed blocks, planted to the five principle red Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.

The Stunning Hestan Estate

The vineyard is named for owners Stanley and Helen Cheng, who purchased the property in 1996. Cheng is CEO of Meyer Corporation, the world’s second largest cookware company with brands including Anolon, Circulon, KitchenAid and Faberware.

Hestan

In 2005, the Chengs released their first wines from the property, the 2002 Hestan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and 2002 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon; both made by consulting winemaker Mark Herold. The wines were a critical success and were followed in 2008 by the launch of Stephanie, a line of red Bordeaux blends made by consulting winemaker Jeff Gaffner.

Hestan & Cookware

While the tasting room is small, it’s an absolutely gorgeous addition downtown Yountville. The modern space incorporates wonderful natural materials, including repurposed woods, iron, glass, copper, venetian plaster, travertine and porcelain.

The Hestan Tasting Room

In addition to the selection of estate wines, the winery also showcases artisinal Italian copper cookware, manufactured in northern Italy, bringing together the food and wine elements so many visitors to Napa Valley love.

6548 Washington Street
Yountville CA 94599
707-945-1002

Hours:
11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Tastings/Appointments:
707-945-1002

Best off the Beaten Path Tasting Rooms: Franciscan Estate

5/1/2016

The Winery: Franciscan Estate
Unique Point: Classic Napa
Signature Wine/Varietal: Cab, Merlot, Malbec

Another historical landmark, Franciscan is one of Napa Valley’s most venerable wineries. Its rich history reaches back more than three decades. Franciscan wines take their signature style—the rare combination of rich, vibrant flavors framed by supple tannins—from the ideal climate offered by Napa Valley’s cool, southern half and from the time-honored tradition of small-lot winemaking, blending from hundreds of barrels to craft fine wines that fully express the classic varieties.

Franciscan Estates

At the winery, tasting offerings include casual tasting at the bar as well as daily small-group Taste Explorations, blending seminars, wine and food pairings and varietal tastings that explore wine from the vineyard to the table.

The Franciscan Tasting Room

Franciscan also encourages the company of canine companions should you choose to enjoy their expansive picnic grounds.

1178 Galleron Road
Saint Helena, CA 94574
707-967-3830

Hours:
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., seven days a week
Tastings/Appointments:
707.967.3993

Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms- Far Niente

4/24/2016

The Winery: Far Niente
Unique Point: Past meets Present
Signature Wine/Varietal: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon

Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Far Niente produces critically acclaimed, estate bottled Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are renowned for their consistent house style and ability to evolve with extended age. Founded by John Benson in 1885, Far Niente prospered until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when the winery ceased operation and the buildings and estate were abandoned. Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil and Beth Nickel purchased the old stone shell of a winery and spent three years restoring the building to its original, 19th century grandeur.

Far Niente

During restoration the name, "Far Niente," which romantically translated means "without a care," was found carved in stone on the front of the building. In 1998, Far Niente was reunited with its past when a bottle of 1886 Far Niente Sweet Muscat, intact with its original cork, capsule and label, was found in a wine cellar in Marin County, California.

Guests Socialize In The Caves Of Far Niente

Guided tours and tastings are offered several times each day, by appointment. Tours begin with a walk through the historic, tri-level winery, which is built into the surrounding hillside. Guests are then led through a portion of the 40,000 square-foot Far Niente wine aging caves, which were the first modern wine caves built in North America when excavation began in 1980. The tour ends in the Carriage House, home to an incredible collection of classic automobiles.

A Far Niente Holiday Reception

Tastings follow each tour and feature the current releases of Far Niente estate wines, including a Napa Valley Chardonnay and Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as carefully aged Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Far Niente Cave Collection. A seasonal cheese pairing is also featured. Each tasting ends with a taste of Dolce, the sumptuous, late harvest wine produced by Far Niente’s sister winery, also called Dolce.

1350 Acacia Drive
Oakville CA 94562
707-944-2861
farniente.com

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Tastings/Appointments: (707) 944-2861

Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms- ZD Wines

4/17/2016

The Winery: ZD Wines
Unique Point: Eco-centric, organic certified
Signature Wine/Varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

Producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, ZD Wines is located in Rutherford on the beautiful Silverado Trail. Founded in 1969, ZD Wines is owned and operated by three qenerations of the deLeuze Family. ZD's mantra of "(Z)ero (D)efects" is based on founder Norman deLeuze's history in Aerospace. It sets the tone for the winery's focus on quality, consistency and style. The ZD style is to craft rich, flavorful wines that reflect the varietal character of the grape.

ZD also has a strong internal emphasis on ecology. ZD's Estate Vineyards located in Rutherford and Carneros have been certified organic for more than 15 years. The use of an implemented waste reduction program and a water recycling system are in place, and the entire winery is powered by solar, truly reflecting ZD's commitment to the health of the environment surrounding us.

The winery welcomes visitors 7 days a week for public tastings. In addition, special tour experiences are available by appointment including our Cellar Tour & Tasting, Eco Vineyard Tour, Unwined Tasting, Library Selection Tasting and Private Group Tastings. The ZD website provides more detailed information about each of these options at www.zdwines.com or call 800-487-7757.

Brewery Tours

4/10/2016

In a region known for internationally acclaimed wines, craft beers may not be the first beverage that comes to mind. But they should be, especially in Sonoma County. Take Petaluma, a sleepy farm town, recently reawakened by brew masters at Lagunitas Brewing Company. The company has gained a huge following (and multi-state distribution) in just a few years. You can taste why at the company’s in-town taproom where favorite brews include a classic IPA, plus Little Sumpin Sumpin and Hop Stoopid ales.

Lagunitas Brewing Company

Further down the road is Russian River Brewing, serving 20 beers, including legendary Pliny the Elder double IPA, in its Santa Rosa taproom. You can expect a crowd; this brew has gained cult-like status. Guerneville’s Stumptown Brewery, identified by the big white fermentation tank out front, pours three of its own brews as well as guest beers, ales, and stouts from other parts of the state.

Russian River Brewing Company

Carneros Brewing Company

Conveniently, most breweries do not require tasting appointments, so you’re welcome to stop in and grab a pint at your leisure. When you book through A&W Transport, we’ll be glad to create a tentative schedule that includes wineries, breweries or a combination of both.

Best Off-The-Beaten Path Tasting Rooms: Beaulieu Vineyards

4/3/2016

Beaulieu Vineyards, located in Rutherford, is one of the oldest wine producers in the Valley. BV tastings take place in the Maestro tasting room, and cost just $20 for up to 5 pours of Cabernets (their signature varietal) found only at the winery.

However, BV’s private historical tours offer a far richer experience. For just $35 per person, you will begin with a tour of the original winery building that dates back to the late 1800’s, followed by barrel tastings of Reserve Cab.

The intimate experience concludes with a tour of the Heritage
room that chronicles the history of wine-making from 1885, including the winery’s naissance, prohibition, and the development of the Valley’s first “cult cab.”

It’s an altogether unique experience that will encourage you to appreciate the history of the grape and the glass in your hand.

A Day on the Silverado Trail Part 2

3/25/2016

Del Dotto Winery & Cave Tour
Visit the original Del Dotto off The Silverado Trail (also a Del Dotto in St. Helena, but we recommend the original) for a barrel tasting through the winery’s caves. Lit only by candlelight, you'll enjoy 70’s music and generous pours as you learn about the impact that different woods have on the wine. Along the way, you can taste and taste and taste, tossing your leftover wine on the stone walls and grabbing the labels of the ones you might want to purchase later. Be forewarned - the wine is not inexpensive, so it’s quite possible to toss a few sips from a $100 bottle - it may be better to savor each one as you go.

Did we mention there are snacks? Yes, indeed, a few sweet and savory treats greet you as you complete the tasting, and sober up enough to consider purchasing a bottle or two. So spend your money on the cave tour, skip the bottle purchase, and grab some munchies before you hit the road.

Takeaway: This is one barrel tasting that is worth booking. If you start your day here, you can be sure to make your appointment. And the snacks will help you make it to another stop before lunch.

Del Dotto Winery
1055 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa, CA (707) 963-2134
Cost: $30 tastings, or $60 for wine cave tour with barrel tastings

Pick-up Lunch @ Soda Canyon Store
Stop in at Soda Canyon store (also on the Silverado Trail) to pick up a delicious box lunch (which comes with a specialty sandwich, homemade salad, cookie and fresh fruit). They also have espresso and fruit smoothies, and everything is made to order.

Soda Canyon Store
4006 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 707-252-0285
6am to 6pm Mon-Sat, 7:30am to 5pm Sunday

Clos du Val - Picnic and Taste
Clos du Val was part of the famous 1976 Paris wine tastings. But don't worry, there's no wine snobbery here. In fact, Clos du Val is one of the friendliest wineries to visit, especially for wine newbies. Some wineries are more interested in educating you on their wine clubs, but at Clos du Val, they actually teach you about wines, and do so in a very unassuming manner.

And the grounds are quite pretty with a nice picnic area in front. They also have intimate cabanas that can be reserved on a busy weekend.

Clos du Val
5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA (707) 259-2200
Cost: $15 for basic tasting
After lunch, the fun can continue. See our blog on Silverado Trail Part 1 or hit up one of the hundreds of others along your way!

Best Off-The-Beaten Path Tasting Rooms

3/20/2016

The Winery: Cline Cellars
Unique Point: Country charm and expansive picnic area
Signature Wine/Varietal: Zinfandel

The Experience
With the unique appearance of old country home, Cline Cellars is an unpretentious and peaceful spot in Sonoma. Surrounded by rose bushes and a variety of other trees and plants, Cline offers expansive picnic areas, a half dozen fountains and pools (no swimming) and a bird zoo.The grounds are quite spread out so finding some privacy for an intimate picnic is relatively easy.The winery offers public tastings. Winery tours are by appointment.

Cline is also home to the California Mission Museum which showcases handcrafted models of all twenty one California Missions made for the 1939 World's Fair.It's a unique addition not to be missed if you have the time. Call ahead to schedule a tasting and tour.

A Day on the Silverado Trail - Part I

3/20/2016

The Silverado Trail is a small highway on the eastern side of Napa Valley where you can find hundreds of wineries of all shapes and sizes. It runs parallel to Highway 29, but is more beautiful and also less crowded – a great place to bike should you choose to get some exercise between
tastings.

Let’s Start Drinking…

The Signorello Estate Winery is beautiful, quiet, and located just a few minutes past Napa as you drive north on the trail. The small hilltop winery has a quaint elegance with a lovely area for sitting outside with or without a glass. A typical tasting is $15 – reasonably standard pricing for Napa – and the service is excellent.

Back on the Silverado Trail, travel a bit further to find the trail’s namesake - the Silverado Winery. A little touristy given the name, but these views are impressive! And the smell of the barrels is one you won’t find anywhere else!

From here, you can continue up or down the trail, or cut west across Zinfandel Road to the busier Highway 29. Once you turn on to Highway 29, you’re just a couple minutes from V. Sattui, which is famous for its deli and picnic grounds. Read on to learn more about this picnic spots and others.

Despite the crowds, visiting the deli was worth it. There were cheeses available to taste. We bought picnic supplies and enjoyed a delicious lunch. Gourmet sandwiches are also for sale, but if you want
a sit-down meal, there are nice restaurants just down the road.

We wanted to continue north on Highway 29, but we soon gave up because there was too much traffic; it was a weekend, after all. We went back to the Silverado Trail and headed toward home but made one last stop at the unique Cliff Lede Winery.

The winery has sculptures scattered in its gardens, including work by the famous 20th-century artist Jim Dine.

Stay tuned for Part II...

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