Category Archives: Wineries

Musically Delicious

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By Igor Sill

Yes, exceptional vineyard soils, meticulous farming, ideal weather, a master winemaker and superb terroir make for extraordinary wines, but, what if classical music was that last remaining secret element to crafting incredibly full-bodied out-of-this-world wines?

Though there are a few Italian wineries that believe blaring loud speaker music onto their vineyards improves their vines’ growing cycle.  Science, however, points to the fermentation stages of a wine’s development as the better target where music can impact the beauty, finesse, smoothness and quality of the finished wine.

The role of yeast in the winemaking fermentation process is certainly the most critical element which distinguishes a grape’s transformation, or as the French call it, “élevage” (the progression of wine between fermentation and bottling known as a wine’s adolescence or breeding). Fermentation is a complex biochemical reaction in which yeast consumes sugar in the grape juice (must) and releases alcohol and carbon dioxide. It determines the future quality of wine and occurs shortly after harvest.  Fermentation can take anywhere from four to eight days for red Bordeaux style wines, and as long as several months for Burgundian style white wines.

When classical music is introduced during the yeast’s élevage period, it interacts with the microorganisms and enlightens their magical elements, truly bringing them to life.  Music is channeled in through a Pioneer Elite surround sound system with THX throughout the Winery. The increased yeast activity translates into fuller-bodied wines with deeper complexity of flavors. “I can sense and taste Chopin, Borodin, Mozart, and Ravel’s Bolero effects on the wine’s development.” Says Winemaker, Igor Sill.  The systematic arrangement of these rhythms exhibit perfection of elegant construction, exquisite detail, and harmonious finish which propels the yeasts’ passion for their tasks, converting sugar into alcohol.  “Serenading the yeast’s activities encourages far better microscopic single-cell conversion involvement in our fermentation tanks.  The rhythm and harmonious sounds seem to maintain a much more constant fermentation temperature allowing our wines to ‘open up’ fully.”  Music is played for 4 hours per day, each and every day, then restful peace fulfills the remaining hours.

“I have come to realize that wondrous music during the winemaking process provides both, our wines and myself, with an undeniably profound sense of serenity, calm and tranquility while allowing the wine to exhibit its unique expression of personality.” Says Sill.

As in music, wine, art and life, the simplest of details can bear extraordinarily exceptional results.

About the author:
The author Igor Sill farms a 24-acre mountain vineyard in Atlas Peak and a terraced cabernet sauvignon vineyard in St Helena, Napa, California.  He’s a passionate winemaker; vintner; wine lover; writer; Court of Master Sommeliers; attended UC Davis’ winemaking program; Member, Napa Valley Wine Technical Group; Judge, International Wine Challenge, London UK and holds his Masters from Oxford University. See more at: www.sillfamilyvineyards.com

Countdown to Flavor! Napa Valley March 22-26, 2017

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Countdown to Flavor! Napa Valley March 22-26, 2017 Five Days, plenty of  amazing events and one legendary festival – The countdown to Flavor! Napa Valley, March 22-26, 2017, has begun! The five-day food and wine festival support programs and scholarships at The Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Campus in St. Helena, CA. Flavor! During Flavor! Napa Valley, you’ll soak up inspiration from iconic chefs and winemakers while experiencing the best that Napa Valley has to offer. As you discover new flavors, you’ll also be supporting programs and scholarships of emerging talent from The Culinary Institute of America.

Flavor! Napa showcases the finest in farm-to-table cuisine and world class wines with a series of local and celebrity chef demonstrations, intimate winemaker workshops, as well as grand tastings and exclusive experiences to bring out the best flavors of Napa Valley.  Tickets for Flavor! Napa Valley are available at FlavorNapaValley.com.

A highlight of Flavor! Napa Valley 2017 events include:

Thursday, March 23, 2017

“From Vineyard to Bottle – Exploring Napa Valley with Iconic Winemaker Heidi Barrett” at the CIA at Copia 2:30 – 4 p.m.; $95 per person

Moderated by wine, food and television star Leslie Hartley­Sbrocco of KQED’s “Check, Please!” this exclusive seminar and tasting is focused on Heidi’s secrets behind how she captures the deep and complex flavors of the fruit in the wines she makes for her La Sirena and Barrett & Barrett labels, as well as other special selections from the highly­touted Napa Valley brands Paradigm, Fantesca, Kenzo Estate and Lamborn Family Vineyards.

“Napa Valley Icons Dinner” presented by the Silverado Resort and Spa at Silverado Resort and Spa 6 – 10 p.m.; $295 per person

Guests will celebrate the food and wine icons of the Napa Valley at the Silverado Resort and Spa while honoring legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett, who is responsible for some of California’s most notable cult wines. From multiple 100­point rated wines to setting a world record when a 6­liter bottle of her Screaming Eagle 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon sold for $500,000 at the Napa Valley Wine Auction in 2000. Participating chefs include Host Chef Jeffrey Jake from Silverado Resort and Spa; Matthew Accarrino from SPQR; Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski from State Bird Provisions and The Progress; Ken Frank from La Toque; Michael Schulson from Schulson Collective; and esteemed CIA graduate Waldy Malouf.

Chef Demo “Tyler Malek and Lisa Vega at the CIA at Copia 10 – 11:30 a.m.; $75 per person

Indulge your sweet tooth with Chefs Tyler Malek, co­owner and chef of Salt & Straw Ice Cream, and Lisa Vega, executive pastry chef at Dandelion Chocolate.  Guests will experience what happens when great minds collide with their unique use of ingredients, techniques, and secret tricks of the trade, and reap the delicious benefits of this culinary match with Salt & Straw’s innovative, seasonally­driven ice cream, and Dandelion’s small batch bean to bar chocolate.

Friday, March 24, 2017

 Terroir to Table – “The Blend Experience at Paraduxx” at Paraduxx Winery 10 – 11:30 a.m.; $95 per person

During this lively, hands­on experience, guests will be guided through a component tasting of the three core varietals that make up Paraduxx and learn the techniques of winemaking. Wines will be seasonally paired with bites from local chefs, Natalie and Jonathan Niksa, of La Saison, Napa Valley.

Terroir to Table – “The Spirited Side of Napa Valley” at 2:30 – 4 p.m.; $95 per person

The class is designed to showcase the spirited side of Napa Valley. Guests will start with a welcome beverage and short distillery tour, followed by a whiskey barrel tasting with the Napa Distillery owner and distiller. After the tour, guests will enjoy a multi­course small plate and cocktail/spirits pairing experience in the grand tasting salon. Each course will be prepared exclusively for each cocktail/spirit, made with spirits crafted at the distillery.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Terroir to Table – “Exercise Your Senses with St. Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery at St. Supery Estate Vineyards 10 – 11:30 a.m.; $95 per person

This class explores wine aromas suggestive of fruit character, barrel aging and terroir while tasting four estate grown St. Supéry wines. Guests will exercise their sense of smell through a series of aroma identifications designed to discover how personal sensory memory impacts how aromas are recognized. This interactive sommelier­led experience includes a mystery wine game to ultimately guide guests to identify more aromas in their glass to heighten the enjoyment of wine.

“Legendary Napa Valley, The Grand Tasting” at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone VIP admission is 6 – 7 p.m. and tickets are $225 per person; general admission is at 7 p.m. and tickets are $175 per person.

The sixth annual Grand Tasting at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena allows guests to taste their way through the Napa Valley with a selection of sweet and savory bites from more than 25 Napa Valley restaurants, paired with wine from more than 80 Napa Valley wineries. Participating restaurants include Angele Restaurant; Brasswood; Harvest Table; Lucy Restaurant & Bar; Nuri; PRESS Restaurant; Sam’s Social Club; Silverado Resort & Spa; Tarla Mediterranean Bar & Grill; The Farm at Carneros; and The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil. 2 Flavor! Napa Valley includes additional Napa Valley Wine Tours; Terroir to Table events, Chef Demonstrations, and Wine Classes.

Wine Events at Flavor! Napa Valley with Christopher Sawyer of SawyerSomm.com – WINE MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING – Christopher Sawyer is an internationally-renowned sommelier,  wine educator, journalist, consultant, critic and public speaker: He travels the world following trends in wine and participating as a VIP judge in the world’s top wine competitions, and has been featured in a wide range of national media, including USAToday, MSN, NBC, ABC, CBS, Redbook, The Hollywood Reporter, Maxim, National Geographic Traveler, CNN and Esquire.

Visit Napa Valley is proud to announce the event sponsors for Flavor! Napa Valley 2017:

● Founding Sponsor: Silverado Resort and Spa
● Presenting Sponsor: Downtown Napa Association
●Jeroboam Sponsor: Bright Event Rentals
● Double Magnum Sponsors: Celebrity CruisesMr. EspressoTriMarkNapa Valley Marriott.

by Manda Bear:  Instagram and Twitter.

 

Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard in Livermore Valley, California

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Just recently re-opened to the public in Livermore Valley this
muriettas-frontyard-6summer 2016, Murrieta’s Well specialize in terroir-driven, limited production wine blends. Their winery name pays homage to Joaquin Murrieta who discovered their historic estate nestled in the Livermore Valley in the 1800s. His spirit of exploration inspires their unrestrained winemaking philosophy of artfully handcrafting the finest small-batch wine blends that showcase the best of their estate each vintage.

What makes Murrieta’s Well unique

They believe in the art of blending – all of their wines are crafted to murrietas-barrelsshowcase the best of their estate each vintage, so the composition of their wine blends will change each year to reflect this philosophy.

They have a small lot approach to growing and making their wines. In the vineyard, they pick the prime location for each varietal – caring for them as individuals based on what techniques will help produce the best fruit. In the winery, they make each varietal as an individual wine, then blend them together and age again to create wines that are a beautiful survey of the estate.

All of their wines are sourced exclusively from their estate, which helps them ensure consistency of style and deliver a high-quality tasting experience vintage after vintage.

murrietas-robbiemeyerWe also got to chat with Murrieta’s Well’s  winemaker, Robbie Meyer. He is an acclaimed winemaker who has worked over 19 vintages in some of California’s best winegrowing regions (Napa Valley, Santa Barbara and Sonoma). His wines have collectively received over ninety 90+ point ratings.

Their newly re-modeled estate is  approximately 500 acres, stunningly beautiful,  the place is gorgeous. It’s all lit up with twinkly lights and even in the daylight projects a dim, romantic feel to it. It’s definitely a great place to host your special vent.

muriettas-foodMurrieta’s Well also offers food pairing and it serves at their patio. Menu includes Market Fresh, Charcuterie, Cheese, Shrimp & more. The Dungeness Crab Roll was perfect with their refreshing  Chardonnay. The Eggplant Parmesan Flatbread with their Tempranillo. We enjoyed the Beef Short Rib and Polenta pairs with their Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon. And the B.L.T. Flatbread goes just about any wine, but we love to pair it with their structure Cab Franc.

muriettas-frontyard-2If Wente Family Estate is a popular for their Summer Concert fans, the beautiful re-modeled Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard is going to be a for weddings and celebration events destination in no time, in Livermore Valley wine country.

They grow 21 different varietals, on three soil profiles,  elevation from 560’ – 860’ feet above sea level.

murrietas-vineyards-2They offer these vineyards:

• Hayes: 560’ – 860’
• Ernest: 575’ – 615’
• Louis Mel: 575’ – 715’
• Raboli: 615’ – 650’
• Sachau: 615’ – 845’

They plant specific rootstocks and varietals where they will best thrive in each of these soil profiles. All are well drained gravel, but have different rock compositions that will affect how the vines grow. It is important to recognize that each soil type exists on the property in different areas and the position/aspect, slope, and elevation also play a major role in how the vines develop.

murrietas-robbiemeyer-carolynwente1. Livermore = very gravelly coarse sandy loam;
2. Pleasanton = gravelly fine sandy loam – cultivated;
3. Positas = gravelly loam, annual grass pasture.

Their history goes way back since 1884, Louis Mel fell in love with the estate and purchased the land for him and his wife. Mel built a gravity flow winery into the hillside and planted a vineyard from cuttings from famed Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux.

murrietas-wineWe got to hear the fourth generation winegrower Carolyn Wente sharing her growing up on the vineyards, how her family business has helped and prospered this region since day one.

In 1930, Louis Mel sold the property to his friend, Ernest Wente. The property has been part of the Wente Family estate ever since.  In 1990, Fourth Generation Winegrower, Philip Wente and his friend, Sergio Traverso partnered together to revive the winery. They named the winery and wine label, Murrieta’s Well, paying homage to the rich history of the property. In 2010, they launched the  estate wine blends – The Whip and The Spur – in celebration of our 20th anniversary. Then 2016, they released our new package and remodeled our historic tasting room. Now that opens to public by appointment only.

The Wente Family Estates is the oldest continuously-operated family-owned winery in the country, owned and managed by the murrietas-tasting-roomfourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The family owns of estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations. All of their wines are distributed throughout the United States and select brands are featured in over 70 countries worldwide.

In 2010, Wente Family Estates was among the first wineries to murrietas-eventreceive the Certified California Sustainable Wine-growing designation, and one of the only wineries to certify every aspect of its business. In 2011, named Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. With the deepest respect for the knowledge passed down from previous generations, the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family continue their global vision for wine quality and integrity through passion, dedication and pursuit of excellence.

Visit Murrieta’s Wells
3005 Mines Road
Livermore, CA 94550
Tel: (925) 456-2395
Website: www.murrietaswell.com

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Taste of Mendocino 2016 – Saturday, June 25, At Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture

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If you in San Francisco this weekend, and would like to take a break from the Pride Parade, Taste of Mendocino, brings the wines to you. Tickets are still available online and at door, but don’t wait. It’s a cool event that you don’t want to miss. www.tasteofmendo.com

TOM-HappyDance

Taste of Mendocino”, an exclusive showcase of Mendocino wine and handcrafted food items, is coming to San Francisco on Saturday, June 25th, at Fort Mason’s beautiful Gallery 308, from 1pm-5pm.

Luxury travel and fine wine are a natural combination, so Mendocino WineGrowers Inc. has partnered with Surf Air, the nation’s first members-only private flying club.  Surf Air will randomly choose two lucky participants at Taste of Mendocino to receive a free round trip ticket to any Surf Air destination.  A $5,000 value, the lucky couple will fly between any of the Surf Air destinations in California and Las Vegas.  Must be present to win.

TOM-BlinkGoneOver 30 Mendocino wineries will be pouring small lot wines, and artisanal food producers from Mendocino County will be serving up delicious samples to complement the wines.  Attendees are sure to find at least 30 more reasons to fall in love with one of America’s favorite wine destinations.

Hosted by Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. and Visit Mendocino County, this intimate wine event will celebrate the people and products that make Mendocino County such an unforgettably special place.

Tickets are $60 per person and available online at www.tasteofmendo.com

Follow them on:
Twitter: Twitter.com/TasteOfMendo 
Facebook: Facebook.com/TasteOfMendocino

by Manda Bear

Santa Lucia Highlands Gala 2016

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So this month, we got the honor  to attended the Santa Lucia Santa Lucia Highlands 1Highlands Gala 2016, only one a year, more than forty stellar wineries pouring some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah – all from the Santa Lucia Highlands. For many of our artisan vintners, this is their one public tasting of the year.  We got to visit the lounge which offers the tasting and  includes additional Wagner Family Wines, including Caymus from Napa Valley.

Santa Lucia Highlands 5

This year’s Gala will be in the barrel cellar at dramatic Mer Soleil Winery, a venue not normally open to the public.

The winegrowers and vintners of the Santa Lucia Highlands welcomed us with open arms.  We got to try a lot of wines: August West, Belle Glos, Black Kite, Hope & Grace, Joyce, Kosta Browne, Lucia, Luli, Miura, Morgan, Pelerin, Roar, Siduri, Wrath and more. The SLH is California’s premier cool-climate winegrowing district. Its fifty famed mountainside vineyard estates and associated award-winning wine labels set the standard for New World Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Santa Lucia Highlands 2We got to tour the Mer Soleil Vinyard, Charlie Wagner II, the eldest of Chuck’s children and owner and winemaker for Mer Soleil winery in Santa Lucia Highlands. He personally gave us a walking tour of the Mer Soleil vineyards and production site. We got to see the production, how he makes their wines. We got to meet his beautiful family, and talked to him about his passion and how much love puts in to these bottles of wine.

Santa Lucia Highlands 6The Mer Soleil Vineyard is 450 Acres and the majority of it is Chardonnay, the rest are other grapes – mainly Viognier.

The Viognier goes into making the Conundrum wine.

The vines of Mer Soleil were first planted in 1988, most of the vines are not grafted and planted on their own rootstock. Their vines neighbor Talbott Vineyards.

Santa Lucia Highlands 4You could really feel the ocean breeze in the afternoon that blows away all the fog, clearing the sky, and also keep the vines cool. The grapes retain natural acidity thanks to the ocean winds. It’s such a beautiful vineyards with hundreds of lemon trees planted around the estate.

2004 Mer Soleil – It was very truffle and spicy wood nose.  Textures was almost oily and rich. Also hints of saffron.

roar 20142009 Mer Soleil – Some honey character from botrytis, flinty nose, with a hint of white mushroom.  Salinity/Minerality, with good acidity.
2014 Mer Soleil- Fruit Forward, almost like a fruit punch, peach, oak, and cream.
kosta bowneThey rotate and use 20% New oak for their Mer Soleil
Silver Unoaked Bottling 2014 – Clean, psritz, and a note of yeastyness. Fresh and lighter drinking than the regular Mer Soleil.
   It was an amazing day at the Gala. I hope to see you next year for the Santa Lucia Highlands Gala 2017! It’s a day of food and wine not to be missed.
by Issei Chiba and Manda Bear
siduri
auguest west
cheese pig pig2 snack tacos wine

Flavor! Napa Valley Mar 17-18, 2016 Recap

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Showcasing the finest in farm-to-table cuisine, world-class wines silverado resort golf1and culinary star talent, Flavor! Napa Valley is a festival not-to-be-missed next year. Guests will delight in events ranging from local and celebrity chef demonstrations to intimate winemaker workshops along with Grand Tastings and exclusive experiences that bring out the best flavors of Napa Valley.

Dep Lifestyle Magazine got to spend this spring for two days of culinary indulgence, and wine and dine with Napa Valley’s legendary talent, once again.

Marcch 17, 2016 – Chef and Winemaker Golf Tournament at Silverado Resort and Spa

silverado resortWe got to join some of the local chefs and winemakers for a day on Silverado Resort and Spa‘s championship golf course. We enjoyed a continental breakfast and 18 holes featuring specialty beverages and the famed burger dog lunch that was featured in Golf Magazine. A beautifully simple specialty of grilled ground beef on a silverado resort burgerdog2hot dog bun and all the toppings if you would like.  Then celebrate victory at the post-tournament reception where you can mingle with the chefs, winemakers, and fellow golfers over some of Napa Valley’s finest wines from Hewitt Vineyards, Sterling Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyard BV, Acacia Vineyard, and Provenance Vineyards, and appetizers from Silverado Resort and Spa.

silverado resort - clay and clintOur team won 3rd place, along with winemaker Clint Holdsworth of David Clinton Wine Cellars, and Cindy of Staglin Family Vineyard, and Dan W. on our team. When we done, we were greeted nicely by VisitNapaValley.com president Clay Gregory and AF & CO president Andrew Freeman at the reception on a beautiful sunny day at Silverado Resort.

silverado resort - wine2 silverado resort - sterling golf flavor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 18, 2016 – Wine Class: Pinot Paradise

Fuel your passion for Pinot Noir with this unique tasting of sophisticated wines made with fruit grown in Carneros and Wild Horse Valley in Napa Valley.

Participants include:
Jon Priest, Winemaker, Etude Wines, Carneros, Napa Valley – the etude wines john priestPinot Noir, Heirloom, from 600 ft high, clay soil, got the San Francisco Bay view, afternoon wind, his wine is transparent, disctinvive, and expressive, 600 cases produced for this 2013 vintage.  2013 Etude Heirloom Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir Carneros $95.00, rich and deeply flavored, the 2013 Heirloom Pinot Noir intrigues with its spicy entry of cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise and Orange Pekoe tea, and extraordinarily concentrated dark fruit flavors. Despite the wine’s density and generous palate of red and black cherry, blackberry and plum, it shows elegance and balance. With silky tannins and delicate oak notes of clove and toasted almond that support but never override, this Pinot Noir will develop further complexities and age gracefully for years to come. Drink now through 2024.

Steve Rogstad, Winemaker, Cuvaison Estate Wines, Carneros, Napa cuvaison eastate wine steve rogstadValley – he loves making Pinot Noir wine because it’s firm but with clarity. This particular wine is from the Milliken Peak, the hillside, the heart of the hill. This was an experimental of twenty plus blocks, more than twelve different clones. 2013 Spire Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley $52.00, 600 cases produced, on a single block, Dijon clone,  an enticing array of black and red fruits come to the fore of this wine: black cherry, strawberry, raspberry and boysenberry all vie for attention. This luscious core of fruit is enveloped in a mix of exotic spice and intriguing but delicate smokiness. Aged for 16 months in French oak puncheons, the wine has mellowed and matured yet retains an unmistakable essence of lovely floral, think rose petals and bright fruit tones.

David Mahaffey, Winemaker, Miss Olivia Brion Wines, Wild Horse Valley – He’s co-inventor and developer of an “ozone for sanitation” olivia brion david mahaffeysystem that’s now used by over 700 wineries to save water and avoid harsh chemicals. Heron Lake Vineyard is in the south end of Wild Horse Valley, 1,200 feet higher than the Napa Valley floor and five miles east of Napa town.  Olivia Brion 2012 Pinot Noir, Wild Horse Valley $35.00, 650 cases produced –  With a lovely garnet red hue, the wine opens up with lofty aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, clove, and more.

When asked how he thinks about cellar aging New World Pinot Noir, he responded: “I would rather kissing Sophie Lauren at 25 years old than at 75 years old.” The audiences applauded.

Alex Beloz, Winemaker, Poseidon Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley – poseidon vineyard alex belozHe said:  “Pinot Noir is a very versatile grape with softness of a white wine and a structure that can get bigger with food.” His Pinot Noir is from the seaside by the bay. 2013 Poseidon Vineyard Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley $32.00 – Hungary oak, 1,600 cases produced, harvested the three blocks of the hillside (top, skirt, bottom) separately, picking across the three Dijon clones: 115, 667, and 777. This Pinot Noir exhibits aromas of cherry and cola with hints of fruit, leather and undertones of plum. The wine is silky in texture. Focused black cherry flavors dance on the palate, and an elegant dash of vanilla sweetens the wine for a long, inviting finish.

Amelia Ceja, Ceja Vineyards, Carneros, Napa Valley –  Long before the California legislature recognized Amelia as “Woman of the Year” cejain 2005 for “breaking the glass ceiling in a very competitive business,” the first Mexican-American woman ever to be elected president of a winery was on the frontier of wine. We have the chance to meet her many times before, and each time, she makes us feel special with her vibrant and exude personality. She’s always full of life. 2012 Ceja Vineyards, Carneros Pinot Noir $54.00. Las Amigas Road, Carneros, aging 24 months in French barrel, 1,000 cased produced. The aromas are fresh and floral with red plum, black cherry blossoms and hibiscus scents. The palate showcases a savory medley of
Jamaica tea, dried berry, herb and spice flavors. This is a bright, crisp and balanced Pinot Noir with soft tannins and layers of textures.

We learn that Pinot Noir is such a delicate grape. It chooses where to grow and it can’t be mix with any other varietal.  Adored by many critics, prized by many collectors, Pinot Noir is one of most tantalizing yet temperamental varietals in the world. For many wine enthusiasts, this is part of the appeal of Pinot — it doesn’t reveal its charms easily.

Pinot Noir’s virtue also stems from the unique characteristics of the grape. The skins are especially delicate, which accounts for the lighter color and body of the finished wine. But, despite the delicacy, the best wines have excellent backbone and length, providing aromatic intensity unlike any other grape.

Pinot Noir wines are pale in color, translucent and their flavors are very subtle. The grape itself is weak, suffering from a variety of diseases and its genetics make it highly susceptible to mutation. Despite the difficulty in growing the grape, prices for a bottle of Pinot Noir are generally more than a similar quality red wine.

Average prices for Pinot Noir are on the rise. The Hong Kong market has a growing thirst for Pinot Noir. In March 2013, six magnums of 1995 DRC sold for $27,300.00 USD a piece. Source: Bloomberg

So you wonder why a bottle of Napa Valley Pinot Noir is so christie dufaultexpensive, only if you know how costly to grow Pinot Noir and making this wine.

Moderator: Christie Dufault, Associate Professor, Wine and Beverage Studies, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

Marcch 18, 2016 – Wine Class: Preservation Society

Before Cabernet Sauvignon became the most popular grape in the Napa Valley, most of the full-bodied red wines were made with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and other legendary grape varietals referred to as “mixed blacks.” Come find out what the proprietors of Biale Vineyard, Hendry Vineyards, Turley Cellars and other boutique producers are doing to preserve these special old vineyard sites.

Participants include:

Tres Goetting, winemaker, Robert Biale, Proprietor, Robert Biale Winery: Aldo’s Vineyard – Aldo’s Vineyard. Oak Knoll District Robert Biale VIneyards Tres GoettingEstate. The old vines planted in 1937 on the Biale ranch in Napa that produce their signature wine. They offer fourteen  different zinfandel.

Biale 2013 Zinfandel, Estate Grown, Aldo’s Vineyard, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley $78.00, red fruits such as raspberry, plum, pepper aromas,  the palate is loaded with black robert bialeraspberry and kirsch liqueur elements. Minerals, chicory, and hints of sour red plum emerge on the long and tireless finish.

 

Tegan Passalacqua, Winemaker, Turley Wine Cellars: Hayne’s turley tegan passalaquaVineyard – Tegan was hired as a harvest intern in 2003 but was quickly offered a full time job when his talent in the vineyard became apparent.  Tegan has since further honed his skills working harvests with Alain Graillot in the northern Rhône Valley as well as Eben Sadie in Swartland, South Africa.

Between his travels & rigorous vineyard duties, Tegan began gradually taking on more of the Turley winemaking responsibilities as well, eventually becoming head Winemaker & Vineyard Manager in 2013.  A founding member of the non-profit Historic Vineyard Society, he now oversees the winemaking and vineyard duties for all 35 vineyards and 28 wines.

turleyTurley 2013 Petite Syrah, Hayne Vineyard, St. Helena – available on mailing list or at the tasting room only,  voluptous, richness as well as opaque black/blue colors, concentrated bold blackberry and blueberry fruit, exotic spice, leather,chewey tannin, drink now though 2026, age worthy wine, only 1,200 cases produced.

Mike Hendry, Proprietor, Hendry Winery: R.W. Moore Vineyard – The R.W. Moore Vineyard is located near the southern Hendry wines mike hendryend of the Napa Valley, in the Coombsville AVA. It was planted in 1905 and is maintained in the traditional, dry farmed, head trained, and field blended style. Mike and Molly Hendry have been producing wines from this iconic Napa vineyard since 2009. The earliest vines here date from 1905. Based on the age of this vineyard, many of the vines have been replaced due to disease and other factors. As they are replaced, Mike preserves the heritage of the vineyard and replants with varietals that historically have grown here. These are varietals such as Carigne, Napa Gamay and Petite Sirah.

A normal year sees anywhere between 300 to 500 cases. A typical vintage spends approximately 18 months in both French and Hungarian Oak and then a year in bottle before being released. There is less of the 2013 vintage because of the Napa Valley the 6.1 earthquake in August of 2014. Mike and Molly,  lost several barrels of their 2013 vintage.  Mike & Molly Zinfandel 2013, RW Moore Vineyard, Napa Valley $ 38,  savory, structure, continues to open up as we drink, pleasant at the beginning, got some muscle, berry notes, distinctively polish, structure, and will get better with age. 

Russell Bevan, Winemaker, Chase Cellars: Hayne’s Vineyard -” High energy and passionate are some of the words people often use to chase cellars russel bevandescribe Russell, but we’re not sure those adjectives do him justice.” wrote on their website. Wait until you meet him, full of energy, polished, and warm.  His passion for winemaking shined through during the wine class. He could have been a moderator.   2012 Chase Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel, St. Helena,  afternoon site, more oak, sweet, blue fruit, black fruit, cigar, essence and complexity of their ancient vines, ample tannins, smooth, velvelty.

Genevieve Janssens, Winemaker, Robert Mondavi Winery: To Kalon Vineyard – Geneviève’s connection to Robert Mondavi returned in 1989, when she became Director of Production at Opus One Winery. Then, in 1997, she came full circle as the Director of preservation societyWinemaking at the Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2000, she helped implement the To Kalon Project, the winery’s first major renovation since it was founded in 1966. The new To Kalon Fermentation Cellar allows Robert Mondavi Winery to make Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Oakville District Cabernet Sauvignon in a winemaking facility equal to its surrounding historic To Kalon Vineyard. “I wanted to be there for the construction, creativity and challenge,” says Geneviève. “We have created a new winery for our To Kalon estate, one of the most extraordinary vineyards on earth.”

Robert Mondavi 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville $155.00, 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% robert mondavi to kalomCabernet Franc, 3% Petite Verdot – A powerful wine,  rich, spicy blackberry and blueberry fruit, cinnamon, sage, coriander and tobacco flavors. While muscular, the wine is elegantly structured with fresh acidity, fine tannins and a richly dense mouthfeel. This is their second vintage of our To Kalon Vineyard-designated Reserve. When Robert Mondavi chose the To Kalon Vineyard, in west Oakville, as the home for his new winery in 1966 he remarked that, “It was a vineyard with a distinguished history and a magical nature. Ideal soils, sunlight, and rain—to my eye, the vineyard was a treasure.” Those sentiments were re-preservation society2confirmed when the To Kalon Vineyard was named the Vineyard of the Year by the California State Farm Bureau in 2011. This Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is blended from the finest blocks within To Kalon.

This Preservation Society class was amazing by wine educator Christopher Sawyer of SawyerSomm.com. We learn that old vines don’t need much water. We’re lucky to have these vines that as old as hundreds of year. Europe doesn’t have these vines. And to be consider historic, these vines need to be fifty years old ore more.

These winemakers are doing what they can to preserve these old vines and continue to make good wines for us to consume. So next time before you raise a glass of old vines of Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, or Cab, think of these winemakers, how hard they work to preserve the good juice that we are lucky to drink.

Moderator: Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier, Wine Educator, Journalist

We didn’t get to attend the cooking demo, lunch, dinner, nor the Grand Tasting this year. However, for the three events we attended. rick moonen katie shafferWe have learned so much from the wine classes, tasted some of the iconic wines, and golfed with some celebrity chefs and winemakers. Along with making some new friends, we got to sit next to Master Top Chef Rick Moonen of RM Seafood Restaurant in Las Vegas and Katie Shaffer of Feast It Forward in the Presevation Society class at the Culinarily Institute of America Greystone, this only happened at Flavor! Napa Valley.

Flavor! Napa Valley continues to be one of the best food and wine festivals that not to be missed. Until Flavor! Napa Valley 2017, Happy wining and dining.

Nineth annual pebble beach food & wine, MAR 31 – APR 3, 2016, Pebble Beach, CA

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Enjoy 4 days of the decadent in food and wine with an epic epicurean
event, Pebble Beach Food and Wine. One of the country’s premier destinations, bringing together the world’s Founders -217most revered culinary
talent for 3 nights and 4 days of epicurean excellence.  Attendees are invited to explore the three world-class resorts including The Inn at Spanish Bay, Lodge at Pebble Beach, and Casa Palmero, where more than 100 renowned chefs and 250 distinguished wineries come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional lunches, dinners, cooking demos, chef collaborations, and experience the amazing Grand Tastings, featuring the industry’s leading experts and most coveted restaurants in the world. Participants include
1nationally and internationally acclaimed chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Gavin Kaysen, Stephanie Prida, Bryce Shuman, Philip Tessier, Dave Beran, Jérôme Bocuse, Mathew Peters and Joshua Skenes, will showcase the skills that place them among the world’s very best.

 

Highlights from the ninth annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine:

Lunches & Dinners:

  • Christopher Kostow & Nathaniel Dorn – The New Napa Experience: Chef Christopher Kostow‘s three Michelin stars at the Restaurant at Meadowood require a discipline of technique and talent. This year at Pebble Beach, Kostow and business PBFW_chefs_toasting_fadepartner Nathaniel Dorn will relax a bit as they début the family-style cuisine that epitomizes the “New Napa Experience.” Kostow and Dorn’s event will offer guests a sneak peek taste of their upcoming new restaurant in St. Helena, offering guests another “only at Pebble Beach” dining experience

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 6:30p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

  • South Australia – The Epicurean Way: Welcome to South Australia: our sunburnt land of wide blue skies and ochre desert sands, of vineyard-laden hills and clear ocean waters. Take a culinary adventure where the produce is real and the wines are robust and unique. Join Tasting Australia Creative Director Chef Simon Bryant and Barossa Chef Lachlan Colwill on an epicurean journey through some of Australia’s most iconic food and wine regions. Travel through South Australia via Kangaroo Island’s pristine beauty, stunning coastline, and world-renowned vineyards. U.S. chefs Michel Nischan and Bruce Kalman will join Simon and Lachlan to guide you through the flavors of South Australia.

Date: Friday, April 1, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

  • Booze & Bites Lunch at Restaurant 1833: Pebble Beach Food & Wine is very proud to host San Francisco’s most amazing culinary Friday Dinner (25)couple for the annual lunch at Restaurant 1833. Chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinsky of State Bird Provisions and The Progress have re-invigorated the Bay Area dining scene with what many consider to be the two of San Francisco’s best restaurant additions in decades. They’ll join Restaurant 1833 Executive Chef Jason Franey to create an extraordinary lunch, available “only at Pebble Beach.”

Date: Friday, April 1, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Wine Seminars:

  • Women and Wine: Master Class: In the words of acclaimed singer James Brown, “This is a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.” Historically Remix-74speaking, the wine industry has been heavily dominated by males, but at the end of the day, are women intuitively and biologically better tasters of wine? This unique seminar allows guests to explore the world of wine through a female’s perspective with moderator Christie Dufault, Culinary Institute of America’s Associate Professor and all female Master Sommeliers Gillian Balance, June Rodil and Emily Wines. Taste through a flight of wines together while discussing the intersection of physiology, psychology and gender.

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

  • Big Bottles Bubbles Seminar: Ever wonder why certain wines are bottled in larger formats than the traditional 750 mL? Did you Founders-313-103know that the average glassblower’s lung capacity was between 700 – 800 mL of air, such that the volume gradually standardized? Many winemakers and sommeliers nevertheless feel that the 1.5 L size bottle is preferable for ageing. Can you tell the difference in the glass? Join the fun exploration of comparative tasting while addressing the the age old question, “Does size matter?”

Date: Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

  • Champagne Bollinger: A Living Heritage: Drunk by James Bond and beloved by connoisseurs the world around, Champagne bollingerBollinger is synonymous with luxury.  It is also the only Champagne house to receive the prestigious “Enterprise du Patrimoine Vivant” award, the French government’s highest award given to businesses. Bollinger is France, a living heritage, and Pebble Beach Food & Wine is thrilled to host an unparalleled retrospective tasting of their top cuvée, “Grande Année.”

Date: Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 10:00 a.m – 11:15 a.m.

Cooking Demonstrations:

  • Cat Cora’s “World Tour”: It’s no surprise that Cat Cora has become a world renowned chef. In 2005, she made television 3history on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” as the first and only female Iron Chef, and in November 2006 Bon Appétit Magazine bestowed her with their “Teacher of the Year Award,” an honor she calls, “the greatest recognition she could achieve as a chef.” That same month, she was also bestowed with another great culinary distinction when she was named Executive Chef of Bon Appétit. Since then, Cora has continued to evolve her craft, becoming an accomplished author, restaurateur, contributing editor, philanthropist, and television host.

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

 

Opening Night Reception

opening-night
The 9th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine kicks off on Thursday MAR 31 at 6 PM at the famous Inn at Spanish Bay for a night of unbridled indulgence. The Opening Night Reception features delicious bites from from 23 top chefs and tasting of over 200 domestic and international wines
Get your ticket now!

Wine Seminars

With 22 dedicated wine seminars over the course of the weekend, wine2Pebble Beach Food and Wine is the perfect place for the true wine connoisseur. Whether you prefer to compare a broad spectrum of wines within a certain varietal, discover the diverse range of wines that one winery can produce, or taste how different the same wine from the same vineyard can be depending on the vintage, Pebble Beach Food and Wine offers the experience you’re looking for. Whatever tasting you visit, you’re assured to be trying the finest wines the world has to offer. A few events with tickets are still available: Get your ticket here!

After Hours v.1-01At Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the partying continues for our select group of celebrity chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and industry influencers who dance quite literally until dawn.

Tickets

Three total weekend packages are available. Tickets can be purchased at: Pebble Beach Food and Wine website.

I’m so looking forward to support this great cause epicurean event, as well as meeting these chefs, and industry influencers. There’s so much to learn, to explore, and to be inspired.

Don’t forget to harshtag us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook #PBFW @PBFW @DiningOutVegas @DepLifestyleMag and @1MandaBear.

Pebble Beach Food & Wine Hotels

Golf-41Many of the motels and hotels at Pebble Beach are within walking distance or just 10, 15 minutes drive to the Pebble Beach Food & Wine events. Nearby options, search in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove and Monterey also provide easy access to the event with shuttles daily by half an hour or an hour, please check www.PBFW.com website for details. To check for hotels availability here Travelocity.com/Hotels

Pebble Beach Food & Wine: 

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Cab Fest Napa Valley, March 4-6, 2016, to benefit the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center

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CabFestCabFest Napa Valley, the premier luxury lifestyle event that celebrates Cabernet Sauvignon and benefits the arts, is set to return to the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater in Yountville, California, March 4 – 6, 2016.

CabFest Napa Valley, a world-class, three-day arts benefit event, will again feature hundreds of wineries showcasing tastes of Napa’s flagship wine varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, an exclusive selection of wines curated by The Wine Bible author Karen MacNeil, vibrant grand wine tastings, intimate boutique wine tastings, innovative cuisine, interactive and informative breakout sessions and live entertainment including a performance by recording artist Mat Kearney, as well as VIP and limited-access experiences and after parties.

wine“While CabFest Napa Valley is definitely a celebration of this region’s signature wine varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon, it is also a reflection of the finest combined elements of wine country including the food, live entertainment, people and trendsetters that personify the Napa Valley lifestyle,” said CabFest Napa Valley Producer, Michael Madden. “We are proud to also announce that we will again stage this event with our beneficiary non-profit partner, the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater.”

A preview of just some of the 2016 CabFest Napa Valley Event Mat KearneySchedule includes:

• CabFest Napa Valley Kickoff Concert with headliner, recording artist Mat Kearney, followed by the highly-popular and exclusive “Cigars and Guitars” after party for VIP pass holders.

• Daily Grand Karen MacNeilTastings and Boutique Tastings featuring hundreds of wines, as well as the CabFest Symposium with wine world stars such as wine author Karen MacNeil, winemakers, sommeliers and chefs.

• The release of the new hardcover book the CabFest Napa Valley – Premium Guide to Cabernet Sauvignon, First Edition.
About CabFest Napa Valley 2016

CabFest Napa Valley is a luxury lifestyle celebration of wine, food and entertainment, created to attract a wide audience to the Napa Valley during the shoulder season and simultaneously benefit local arts education. The inaugural CabFest Napa Valley attracted more than 2,000 patrons, with 70% of the attendees traveling from outside the area (17 states and more than three countries). For tickets, or to participate or sponsor, visit CabFestNapaValley.com or call 707.944.9900.

Tickets are also available at the Lincoln Theater Box Office at 100 California Drive in Yountville, California from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information visit CabFestNapaValley.com.
Like CabFest on Facebook and Follow on Twitter, and Instagram.

About the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater

The Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater is a non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to the cultural and artistic education and well-being of the Napa Valley. The Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that nurtures the next generation of artists and audiences through extensive arts education programs, while sustaining a more vibrant and engaged community, through initiatives ranging from presenting world-renowned artists and producing Symphony Napa Valley, to creating and sustaining arts education and access programs in schools, to producing arts and culture education and outreach on site at Lincoln Theater.

Wine Events at Flavor! Napa Valley with Christopher Sawyer of SawyerSomm.com – WINE MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING

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ChristopherSawyerWine Events at Flavor! Napa Valley with Christopher Sawyer of SawyerSomm.com – WINE MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING – Christopher Sawyer is an internationally-renowned sommelier,  wine educator, journalist, consultant, critic and public speaker: He travels the world following trends in wine and participating as a VIP judge in the world’s top wine competitions, and has been featured in a wide range of national media, including USAToday, MSN, NBC, ABC, CBS, Redbook, The Hollywood Reporter, Maxim, National Geographic Traveler, CNN and Esquire.

WINE PARTNER
NVV_CenteredLogo_150wThe Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its more than 525 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, to provide environmental leadership and to care for the extraordinary place they call home.

Check out these amazing wine events:

Terroir to Table: Exploration of Pinot Noirs with Etude Wines
Location: Etude Wines – 1250 Cuttings Wharf Road Napa, CA 94559 
Thursday, March 17, 2016 -Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Join winemaker Jon Priest for a unique tasting that showcases Etude’s continual study of this captivating varietal and its varying expressions from Carneros, Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County and Willamette Valley. Jon will lead a side-by-side tasting of these limited regional Pinot Noirs to help you understand how terroir influences the aromas and flavors of this popular grape and explore how Pinot Noir is highly sensitive to climate and changes in soil composition. With Etude’s minimal intervention approach, even when each Pinot Noir is treated the exact same way in the winery, the resulting wines will ultimately be different. After the intimate seated tasting, Jon will lead Flavor guests into Etude’s cellar for a behind-the-scenes barrel tasting of an unreleased vintage of all the Pinots just tasted. Guests will also come away with a bottle of Pinot and other surprises. Space is very limited.

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The Taste of Time: A Retrospective Tasting with Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Location: Silverado Resort and Spa – 1600 Atlas Peak Road Napa, CA 94558
Thursday, March 17, 2016 –  
Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm

In celebration of the 40-year anniversary of the Judgment of Paris Tasting, join winemakers Matt Crafton of Chateau Montelena and Marcus Nataro of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars for this exclusive tasting of rare and unique wines that represent the flavor of Napa Valley and each winery’s commitment to quality over the past four decades.

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Wine Class: Spring Awakening & the Rosé Revolution
Location: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone 2555 Main Street St. Helena, CA 94574
Friday, March 18, 2016 –  Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

rose-grabAn in-depth tasting experience focused on the wide range of dry, elegant, and refreshing styles of pink wines made with premium grapes from Napa Valley, and how these tasty delights pair with fine cuisine in the Spring and Summer months.

Participants include:
Tim Collar, Saintsbury: Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Carneros
Kevin Morrisey, Ehlers Estate: “Sylviane” Cabernet Franc Rose, Estate, St. Helena
Julia Johnson, Tres Sabores: “Ingrid & Julia” Rose, Napa Valley
Robin Akhurst, Swanson Vineyards, Rosato, Antica Vineyard, Atlas Peak

Moderator: Traci Dutton, Manager, Public Wine and Beverage Studies,The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

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Wine Class: Pinot Paradise
Location: The Culinary Institute of America at Copia – 500 1st Street Napa, CA 94559
Friday, March 18, 2016 – Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Fuel your passion for Pinot Noir with this unique tasting of sophisticated wines made with fruit grown in Carneros and other special sites in Napa Valley. Food pairing suggestions from chefs, sommeliers, and much more!

Jon Priest, Winemaker, Etude Wines, Carneros
Steve Rogstad, Winemaker, Cuvaison Estate Wines, Carneros
David Mahaffey, Winemaker, Miss Olivia Brion Wines, Wild Horse Valley
Alez Beloz, Winemaker, Poseidon Vineyard, Carneros
Amelia Ceja, Ceja Vineyards, Carneros
Moderator: Christie Default, Professor, Wine and Beverage Studies, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

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Terroir to Table: Appellation Exploration at HALL Wines
Location: HALL Wines St. Helena – 401 Saint Helena Highway Saint Helena, CA 94574 
Friday, March 18, 2016 – Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Led by acclaimed winemaker, Steve Leveque, Flavor guests are invited to join HALL Wines for an unparalleled opportunity experiencing the quality and diversity of Napa Valley’s distinct appellations. This is a one-of-a-kind wine tasting of HALL’s most limited-production wines showcasing the impact of terroir, climate and elevation. Everything other than appellation is constant – the vintage, winemaking team, winemaking approach, technology in the vineyard and cellar all remain the same. This tasting proves just that. All wines served are carefully paired with seasonal bites with one of HALL’s Chefs providing insight into why the wines pair well with the dish. With a portfolio of outstanding wines from thirteen of the sixteen Napa Valley appellations, HALL is uniquely positioned to offer this experience to guests ranging from novice wine drinkers to experts and critics. All guests will come away with a special giveaway. Guests will experience luxury at its finest with HALL’s unique Appellation Exploration event.

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Wine Class: Preservation Society
Location: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone 2555 Main Street St. Helena, CA 94574
Friday, March 18, 2016 –  Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Food-WineBefore Cabernet Sauvignon became the most popular grape in the Napa Valley, most of the full-bodied red wines were made with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and other legendary grape varietals referred to as “mixed blacks.” Come find out what the proprietors of Biale Vineyard, Hendry Vineyards, Turley Cellars and other boutique producers are doing to preserve these special old vineyard sites.

Participants include:
Robert Biale, Proprietor, Robert Biale Winery: Aldo’s Vineyard
Tegan Passalacqua, Winemaker, Turley Wine Cellars, Hayne’s Vineyard, Mike Hendry, Proprietor, Hendry Winery: R.W. Moore Vineyard, Russell Bevan, Winemaker, Chase Cellars: Hayne’s Vineyard, Genevieve Janssens, Robert Mondavi Winery: To Kalon Vineyard

Moderator: Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier, Wine Educator, Journalist

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Wine Class: Aromatic White Wines for Spring

Location: The Culinary Institute of America at Copia – 500 1st Street Napa, CA 94559
Friday, March 18, 2016 –
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Love refreshing wines with aromatic aromas? Or simply looking for a crisp alternative to Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc? Then check out the new delicate styles of white wine from Napa Valley that are becoming very fashionable to pair with so many styles of fine cuisine.

Participants include:
Mike Chelini, Winemaker, Stony Hill Vineyard, Spring Mountain
Jeff Virnig, Winemaker, Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Carneros
Francis Mahoney, Mahoney Vineyards, Carneros
Ry Richards, Chappellet Winery, Pritchard Hill
Craig Becker, Priest Ranch/Somerston Estate, Napa Valley
Moderator: Robert Bath, Master Sommelier & Professor, Wine and Beverage Studies, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

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Wine Class: Forward Thinking, The Young Stars of Napa Valley
Location: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone 2555 Main Street St. Helena, CA 94574 
Saturday, March 19, 2016 –  Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Meet the next generation of talented winemakers in Napa Valley. Find out the new wine trends they are applying to their family vineyards, discover the intriguing grape varietals they are working with, and taste the signature styles of wines which set them apart from the rest!

Participants include:
Alan Viader, Viader Vineyards & Winery
Judd Finkelstein, Judd’s Hill
Alex Llamas, Winemaker, Llamos Winery
Joe Harden, Robert Mondavi Winery
Patrick Foley, Foley Johnson Winery

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Terroir to Table: St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Aromatherapy with a Corkscrew
Location: St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery – 8440 Saint Helena Highway Rutherford, CA 94573 
Saturday, March 19, 2016 – Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Explore wine aromas suggestive of fruit character, barrel aging and terroir while tasting four estate grown St. Supéry wines. Exercise your sense of smell through a series of aroma identifications designed for you to discover how your personal sensory memory impacts how you recognize aromas. This interactive sommelier-led experience includes a mystery wine game and ultimately guides guests to develop a savvy for identifying more aromas in their glass which heightens the enjoyment of wine. This is a fantastic way to begin your visit to Napa Valley.

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Wine Class: High Elevation Wines, Part 1 – Eastside
Location: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone – 2555 Main Street Saint Helena, CA 94574
Saturday, March 19, 2016 – Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Join us for this detailed exploration of complex wines made with grapes grown on high elevation sites in the rugged eastern hills of the Napa Valley.

Participants Include:
Remi Cohen, President, Poetry Wines/Cliff Lede Vineyards: Stags Leap District
Glenn Salva, Antica Napa Valley, Atlas Peak
Gillian Balance, Beringer/Treasury Wine Estates
Tina Mitchell, Palmaz Vineyards, Combsville
Mia Klein, Cimarosso, Howell Mountain

Moderator: Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier and Founder of SawyerSomm.com

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Wine Class: High Elevation Wines, Part 2 – Westside

Location: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone 2555 Main Street St. Helena, CA 94574
Saturday, March 19, 2016 –  Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm

wineExplore flavorful selections of wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and other special varietals used to create limited release wines and proprietary blends from hidden sites on the Mayacamas Range overlooking Napa Valley.

Participants include:
Hugh Davies, Proprietor, J Davies/Schramsberg, Diamond Mountain
Christopher Howell, Winegrower/GM, Cain Winery & Vineyard, Spring Mountain
Stuart Smith, Winemaker, Smith Madrone Vineyards & Winery, Spring Mountain
Mariano Navarro, Viticulturalist, Mt. Brave/Lokoya Wines, Mt Veeder
Jay Turnipseed, Mount Veeder Winery, Mt. Veeder
Moderator: Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier and Founder of SawyerSomm.com

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Wine Class: Exploring the Rhone Zone
Location: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone – 2555 Main Street Saint Helena, CA 94574
Saturday, March 19, 2016 – Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm

From aromatic white wines and elegant red blends, to bold and spicy vineyard designates, taste and discover why many talented winemakers in Napa Valley are working with grape varietals that were originally made famous in the Rhone Valley of France and other special regions around the globe.

Participants include:
David Miner, Proprietor, Miner Family Winery
Joanne Wings, Stags’ Leap Winery
Carolyn Meridith, Proprietor, Lagier Meredith Vineyard
Ashley Hepworth, Winemaker, Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Jeff Cohn, Jeff Cohn Cellars

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Bubbly Sensations: Exploring the Top Sparkling Wines of Napa Valley

Location: The Meritage Resort and Spa – 875 Bordeaux Way Napa, CA 94558
Saturday, March 19, 2016 –  Time: 9:30am – 11am

wine2Start your Sunday off in style by tasting through the top sparkling wines of Napa Valley! Find out where the grapes are grown and how the winemakers create levels of flavor and complexity that make their sparkling gems so special. Bubbles and knowledge in every sip!

Participating Wineries:
Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Mumm Napa, Schramsberg

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Countdown to Flavor! Napa Valley March 16 – 20, 2016 Five Days, 40 Events and One Legendary Festival


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The countdown to Flavor! Napa Valley, March 16 – 20, 2016, has begun! The five-day food and wine festival

foodsupports programs and scholarships at The Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Campus in St. Helena, CA. Flavor! Napa Valley showcases the finest in farm-to-table cuisine and world class wines with a series of local and celebrity chef demonstrations, intimate winemaker workshops, as well as grand tastings and exclusive experiences to bring out the best flavors of Napa Valley.

A highlight of Flavor! Napa Valley 2016 events include and a whole lot more events at Flavor! Napa Valley :

  • rose-grabWednesday, March 16First Taste, Napa Valley, presented by Downtown Napa at the Culinary Institute of America’s new downtown campus at Copia in Napa, 6 – 9 p.m., *$95 per person. *Those who book overnight accommodations in downtown Napa will receive two tickets to the event.
  • Silverado-500wThursday, March 17The Celebrity Chef and Winemaker Golf Tournament, new for 2016, at Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $200 per person.
  • Thursday, March 17 – A Celebration of the Judgment of Paris Dinner at Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, 6 – 10 p.m., $295 per person. Participating chefs include Matthew Accarrino, Bradley Ogden, Justin Yu and Larry Forgione.
  • ChristopherKostow-150wFriday, March 18 – “Chef Demonstration: Cooking with Chef Christopher Kostow – Join Chef Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley, 12 – 1:30 p.m., $101.22 for a behind-the-scenes look at his cooking style and techniques. A Michelin-starred chef before the age of 30, Kostow attributes his culinary philosophy in part to Napa Valley’s vibrant terroir.
  • Saturday, March 19- “Legendary Napa Valley, The Grand Tasting –  all presented in The Culinary Institute of America’s
    ToddEnglishhistoric Greystone building, St. Helena, Napa Valley, VIP 6 p.m, general admission 7 – 9:30 p.m., $185.62-$238.37. This epicurean adventure showcases a collection of the Napa Valley’s most celebrated and innovative vintners and chefs. The Legendary Grand Tasting will feature nearly 80 wineries and fare from over 25 of the Valley’s best restaurants.
  • Sunday, March 20 — The Meet Your Maker; The Butcher, The First-TasteBaker, and The Sparkling Wine MakerBrunch Party at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., $125 per person.Saturday, March 19 — Legendary Napa Valley, The Grand Tasting at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, 7 – 9:30 p.m., $175 per person.

Terroir to Table
In addition to the Flavor! Napa Valley events listed above, the five-
Flavor_Hero_1280x618v3day food and wine event also includes a series of “Terroir to Table” workshops Thursday, March 17 through Saturday, March 19. These include “Behind the Scenes with Nickel & Nickel;” “Detox to Retox” at Indian Springs Resort; “Appellation Exploration” at HALL Wines; and “Winery Aromatherapy with a Corkscrew” at St. Supery Estate Vineyards.

Chef Demos
A highlight of Flavor! Napa Valley “Chef Demos” include an “OpenTable Industry Trends Panel” at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia; “Cooking with Christopher Kostow,”chef at Michelin three star The Restaurant at Meadowood; “Pizza Making with Tony Gemignani,” of Tony’s Pizza Napoletana; and “From Vegas to the Valley with Chef Rick Moonen.”

Wine Classes
Additional highlights of Flavor! Napa Valley include Wine Classes, offered Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19, include “Spring First-TasteAwakening & the Rose Revolution;” “Aromatic White Wines for Spring;” “Exploring the Rhone Zone;” and “The Young Turks of Napa Valley.”

Other exciting events, including “After Parties,” and “Tours,” as well as full descriptions of all events, including dates, times, pricing and ticket information, may be found at Flavor! Napa Valley.

Overnight Packages
For those wishing to enjoy a “full” Flavor! Napa Valley experience by attending multiple events over the course of four days, Visit Napa Valley offers an array of overnight packages, many of which include tickets to select Flavor! Napa Valley events.

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