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Drink, magazine, Napa Valley, Travel, Wineries

Musically Delicious

November 2, 2017 DepLifestyleMag

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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

Chefs, Culinary Events, Lifestyle, Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Wineries

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

March 10, 2016 DepLifestyleMag

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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 most 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
nationally 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 partner 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 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 speaking, 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 know 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 Bollinger 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 history 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.

The Culinary Olympics at Pebble Beach IX: The Ment’Or Cooking Demo & Dinner: Dubbed the “Culinary Olympics,” the Bocuse d’Or is the culinary arts’ most respected international cooking competition, one in which the world’s best converge on Lyon, France for a marathon five and a half hour chef extravaganza in front of thousands of cheering fans. At this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the United States representatives from Chef Bocuse’s premier culinary event, including 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.

Opening Night Reception

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, Pebble 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!

At 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

Many 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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by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

Chefs, Culinary Events, Lifestyle, magazine, Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Travel, Wineries

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

March 3, 2016 DepLifestyleMag

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CabFest 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.

“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 Schedule 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 Tastings 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.

Chefs, Culinary Events, Lifestyle, magazine, Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Travel, Wineries

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

February 6, 2016 DepLifestyleMag

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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.

WINE PARTNER
The 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.

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.

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

An 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

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

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.

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

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:
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

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

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

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.

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

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

Explore 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

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

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

Start 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

Buy your tickets here: Flavor! Napa Valley
Website: FlavorNapaValley.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlavorNapa
Instagram: https://instagram.com/FlavorNapa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlavorNapaValley

Chefs, Culinary Events, Lifestyle, magazine, Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Travel, Wineries

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

February 6, 2016 DepLifestyleMag

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

supports 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 :

Wednesday, March 16 — First 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.
Thursday, March 17 — The 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.
Friday, 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
historic 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 Baker, and The Sparkling Wine Maker” Brunch 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-
day 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 Awakening & 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.

Culinary Events, Lifestyle, magazine, Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Travel, Wineries

SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE TO WORLD PREMIERE AS OPENING NIGHT FILM AT THE 2015 NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL

October 29, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

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Director Jason Wise’s Widely Anticipated Follow-Up to His 2013 Hit Film SOMM Will Kick-Off the – Festival’s 5^th Edition on November 11

The Napa Valley Film Festival 2015 announced that Samuel Goldwyn Films’ SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE will have its world premiere as the Opening Night Film on November 11, 2015. SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE is writer/director Jason Wise’s highly anticipated follow-up to his 2013 acclaimed film SOMM, which provided viewers with an illuminating look into the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers and the massively intimidating Master Sommelier Exam. SOMM also world premiered as the Opening Night Film at the Napa Valley Film Festival, at the festival’s second edition in 2012.

Through the eyes of the world’s greatest somms and winemakers, SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE raises the curtain on the seldom-seen world that surrounds the wine we drink by allowing viewers intimate access to the most accomplished sommeliers in the world, as well as to some of the most prestigious winemakers working today. By opening some of the world’s most rare bottles of wine, the viewer will understand how a wine ages, what happens in a cellar and exactly what oak in wine means. The film takes a look at how history has impacted wine, from the Romans, to Prohibition, to the World Wars and even current events such as the Napa Earthquake.

“We were honored in 2012 to host the world premiere of SOMM, so it makes it doubly sweet to be hosting the world premiere of the sequel, SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE,” said NVFF Executive & Artistic Director Marc Lhormer. “If you know and love wine, you know that when you plant a new vineyard, it takes five years until the grapes are good enough to go ‘into the bottle,’ so we’re thrilled to open our fifth annual Napa Valley Film Festival with such a prestigious film.”

Filmmaker Jason Wise, a 2015 Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, added: “The Napa Valley Film Festival provided an excellent launching pad for SOMM, and I’m very excited to be returning to where it all started with SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE. I could not imagine premiering the film anywhere else, and I am proud to share it with the Napa community.”

The Napa Valley Film Festival’s Opening Night, Wednesday, November 11, will feature a pair of screenings of SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE. The premiere itself will screen at 5:00 p.m. at the Uptown Theater (1350 3^rd St.) in downtown Napa, a historic art deco movie palace serving as the headquarter theater for the festival. Filmmaker Jason Wise will be in attendance, as will renowned sommeliers: Brian McClintic, Ian Cauble, Fred Dame, DLynn Proctor and Geoff Kruth, who are featured in the film and were also featured in SOMM.

Admission will be granted to members of NVFF’s Patron Circle (memberships available) and other invited VIP guests. A limited number of individual tickets may also be available in advance. An encore screening at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Theater will be open to all festival passholders.

NVFF’s Opening Night Party will be held following the premiere screening at Napa’s Riverfront Promenade at the Napa River Inn.
A Forgotten Man Films production, SOMM: INTO THE BOTTLE is directed by Jason Wise, written by Jason Wise and Christina Wise and produced by Jason Wise, Christina Wise and Jackson Myers. Executive produced by Diane Carpenter and William Fowler. Co-produced by Geoff Kruth.

Goldwyn plans an early 2016 release for the film. For more information, please visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sommdocfilm
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOMM_FILM
Instagram: https://instagram.com/somm_film/

Culinary Events, Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Wineries

NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL CULINARY STAGE & WINE PAVILIONS NOV 11-15, 2015

October 28, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

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The Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) is the ultimate celebration of film, food and wine, in the picturesque towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga at the most colorful time of year, November 11-15, 2015. In addition to amazing films, attendees enjoy industry panels, culinary demonstrations, wine tasting pavilions, special events and parties, winemaker dinners and more.

The Riverfront Promenade at the Napa River Inn is the major NVFF hub in downtown Napa. Along the river you’ll discover the Wine Pavilion, Stella Artois Airstream & Beer Garden, chef demonstrations on the Ferguson Culinary Stage presented by Traditional Home, interactive exhibits by festival sponsors, and more.

CULINARY DEMONSTRATIONS
Join us at the Ferguson Culinary Stage, presented by Traditional Home, where Napa’s very own food and wine experts share their creativity and mouthwatering insights. And this year, you’ll meet some of the filmmakers who will share the stage with the Chefs.

Riverfront Promenade at the Napa River Inn is located at 500 Main Street, Napa.

There will be plenty of events for you to attend such as Variety’s Ten to Taste, presented by Food Network and Cooking Channel. Sample dishes inspired by iconic food scenes in the movies brought to you by ten young chefs who will put their own fresh spin on some well-known dishes and present them to the audience and a distinguished panel of VIP guests.

Other events such as Pair Like a Pro with Chef Rodney Worth (The Pear), Wine Spectator hosts a panel with Terlato Family Wines on how to “Pair Like a Pro.” Chris Kollar makes magic happen as he creates hand-rolled truffles. Discover Atlas Social Napa Chef/Owner Nick Ritchie’s creative and whimsical approach to cooking at his demo of one of his most popular specialties, Ricotta Gnocchi! Slow-food movement enthusiast Valentina Guolo-Migotto shows us how to make traditional Italian organic pasta fresca. Clif Family Winery chef John McConnell and SPQR chef Matt Accarrino, both avid cyclists, produce dishes for energy recovery for athletes. Guest filmmaker: Tamara Christopherson, director of Personal Gold: An Underdog Story. Oenotri Chef Tyler Rodde prepares a selection of seafood in a recipe grounded in his restaurant’s rustic, Southern Italian approach with only the best local ingredients.

WINE EXPERIENCES

No other festival offers the variety and quality of the wines curated for you each day at the Wine Experiences in our festival villages. The NVFF 2015 Wine Experiences include our Wine Pavilions in Napa and St. Helena, and Wine Strolls in Yountville and Calistoga. Wine Pavilions feature wines from several wineries all in one place at one time, while our Wine Strolls allow you to walk leisurely through the main streets of each town to visit a series of participating tasting rooms for a complimentary tasting experience.

Napa Wine Pavilion is located at the Riverfront Promenade, 500 Main Street, Napa.

Carneros Wine Alliance – Featured Wineries: Bouchaine Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Domaine Carneros, Etude, Poseidon Vineyard, Schug Carneros Estate Winery, Truchard Vineyards

Napa General Store Wine Club – Featured Wineries: Avatar Vintners, Inc., BOS Wine, Chase Cellars, Croze & Smith Wooten, Fortunati Vineyards, Kasten Family Wines, Lobo Wines, Maroon Wines, Noble Wines, Nichelini Family Winery, Three Clicks Wines, Tres Sabores, Wharton Wines

Mexican American Vintners Association (MAVA) – Featured Wineries: Ceja Vineyards, Encanto Vineyards, Herencia del Valle, Honrama Cellars, Justicia Wines, Llamas Family Wines, Maldonado Family Vineyards, Mario Bazan Cellars, Mi Sueno Winery, Renteria Wines, Scalon Cellars.

St. Helena Wine Pavilion is located at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, 739 Main Street, St. Helena.

NextGen – Featured Wineries: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Bonded Winery #9, Ghost Block, Broman Cellars, Ceja Vineyards, Long Meadow Ranch Winery, Monticello Vineyards, Truchard Vineyards, V. Sattui Winery.

Appellation St. Helena – Featured Wineries: Ballentine Vineyards, Benessere Vineyards, Crocker & Starr Wines, Dancing Hares Vineyard, Ehlers Estate, Pellet Estate, Raymond Vineyards, Roberts + Rogers Vineyards, Rombauer Vineyards, Salvestrin Wine, Stanton Vineyards, Young Inglewood Vineyards.

Rutherford Dust Society – Featured Wineries: Alpha Omega, Altra Wines, Conn Creek Winery, Foley Johnson, Freemark Abbey, Honig Vineyards & Winery, Inglenook, Long Meadow Ranch Winery, Peju Winery, Provenance Vineyards, Rutherford Grove Winery & Vineyards, Rutherford Hill Winery, SR Tonella Cellars, Sullivan Vineyards, Tres Sabores.

Wine Stroll Yountville participating wineries: Cornerstone Cellars, Chiarello Family Vineyards, LLC, Hill Family Estate, Hope & Grace Winery, Jessup Cellars, Priest Ranch, Raymond Vineyards.

Wine Stroll Calistoga participating wineries: August Briggs, Huge Bear Wines, Mt. View Hotel & Spa with guest wineries such as Summers Estate Wines, Bennet Lane and Charles Krug, Romeo Vineyards & Cellars, Tamber Bey, Tank Garage Winery, T-Vine Winery.

Wine Strolls take place Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15 daily at 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

VINTNER CIRCLE DINNERS: Vintner Circle members pair their world-class winemaking with the talents of top local chefs to present a series of unforgettable evenings of food, wine and lively conversation. Each dinner will celebrate one or more of our competition films. Guests will enjoy the company of – and conversation with – the filmmakers. Members of our Patron Circle and the invited guests enjoy one of the highlights of the festival: a showcase of what makes the Napa Valley one of the premier food and wine destinations in the world, with a special cinematic twist. The dinners will take place the evening of Saturday, November 14.

Participating wineries and vineyards include: Beaulieu Vineyard, Ca’ Momi Osteria, Caldwell Vineyard, Eleven Eleven Wines, Favia Erickson Winegrowers & Matthiasson Wines, Grgich Hills Estate, Hess Collection, Italics Winegrowers, Kelham Vineyards and Winery, Ma(i)sonry, Markham Vineyards, Merryvale Vineyards, Modus Operandi Cellars, Priest Ranch, Raymond Vineyards, Rombauer Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Trinchero Napa Valley and Taken Wine Co. Present the NextGeneration of Napa, Wolf Family Vineyards, Meadowood Napa Valley, Solage Calistoga Resort and Spa.

Napa Valley Film Fest five-day passes are the best way to experience all of the films, food, wine and conversation. We offer three levels of experience to choose from: FESTIVAL PASS, PASS PLUS and our VIP program: the PATRON CIRCLE. Learn More here.
Buy your passes here: Napa Film Fest Passes
Website: NapaValleyFilmFest.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NapaFilmFest
Instagram: https://instagram.com/napafilmfest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NapaFilmFest

Chef, Las Vegas, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Travel

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel, Las Vegas

August 10, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

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What not to love about Award-winning chef José Andrés combines traditional Spanish flavors with cutting edge culinary techniques in Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at the SLS hotel recently opens in 2014 in Las Vegas.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is the James Beard Award-winning chef’s wild and delightful celebration of the carnivorous, in all its forms. Enjoy nuanced, playful cuisine and cocktails for which The
Bazaar by José Andrés has become known on both coasts, in a strikingly seductive setting by Philippe Starck, in collaboration with Gensler and SLS Hotels.

Voted one of the “44 Best Restaurants in America” by Business Insider; Chef José Andrés goes beyond the traditional steakhouse, Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, it’s social, shared plates dining experience. It’s such a fun place for family and friends to get together.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres also features a creative cocktail selection with the well-known Bar Manager Hien Truong (formerly opening Hakkasan Vegas & Rose. Rabbit. Lie). With drinks like the Smoke on the Water, made with blackberries, atomized Scotch, Islay mist and flame and many cocktails are served table-side to show you a spectacular show of craftsmanship, only for those who truly appreciate it. And Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is also a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence”, an equally impressive wine list to match with the incredible cocktails list.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is designed by the famous architecture/designer Philippe Starck (Mondrian, Paramount, Hudson hotels in NYC, LA, Chicago, and Delano Miami South Beach) and features two private dining rooms, make me think of company dinner during CES. The restaurant is spacious. It’s probably one of the biggest restaurants that I’ve seen in Las Vegas, beautifully designed, warm, inviting, and quite intimate with an open kitchen, open flame grill when you first walk it.

Love the beautiful wooden communal table can hold up to 30 people. It’s a perfect table for Birthday, bachelorette, or a post work conference dinners.

While chef José Andrés bears the name, Chef De Cuisine David Thomas is the man in charge the kitchen and GM Yassine Lyoubi offers an impeccable service from the moment we arrived till we left.

The extensive menu offers everything about meats and a whole lot more from Mediterranean mussels to sea urchin, seared quail, farm chicken and oxtail. For dessert, enjoy delights like dark chocolate lollipops, bonbons, ice creams and sorbets.

The food:

– José’s Asian Taco – Jamón ibérico de bellota, toasted nori, flying fish roe – who would have thought, they go so well together?

– Cotton Candy Foie Gras Crispy amaranth – a MUST TRY

– Sea Urchin – Soy, Wasabi, pickled ginger, lemon

– Bagels & Lox Cone – Dill cream cheese, salmon roe

– Jamón Ibérico de Bellota* (Fermín, Salamanca, Spain) Hand-cut from the famous black-footed Spanish pig, Acorn-fed, free-range

– Wagyu Beef Cheeks Mojo Rojo, oranges

– Grilled Baby Corn Mayonnaise, chile piquin, popcorn powder

– Grilled Pulpo a la Gallega Galician style octopus, potato, pimentón

– Wagyu steak by 3 OZ minimum order, prepared to perfection

– The sausage was delicious for days….

Everything was prepared to perfection, out of this world with an impressive creation that I’ve never seen before. So if you come here, please leave your ‘narrow-minded’ and ‘traditional steakhouse mind’ at home. It’s Vegas, so go wild baby! You are surely in for a real treat!

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is just ten minutes cab drive off the strip. It’s worth the drive! This is one of the most exciting restaurants recently opening in Las Vegas.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel in Las Vegas
Restaurant Address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: (702) 761-7000
Website: http://slslasvegas.com/dining/bazaar-meat
Instagram: @BazaarByJose
Twitter: @BazaarMeat
Facebook: Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at SLS LasVegas

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by Manda Bear

Napa Valley, Travel, Wineries

Silver Trident Tasting House, with Co-Founder Bob Binder, at Ralph Lauren Home Furnishing, Yountville, Napa Valley

August 4, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Silver Trident Tasting House is nestled in the charming downtown Yountville. Tuscan-style home furnished in the famous Ralph Lauren Home Furnishing from the chandelier to the plate, from the comfortable chair to the beautiful picture frame, everything to detail, are Ralph Lauren. You can buy just about anything they have in this house and take it home with you. How cool is that?

It doesn’t feel as I was at the winery or a tasting room, which there are few in this town. I feel at home, or better yet, a luxurious hotel, but yet I was so comfortable and relaxed.

There are three rooms, which each can host for 4-8 people max. There’s no sitting nor standing bar. The arts on the walls are beautiful, modern, and inviting.

We arrived a little earlier than our appointment. We were greeted nicely with a splash of rose by Susan. She’s sweet, beautiful, and gracious. She told us the story of this small and limited production of wines. They only make about 1,800 cases per year. That’s little compared to over five wineries in Napa Valley.

– The Rosé of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – $28, only 200 cases, a perfect wine for Summer, #RoseAllDamnDay is my hashtag

– The Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc – $28, only 200 cases, think of Sunday brunch with your family and friends.

– The 2013 Benevolent Dictator Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Dutton Ranch Vineyard – $55, 400 cases. The microclimates of the Sonoma Coast AVA include the western portion of Carneros and the Petaluma Gap. This Pinot Noir was delicious, nice nose, bright cherry, bright acidity, a food-pairing wine, a Burgundian style, love it. A balanced wine with ripe flavors, silky texture and crisp acidity. Bright ruby color with aromas of cherry skin. The palate shows more cherry and dried fruit flavors with earthy notes. Clean, solid backbone, structure, ready to drink now or you can cellar aging it for years to come. It’s an ideal to pair to grilled fish, vegetables, or barbecued meats.

– 2010 Twenty Seven Fathoms, Napa Valley – $90, 400 cases – A Bordeaux blend style, this striking 2010 Cabernet is loaded with bright, vibrant fruit and has an exceptional body to match. The aromas and flavors of blackberry, currant, black cherry and toasty oak meld exquisitely with ample midpalate weight, a silky mouth-fee,l and luxurious tannins that add good length to the finish. An excellent wine to enjoy now, but it will also improve through cellar aging beyond 2020. I dig this wine! Think of Mediterranean lamb chop, a juicy Wagyu, or braised pork shoulder.

Kari Auringer, Winemaker, she’s been creating outstanding wines for over 14 years, including working on the team to create many of Napa’s Cult Cabs such as the 100-point Scarecrow, Lindstrom, Hollywood and Vine and Keever.

We got lucky on this visit. The co-founder Bob Binder was there. First met him, you wouldn’t know he’s the proprietor. He was energetic, vibrant, good sense of humor, and so humbled. “If you do the same things, the same way everyone else does,” he says, “you’ll end up being average. And average is synonymous with boring.” Binder said.

If we only knew he came from the best of the luxury hospitality business. The world of luxury cruise lines, think of the Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, he and good fortune to work with culinary luminaries like Jacques Pépin, a team of world-class chefs and sommeliers, and a host of outstanding epicurean partners like Bon Appétit and The Wine Spectator.

Walter Jost, the vintner, co-founded Silver Trident. Walter is past president of one of the world’s most prestigious travel companies. Although he left his native Switzerland at an early age, he’s proud of his heritage—and insists that the Swiss produce world-class wines, which they simply chose to drink themselves and not export. Walter walks each row of the estate vineyard, inspecting the vines every day while enjoying his morning coffee. Some call his meticulous attention to detail extreme. He simply calls it Swiss.

Binder and Jost, because they wanted to make extraordinary wines—wines that would be at home everywhere from a festive dinner table at home to the world of luxury hospitality where they’ve made their careers.

With only $25, you got to taste four wines, refundable with a purchase of $100 or more. If you want food pairing, you need to call in advance for it. The food pairing is a must. We got to try four different small bites, and it was fantastic to pair with the wines.

We enjoyed our visit very much, and I can’t wait to visit again. Silver Trident Tasting House is walking distance to Bottega Napa Valley, Bouchon Bistro, The French Laundry, Ad-Hoc, REDD, Redd wood, Hurley’s Restaurant, and Lucy’s Restaurant & Bar. It’s a perfect stop before your dinner in Yountville, or on your way back since most wineries are closed at 4-5 pm, Silver Trident opens till 7 pm.

Silver Trident Winery – Ralph Lauren Tasting House
Address: 6495 Washington Street
Yountville, California 94599
Tel: (707) 945-0311
Website:www.silvertridentwinery.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/silvertridents

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by Manda Bear

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Lifestyle, magazine, Sonoma County, Travel, Wineries

Iron Horse Vineyards with CEO Joy Anne Sterling, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County Wine Country

July 14, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Iron Horse Vineyards is one of Sonoma County’s most beautiful,
small, independent, estate, family-owned wineries. It is located in cool and foggy Green Valley. You can get lost if you don’t pay attention to the sign, and don’t trust your GPS, it might get you to the back road which we did!

The founding partners, Audrey and Barry Sterling first saw it in the pouring rain in February, 1976, they were thepioneer of their time to buy this 300 acres of gentle rolling hills, looking like Camelot. Incurable romantics with extraordinary vision, they bought the property in just two weeks.

The estate was named after a railroad stop, which crossed the property in the 1890s. Rodney Strong rediscovered it as a vineyard site in 1970, planting the original 55 acres of Chardonnay and 55 acres of Pinot Noir. 13 miles from the Pacific as the crow flies. There are approximately 160 acres in vine, planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The predominant soil-type is called “Goldridge”, a sandy loam that has excellent drainage and is perfectly balanced, making it the most coveted for growing Pinot Noir. The estate is divided into 39 blocks, farmed individually, harvested separately and then each vinified as a ‘single vineyard’. Each has been planted with site specific root-stock and clone selections. From 2005 to 2012, we replanted 82 acres originally planted in the early 70s, enhancing all our wines.

Iron Horse is renowned for its Sparkling Wines, which have been served at the White House for five consecutive Presidential Administrations, beginning with the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings ending the Cold War.

Their delicious wines have served many world leaders, presidents, and celebrities around the world. Including the White House Millennium celebrations, the White House dinner honoring the Pope on his 80th birthday, the 2011 State Dinner honoring the Queen of England at the Ambassador’s Residence, Winfield House, in London, the dinner President Obama hosted for the President of China in Southern California in June 2013 just to name a few.

The winery produces a limited production, vintage Sparkling, called Ocean Reserve, in partnership with National Geographic. The winery contributes $4 for each bottle sold to establish Marine Protected Areas and reduce over fishing around the globe.

It’s a beautiful place, on the drive in, you will see all these palm trees that have been planted almost 40 years ago. Breathtaking view of the rolling hills of the vineyards, you can see Mount St. Helena in Napa Valley from there, on a clear day. And their tasting room is outdoor, a perfect place to drink sparkling on a warm day in Russian River Valley.

We also got to meet the CEO Joy Anne Sterling, she was kind and wonderful to show us around. She is the second generation of Iron Horse Vineyards, lives on the property with her family. They only produce about 12K-15K cases per year. It’s everything to her and her family. We’re truly humbled by the experience and feel so blessed to talk to one of the best people in the wine industry.

“This is my life, my passport to the world. Because of Iron Horse VIneyards, I can talk to anyone, anywhere, and I got to meet some of the amazing people.” CEO Joy Ann Sterling said.

A pioneer in the Green Valley appellation within the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, the Iron Horse family is building a legacy of prestige sparkling wines and estate bottled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

We got to tour the estate and was impressed with the operations. We saw many bottle made just for special occations. One of the bottle that we got to enjoy was the Michel Mina sparkling. I’m a fan of chef Michael Mina, and have dined at dozen of his restaurants, Iron Horse is his choice for sparkling wine on his wine list.

TASTING

The Tasting Room is open seven days a week from 10am to 4:30pm. Tastings are $20 for a flight of five wines, refunded with purchase, no charge for wine club members with a choice of three flights.

Tours are by appointment Monday through Friday at 10am. Tours are $25 per person (including tasting), refunded with purchase.

Winemaker David Munksgard offers a truck tour through the vineyards and private tasting on Mondays at 10am. Visiting Iron Horse Estate was a truly memorable experience. Limit four people. $50 per person.

WINES

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, price ranges from $27-$85. Sparkling wines, price ranges from $42-$220 (magnum). Their sparkling is as good as it gets. I’m a big fan.

Iron Horse Chardonnay is a signature Green Valley region wine. Pinot Noir is the winery’s rising star. All their wines are estate wines only. The first winery and vineyards in Russian River Valley and they remain family-owned estate operations. If you ever visit Sonoma County, Iron Horse Vineyards should be the first one on your “must visit” list.

Iron Horse Vineyards
Address: 9786 Ross Station Road
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Tel: (707) 887-1507
Website: www.IronHorseVineyards.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ironhorsevyds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IronHorseVyds
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ironhorsevineyards

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by Manda Bear

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By Igor Sill

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

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