Nor Cal Edition - January 30, 2009

8/14/2019 Nor Cal Edition - January 30, 2009

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winecountrythisweek.com

SUNCWINERY

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CLOSDUVALPAGE 24

ZINFANDELFESTIVAL

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TASTING ROOMOFTHEWEEK:

GRGICH HILLS ESTAPAGE 38

SUMMERS ESTATWINE & CHOCOLAT

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GARR WINERYPAGE 67

WINEMAKER PROFILSARAHS VINEYAR

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Artist Thomas Arvid to visitWine Country, February 7

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E A S Y -T O - F O L LO W W I N E R Y M A P S J A N U A R Y 3 0 , 2

O U R G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A W I N E , G E T A W A Y S , T H I N G S T O D O & E V E N

Voted One of the Countrys

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EDITORIAL Michelle BakerCONTRIBUTORS Jeffry Ross

Carole & Daniel Ehrler

Diana Greenwood

Richard Paul Hinkle

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Charles Neave

Nan Reiley

Sue Straight, WineWench

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and Lake Counties 707-338-2894

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ON THE COVERWinding Down 2008 Thomas Arvid. All Rights Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

WINE COUNTRY NEWSWineology by Len Napolitano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

SPECIAL COUPONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

THINGS TO DO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29Whats Hot This Weekby Jeffry Burgess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

WINE COUNTRY GETAWAYSOvernight Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

NAPA VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-47Napa Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Downtown Napa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

St. Helena Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45Calistoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47Art & Antiques Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-49

SONOMA COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-63Sonoma County Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Russian River Area Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Santa Rosa Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Healdsburg Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Geyserville Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Sonoma Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58-63Sonoma Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Glen Ellen Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Sonoma Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-65Lake & Mendocino Counties Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

LIVERMORE VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-67Livermore Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

LODI/WOODBRIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-69Lodi/Woodbridge Area Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

SIERRAS/FOOTHILLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70-71Sierra Foothills Wineries Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-77Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Mountains Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Carmel Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Salinas Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78-86

J A N U A RY 3 0 , 2 0 0 9 I S S U E 5 V O L U M E 2 8

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Thomas Arvid to visitWine CountryThomas Arvid to visitWine Country

Sunc WinerySunc Winery

6

W

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RY

F

EATURE

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Rob Henson,Sarahs Vineyard

Rob Henson,Sarahs Vineyard

Gloria Ferrer Caves & VineyardsGloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

Grgich Hills EstateGrgich Hills Estate




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Seethe right sideof theNapaValley wineries map onpage36


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It has been almost two-and-a-half decades since the Ferrerfamily, proprietors of the worlds largest producer ofsparkling wine (Freixenet SA), purchased 250 acres ofprime land in Sonomas famed Carneros district. It wasthere that they planted vineyards with the traditionalsparkling wine grapes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In1986, their stunning state-of-the-art winery, with Spanish-style architecture and terrace with breath-taking views ofthe vineyards and hills, opened to the public. The winerywas named after Jos Ferrers beloved wife.

The winery now has vines on 385 acres in Carneros. Theyproduce a range of sparkling and still wines and with therecent expansion of their vineyard holdings, have added

Merlot.Gloria Ferrer is dedicated to the production of wines that

reflect the artistry of the winemaker and the marriage ofvine to the place. Gloria Ferrers still wines are a wonderfulcomplement to the award-winning sparkling wines theyhave always been known for.

The sparkling wines include the Tte de Cuve labels;Carneros Cuve, Royal Cuve, and Brut Ros. Theremainder of the sparkling wine catalog is made up of theSonoma Brut, Blanc de Noirs, and Blanc de Blancs. Tofurther understand the complexities of making a sparklingwine, a tour of the facility will unlock the secrets of theclassic mthode champenoise process.

Since 1991, the winery has also produced premium still wines.They currently include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot.In subsequent years additions to the Pinot Noir familyincluded the Jose S. Ferrer, Gravel Knob, and Rust Rockvineyard. These limited-production still wines are createdwith a gentle hand, aged in French oak barrels andbottled with minimal fining and filtration.

Visitors can enjoy Gloria Ferrers sparkling and table wines,accompanied by a Catalan tapa of roasted and spicedalmonds in the expansive tasting room, or outdoors on theVista Terrace. Wine service is available until 4:45 p.m. daily.

WINE CLUB DETAILS

Membership in Gloria Ferrers Cuve Club is the perfect way

to enjoy rare Gloria Ferrer wines year round. Members receive a

minimum 20% discount on all wine, clothing and gift purchases

in the tasting room or from the on-line store

Each shipment contains two bottles of Gloria Ferrer sparkling or

table wines these wine club shipments are generally

comprised of items in limited release or available exclusively

through the Sonoma tasting room

Shipments go out in February, May, September and

October/November

Members receive advance notice and special discounts

on new releases and winery-only selections and exclusive

discounts on the rental of the facilities for private parties,

dinners or weddings

Club members also get discounted admission to all events

including the annual Catalan Festival and admission to specialmembers-only events

A Cuve Club membership also makes the ideal gift for anyone

who appreciates the fine wines of the Carneros.

Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

23555 Highway 121 (Arnold Drive), Sonoma

(707) 933-1917 (707) 933-1939 Wine Club

www.gloriaferrer.com

It has been almost two-and-a-half decades since the Ferrerfamily, proprietors of the worlds largest producer ofsparkling wine (Freixenet SA), purchased 250 acres ofprime land in Sonomas famed Carneros district. It wasthere that they planted vineyards with the traditionalsparkling wine grapes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In1986, their stunning state-of-the-art winery, with Spanish-style architecture and terrace with breath-taking views ofthe vineyards and hills, opened to the public. The winerywas named after Jos Ferrers beloved wife.

The winery now has vines on 385 acres in Carneros. Theyproduce a range of sparkling and still wines and with therecent expansion of their vineyard holdings, have added

Merlot.Gloria Ferrer is dedicated to the production of wines that

reflect the artistry of the winemaker and the marriage ofvine to the place. Gloria Ferrers still wines are a wonderfulcomplement to the award-winning sparkling wines theyhave always been known for.

The sparkling wines include the Tte de Cuve labels;Carneros Cuve, Royal Cuve, and Brut Ros. Theremainder of the sparkling wine catalog is made up of theSonoma Brut, Blanc de Noirs, and Blanc de Blancs. Tofurther understand the complexities of making a sparklingwine, a tour of the facility will unlock the secrets of theclassic mthode champenoise process.

Since 1991, the winery has also produced premium still wines.They currently include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot.In subsequent years additions to the Pinot Noir familyincluded the Jose S. Ferrer, Gravel Knob, and Rust Rockvineyard. These limited-production still wines are createdwith a gentle hand, aged in French oak barrels andbottled with minimal fining and filtration.

Visitors can enjoy Gloria Ferrers sparkling and table wines,accompanied by a Catalan tapa of roasted and spicedalmonds in the expansive tasting room, or outdoors on theVista Terrace. Wine service is available until 4:45 p.m. daily.

WINE CLUB DETAILS

Membership in Gloria Ferrers Cuve Club is the perfect way

to enjoy rare Gloria Ferrer wines year round. Members receive a

minimum 20% discount on all wine, clothing and gift purchases

in the tasting room or from the on-line store

Each shipment contains two bottles of Gloria Ferrer sparkling or

table wines these wine club shipments are generally

comprised of items in limited release or available exclusively

through the Sonoma tasting room

Shipments go out in February, May, September and

October/November

Members receive advance notice and special discounts

on new releases and winery-only selections and exclusive

discounts on the rental of the facilities for private parties,

dinners or weddings

Club members also get discounted admission to all events

including the annual Catalan Festival and admission to specialmembers-only events

A Cuve Club membership also makes the ideal gift for anyone

who appreciates the fine wines of the Carneros.

Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.23555 Highway 121 (Arnold Drive), Sonoma(707) 933-1917 (707) 933-1939 Wine Club

www.gloriaferrer.com

W I N E C L U BO F T H E WEEK : GLORIA FERRER CAVES & VINEYARDS



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Food & Wine Trails, the nations largest provider of winery-hoscruises, has announced discounts and cruise credits of up to $1per person for their 2009 series.

F&WT is owned by Larry Martin, chosen this year by Conde NTraveler magazine as the Worlds Top Wine-Tour Travel SpeciaWine comes in all prices, says Martin, but wine travel has traditially only been expensive. Our programs offer an alternative, takenthusiasts to some of the worlds best wine regions at reasonaprices.

F&WT has lowered prices by $1000 per person for new booki

on five cruise departures: The June 24 to July 4 Best of Long IslCruise hosted by Paumanok Vineyards and Wolffer Estate, the July

July 14 cruise with Franciscan and Simi wineries, the July 14 to July

cruise hosted by Napa Valleys Silenus Vintners, Robert Mondacruise on September 4 to 16, and

the October 5 to 17 cruise hostedby Alexander Valleys White OakVineyards & Winery. This reduces

the entry cost of a Food & WineTrails wine-cruise to $2349 plus

tax per person, including airfare,

compared to a $6000 cost for asimilar-length, land-based

program.

Cruises sponsored by ChateauSt. Jean and St. Supry Vineyards

& Winery in April will receive a

$500 onboard cruise credit. Thecruises sailing in May that are

hosted by Matanzas Creek Wineryand Arrowood Vineyards &

Winery and the Zinfandel Advo-cates and Producers (ZAP) will

receive a $300 cruise credit.

All programs are on the smallercruiselines of Oceania, Windstar,

Silversea and Regent. Each depar-

ture includes the normal trap-pings of a deluxe cruise, such as

gourmet meals, deluxe accommo-

dations and nightly entertain-ment. But unique to Food & Wine

Trails, they also include privatetastings, seminars and winemaker

dinners, as well as optional tours

and lunches at top wine estates.Details about all of the

discounted cabin fares and cruisecredits on Food & Wine Trails

2009 wine-cruises can be found at

www.foodandwinetrails.com.

Food & Wine Trails Discounts2009 Wine Cruises up to $100

1www.WineCountryThisWeek.com




Regardless of whether a wine tastes sweet or dry, just about everywine contains a small amount of unfermented sugar, measured ingrams per liter of wine.

The sugar comes from the grape juice, which is transformed froma sweet juice as the grapes are crushed, or pressed, to a nearly dry juiceduring the process of fermentation. The amount of sugar that remainscan range from 1 gram per liter of wine to about 25 grams per liter,depending on the wines type, style and geographic origin. Some of theworlds greatest sweet dessert wines will have a residual sugar contentof around 250 grams per liter, or more.

Wines with a residual sugar content of less than 2 grams per liter,which may also be referred to in percentage, or, 0.2%, are considereddry because the average palate will not be able to detect this smallamount of sweetness. As the sugar content increases, sweetness stillmay not be tasted due to other components of the wine that will

balance out the sweetness. For example, when a white wine has a highamount of acidity, the acids balance high residual sugar, and thereforemake the sugar content seem insignificant.

Even big, robust red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, may havea fair amount of residual sugar but it becomes unnoticeable with anequal level of rich fruitiness or tannin, that astringent quality that hasa drying effect on the mouth like an over-steeped cup of tea.

In some areas of the winemaking world, grapes do not achieve full

ripeness and therefore do not start outwith a lot of sugar in the crushed orpressed juice. Thus, when fermentationquits, and the yeast has converted it all to alcohol, the result is a rtively low level of alcohol in the wine. In some cases this is desirain others, not. Sugar may be added to the juice before fermentabegins, laws permitting, in order to achieve a higher final alcohol leBut in most of California, failure to achieve ripeness is usually nconcern and the winemaker controls residual sugar by deciding wto stop fermentation. Stopping fermentation before all the sugaconverted will leave residual sugar in the final product.

When youre in a tasting room and you are told that a wineresidual sugar content, or when you read a wine label that stateswine has a certain amount of residual sugar, dont automatically ththe wine will taste sweet. Good dry wines are balanced with coun

acting components that make residual sugar imperceptible but acontributor to the wines drinking pleasure.

Len Napolitano lives in Central Coast Wine Country and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educa

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

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

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

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

Wineology I N T E L L I G E N C E F O R T H E W I N E C O N S U M E RWhat is residual sugar?

by Len Napolitano


13/88

Wine Garage Wine Shop ... or Winery?Most readers have learned over the years that some of the best

wine-deals in Napa Valley can be found at the Wine Garage in Calis-

toga. When Todd and Joy Miller moved to Napa Valley in 2001, they

were surprised to find that they could hardly find any wines for less

than $45 a bottle. Then they went to a dinner party at a winemakers

home, and were shocked to discover that many winemakers couldnt

afford to drink the wines they made. Thats when the Millers decided

to open the first wine shop in Napa Valley that only carried wines

under $25 a bottle.

So in 2003, Todd Miller swapped his corporate necktie for jeans

and boots and started scouring Northern California for great, undis-

covered wines to offer at his new wine shop, the

Wine Garage in Calistoga. Miller drove the roads

less traveled, meeting with winemakers, walking in

their vineyards and tasting their grapes, barrel

samples and finished wines. The winemakers,tickled to have a real, live wine buyer at their

winery, shared stories with Miller over a glass of

wine at the dinner table.

The Millers started a wine club three years ago

shipping six bottle shipments for $100. Well, the

club was so successful that last year even Rachael

Ray heard about it and featured the Wine Garage

on her Tasty Travels show on the Wine Country.

Way back in 2003, when Todd was getting

permits for the store he had a vision of selling wine

right from the barrel in half gallon jugs just like

they do in France and Italy. To do that he needed anout right winery license and permit. He got them

much to the shock of the local winery folks because

that kind of thinking was unheard of in Napa. You cant be a winery

and a wine shop at the same time in the same place. No. Well actu-

ally yes, you can under the right circumstances. The jug program

got delayed due to the success of the wine club but Todd did hire a

winemaker and set off trying to find deals on grapes just like he had

on case goods. He drove around after harvest and wrote down what

vineyards still had fruit on the vine that was unsold. He sought help

from his many winemaker and vineyard manager friends. He found

deals. He and his winemaker, Massimo Monticelli a former assistantwinemaker at Silver Oak made some wine. Good wine.

Todd found some Cabernet grapes up on Diamond Mountain back

in 2006 from a grower that was nervous about a rain storm coming in

right during the peak of harvest. He cut a deal. Then he made another

deal on some Zinfandel and then later on some Syrah. After 18

months in barrel the wine is ready. Go taste it for yourself, for free.

The Cabernet from the Diamond Mountain section of Napa gets

very expensive up to $275 per bottle from one winery but the

vineyard Todd found was across the road from the boundary of the

Diamond Mountain AVA and sold for less money because you

couldnt put Diamond Mountain on the laThe Wine Garage Hillside Cab sells for $45. I

yummy, too. Big and rich, dark in the glass, smo

tannins, ripe fruit, chocolate covered coffee be

comes to mind. The Zin and Syrah are equally go

and sell for less than the Cab, $30 and $

respectfully. The jugs are finally coming

February. Two blends are featured, one Borde

based (read: Cab) and one Rhone (Syrah) and

be selling for $35 per half gallon jug that you

yourself from a gas nozzle fabricated in stain

steel. February will also see the release of the W

Garage white wines made just last harvest in 20 a Sauvignon Blanc ($18) and a crazy blend ca

Joy Ride made from Albarino, Sauvignon Bla

Viognier, and Muscat dry yet extremely floral and incredibly uni

($20).

Visit Wine Garage at 1026 Foothill Blvd. (Highway 29) in C

toga; open every day from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more informati

call (707) 942-5332 or visit the website at www.winegarage.net.




14/88

HH ONGOING

Fum Bistro & Bar Happy Hour

Spirit & snack specials, wine & beer, 4-6pm

Napa, 707-257-1999, www.fumebistro.com

HH ONGOING WEEKENDS

(Except 4th weekend)

Wine Component Tasting Seminar

10:30am-12:30pm, 707-963-7777

www.merryvale.com, $20, free/club membersMerryvale Vineyards, St. Helena

HH EVERY 4TH WEEKEND

Wine & Food Pairing Seminar

10:30am-12:30pm, 707-963-7777www.merryvale.com, $20, free/club members

Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena

HH ONGOING THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS

Wine & Food Pairings

11am: Wine & Cheese Pairing1pm: Wine & Tapas Pairing

Peju Province Winery, Rutherfordwww.peju.com, 800-446-7358

ONGOING

Private Tours

707-944-1986, RSVP, www.goosecross.com

$25, Goosecross Cellars, Yountville

ONGOING

Epicurean Explorations

RSVP, 707-944-1986, minimum 6 people$95/3-course lunch, $135/5-course lunch

www.goosecross.comGoosecross Cellars, Yountville

ONGOING WEEKENDS

Reserve Room at Markham Vineyards

Enjoy reserve and library wines by candlelight in

an historic stone cellar. $15pp, 11am-4pmwww.markhamvineyards.com, 707-963-5292

ONGOING

Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa, 800-427-4124, www.winetrain.com

Jan 31: Murder Mystery

Feb 7: Moonlight Escape Feb 7, 21: Murder Mystery

Feb 13-14: Sweetheart Serenade

ONGOING

Napa Valley Opera House

707-226-7372, www.nvoh.org1000 Main St. Ste 150, Napa

Feb 13: The Art of Bellydance Feb 19: Phillip Glass Feb 22: Pacific Chamber Symphony

ONGOING

Live at the Lincoln Theater

707-944-1300, Yountvillewww.lincolntheater.com Feb 8: Paula Poundstone

Feb 22: In the Mood Mar 1: The Smothers Brothers

ONGOING

Cooking Classes at

Napa Valley Culinary Centre

Take a fun class & learn easy gourmet shortcuts, favorite recipes & more & enjoy the flavorsof Napa Valley in your own home. Napa

707-603-3250, www.napavalleyculinarycentre.com.

ONGOING

Wine Tasting at Back Room Wines

5-9pm, 707-226-1378, Napawww.backroomwines.com

Jan 30: Back Room Blow Out XXX Feb 6: Wines from Spain

Feb 13: Rhne Valley Wines Feb 16: Dinner & A Tasting

ONGOING

di Rosa Preserve Art & Nature

707-226-5991, Napa, www.dirosapreserve.org

Call for particulars

Ongoing through Feb 7: After the Age Reason:

New Work by Maria Porges

Feb 21-June 13: (un)Natural

HH ONGOING

Visitor Program

10am-4:30pm, Benessere Vineyards, St. Helena

www.benesserevineyards.com, 707-963-5853 Limited Production Tastings

Personalized Wine Flights

Private Cellar Tours

Library & Barrel Samplings by appointment

HH ONGOING

Buon Amici Members & Guests

10am-4:30pm, 707-963-5853

www.benesserevineyards.comBenessere Vineyards, St. Helena

Members Only New Release Tastings

Barrel Tastings by appointment

Vertical Tastings by appointment

Wine & Cheese Pairing by appointment

HH ONGOING

Jefferson House Reserve Room Tasting

$25 Reserve Wine SeminarReservations required, 707-253-2802 x18Monticello Vineyards, Corley Family Napa Valley

Napa, www.CorleyFamilyNapaValley.com

ONGOING FRIDAYS-MONDAYS

Cooking Demonstrations

at The DeBaun Theatre

707-967-2320, www.ciachef.edu

St. Helena, [email protected], $12.50pp

Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

ONGOING

Tour & Taste In Hall Wines Ghost Winery

Four barrel samples & four current releases, $20

St. Helena, 707-967-2620, www.hallwines.com

ONGOING

Cabernet Flight Tasting at A Dozen Vintners

Taste & compare award-winning Cabernets

St. Helena, 707-967-0666, $5ppwww.adozenvintners.com

ONGOING

Visitor Programs at Robert Mondavi Winery

888-RMONDAVI (766-6328)x2000

www.robertmondavi.com

Call or check website for particulars.

The To Kalon Tour & Tasting

A Guided Tasting Pleasure in the Glass

The Taste of Wine

The Harvest of Joy Tour & Lunch

Celebrating California Wine & Food

The Essence Tour & Tasting

Artisan Cheese & Wine A Perfect Match

ONGOING THURSDAYS-SATURDAYS

Made in Napa Valley Culinary CentreTaste samples of prepared demos of delicious &easy recipes for entertaing, quick weeknight

suppers, grilling techniques and more!

707-603-3250, [email protected]

Visit www.madeinnapavalley.com for details.

HH ONGOING

Ansel Adams John Muir Trail Exhibit

Mumm Winery, 10am-5pm daily, Rutherford

800-MUM-NAPA, www.mummnapa.com

HH ONGOING

Progressive Tasting at Sterling Vineyards

800-726-6136, Calistoga

www.sterlingvineyards.com

Taste limited release wines at the winery.

H ONGOING THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS

Library & Barrel Sample Tastings

Sequoia Grove Winery

8338 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena707-944-2945, www.sequoiagrove.com

11am: Library & Barrel Sample Tasting

in the underground cellar, $20 12:30: Food and Wine Pairing Tasting

to include Barrel Sample, $40

3pm: Library & Barrel Sample Tasting

in the underground cellar, $20HH ONGOING

Reserve Tour & Tasting at Sterling Vineyards

11am, 800-726-6136, Calistoga

www.sterlingvineyards.com, $45pp

Private tasting in the Reserve Room after tour.

ONGOING

VIP Tasting & Artisan Barrel Factory Tour

Mon-Fri by appointment, 800-499-2366$15 mid-week special, mention this listing

www.bourassavineyards.com

Bourassa Vineyards, Napa

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Bacchus That Rascal

Multi-media presentation History of WineClos Pegase, Calistoga, free, 2pm

www.clospegase.com, 707-942-4981

HH LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

Winemaker Dinners at Fum Bistro

Local favorite wineries are spotlighted in a

four-course dinner. $60pp, call for reservations707-257-1999, Napa, www.fumebistro.com

HH EVERY SATURDAY

ZD Wines: Wine & Cheese Seminar

Includes visit to Wine Library & Cellar, $40

800-487-7757 x107, 11amRutherford, 707-963-5188, www.zdwines.com

HH EVERY SUNDAY

Sensory Component Tasting at ZD Wines

11am by appointment only, $20pp

Rutherford, 707-963-5188, www.zdwines.com

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Wine & Artisanal Cheese Pairingsat Havens Wine Cellars

10am-4:30pm, Napa, 707-261-2000www.havenswine.com

HH EVERY SATURDAY

Chocolate & Red Wine Saturdays

at Bennett Lane Winery

Calistoga, 707-942-6684, 10am-5pm

www.bennettlane.com

ONGOING

Friday Night Winemaker Events

5-7pm, 877-469-9463, www.jvwine.com, $2JV Wine & Spirits, Napa

HH ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 29

Peju Province Winery Art Exhibit

10am-6pm, 800-446-7358, www.peju.com

Peju Province Winery, RutherfordHH ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 15

Trees: Perspectives and Interpretations

800-MUM-NAPA, www.mummnapa.comMumm Napa, Rutherford

ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 12

George Hellyers Still Lifes Exhibit

10am-5pm, Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville

www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 707-968-2203

HH JANUARY 29 APRIL 27

Peju Winery Art Exhibit

10am-6pm, 800-446-7358, www.peju.com

Peju Winery, RutherfordFeaturing Don Hatfield, Marina Golden

& Betty Jo March

HH JANUARY 31

Cabernet Franc Release Party

7-9, 800-446-7358, www.peju.com

Peju Winery, Rutherford

Celebrate the release with wild fare!

HH JANUARY 31

Mustard Magic The Grand Opening Eve

16th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festiva

7pm, 707-944-1133, www.mustardfestival.org

The Culinary Institute of America at Greysto

St. Helena

FEBRUARY 1, 8, 15, 22

Behind the Scenes

11am-12pm, 800-231-9116, $30, St. Supry, Ruthe

www.stsupery.com, limited space

HH FEBRUARY 6

Welcome Weekend Jazz & Oysters Even

5-7pm, 800-716-2788x135, $35, $30/members

www.domainecarneros.com

Domaine Carneros, Napa

FEBRUARY 7

26th Anniversary Sun & Stars Auction

5-11pm, 707-967-1984, $100

www.sunandstarsmontessori.org

Charles Krug Winery, St. Helena

Benefits St. Helena Montessori Family Center

FEBRUARY 7

Tank Tasting in the Cellar

2pm, 800-231-9116, $35, St. Supry, Rutherfor

www.stsupery.com, limited space

Enjoy fresh oysters & hors doeuvres!

HH FEBRUARY 7

Trilogy Release Celebration

707-967-6723, www.florasprings.com

Flora Springs Winery, St. Helena

HH FEBRUARY 7

2005 Generations Release Party

800-525-2659, www.raymondvineyards.com

Raymond Vineyard, St. Helena

HH FEBRUARY 7-8

A Weekend of Fine Art


707-944-1133, www.mustardfestival.org

Galleries throughout Napa Valley

HH FEBRUARY 7 - MARCH 31

Visual Art Competition Exhibit


707-944-1133, www.mustardfestival.org

St. Supry, Rutherford

HH FEBRUARY 8

Meet the Artists Wine Reception

1-4pm, 800-446-7358, www.peju.com

Peju Winery, Rutherford

HH FEBRUARY 12-14

Red Hot Valentines Day

Wine tasting & a decadent treat from the

kitchen! 10am-6pm, Peju Winery, Rutherford

800-446-7358, www.peju.com

HH FEBRUARY 13

Friday the 13th Winemakers Surprise

10am-4:30pm, 707-963-5853

www.benesserevineyards.com

Benessere Vineyards, St. Helena

HH FEBRUARY 14-15

Cabernet & Chocolate Tasting

707-942-5508x202, $12, $20/couple

www.summerswinery.com, RSVP

Summers Estate Wines, Calistoga

HH FEBRUARY 14

Sweethearts Dinner at Peju

7pm, 800-446-7358, www.peju.com

Intimate Valentines Day 3 course wine dinne

NAPA VALLEY


WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENTS


15/88

HH FEBRUARY 14

Valentines Day Dinner All You Need is Love

7pm, $125 Dinner, wine & Beatles inspired music!800-326-6069x429, www.merryvale.comMerryvale Vineyards, St. Helena

FEBRUARY 14

Valentines Day Dinner

6:30pm, 888-354-8885, $175, Paraduxx, St. Helena

HH FEBRUARY 14

Valentines Sweetheart Soiree

Club Vivant Event, Mumm Napa, Rutherford, $60800-MUM-NAPA, www.mummnapa.com

HH FEBRUARY 14

Chateau Society Valentines Day Event

7:30-10pm, 707-257-0101, Domaine Carneros, Napawww.domainecarneros.com

HH FEBRUARY 14

Valentines Day Dinner

6pm, 866-708-9463, $165, www.beringer.com,RSVP The Hudson House, Beringer, St. Helena

FEBRUARY 14

A Valentines Day Celebration!

Romance in the Kitchen, 11am-2pm, $35www.stsupery.com, St. Supry, 800-231-9116

HH ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Wine & Food Sampling at Hop Kiln

10am-5pm, 707-433-6491, www.hopkilnwinery.com

Visit the historic tasting room to enjoy delicious

wine & sample over 80 food items in their

gourmet marketplace, Russian River Valley.

ONGOING

Wells Fargo Center for the ArtsSanta Rosa, 707-546-3600

Feb 3: The Ant and the Elephant

Feb 6: An Opinionated Evening with

Henry Rollins

Feb 7-8: Symphony Pops My Kind of Broadway

Feb 14-15: American Philharmonic Music for Lovers

ONGOING

Spreckels Performing Arts Cenr

707-588-3400, Rohnert Park

www.spreckelsonline.com

Through Jan 30-31: Rash Acts

Ongoing through Feb 8: Doubt, a Parable

Feb 6-7: Rash Acts

Feb 14: A Valentine From Kim Nalley

ONGOING

The Center for Performing Arts

707-664-2353, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Parkwww.sonoma.edu/performingarts/perf/707-664-2606, www.sonoma.edu/sfiSonoma State University, Rohnert Park


3rd Annual Invitational Art Exhibit

10:30am-6pm, 707-829-8912www.gratongallery.com, Graton Gallery, Graton

ONGOING

Winemaker Dinner Series

707-887-3300, $150www.thefarmhouseinn.comFarmhouse Restaurant, Forestville Jan 29: Young Winemakers Feb 12: Pride Mountain Vineyards Feb 26: Copain Winery

HH ONGOING

Winemaker Tasting

6-8pm, 707-525-8466, $10www.winespectrum.comWine Spectrum, Santa Rosa Feb 10: Dutton-Goldfield Winery Feb 17: Russian Hill Estate Winery

HH ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 2

HGTV Dream House Tours

9am-5pm, 707-537-3812, $20

Reserve tickets at Ledson Hotel, Sonoma

Benefits The Harmony Foundation for Childr

HH ONGOING

Terroir & History Tour at Chateau St. Je

A visit to Chateau St. Jean lifts all of your se

Complimentary, 11am-2pm, 707-833-4134

ONGOINGSonoma Film Institute

707-664-2606, www.sonoma.edu/sfi

Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park

Jan 29-30: Russian Ark Feb 5: Father and

Feb 6: Hud Feb 12-13: An Autumn Aftern

HH ONGOING

Cooking in the Vineyard Classes & Semi

Rodney Strong Vineyards, 707-544-3059

Healdsburg, www.rodneystrong.com

HH ONGOING

Wine & Food Pairing at Kendall-Jackson

Special reserve food & wine tasting, 10am-4p

707-571-7500, www.kj.com, Fulton, $25pp

SONOMA COUNTY


CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEE


16/88

ONGOING (THURSDAY-SATURDAY)

Michel-Schlumberger Winery Green Tour

10:30am, 800-447-3060, $25www.michelschlumberger.com, Healdsburg

ONGOING (MONDAY-SATURDAY)

Robert Young Estate Winery Vineyard Tours

& Tasting in a Remodeled Grape Gondola

11:30am, $10pp, box lunch provided for $20

Geyserville, www.ryew.com, 707-431-4811

ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Come Crush With Us at Icaria Creek Winery

Winemaker Jeff Smith leads a tasting of bottled &barreled wines. Call for reservations & bring a

lunch! 707-486-9623, www.icariawinery.com

HH ONGOING WEEKENDS

Wine & Chocolate Pairings

10:30am-4:30pm, Fritz Winery, Cloverdale

www.fritzwinery.com, 707-894-3389$5 tasting fee covers the pairing!

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY

Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market

Santa Rosa Veterans Building parking lot707-522-8629, 8:30am-noon

EVERY FRIDAY MORNING

Sonoma Valley Farmers Market

Depot Park, Sonoma, 9am-noon, 707-538-7023

ONGOING FRIDAYS-MONDAYS

Hanna Winery Reserve Tasting Gallery

Taste limited-production reserve Bismark

Mountain wines paired with local artisanalcheese selections from The Cheese Shop in

Healdsburg. Alexander Valley, 707-431-4310www.hannawinery.com, $10pp

HH EVERY FRIDAY

Complimentary Wine Tasting

at Flamingo Hotel

5:30-7pm in the Terrace Grille

features Sonoma County wines707-545-8530, 800-848-8300

Santa Rosa, www.flamingoresort.com

HH ONGOING WEEKENDS THROUGH FEBRUARY

Estate Olive Oil Tasting & Pesto

Sonoma Valley Olive Festival707-833-2300, VJB Cellars, Kenwoodwww.olivefestival.com, www.vjbcellars.com

ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 1

Artists Showcase 1

11am-5pm, 707-431-1970, Plaza Arts Center, Healdsburg

HH ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28

Tour & Taste at The Olive Press

Sonoma Valley Olive Festival

707-939-8900, www.theolivepress.comThe Olive Press, Sonoma, www.olivefestival.com


Olive Festival Martini


www.olivefestival.com , www.amigoscantina.com

Amigos Grill & Cantina, Sonoma, 707-939-0713

HH ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28Cellar Door Complimentary Tasting


www.olivefestival.com, www.sonomacellardor.comCellar Door Tasting Room, Sonoma, 707-938-4466


Tasting Room Sampling


www.olivefestival.com, www.viansa.com

Viansa Winery & Marketplace, Sonoma, 800-995-4740


Estate Olive Oil, Vinegar & Wine Tasting


707-938-4064x124, www.brcohn.comwww.olivefestival.com, B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen


Gord Peteran: Furniture Meets Its Maker

707-939-7862, wwwsvma.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma

HH JANUARY 27-28

Wine 101 Classes

6-7pm, 707-525-8466, $40, www.winespectrum.com

Wine Spectrum, Santa Rosa

Includes a bottle of white or red wine.

Jan 27: California Classics

Jan 28: International Stars

FEBRUARY 1

The San Francisco Starlight Orchestra

1-5:30pm, 707-328-0939, www.tradjass.orgLast Day Saloon, Santa Rosa

Live Dixieland Jazz Concert & Dance

FEBRUARY 4

Winemaker Dinner Series at Sant

Featuring Landmark Vineyards

6:30pm, 707-939-2467

www.fairmont.com, RSVP

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma

HH FEBRUARY 7

20th Annual Wine & Chocolate Fantasy

1-4pm, 800-474-9463, $40, $35/members

www.rodneystrong.com

Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg

FEBRUARY 7

Paws for Love 10th Anniversary

6-10pm, 707-857-3499, $30/adv, $40

www.pawsforlove.infoFinley Community Center, Santa Rosa

FEBRUARY 7

20th Annual Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Festival

5:45pm, 707-544-5575, $55

Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa

FEBRUARY 7

24th Annual Sweetheart Ball

5:30pm, 707-938-8544, $150Valley of the Moon Boys & Girls Club, Sonoma

FEBRUARY 7

Chowder Day

11am-3pm, 707-875-3866, freeSonoma Coast Visitors Center, Bodega Bay

FEBRUARY 6-7

Healdsburg Wild Steelhead Festival

707-484-6438, www.healdsburgsteelheadfest.org Feb 6: Steelhead Reception & Gala Dinner

Hotel Healdsburg & Dry Creek Kitchen

Feb 7: Festival, 10am-4pm, Healdsburg Plaza

Feb 8: Festival, Don Clausen Fish Hatchery,

Lake Sonoma

FEBRUARY 7-8

Sonoma County Orchid Show & Sale

10am-5pm, 707-887-2412, $7

Santa Rosa Veterans Building, Santa Rosa

HH FEBRUARY 13

Dinner with the Winemaker Series:

Featuring Ferrari-Carano800-541-7788, www.innatthetides.com

The Bay View Restaurant

Inn at the Tides, Bodega Bay

HH FEBRUARY 13

4th Annual Vinolivo


7-10pm, 707-935-0803, $65/adv, $75/door

www.sonomavalleywine.com, www.olivefestival.com

Lodge at Sonoma, Sonoma

Grand finale of the festival!

HH FEBRUARY 13

Wine Club Chocolate & Zin Pickup Party

707-431-8159, www.mazzocco.com

Mazzocco Winery, Healdsburg

HH FEBRUARY 13

Valentines Day Dinner Club Member Ev

6:30-10pm, $150, Chateau St. Jean, Kenwood

www.chateaustjean.com, 707-833-4134x5258

FEBRUARY 13-14

Sonoma Wine Country Valentines Dinner

6-9pm, 707-283-2900

Sheraton Sonoma County, Petaluma

HH FEBRUARY 13-15

Romantic Rendezvous Wine Country Week707-433-6700, www.fcwinery.com

Ferrari-Carano Winery, Healdsburg

FEBRUARY 13-16

Cloverdale Citrus Fair

707-894-3992, www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org

Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, Cloverdale

HH FEBRUARY 14

Wine Club Valentines Day Dinner

800-433-4602, www.wilsonwinery.com

Wilson Winery, Healdsburg, Barrel Club Shipm

FEBRUARY 14

Valentines Day Dinner Dance

5pm, Villa Chanticleer, Healdsburg

www.locallovefoundation.org, 707-696-4171

FEBRUARY 14Chocolate & Cheese Event

10am-4:30pm, 707-823-3040, free

Graton Ridge Cellars, Sebastopol

HH FEBRUARY 14

Love at First Sip Valentines Day Party

707-537-3823, RSVP, www.ledson.com, $250/co

Ledson Castle, Kenwood

FEBRUARY 14

Valentine Food & Wine Pairing

2-5pm, 707-938-8822, $70/members, $95

www.nicholsonranch.com

Nicholson Ranch Winery, Sonoma

HH FEBRUARY 14

Olives are for Lovers

Sonoma Valley Olive Festival707-256-1472, www.buenavistacarneros.com

www.olivefestival.com, RSVP, $125

Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma

HH FEBRUARY 14

Valentine Winery Dinner

6:30pm, 888-675-WINEx255

www.stfranciswinery.com, $165, $132/club

St. Francis Winery, Santa Rosa

HH FEBRUARY 14-15

Don Landis Presents An Olive Odyssey


866-522-8683, www.jacuzziwines.com

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Sonoma

www.olivefestival.com

HH FEBRUARY 14-15

Olive Festival Finale Celebration


707-942-4030, www.clinecellars.com

Cline Cellars, Sonoma, www.olivefestival.com

HH FEBRUARY 14-15

Olive & Olive Oil Sampling


888-433-6555, www.familywines.com

www.olivefestival.com, Family Wineries, Kenwo

HH FEBRUARY 14-15

Now Thats Amore Weekend


707-833-2300, www.vjbcellars.com

VJB Cellars, Kenwood, www.olivefestival.com

NDRETTI WINERY

o for one tasting with ad

PAGE 7

RINGER VINEYARDS

e tasting with paid tasting in the Old

nery, before noon PAGE 33

LIFORNIA WINE TOURSur and tasting from

9 per hour PAGE 29

LISTOGA CELLARS

mplimentary tasting

th ad PAGE 47

LIO WINEMAKERS STUDIOmplimentary tasting

th ad PAGE 87

OLDEN HAVEN

d Treatment for 2,

4 per person PAGE 3

AGAFEN CELLARS

e tasting with ad PAGE 7

SSUP CELLARSor 1 tasting with ad PAGE 45

ARTIN RAY WINERY

% discount with ad PAGE 51

D FAITHFUL GEYSER

off with ad PAGE 46

MI WINERY

ve $10 on public tour

tasting PAGE 17

NOMA WINE HARDWARE

ee offer PAGE 3

. CLEMENT VINEYARDS

or 1 tasting with ad PAGE 31

AGECOACH EXPRESS

mplimentary

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MMERS WINES

% discount with ad PAGE 47


WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENTSCoupons &Discounts


17/88

HH FEBRUARY 14-15

Presidents Day Open House

11am-5pm, 707-833-4134x5258

www.chateaustjean.com, $10, $15/reserve tasting

Chateau St. Jean, Kenwood

FEBRUARY 14-15

Valentines Weekend Open House

11am-4pm, 707-933-9753

www.sojourncellars.com, free

Sojourn Cellars Tasting Salon, Sonoma

EVERY SECOND SUNDAY

Buford & Brown Yappy Hour

Wine tasting with your dog! 1-3pm

The Vintage Marketplace, Hopland, 707-744-878

ONGOING

Classic Concerts by the Lake

Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, Kelseyville

www.konoctiharbor.com, 800-660-LAKE

Feb 7: Josh Turner


Legendary Prints of the Southwest

707-467-2836, www.gracehudsonmuseum.org

Grace Hudson Museum, Ukiah

ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 1 (THURS-SUN)

With Love From Mendocino

707-937-2486, Art exhibit

Mendocino Arts Center, Mendocino

FEBRUARY 1

Superbowl Party

2:30pm, 707-937-0511, free

Mendocino Hotel, Mendocino

FEBRUARY 2

Broadcast Legends of Radio

707-937-5818, www.MendocinoArtCenter.org

Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino

FEBRUARY 6

Meet the Winemakers:

Dennis Malber & Kaj Ahlmann of Six Sigma

6-9pm, 707-275-2244, www.bluewingsaloon.comBlue Wing Saloon, Upper Lake

FEBRUARY 7

A Sea-to-Table Ultimate Experience

7am-4pm, 707-937-0511, $125, $200/couple

Mendocino Hotel, Mendocino

FEBRUARY 14

9th Annual Open House & Open Studios Tour

12-4pm, free, Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino

www.MendocinoArtCenter.org, 707-937-5818

FEBRUARY 14

Wine & Chocolate

12-4pm, 707-262-1611, $35/adv, $40

Mt. Konocti Growers, Lakeport

FEBRUARY 14

Open House & Open Studios Tour

12-4pm, 800-653-3328, freewww.mendocinoartcenter.org

Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino

HH FEBRUARY 21-22

2009 International Alsace Varietals Festival

707-895-WINE, www.avwines.com

Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville

MARIN COUNTY

ONGOING WEEKENDS THROUGH FEBRUARY 28

The Lion in Winter

415-454-6422, The Belrose Theatre, San Rafael

ONGOINGMarin Center in San Rafael415-499-6800, www.marincenter.org Jan 30-Feb 1: Gem Faire Jan 31: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Feb 6: Kodo Feb 7: Pilobolus Feb 9, 12: Marin Speakers Series, Andrew Weil Feb 13: Russian National Ballet, Swan Lake Feb 15: The Art of Bellydance

FEBRUARY 22Academy Awards Party4:30pm, 415-924-4511, www.larktheater.net, $75Lark Theater, Larkspur

SAN FRANCISCO

ONGOINGWednesday Sunset Sessions5-8pm, Americano Restaurant at Hotel Vitale415-278-3777, www.americanorestaurant.com

ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 14Not A Genuine Black Man800-838-3006, www.themarsh.orgThe Marsh, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 3El Molino Rutherford Napa Valley Wine DinnerTasting & Dinner with Lily & Jon Berlin, $140415-955-5574, [email protected]

Campton Place, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 5-6Iranian Literary Arts Festival415-550-7606, www.thetranslationproject.orgFort Mason Center, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 5-1911th Annual SF Indie Film Fest415-820-3907, www.sfindie.comCastro Theatre, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 7Giants Annual Winter FanFest10am, 415-972-2000, www.sfgiants.comAT&T Park, San FranciscoExplore the park, meet favorite players & more!

FEBRUARY 7Chinese New Year Parade

5:15pm, 415-982-3071, www.chineseparade.comChinatown, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 7Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt4:30-9pm, 415-564-9400www.sftreasurehunts.comBegins at Justin Herman Plaza, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 7-8, 14-15Woo at the Zoo415-753-7080, www.sfzoo.org, $75San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 10Corison Napa ValleyTasting Seminar & Dinner415-955-5574, [email protected] Place, San Francisco, $190

FEBRUARY 11

Gundlach Bundschu Happy Hour & Wine ClubPick-up Party5:30-7:30pm, 866-467-9475, www.gunbun.com, RSVPThe Old Ship Saloon, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 11-16Tulipmania415-705-5500, www.pier39.com, Pier 39

FEBRUARY 13-15California International Antiquarian Book Fair800-454-6401, www.sfbookfair.comConcourse Exhibition Center, San Francisco

FEBRUARY 14How We First Met8pm, 415-392-4400, $22-$35, www.howwefirstmet.comHerbst Theatre, San Francisco

NORTH CENTRAL COAST

LAKE/MENDOCINO




18/88

MONTEREY BAY AREA

ONGOINGSunset Cultural Center-Carmel831-620-2048, Carmel Feb 6: TAGI Feb 16: Monterey Symphony, Concert Four

ONGOINGLive Music at KRML RadioThe Eastwood Building, Carmelwww.krmlradio.com, 831-624-6432

Feb 7: Charles Dotson Concert Feb 14: Sony Holland Valentines Night Special

ONGOING WEEKENDS THROUGH MARCH 29Rain Forest Weekends831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.comRoaring Camp Railroads, Felton

0NGOING WEDNESDAYS THROUGH OCTOBERWinemaker WednesdaysSanta Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association5pm, 831-685-VINE (8463), www.scmwa.comShadowbrook Restaurant, Capitola

ONGOINGThursday Night Music Series6-8pm, 831-475-2258x11, www.bargetto.comBargetto Winery, Soquel

ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYS

Sweet Thursdays at Cannery RowFamily fun, music, fine dining & great discounts4-8pm, 831-649-6690, Monterey

ONGOING TUESDAYSFarmers Market at the BarnyardCarmel, 11am-3pm, 831-624-8886

ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSMonterey Museum of ArtEvening of music, wine and hors d'oeuvres5-7pm, 831-372-5477, Monterey

EVERY THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTHOpen for Tasting11am-4pm, 408-842-9197$10/refundable w/purchase, free/club memberswww.martinranchwinery.comMartin Ranch Winery, Gilroy

FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19, 26

Time for Wine5-9pm, 800-ITS-WINE, www.clos.comClos LaChance, San Martin

FEBRUARY 7Rose Pruning Demonstration11am-1pm, 888-648-9463, www.bernardus.com, $20,Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley

FEBRUARY 7Valentine Wine Festival The Groove Kings$20, $10/members, Kirigin Cellars, Gilroy408-847-8827, www.kirigincellars.com

FEBRUARY 7-15AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am800-541-9091, www.pebblebeach.comVarious courses in Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach

FEBRUARY 13 MARCH 8Waiting for Lefty831-624-1531, www.cetstaffplayers.orgIndoor Forest Theatre, Carmel

FEBRUARY 14Monterey Symphony831-624-8511, www.montereysymphony.orgSherwood Hall, Salinas

FEBRUARY 14Valentines Day Dinner800-ITS-WINE, www.clos.com, Clos LaChance

FEBRUARY 14Sweetheart Saturday408-842-3305, www.fortinowinery.comFortino Winery, Gilroy

FEBRUARY 14Valentines PassportRiver Road Wine Trail, www.riverroadwinetrail.comVisit 12 vintners along Montereys River Road! $25

SOUTH BAY

HH FEBRUARY 7-8Vineyard Valentines11am-5pm, 408-867-7116, www.cgv.comCooper-Garrod Vineyards, SaratogaRed wine paired with home-baked brownies!

FEBRUARY 14

Wine & Chocolate Pairing11am-4pm, 408-354-6150x21www.testarossa.com, $10Testarossa Vineyards, Los Gatos

FEBRUARY 14Valentines Day Dinner6:30pm, 408-354-6150x21, www.testarossa.comTestarossa Vineyards, Los Gatos

SAN MATEO COUNTY

ONGOINGENO-Versity Wine Classes650-712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.comENO Tasting RoomThe Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Feb 7: Darioush Winery Feb 21: Frias Family Vineyards

ONGOINGSierra Railroad209-848-2100, Oakdale, www.sierrarailroad.com Feb 7, 28: Sunset Dinner Train Feb 13, 27: Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Feb 14: Valentines Dinner Feb 15: Sunday Brunch

FEBRUARY 5-8The Sounds of Mardi Gras559-292-3999, Radisson Hotel, Fresno

FEBRUARY 14Chinese New Year Parade559-441-7915, www.fresno-chinatown.comChinatown, Fresno

HH EVERY FRIDAYWine Dinners at Caf GarrEnjoy gourmet seasonal wine-paired cuisine withlocally grown & produced ingredients.Garr Winery, Livermore, 6-9pm925-371-8200, www.garrewinery.com

ONGOING WEEKENDSWine Cave Tasting Experience

1 & 3pm, RSVP, $20, Wente Vineyards, Livermorewww.wentevineyards.com/caves, 925-456-2405

ONGOINGBankhead TheatreLivermore Valley Performing Arts Center925-373-6800, Livermorewww.livermoreperformingarts.org Jan 30-31: Guys & Dolls Feb 1, 6-8: Guys and Dolls Feb 14: Winter Landscape, Summer Romance Feb 15: Punch Brothers

ONGOING FRIDAYSFridays at Fenestra

Fenestra Winery, Livermore, 12-5pm925-447-5246, www.fenestrawinery.com

ONGOINGThursday Night Music & Dinner6-9pm, 925-456-2400, $125/couplewww.wentevineyards.comThe Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, Livermore

EVERY SUNDAYSunset Suppers4:30-5:30pm, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards,925-456-2450, www.wentevineyards.com, Livermore

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARYDine at the Restaurant & Golf for Free925-456-2400, www.wentevineyards.comThe Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, Livermore

FEBRUARY 5Truffles, Tidbits & Wine Tasting6-9pm, $25/adv, $30, Downtown Pleasantonwww.pleasantondowntown.net, 925-484-2199x4#

FEBRUARY 13

Cabernet & Chocolate Pairing12-5pm, $5, McGrail Vineyards, Livermorewww.mcgrailvineyards.com, 925-373-6214

HH FEBRUARY 13-14Valentines Dinner with Live Violinist6 & 8:30pm seatings, 925-371-8200www.garrewinery.com, $125/coupleGarr Winery, Livermore

FEBRUARY 14Valentines Day Prix Fixe Menu5-9pm, 925-456-2450www.wentevineyards.comThe Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, Livermore

FEBRUARY 14Red Wine Valentine Barrel Tasting12-5pm, 510-582-9900www.chouinard.com, $10

Chouinard Vineyards, Castro Valley

FEBRUARY 14-1626th Annual Barrel Tasting12-5pm, Fenestra Winery, Livermorewww.fenestrawinery.com, 925-447-5246

FEBRUARY 14-16New Wine Release 2005 Quixotic12-6pm, 925-456-9463, freewww.johnchristophercellars.comJohn Christopher Cellars, Livermore

FEBRUARY 15Romance, Wine & Chocolate12-3pm, 925-456-2400, www.wentevineyards.comThe Event Center & Vineyard Tasting RoomWente Vineyards, Livermore

EL DORADO COUNTY

FEBRUARY 7

Chef Teal Trilolo of Sierra Rizing Bakery5:30-6:45pm, 530-295-1833, $45, $40/memberswww.davidgirardvineyards.com, RSVPDavid Girard Vineyards, Placerville

FEBRUARY 9

Bridal Fair530-672-6968, www.sognowinery.comSogno Winery, Shingle Springs

FEBRUARY 13Jodar Vineyards Winemaker Dinner

530-626-8045, www.zacharyjacques.com530-644-3474, www.jodarwinery.comZachary Jacques Restaurant, Placerville

FEBRUARY 14

Sweets For Your Sweetie12-4pm, $15, Boeger Winery, Placerville800-655-2634, www.boegerwinery.com

FEBRUARY 14-15Annual Soups On

800-306-3856, www.eldoradowines.orgSierra Vista Winery, Placerville

FEBRUARY 14-16Presidential Port Weekend530-644-3474, www.jodarwinery.comJodar Vineyards & Winery, Placerville

AMADOR COUNTY

ONGOINGWine Tasting at Amador Vintage Market10am-7pm, taste the wines in a flight for $3C.G. di Arie, Four Vines & Cedarville Vineyards209-245-FOOD, www.amadorvintagemarket.com

FEBRUARY 14-15Behind the Cellar Door

Visit 30 Amador wineries! 10am-4pmAmador Vintners Association888-655-8614, www.amadorwine.com

CALAVERAS COUNTY

ONGOING

Hotel Leger209-286-1401, www.hotelleger.com, MokelumneFeb 14: Between the Sheets Romantic WritingWorkshop

FEBRUARY 1

Superbowl Sunday Chili Cookoff209-728-3444, Murphys Historic Hotel, Murphy

FEBRUARY 6Girls Night Out7-10pm, $35, Ironstone Vineyards, Murphyswww.ironstonevineyards.com, 209-728-1251

FEBRUARY 7

Cooking Class: Beginners Basic Wine Essent

1-2:30pm, $20, Ironstone Vineyards, Murphyswww.ironstonevineyards.com, 209-728-1251

FEBRUARY 8

Cooking Class: Healthy Cooking11am-4pm, $75, Ironstone Vineyards, Murphyswww.ironstonevineyards.com, 209-728-1251

FEBRUARY 14Murphys Art Walk

4-7pm, www.gocalaveras.com, Downtown Murp

FEBRUARY 14Valentine Sweethearts Dinner

6:30pm, $75, Ironstone Vineyards, Murphyswww.ironstonevineyards.com, 209-728-1251

FEBRUARY 14-15Presidents Wine Weekend

Calaveras Winegrape Alliance, 866-806-WINEwww.calaveraswines.org, 25 tasting rooms!Barrel samples, food/wine pairing & more!

SIERRAS/FOOTHILLSLIVERMORE

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA


WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Email Your Events [email protected]

For best results, send your emails at least 6 to 8 weeks prior

to the date of your event. Event listings are free, and published

as space is available and at the discretion of Wine Country This Week.

For more event listings throughoutNorthern and Central California, visit

www.winecountrythisweek.com


19/88

NEVADA COUNTY

ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 15

Flower Drum Song

Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra

530-273-6362, www.catsweb.org

Nevada Theatre, Nevada City

FEBRUARY 7-8

Futures Weekend

1-4pm, 530-432-3321, www.pilotpeak.com

Pilot Peak Winery, Penn Valley

FEBRUARY 21-22

Mardi Gras Celebration

Sat, 8pm-midnight: ball Sun, 2-4pm: parade

530-265-2692, www.downtownnevadacity.com

Miners Foundry, Nevada City

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

ONGOING

Sacramento River Train

800-866-1690, Sacramento

www.sacramentorivertrain.com

Jan 31: Dinner Train

Feb 7, 21: Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

Feb 8, 22: Sunday Brunch

Feb 13-14: Valentines Weekend Dinner & Dance

ONGOING

Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

866-754-ARTS, www.mondaviarts.orgU.C. Davis, DavisFeb 1: Ives QuartetFeb 4: KodoFeb 6: CinderellaFeb 8: Causeway Band Festival PerformanceFeb 13: Munich Symphony Orchestra, AllBeethoven Program

Feb 14: Punch BrothersFeb 17: Tango FireFeb 18: Phillip Glass

JANUARY 31

Winter Wine & Food Fest

916-437-0206x215, www.makeawish-sacto.orgSacramento Convention Center, Sacramento

FEBRUARY 7

A Celebration of Chinese New Year

through Music

3pm-midnight, 916-731-5777, www.sacys.orgSacramento Community Center, Sacramento

FEBRUARY 7-8

Sacramento Jewish Film Festival

916-442-5189, www.sacjff.orgCrest Theatre, Sacramento

SOLANO COUNTY

FEBRUARY 6-8San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival7am-5pm, 707-557-9816, Mare Island, Vallejowww.sfflywayfestival.com

FEBRUARY 7-8Wine Country Artists12-4pm, 707-745-5312Ledgewood Creek Winery, Fairfield

ONG0INGHutchins Street Square209-333-6782, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.comFeb 8: Central Valley Youth Symphony,Honoring Our Seniors Through Music

Feb 13: Smooth Jazz Series

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 31Gallery Showcase: Artists Choice209-368-5123, www.KnowltonGallery.comKnowlton Gallery, Lodi

FEBRUARY 3-28Joie de Vivre! Works by Janette Jones209-368-5123, www.KnowltonGallery.comKnowlton Gallery, Lodi

FEBRUARY 6-8

Lodi Home & Garden Show

10am-5pm, 209-941-1880

Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Lodi

FEBRUARY 6

Opening Reception, Joie de Vivre!

Works by Janette Jones

6-8:30pm, Knowlton Gallery, Lodi

www.KnowltonGallery.com, 209-368-5123

FEBRUARY 7Clements Buckaroos 4th Annual Crab Fee

6pm, 209-447-4698

Lockford Springs Golf Course, Lodi

FEBRUARY 7-8

Absolute Beginners

10:30am-3:30pm, 209-368-5123

www.KnowltonGallery.com, $175

Knowlton Gallery, Lodi

2 day workshop with Gill Dellinger

HH FEBRUARY 14-15

12th Annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend

11am-4pm, 209-365-0621, $35/adv, $45

www.lodiwineandchocolate.com

www.lodiwine.com

Visit participating Lodi wineries!

LODI/WOODBRIDGE





WINERY FEATURE | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

SUNCE WINERYPhilosophically Eclecticby Richard Paul Hinkle

ets see. The subject is a philosopher at

heart who loves nothing better than

coming up with new varietals to assay

each vintage. The writer is a philosopher atheart who loves nothing better than coming

up with a new and different story to write

each issue (he blames old age and ADD). The

marriage made in heaven? At least one made

via Croatia and Portugal. (The writer is half

Portuguese.)

I grew up in Croatia, in the small fishing

village of Sucuraj, on the northern tip of the

island of Hvar in the Adriatic Sea, says Sunc

owner/winemaker Frane Franicevic. Thats

on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, and I

helped my father pick grapes and olives for aslong as I can remember. My parents made

wine for the family, but my grandparents

were in the trade. They had a boat there is

a painting of it [pointing to the wall behind

the tasting counter] with no motor, just

oars, to take barrels of wine to market. It was

hard work, but satisfying.

Franicevic is much more than satisfied

these days to be able to make wine at his

Olivet Road winery (on the west side of Santa

Rosa). When he was 17 the family moved to

Louisiana, where an uncle ran a shrimp boat

a la Forrest Gump. When the uncle was killed

in a tragic accident, Frane and his father took

over the boat for a couple of years. Frane then

attended West Georgia University, where heearned a BS and an MS in psychology, then

moved to San Francisco to take his PhD in

East-West Philosophy from the California

Institute of Integral Studies. I practiced

hypnotherapy here in Santa Rosa its a great

way to open ones receptivity to healing but

was always making wine at home.

In 1991 he founded One World Winery

out on Piner Road (just around the corner

from his present location). For a short time

there was also a second winery location in

Sebastopol. A few years later his wife and co-

owner, Janae, put together a business plan

that led to their move, in 1998, to the new

location on Olivet Road, a quarter mile north

of DeLoach. It is a cozy spot set among

yellow-walled buildings, including a small,

intimate tasting room. Picnic tables and

chairs overlook a bocce ball court (a game

played not just in Italy, but all through the

Mediterranean), and a basketball goal has

been set up at the north end of the park

lot. Three acres of Dijon clone Pinot Noir

planted out back.

I always like to try and find one or t

new varietals to try each vintage, says

eclectically minded Frane with a metwinkle covering his entire visage. This y

I made Tempranillo and Mourvdre for

first time, and added a Port. We make five

ten thousand cases each year, and sell mos

it direct from the tasting room, through

wine club and online. We have a very go

presence on the web. Actually, we just sign

on with a distributor for five states in

northeast, including New York and N

Jersey.

The joy that this intelligent, quest

gentleman brings to the table is evident in

wines, which consistently show verve an

commitment to stylistic range. (When y

visit the tasting room, pay extra attention

the harbor painting in the left corner beh

the tasting counter. Thats where Frane gr

up. The family house is just right of cente

Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Russian Riv

Valley, Shanti Vineyard ($15): Full flo

nose, with rose petal hints and bright, gra

L


21/882www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY FEATUR

fruit in the middle and in the

finish. Seafood.

Pinot Grigio 2008 Mendo-

cino, Nelson Vineyard ($20):

Mint and grass in the nose, with

lychee nut, chalk and talc in the

finish. The mineral notes are

classic. Shellfish.Viognier 2007 Mendocino,

Nelson Vineyard ($19): Violets

and lilac aromas, with hints of

grass and butter in the middle.

Fluid texture and tangy spiciness.

Picnic time.

Chardonnay 2007 Russian

River, Baker Vineyard, Barrel

Fermented ($20): Peach and

butter, followed by ripe apple

and oak toast. Round and fleshy.

Pork in a peach sauce.Pinot Noir 2004 Russian

River, Zoras Estate ($42): Rich,

oily texture, with black cherry

and rare filet mignon meatiness;

rose petal and graham oakiness.

Prime rib, rare.

Barbera 2006 Lake County,

St. Olaf Vineyard ($20): Beef-

steak tomato, plum and pome-

granate. Picnic, with the pastrami

sandwich.

Zinfandel 2006 RussianRiver, Olivet Road ($26): Zesty

black pepper and raspberry that

is alive and kicking. Sharp

cheddar cheese beside a roaring

fire in the winter.

Les Trois Amis 2005 ($65):

A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet

and Merlot, this is smoky, with

strawberry, cassis, tobacco and

green bean. Rare roast beef.

Barbera Port 2006 Lake

County, St. Olof Vineyard($35): Sweet blueberry and

plum fruit that is so perfectly

balanced as to take your breath

away. Dark chocolate, sharp

cheeses. Yum.

Sunc Winery is located at

1839 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa;

open daily 10:30-5; online at

www.SunceWinery.com; phone

(707) 526-9463.


22/88

by Charles Neave

Long before the first Spanish explorer wandered into

the Napa Valley, eons before the first grape rootstock was

planted, there was the Old Faithful Geyser just north of

Calistoga. For some insight into this natural phenom-

enon we spoke with David Blakeley, who has been the

manager of the facility for just over five years..

1. How hot is the water coming out of the geyser?350 degrees F

2. Why do your Tennessee Fainting Goats faint?It is caused by a genetic disorder called myotonia.

3. Who loves the geyser more, kids or adults?I think everybody loves it.

4. Does the geyser ever just shut downfor an hour or two?

Sometimes it is usually an indication that there is

going to be an earthquake but it is pretty rare.

5. How far up does the geyser shoot?Between 80 and 100 feet, but that will vary according

to rainfall. Less rainfall means longer intervals but longer and more frequent eruptions.

6. Do you get a lot of people using your picnic grounds?Yes. Unless its raining.

7. What else do you like to do in the area, when youre not here?My personal favorite is to cruise out to the coast.

8. How many other Old Faithful geysers are there in the world?Three total. Ours, the one in Yellowstone and one in New Zealand.

9. Do you ever get tired of watching the people that visit?No.

10. If you werent doing this, what would you like to do?Be rich. But to be honest I am very happy doing this and I cant see myself doing anything else.

The grounds at Old Faithful Geyser are open to the public daily (including holidays) from

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are located at 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga. For more information, call

(707) 942-6463 or look on their website at www.oldfaithfulgesyer.com.


10 QUESTIONS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

22

QU

ES

TIO

N

SDAVID BLAKELYOld Faithful Geyser




by Michelle J. Baker

If you look up the word consistency in good ol Merriam-

Webster, you just might find a picture of a Clos Du Val label.Its not easy producing great wine year in and year out, especially

over the course of 35 years. But Clos Du Val has done just that, largely

as the result of consistency in its leadership, with founder and owner

Bernard Portet still shepherding the familiar brown label to new

heights; and in the cellar, with winemaker John Clews crafting world-

class wines for ten harvests now.

Back in the early 1970s when Mr. Portet founded Clos Du Val, he

saw the potential in both the Stags Leap District and Carneros. So the

winery purchased 150 acres in the Stags Leap District to plant

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other Bordeaux varietals, and

another 180 acres of rolling hills in the Carneros District to plant

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Clos Du Val has always kept its focus squarely on the handfu

varietals grown in their estate vineyards, honing the style of each

perfection over the years. And so Clos Du Vals wines are remarkanot just for their consistent quality, but also for their consistent sty

These are wines that hit the ideal yet delicate balance between dri

able now and still age worthy; fruit and oak; food-friendly and

delicious on their own.

That all adds up to a must stop at the Clos Du Val tasting roo

where serious wine-tasting gives way to a playful and eclectic asso

ment of Wine Country trinkets for those inclined to shop.

But first, the wines. Clos Du Val produces three tiers of wine:

Classics, which are available nationally in major markets; and Rese

and Estate wines, which are produced in very limited quantities

available almost exclusively at the winery. The tasting room offer

regular tasting with the Classics, and a Reserve tasting featuring so

of the more exclusive wines.

Lucky for visitors to the winery, owner Bernard Portet has fast

ously socked away wine from every vintage, enabling the tasting ro

Clos Du Val Consistently Produces Remarkable Win

A

visMandelPictures




to feature library wines every day. The winery is currently showcasing

the 1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. At the time 1998 was not

considered a great year in Napa Valley, but this Cabernet Sauvignon is

showing beautifully, maintaining its youthfulness but marked by its

elegance and depth.

The winery has a nice selection of merchandise available for shop-

pers, including logo clothing, books, and other souvenirs (see if you

can resist the Clos Du Val logo yo-yo).

Visitors are welcome to take a stroll through the demonstration

vineyard, in which each row of Merlot is presented using a different

trellising technique. The winery has a lovely terrace for picnics, as well

as ptanque courts (the French version of bocce ball) for visitors to

enjoy.

Visit Clos Du Val at 5330 Silverado Trail, 3.2 miles south of

Yountville Cross and 1.4 miles north of Oak Knoll Avenue. The Clos

Du Val tasting room is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

A

ndyB

erryPhotography

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ndyBerryPhotography




by Michelle J. Baker

Calistoga Cellars made a splash at the

end of 2007 when the boutique

producer opened its new tasting room

near Calistogas hot corner, at Lincoln Avenue

and Washington Street. Visitors can swing by

the tasting room for a flight, glass or bottle of

the winerys award-winning wines, all while

enjoying the charming backyard patio.

Calistoga Cellars got its start in 1996,

when Managing Partner and Napa Valley

winegrower Roger Louer talked to some of his

fraternity brothers from Iowa State University

about becoming partners in a boutique Napa

Valley winery. Many of his Delta Sigma Phibrothers jumped at the opportunity and

before he knew it, Roger had lined up 40

partners to join him in launching Calistoga

Cellars. The group purchased a property on

Tubbs Lane in Calistoga, and ultimately

released its first vintage in 2000.

With Calistoga Cellars, the partners set out

to produce delicious, approachable yet still

distinctly Napa Valley wines, all set at prices

guided by their Midwestern sensibilities. For

visitors that means some of the best values

available from the Napa Valley appellation.

And, the winerys deals get even better when

you consider the benefits of their Partners

Club buy a case of wine, mixed or all the

same, and get 30% off, and shipping is

included. Club members are entertained at

events throughout the year on the propertys

Blossom Creek House, which is famous forbeing featured in the 1995 film Nine

Months.

Veteran winemaker Barry Gnekow has

been making the wine at Calistoga Cellars

since 2000. Gnekow spent 20 years at J. Lohr

in the Central Coast before striking out on his

own as a consultant, and now he makes wine

for a select handful of clients. At Calistoga

Cellars, Gnekow has the luxury of using

100% Napa Valley grapes, which he trans-

forms into wines that are consistently

balanced and delectable.

The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($16) is ripe

and delicious, eschewing any varietal green-

ness for a more sippable style, but count it in

as perfect foil for lighter entrees. True to its

Napa Valley roots, the 2007 Chardonnay

($20) boasts notes of pineapple and melon,

with a long-lasting toasty vanilla finish. On

the red side, Calistoga Cellars Zinfandel is a

perennial favorite. The current vintage

(2005), despite its limited availability,

being featured on the wine lists of Ru

Chris Steakhouse nationally. Finally, in N

Valley you have to make great Cab,

Calistoga makes not one but two great Ca

including a Reserve from Roger Louers oSt. Helena vineyard.

Calistoga Cellars is an easy stop before

after heading for a meal in Calistoga. Stop

the Calistoga Cellars tasting room at 13

Lincoln Avenue, which is open (no appo

ment necessary) from Wednesday throu

Saturday from noon until 5 p.m.

Enjoy Calistoga Cellars Wines in Downtown Calistog




Tours announced Proceeds to BenefitLedson Harmony Foundation for Children

HGTV and Steve Ledson announced the

start of public tours of the 2009 HGTV

Dream Home located in the historic Wine

Country town of Sonoma. Wine-

maker/developer and philanthropist Steve

Ledson, a fifth-generation Sonoman, built the

2009 Dream Home for HGTV.

Tours will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 5

p.m., through March 2, 2009. The last tour

of the day will begin at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for

the tours are $20 per person ages four and up

and are available only by reservation. Chil-

dren under three will be admitted free, but

must be carried by an adult. To make reserva-

tions, call (707) 537-3812. All tickets are to

be picked up at the Ledson Hotel, 480 First

Street East, Sonoma at least one hour prior to

your scheduled tour time. Guests will then

ride a shuttle to the HGTV Dream Home a

few miles away. No shoes are allowed in the

home and booties will be provided. Tours

have limited handicapped accessibility and

may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

All proceeds from the HGTV Dream

Home 2009 tours benefit the Harmony Foun-

dation for Children. The Harmony Founda-

tion for Children exists to break down the

barriers between need and assistance by

providing direct financial support to at-risk or

in-need youth whose record of personal

responsibility, dedication and achievement is

imperiled by circumstances or events beyond

their control. In particular the Harmo

Foundation for Children works to enha

philanthropy and strengthen our sense

community by providing help to those und

privileged children whose own fami

cannot. To date, hundreds of thousand

dollars have been donated by the Harmo

Foundation to deserving individuals

organizations.

The foundation is funded through

Ledson family direct donations, individ

public donations and Ledson family sp

sored fund-raising events. The Harm

Foundation for Children acknowled

former San Francisco 49ers great Dwi

Clark and two of the entertainment industmost prominent artists, Michael McDon

and Jeff Bridges as inaugural benefactors.

One of the most successful consum

promotions in cable TV history, the HG

Dream Home Giveaway involves sponsors

from several national advertisers.

Come See the 2009 HGTV Dream Home in Sonom



FYI:E-mail content considerations to [email protected]

Jeffry can be heard discussing Wine Country every Thursday at 5:45pm on the

Monterey Peninsula's number 1 rated talk show: www.ForLocalsOnly.com; with liv

digital streaming from the legendary KRML Jazz & Blues Radio, in Carmel.

What s hot this week by Jeffry RMustard Magic

This year marks the fifteenth season of the Napa Valley Mustard

Festival. During the months of February and March, experience

Sensational Seasons of Wine Country Events beginning withMustard Magic The Grand Opening Event, on Saturday, January

31st. The red carpet rolls out for food and wine enthusiasts who revel

in enchanting surroundings while sampling world-class wines. Live

music, visual arts, tableau scenes, plus silent and live auctions all

contribute for one unforgettable evening. Napa Valleys most creative

and extravagant gathering of the year is well attended and often sells

out, so make plans to participate now. Call (707) 938-1133 or visit

www.mustardfestival.org.

Freestone FogImagine what residents thought when hearing that a big Napa

winery was coming to bucolic Freestone. This is a blink-and-you-miss-it hamlet at the start of the Bohemian Highway, once probably

home to more sheep than people, where all the news of the town can

be heard over a cup of coffee at the bakery on Saturday morning. So,

wisely,Joseph Phelps Vineyards took nearly ten years to ease into the

scene. In 1999, they broke ground on an 80-acre Biodynamically

farmed vineyard overlooking Freestone, opening a gravity-flow winery

in time for the 2007 crush. From the look of things, Phelps seems to

have done right by West County. The tasting room is in a building that

formerly housed Pastorale, a woolen store. As yet, there is no sign,

however, its the only business on the road so its not hard to figure out.

The casual, airy space is furnished in a whitewashed country French

theme. Visitors are encouraged to sit down at long tables and even

have a picnic. At the copper-topped bar, its easy to move through a

short list although youll want to linger over each sip. Fittingly, Free-

stones Fogdog label is named for a nautical term denoting a bright

spot that breaks through the fog. The 2005 Fogdog Chardonnay is a

crispy, fruity pleasure, as is the 2006 Ovation Chardonnay. Naturally,

with the cooler climate, a Pinot Noir is on the tasting menu with a

gorgeous 2005 Fogdog Pinot Noir just bursting with juicy black cher-

ries and plums. Freestone Vineyards is located at 12747 El Camino

Bodega, in Freestone; (707) 874-1010, www.frreestonevineyards.com.

Face LiftRestoration of the oldest building on the oldest winery in the Napa

Valley came to a completion late last fall. The Redwood Cellarsbuilding on the Charles Krug Winery was built in 1874 by Prussian

immigrant and the regions first vintner Charles Krug after the original

building, made in 1861, was damaged by fire. The building acquired

its name when Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the property in

1943 and installed a series of redwood tanks to ferment their wine.

The wood of those same twenty-foot-tall tanks was recycled and used

to repair the ceiling of the adjacent Carriage House, which has also

been restored. Stonemasons painstakingly repaired the walls, the

metal roof has been replaced and both building have been seismically

strengthened. With the completion of the multimillion dollar restora-

tion, the family continues their stewardship of 850 acres of estate l

with organic and sustainable farming practices and state-of-the

winemaking techniques. Located one mile north of St. Helena,

Charles Krug Winery focuses production on lush red Bordeaux sblends, New Zealand style Sauvignon Blanc and classically cra

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Charles Krug Winery

2800 Main Street; (707) 967-2229, www.charleskrug.com.

Big Deal

Zinfandel lovers should order tickets now for the 18th Ann

Heritage Zinfandel Festival. Held in San Francisco, the ZAP fest

is the first major food and wine gathering of the new year and alw

sells out. Commencing January 28th through 31st, the event featu

flights, great eats and pairings and a intimate evening with wi

makers. If you like Zinfandel, this event is for you. To participate,

(530) 274-4900 or visit www.zinfandel.org.

Urban Wineries

Napa and Sonoma may be just a stones throw from San Franci

but why travel when you can experience winemaking at its best r

in the city by the bay. A couple of new urban wineries resides here

swirl, sip and savor without leaving San Francisco. For a broad t

of Northern California wines in one locations, dont miss the swan

new Press Club. This tasting room just opened in September

features eight acclaimed Northern California vintners in an eleg

setting. The space is located in the cellar of the Four Seasons Ho

Each winery has its own tasting area, and there is a lounge and priv

dining room to enjoy perfectly paired bite-sized delights featuredthe tasting menu. For more information, call (415) 744-5000 or go

www.pressclubsf.com. At Ghirardelli Square, visit Cellar 360 fo

Wine Country experience in the heart of the action at Fisherm

Wharf. This tasting room features more than 250 wines, delic

food, and outdoor patio and boasts one of the longest bars in the c

The sprawling retail space is a great place to purchase gifts or lo

sought-after wines. Check out educational events and classes tau

by chefs and wine educators at the Food and Wine Education Cen

Call (415) 440-0772 or visit www.cellar360.com for details.

Good Groth

Visitors to Groth Vineyards and Winery get a taste of not j

wine but fruits of family business. A dedication to quality and be

farming techniques led to Groth replanting 90 percent of its vineya

since 1996, growing grapes with darker colors and richer flavors

championing sustainability. The most recent eco-friendly innovatio

the Insectary Garden, a botanical invitation to desirable insects. T

Oakville based winery has a following, so call ahead for tours and t

ings. Specializing in Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Bl

Groth Vineyards and Winery is located at 750 Oakville Cross Ro

(707) 754-4254, www.grothwines.com.



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The Candlelight Inn is the only Cali-

fornia bed-and-breakfast to be named a

2007 Top 10 Most Romantic Inn by

American Historic Inns, Inc., publisher of

more than 2.5 million bed-and-breakfastguidebooks and its companion website,

iLoveInns.com.

Built in 1929 by the eventual postmaster

of Napa, he had no idea that one day the

Napa Valley would become an internationally

famous mecca for wine and food lovers. With

its dark oak timbers, whitewashed plaster

and manicured grounds, now, almost 80

years later, the

Nor Cal Edition - January 30, 2009

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