Nor Cal Edition - Oct 7, 2011

8/4/2019 Nor Cal Edition - Oct 7, 2011

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AUGUSTBRIGGSWINERYPAGE 20

JUDDS HILLPOETRY

CONTESTPAGE 26

SOMERSTONWINEMAKER

PROFILEPAGE 30

BRANNANCOTTAGE

INNPAGE 44

HEALDSBURGCRUSH

FESTIVALPAGE 50

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TASTINGPAGE 65

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

August Briggs Winer

Craig BeckeSomersto

Wine Compan

ON

THE

COVE

R

42

RASgallerie

Mayo Family Winer


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O C T O B E R 7 , 2 0 1 1 I S S U E 4 1 V O L U M E 3 0

ON THE COVERRASgalleries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

SPECIAL COUPONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Northern California Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Wineology by Len Napolitano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-18

WINE COUNTRY GETAWAYSOvernight Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

SUISUN VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Suisun Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

NAPA VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-45

Downtown Napa Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

St. Helena Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Napa Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41

Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Calistoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-45

SONOMA COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-61

Sonoma County Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47

Russian River Area Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Healdsburg Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Sonoma Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-61

Sonoma Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Sonoma Plaza Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Glen Ellen & Kenwood Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63

Lake & Mendocino Counties Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-66

Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Mountains Map . . . . . . . . . . 64

Salinas Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

LIVERMORE VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Livermore Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68-78

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | TABLE OF CONTENT


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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

ALDERBROOK WINERYMention ad for 2 for 1 tasting 50

ANDRETTI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 5

BALLETTO VINEYARDS Complimentary tasting with ad 49

BERINGER VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting in the Rhine House with ad 33BLUE VICTORIAN Complimentary tasting withad 34

BOUCHAINE 2 for 1 tasting with ad 27

BRANNAN COTTAGE INN 10% off standard rate with ad 44

CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5

CHANGE OF GREENERY2 all-day electric bike rental $129 35

CHATEAU ST. JEAN 2 for 1 tasting with ad 60

ETUDE WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 10

FERRARI-CARANO 2 for 1 tasting with ad 73GOLDEN HAVEN Mud Treatment for 2, $54 per person 3

HAGAFEN CELLARS Free tasting with ad 4

HAHN WINERYComplimentary tasting for two with ad 66

J. KEVERSON 2 for 1 tasting and 25% off wine purchase with ad 52

JESSUP CELLARS Complimentary tasting for two with ad 43

KENDALL-JACKSON WINERYComplimentary tasting with ad 27

LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 37

MARTIN RAY WINERY15% discount with ad 49

OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER $1 off with ad 45PINK MANSION 15% off with ad at check-in 44

RAYMOND WINERYComplimentary tasting with ad 6

REATA VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 4

RODNEY STRONG Complimentary tasting/20% discount with ad 51

RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad BACK PAGE

ST. CLEMENT WINERY2 for 1 tasting 71

ST. SUPRY2 for 1 Tasting Mon-Thurs 7

STAGECOACH EXPRESS Complimentary shipping box 35

SUMMERS WINES 10% discount with ad 44

TASTE AT OXBOW Complimentary tasting 79

TURNBULL WINE CELLARS Complimentary tasting for 2 with ad 29

VEZR FAMILY VINEYARD Complimentary tasting with ad 34

VIANSA WINERY2 for 1 tasting/10% discount with ad 57

VINE HILL $10 tasting fee waived with ad 64

WILLIAM HILL 2 for 1 tasting with ad 31

Special Coupons


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Proper wine storage becomes an important issue when you arekeeping wines for the long term. If, however, you typically drink yourwines within a month or so of purchase, the storage environment is lesscritical, but certain basic rules should still be followed.

Whether speaking of long- or short-term storage, the conditions thatdestroy wine are extremes in temperature and humidity. Rooms or storageareas with extreme conditions must be avoided. This means not keepingthe wines in an area where the ambient temperature consistently reachesabove 70 degrees or dips below 45 degrees. Ideally, and especially forlong-term keeping of quality wines, the temperature range should benarrowed to 50 to 60, for both red and white wines. Failing to keepwine within these limits will either accelerate the aging (high-temperatureconditions) or slow the aging (cold temperature conditions), and degradethe character and balance of the wine. In addition, wines must not be

subjected to frequent wide swings in temperatures, more than 10 degreeswithin short periods of time. Gradual increases or decreases in tempera-ture, such as when the seasons change, will not do any harm.

A wine will also be affected somewhat by storage area humidity. Theperfect level is around 75% humidity. When a wine storage room reachesaround 85%, the risk of mold on corks and bottle labels is increased.Humidity levels below 50% will increase the risk of wine evaporating andoxygen entering the bottle. Remember that storing bottles on their sides

will keep wine in contact with the cork and insure that it remains mand expanded to keep a tight closure. A dry cork will become britshrink and eventually allow air to get to the wine, which also will ruin quality of the wine.

If you are a relatively serious wine collector, you may want to consia wine storage unit that works similar to a normal refrigerator. The diffence is in the wine storage units precise control of a proper stortemperature and humidity, in addition to having a vibration-dampdesign. A normal refrigerators motor will cause vibrations that will havery old wines that contain sediment. Wine storage units come in a wvariety of sizes and will have bottle shelves or drawers for holding as as 24 bottles or as much as 2000 bottles, and sometimes more.

In California, where basements are rare, the wine storage unit inecessity for keeping valuable wines. If you have a basement that h

fairly consistent temperature and humidity throughout the year, you ha low-cost, convenient storage facility. Always keep wines in a dstorage area, as sunlight, and to a lesser extent, fluorescent light will hawines.

Len Napolitano lives in San Luis Obispo County and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators,Wine & Spirits Education Trust and Chicago Wine School and continually gains knowledge from his frequent co

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.

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 r

by Len Napolitano

What are the proper conditions for storing wine?


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by Jeffry Ross

The Skinny The Wine Garage is all about the juice. Its also about having funlike a kid in a candy store. The Wine Garage is, literally, a former gas stationTodd, the wine buyer, travels far and wide to find top-shelf, affordably pricedwines. Inside, youll find more than 200 different labels neatly arranged in caon the floor and an engaging staff who are friendly, attentive and most impor

tantly, they know their wines.

Buzz Despite its funky space, the Wine Garage is a wine lovers best friend.Reminiscent of visiting your favorite record store (yes, kids, once upon a timthats where you had to buy your music), the fun is going through all the casand finding something youve never heard of. All the wines have been testdriven by the staff, so, whatever you select, you wont be disappointed.

Value Ultimately, the Wine Garage is about value. Its no secret that in NapaValley, its difficult to score a highly rated red for less than $65, but the WineGarage manages to do it all the time. The staff takes great pride hunting dowunusual and lesser-known, limited-production wines and passing their hagglfinesse on to us.

Ten-second summary With the exception of Wine Garage labeled-awardwinning Cabernets, nothing in this hip hideaway is more than $25! The Wi

Garage is stocked with premium, small-lot wines that you wont find at BevMTrader Joes or your local wine store (plus, they do a better job storing theirwines at the correct temperature).

Best bets In addition to all the labels the Wine Garage represents, they alsoproduce their own lip-smacking blends. My in-house favorites are: 2009 JoyRide (white blend), 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet, 2007 Napa Valley Petite

Syrah, 2008 Napa Valley Chihuahua Cabernet and 2006 Napa Valley Hside Cabernet.

Under-the-radar Go old-school with half-gallon jugs filled while you wait

using their specifically designed service station nozzles. Not only are the windelicious (and affordable), the jug is crazy fun conversation at the table. Its a

a cool gift.

Secrets For the next few weeks, receive an additional ten percent off thealready low prices when you purchase six bottles. Twenty percent on a case.Better yet, the Wine Garage has the BEST wine club in the valley and theyship just about everywhere.

Insider If youre a serious wino, get on the inside track for ultra exclusivedeals by hooking up with the Wine Garage on Twitter and Facebook (wine cmembers get first crack to cream-of-the-crop finds).


WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINE COUNTRY NEW

1

Quality Wines All Under $2at Wine Garage, Calistoga


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

12 Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa

ONGOINGNapa Valley Wine Trainnapa, 800-427-4124, www.wa.m o 7: Vs lu, ZD Ws o 13: M esap D o 15, 29: Mud Mysy D o 21: Vs lu, Judds h o 28: tk--ta haw Bas, d pus da a

ONGOINGJoseph Phelps Vineyards:Tastings & SeminarsA ppuy papa a wd a x smas. 1 us11am day; 2:30pm, Mday-fday & 2pm, Sauday & Suday. $40, xpisa Bd/$60, /w ub mmbs. ta ass day, $25rSVP, 707-967-3720, das www.jpvws.m isa Bd W Ama ca S Vyad cabs fs & Pps Ba sma

ONGOING WEEKENDS EXCEPT 4TH WEEKENDWine Component Tasting Seminarat Merryvale VineyardsS. ha, 10:30am-12:30pm, $20, /ub mmbs707-963-7777, www.myva.m

EVERY 4TH WEEKEND

Wine & Food Pairing Seminarat Merryvale Vineyards10:30am-12:30pm, $20, /ub mmbs, S. ha707-963-7777, www.myva.m

ONGOING FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Taste with the Count at Buena Vista

A 45-mu u ad w as, 11am & 12:30pm, $20A 90-mu tas w cu w rsv Bua Vsa ws cus la by cu. 2pm, $45, rSVP, 800-926-1266

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Clos du Valnapa, day 10am-5pm, 800-993-9463, www.sduva.m cass ass, $10: wavd w puas a b w. rsv ass, $20: wavd w puas a b w. tus by appm w 24 u adva

ONGOING

Jefferson House Reserve Room Tastingat Monticello Vineyardsnapa, rsv W Sma, cy famy napa Vay $25rSVP 707-253-2802 x18, www.cyfamynapaVay.m

ONGOINGV. Sattui WineryS. ha, 9am-6pm, app. ssay, 707-963-7774, www.vsau.m cass as, day, $5 Pmum as, day, $10 fd & w pa, M-tu, $18 Asa a & w pa, Sa-Su, $25 iaa Makpa w 200+ ss D w pa, sadws, abaks & m Wkd BBQ, wd-d pzza, yss, mzzaa ba 2 as -sadd p uds

ONGOING FRIDAYS-SUNDAYSFood & Wine Pairings at Etude Winery

napa, 10am, 1pm & 3pm, $35, $25/mmbswww.udws.m, 707-257-5300

ONGOINGRombauer VineyardsS. ha, 707 963-5170, www.mbau.m fday-Suday: op by adva appm y Mday-tusday 10am-5pm tas $10 W & cs Pa day by appm y, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $25

ONGOINGTours & Tasting at ZD Winesrud, rSVP 800-487-7757, www.zdws.m tada tas, $10, day 10am-4pm Pm tas, $15, day 10am-4pm Pva gup tas, $20, by app ca tu & tas, $25, 1pm wkds & days, M-f by app Vyad Vw tas, $40, Sa-Su 11am, M-f by app Abaus tas, $600 4-6 pp, by app W ta, $180

ONGOINGTours and Tastingsat William Hill Estate Winerynapa, 10am-5pm, by app. 707-265-3024, www.wamsa.m tas napa Vay, $12 tas Svad B, $20 esa exusvs, $25 i Wam h esa tu ad tas, $25 t Wam h esa exp tu ad tas, $40

ONGOINGVineyard & Winery Toursat Raymond VineyardsS. ha, 11am (by app), $15, gup us avaab (by app)800-525-2659x620, www.aymdvyads.m

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Andretti Winerynapa , 877-386-5070 x227, www.adwy.m idvdua tass, $15 Pva Wy tu & tas, $20/ps by appm Vyad tus, $20/ps by appm

ONGOINGTasting at Grgich Hills Estaterud, 9:30am-4:30pm, tus a 11am & 2pm, $10W bay as/$30, Ba as ms fdays 2-4pm707-963-2784, www..m

ONGOINGTastings & Tours at Artesa Winerynapa, rSVP, 877-224-8309, www.asawy.m V Qus, W & cs exp, $40 Day gudd tus Vs & Ws, A Vyad tu, $40

ONGOINGTours & Tasting at Black Stallion Winerynapa, 10am-5pm, 707-253-1400, www.baksawy.m rua as, $10 rsv as, $35, Sa-Su

Asa s adda $7.50/ps

ONGOINGEducational Tours & Wine Tastingat Castello di Amorosacasa, 707-967-6272, rSVP, www.asdamsa.m rua u & as, $25-$40 rsv u & as, $35-$50

tas y, $10-$25 Yu adu us, $15-$20 napa Vay nb Pam Pva ViP us

ONGOINGTastings & Seminars at St. Supryrud, www.ssupy.m, 800-231-6116 W & cs Pa Smas, 11am, aa Saudays ca Pa, 11am, aa Saudays cab lbay tas, 11am, aa Saudays W 101 a S. Supy, 11am, Sudays

ONGOINGTaste at Oxbow Wine and Chocolate Pair5 as w 5 ws $20. 12-7 pm Suday-tusday

12-9 pm fday-Sauday. rsvas mmdd. 707-265-9600.ONGOING

Wine Tasting Experiences at Benessere VineyardsS. ha, 707-963-5853x105, www.bssvyads.m, by app Psazd W fs, day, $10 Vyads Wak tu & tas, M-W, 10:30am, $15 fud Pa exp, Su, 10:30am, $15 Ba tas, rSVP, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $20 Ba tas & cu ras, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $25 Ba tas & Va, tus, Sa-Su, 11am, $25 gup tas, Sa-Su, 1:30pm, $15

ONGOINGVisitor Programs at Robert Mondavi Wineryf das, 888-rMonDAVi x2, www.bmdav.m t Sau tu & tas t W tas Bass t exusv ca tas tas Byd Bass t havs Jy tu & lu

ONGOINGVIP Tasting & Artisan Barrel Factory TourBuassa Vyads, napa, M-f by appm, $15 md-wk spaM s s, 800-499-2366, www.buassavyads.m

ONGOINGTastings at Silverado Vineyardsnapa, 707-259-6611, 800-997-1770x611, www.svadvyads.m Saddbk Vyad tas, $75 lbay tas, $75 Day tas rm fs, esa/$10, Pm/$20 Pub tus & tas, 10:30am & 2:30pm, $15 Pva tu ad tas, 15-25 uss, $20/u, $25/u & as

ONGOING SATURDAYSNapaRiverwalk withHistorian George Webber2 u u w as & d w napa, 10am, $20, 707-251-8500

ONGOINGNapa Valley Opera House

1030 Ma S, napa, 707-226-7372, www.v. o 8: A ev w Wsa Wd o 9: lau Jub, Ppp DAs & cas rys o 10: Ppv cmdy P ta o 11: cmdy Ss, J Kk o 13: Kk Masu o 15: Ka hz & Buy Bu o 16: ca caba, Bs Badway o 17: Sby ly o 20: P W o 23: Ss od Wakk o 27: 7 Waks o 28: haud opa hus

ONGOINGLive at theLincoln TheaterYuv, 707-944-1300, www.a.m o 8-9: gb gd o 15: t Sps

o 16: g & Kk Kaumku Sw & luau o 21: U.S. naa fma Da camp, BYU Bam Da

NAPA VALLEY

UPCOMING Daily: Vally firs tour Daily: gri hills esa Winry tour fri-Sun: Domain candon Winry tour Sa: Vallys only evnin Winry tour Mon-tu: Ambassador Winry tour o 7: Virs lu, ZD Wis o 13: Mig esap Dir o 15, 29: Murdr Mysry Dir o 21: Virs lu, Judds hi Wiry


13/801www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT

ONGOINGWine Tasting at Back Room Winesnapa, 5-9pm, 707-226-1378, www.bakmws.m

o 6: cs Ms W cass by Ja f

o 7: russa rv Vay tas

o 13: t-V cas gad tas

o 14: A tas tu iay

o 28: P ns m Aud Wd

ONGOING

di Rosanapa, 707-226-5991, www.dsapsv.

o 15: As ls, Au X

ONGOINGLive at Uptown Theatrenapa, 707-259-0123, www.upwaapa.m

o 8: rb ea K

o 14: tad lv

o 15: rya Adams

o 16: Sv W

o 18: Jas Bams ld Zpp exp

o 19: t Ms Davs exp

o 25: ldsy Bukam fwd Ma

o 28: Jy la

o 30: gab isas

ONGOINGTasting Events at Wineries of Napa Valleynapa tw c, napa, 707-253-9450www.apavas.m, k wbs ms & ps o 7, 14, 21, 28: 15 op Bs! o 8-9: caa css w napa Vay Ws o 12, 29-30: ca Dad o 15-16: t-p Sds, ca B & napa W o 20, 25: f n, ca B Samps o 22-23: Sasa Busa & napa W

ONGOING THROUGH NOVEMBER 13Signs of Life Photography Exhibitby Robert Buelteman at Mumm Naparud, www.mummapa.m, 707-976-7702

OCTOBER 6First Thursday Fashion! Food! Fun!Sp, sp & as yu way u dww!Dww casa, 6-9pm, www.asavss.m

OCTOBER 7Beaulieu Vineyard Red Wine Aroma Seminarrud, 2-4pm, $20/mmbs & usswww.bvws.m, 800-373-5896, rSVP

OCTOBER 8Crush Party at V. Sattui WineryS. ha, 6:15-9:30pm, $79/mmb, $89www.vsau.m, 707-963-7774

OCTOBER 8

7th Annual Feast of Eden

at RaymondVineyardslad tus napa cuy

S. ha, 5pm, $250, 707-252-3270, www.apaadus.

OCTOBER 8

Harvest Party & Lobster Feed

at Sequoia Grovenapa, 6-9pm, $85/mmbs, $100, rSVP

www.squav.m, 707-944-2945x111

OTOBER 8, 15, 22The Count of Buena Vista

20 mu pma s wy bud a Bu

Vsa. la Sma as b fa Js Ama, ga Va

ad cu haaszy. f, 2pm, www.buavsaas.m

OCTOBER 8Fall CelebrationPaaduxx Wy, napa, 707-967-2031

OCTOBER 8Harvest PartyBss Vyads, S. ha, 11am-3pm

Mmbs/$75, a admss/$90, rSVP

www.bssvyads.m, 707-963-5853x107


14/8014 Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT


OCTOBER 8-9Eric Christensen to Appear at Gallery 1870V Makpa, Yuv, 2-5pmwww.vmakpa.m, 707-944-9670

OCTOBER 9Profile Club 11th Annual Harvest Partyat Merryvale VineyardsS. ha, 1-4pm, /mmbs, $25/usswww.myva.m, 877-887-7763, rSVP

OCTOBER 13

Pink PartyDma cad, Yuv, www.ad.m, 707-944-2280

OCTOBER 15DVX Release Party at Mumm Naparud, 2-4pm, $45/mmbs, $50, rSVPwww.mummapa.m, 800-686-6272

OCTOBER 15Beaulieu Vineyard Beauzeaux Celebrationrud, 11am-1pm, $45, www.bvws.m, 800-373-5896, rSVP

OCTOBER 15Harvest Wine Club Dinnerat Reynolds Family Winerynapa, 6-9pm, 707-258-2558, rSVP, www.ydsamywy.m

OCTOBER 15Gallery Exhibit Opening Gala at Turnbull:AbstractVisions, A Brett Weston

Retrospectivetubu W cas, oakv, ejy a as 2008 Baklab oakv cab Sauv. 5:30-7pmwww.tubuWs.m, 707-963-5839x15

OCTOBER 15The Beringer Great Steak ChallengeB Vyads, S. ha, ck ca lv tap gadfa. hsd by Jam & Bbby Da & Wmak lau hk.10:45am-2:15pm, www.b.m, 866-708-9463

OCTOBER 15Harvest PartyBuassaVyads, napa, 4-7pm,www.buassavyads.m,707-254-4922

OCTOBER 15The Artists Palette Dining Experience:Lail VineyardsMa()sy napa Vay, napa hsd by Pp rb la, 6:30pm$155, $124/mmbs, www.masy.m, 707-944-0889

OCTOBER 15 - MARCH 30AbstractVisions,A Brett Weston Retrospective at Turnbulltubu W cas, oakv, A mpsv xb ba s100 bday. www.tubuWs.m, 707-963-5839x15

OCTOBER 16Music on the TerraceDma cad, Yuv, www.ad.m, 707-944-2280

OCTOBER 20Vintner Dinner with Mike GrgichBadss, Yuv, www..m, 707-204-6000

OCTOBER 21Grgich Hills Estate Winemaker DinnerMadwd, napa Vay, S. ha, 5pm, $187www..m, 707-963-2784

OCTOBER 22Spectacular Beringer

Cellar Sale ExperienceS. ha, 10am-2pm, /mmbs & uss, $35/awww.b.m, 888-708-9463

OCTOBER 22Annual Harvest Party at Ehlers EstateS. ha, 5-8:30pm, rSVP, W cub evwww.ssa.m, 707-963-5972

OCTOBER 22Calistoga Blues Festlv bus bads & w as m 15 ws. Mus 12-6pm, w 1-6pmwww.casaVss.m, 707-942-6333

OCTOBER 22Sisters Annual Crush Breast Cancer FundraiserV Makpa, Yuv, 11am-8pmwww.vmakpa.m, 707-944-8400

OCTOBER 22Date & Movie Night: Bottle Shockt rm, fa Sps, S. ha, 5:10pm w & d, mv 7:10pmwww.asps.m, 866-967-8032

OCTOBER 22Cooking Class: Graces Tablecda gabs i, napa,fau taa Wy & oabs Ws$150, 4-8pm, www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

OCTOBER 22Barrel Tastings at TwilightVad Wy, D Pak, 4-7pm, $35, mmbs/www.vad.m, 707-963-3816

OCTOBER 29Crystal Costume Ballat Raymond VineyardsS. ha, 9pm-1am, $45, 707-963-6941, www.aymdvyads.m

OCTOBER 29Halloween Party at Acacia Vineyardnapa, www.aaavyad.m, 707-226-9991

OCTOBER 29Halloween at the Chateauat Domaine Carnerosnapa, caau Sy ev, 8-11pm800-716-2788, www.dmaas.m

FRIDAYS THROUGH OCTOBERSebastiani Winery Friday Music SeriesSma, 6-9pm, 707-933-3226, www.sbasa.m o 7: Jam Jams Bad o 14: cya ca & t caus o 21: huds o 28: Baktax

ONGOINGLive Music at Centre du Vinlds h, Sma, 707-996-9779www.ds.m o 8, 22: Jss Py o 15: Amb gus o 29: Jaa Pz

ONGOINGJazz it Up Saturday

Wine & Jazz Concert SeriesSass Vyad tas Ba, hadsbu, 4-6pmwww.sassvyad.m, 707-431-2222 o 8: Mad & edd Dua t o 22: A Swaz Qua

ONGOINGPrivate Tastings at Viansawww.vasa.m, 800-995-7470 iaa W & cs Pa,10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm,

$10/mmbs, $25 rsv W & fd Pa, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm

/mmbs, $45

ONGOINGReserve Wine & Food PairingPrivate Tasting at ViansaSma, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appmwww.vasa.m, 800-995-7470, /mmbs, $45

ONGOINGCarneros Bistro & Wine Bar IntroducesThematic Wine Programha aw maks. Pus,a tusday,6:30-8pmbyw-ds.t ld a Sma,rSVP, www.dasma.m,707-931-2042

ONGOINGVineyard Walk & Photography Workshopat B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 10am-1pm, $45, $35/mmbs707-931-7924x123, www.b.m

ONGOINGExclusive Wine & Cheese Tastingat B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/mmbs707-931-7924x123, www.b.m

ONGOINGPrivate Wine Tastingsat Ferrari-CaranoVineyards and Wineryhadsbu Pk Bu v ws, 6-8 pp, $20-$40ppby appm, 707-433-6700, www.a-aa.m Sms ts yu Sm Mmy W W lvs ws pad w Asa ss K rds ws pad w dd us ad as Mamak w ad d pa PVa tas ws pad w Asa cau pa cab t tas mpas ws m d vas

ONGOINGWine and Food Pairingat Ferrari-CaranoVineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mamak, a a ad s ma ws w p d. 6-8 pp, $35pp, by appm707-433-6700, www.a-aa.m

ONGOINGFree Guided Winery Tourat Ferrari-CaranoVineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mday-Sauday, 10am, by appm707-433-6700, www.a-aa.m

ONGOINGGroup Private Tastingsat Ferrari-CaranoVineyards and Wineryhadsbu iuds 5 ws, 9-25 pp udud a, byappm. $20 p ps, 707-433-6700, www.a-aa.m

ONGOING

Terroir & History Tour at Chateau St. JeaKwd, A vs caau S. Ja s a yu sss.cmpmay, 11am-2pm, 707-833-4134, www.aausja.m

ONGOINGFood & Wine Pairing at Mayo Reserve Roo9200 Sma hwy, Kwd, Day, 10:30am-6pm, 7 us d/w a$35, rsvas mmdd, 707-833-5504, www.mayamywy

ONGOINGWine Experiences at Chateau St. JeanKwd, t ps mmum, 2 us, $50, by appm707-833-4134x5258, www.aausja.m cq cpas Bd Sma, e ps mmum, 2 us, $75 cq cpas cmp tas, e ps mmum, 1.5 us, $2 Pva ViP W tas, 10:30am, 1 & 3pm, $25, 1 u Bx lu Pam w tu

ONGOINGTours,Tastings & Seminars

at St. Francis WinerySaa rsa, t ps mmum, ca m ma & sva888-675-Wine(9463)x255, www.saswy.m Wy tu & tas, 1.5 us, $25 Vyads tu & tas, 1 u, $20 Bd Sma, 1.5 u, $65

ONGOINGGuided Winery Tours at Gloria FerrerSma, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $10, 707-996-7256, www.a.m

ONGOINGWine & Food Pairing at Kendall-Jacksonfu, Spa sv d & w as, 10am-4pm, $25707-571-7500, www.kj.m

ONGOING SUNDAYSDomaine Carneros Sparkling Brunchat the Fairmont Mission Inn & SpaSma, 9am-1pm, 707-938-9000, www.am.m.sma

ONGOING WEEKENDSWine & Chocolate Pairings at Fritz Winerycvda, 10:30am-4:30pm, $5 as vs pa707-894-3389, www.zwy.m

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH50 Mile AV Vintner's Diningge,Baas& odVPn& SyasmAsVyafdssud ay. 4-7PM, rSVP, 707-935-3456, asws.m

ONGOING THURSDAYSThirsty Thursdays at AnabaSma, ejy mpmay s & aks pa w yu was. 4-5:30pm, 707-996-4188, www.aabaws.m

ONGOING THURSDAY SUNDAYUnique Food & Wine Pairingsat HKG Tasting Roomg e, 12-6pm, 707-938-7622, www.pkwy.m

SONOMA COUNTY


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ONGOINGMoondance Cellars &Orchard Station Winesg e, Pad w W cuy cas tu tass, $10707-938-7550, www.mdaas.m

ONGOING THURSDAY-SATURDAYMichel-Schlumberger Winery Green Tourhadsbu, 10:30am, $25, 800-447-3060, www.msumb.m

ONGOING MONDAY-SATURDAYRobert Young Estate Winery Vineyard Tours& Tasting in a Remodeled GrapeGondolagysv, 11:30am, $10, bx u pvdd $20707-431-4811, www.yw.m

ONGOINGWells Fargo Center for the ArtsSaa rsa, 707-546-3600, wsaas. o 9: Am P Dak Sadws o 14: May ov o 15-17: Saa rsa Sympy S o o 18: V g o 20: Davd ck & gav Dgaw o 27: Va Bys c o 28: gd Da Abas o 30: Pps od ea & gsw o 31: J Bk

ONGOINGSpreckels Performing Arts Centerr Pak, 707-588-3400, www.spks.m

o 21-23, 28-30: Jky ad hyd, Musa

ONGOING FRIDAYSFriday Night Music Series with Food TrucksM-Sumb Wy, hadsbu, 5:30-8:30pm, $5

www.msumb.m, 800-447-3060

o 7: fu Sam

o 14: cas haONGOING SATURDAYS

Swirl, Sniff & Sip (aka Wine 101)B 3 W Ba, fam Sma Mss i & Spa, Sma

10-10:45am, www.am.m/sma, 707-938-9000

ONGOING SATURDAYSComplimentary Concert Seriesladmak Wy, Sma, 1-4pm, www.admakw.m, 707-833-0053

o 8: Q Mw (Spas ua)

ONGOING WEDNESDAY EVENINGSTHROUGH OCTOBER 19Wine & Sunsets in Paradiseat Paradise Ridge WinerySaa rsa B a p & jy sus & w m Vada &

ta! 6pm, www.pwy.m, 707-528-Wine

ONGOING FRIDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 21Petaluma River SunsetWine & Cheese Eco-CruisePauma tu Bas, Pauma, 5:30-7:30pmwww.dspaumav., 707-763-7756

ONGOING THROUGH OCTOBERGarden Tours at DeLoach VineyardsSaa rsa, gudd as ws & sasa as m ad.707-526-9111, www.davyads.m, $30

ONGOING THROUGH EARLY SPRING 201216th Annual Sculpture ExhibitFINALE

at Paradise Ridge Wineryt Supu v a b s u dusk, wd by a ass w wys vada, w s spaua vw sus. 11am-5pm, dawww.pwy.m, 707-528-Wine

OCTOBER 7Tapas on the Terrace at Gloria FerrerSma, 5:30-7:30pm, $35, www.a.m, 707-933-1999

OCTOBER 7-9Harvest Lunches at Michel-Schlumberger Wineryhadsbu 11am-2pm, $65, www.msumb.m, 800-447-3

OCTOBER 8Wine Education Series at Gloria Ferrer:Flavor Palate & Sparkling Wines An Appetizing SeminarSma, 10:30am-12pm, $25 pus ax, www.a.m, 707-933-1


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OCTOBER 8Abalone Cook-off & FestivalMd, 12-3pm, www.mdpaks.

OCTOBER 8-915th Annual SteeleWines Harvest FestivalS Ws, Ksyv, 10am-5pm, www.sws.m, 707-279-9475

OCTOBER 14Harvest Moon Hometown CelebrationWs, www.ws.

OCTOBER 22-2320th Annual Fall Hopland Passporthpad, 11am-5pm, $45/adv, $55, $20/Sauday ywww.hpadPassp.m, 800-564-2582

SAN FRANCISCO

ONGOING THROUGH OCTOBER 9Golden GatePark Band Summer Sunday Concertsgd ga Pak, Sa fas, 1pm, www.dapakbad., 510-530-0814

OCTOBER 83rd Annual Lodis Treasure Island WineFesttasu isad, Sa fas, 1-5pmwww.ws.m, 209-367-4727

OCTOBER 12Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries Tastingcy Vw a M, Sa fas, 6:30-8:30pmwww.wadspsmaaz.m/p100, 415-844-0237

OCTOBER 15Meet Mike Grgich of Grgich Hills Estatet W cub, Sa fas, 2-5pm, www..m, 800-966-7835

OCTOBER 12Union Street Wine WalkU S, Sa fas, 4-8pm, www.sspdus.m

MARIN COUNTY

ONGOINGMarin Center in San Rafael415-499-6800, www..ma.a.us o 8: iaa fm fsva, happy famy o 9: l P Ma f Mak o 14-16: 22d Au Bs c o 17, 20: Ma Spaks Ss ii, tmas fdma o 19: S ima fa, Sz Day! o 20: lau w W Dus, cas Wds o 21: Ma Bad Bkw, fd Yu h Pups o 22: iaa fm fsva

SAN MATEO COUNTY

OCTOBER 1038th Annual Safeway World ChampionshipPumpkin Weigh-OffiDeS guds, ha M Bay, 7-11amwww.mamavs.m, 650-726-9652

OCTOBER 15-1641st Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin FestivalMa S, ha M Bay, 9am-5pm, www.mamavs.m, 650-726-9652

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

ONGOINGTasting Room Tuesdays

Saa cuzMuasWws Assa,t famSa Js, SaJsWy psav w pu & b avaab v ak. 5-7pmwww.am.m, www.smwa.m, 800-441-1414, 831-685-8463

ONGOINGConcerts at Montalvo Arts CenterSaaa, 408-961-5858, www.mavas.

OCTOBER 6Guglielmo Winery Winemaker Dinnerrsa Da Ma, Saaa, 6:30pm, $65www.umwy.m, 408-741-1518

OCTOBER 7

Joe Sharino & Chardonnay

Under the Stars at Guglielmo WineryMa h, 5:30-10pm, $30, $25/ 4 m ks

www.umwy.m, 408-779-2145

OCTOBER 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 27-31FrightNightsWs Mysy hus, Sa Js, www.WsMysyhus.m

OCTOBER 23

Woofstock 2011 Pets & Pinott Mua Wy, Saaa, 12-6pm, $15/adv, $20

www.muawy.m, 408-741-2822

OCTOBER 24-31Halloween Candy Pairingcs la ca, Sa Ma, www.s.m, 408-686-1050

ALAMEDA COUNTY

OCTOBER 7, 21, 28Zin Cafrsbum cas, Aamda, 6:30-9:30pm, $10, rSVP

www.sbumas.m, 707-510-995-4120

OCTOBER 22, 29Regional Wine Seriesrsbum cas, Aamda, 11am-6pm, $10

www.sbumas.m, 707-510-995-4120

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

ONGOING FRIDAYSFriday Night Tastings at PrimaWau ck, 5:30-7pm, $20, $10/mmbs

www.pmv.m, 925-735-7780

ONGOING SATURDAYSSaturday Night Tastings at PrimaWau ck, 3-5pm, $20, $10/mmbs

www.pmasa.m, 925-935-7780

BAY AREA

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ONGOING THROUGH OCTOBER 11Movies Under the Starshaa n Vyads, Bwd, www.vws.m, 925-240-9463

LIVERMORE

ONGOINGThursday Nights at the Tablet-us amy d, $29, $39/uds w, t rsaua a WVyads, lvm, 7pm, rSVP www.wvyads.m, 925-456-2444

ONGOING

The Concerts at WenteVineyardslvm, www.wvyads.m, 925-456-2424

ONGOINGWine Cave Tasting ExperienceW Vyads, lvm, 1 & 3pm, $20, $15/w ub mmbsrSVP, 925-456-2405, www.wvyads.m/avs

ONGOINGBankhead Theatrelvm Vay Pm As c, lvm925-373-6800, www.vmpmas. o 6: Bx Wads o 8: 10 Aua AWak o 8: Dvak/cad o 9: A Sau iv B o 11: r c o 14: tmmy cas Bad o 15: S. Psbu S Qua o 22-23, 28-30: haspay

ONGOING THURSDAY - SUNDAYWine & CheesePairingla r Wy, lvm, 12-4:30pmwww.lrW.m, 925-243-6442

OCTOBER 7La Luna FridaysMuas W, lvm, 6-9pm, www.muasw.m, 925-456-2395

OCTOBER 7Reciprocal Tasting WeekendMuas W, lvm, www.muasw.m, 925-456-2395

OCTOBER 9Fall Antiques & Collectibles Street FaireMa S, Dww Pasa, 8am-4pmwww.pasadww., 510-217-8696

OCTOBER 29Brew CrawlDww Pasa, 925-484-2199, www.pasadww.

OCTOBER 30Traditional Halloween Candy & Wine Pairingcda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-4pm, $5www.damuawy.m, 925-373-6636

ONGOINGSunset Cultural Center-Carmelcam, 831-620-2048, www.sus.m o 7: Sady haks ra Pak o 9: nbuyuk tsuj, pa o 20: hw Mad o 22: t Pk fyd c exp

o 23-24: My Sympy, c 1, lszmaa o 25: t Ms Davs exp

ONGOINGLive at Golden State TheatreMy, 831-372-3800, www.dsaa.m o 15: Jy Sd lv

ONGOING FRIDAYSFromage Friday at Taste Morgant cssads cam ejy a spa s samp w yu as Ma & l famy fam ws. 3-5pmwww.mawy.m, 831-626-3700

ONGOING SUNDAYSLibrary Sunday at Taste Morgant cssads cam A ppuy as sm d vas mMa Wys a. 2-5pm, 831-626-3700, www.mawy.m

ONGOINGLive Music at KRML Radiot easwd Bud, cam, 831-624-6432, www.kmad.m

ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSSweet Thursdays at Cannery RowMy famy u, mus, d & dsus, 4-8pm, 831-649-6690

ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSMonterey Museum of ArtMy, ev mus, w ad s d'uvs, 5-7pm, 831-372-5477

EVERY THIRDWEEKEND OF THEMONTHPair Your Wine with Ice Cream at Kirigin Cellarsgy, Pa yu mpmay w as w a V d Ma icam Suda! Ad sk a 30% 6 b puass & 50% ass. www..kas.m, 408-847-8827

EVERY TUESDAYFocus on Monterey County Winescpa W Ba, ra cas, cam, 3-8pm831-625-5646, www.aas.m

EVERY WEDNESDAYWine Down Wednesdaysf Wy,gy, 5-8pm,, www.wy.m, 408-842-3305

OCTOBER 6Taste of Carmelcam Mss cuyad, cam, 6-9pmwww.mawy.m, 831-624-2522

OCTOBER 73rd Annual Boy Scout Boardwalk Beach JamSaa cuz Ba Badwak, Saa cuzwww.babadwak.m, 831-423-5590

OCTOBER 8-9Hot Rods at theBeachSaa cuz Ba Badwak, Saa cuz, 10am-5pmwww.babadwak.m, 831-423-5590

OCTOBER 12-16Carmel Art& Film Festivalwww.amaadm.m, 831-625-3700

OCTOBER 1541st Annual Santa Cruz Band ReviewSaa cuz Ba Badwak, Saa cuzwww.babadwak.m, 831-423-5590

OCTOBER 16

FiestaDel MarMy Bay Aquaum, Mywww.mybayaquaum., 831-648-4800

OCTOBER 209th Annual Bernardus Wine DinnerBadus ld, cam Vay, 6:30pm, $165www.badus.m, 831-658-3550

OCTOBER 222nd Annual Chili Cook-OffSaa cuz Ba Badwak, Saa cuzwww.babadwak.m, 831-423-5590

OCTOBER 28Wine, Art & Music WalkPa gv, 6-9pm, 831-373-3304

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

ONGOINGThursday Night Music SeriesBa Wy, Squ, ejy mus, d & Ba w! 6-8pm831-475-2258x11, www.ba.m

ONGOINGConcert Series at Mountain WinerySaaa, 408-741-2822, www.muawy.m o 4: ZZ tp o 8: By id

OCTOBER 8Moonlight Steam Train Dinner Partyra camp raads, f, 6-10:30pmwww.aamp.m, 831-335-4484

OCTOBER 8-9Happy Howloween Harvest Fairra camp raad, f, www.aamp.m, 831-335-4484

OCTOBER 29-30Childrens Ghost Trainra camp raad, f, www.aamp.m, 831-335-4484

ONGOINGSierraRailroadoakda, 209-848-2100, www.saaad.m o 8: Sus D

o 11, 18: S luSACRAMENTO VALLEY

ONGOINGSacramento River Train800-866-1690, www.saamva.m o 9, 16, 23, 30: Pumpk ta o 15, 22: ga ta rbby o 15: Mud Mysy D

ONGOINGMondavi Center for the Performing ArtsU.c. Davs, 866-754-ArtS, www.mdavas. o 6: Yam o 8: Jaa faz o 13: Ss Ba o 20: k.d. a ad t Sss Bm Ba o 21: rs Sas opa o 24: ty tw S fms Abu g gud

OCTOBER 8-9First Annual Passport Weekendt ws ws Y ad Sa cus v yu vs spass ad vs. 10am-5pm, $40, www.sw.m

SUISUN VALLEY

ONGOING SATURDAYS$5 Wines by the GlassWawk Wy, fad W & mpmay pzza 1-6pmlv mus 2-5pm, www.wawkwy.m, 707-428-6977 o 8: hywd Jks

ONGOING THROUGH OCTOBER 9AlwaysPatsy ClineSusu hab ta, Susu cy

www.saa., 707-864-7100

OCTOBER 15Mankas Summer SeriesGarden ConcertsVz famy Vyad, Susu Vaywww.vzamyvyad.m, 888-823-Vine

OCTOBER 15-16Fun Family Farm DaysWd Vay Vyads, Susu Vaywww.wdvay.m, 707-864-0730

SOLANO COUNTY

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

NORTH CENTRAL COAST


18

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for bs rsuls, snd your mails a las 6 o 8

wks prior o h da o your vn. evn lising

ar r, and publishd as spa is availabl and a

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WINERY FEATURE | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

by Josh Stein

How do you pay it forward, having your-self succeeded in the wine business by doingit your own way? Well, if youre August JoeBriggs, when you decide to move on from thewine business into some well-deserved relax-

ation with your wife, you do so by lettingyour nephew, Jesse Inman, and three key,longtime employees, Colette Milliman, LisaSalling and Matt Gacso, buy the business. Youread that right. This isnt the usual story ofwineowner-retires-and-sells-to-a-corporation.No, its a very different, much more inspiringone one that shows that good things begetmore good things if done the right way.

The story of the winery, August Briggs,begins with the story of the man it wasnamed by and for, Joe Briggs. Joe got his start

like a lot of others in the Napa Valley: armedwith a degree in enology from one of the bigthree in wine, Fresno State in Joes case, hestarted by working for others as a consultingwinemaker before striking out on his own. In1995, he produced his first wines under hisown label, and in 2002, he took the leap offaith to buy the land for the winerys firstlocation on the Silverado Trail.

Joes philosophy was very simple but defi-nitely against the mold at the time: find thebest grapes in the best vineyards in Napa and

Sonoma and make the best wines possiblefrom them and not just the usual suspects,either. Joe determinedly sought out unusualbut terrific varieties, making a name for hisseldom-seen-elsewhere Charbono along theway. Today, these ideas, if not common, areat least well represented throughout the

North Coast, but two decades ago, they mostdefinitely were not. The belief was that unlessyou owned it, you couldnt make the bestwine from it, and if it was not one of three orfour varieties, why make it? Clearly, neitherneed be the case nor in the recipe for success.

Joe slowly but steadily built the brand byfocusing on restaurants, where his single-vineyard approach to food-friendly varietalswas well received and appreciated for itscuisine-matching ability. Upon constructionof the winery, this attention to producing

from vineyards and varietals others did notcontinued, and it still hasnt stopped. Today,the winery produces 4,000 cases spreadamongst sixteen different single-vineyardbottlings, including four Pinot Noirs, threeCabernet Sauvignons, two Petite Sirahs andtwo Chardonnays plus the renowned Char-bono and bottlings of ros, Syrah andZinfandel, as well as the ultra-rare PinotMeunier, seldom seen except in sparklingwines. And each, as Colette is known to saywhen asked in the new tasting room, lets the

vineyard and appellation shine through.Indeed, the new space is primed for w

tasting. Seeking to be even more in the thof good things, this next iteration of AugBriggs has placed itself in the heart of dowtown Calistoga, and theyre even remainopen longer on Fridays and Saturdays to

able to have more time to spend with gueDont tell Joe I wrote this, but I think the vand location are better now since youre stfrom world-class restaurants and tastrooms no need to move the car since thea lot going on around you. Jesse says it bI think: Our new creekside setting, connient location and onsite parking make itperfect place for sharing our limited prodtion wines. Not to mention the spespace never before available for wine cmembers, who get first and sometimes o

access to very special single-vineybottlings.The most important things hav

changed at all, however. The original tasroom was well known for Joes or his fopouring the wines, and this next iterationthe winery is no different. On any giventwo, three or even all four of the now-ownare on site, pouring the wines. Why chawhat works? In the same vein, August Brihas been well known as a producer of exlent wines, and that legacy has continue

August BriggsDoing What They Love: Unique Single-Vineyard Wine

Colette, Matthew,LisaandJesse


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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY FEATUR

no surprise since Jesse has beenwinemaking beside his uncle fora number years, so theyve beenhis wines for a while now.And theres lots to choose from,which is always the operatingmethodolgy of the winery: why

make only a couple of bottlingswhen there are so many vine-yards producing fantastic fruitfrom which to make wine?Some of the most historic of vineyards names grace thebottlings: Frediani, Leveroni,Monte Rosso, Old Vines, PageNord and Two Moon. Trust me:there arent many better assources of grapes, and therearent many people who getaccess to them.

Equally, on offer are multiplebottlings of the same varietal,which really does make thetasting and education quiteenjoyably different. Tastingthrough four different PinotNoirs, sourced from four verydiverse locations in Carneros,Napa, the Russian River and theSonoma Coast, or three differentCabs from Dry Creek, Napa andSonoma Valleys, is really unique

even today. Since the owners arethere, the passion is apparentwith every pour, and since theseare the folks who have been withthe winery all along, they knowbest what has worked to keepthings fun and lively.

Its nice to be able to relate atrue wine country dream-come-true that happened twice. Lisa isstill amazed at the huge comple-ment Joe paid the four of them

when he let them keep doingwhat we love, but spend sometime around these folks andyoull see it wasnt an accident.Come visit August Briggs your-self and taste the wide-ranginggoodness the four ex-employeesand now-owners are happy toshare with you. Cheers to JoeBriggs for doing it the right way,and cheers to you for tastingtheir success. Enjoy!


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WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

22

Along a winding country road, up an unpaved drive and past Gubig, friendly, chocolate lab, youll find one of the most unpretentiousdown-to-earth tasting rooms around. The Pope Valley, one of the Cafornia wine regions hidden treasures, is home to the Pope ValleyWinery. This serene, bucolic setting offers a wine tasting experiencefar away from the ostentatious fare to be found at some of the morewell-known wine country destinations. Here you will be treated lesslike a visitor and more like a friend. To reach the Pope Valley Winery

requires a leisurely country drive that is, in itself, a significant part othe experience. Winding through picturesque fields, undulating vineyards and oak-studded hills, one gets the feeling of being transporteback in time. Pope Valley Winery allows wine lovers to step back intime and experience 40 acres of history. Pope Valley Winery was estalished in 1897 by Ed Haus. He fashioned it as a three-story gravita-tional flow winery with a hand-dug cave, to allow the wine to flowfrom crusher, to press, to barrel. Almost a century later, long-time PoValley residents, the Eakle family, purchased this historical winery anbrought new life back into the Pope Valley. In 2009 the next generatof Eakles stepped in to continue building and furthering the familievision for Pope Valley Winery as a fine winemaking establishment.Currently siblings, David Eakle as winemaker along with consultant

Shaun Richardson and Diana Eakle Hawkins as general manager, aremaking great strides in bringing Pope Valley Winery to the next leve

The winerys grounds seem almost untouched by time, with six oinal nineteenth century structures still standing. Visitors are invited ttour the original blacksmith shop, a wagon shed and more. Many ofthe original tools still reside inside the historical structures. While ththree-story winery has power now, its cave, which took nine years todig, still exists. Those who tour it get a real feeling for nineteenthcentury winemaking.

Pope Valley Winery produces high quality, handcrafted single varetal wines. The winerys vineyards include more than 80 acres planteto Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel and

Merlot. The rich, intense and flavorful wines are created by combinisuperior fruit and oak barrel aging in the century old cave. Althoughlocated off the beaten track, Pope Valley Winery has definitely beendiscovered by wine critics. In fact, five medals were awarded to PopeValley wines at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competitionalone, including a double gold for the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon EstReserve.

Visitors are invited to visit the winery for tours and tastings dailyform 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The winery offers both a complimentary tastiand reserve tasting along with tours, picnic tables and a bocce ballcourt for guests enjoyment. Also available for purchase are deliciouscheese baskets for visitors to enjoy on the patio with a glass of wine.

Pope Valley

WineryTurn Left and Go Back 100 Years


23/80


24/80

by Ronda Giangreco

Wines can often be recognized as sophisticated, weighty or even

intimidating just by the name and label. But if you are looking for anapproachable, fun-loving and delicious addition to your afternoon in

the wine country, there are few wines or wineries more welcoming

and laid back than Napa Cellars/Folie Deux. From the moment you

pull into this convivial and lively place, youll know that pretentious

mannerisms will not be required. This is a winery where you can kick

off your flip-flops, grab a table and enjoy a great bottle of wine with

your summer picnic.

Their extremely popular Mnage Trois wines offer just the sort

of joyful, light-hearted touch that many are looking to find during a

sun-lit drive through the Napa Valley. And you can be one of the very

first to sample their brand new Menage Moscato. This wine is likelaughter in a bottle. Floral and a

touch on the sweet side, the

Moscato is just the sort of wine to

lift your spirits and get the fun

started.

Located precisely in the middle

of the Napa Valley, their tasting

room is a relaxed, friendly place

with a distinct party atmosphere. It

offers a perfect opportunity for

creating a wine country memory

free of even a hint of snobbery. Theirextensive gift shop also gives you a

chance to pick up something a

reminder of your escape with

impressive array of gift item

including logoed T-shirts, h

glassware, oils and dipping sau

(samples available), pic

supplies and more, all artfu

displayed around the room

upended barrels and cust

display racks.

The grounds are beautifu

landscaped, too mounds

lavender and assorted vibran

hued flowers delight the eye and fill the air with sweet aromas, w

the soothing sounds of a fountain burbles away merrily, providing

background music for your pastoral pleasure.

The visitors center is a geodesic dome, with a pentagon shap

tasting bar set up in the middle of the room. Directly above the b

in the center of the room, a grape motif stained glass window shi

a rainbow of color down on the cheerful scene. A marble toppedagainst one wall is used for overflow on busy days, and because o

prime location, this tasting room can really get to rockinglitera

The sounds of classic rock provide just the sort of spirit that th

wines require. No matter how big the crowd may get, the jovial s

always makes everyone feel like they are not just another custom

but a member of the gang.

The visitors center for Napa Cellars and Folie Deux, located

7481 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA is open daily from 10 a.m. t

p.m. For more information, call 1-800-535-6400 or visit th

website at www.napacellars.com or www.folieadeaux.com.

www.WineCountryThisWeek.co


24

New Moscato Release from Folie Deu


25/80



2

707-227-3250 or 888-279-6272 | www.BlackStallionWinery.com

Open daily from 10am to 5pm

4089 Silverado Trail, Napa, California


26/8026 Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT


by Bunnie Finkelstein

My mother always told me I would

marry a poet, and sure enough, my

talented husband, Art, created liquid

poetry, as Robert Louis Stevenson coined it.

This sparked my interest in both forms,

drinkable and readable.

Who hasnt felt the need for rapturous

declarations when sipping a superlative

glass of wine? Wine label descriptions

certainly try to coax us into a certain level

of engagement. Put two and two together,

and it was clear that the wine businessneeded to bring poets to the table!

With this exciting idea swimming in my

head, we launched the First Ever Judds

Hill Poetry Contest in 1999. We solicited

poems from family and friends, and were

thrilled with the response from Grandma,

Sister, Wine Writer and a couple of real,

honest to goodness Professional Poets. We

entrusted the contest judging to our dear

friend Jane Hall, who had developed the

poetry publication Coracle, and the seed

sprouted.Deciding that Professional Poets were

the target candidates for our poetry

contest, I started spending our only adver-

tising dollars on ads in poetry journals for

each years contest. The exquisite results

can be read on our website,

www.juddshill.com. Click on Recipes, Art

and Video to get to the Poetry folder, and

enjoy these many fine poems.

When Judds Hill moved from the

eastern hills of St. Helena to our current

location on the Silverado Trail, the poetry

contest slipped through the cracks. Oh

woe, another sad story of how art suffers!

But, we are back on track and are

attracting the most wonderful words and

images from dear and brilliant poets

around the country.

Please think of submitting a poem to us

when the muse has you enthralling over a

glass of wine, the glory of grapes or even

the unique qualities of a corkscrew (see

2005 Poems). All of us at Judds Hill send

you best regards, and an invitation to visit

so we can further inspire you with our

form of poetry.

Judds Hill Winery is located at 2332

Silverado Trail, Napa. Bunnie, Judd and

Holly Finkelstein represent two generations

of Napa vintners. Their philosophy is one

that focuses on an intimate and personal

approach, which is why they have limited

their annual production to less than three

thousand cases a literal drop in the

bucket of Napa Valley wine. Their tasting

room is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m daily.

In addition to their casual, seated wine

tastings, they offer Bottle Blendingsessions, all by advance appointment. So,

be sure to call ahead, (707)255-2332.

Visit their website at www.juddshill.com

for more information. To life and to Art!

Judds Hill Winery Revives Lost Poetry ContesWhere the World Began

by Gary Cooke

What if this is where the world began,

this vine shaped like a mother,

her two arms lifted high, tendrils

of new growth extending toward heaven,

the sun backlighting the leaves

so they glow with divine fire?

Look at her weathered face

and skin, standing there

all those years, the dirt.

at her feet deep with love,

her roots digging down

to the riches only she knowsare there. Above, clouds

glide or tremble, depending

on the season, rain falls to earth

and rises again in the great ritual

of time passing.

What if this is the whole story,

and neither lips nor wind

can make it change? What if

the light in these green and yellow leaves

and the light in the red tree spreading above,

is the first light to reach earth,

and we stand here, our bloodin every grape, and we are part of

how it begins again?


27/80



2


28/80

Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa28


by Alexandra Charsley

It seems logical that Beaulieu Vineyard would open a new

Heritage room to celebrate their long history of producing great

wine. As more people are turning back to their roots, they have

embraced this tradition and thats what makes them a destination

winery. I have been drinking Beaulieu wines for as long as I can

remember as their big, bold reds always deliver and happen to be myfavorite. Their tasting room experience now offers so much more than

tastings and winery exclusive information, but also a piece of their

enduring legacy.

In 1900, Georges de Latour founded his winery with the vision of

creating world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from the exceptional terroir

of Rutherford. In the century since, Georges de Latour Private Reserve

Cabernet Sauvignon has become the benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet

as well as one of the most collected American wines. The first Georges

de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted with grapes

from the 1936 vintage by Andr Tchelistcheff, who tasted the wine in

barrel and insisted on giving it an independent bottling. Today, this

wine is widely considered the standard bearer of fine RutherfordCabernet, with deep fruit character, silky tannins and impressive aging

ability. This legacy honors the marriage between state-of-the-art tech-

nology and gentle, traditional winemaking methods, a combination

that enhances the expression of their remarkable vineyards.

Their new Heritage Room is a tribute to their beginning, their

ability to survive during Prohibition, and to become a top producer of

rich, classic Napa Valley wines. The original 1885 stone walls house

the room and the original beams were preserved. Guests will be the

first to see the interesting array of historic pieces they have collected

over the years; ranging from original winemaking equipment to sales

ledgers from the post-Prohibition era showing that their PrivateReserve once sold for $1.01 per bottle. We found this great collection

of amazing pieces of our history stored away in an old warehouse. As

much as we embrace new technology and innovation, our history is

also what sets us apart and will capture the interest of curious visitors.

We are very excited to finally be able to invite the public to come see

what weve dusted off in our new Heritage Room, Graham Jones,

Beaulieu Vineyard Hospitality Manager.

This month they celebrate the exciting release of the 2008 vintage

of Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This marks

the first vintage to be made 100 percent out of their new state-of-the-

art winery dedicated solely to Georges de Latour Private Reserve.

2008 under recommendation from legendary consultant Mi

Rolland, Beaulieu Vineyard created a winery within a winery

produce their flagship wine. After more than 60 years of sharspace, BV's Georges de Latour Private Reserve has gone private w

the recent completion of its own, new 9,600-square-foot micro win

Having a brand new state-of-the-art winery is a dream come true

a winemaker. This facility helps me to achieve complex yet balan

wines that reflect the true character of our renowned vineyards, s

Director of Winemaking, Jeffrey Stambor.

Twice daily Historic Tours are set to resume mid-September

will include a Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Tasting in the Heritage Ro

for $20 per guest. Advance reservations are recommended and can

made through their website at www.bvwines.com. The tour

allows guests to visit their historic Redwood Tank room where twill get to take in the wonderful beauty and aroma of their 75+ y

old redwood wine tanks. Then, you are invited to taste the acclaim

wines that are such an important part of Napa Valleys past

present. While here, visit the Georges de Latour Reserve Tasting ro

and try the new 2008 release. The Reserve Room is open daily fr

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features their entire Reserve Wines including

Library Collection with wines dating back to 1970. Their gracious

knowledgeable staff will guide you through your experience

Beaulieu Vineyard whether you are a first-time visitor or a w

connoisseur.

Beaulieu VineyardLegendary RutherfordWinery Celebrates Heritage

in the Newly OpenedMuseum and History Tour


29/802www.WineCountryThisWeek.com


Third Annual Event Moves From Geyserville to Larger Venueat Santa Rosas Vintners Inn and John Ash & Co.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale for Artisano, a celebration of

local, handcrafted, small production wine, food and art, on November

18-19, 2011. Visit www.artisano.org to take advantage of Early Bird

pricing by September 30, 2011. Enter EARLY in the promo code at

check out.

This years Artisano event features a full weekend of activities,

including a Winemaker Dinner on Friday evening at John Ash & Co.

Restaurant, Grand Tasting on Saturday afternoon at Vintners Inn and

a Harvest Dinner on Saturday evening at John Ash & Co.

John Ash & Co. Executive Chef Tom Schmidt is creating a deli-cious, seasonal, five-course menu for Artisanos Winemaker Dinner on

Friday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m. Each course will be expertly paired

with exquisite wines from participating Artisano wineries. Wine-

makers will join guests for dinner. Here they will pour and answer any

questions about their wines.

Artisanos Grand Tasting on Saturday, November 19, from 11 a.m.

to 4 p.m., will feature local artisan wineries; restaurants that feature

seasonal, regional ingredients; and, local specialty gourmet food

purveyors and artists.

The event includes wine and food tastings; chef demonstrations by

John Toulze of The Girl & the Fig, Brian Anderson from Bistro 29 and

Shelly Kaldunski, author of Cupcakes, The Art of the Cookie; as wellas a silent auction, raffle and live music courtesy of The Susan

Comstock Swingtet.

The culmination of the weekend is the Harvest Dinner on Saturday,

November 19, 5 p.m., at John Ash & Co., where guests will enjoy a

casual harvest, family-style meal prepared by Chef Tom Schmidt

paired with wines from the days Grand Tasting.

A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit Slow Food

Sonoma County, North, a chapter of Slow Food International. Slow

Food is a non-profit organization that engages the local community in

supporting and promoting local, sustainable food and food traditions,

and are advocates for good, clean and fair food for all people.

Artisano Grand Tasting ticket price is $65 per person in advance

(Early Bird price: $55), or $75 day of, including a souvenir wine glass.

The Winemaker Dinner is $150 per person (Early Bird price: $140),

and the Harvest Dinner is $75 per person (Early Bird price: $65). A

package ticket for the Grand Tasting and Harvest Dinner only is $120

(Early Bird price for these two events is $105). Seating is limited and

reservations are recommended.

Vintners Inn and John Ash & Co. are located at 4350 Barnes Road,

just west of Highway 101 off the River Road exit. John Ash & Co. is

open for dinner nightly.

Early Bird Tickets Now Availablefor Artisano A Celebration

of Wine, Food and Art


30/80



by Diana Greenwood

Somerston Wine Company is a broad picture type of winery withexpansive ideas and sweeping long-term plans. The skys the limit.

Much of that viewpoint emanates from the vision and enthusiasm ofCraig Becker, part owner, General Manager and Winemaker at Somer-

ston. A jeans and rolled-up sleeves kind of guy with an innate sense of

business, Craig is everywhere at once, wearing many hats. But hisboots are grounded in 1,628 acres of rich Somerston soil high in the

eastern mountains overlooking one of the prettiest valleys around. The

sky seems brighter there, the shadows longer, the wildlife a little morecontent. Craig says his wines are all about the place and you can tell

by the sparkle in his voice that he finds this place pretty impressive.Craigs winemaking philosophy is straightforward: Soil-driven,

place-driven wines. You dont necessarily feel the hand of the wine-

maker in Somerston wines, other than maybe the elegance said Craig.

I know its clich, but its all about the vineyard. I love to grow grapes.Farming is something Ive been doing since college, and this is my17th vintage. Wine is a matter of understanding your vineyards,

knowing the microclimates and trying to optimize the varietal thats

going to grow best in that location. Sometimes its about ripping out avineyard for the long-term good. Theres a business side to winemaking

that I really enjoy but mostly its about growing amazing grapes.

Raised in Southern California, Craig craved green pastures andchallenging mountain bike trails so he followed the scent of fresh air

and braked at Santa Rosa Junior College. He then transferred to UCDavis to study plant physiology and soil science. Craig was inserting

genes into plants in Plant Physiology 112 when he met CourtSiverson, who would later become his wife. Courtney was in the w

program and that first fall, she was offered a harvest position at RobMondavi. Although Courtney declined, Craig was intrigued, took

job and continued to work at Mondavi while he finished his deg

staying an extra year to complete the wine program at UC Davis. Itthe start of something big but it began on the ground, just the

Craig wanted to learn, boots caked with mud and fingers bliste

from picking grapes.Upon graduation in 1997, Craig and Courtney moved to St. He

and Craig accepted a $12 per hour position at Spring Mountain Vyard even though he had other, more lucrative offers. Less than n

months out of college, Craig was promoted to winemaker, launch

his career. By 1999, word of his reputation as a winemaker deeinvolved in both farming and the cellar had spread, and Craig beg

vineyard consulting business, Becker Wines and Vineyard Man

ment. In 2000, the college sweethearts got married, living in the vathat inspired Craig daily.

Craig left Spring Mountain in 2003 and by 2005, he was juggten clients (with much success in single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvign

while also making his own wine under the Michael Austin bra

created with a long-time friend, including Highflyer, Craigs persobrand that honors his love of flying. Craig is an accomplished pilot

one has to wonder if theres something about zipping through clowith a birds-eye view of nature that inspires the wide perspective

brings to Somerston.

But it was a Gigondas-style blend called Bad Habit under

Winemaker Profile:

Somerston Wine Company

CraigBecker


31/80

Look for us on Facebook and become a Fan! 3


Michael Austin brand that brought Craig to Somerston. I wanted to

make some Petite Syrah and this property had all three varietals that Ineeded, especially the Grenache growing on the Priest Ranch prop-

erty, said Craig. I purchased the fruit and was blown away. I met the

founder, Allan Chapman, and over the next couple of years we got to

know each other quite well. Were both long-term thinkers and Allanis a great mentor. I made a little bit of bulk wine for him and then inlate 2006 he asked for input in the vineyard, which is what I do, and

slowly it turned into this wine project. In 2007 we got the winery

permit, in 2008 we merged our wine brands. We converted the oldbarn into the tasting room that opened in 2011.

Today, an investor and part-owner, Craig Becker is also Somerstons

general manager of the vineyards as well as winemaker, and he over-sees the marketing department. In addition, Craig is still making wines

for Peacock Family Vineyard, Kelleher in Oakville, Cross Cellars,Balcom Cellars, Priest Ranch and Highflyer. Somehow he still finds

time to play with his three little girls, Sydney, Gabriella and Lauren,

ages eight, five and three, respectively. Craig and Courtney bought alittle dump in St. Helena and turned it into a big, new house that

they remodeled alone. The house sits on an acre of farmland where the

homeschooled girls roam, picking vegetables from the garden andfeeding the twenty little meat birds that Craig and the family are

raising. The girls join Craig weekly for lunch at Somerston and arealready learning the wonders of nature and the rewards of farming.

Plan a visit to the eastern mountain vineyards of Somerston. The

wines are extremely limited production with very little distribution

its well worth the drive on Hwy. 128 past Lake Hennessey, up andwhere the skies are bluer and the air is sweet. Taste the first release

the spacious, stylishly renovated barn at 3450 Sage Canyon Road (H

128), St. Helena. For $50, try all three wines, take an off-road bu

tour of the vineyards and historic property, and enjoy a cheese pCall ahead, (707) 967-8414, or visit www.somerstonwineco.com. Ycan also visit without an appointment and skip the buggy tour, but w

would you want to? The skys the limit at Somerston.

Somerston wines show the passion and the extreme successeverything weve been trying to do, said Craig. There are th

wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (our Proprietary Red Blend),

a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc, all very specific, single block wines. Edemonstrates the expression of this estate that I want people

remember.

Continued

2 for 1 Tasting with this ad


32/80

Welcome to the Calderwood Inn. This historic Queen Anne Victo-

rian was built in 1902 and was first owned by John Miller, a promi-

nent fruit grower, packer and dehydrator in the early 1900s. The

home remained in the Miller family until the late 1930s and was a

private residence until the early 1980s when it became a bed and

breakfast inn. In July of 2009, Ken and Diane Wilson purchased theinn and became its new owners.

Under various creative influences, the inn has undergone extensive

restoration throughout the years. Beautiful hand-silk screened period

wall and ceiling papers accent the spacious common areas and some

guest rooms. The papers are produced by Bradbury & Bradbury of

Benicia and are based on designs of William Morris, a prominent

textile designer of the mid- to late 1800s.

The formal, yet welcoming rooms include a spacious parlor with

fireplace the perfect place to enjoy the morning paper or a board

game on a quiet afternoon. The spacious dining room, that seats up to

14, showcases original wainscoting with a built-in china cabinet and

bench. The large antique table is where guests dine on Calderwoodssignature gourmet breakfasts. The covered front porch with its antique

wicker furniture and lacquered floor beckons you to enjoy the lush

grounds, review the activities of your day or curl up with a good book.

The porch is often used by local wineries who frequently co-host the

complimentary evening wine hour. All seven guest rooms have private

baths. Each room is decorated differently to incorporate an extensive

collection of beautiful, yet comfortable period antiques.

In addition to the immaculate accommodations, the innkeeper

provides an experience unlike any other. She has been described

knowledgeable, witty and incredibly welcoming. There have been

many wonderful guests at the inn and, in order to fully underst

this experience, come see us for yourself! Visit tripadvisor.com and

what guests are saying about them! To make a reservation, or inqu

about the inn, visit www.calderwoodinn.com, call (707) 431-1110

email the innkeeper directly [email protected]. T

Calderwood Inn is located at 25 W. Grant Street in Healdsburg.

Plan to Stay at the Calderwood Inn, Healdsburg

Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT


PINKMANSIONt prf napa wi asig xpri. Vay r frs viws frm a rm,

avis brakfas ad afr wi asig, arg idr ad p ad Jauzzi,

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BRANNAN COTTAGE INNSx spaus, mabms w ad vws,pva as,pva bas,qu-szbds ad a a. tw m-sus avs msw v-ss asw.A dad assu mdusummmvss.Dw ms ad pas zyad ma vs.109 Wapoo St, Calistoga [email protected] ww .b ran no nc ott ag ein n.c om ( 70 7) 9 42- 42 00

LEDSON HOTELluxuy suad sSma Paza. Sx dvduaydadmswk-sz bd,wp bas,paad bas.Appdw aqu adu padw mdams. (707) 996-9779480 First Street East, Sonoma www.ledsonhotel.com

INN AT THE TIDESBay vws, wak dsa spp, sauas; swmm p, ub,ss , saua; ms w vws ad pas; m assa avaab;a bakas 1-800-541-7788800 Highway One, Bodega Bay www.InnattheTides.com

VINTNERS INNfy-u spaus ms ad sus w bas pas;

suudd by vyads. 1-800-421-4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa www.vintnersinn

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32


33/80

Benessere Vineyards invites its club members and the public to

celebrate harvest at its annual harvest party, October 8. From 11

a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, the winery will be

bustling. Visitors will enjoy a glass of Pinot Grigio upon arrival and

then participate in a de-stemming competition followed by a grape-

stomping and grape-squeezing contest. Last years winning team

stomped the equivalent of a case of wines worth of juice (nine

liters)! There will be prizes, raffles and other treats, including a

rotisserie lunch by local John Sorenson.

Benessere is located at 1010 Big Tree Road in St. Helena, four

miles from downtown St. Helena and also four miles from Calistoga,

off Highway 29.

Tickets are $75 each for wine club members (and members may

bring guests, at that price); $90 a person for the general pub

Reservations only in advance, to Jo Dayoan, Wine Club Direc

[email protected], (707) 963-5853 x107.

The winerys current releases are 2010 Pinot Grigio, 2

Sangiovese, 2006 Phenomenon, 2007 Black Glass Zinfandel

2007 Holystone Collins Zinfandel.

Benessere Vineyards was founded in 1994 by John and E

Benish. The name Benessere, pronounced ben-ESS-eh-ray, m

well-being or prosperity in Italian. It was chosen by the Beni

to convey the unique qualities of healthy living and grape grow

in their charming corner of the upper Napa Valley.

Benessere farms 32 acres of estate vineyards surrounding

picturesque winery and welcomes visitors seven days a week f

10 a.m. until 5 p.m., by appointment.



3

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34/80


The Napa Back Road

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VEZRPrivate Ranch

& Tasting RoomBY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Eagle Eye

Daniel CappWines

BLUE VICTORIAN

WINERYVEZR FAMILY WINERYGardens, Deli & Barista

Wooden ValleyWinery

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SuisunWine Coop

Winterhawk

LedgewoodCreek

Green Valley Cellars

Tenbrink

Mankas Hills Winery

Fairfield

Suisun City

SuisunValley

Napa

CordeliaANHEUSER BUSCHBREWERY TOURS

JELLY BELLYFACTORY AND TOURS

Rock Creek Vineyard

AltamuraVineyards

S U I S U NV A L L E YW I N E R I E S

OCTOBER 8Mankas Summer Series Garden Concerts2d Pa a dvs mus xp spaz sys mpay jazz,k, &b ad uk. Bu Va Wy 5071 Susu Vay rad, fadwww.vzamyvyad.m, 888-823-Vine

OCTOBER 15Mankas Summer Series Garden Concertsrym Md $19.50, Bu Va Wy 5071 Susu Vay rad, fadwww.vzamyvyad.m, 888-823-Vine

OCTOBER 15-16Fun Family Farm DaysWd Vay Vyads, Susu Vay, www.wdvay.m, 707-864-0730

NOVEMBER 11

Annual Chieftain Dinner

4 us pva d Bu Vas Ba rm. gus m a 4-sa saua.lv mus. D 6:30pm, $95 (f cas)

S U I S U N V A L L E Y


35/803Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Guests will dine among ghosts, ghouls and goblins on theNapa Valley Wine Train's first Trick-or-Train Halloween Bash.

On October 28, the Napa Valley Wine Train be hosting the first

ever Trick-or-Train Halloween Bash. Trick-or-Train guests will enjoy

a sumptuous evening with dinner and drinks on board the NapaValley Wine Train followed by a party featuring the musical styling

of DJ Tommy Fullove, dancing and a costume contest in the station.

This is an event for guests aged 21 and over. Guests are encoura

to come dressed up for the holiday. Entertainment will conti

until 1 a.m.

The Trick-or-Train will begin at 6:30 p.m. with three eerie h

on board for dinner and drinks. Guests will have time to exploreentire Train, which consists of rail cars so old, they have almost di

peared from the American landscape. Most of the rolling stock d

from as far back as 1915.

After dinner, guests will disembark at the Napa Station where th

will dancing and musical entertainment provided by San Franc

based DJ Tommy Fullove. Tommy Fullove, a prestigious San F

cisco based DJ, is well-known for his eclectic musical collection

strong connection to the crowd and his vibrant energy. Fullove be

exploring his natural musical talent when he was in high schoo

starting his own DJ business. Music and entertainment has alw

been a true passion of his, and for the past 17 years he has been

highlight of parties all over country.

A winner will be selected

the costume contest at 10:30 p

The Trick-or-Train after part

not limited to guests riding

train. For those who chose no

ride the train, but still wan

participate in the festivities,

after party will begin at 9 p

Guests must be 21 years old

attend. Cost for the Trick-or-T

event is $155 for the GourExpress Car, $185 for the V

Dome Car and $30 for the A

Party only

The Napa Valley Wine Trai

one of the most unique and

Napa restaurants. This top din

establishment is housed in

antique train that runs on 25 m

of track in the heart of the N

Valley. The train itself has

engines, three kitchens on bo

and a collection of early 2century rail cars that are p

Americana. It offers guests

regional food and fabulous, h

to-find wines. Enjoy winery to

wine tasting on board,

celebrity winemaker dinner

great place to celebrate y

special moments, or just to en

everyday life; 1-800-427-41

winetrain.com.

Trick-or-Train: A Spooky Halloween on an Antique Trai

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | NAPA VALLE

RandolphSt

M C K I N S T R Y

First St.

MainSt.

Caymus St.

Clinton St.

TulocaySt.

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Arroy

oDr.

Pearl St.

MainSt.

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Franklin

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RandolphSt

CalistogaAve

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TASTE AT OXBOW

MAHONEY VINEYARDS/WATERSTONE

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Napa General Store

Oxbow Public MarketCa Momi Enoteca

StonehedgeWinery

Napa Valley Opera HouseCOLES CHOP HOUSE

VintnersCollective

Wineries ofNapa Valley

Ceja

John

Anthony

Olabisi/Trahan

X Winery

Clay St

CELADON

UvaTrattoriaItaliana

UptownTheatre

Gustavo Thrace/Toolbox

Uncorkedat Oxbow

MasonBack Room Wines

Bounty HunterRare Wine Co.

NAPA VALLEYWINE TRAIN

N A P AD O W N T O W N


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Pioneering chef Cindy Pawlcyn and business partner Sean Knight

have transformed Go Fish into Brassica, a modern Mediterranean

concept with an extensive and innovative wine program. The restau-rants grazing-friendly portions are inspired by a host of Mediterranean

countries. Brassica is Latin for the plant family of crucifers and mustards

native to the Mediterranean and grown in the Napa Valley. It links the

new restaurant to Pawlcyns legendary Mustards Grill and bridges the

distance between Southern Europe and Northern California.

Culinary offerings range from smaller plates such as Eggplant Fries

with Spiced Yoghurt and Garlic Shrimp with Brandy and Espelette

Pepper to more substantial offerings such as Moroccan Lamb with

Golden Raisins & Couscous and Braised Beef Cheeks with Pedro

Ximnez Sherry and Cauliflower. An example of Pawlcyns use of

sustainable seafood along with house-grown produce can be see

her Crispy Sardine Salad with Bitter Greens and Mustard Dressi

Brassicas menu also reflects the way Pawlcyn herself likes to enjoying lots of variety and not too much of one thing. The res

rant was designed to offer everything from a small bite to a full m

provides good value and reflects the trend of a lighter diet. The rob

hearty flavors of the food are designed to pair with both local

Mediterranean wine selections.

The appeal of the Mediterranean for Pawlcyn, has much to do w

its affinity with wine. It is a natural match for Napa Valley, wh

Pawlcyn and her team will continue to focus on local products, w

global inspiration. Pawlcyn affectionately calls Napa Valley C

Heaven, because for her it is all about food, wine and the h

working people who create it.

Executive chef Darren McRonald also has an extensive backgroin these traditions, thanks to his passion for travel, and work exp

ence in French kitchens. My heart and soul really lie in the Med

ranean style, he professes.

The design of the restaurant is typically Napa Valley laid-b

Come as you are, just come on in, notes Managing Partner S

Knight. The restaurant was designed by architect Howard Backen

features warm, lush colors. Rich chocolate leather and mahogany w

melds with a mirror and lighted glass bar. Brassica also carries on

tradition of live music on the patio.

Brassica has five unique points of difference in its drinks progr

Pawlcyns restaurants have always been known for their comprehen

wine programs and Brassica is likely to set new standards in that arThe restaurant offers 70 wines by the glass, serves eight wines on

and pours the Brassica 12 a dozen lesser-known local wines that

only be tasted there. Brassica also offers a seasonal cocktail program w

fresh syrups and produce. The restaurant also offers retail wine sale

Knight says that Napa Valley needs restaurants that have a

focus on wine programs that are accessible to a broad demograph

Chef Pawlcyn promises the list wont overwhelm because servers

help guests zero in on regions and grapes with good food-pairing sy

gies. The approach will be savvy and low key, she notes, as diners

to be in the know, but dont want to go back to school.

The Brassica 12 features a rotating selection of exclusive h

quality wines and acts as a wine tasting collective inside the restaurThe program, actively promoted by producers with events, offers ba

samples and library wine - with a focus on reds. Brands on the firs

include El Molino, Arietta and Bressler.

The cocktail program also features a series of food-friendly cockt

Wine director Jennifer Ingellis sources many ingredients for t

drinks directly from the restaurants own gardens. She says that Bras

featur

Nor Cal Edition - Oct 7, 2011

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