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Spring/Summer 2013 Napa Valley Preferred Wine Country DAY TRIPS x

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FuN x FACT x

NINE TRIpS WINE TASTING from Calistoga to Carneros A publication of FORTY-SEVEN9 TASTING ROOM REVIEWS Dining Directory1 47 plusand Chart

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yessa 47 preferred Napa Valley

Preferred Napa Valley Tasting Room Reviews

1313 Main Fine Wine, Retail, Tasting Bar 54

Acacia Vineyard Heritage Wine Trail 11

Arger-Martucci Vineyards 30

Ballentine Vineyards 23

Beaulieu Vineyard Heritage Wine Trail 11

Beringer Vineyards 25

Bourassa Vineyards 53

DAY9 Wine Tasting Trips TRIPS Bravante Vineyards 19 Burgess Cellars 21

Ca’ Momi Napa Valley 61 Calistoga 12-15 Castello di Amorosa 14

Del Dotto Historic Winery & Caves 55 On & Around Howell Mountain 16-21 Del Dotto Venetian Estate 31

St. Helena 22-33 Etude Wines 64 Farella Vineyard 58

Sage Canyon 34-37 Frank Family Vineyards 13 Hagafen Cellars 48

Rutherford/Oakville 38-45 Heritage Wine Trail 11

The Hess Collection 63 Oak Knoll/Stags Leap 46-49 128 Hill Wine Company 33

Kuleto Estate 37 TO Napa 50-56 ERRYESSA Louis M. Martini Winery 28 AND AMENTO Coombsville 57-61 Merryvale Vineyards 27 Mumm Napa 41 Mt. Veeder/Carneros 62-64 Napa Valley Wine Train 51

Newton Vineyards 26

ON THE COVER: COURTESY OF BERINGER VINEYARDS Nichelini Family Winery 36 Pope Valley Winery 17

Porter Family Vineyards 59

Provenance Vineyards Heritage Wine Trail 11 A Publication of

Reata Winery 52 RustRidge Ranch & Winery 35 Rutherford Grove Winery 44

Rutherford Hill Winery 39

Rutherford Ranch Winery 40 St. Clement Vineyard 24

Stags’ Leap Winery 47 O Heritage Wine Trail 128 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sterling Vineyards 11

Summers Estate Winery 15 669 Broadway, Suite B • Sonoma, CA 95476

P.O. Box 92 • El Verano, CA 95433 Summit Lake Vineyards 18

707-938-3494 707-938-3674 Tayson Pierce Estate Wines 43 Fax

ARELLA Tulocay Winery 60

PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco

Turnbull Wine Cellars 42 Direct (707) 938-3734

[email protected] . V. Sattui Winery 29 RD PORTER G REEN V FAMILY

A LL 4 Viader Vineyards 20 T E Y H MANAGING EDITOR Chandra Grant

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E . Phone 707-938-1783 • Fax 707-938-3674 Whitehall Lane Winery 32/45

[email protected] William Hill Estate 56

SVILLE 57>61 ADVERTISING RoseAnn Trzesniewski REPRESENTATIVE Phone 707-334-1930 • Fax 707-938-3674 OTHER [email protected] Destiny Wine Tours 8/65 OFFICE MANAGER Cathy Gore Calistoga Balloons 7/68

Phone 707-938-3494 • Fax 707-938-3674

Email [email protected] Ca’Momi Napa Valley 71

Napa Valley Bike Tours 9/66 EDITORIAL Introductions by Abigail Zimmerman Napa Valley Wine Train 51/67 CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Baker, Alexandra Charsley, Ronda Giangreco, Charles Neave, The Wine Carriage 10 12 TO SACRAMENTO Josh Stein and Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Fumé Bistro & Bar 49/73 J O Dining Directory 70-73

LOOK FOR US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER! Varietals Chart 74-77 Wineries Map 78-79

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Notes on Wine Tasting in The Napa Valley It’s a good idea to plan to visit several wineries as every wine-tasting experience offered is different. With so many distinctive viticultural areas within The Napa Valley, one can easily taste many of the world’s best varietials and winemaking style without learning the region. Listed below are five basic types of tasting experiences. The ex- perience will vary in style from winery to winery! Wine Bar Tasting The most common tasting experience is a Wine Bar Tasting. You step up to the bar where typically a list of wines being poured is displayed. Expect to pay a tasting fee between $10-$40. Some tasting bars will offer you the option to taste a library or reserve wine. Exercising this option increases the fee, but will allow you to taste very unique, old or rare wines. Sit Down Tasting A Sit Down Tasting usually requires an appointment, and there may be a slightly higher fee than a wine bar fee. Seated in an elegant room, you are poured several wines by your winery host. Expect your host to describe the unique characteristics of each wine and how it was made. Table Service Tasting A Table Service Tasting, popular at fa- cilities, is a tasting experience where you are seated at a ery to pour the first round. Then you move to another table and the tastings are brought to you. place within the winery to sample the next wine. This ex- Walk Around Tasting perience continues until all the wines are tasted. A Walk Around Tasting is a combination of a tour and Barrel Tasting a tasting. Your host brings along several bottles of wine on Another popular tasting experience that can be part your tour, and may take you to a garden area of the win- of a tour or a Walk Around is a Barrel Tasting. Your guide takes a “wine thief,” a special siphon placed into a hole in the top of a barrel to extract tasting samples of a matur- ing wine. The sample allows you to taste what the wine is like in the middle of developing its full potential. Why make an appointment? Some wineries are so small that they need to know when you are coming so someone will be there to greet you. Other wineries have permit restrictions that limit the number of guests that can visit each day. Others have sit-down tastings that start and end at specific times. It’s always a good idea to schedule your appointments well in advance of your visit because some of the more popular wineries fill up their appointments weeks in advance. Seated tasting at Mumm Napa WWW.LEGENDARYNAPAVALLEY.COM

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One of the questions most asked when it comes to wine is how much of this does it take to make that, and so on. We won’t pretend that it’s simple, but here are some industry statistics that will give a pretty good answer to that query. As with any- thing agricultural, of course, they are all based on countless variables when it comes to acre yields, but this is a good starting point. The rest of the information varies little if at all. A case of wine includes: …a dozen 750 ml bottles (or 24 half bottles) or 307.2 ounces total, = which comes from almost 30 pounds of . A single bottle contains: …750 ml of wine which is 25.6 ounces made from about 2.4 pounds of grapes (39 oz.) and is enough for four or maybe five glasses.

An acre of vineyard land can give the grower: …four-five tons of grapes (though it is also less, de- pending on a variety of farming and winemaking practices, and on the and the vineyard One standard oak barrel of wine holds: location) which will give you 797 gallons of juice …295 bottles of wine (or 59 gallons) made from 740 pounds of grapes (or thirteen-and-a-half barrels) which is pretty close which works out to almost – but not precisely – 24+ cases of wine. to four thousand bottles of wine .

What does all that information on a wine label mean? The U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms regulates wine labels and requires that information be given in a straightforward XYZ Winery way. Basically, you will want to look for the types of grapes grown, where the grapes are grown and when the grapes were picked. RESERVE • Brand name Stags Leap • Designation for a special wine Napa Valley • Vineyard or appellation known for its grapes might be designated • Location where the grapes used were grown Variety used 2002 • Vintage year in which the grapes were picked • Location where the wine was made and/or bottled Produced and Bottled by (Not to be confused with the area the grapes are grown.) XYZ winery, Napa, • Alcohol content may be stated or the the label may simply say ALCOHOL 14.6% BY VOLUME "Table Wine”

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Heading to the Tasting Room Do not be intimidated for car or on a plane, buy a any reason. That is rule number cardboard box with Styrofoam one (and there are very few real wine inserts. Fill it during the rules after that). For the most day and this keeps wine from part, going wine tasting is about rolling around in the trunk. the easiest thing in the world, Check out the smaller especially here in California wineries. It is a revelation. where wineries and tasting Take notes on the wines you rooms abound. You can find most enjoyed. wineries specializing in red Take advantage of tours wines of all types, those that are when the winery offers them, but famous for their white wines keep in mind that they take and others who pour sparkling wine. It is a matter of anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour, so one a doing a little research and planning your day. Most tasting day is plenty. rooms open around 10 a.m. and close between 4:30 and Buy wines that you can only find at the winery. These 6 p.m. often include smaller (375 ml) bottles of limited Before you start off pack a few essentials: Water production Ports or dessert wines. Don’t buy a wine you (plenty of water) and something to snack on – crackers or can get at a supermarket back home. You’ll pay more, and a baguette. Many wineries have picnic areas and there are besides, what’s the point? plenty of delis and bakeries that can make up a lunch for Look for tasting rooms in towns. Many of these are you, or make your own. Which brings us to eating and cooperative tasting rooms, where in one place you might drinking, the kind that doesn’t directly involve wine. find wines from a dozen or more small-to-medium Be sure to nibble during the day and make sure you premium producers. They are scattered throughout the make time for lunch. Two tips: drink at least twice as area and more are opening all the time. much water as you do wine, and remember that you Don’t give too much thought to ratings and vintages. don’t have to drink everything poured into your glass. It’s like art: if you like it, it’s a good wine. It is as simple as There is a reason tasting bars have dump buckets and a that. pitcher of water to wash out your glass. Remember that you don’t have to do the driving. It That said, here are some tips that have proven to be takes no more than a phone call to rent anything from a helpful and are designed to help make the sensory Town Car or restored classic convertible to stretch limos adventure of wine tasting all the more enjoyable. and a 20-passenger bus. All have drivers that will stow Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Time and time again your wine for you and the local companies know the I have heard knowledgeable winery workers say that area. As to taking that wine home, ten people sharing one there is no such thing as a stupid question, and they of those impossibly long limousines is fine and fun, but if mean that. you all plan to buy a couple of cases the trunk – which is You can drink what you want, in the order you want. no bigger than a normal luxury cars – is going to fill up If you only like reds, say so; if you don’t like sweet wines, fast and you’re going to find yourself filling the interior speak up. But the idea of starting with whites, then going floor with boxes and using cases of Cabernet as footrest. on to reds and then sweet wines is a good guide. Tell the transportation company what you have in is red. I am sure you know that but it never mind and listen to their advice. They know the territory hurts to remind everyone. and the people and personalities. If there is a particular wine you want to try and it is Know your limits. If you get close to it let others taste not on the list, ask. There might be a bottle around that and you can listen. It beats ending the day in a blur, and was opened for a trade tasting or by the winemaker. Most if need be calling a taxi is cheaper than the alternative. tasting rooms are happy to pour a little if you show And if at a seated tasting, don’t be afraid to leave a enthusiasm. gratuity. It’s more than worth the five or ten dollars to get If you plan to take wine home with you, either in the wisdom – and wine – and a great time. BY CHARLES NEAVE

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Calistoga Balloons Napa Valley is a unique and intimate flying experience over the scenic northern end of the Napa Valley. These flights are more rural in nature, providing pristine views. Experience Old Faithful Geyser, the dramatic Palisade Cliffs, Mt. St Helena, as well as spectacular views of world-renown landmarks, vineyards and wineries including Chateau Montelena – the winery that put California’s Napa Valley number one in the world, Castello di Amorosa – the authentic 12th century Tuscan Castle-winery, Sterling Vineyards – a hilltop winery via aerial tram, along with Bennett Lane Winery, Envy Winery, Vincent Arroyo Winery and more. GOOD TO KNOW Calistoga is a unique destination whose vistas will remain with • Early mornings in Napa Valley are usually cool. It is you for a lifetime! recommended that you wear layered clothing and a Your adventure begins just after sunrise, between 6 a.m. and jacket depending on the time of year. During the flight, 7 a.m., when hot air ballooning flight conditions are best and it will get warmer so you will want to be able to remove the morning sunlight enhances the natural beauty. Guests meet layers as the day progresses. It is also recommended that you wear comfortable shoes that protect your feet. at the historic Railroad Depot at 1458 Lincoln Avenue in Bring sunglasses and cameras and enjoy the flight! friendly and quaint, Calistoga and off to the morning’s • VIP Limo Private Flights are available determined launch site. After the crew inflates the balloon, VISIT guests hop into the wicker basket. Once everyone is in, the hot Your magnificent flight and post-flight Champagne air balloon is ready to go and you begin your gentle ascent. breakfast at Solage Calistoga costs $249 per person. After about an hour of enjoying the breathtaking views of Napa Valley, the hot air balloon will be navigated to a landing Calistoga Balloons Napa Valley site, then your ballooning party is transported to Solage 1458 Lincoln Ave, Railcar #15, Calistoga, CA 94515 Calistoga for a post-flight celebratory Champagne breakfast! (707) 942-5758 | 1-888-995-7700 Note: Guests are offered an alternative flight corridor if weather conditions do not allow the Napa Valley flight. www.calistogaballoons.com By Alexandra Charsley On Facebook and Twitter $199 pp for Ballooning Only when mentioning this code: WCTWBO

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I’ll tell you – the owner, Ray Hanson, is a real character and he’s passionate about what he does. He loves talking with LITTLE KNOWN FACT Destiny Wine Tours was founded in 2009 and Ray’s wife all kinds of people – young people, older people, people is credited with choosing the name for the company from all around the world, etc. One could say that Ray is a (great name, by the way!). real “people person.” He told me, “I meet my passengers as FuN FACT clients, and they leave as friends. I want to adopt them and Owner/Driver Ray Hanson says “after driving a big fire take them home with me.” Next thing you know, Ray will truck for all those years, driving my limo is like driving a own a bed & breakfast to accommodate all of his adoptees! sports car!” Not to worry, though, Ray is a true profes- sional and pilots his limo with great care. Ray is also a firefighter, so if some sort of unfortunate incident happened to occur during your adventure, he would pLAN AHEAD know exactly how to handle it. If by chance Ray isn’t your At this point, Destiny Wine Tours has only one limo in their fleet (but they’ll be adding more soon), so make sure driver, his other drivers have all been through rigorous to book your trip well in advance! training to provide exemplary (and safe) service. KuDOS FOR DESTINY WINE TOuRS Along with the wine tours, Destiny safely chauffeurs Five Star Rating on www.yelp.com! clients to the airport, concerts, shopping sprees, weddings, It doesn’t get any better than that! bachelorette parties, sporting events, proms, anniversaries and just about any kind of special event imaginable. Destiny Wine Tours The limo (which comfortably seats eight passengers) is a Tours are available seven days a week spotless black 2006 Lincoln Tiffany Town Car, and it comes 3295 Vichy Avenue, Napa fully stocked with Champagne and other adult beverages, water, sodas and more. It features a state-of-the-art sound (707) 254-0442 www.destinywinetours.com system, which will sooth your ears or rock your world, depending on your mood. Your car is waiting – let Destiny Wine Tours take you to your travel destination! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Mention this story and get 20% off your adventure with Destiny Wine Tours.

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Napa and Sonoma counties are regarded by cyclists the world over as having some of the finest terrain in the world. It might be time to switch FuN FACTS y’s wife gears, strap on a helmet and take an invigorating Wine Country adventure • Napa Valley Bike Tours is located in the any quaint town of Yountville in the southern by way of Napa Valley Bike Tours (and Sonoma Valley Bike Tours). end of the Napa Valley – a destination for Every fitness level can ride wine, food and outdoor enthusiasts – fire Cycling allows you to connect with the surroundings in a way that can considered the “Culinary Capital of the ving a only be experienced on two wheels – out in the open air. Napa Valley Bike Napa Valley.” fes- Tours (and Sonoma Valley Bike Tours) offers routes for for any level of

experience, fitness and desire. A few examples are: • You can upgrade to an electric bike for Classic Bike Tour: Designed “for the tourist, not the cyclist,” this tour only $20 additional – if you’d rather soak o in keeps pace with the variety of fitness levels within each group. A friendly, up the scenery, without much exertion! ake sure knowledgeable local tour guide escorts the pack along flat and gently rolling

terrain, pedaling 2-5 miles between winery visits. Self-Guided Bike Tours: Let professionals help you plan a cycling route Napa Valley Bike Tours geared toward your fitness level and desired mileage, and provide you with a 6795 Washington Street, Bldg. B

detailed map. Even the most avid cyclist will be thrilled with the savvy trips Yountville planned. Cycling IN the Vineyards: Designed for tourists who are looking for (707) 944-2953 k something a bit more adventurous, cyclists are taken on dirt roads through www.napavalleybiketours.com the vineyards – on flat to bumpy, gently rolling terrain between wineries. They’ve got you covered Each tour provides riders with bicycle that best suits the terrain – such as Sonoma Valley Bike Tours mountain bikes or road bikes. Your provided a helmet, a picnic lunch, a 520 Broadway, Sonoma souvenir water bottle, van support if needed (including wine purchase pick-up service), and a handlebar bag to hold your essentials such as a (707) 996-2453 wallet, sunscreen or camera. Cost varies per tour. By Denise Olliffe www.sonomavalleybiketours.com Visit www.napavalleybiketours.com/wctw for Special Offer.

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From May through November, The Wine Carriage is a fun, intimate excursion through select vineyards of the HOW TO pREpARE Dress casual and comfortable for a day on The Wine Carriage. Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Owner and well-in- The service provides all the necessities – spring water, lunch, formed tour guide Bret LeRolland, is coachman of a coolers to accommodate purchases. The carriage has a shaded shade-top carriage pulled by mighty draft horses – meander- canopy (however you may want to bring a hat and wear sun- ing between rows of vines and up and down scenic screen), and springs for a more comfortable ride, as well as padded seats. countryside – while guests pluck grapes right from their seats. COST AND DISCOuNTS This is no ordinary tour – it’s an off-road, insider’s trek Tours are $175 per person. There are discounts for larger groups (and the only horse-drawn carriage tour in Wine Country). of eight to 12 passengers, and exclusive tours are arranged. The outings begin at 11 a.m., starting with a visit to Alexan- Guests receive a ten percent discount on all purchases at the wineries visited. der Valley Vineyards where guests are taken to the underground, arched wine cavern filled with the aroma of ABOuT THE HORSES aging wine in oak barrels, and treated to samples straight Cody and Cheyenne, two stately blonde draft horses (now in from the cask. Then, guests board the carriage for a cross- their second season with The Wine Carriage), and Duke and country excursion to Hanna Winery, which boasts Pepper, two regal black Percherons (with the company for 10 years), pull the carriage for guests. commanding views of the entire valley. After a wine tasting at Hanna, a decadent gourmet lunch A FuN FACT is served outside in the shade of a majestic oak. Fresh The enormous, powerful steeds weigh-in around one ton each, baguettes, herbed meats, local artisan and imported cheeses, and at their rumps, stand taller than an average adult. mixed organic olives and organic strawberries are served – topped off by wine-filled chocolate truffles for dessert. Wine The Wine Carriage can be purchased by the bottle or glass at the winery, to enjoy with lunch. After lunch, guests are taken on an adven- 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg turous, scenic journey across the valley to a final tasting at (707) 849-8989 | www.TheWineCarriage.com the award-winning Soda Rock Winery. By Denise Olliffe Look for them on Facebook!

Book now and receive a bonus wine tasting voucher for White Oak Winery.

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ACACIA VINEYARD BEAULIEU VINEYARD

PROVENANCE VINEYARDS STERLING VINEYARDS

With so much to do and see in the wine country, wine guide will take you through their 100-year-old the research involved in planning your day can be Redwood Tank Forest to the Heritage Room where riage. unch, overwhelming. The Heritage Wine Trail, a full-day you will sample wines from French and American shaded tour and tasting package, takes the guess work out oak barrels and two of their current releases, r sun- of your travel plans and offers a memorable including the iconic Georges de Latour Private as excursion from Carneros to Calistoga that is sure to Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, made at BV since satisfy the senses! 1936. For only $99 (a value of over $150), from 10 From there, experience the passion of

r groups a.m. to 5 p.m., you will experience tours and Provenance Vineyards as a wine club member for ged. tastings at four iconic wineries, Acacia Vineyard, the day with exclusive tastings of three current at the Beaulieu Vineyard, Provenance Vineyards and releases followed by a pairing of chocolate Sterling Vineyards, including an authentic wine sauce and port. country picnic lunch. The tour ends with a big finish at Sterling

ow in The tour begins at Acacia Vineyard, where you Vineyards as you ascend on an aerial tram and will walk through their lush vineyard and end with overlooking panoramic views of one of the most for 10 a visit to their tasting room. Winemaker Matthew dramatic wineries in California. You will be greeted Glynn will share his winemaking knowledge and with a glass of wine as you follow the winemaking Acacia’s unique 32-year history. You will taste a few process from grape to glass. You will be guided

of their favorite wines, not commonly found from the barrel room to one of the terraces, to sit, on each, outside the winery, as well as select wines that have relax and taste three of their limited-production been awarded 90+ points. wines. Continue on to Beaulieu Vineyard, to tour the The Heritage Wine Trail promises a fun filled most historic part of their winery, built in 1885. A day from start to finish! By Monica L. Dashwood

A Carneros-to-Calistoga Wine Country Experience that is Sure to Please! om Offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

www.HeritageWineTrail.com | 1-800-919-3693 | [email protected] Can not be combined with any other discounts. Expires 12/31/2013. Please Enjoy Our Wines Responsibly. ©2013 Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, Napa, CA

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CalistogaCalistoga sits in the top end of Napa Valley like a cork in a wine bottle. Flat Iron Grill This lively, well-preserved historic small-town and surrounding region 1440 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, (707) 942-1220, www.flatirongrill.com simply delights everyone. Delicious restaurants, glorious mountains, Flat Iron Grill revels in its recently restored historic space! There is nothing dusty diverse art galleries, world-famous hot springs, eclectic bookstores and about this intimate, yet friendly restaurant. Open for dinner daily, don't miss roadside stands, boutique shopping and happy locals combine to make the hickory smoked baby back ribs. Calistoga a favorite of Napa Valley locals and visitors. LODGING FOOD Brannan Cottage Inn Cafe Sarafornia 109 Wappo Avenue, Calistoga, (707) 942-4200, www.brannancottageinn.com 1413 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, (707) 942-0555, www.cafesarafornia.com One of the original 25 Hot Springs Resort cottages from 1860. The best breakfast in town! Owners Madeline & Drake are the vivacious stewards Close walking proximity to famed Calistoga Hot Springs (across the street!) and of this famed, historic diner. For more than 100 years, Cafe Sarafina has been only two blocks to downtown Calistoga, makes this charming inn a repeat hit. serving up delicious fare and good people. Don't miss the huevos rancheros! Six rooms are available year round. Brannan's pink Mansion 1374 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, (707) 942-2233, www.brannansgrill.com 1415 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, (707) 942-0558, www.pinkmansion.com Go for the winning wine list (with rare Napa and Sonoma cult labels) Escape, indulge & dream! Built in 1870 by Napa's original stage line owner, and stay for the fine foods and great atmosphere. Brannan proudly the Pink Mansion is a lovely, private and restful destination that retains the sponsors local, artisanal producers and their dishes are the better for it. elegance of its historic past. Rates include gourmet breakfast for two and This summer, dine alfresco on the patio! afternoon wine and appetizers. JoLe Solage 1457 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, (707) 942-5938, www.jolerestaurant.com 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, 1-866-942-7442, www.solagecalistoga.com From Farm to Table. JoLe is OpenTable.com's "Diner's Choice Winner" for 2010 – Where cosmopolitan luxuries take on an enlightened, comfortable attitude! a wonderful compliment to owners and husband-and-wife team Matt and Offering a healthy, green environment, 89 eco-friendly studios and Michelin star Sonjita Spector. Enjoy the delicious menu and mouth-watering pastries! rated Solbar restaurant, Solage is a stylish and naturally brilliant hotel! Calistoga Ranch 580 Lommel Road, Calistoga, 1-800-942-4220, www.calistogaranch.com Driving Time: 10 minutes 29 From Frank Family Tucked into a private canyon in the Upper Napa Valley on a 157-acre site, the to Castello di Amorosa 1+ mile luxury resort captures the rich culture of food, wine and nature. 128 to Summers Estate 4+ mile Total 5+ miles SUMMERS Old Faithful Geyser THINGS TO DO ESTATE Castello di Amorosa TUBBS 4045 N. St. Helena Highway, (707) 967-6272, www.castellodiamorosa.com Sharpsteen G CALISTOGA Museum RANT A tour of the incredible 13th century, 107 room, Tuscan style castle and winery – Brannan’s Brannan Cottages Pink Mansion complete with chapel and torture chamber – is highly recommended! R Sharpsteen Museum PET IFIED Cafe Sarafornia LN FOREST CO TO JoLe N Flat Iron Grill Calistoga 1311 Washington Street, Calistoga SANTA LI Solage Ranch ROSA CALISTOGA L (707) 942-5911, www.sharpsteen-museum.org MME BALLOONS LO This museum is a wonderful spot to learn about upper Napa Valley history and AL E 29 old Calistoga. Exhibit subjects include Sam Brannan, Wappo Native Americans, DUNAW one-time-local Robert Louis Stevenson and artifacts from the survivors of the Donner Party.

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I petrified Forest L

D V R E

CASTELLO R 4100 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga

A A

G LARKMEAD D O O DI AMOROSA (707) 942-6667, www.petrifiedforest.org

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S R I A L FRANK FAMILY Step back in time, more than 3 million years, and follow the trail of majestic E IL A AL C VINEYARDS B petrified redwood giants arrayed before you in a fascinating grove in beautiful California wine country. TO Old Faithful Geyser SANTA 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, (707) 942-6463 ROSA Bale Grist Mill SP State Historic Park 128 RIN Old Faithful of California is one of the three "Old Faithful" geysers in the G MO world. Bursting regularly and throwing thousands of gallons of water high UN TA into the air, Old Faithful is a glorious sight. Other attractions include the IN Not to Scale petting zoo and picnic grounds. Open daily, 9am-6pm in the summer.

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If there ever was a benign cult, it would be that centered around Napa Valley’s Frank Family Vineyards. Mention their VARIETALS , , Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Merlot Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, any of their Cabernets or and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus the rare Winston Hill Red. other wines to someone who loves the grape and their eyes will They also make limited amounts of Zinfandel Port and brighten showing their desire for a taste. Yes, their wine is that many of the wines are crafted in limited reserve good, and a visit to their northern-valley tasting room becomes programs. almost a pilgrimage. SpARKLING, ANYONE? The tasting room – in the impeccably restored Craftsman Be sure to ask about their Sparkling Wines, produced house – has been rated among the top in the nation. And, in the French méthode champenoise. while praise for the winery, the wines and the tasting room may RATINGS be completely up-to-the minute, its history goes back more Most wineries, if they’d ever get a score of 90 or above on than 125 years. In 1884, it was known as Larkmead Winery; a wine from critic Robert M. Parker, Jr., would jump for joy and pop the cork on a bottle of bubbles. So imagine the today, it is considered to be a prime example of California Wine euphoria when the winery received five scores in the Country architecture, listed on the National Register of Histori- nineties recently. cal Places. HOLLYWOOD The grounds are expansive, with a beautiful lawn, picnic ta- Owner Richard Frank is a recipient of an Emmy for lifetime bles, majestic oaks and trimmed hedges that complement the achievement. He was also chairman of Walt Disney winery and tasting room. Inside the tasting rooms, the business Television, president of Walt Disney Studios for almost ten of winemaking is balanced with good humor and as much infor- years and president of the Paramount Television Group. mation as you want. Or simply enjoy the tastes. That is perfectly fine with them. Frank Family Vineyards As tasting room manager, Aaron Feaver says, “I want visitor’s Open daily 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For parties of six or more appointments are necessary. memories of the winery to be as much about their experience here as the wines they taste.” These wines are pretty spectacular, 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga as you will discover on your first visit – but assuredly not your 1-800-574-9463 or (707) 942-0859 last. By Charles Neave www.frankfamilyvineyards.com “You’ll never have better wine ... or a better time.”

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Dario Sattui knows how to give a wine country experience unlike any other, and his latest winery, Castello di Amorosa, WHAT TO TASTE opened in 2007 after fourteen years of planning and Lovers of a good rosé should try the “Giola” Rosato di construction, is true to the Sattui form. The 107 rooms of the Sangiovese for an Italian-influenced style, and those in search of Big Reds need look no further than the Reserve 13th-century-styled castle contain ramparts, hand-painted Cabernet, “Il Barone,” and the Super Tuscan, “La murals, a torture chamber and labyrinthine cellars amidst their Castellana,” which adds Cab and Merlot to Sangiovese. 121,000 square feet, making the Castello a winery like no other anywhere in the United States. There’s even a chapel, too, and all pLAN AHEAD There are a variety of innovative tour options – this takes place inside a structure of imported European brick, be sure to call to reserve your spots! wood and iron, as well as more than 8,000 tons of Napa stone. As is to be expected, given the Sattui philosphy of wine, LITTLE KNOWN FACT It took fourteen years of construction to bring the Castello there are lots of options – at least a dozen and a half at last to life – and there’s an authentic torture chamber! count. These various offerings can be tasted as part of the General Admission and Tasting or the Reserve Tasting, and wine WINE AWARDS and chocolate pairing is always an option, too, as is • Bien Nacido Chardonnay – 92 points from Wine Spectator • La Castellana – 92 points from Robert Parker non-alcoholic bottled grape juice for non-imbibers. Grapeseed • Il Barone – 94 points from Robert Parker oil and grapeseed flour are available for purchase. These are healthy, antioxidant-rich products that are produced from the seeds of Castello’s wine grapes. Touring options abound and definitely help to heighten the IL Barone experience. Reservations are likely required, so plan ahead accordingly as you choose from a Tour and Tasting, Tour and Reserve Tasting, Young Adult Tour, Royal Food and Wine Castello di Amorosa Pairings in the Royal Apartment or Hiking Vineyard Tour. Each Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. takes about two hours, including the wine tasting, and each 4045 North St. Helena Hwy., Calistoga include barrel tasting in the Grand Barrel Room. For those (707) 967-6272 seeking the ultimate experience, the Blending Seminar is for you – and you take home your own Super Tuscan! As you can www.castellodiamorosa.com see, Castello di Amorosa is clearly not to be missed – make sure Follow Castello di Amorosa it’s at the top of your Napa Valley itinerary. Enjoy! By Josh Stein on Facebook and Twitter.

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Come and taste what the wine experts are raving about VARIETALS at Summers Estate Winery! Cabernet Sauvignon, Charbono, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Jim and Beth Summers take pride in their vineyards, Sauvingon Blanc or Chardonnay and Zinfandel owning and farming 45 acres in the Calistoga AVA FuN FACT including 25 acres on Tubbs Lane which carry the vineyard Charbono is a very unique grape varietal. Summers has designation of Villa Andriana Vineyard, named after their the largest estate planting of Charbono and produces about 1500 cases annually (largest Charbono producer in daughter. In addition, Summers’ also has a 30-acre vineyard Napa Valley). in Knights Valley in Sonoma County, comprised mainly of SpECIAL OFFERS Merlot grapes with some Muscat Canelli. All of their vines Don’t miss their Sampler 6-Bottle Laydown Box Set with are tended by winemaker Ignacio “Nacho” Blancos and his current releases, including Charbono, Zinfandel, Merlot, vineyard team for more than 16 years. Together, they bring Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah varietals for just $180. a wealth of experience to every bottle of wine, producing SpECIAL EVENTS 10,000 cases annually. For wine club members, the Summers Estate Winery The Summers Estate Winery’s signature wine is hosts two events in the summer and fall: The Summer Charbono, a rare varietal, winning a gold medal from the Solstice party offers select wines with a delicious local 2013 Chronicle Wine Competition for its catered meal for approx. $125. The party offers a smorgasbord of lobster and shrimp good for the taking, 2010 Calistoga, Napa Valley Charbono vintage. Other served with their current release wines for $100. Check award winning wines are the Summers 2010 Cabernet the website for dates and times. Sauvignon, Calistoga, Summers 2009 Four-Acre Zinfandel, Calistoga and Summers 2009 Petite Sirah, Knights Valley. Summers Estate Winery With a welcoming tasting room, entertainment center, Open daily 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. bocce ball court, picnic area and 25+ acres of vines Summer hours 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Zinfandel, Charbono and Cabernet Sauvignon) Summers 1171 Tubbs Lane , Calistoga CA 94515 Estate Winery promises an unforgettable wine country (707) 942-5508 tasting experience! By Monica L. Dashwood www.summerswinery.com Bring in “Day trips” and receive 2 for 1 Tasting.

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On & Around Howell Mountain

Beginning on the Silverado Trail, this trip includes Conn Valley, Howell Mountain and Pope Valley with striking Driving Time: 35 minutes From Pope Valley Winery views from high elevations to rolling hills on the valley to Summit Lake Winery 6 miles POPE floor. You can see what Napa County was like in the early to Bravante Vineyards 4 miles to Viader Vineyards 2 miles POPE VAL pioneer days. Be sure to plan a full day for this one – to Burgess Cellars > 1 mile VALLEY LEY it’s a beautiful drive and you’ll want to take in the sites. Total 13 miles WINERY RD Most of these wineries require prior appointment and POPE VALLEY RD E watch for the addresses or you might miss them. SUMMIT G FOOD LAKE E COTTA SU WHIT College Market MMIT LA 15 Angwin Plaza, Angwin, (707) 965-6321 KE Here you will find plenty of options for picnicking. Pope Valley COLL Market Other than salami (meat-free products only), this store EGE

CH

has any other grocery items you may need. I BRAVANTE L SKY OAKS ES PO pope Valley Market ANGWIN College Market 5850 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley, (707) 965-9922 P Pacic E VALLE VIADER OTTAGE This small market with some snack lunch items and BURGESS C RD Union E TN College local organic herbs. It's a great place to stop and grab an CELLARS IT Y L M RD NE WH EL ice cream treat during your drive on a hot summer day. A SI W LAS POSADAS L L HO I VERADO TRAIL STATE FOREST LODGING LOD Camping – Bothe-Napa State park

Hwy 29 & Larkmead Road between St. Helena/Calistoga 29 HOWEL MTN. RD 1-800-444-PARK PARK DEER

Vacation Rentals 128 RK PA Look online for vacation rentals on Howell Mountain. R There are some very nice private homes available . DEE THINGS TO DO CON Las posadas State Forest N SI HOWELL MTN V 5850 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley, (707) 965-9922 ALLEYROS Hiking trails include a 4.4 mile, full loop trail that POPE ST passes a pioneer cemetary dating back to the 1800s Howell Mountain Challenge (707) 965-6346, web2.puc.edu/Pioneers/HMC If mountain biking is your speed, this is a 10 mile cir- L cuit that’s hilly on smooth to medium-rough trails with ZINFANDE Not to Scale lots of trees … a fun course!

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Winding through picturesque fields, undulating vineyards and oakstudded hills, one gets the feeling of GOOD TO KNOW •The cave, entirely hand-dug, took nine years to build! being transported back in time heading northeast away

from the Silverado Trail. There you will find Pope Valley • San Francisco Chronicle award winners: Winery established in 1897 originally as Burgundy Winery. Best of Class – 2010 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The winery itself seems to transport you back in time with Best of Class – 2010 Merlot Eakle Ranch Silver – 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Eakle Ranch the original hand dug cave complete with hand hewn red Silver – 2010 Sparkling Blanc de Blancs wood timbers. The original farmhouse still graces the pe Valley Market property, as well as a blacksmith’s workshop, complete with • There are special group or lunch tastings available by appointment, and the winery has picnic grounds, a bocce the tools of the trade. The tasting room next to the winery court and a horseshoe pit for guests’ enjoyment.

is welcoming and without pretense, offering a number of limited production, winery only releases. The goal is not • Pope Valley was originally called Locallomes after the Indians who first settled the valley. The name was just to provide an escape from the rest of the Valley but to RD changed to Pope Valley after Julian Pope was given a

actually make you forget there is anywhere else at all. As land grant to the area by the Mexican government. After you can tell, Pope Valley the area and Pope Valley the the governor signed it, Julian Pope paid twenty-five cents

and Pope Valley became his! winery are very much alike: both are the true, authentic “Old Napa” which so many people come to in search of. • Don’t miss the incredible Zinfandel Port! This rich, Well, like all good things, it takes a bit of time, a luscious wine is the perfect ending for a day in the wine country. willingness to step away from where everyone is headed, in order to find, but when you do, the results are all you pope Valley Winery

imagined and more. Head up and to the right and go taste Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

for yourself why Pope Valley Winery has been making quite 6613 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley a name for itself by doing things in a time-tested, (707) 965-1246 unpretentious way. Enjoy! www.popevalleywinery.com

“Turn left and go back 100 years.”

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ON & AROUND HOWELL MOUNTAIN HOWELL AROUND & ON If you find yourself on the back roads leading to Summit Lake Vineyards, chances are you are thinking yourself seriously GOOD TO KNOW lost. No need to worry. One of the most good-natured • Established in 1971, Summit Lake Vineyards is still winemakers you’ll ever meet is waiting for you. He’ll also help family owned and operated, specializing in 100% you find your way back down the hill. estate grown, produced and bottled wines. Bob Brakesman of Summit Lake Vineyards personifies the pioneer spirit that led many to this area to try their hand at • Other than their flagship Zinfandel, all of the other winemaking. His motivation was a love of wine, but his lables are for Bob Brakesmans grandaughters, some knowledge didn’t go much further than how to extract a cork lots as small as 50 cases. from a bottle. However Bob and his late wife, Sue, had such warm personalities that it wasn’t long before they were able to • When Bob and Sue first purchased their twenty-eight cajole their way into getting some of the most learned minds in acre vineyard, it was totally overgrown with manzanita, the business to provide both practical information and poison oak and coyote weed. Several years later, they even found an old tractor that had been completely equipment to help them build their winery. hidden by bushes! The land at Summit Lake didn’t seem to hold very much promise. It was overgrown and rugged, but had been planted • All of Summit Lake Vineyards tours and tastings are decades ago with a small vineyard. While the couple was able to private, one-on-one tastings with the owners. coax the vines into producing a quality wine, the old plants just Come by and see what Howell Mountain has to offer! could not produce the quantity of fruit needed. With the help of friends, they planted more vines and began to build their Summit Lake Vineyards winery. Open by appointment only Today, Bob and his family produce several wonderful wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel 2000 Summit Lake Drive, Angwin Port and Rosé which are all estate grown, as well as their (707) 965-2488 Howell Mountain Zinfandel which “put them on the map.” www.summitlakevineyards.com By Ronda Giangreco email: [email protected] Two-for-one tasting with this Day Trips guide.

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At the end of a drive that sweeps through vineyards sits VARIETALS Howell Mountains’ Bravante Vineyards, home to premium, , Merlot, and estate-grown wines. Here, the commitment is always, and Cabernet Sauvignon unwaveringly, to quality. “That goal drives everything we do in BARRELS the vineyard and in the cellar,” said founder and proprietor Humidity-constant caves are full of American, French and Hungarian oak barrels. George Bravante, a respected grower of citrus, stone fruit and table grapes in the Central Valley. “We’re focused on crafting TOpOGRApHY As removed as the winery is from the bustle of consistently delicious and well-made wines from our historic the Valley floor, it is still barely ten minutes from the appellation. intersection of Deer Park Road and the Silverado Trail. “From the beginning, our philosophy has been grounded in So there it sits, remote but easily accessible and the result is a casual, unhurried, relaxed and informative one word: commitment. Commitment to creating world-class tasting environment. wine and commitment to the winemaking styles that best HARVESTING express the varietals. And that quality starts in the vineyard.” At harvest they hand pick into small, five pound trays to The education and enjoyment begins in the compact but keep the integrity of each individual berry prior to crush; comfortable tasting room, just off the winemaking facility, with and they harvest in small lots, only as the unique sections of their vineyards ripen one-by-one. gleaming silver tanks and a modern crusher-destemmer. Doors open on each end. Outside are entrances to the naturally SpECIAL Ask about the much-coveted Simpatico blended from the temperature and humidity controlled caves, an integral part of finest barrel-selected wine from each vintage, and Trio, a their barrel aging program. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blend. You begin your tour and tasting with a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Along the way you’ll hear anecdotes and Bravante Vineyards history inside the caves and outdoors, where the views are Open Wed-Sun 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment. spectacular. It is education at its most sublime – an hour of Just give them a call, they’re happy to see you! learning, but mostly it’s about the enjoyment of both wine and 300 Stone Ridge Road, Angwin place. By Charles Neave (707) 965-2552 | www.bravantevineyards.com

Mention Day Trips for complimentary tasting for two.

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ON & AROUND HOWELL MOUNTAIN HOWELL AROUND & ON From your perch high on a mountain rim, as you look down on a stunning vista of vineyards and take your first sip of Viader wine, it GOOD TO KNOW will dawn on you that this experience is one that will live in your • All of the rocks used in the building of the tasting room, offices, planters and walls were collected memory forever. The sweeping panoramic views that unfold before from the lands surrounding the vineyards. you are some of the most magnificent on earth, befitting of the Especially selected are the ones covered with elegant, take-your-breath-away wine that a gracious winery host has moss and those with unique shapes that just poured for you. represent the natural beauty of the mountain’s Viader Vineyards only makes red wine, but not just any red wine. terrain in the architectural elements of each It has been the vision of one very determined and talented woman, structure. Delia Viader, to plant a European-style vineyard, with vines oriented • There are eight different types of lavender up and down the steep hillside of Howell Mountain and create wines growing on the estate. Not only are they gorgeous that can compete with the finest in the world. Such a vineyard flowering plants, but they attract bees and requires meticulous hand-farming resulting in wines that consistently contribute to the aromatic nature of Viader wines. garner rave reviews from discriminating wine lovers. • The familial atmosphere carries on with Delia’s Delia’s signature wine, Viader Proprietary Red Blend, features two young grandsons (and possible Cabernet Sauvignon with a significant component of Cabernet Franc. third-generation winemakers) happily pulling Delia’s aim was to create a wine that enhances a meal, and showcases grapes off the vines around harvest time with all-encompassing smiles. the charming elegance of Cabernet Franc together with the incredible structure of mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Described as • Viader is 1200 feet above the Napa Valley floor on the rocky slopes of Howell Mountain. The “Liquid Cashmere” by many, the Viader Proprietary Red Blend European design of the vineyards, with the vines displays silky tannins that Delia attributes to her mature oriented up and down the steep hillsides, is a “first-growth” vineyard estate, now managed by her son, Alan Viader. planting method that optimizes sun exposure, To round out the experience, her daughter-in-law Mariela Viader, vine density and erosion control. a Thomas Keller trained chef, can prepare hors d’oeuvres, lunch or dinner to pair with Viader wines for your special occasion or private Viader Vineyards event with as little as three weeks advance notice. Please call ahead to make an appointment A truly spectacular winery, coupled with magnificent wines…the essence of an awe-inspiring Napa Valley Experience. 1120 Deer Park Road, Deer Park, CA 94576 By Ronda Giangreco (707) 963-3816 | www.viader.com

15% off wine purchases with this Day Trips guide.

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There is one very important element that truly defines Burgess Cellars: the unique site. As Steve Burgess GOOD TO KNOW says, “It is why our wines are different. It is why we are • The original grapes were planted by Italian emigrant different.” Carlo Rossini in 1891 on property originally homsteaded in Located high on Howell Mountain, and commanding a the 1870s. breathtaking view of the Napa Valley, Burgess can trace its • Tom Burgess bought his small mountain-side winery in 1972 origins to a winery that was established on the property in after falling in love with wine in the 1960s while touring Europe. the 1880s. That was long before cars or paved roads existed to link the property to civilization. The vineyards were • From an open-air, mountainside porch you can see all the way from Saint Helena to Calistoga. planted with the help of mules, dynamite and the hard work of people whose vision is reflected today in the fine • Their signature wine is the Cabernet Sauvignon, a big, bold wines of Burgess. “We’ve been sustainable since before the wine that represents this varietal at its best. word was invented. With us it has always been a necessity,” • Burgess Cellars keeps a large selection of wines in their relates Steve. library, offering guests the opportunity to buy aged wines. For those who wish to visit the historic wine country of The wines in their library program are stored in ideal condi- the Napa Valley, an afternoon at Burgess is essential. tions until release. “If you see our ‘library selection’ sticker on the wine,” Mr. Burgess said, “it means it has never left our cellar The tasting room experience at Burgess is refreshingly until the time of the library release.” free of pretentiousness. Located in their barrel room, the tasting bar is often manned by one of the family members. • Steve Burgess, the winery’s head of sales and marketing, Burgess wines are elegant and complex with purity and was actually born during the winery’s first harvest! balance, and include an array of Cabernet, Merlot and . They also make a few wines that are only available at Burgess Cellars the winery. Their Grenache and Petite Sirah are true “finds” Call or visit the website to make an appointment. that you won’t get anywhere else. Their flagship wine, 1108 Deer Park Road Cabernet Sauvignon, thrives on the western slopes of Deer Park, CA 94576 Howell Mountain near the winery. By Ronda Giangreco 1-800-752-9463 | www.burgesscellars.com Mention Day Trips for 10% off a purchase of six bottles and 20% off a case purchase.

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St.The special little town ofHelena St. Helena is located seven short miles south of Calistoga on Foothill Blvd/CA Hwy 29. The playground of the tres chic and tasteful, St. Helena’s one Main Street is filled to the brim with gourmet bakeries, acclaimed restaurants, couture clothes, and lavish home decor and kitchen shops.

FOOD Vineyard Country Inn THINGS TO DO Anna’s Cantina 201 Main Street, St. Helena, (707) 963-1000 Weekends at the Culinary Institute 1205 Main Street, St. Helena, (707) 963-4921 www.vineyardcountryinn.com of America (CIA) A great place to meet locals and indulge in some karoake! A three diamond, AAA approved lodge offer- 2555 Main Street, St. Helena A must for Thursday night visitors and public-singing- ing 21 suites with fireplaces. Using lovely 1-888-995-1699 fans. Anna's is a locals hangout that happily welcomes old world brick, the Vineyard Inn courtyards, www.ciaachef.edu/enthusiasts visitors. pool, and lounge areas provide a great place to Select a cooking or wine class at the world-famous CIA. Gott’s Roadside "Tray Gourmet" unwind after that busy day of wine tasting! 933 Main Street, St. Helena (707) 963-3486, www.gottsroadside.com "Mighty Fine Eats!" indeed. Keeping alive the traditions of handmade American food. Artisanal ingredients in tradi- Driving Time: 22 minutes From Ballentine tional recipes combine for a refreshing take on old roadside NE A to St. Clement >1 mile I L favorites. Don't miss the burgers and fries! D to Beringer >1 mile LO to Newton 1 mile to Merryvale 1 mile Guigni Deli BALLENTINES IL to Louis M. Martini >1 mile 1227 Main Street, St. Helena, (707) 963-3421 VINEYARDS V Meadowood ER to V. Sattui >1 mile RK A An absolute must! Guigni Deli is known for their A DO MEADOWOOD LN to Arger Martucci >1 mile P TR AI to Del Dotto >1 mile “Guigni Juice” – it makes every sandwich incredible. L to Whitehall Lane >1 mile DEERD T to Hill Wine Company 3 miles Model Bakery ST. CLEMENT PRAT Total 9 miles 1357 Main Street, St. Helena Culinary Institute (707) 963-8192, www.themodelbakery.com of America (CIA) HOWELL MTN R Start your day with fresh coffee and hand-made pastry. BERINGER ST. HELENA D SP RIN Tra Vigne G MOUNT 1050 Charter Oak Street, St. Helena AIN E (707) 963-444, www.travignerestaurant.com RON Model Bakery POPE ST HILL WINE MAD Italian inspired cuisine, remarkable 200 count wine list Guigni Deli COMPANY Inn at Southbridge AK V. Sattui Winery NEWTON Corner of Hwy. 29 & White Lane, St. Helena VINEYARDS Tra Vigne TER O (707) 963-7774, www.vsattui.com MERRYVALE CHAR Perfect spot for a wine country picnic with cheeses, meats, LOUIS M. salads and panini as well as BBQ fare and pizzas on week- MARTINI ends during spring, summer and fall. Better to schedule two EL LN V. SATTUI D Day Trips when visiting 128 N WINERY INFA LODGING St. Helena wineries! 29 Z Inn at Southbridge 1020 Main Street, St. Helena GRAYSONCrane Park 1-800-520-6800, www.innatsouthbridge.com INGLEWOOD Ideally located in the center of St. Helena. ARGER-MARTUCCI DEL DOTTO Meadowood 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena WHITEHALL N 1-800-458-8080, www.meadowood.com LANE ALL L ITEH Luxury country resort unfolds across 250 lush acres with WH tennis courts, croquet lawns, 9-hole golf course and spa. Not to Scale

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There is a lot of history behind this winery. John VARIETALS Ballentine emigrated in 1910 from County Tyrone, Ireland Chardonnay, Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Petit Verdot, Petite to the Bay Area. His son Van grew up in the Napa Valley Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet

helping to plant vineyards, prune vines and make wine. Sauvignon, Zinfandel Port and a very rare sparkling The history of this winery also involves the Pocai family Malvasia Bianca Frizzante that is perfect for that special occasion or a spur-of-the moment picnic. from . Over time, their winemaking, their families and pRIVATE TASTINGS their fortunes intertwined. Even the devastating San Available by prior appointment

Francisco earthquake of 1906 played a part. FOOD pAIRING Try their rich Port with dark chocolate after a meal, Luck was also a major player, especially when it came or just as a special treat any time of day. to the acquisition of some of the best vineyard land in the entire Napa Valley. Luck can never be an underestimated pRODuCTION About 10,000 cases a year. component when it comes to successful winemaking, a fact GEOGRApHY that continues to this day. The hills that create the Napa Valley also help shape the When you enter the tasting room at this working wines made in this part of Northern California Wine winery, you’ll find a long, stylish room with Country. To the east of this winery is the Vaca Range, on the other side of the Valley; to the west, across from the winery, chocolate-hued walls, an L-shaped bar and lots of stone are the Mayacamas. and wood. Windows on the north look out on vineyards, EL LN GREEN FACT D N the floor is slate, the lighting modern, and you’re likely to The winery is now 100-percent solar powered, find yourself talking to the owners and their just one of their many green efforts. always-friendly staff. Today, all of the Ballentine wines are estate wines and Ballentine Vineyards

the wines available in the tasting room are wonderful Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only TO examples of what the Napa Valley is famous for. Here, 2820 St. Helena Highway North, St. Helena you’ll find your own favorites as you taste your way (707) 963-7919 through Ballentine’s list of special offerings. By Charles Neave www.ballentinevineyards.com

Check the website for Wine Club Member offers and discounts on local lodging.

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St. Clement Vineyard

Words hardly do justice to St. Clement Vineyard and For m Tasting Room. Set high above the Napa Valley floor in an ONLY AT THE WINERY! the rewa 1870s Victorian house, St. Clement is at once regal and St. Clement produces 13 wines, but only five of them are viticultu inviting. in distribution. The remaining eight are secret little gems Germ St. Clement Vineyard was a private residence until 30 that you can only find in the tasting room. Frederic years ago when it became a winery dedicated to producing DON’T MISS: Hearing world-class wines. 2009 Star Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley headed w The home itself was built in 1878 and is a remarkable This wine flows across the palate with layers of dark, Beringer piece of California Victorian architecture. Think seamless fruit. It is a soft, textured wine graced with similar t period-appropriate paint, decor and details like carved arrows soft, supple tannins and a silky personality. Tar, smoke From and licorice add considerable complexity and nuance in the eaves to ward off evil spirits! of the oe on the finish. $80 gravity-f More than 33 different series and 100 different soil enlisted variations are represented in St. Clement wines. The grapes VARIETALS the hills are sourced from some of the best vineyards in the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and age Valley from diverse AVAs such as Howell Mountain, Mount Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay key to B Veeder and Rutherford. They are able to take these FuN FACT Berin exceptional grapes and produce St. Clement wines with St. Clement has one of the best views in Napa Valley and Napa’s fi extraordinary depth and complexity. now offers a seated tasting on its Hilltop Terrace over- foresight Tasting fees are are $20 and guests can choose from a looking Howell Mountain and the valley. growing menu that includes reds and whites. For those interested in Beringer private tastings, St. Clement offers Big Reds of St. Clement St. Clement Vineyard Winema which features limited-production Cabernet Sauvignons from Open Wednesday-Monday 12 to 5 p.m. eloquen Laur a variety of Napa Valley vineyards. Private tastings are by (Closed Tuesdays) only thr appointment only and are $35 per person. 2867 St. Helena Highway North, St. Helena blend of By Abigail p. Zimmerman 1-866-877-5939 • www.stclement.com rest.

Mention Day Trips and receive a two-for-one tasting! *Terms and conditions apply – see winery for details.

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For more than 130 years, Beringer Vineyards has reflected FuN FACT the rewards of hard labor, agricultural pride and determined Beringer Vineyards has Victorian-era roots and is the viticultural stewardship. oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley! German emigrant Jacob Beringer followed his brother In 2001, the entire winery site was designated a Historic Frederick to the New World in 1868 to begin a new life. District on the National Register of Historic Places. Hearing of California’s warm, sunny climate, the brothers VARIETALS headed west to Napa Valley. Vintage cellar worker, Jacob Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Beringer was thrilled to find Napa’s rocky, well-drained Sauvignon Blanc and White Zinfandel similar to those of his native Rhine Valley. WHAT TO TASTE From the beginning, the Beringer brothers were vastly ahead The 2009 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted of the oenological times. Frederick and Jacob built a from a blend of several premier Napa Valley vineyards. gravity-flow winery and steam-powered grape crusher, then A blend of mountain and valley floor fruit, this Cabernet enlisted the help of Chinese laborers to hand-dig tunnels within retails for $135. It scored 93 points from Robert Parker’s the hills of Napa Valley. Today, these caves still perfectly cellar Wine Advocate in December 2011. and age wine in a stable 58-degree environment – one crucial CALLING ALL FOODIES! key to Beringer’s continued success in winemaking. Find recipes to perfectly pair with Beringer wines on the Beringer is world-famous for crafting classic wines from winery’s website. Napa’s finest appellations and vineyards. Founder Jacob’s foresight in recognizing the quality and potential of grape Beringer Vineyards growing in the Napa Valley is part of the living heritage of Open daily June through October, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beringer Vineyards. In its third century, Beringer is led by November through May, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winemaker Laurie Hook who produces wines that speak 2000 Main Street , St. Helena eloquently of Beringer’s rich history and contemporary elegance. 1-866-708-9463 • www.beringer.com Laurie speaks volumes when she says “you can’t make wine only through science...trust your intuition as well.” It is this Follow Beringer Vineyards blend of art and science that elevates Beringer wines above the on Facebook and learn of rest. By Abigail p. Zimmerman new releases and special events!

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Widely acclaimed as a California wine trailblazer, Newton Vineyard was one of the first wineries on Spring Mountain, a rugged, twisting, but sun-soaked FuN FACTS Newton has an annual “Eco-Chic” sub-appellation located west of St. Helena on the eastern flank of the Mayacamas project which blends the art of range which separates Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Newton Vineyard’s square mile natural winemaking with modern of hillside vineyard was established in 1977, the vision of founders Dr. Su Hua eco-conscious industrial design, and Peter Newton, who recognized the potential of Spring Mountain. The results with past years’ projects including a have been thirty-five years of handmade, unfiltered wines unlike anything limited edition “The Puzzle” wooden produced in the Valley. tray, “The Element” wine chiller and The mountain estate uses only 20% of its land for the 120 acres of its terraces coasters, “The Touch” recycled glass at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,600 feet above sea level, and each of its 112 decanter and a Newton barrel-based distinctive vineyard blocks is planted to a specific varietal which is also fermented tasting bar made of recycled staves. separately to give the most options for blending. Newton’s approach to winemaking is equally iconoclastic, including natural fermentation and bottling VARIETALS without filtration. The grapes are handled with care, hand-picked in small lots Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and transferred for gentle pressing to the Spring Mountain cellar, and aging takes Claret, Merlot, “The Puzzle” red blend place in a cave built into the mountain directly underneath the winery. Released as several different tiers, the annual vintage-best blend is called “The Newton Vineyard Puzzle”; the Newton Unfiltered series presents Cabernet, Chardonnay and Merlot in singular expression; and the Red Label wines give “everyday pleasures” with Tour and Tasting by appointment only bottlings of Cabernet, Chardonnay and a Claret red blend. Visitors have a range of options for tasting the wines and tours of the winery and estate. Experiences 2555 Madrona Avenue include a tasting of current releases only, a tasting and a tour, a tasting of library St. Helena, California 94574 wines and a tour, and a tasting and vineyard tour. Each of these has a variety of (707) 963-9000 options for days and times and requires an appointment, which can easily be [email protected] arranged by phone or on their website or via vinovisit.com. As you can tell, everything has been as thoughtfully considered as the wines themselves. Enjoy! By Josh Stein

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If a movie company were to design a set, they could not do better than to replicate the historic, family-owned Merryvale VARIETALS hic” Vineyards property. From the ivy on the side of the building to the Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, of manicured grounds, tall trees and the fountain outside, to the Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Antigua Dessert Wine, and Profile – a classic Bordeaux blend. Many of dern expanse of wood, wood beams and ochre walls inside. There is also the Library Room where great vintages of Merryvale wines gently these wines, particularly the Profile, are available in gn, rest, and the magnificent Cask Room separated from the tasting large formats and as older library wines. ding a room by just an iron gate. In this stone-walled room are AWARDS wooden double-tiered racks of enormous century-old oak casks and on To be honest, far too many to mention. On an er and either side as you enter, even larger monuments to the grape. environmental “green” level, they have received d glass “Our goal is to craft elegant, complex, world-class wines in the multiple certifications. l-based finest European style, yet reflecting the fruit from Napa Valley’s finest HISTORIC TRIVIA vineyards. To that end, we emphasize quality over quantity with no The Merryvale winery building was the first new staves. compromises.” winery built in the Napa Valley after Prohibition was To discover how this statement manifests itself in the bottle and (at last!) repealed. in the glass, plan a visit to Merryvale’s spacious tasting room. You FuN FACT nnay, can choose from the two tasting options: The Signature Tasting that Look around the tasting room to discover just what d blend offers four wines to taste and the Prestige Tasting that has five, an artisan can do with barrel staves. including Profile. pRIVATE EVENTS The winery also offers an Artisanal Cheese & Wine Pairing, Wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, family occa- rd Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. (reservations required), and sions, corporate events and more, the Cask Room at a Historic Tour & Barrel Tasting, everyday at 1:30 p.m. Merryvale can accommodate groups of up to 112. ly (reservations preferred, but if you’re here and would like to take Call (707) 968-3429 for details. the tour, you’re welcome!). Call (707) 963-7777 or email ue [email protected] to make your reservations! In March, Merryvale Vineyards 4574 June, September, and December, Barrel Tastings offer guests a look Wine Tastings offered until 6 p.m. at upcoming vintages and highlight newly released wines. These Open 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily events also feature food pairings and entertainment. This truly is a 1000 Main Street, St. Helena d.com magical environment where the people are friendly, the setting is (707) 963-7777 | www.merryvale.com one-of-a-kind, and the wines they pour are magnificent. By Charles Neave Facebook & Twitter Mention Day Trips for a 2-for-1 Signature Tasting!

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For three generations, the Martini family has been making TASTING ExpERIENCE exceptional wines, dating back to 1906, carrying on the Taste the wines in the warm, intimate setting of the winemaking tradition today. As you look at the vintage photos, tasting room or relax with a picnic lunch from nearby hanging at the entrance of the Louis M. Martini Winery, you St. Helena on the shaded piazza. Tasting fees range from $15 to $30 and showcase many of their best wines. feel a sense of nostalgia for the past. Through the years, the Martini men are pouring wine together, Louis M. Martini, uNDERGROuND CELLAR ExpERIENCE Guests are invited to discover award-winning wines Louis P. Martini and Michael Martini, sharing what they know presented in an authentic Underground Cellar. Explore and love, a delicious glass of wine. the rich history and ongoing commitment to making first-class wines from Louis M. Martini. Enjoy this At the winery, Louis M. Martini offers a selection of “tasting experience at $30 per person, advanced reservations are flights,” highlighting wines produced from the finest growing recommended. areas in Sonoma and Napa counties including the Monte Rosso CAB LAB ExpERIENCE Vineyard. Their first class, award-winning wines include the Begin by learning about the rich history, the follow the Alexander Valley Cabernet, Gnarly Vine Zinfandel, Lot No.1 lifecycle of their flagship varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests will explore all elements of the winemaking Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as newly released vintages, the process – from and grape growing to oak Monte Rosso Cabernet, scoring 95 points from Robert Parker Jr. influences and barrel aging. While on tour, you will have the chance to sample some of their hand-crafted wines and the No. 254 Petite Sirah. They can be sampled in the rustic and raise a glass in the Underground Cellar. This tour is red, underground cellar with tours offered daily at $50 per person and requires an appointment. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. by reservation. There, you will have rare To book an Experience, call (707) 968-3362 or access to their premium wines offered through their exclusive email [email protected]. wine clubs. The winery tour gives you a rich taste of their family history and confirms their dedication to making the best Louis M. Martini Winery wines. The Louis M. Martini park grounds are beautiful, with Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. an Italian piazza, lined with sequoia and citrus trees, picnic 254 South St. Helena Highway, St. Helena tables, wood benches, climbing ivy and market lights. (707) 968-3362 | www.louismartini.com Mention “Day Trips” and receive a 2-for-1 tasting.

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Vittorio Sattui was an Italian immigrant who founded a winery in San Francisco in 1885, and is the great-grandfather of Dario VARIETALS Sattui, who opened his own winery in St. Helena in 1975. It’s like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, a slice of Italy, with a busy piazza of stone walls, courtyards, a Syrah, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, White , Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Madeira, tower, cellars, fountain and expansive picnic grounds. Of course, a Sparkling Wines, Muscat and more selection of award-winning wines is always available. It all begins when you enter the Italian Deli & Marketplace, HuNGRY? where you can shop an expansive variety of house-made Enjoy food and wine pairings and pick up a snack, sandwiches, salads, meats and over 200 cheeses. The famous a picnic, something savory or sweet to nibble on all from the deli where you’ll find more than 200 cheeses and an weekend BBQ is especially tantalizing. Next stop, the tasting area, assortment of food items and gifts. offering a variety of wine tasting options. There’s a whole list of rich Cabernets, Pinot Noirs and from which to choose; SpECIAL EVENTS and if you like white wines, V. Sattui produces highly-rated If you’re planning a wedding or dinner, everything you Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Muscat wines. They are also need for a special event is within these stone walls. one of the biggest producers of Riesling in both dry and off-dry SpECIAL OFFERS styles. With the Premium Tasting you’ll try a flight of six Consider membership to the Cellar Club or Wine of the single-vineyard and limited-release wines. All Sattui wines are Month Club, which allows year-round access to taste a available exclusively at the winery or online at www.vsattui.com, portfolio of their best wines and invitations to special making a visit to the tasting room just a little more special. events. So, what are the critics saying? V. Sattui offers more than a dozen 90+ point rated wines from the likes of the Wine V. Sattui Winery Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Connoisseurs Guide and more. If that were not enough, after being voted “Best Winery” the Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. past two years by the Guardian Readers Poll, (5 p.m. in winter) V. Sattui was named “Winery of the Year” for the third year in a 1111 White Lane, St. Helena row at the 2013 Winemaker Challenge. And the medals list goes (707) 963-7774 | www.vsattui.com on and on...with over 70 Gold, Platinum, Best of Class and Best of Show medals in the past year alone, V. Sattui wines are worth their Follow V. Sattui Winery on Facebook weight in gold! and Twitter @vsattui1885. Enjoy a 2-for-1 Premium Tasting with a copy of this article.

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When Napa Valley is bustling and it’s time for a break, drop In 20 by Arger-Martucci Vineyards where you can enjoy award VARIETALS dream in winning wines in a relaxing and unpretentious setting. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Odyssey (Estate Reserve), Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah, and Dulcinea (dessert wine). Built in Located just south of St. Helena, the winery is quaint and caves are picturesque. The tasting room’s poolside picnic area, complete FuN FACT history o with an outdoor gazebo, boasts a beautiful view of the Although he has been making wine for over 35 years the fami and offers guests the ideal atmosphere and has crafted many award-winning wines, Dr. Arger ancient to taste exceptional wines away from the crowds. has never taken a formal winemaking class! Arger-Martucci is a boutique, family-owned winery that is with lay more than a business venture between two owners. It is a love VINEYARDS in a beau and appreciation of making great wine that is shared by two All red wines, with the exception of the Petite Syrah, are graceful families – one Greek, the other of Italian descent. Owners estate grown on their mountainside Odyssey Vineyards, uplifted Kosta Arger and Rich Martucci first met and became close which are located 1,400 feet above the Napa Valley floor wines w friends through a Reno, NV wine tasting group in the ’80s. At on Atlas Peak. The V the time, Arger was establishing himself as an accomplished FAMILY spectacu cardiologist and skilled home winemaker, while Martucci was The next generation is also involved in the winery full into a tru working to build the struggling bank he had acquired. Dr. time. Anthony Arger handles the outside sales and Experien Arger, who learned to make wine in the ’70s from the marketing duties, while Vince Martucci is the assistant sumptuo legendary Joe Heitz of Heitz Cellars, had always dreamed of winemaker and oversees the tasting room. to choos starting a Napa Valley winery. In 1998, both families were visit. Aft looking for property in the Napa Valley and decided it was the SpECIAL OFFERS Ask about the Arger-Martucci Wine Club – and hou perfect time to partner and start a winery. it’s one of the best deals in the Napa Valley! The Arger-Martucci partnership is ideal – Rich manages the accompa financial aspects of the business, while Kosta handles the also serv winemaking. Still a practicing cardiologist in Reno, Dr. Arger Arger-Martucci Vineyards experien spends his weekends, holidays and the harvest in Napa Valley. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the tastin The winery is known for its Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Appointments are encouraged. breadsti and its Bordeaux-style, estate reserve blend called the Odyssey. 1455 Inglewood Avenue, St. Helena through They also produce a handful of other delicious reds, along with (707) 963-4334 | www.arger-martucci.com their ho a delicious sauternes-style dessert wine called Dulcinea. country

Present this page at the winery and receive a two-for-one Tasting!

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In 2007, the Del Dotto family saw the culmination of a fifteen-year dream in the completion of their Venetian Estate Winery and Caves. Simply unlike Anything Else in the Valley Built in honor of the family’s roots, traced back to 1150 Venice, the caves are lined with Italian marble and ancient tiles, depicting the VARIETALS history of wine. Upon planning the massive cathedral-like structure, Bordeaux Blend, Cabernet Franc, the family spent a lot of time contemplating the life and times of their Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grappa, ancient Italian relatives. The Venetians’ eye for details in architecture, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Port, Red Blend, with layered design upon layered design, truly reflected a desire to live Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and in a beautiful world. Using natural marble handcrafted into ornate, Zinfandel graceful patterns, the building is its own form of art: expressing an uplifted spirit, air of grandeur and feeling of well-being to match the FuN FACTS wines within. Del Dotto serves a cheese and meat tray with The Venetian Estate is designed to present the synthesis of fine wine, the tour at both wineries on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (everyday at the Venetian Estate spectacular architecture, moving music and delicious food, merging winery). At the Estate, they serve pizza as into a truly joyous wine experience. The Estate Tour & Barrel Tasting well on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Experience offers wines which are thieved right out of the barrel in the included with the tour. sumptuously appointed Venetian Cave. With four dozen different wines to choose from, you are sure to get a customized experience on each visit. After you exit the caves, you will be offered a selection of cheese Del Dotto Venetian Estate and house-made salumi, cured by resident chef, Joshua Schwartz. Port Winery & Caves accompanied by dark chocolate will complete the tasting, and pizza is Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. also served Friday through Sunday! If you’re looking for a less involved experience, the Bar Tasting offers a sampling of five wines and/or port at 1445 St. Helena Hwy South the tasting bar, accompanied by a selection of fine cheeses and St. Helena, CA 94574 breadsticks. Both are by appointment only with lots of availability (707) 963-2134 throughout the day – so make sure you call ahead. Well-known for their hospitality, the Del Dotto cave experiences have been voted wine www.deldottovineyards.com country “bests” time and again for a reason. Enjoy! By Josh Stein

Reserve your Cave Experience & Barrel tasting now! www.deldottovineyards.com.

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For years Whitehall Lane has been known for its wide variety of wines, incredible Cabernets and friendly staff. VARIETALS The Leonardini family owns and operates the winery and has Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, created a portfolio of limited-production wines found only at Merlot and Pinot Noir the winery. CLuB ROOM To introduce visitors to Whitehall Lane and do some A seated VIP tasting experience with light fare in the painless wine education, they offer daily tastings covering such Club Room overlooking the Estate Vineyard and topics as the art and science of winemaking, the valley history Barrel Room. By appointment only. and just plain fun facts. They talk about varietals, sensory Seatings at 11 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. daily. evaluations of wine and pairing wine with food. During each EDuCATION session you’ll sample a variety of current-release wines such Public tours are conducted that are fun, educational and as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and provide a behind-the-scenes look at a family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon. working winery. They can also set one up especially for For the most discerning visitors they offer an exclusive wine you! Call for daily times and options. tasting experience in their Club Room, perched atop the GREAT GIFT winery’s newest addition. You’ll enjoy a seated tasting of Reserve Indulge yourself with the gift of being part of their Cabernet with a winery concierge in this beautiful setting with a extended family – join the wine club! Whether for yourself sweeping view of vineyards from indoors and on the deck. or for someone special, it’s like getting the Napa Valley’s A charcuterie platter is available to accompany your tasting. finest delivered to your doorstep three times a year. There An appointment is required. Allow an hour so you can relax is a reds-only option. Visit whitehalllane.com for details. and fully enjoy the experience. Actually, there are all sorts of wine surprises in the Club Room. You may get a preview of an unreleased wine, a vertical Whitehall Lane Winery from the library, or a horizontal tasting of all the winery’s Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cabernets. They now produce two single-vineyard Cabernet 1563 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena Sauvignons: the Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet from the 1-800-963-9454 x19 St. Helena appellation, and the Millennium MM Vineyard www.whitehalllane.com from Rutherford. But the fact is that no matter which of the tasting options you choose, you can be guaranteed an Look for Whitehall Lane Winery experience you’ll long remember. on Facebook and Twitter

Ask about Reserve Tasting, with access to the winery-exclusive, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons poured side by side.

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St. Helena’s Hill Wine Company keeps the emphasis on great sustainable and organically farmed grapes grown in awesome locations which are FuN FACT interfered with as minimally as possible to let the vineyards speak for Hill Wine Company’s focus on sustainable themselves in the glass. Jeff Hill took a degree in plant science with an and organic practices extend into emphasis in plant health from Fresno State, as well as working for close to a everything the winery does. They use decade in agricultural organics. His Jeff Hill Vineyard Group organically recycled glass and organic labels, boxes farms 650 North Coast acres in Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties, and the and corks. A percentage of every bottle Hill Wine Company combines his areas of specialty together with the best sold is donated to the ASPCA, and the lots he’s grown to produce surprisingly affordable, vineyard-driven Napa winery is a proud member of 1% For The Valley wines made for food pairings. Planet, which supports environmental Jeff draws on the finest sustainable and organic grapes from ten of the causes. Valley’s sub-appellations, including multiple locations throughout the southern Valley, from Carneros and Coombsville up to Yountville and VARIETALS Rutherford, and in multiple hillside spots, including Howell Mountain and Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Atlas Peak. The first series of wines released are called The Black Dog, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc named for Jeff’s beloved, now unfortunately deceased, black labrador, and offers bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, and the goal is to provide vineyard-driven yet food-friendly releases. Hill Wine Company Visitors have two options for tasting these wines: a sitdown tasting of www.cellarpass.com for reservations current releases in a Riedel glass, looking out over the vineyards around the 1001 Silverado Trail South tasting room, and an estate tour-and-taste, which guides guests through production spaces and the barrel room, ending with a relaxed tasting on the St. Helena, CA 94574 winery’s porch. As you can tell, Hill Wine Company simply isn’t like a lot 855-HIL-WINE (445-9463) of other Valley wineries. They’ve kept only their goals in mind every step of www.hillwinecompany.com the way: affordability, growing great grapes, supporting the growing Facebook.com/HillWineCompany environment and releasing great food-friendly wines. Go visit them up on the Trail – you’ll be immensely glad you did. Enjoy! By Josh Stein Mention “Day Trips” and receive two complimentary tastings with a two-bottle purchase (a $30 value!)

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Sage Canyon

FROM THE WRAPAROUND DECK AT AUBERgE DU SOLEiL BiSTRO & BAR This central, verdant quilt of Napa Valley boasts countless principal wineries that makes Napa so famous: Whitehall Lane, grgich Hills, Mumm Napa, Cakebread to name just a few. if you seek grandeur, striking beauty and wine country elegance, Rutherford is a great place to begin!

FOOD Rutherford Grill RUSTRIDGE 1180 Rutherford Road, Rutherford (707) 963-1792, www.hillstone.com 128 Located at the crossroads of Hwy 29 and Rutherford Road, the Rutherford Grill has been serving fabulous KULETO ESTATE NICHELINI food to locals and tourists of Napa Valley for FAMILY decades. Don't miss the fantastic selection of appe- tizers and entrees!

LODGING Rancho Caymus Inn LAKE 1140 Rutherford Road, Rutherford HENNESSEY 1-800-845-1777, www.ranchocaymus.com

Rustic elegance at its most charming. Surrounded 128

by the all-consuming fragrance and visual splendor 128 SA of Napa Valley, the Rancho Caymus Inn is a tran- GE CAN YON quil, petite 26-room Inn that is designed and RD Driving Time: 9 minutes decorated to capture the simpler times of early Cali- From Rustridge fornia. to Nichelini 3.5 miles to Kuleto 1 mile C O Total 4.5 miles N Auberge du Soleil N C R E 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford E K R (707) 963-1211, www.aubergedusoleil.com D S IL V E The discreet entrance off the Silverado Trail is your RA 128 DO T first clue of the refined, uber chic elegance awaiting RA IL (guests only) at this exclusive creme-de-la-creme D R hotel in premier Napa Valley. Entrance to Auberge is D D R A O O F R very restricted to guests only though the discerning Rancho Caymus R S E S H O Rutherford Grill T R public is welcome to dine at the Micheline star restau- U C R E L IL rant or sip that $130 per glass of vintage V K A Champagne on the Terrace. O Not to Scale

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L BiSTRO & BAR m Napa, There are not many places left that still look and feel like the Napa

Valley of the early 1900s. RustRidge Ranch, Winery and B & B is one such VARIETALS place. It is a fifteen-minute drive from the Silverado Trail as each turn and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Racehorse Red and White, Sauvignon Blanc twist takes you further away from modern life, back to a simpler connection with the land. Since the 1950s, the ranch has been a breeding WHAT TO TASTE and training facility for thoroughbred race horses, and since the 1970s, it To enjoy best what the estate has to offer and the has been a source of excellent grapes; it has only been since 1985 that unique microclimate of Chiles Valley, owners Susan wine has been made on site. Lying 1,000 feet above the valley floor, this is Meyer and Jim Fresquez proudly recommend their

a special microclimate perfect for premium winegrowing, yielding many-times-gold winning Chardonnay and Zinfandel. later-starting and longer-hanging grapes. Equally, the land itself is organically dry-farmed and the ranch is home to a variety of four-footed pLAN AHEAD creatures from deer to fox to bobcats, as well as more than eighty species While this estate allows for all kinds of unique of birds. experiences, they are by appointment only – and The RustRidge tasting room sits at the edge of the vineyards. Tastings same-day appointments are often accommodated. need to be scheduled ahead of time. Visitors have choices at 11 a.m., 1 or 3 p.m. of a sit-down tasting of current releases. LITTLE KNOWN FACT Additionally, the bed and breakfast has several comfortable RustRidge Ranch is just one 600-acre piece of the 10,000-acre Spanish land grant, bedrooms, wonderful views, a tennis court and miles of hiking trails named Rancho Catacoula, granted to through the vineyards and hills. The ranch Labradors will be your guides. Colonel Joseph B. Chiles in 1844. The wines are the ultimate stars, though, and they don’t disappoint. Everything the winery makes has won many golds and received high scores. In additon to Cabernet Sauvignon, two different Chardonnays, RustRidge Ranch & Winery Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc and several Zinfandels, the fun and 2910 Lower Chiles Valley Road, St. Helena

delicious Racehorse Red, a Cab/Zin blend, is not to be missed. Few (707) 965-9353 | rustridge.com winegrowers produce wines that speak so directly of the vineyard and of the varietal character of the grape. RustRidge wines are true to their

Chiles Valley appellation with distinctive fruit aromas and flavors and Chiles Valley spice.

Mention this article to receive a 10% discount in addition to any other applicable offers!

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“Since 1890...step back in time and let us take care of you!” WHAT TO TASTE The oldest family-owned winery in the Napa Valley, Nichelini was The family is justifiably proud of all of their releases, but established in the Chiles Valley District by Italian-Swiss pioneer if pressed and asked when unaccompanied by other winemaker Anton Nichelini in 1890. Anton planted many of the sites family members, universal praise was heaped upon the still in use by the current generations of this family enterprise. Not white Old Vine de Bordelais, made from only is this one of the longest continuous winemaking families in the Sauvignon Vert vines planted in 1946, and the United States, but the scenic drive to Chiles Valley will take you back, Old Vine Zinfandel, made from vines planted in 1929 by Anton Nichelini himself. mile by mile, to a simpler time. With the exception of the road, much of what surrounds looks as it did one hundred years ago during the pLAN AHEAD first heyday of winemaking in the North Coast. Many of the winery’s bottlings are made in such small Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a snapshot of Napa quantities that only club members gain access to them. The same goes for barrel tastings, wine-and-food events winemaking circa 1900, including a gigantic Roman-style wine press and vineyard tours. Consider joining the wine club when which was used commercially until 1955. The vineyards are nearby you visit to have total access to winery life. and range in age from two-decades to nearly ten decades – that’s what comes of caretaking the same set of rows generation after generation. LITTLE KNOWN FACT Anton Nichelini was the first Swiss settler in Chiles Valley, Inside the 1895 seven-bedroom farmhouse, the bottom floor is now a establishing his homestead in 1884. A number of his tasting room, and outside are picnic tables and a bocce court. No vines are still producing! reservations are required for groups of up to a dozen, and the winery does offer tours of the facility and barrel chai. VARIETALS Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Old Vine Muscadelle Another benefit of being in the wine business as a family for so (Sauvignon Vert), Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Rosè of Cabernet long is the ability to make wines which speak from the winemaker’s Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Old Vine Zinfandel passion rather than for large commercial distribution. The tasting room is generally the only place to taste and purchase these fifty- to Nichelini Family Winery one hundred-case lots, and not many other locations anywhere, let Open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. alone in Napa, can give you access to heritage bottlings of old world reds like Petite Sirah and Primitivo. What’s most impressive, though, is Monday-Thursday by appointment the guiding philosophy the family will share with you while you are 2950 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena there, tasting the wines and enjoying the locale: “We encourage you to (707) 963-0717 step back in time and let us take care of you.” Absolutely! By Josh Stein www.nicheliniwinery.com Bring in Day Trips and receive two tastings for the price of one.

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Winding through the eastern hills of the Napa Valley one would be forgiven for believing it impossible for a GOOD TO KNOW winery to be in such a remote setting. While snaking • 100% estate-grown fruit, featuring more than 100 separate through the back roads, a sense of anticipation builds. vineyard blocks Something wonderful must be around the next turn. • Each block is farmed and picked separately with harvest often Indeed it is. lasting up to 50 days. Upon arrival, you will feel as though you just stepped • Gravity flow winery allows gentle handling of lots as small as into a faraway land. The outdoor ambiance is a blend of one-half ton. Old World Europe and California’s Hispanic influenced • The winery is 1250 feet above the valley floor with sweeping history. Once inside, visitors are greeted with a feast for the views of Lake Hennessey and the vineyards of the Napa Valley. eyes in every corner. Massive one-of-a-kind lighting • Their most unique wine is the Moscato which is fermented dry fixtures fashioned from gnarled tree limbs illuminate (i.e. almost no residual sugar), making it one of the few classic mission-style furnishings. Moscatos that is not a dessert wine. This wine is the ideal The gracious staff of Kuleto Estate will start you off pairing for oysters! with a “walking splash” of their refreshingly approachable • Make an appointment for a Cabernet tasting offered at Rosato, a dry rosé. You will then head out for a tour of the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays for grounds of this magnificent estate, passing by the “Amalfi” $60 per person ($30 for wine club members) focusing on patio that overlooks the picturesque landscape, complete limited-production Cabernets. with rolling vineyards and an awe-inspiring view of the valley below. Standing at the point overlooking Lake Kuleto Estate Hennessey, one will gaze on a vista that is unparalleled in Daily tours and tasting, by appointment scope. at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m., 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. The estate tour is followed by a leisurely tasting on the outdoor terrace. Your guide will pour a variety of 2470 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena ultra-premium wines while you enjoy panoramic views of (707) 302-2209 | www.kuletoestate.com this incredible mountaintop estate. Follow Kuleto Estate on Facebook. 10% off wine purchases when you bring in your copy of Day Trips!

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Oakville is part of beautiful, rolling, unincorporated Napa County. Oakville began in the 1860s as a waterstop for the tourist steam trains owned Rutherford/Oakvilleby the Napa Valley Train Company. Still known as a great tourist locale, Oakville is best known for its great little artisan grocery store, post-office and 24 surrounding world-famous wineries. FOOD Oakville Grocery 7856 Highway 29, Oakville, CA 94562 (707) 944-8802, www.oakvillegrocery.com Built in 1881, this "little country store" has sold local, all-California sundries, deli delights, and confections for more than 120 years... This is a great place to find gifts!

Rutherford Grill 1180 Rutherford Road, Rutherford (707) 963-1792, www.hillstone.com Located at the crossroads of Hwy 29 and Rutherford Road, the Rutherford Grill has been serving fabulous food to locals and tourists of Napa Valley for decades. Don't miss the fantastic selection of appe- tizers and entrees!

THINGS TO DO Robert Mondavi Summer Concert Series Highway 29, Oakville, CA94562 1-888-766-6328, www.robertmondavi.com Enjoy cool outdoor concerts at the Napa Valley RUTHERFORD Opera House OR under the imposing HILL R U T Auberge Mayacamas. H E R du Soleil LAKE F O HENNESSEY RD LODGING H 128 I L Rancho Caymus Inn L

R RUTHERFORD 128 1140 Rutherford Road, Rutherford D SA GE RANCH CA 1-800-845-1777, www.ranchocaymus.com NYO N R Rustic elegance at its most charming. Surrounded D by the all-consuming fragrance and visual splendor Driving Time: 23 minutes of Napa Valley, the Rancho Caymus Inn is a tran- From Rutherford Hill C to Rutherford Ranch >1 mile quil, petite 26-room Inn that is designed and O N to Mumm Napa 1 mile N C to Turnbull 6+ miles decorated to capture the simpler times of early Cali- R E E to Tayson Pierce 1.5 miles fornia. K R MUMM to Rutherford grove 1.5 miles D S to Whitehall Lane > .5 mile NAPA IL V Auberge du Soleil E Total 10 miles 128 RA DO 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford T WHITEHALL RA (707) 963-1211, www.aubergedusoleil.com IL GER LANE TAYSON D N R The discreet entrance off the Silverado Trail is PIERCE D LE HALL R TE O M your first clue of the refined, uber chic elegance F SKELO Rancho Caymus R N WHI E E D H Y A awaiting (guests only) at this exclusive creme- Rutherford T TURNBULL O RUTHERFORD U R Grill S de-la-creme hotel in premier Napa Valley. En- R WINE S O GROVE R CELLARS C trance to Auberge is very restricted to guests only E 29 L IL though the discerning public is welcome to dine at V K A the Micheline star restaurant or sip that $130 per O glass of vintage Champagne on the Terrace. Not to Scale

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At Rutherford Hill Winery, guests love to linger and spend the day, sampling an impressive array of wines while enjoying unparalleled views of pHILOSOpHY: Napa Valley. Rutherford Hill sits on the eastern hillside, just off of the “Life looks better from Rutherford Hill.” Silverado Trail, exuding a sense of casual elegance with its rustic, warm and VARIETALS

relaxing atmosphere. The winery’s lush gardens, climbing roses and Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon,

Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, expansive courtyard area make the perfect place for picnics and outdoor wine tastings. Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel Port, Rosé For a more intimate experience, the tasting room brings people together, gathering close to savor Rutherford Hill’s Merlot, their flagship varietal DAILY TOuRS among its collection of diverse and delicious wines. Along with a wide Daily tours of the winery include the tasting

variety of red wines, Rutherford Hill offers a highly regarded Chardonnay of five Napa Valley Red wines, offered daily and Sauvignon Blanc, as well a delectable dry rosé. Owner John Terlato at 11: 30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Guests are

works closely with winemaker Marisa Taylor Huffaker, hand-crafting high taken through the winery cellars, and

quality wines from the highest quality fruit where 11 delicious varietals are impressive cave system while tasting and

created each year. learning Rutherford’s history and

A distinctive aspect of Rutherford Hill is the extensive hillside cave winemaker’s philosophy.

system. The mile-long caves contain more than 8,000 French and American oak barrels in which all of the winery’s harvests are matured. This unique, Rutherford Hill Winery natural environment enhances the wine aging process and produces wines Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. of consistent and notable character.

Rutherford Hill Winery offers a number of custom experiences from 200 Rutherford Hill Road wine education tours, wine blending classes and winemaking experiences. Rutherford, CA 94573 They also offer a unique cave dining experience where guests can enjoy a (707) 963-1871 private dinner in their candlelit wine aging caves. Their gorgeous picnic www.rutherfordhill.com grounds are available by reservation for a fee.

You can also follow Come and spend the day at Rutherford Hill Winery, a place where people love to linger and enjoy a wide assortment of exquisite wines! Rutherford Hill Winery By Monica Dashwood on Facebook

Receive $10 off a bottle of wine purchase with proof of Day Trip article.

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Of the 16 sub-appellations in the Napa Valley the Rutherford AVA may be the most renowned. Legendary winemaker André VARIETALS Tchelistcheff said, “It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and a Zinfandel Port-style wine Cabernet.” The Zaninovich family acquired the winery and estate vineyards FuN FACT in 2000, but have been growing grapes and crafting wines for three Corks are a natural and renewable resource produced from generations. The winery grounds include a century-old olive grove the bark of cork oak (Quercus Suber to be exact). in Portugal and an unpretentious, homey atmosphere makes it a peaceful during spring and summer, the thick outer bark is harvested by respite in a day of winery hopping. Visitors are welcome to enjoy hand (mechanized processes have not replaced the age-old methods) without damaging the tree. in fact, studies have picnics under the oak trees. shown that cork harvesting actually adds to the tree’s health Our winemaking team crafts elegant, true-to-the-varietal wines and vigor. You can see one of these amazing specimens at the with fruit sourced from the two estate vineyards and other select winery. vineyards throughout the valley. The cooler sites grapes with bright, rich flavors and tropical fruit characteristics. Warmer sites GREEN within the valley produce grapes with deep, intense flavors. Together Ask about the winery's Sustainability Certification from the they provide the winemakers with an unequaled palette of flavor California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and character and quality. SpECIAL TASTINGS Rutherford Ranch’s full line of award-winning, premium Napa Make advanced reservations to enjoy our Chocolate and Wine Valley varietals include some wines only available at the winery. Pairing; the Ranch Tour and Tasting; or the Reserve Tasting. Choose from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Rhiannon, a deep, rich proprietary red blend. Rutherford Ranch Winery All of the wines are available in the tasting room along with Scott Visit us daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Family Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the family’s 1680 Silverado Trail South, St. Helena vineyards in Monterey County. Visitors can also enjoy the winery’s signature Chocolate & Wine pairing – a unique wine experience (707) 968-3200 | www.rutherfordranch.com with local artisan chocolates – and purchase family-produced olive Look for Rutherford Ranch Winery oil and organically grown raisins (a visitor and staff favorite). Take on Facebook and Twitter. the time to discover these “Wines Worth Knowing.”

Complimentary Wine Tasting Pass – Purchase one tasting and receive one complimentary tasting.

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Mumm Napa began in 1979 as a quest to find the ideal winegrowing area in the United States by the legendary French GOOD TO KNOW Champagne house of G.H. Mumm. Guy Devaux, who had more No tasting reservations are required for the Patio or wine than 40 years of experience creating fine still and sparkling wines Tasting Salon or Oak Terrace. For groups of six or more, advance reservations are necessary, call in France, South America and the United States, found Napa 1-866-783-5826 or send an email to Valley to be the ideal climate. In 1986, Mumm Napa was from [email protected]. rtugal completed and still produces sparkling wine using the méthode During the high season, consider the 10 or 11 a.m. vested by champenoise process. tour, as the 1 and 3 p.m. time slots fill up quickly and e-old Three distinct seated tasting experiences with personal table it’s best to visit earlier in the day on the weekends. have service are available. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor Patio, taste in the health glass-enclosed Tasting Salon while enjoying views of the VISIT ns at the surrounding vineyards, or sit on the Oak Terrace for an exclusive The wine shop has an array of items to bring the library flight with more spectacular views. Mumm Napa offers Wine Country lifestyle home with you plus an amazing assortment of Champagne flutes! The tasting many exclusive wines only available here so come and experience rooms, gallery and wine shop are open daily from 10 the luxury of sparkling wine in the quintessential wine country m the a.m. to setting. 4:45 p.m. Visit their website at mummnapa.com One of the most unique features of the winery, their Fine Art before you go for a current tasting coupon. Photography Gallery features a permanent collection by Ansel nd Wine Adams as well as rotating exhibits by prominent photographers VARIETALS sting. throughout the year. Pick up a glass of bubbly at the Tasting Sparkling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Room and stroll through the galleries at your leisure. y While you are here, take a 45-minute guided tour of the Mumm Napa m. winery, stroll through their Fine Art Photography Gallery or Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. a browse in their wine shop. Guests proceed to the demonstration vineyard, into the working winery, finishing up in the Fine Art 8445 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA com Photography Galleries. Four winery tours are available daily and 1-800-686-6272 | www.mummnapa.com the 10 a.m. tour is complimentary but doesn’t include a tasting. Follow Mumm Napa By Alexandra Charsley on Facebook and Twitter

2-4-1 Tour or Tasting experience with purchase of $25 in the wine shop. Offer valid Monday–Friday from 10am-1pm. ting. Taste 3 sparkling wines and receive a logo flute on tour. Tours daily 11am 1pm and 3pm, $25.

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Turnbull Wine Cellars is a fabulous winery just off Highway WORLD CLASS FINE ART pHOTOGRApHY 29 in Oakville, in the famed Napa Valley AVA. When it comes to Turnbull Wine Cellars quietly boasts one of the finest great wine, the secret is to start with the best fruit. A key permanent photography collections on the West Coast. component of quality, Turnbull fruit captures the unique Past exhibitions have featured 60 to 90 privately owned, character of each of their four estate vineyards. original works by master photographers including Ansel The diversity of sourcing fruit from these four carefully Adams, Edward Weston, Berenice Abbott, Edward farmed ranches allows Winemaker Peter Heitz to create wines Striechen and Yousuf Karsh. Don’t miss the current with distinctive flavors that capture the personality of each site exhibit: “Birds of the World” Ornithology Prints 1735 - and growing season. 1899. Admission to the gallery is always complimentary. Experience Turnbull’s world-class photography collection FuN FACT while you enjoy Turnbull wines in the Reserve Tasting Room The Turnbull name dates back to the early 1300s when a and Art Gallery. Game Keeper of Robert the Bruce saved the king’s life by This cavernous room holds oak wine barrels – floor to turning away a ferocious bull that had threatened to gore vaulted ceiling – and the label’s signature collection of privately the king. The grateful king knighted his subject “Turnbull” owned fine art photography. Guests may sample five estate and awarded him a crest featuring a bull’s head twisted grown wines in their Estate Tasting Room. Or, guests visiting the back that has adorned the Turnbull wines since its Reserve Room will sample a selection of Turnbull’s Estate founding in 1979. Grown, Single Vineyard reserve wines such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot and three Cabernet Sauvignons which demonstrate the VARIETALS characteristic effects of each vineyard’s terroir on the wine it Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Petite produces. Sirah, Red Blend, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc The winery itself is special, too. Famous American architect and founder William Turnbull designed many other wineries in Turnbull Wine Cellars Napa during the 1970s. However, when he set out to design this Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. signature winery, his vision was to create a winery where the aesthetics implied that every drop of wine was precious. Today, 8210 St. Helena Highway, Oakville Turnbull Cellars continues to honor the original design and 1-800-887-6285 intention of the property. By Abigail p. Zimmerman www.turnbullwines.com Visit the website for current releases, events and specials – www.turnbullwines.com

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One of the most exclusive wineries in Napa is Tayson Pierce and with their wine on Robert Parker’s What Every Wine Cellar Should Have in FuN FACT Most wine tastings happen off-site and as Stock list, this is one tasting experience that should be on your “Hot List.” sophisticated as winemaking is, so is their Founded by Susan and Eric Rothchild, the name Tayson Pierce tasting experience. Call for reservations to originates from the combined names of their three children; Taylor, book your private wine tasting with their Grayson and Pierce. Eric is a third generation winemaker and the first to wine educator who will lead you through bring his family’s European winemaking traditions to the states. Eric their current vintages along with select wishes to use his family’s experience to delicately craft the highest quality fruits and cheeses. Napa Valley wine for others to enjoy. VISIT This micro-winery is focused on producing single vineyard artisan Tayson Pierce does not have a traditional wines and as such only 200 cases of each varietal are crafted each year. By tasting room however when you make a concentrating solely on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, they are tasting reservation, their wine educator able to highlight each grape’s unique vineyard driven characteristics to will accommodate your style and a produce the best wine Sonoma and Napa has to offer. Their Chardonnay suitable location will be hand selected. grapes are sourced from the Durell Vineyard in Sonoma County. This premier vineyard is comprised entirely of old Wente selection shot clusters, VARIETALS Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon exhibiting the classic hens and chicks pattern that defines this California heritage selection. In the glass, the 2010 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay is a classic buttery California Chardonnay that is remarkably balanced with a Tayson pierce luxurious mouthfeel. Their Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are sourced from Estate Wines the Young Inglewood Vineyard in Napa Valley, another leading vineyard Rutherford, CA that produces Bordeaux varietals with exceptional density of flavors. The Call to make a reservation 2009 Cuvee Rothchild Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense purple black color (707) 968-9780 with great richness, depth and complexity. Both wines have consistently scored points in the mid-nineties by Wine Enthusiast magazine and are www.taysonpiercewines.com definitely gaining the attention of serious collectors. By Alexandra Charsley Email: [email protected] Enjoy 10% off your full case purchase when you mention “Day Trips” on your visit

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Visit Rutherford Grove Winery and Vineyards and bask in the pHILOSOpHY glory that is the Napa Valley Wine Country. Located off of “At Rutherford Grove and Winery, we encourage you Highway 29 in St. Helena, Rutherford Grove Winery invites you to to recycle and tread lightly on this earth.” sample their small lot wines, stroll their lush gardens and enjoy a VARIETALS pRODuCED leisurely picnic surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Estate and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, When touring the grounds, white roses and green ivy adorn Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc and the contemporary rustic tasting room where inside, vintage photos Zinfandel of the Pestoni family dating back to 1892 tell a rich story. For five FuN FACTS generations, the Pestoni family has been in the Napa Valley tending • Showcased on the property is the last horse-drawn vineyards, crafting select wines, recycling grape waste and making garbage truck from San Francisco, dating back to 1940. friends for over 100 years. • Hidden behind the winery, is an impressive recycling At Rutherford Grove Winery, you sense the Pestoni’s down to area where piles of compost, mulch and special mixes earth and personal touch. On any given day, you might be turn into nutrient-rich soil and then return to the pleasantly greeted by the owners, Bob and Sylvia Pestoni, pouring vineyards. • The winery is animal friendly wine and talking proudly of their family heritage and Napa Valley history to their customers. WINE CLuBS On their tasting menu, there are over 11 wines to choose, • Heritage Club offers two bottles of pre-release wine ranging in price from $18 to $65 a bottle. The staff recommends, four times a year. • Legacy Custom Club lets you choose the wines you to name just a few, the 2009 Napa Valley Estate Sangiovese for its want. fruity flavors, brightly concentrated, dense and full blend, as well as the 2007 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon which won the Rutherford Grove double gold medal in the 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Winery and Vineyards competition. Open daily Nov 1-March 31, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Today, Rutherford Grove Winery has an annual production of Open daily April 1-Nov 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 5000 cases of small-production wines made from the Pestoni family’s 70 acres of estate vineyards in four Napa Valley 1673 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574 appellations. So, bring your barbeque grill, play bocce ball, make a (707) 963-0544 picnic, and soak in the sun while sampling a variety of wines. This www.rutherfordgrove.com is simply the perfect place to spend the day! By Monica L. Dashwood www.facebook.com/RutherfordGroveWinery Mention "Day Trips" and receive a complimentary tasting ($15 value) with a purchase of $30 or more!

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For years Whitehall Lane has been known for its wide variety of wines, incredible Cabernets and friendly staff. VARIETALS The Leonardini family owns and operates the winery and has Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, created a portfolio of limited-production wines found only at Merlot and Pinot Noir the winery. CLuB ROOM To introduce visitors to Whitehall Lane and do some A seated VIP tasting experience with light fare in the painless wine education, they offer daily tastings covering such Club Room overlooking the Estate Vineyard and topics as the art and science of winemaking, the valley history Barrel Room. By appointment only. and just plain fun facts. They talk about varietals, sensory Seatings at 11 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. daily. evaluations of wine and pairing wine with food. During each EDuCATION session you’ll sample a variety of current-release wines such Public tours are conducted that are fun, educational and as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and provide a behind-the-scenes look at a family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon. working winery. They can also set one up especially for For the most discerning visitors they offer an exclusive wine you! Call for daily times and options. tasting experience in their Club Room, perched atop the GREAT GIFT winery’s newest addition. You’ll enjoy a seated tasting of Reserve Indulge yourself with the gift of being part of their Cabernet with a winery concierge in this beautiful setting with a extended family – join the wine club! Whether for yourself sweeping view of vineyards from indoors and on the deck. or for someone special, it’s like getting the Napa Valley’s A charcuterie platter is available to accompany your tasting. finest delivered to your doorstep three times a year. There An appointment is required. Allow an hour so you can relax is a reds-only option. Visit whitehalllane.com for details. and fully enjoy the experience. Actually, there are all sorts of wine surprises in the Club Room. You may get a preview of an unreleased wine, a vertical Whitehall Lane Winery from the library, or a horizontal tasting of all the winery’s Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cabernets. They now produce two single-vineyard Cabernet 1563 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena Sauvignons: the Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet from the 1-800-963-9454 x19 St. Helena appellation, and the Millennium MM Vineyard www.whitehalllane.com from Rutherford. But the fact is that no matter which of the tasting options you choose, you can be guaranteed an Look for Whitehall Lane Winery experience you’ll long remember. on Facebook and Twitter

Ask about Reserve Tasting, with access to the winery-exclusive, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons poured side by side.

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Spanning the width of central Napa Valley and encompassing both the Silverado Trail and Highway 29, Oak Knoll may be a bit less known to distant Oakvisitors, but in no way is it lessKnoll/Stags mighty than its neighboring AVAs! Filled with manicured vineyards and many new Leap wineries, Oak Knoll is an adventure in wine cultivation. Oak Knoll is known for its elegant , Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Stags Leap AVA, situated along the southern end of the Silverado Trail just north of Oak Knoll, was the first AVA in the U.S. to be determined by the unique soil and terrain. Stags Leap produces world renowned Cabernet Sauvignon as well as other Bordeaux varietals.

FOOD Soda Canyon Store

4006 Silverado Trail, Napa STAGS’ LEAP (707) 252-0825, www.sodacanyonstore.com WINERY The perfect place to begin or end your day in Napa SILVER

Valley. Known year round for its delicatessen, ADO Oak Knoll espresso bar, boxed lunches, fine wine and gourmet TRAILT HAGAFEN Inn YON RD cheese selection, this is a fun, insiders' favorite. CELLARS AN A C SOD Fumé Bistro Soda Canyon The Cottages of Store 4050 Byway East, Napa Napa Valley Driving Time: 18 minutes AVE From Stags’ Leap (707) 257-1999, www.fumebistro.com to Hagafen 4+ miles OAK KNOLL Always seasonally correct, great service and comfort- to Fumé Bistro 5+ miles Bistro Don Giovanni Total 9+ miles able seating. An American bistro with fare spiced BIG RANCH ROAD with Italian, Mediteranean and French influences, O Fumé Bistro's dishes are simple, honest and straight- 29 forwardly delicious. ONTICELL FUMÉ BISTRO M Bistro Don Giovanni NAPA 4110 Howard Lane, Napa Map Not to Scale TRANCAS AVENUE (707) 224-3300, www.bistrodongiovanni.com From the outdoor terrace to the candlelight to crack- THINGS TO DO Napa Valley Bike Tours ling, wood-burning fireplace, Bistro Don Giovanni picnic at Soda Canyon Store 6795 Washington Street, Yountville invites you to savor all things delicious from Napa 4006 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 944-2953 (707) 252-0825, www.sodacanyonstore.com www.napavalleybiketours.com Valley. Purchase your picnic or boxed lunch inside and then Rent safe, clean bikes for a few hours, a whole day or LODGING enjoy it out in a creekside vineyard setting. Both even join in for a four-night bicycling vacation! Oak Knoll Inn shaded and sunny picnic options are available. Guided and self-guided tours also available. 2200 E. Oak Knoll Avenue, Napa Open daily, year-round. What a great find! (707) 255-2200, www.oakknollinn.com Wine Spectator Magazine reviewed the Oak Knoll Inn as "One of the most luxurious B&Bs in all of Napa Valley." It is easy to see why. Set within 600 acres of Chardonnay vineyards, the Inn's old stone building, graceful sweep of Cyprus trees and exqui- site service make Oak Knoll Inn a perfect retreat.

The Cottages of Napa Valley 1012 Darms Lane, Napa (707) 252-7810, www.napacottages.com Welcome to your own private cottage in Wine Coun- try! Cottages come with gardens and tubs – the perfect place to indulge in a glass (or two) of wine at any time of the day. The basket of fresh pastries from Bouchon every morning doesn't hurt either!

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distant p dventure ong the Leap

Drive into the historic and world famous Stags’ Leap Winery

and be transported back in time. FuN FACT

The old stone Manor House was built more than 110 years By the 1920s, “Stags’ Leap Manor,” as it came to be

ago from local rock and granite quarried nearby, and the winery known, was a fashionable destination spot for

itself gave rise to the very legends that are the Napa Valley red vacationing Hollywood elite and bootleggers,

wines. regardless of that pesky federal law called Prohibition. From here, legends of rum-runners, gangsters and gypsies Located seven miles north of downtown Napa, Stags’ Leap is originated, and even today, there are rumors of ghost a fabled 240-acre estate and one of California’s first wineries. sightings. Grapes have been farmed here continuously since the 1880s. Stags’ Leap Winery is the namesake for Stags Leap AVA and DON’T MISS some of the most idealized Napa Valley wines. Be sure to take a moment and stand on the front porch of Unique terroir and succinct microclimate support Stags’ the Manor House for an incredible view of the estate's Leap’s classic approach to winemaking, vineyard management vineyards and the Stags Leap District. hole day or and viticulture practices. As a result, the wines produced are cation! rich and show remarkable finesse and intensity. It’s no wonder VARIETALS le. Stags’ Leap continues to enjoy a reputation as one of the nation’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot,

most critically acclaimed wineries. Indeed, Stags’ Leap wines Chardonnay,Viognier and Rosé

embody the very expression of Napa’s finest grapes, soil and HOW TO VISIT climate. Make an appointment well in advance! Winemaker Christophe Paubert likes to say that “We didn’t The Historical Tour and Tasting takes you through the his- invent winemaking, we just work hard at it.” And the label’s tory, property and a tasting of five wines (red and white). current releases certainly benefit from this ethic. $55 per person. Tours are daily at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Be sure to try the Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon called

“The Leap.” This is Stags’ Leap most distinctive Cabernet, made year after year from the block of vines located at the doorstep to Stags’ Leap Winery the Manor House in exceptionally well-drained volcanic soil. By advance appointment only “The Leap” was created to showcase this intimate vineyard block 6150 Silverado Trail, Napa and to offer wine lovers and collectors a long-lived Cabernet. By Abigail p. Zimmerman 800-395-2441 • www.stagsleap.com

Mention Day Trips and receive $5 off of your tour and tasting.

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Hagafen, “the grapevine” in Hebrew, is a family winery just off VARIETALS the Silverado Trail in Napa that opened in 2000. This boutique White Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon winery owned by Ernie and Irit Weir produces ultra-premium and Syrah are produced from their own organically wines that have consistently earned awards and critical praise for grown grapes. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, many years. Winemaker Ernie Weir believes that “fine wine starts Petit Verdot, , Marsanne and Chardonnay are sourced from local growers. in the vineyard with careful vineyard management. My goal is to FuN FACTS showcase the best that our land can yield. Our small lot bottlings Since 1980, their wines have been served on start with superb fruit, and we seek to artisanally shape each to numerous occasions at the White House, often showcase its uniqueness and the specific region from which it when honoring visiting Israeli Prime Ministers and Presidents. This year, the Hagafen 2010 Roussanne originates. For these reasons, our total annual production is only was served by President to President 8,000 cases.” The winery’s organically grown vineyards yield Shimon Peres as he received the Medal of Freedom. roughly half of the grapes used for their annual production. VISIT Ernie first came to Napa in the 1970s and worked for There’s a picnic area in back of the tasting room. Tours are offered daily by appointment only at Domaine Chandon while attending UC Davis to study viticulture 11 a.m. except Saturdays. Call ahead at and enology. In 1997, Ernie left Domaine Chandon to build the 1-888-424-2336 or email at [email protected]. Hagafen Cellars winery and tasting room. Their intimate tasting Visit their website hagafen.com, before you go for room is a hidden little gem along the Silverado Trail with a complimentary tasting passes or to join the mailing list and follow them on Facebook to stay updated relaxed atmosphere. The location is private and serene. With all and receive special offers. the attention their wines receive, Hagafen Cellars merits a visit Hagafen Cellars while in Napa Valley. Discover their hand-crafted wines poured Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in their tasting room or in their rose garden patio. While Hagafen is the winery’s main label, Prix Vineyards is the 4160 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA exclusive Reserve wine series sold only at the winery and to wine (707) 252-0781 club members. These limited production wines define this small www.hagafen.com [email protected] family run winery. By Alexandra Charsley 15% off wine purchase in the Hagafen Cellars Tasting Room with “Day Trips.”

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Mark my words: this comfy Napa restaurant will be your favorite new place. Beloved by locals and visitors to Napa wine GOOD TO KNOW uvignon country, Fumé Bistro & Bar caters to food lovers who already • Every Wednesday night during the summer nically know you don’t need the big, ego-driven restaurant to find the months – don’t miss Farmer’s Market Meals. Chef Merlot, best food in town. Terry Letson shops the Napa Valley Farmer’s Market donnay Chef/Owner Terry Letson has crafted something unique at that morning to find what he will prepare for dinner Fumé Bistro: great food, seasonally correct menus straight from that night. Only the freshest, in-season foods are the farmer’s market and regional growers, personal service and a whipped up into a set price, fabulous three-course friendly welcoming atmosphere. meal. en It’s no wonder Terry enjoys a passionate, local clientele. He • While the menu changes weekly, two items are s and invests in local farms, works to bolster community causes, and sanne always on the menu: house favorite’s Pork Chop and delivers fantastic, fresh, regional food and off the beaten path Skuna Bay Salmon. esident wines without the big price tags normally associated with fine eedom. • Don’t miss Laura’s “No Chuck” Vegetarian Burger and dining in Napa Valley. Bistro Fries ($11) or the Flash Fried Calamari ($11). One of eight kids, Terry’s love of food began first as survival But each week the menu changes to reflect what’s om. and morphed into passion. Later, with years of hard work, two most in season. at successful restaurants under his belt, Letson moved to his food and wine Mecca – the Napa Valley – and opened Fumé • Fumé is also well known for its full bar and favorite m. Bistro & Bar. Artistic talent is abundant in his family. Terry is local bartender Adam “Bubba” White go for married to local artist Sheri DeBow whose artwork frequently – come in and let him make you one of his signature mailing adorns the walls of their bistro. seasonal drinks using the freshest ingredients. ated Understanding all elements of running a successful restaurant, Happy Hour is Monday - Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and

Terry worked to build strong ties with local growers and producers the bar is always a friendly, bustling place. of only the freshest produce, meats, cheeses and wines. His menu Fumé Bistro & Bar . and the Bistro’s joyful cadence reflect his passion for delivering the best food, service and experience to each customer, each night. Open daily for Lunch, Dinner Rave reviews have not stopped since Fumé Bistro opened, even Happy Hour weekdays garnering Terry the coveted Chef of the Year for New Cuisine in and Brunch on weekends Northern California award! 4050 Byway East, Napa, CA 94558 This American bistro is all about really good food, great wine and an experience you want to share. By Abigail p. Zimmerman (707) 257-1999 | fumebistro.com Napa’s great American Bistro that is all about great food, great wines, and welcoming service!

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Downtown Napa is an essential stop for any

A City of Napa TLAS P visitor. This charming old town is filled with WILLIAM HILL great shops, wine tasting venues, fine dining, WINERY E A inns and all sorts of special events happening K RD DEL DOTTO HISTORIC along the recently restored waterfront and WINERY & CAVES trees-lined avenues. For what‘s going on in FUMÉ BISTRO

Downtown Napa, visit the website at. SILVERADO TRAIL AVE NTICELLO www.napadowntown.com TROWER 121 MO

FOOD AS ST Cole's Chop House TRANC Driving Time: 32 minutes 1122 Main Street, Napa From Reata to Bourassa 2+ miles (707) 224-6328, www.coleschophouse.com to Wine Train 5+ mile to 1313 Main >1 mile Make your reservations for this classic American to Del Dotto 4 miles to William Hill Estate 1+ miles chop house in the heart of old town Napa. The menu PUEBLO AVE SOSCOL AVE features 21 dry-aged prime steaks, Certified Angus Total 14 miles

Beef, New Zealand lamb and fresh seafood. JEF MAI

FERSO N Only Celadon rails and

500 Main Street, Napa N

S

I

L The Win (707) 254-9690, www.celadonnapa.com TR VERADO AVE A quasi-casual dining experience, Celadon takes LINCOLN travel se the best of Napa Valley produce, wines and foods NAPA pastimes

AI CA’ MOMI

and serves them up as “Global Comfort Foods” VALLEY L gracious EJO WINE WINERY & with a casual, stylish flair. No pretensions here … NAPA VALL McK TRAIN ENOTECA Vine MAIN just delicious lunch and dinner! INSTRY Oxbow Public Market you can 1313 MAIN INTON Napa Valley Fumé Bistro & Bar 29 CL Opera House life cycle ARL 1st ST PE 4050 Byway East Napa, CA 94558 SO At an SCOL AV (707) 257-1999, \www.fumebistro.com/ Avia wine ava 1st Chef/Owner Terry Letson has crafted something ST E the wine unique at Fumé Bistro: great food, seasonally correct whateve 12 121 IMOLA menus straight from the farmer’s market and 121 A str regional growers, personal service and a friendly To welcoming atmosphere. Sonoma lunch or America 12 29 LODGING with frie The Meritage Hotel & Spa Dedi N 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, (707) 251-1900 K REATA ELLY Valley W 1-866-370-6272, www.themeritageresort.com BOURASSA WINERY VINEYARDS JAMESO toric rail N Lavish guest rooms and Napa’s only under- CANYON To ground full-service Spa is sure to soothe your I-80 Napa, th Map Not to Scale 29 Sacramento weary soul. Dine at the award-winning Siena that wou restaurant. with a u Thomas Kinkade Gallery of Napa Valley Napa Valley Opera House nity to e THINGS TO DO 1390 1st Street, Napa Town Center, Napa 1030 Main Street, Napa Oxbow public Market manner 644 1st Street, Napa, (707) 226-6529 (707) 258-8200, www.thomaskinkadeofnapavalley.com (707) 226-5392, www.nvoh.org these his www.oxbowpublicmarket.com This exclusive gallery specializes in the art of Celebrating 130 years of artistic excellence! One-of-a-kind foods, picnics, wines and unique Thomas Kinkade but also features the fine art of Check out Ziggy Marley, Court Yard Hounds, shopping all under one roof. Friday night music June Carey depicting the beautiful landscapes of the Paula Poundstone, Jim Messina and numerous and Saturday morning Farmers Markets are a treat. Napa Valley – a perfect wine country keepsake! opera performances for this summer!

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A TLAS P

E A K RD IC

TICELLO

Only one wine tasting bar in Napa County is literally on rails and located in a historic Pullman car almost a century old. VARIETALS You name it, they might very well have it from a carefully The Wine Train’s wine bar reflects a time of luxurious passenger considered list.

travel served with the exciting addition of today’s sophisticated

pastimes – sipping wine, learning about wine and enjoying the pLAN AHEAD MI The Napa Valley Wine Train runs year ’round with lunch Y & graciousness of life. Vineyards roll past and, depending upon the time of year, trains boarding at 10:50 a.m. Dinner trains open one to five CA nights a week boarding at 5:50 p.m. Be sure to check the you can watch the vineyards as they move slowly through their website. life cycle. At any given time, the wine bar will sport 40 to 50 bottles of FuN FACT wine available to taste. Flights can be suggested and selected by The Wine Train is the first and only locomotive in the United States to convert to compressed natural gas. the wine educator staffing the bar, or you can pick and choose whatever flight you might fancy. HOW HEAVY? A stroll through this amazing vintage train with a wonderful Each of the 1915-1917 Pullman-made rail cars weigh approximately 80 tons.. lunch or dinner and a stop at the wine bar, is a chance to revisit American history and renew your own personal connections SpICES with friends, family and life. Chef Kelly Macdonald is one of the masters when Dedicated to preserving a luxurious way of life, the Napa it comes to the use of spices – not to necessarily provide A Valley Wine Train is instrumental in maintaining and using his- heat but a depth of flavor. Y toric rail cars that are very rare on the American landscape. In To SpECIAL OFFERS -80 Napa, they also preserve an important transportation corridor amento Be sure to check their informative website. that would have been abandoned decades ago. They layer this with a unique and award-wining restaurant, and an opportu- Napa Valley Wine Train nity to explore the wine country in a relaxed and pampered 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa manner that takes place outside your windows as you roll along (707) 253-2111 • winetrain.com these historic rail tracks, removed from both traffic and care. e! By Charles Neave Look for the Wine Train on Facebook and Twitter. unds, merous Check out Napa Valley’s only Evening Winery Tour. The first of its kind!

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When you visit Reata at Jamieson Ranch & Vineyards in pHILOSOpHY South Napa it should not come as a shock to learn that this Make great tasting wines that are true to their varietal property has been used to farm and to raise cattle for almost character. To achieve that goal, they provide the two hundred years. Formerly part of General Mariano Vallejo’s winemakers with the freedom and resources they need to make each bottle of wine the best it can be. historic , it is to this day a 300-acre working ranch, where cattle still roam the hills and sheep graze on the VARIETALS Specialists in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. cover crops between terraced vines. FuN FACTS The unique architecture of Reata at Jamieson Ranch & • Barrel Tour and Tastings are an option for up to a dozen Vineyards is reminiscent of a majestic western mountain lodge, guests. Participants have the chance to sample wines complete with soaring ceilings, seating around a cozy fireplace, that are currently being crafted while learning about winemaking. an observation gallery overlooking the barrel room and • The organic honey they collect from the hives of their production area, and a spectacular wrap-around veranda that 60,000 bees can be found in the tasting room. affords sweeping views of the Napa Valley and . • Reata was the name of the ranch in the movie “Giant.” The property’s relaxed ranch atmosphere and welcoming, The word also means “lariat.” knowledgeable staff ensure that guests have a memorable experience. Reata At the tasting bar there are a number of tasting options, at Jamieson Ranch & Vineyards served by an enthusiastic staff served in what can be called, Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some understatement, a one-of-a-kind setting. Barrel tastings by appointment Debuting June 1 – to make each visit a treat for all of the Reservations also online at Reatawines.com senses – Reata at Jamieson Ranch & Vineyards intruduces a new food and wine experience showcasing sophisticated 1 Kirkland Ranch Road, American Canyon comfort food. The chef uses produce from their own organic, (707) 254-8673 | www.reatawines.com edible gardens along with seasonal local ingredients in rustic, www.facebook.com/reatawines yet refined, menus. By Charles Neave Twitter: #reatawines 2-for-1 Tasting Special when you mention “Day Trips”

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In the nineties Vic Bourassa was an enthusiastic home winemaker. But his commitment to the craft was passionate and pHILOSOpHY arietal analytical and he was totally consumed with his “hobby.” All it Fine wine, great food, family and good friends; these are the things we all value, and there is so much joy in ey need took was a conversation with the legendary Robert Mondavi to sharing the celebration of life. move forward. Robert sampled Vic’s homemade wine and said something that would change Vic’s life: “Vic, this Napa Valley VARIETALS Pinot Noir of yours is extremely good. You should consider Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, winemaking as a profession.” Zinfandel, Solera Port and a classic Bordeaux blend (Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) a dozen Two years later Vic and his wife Kathy opened Bourassa wines Vineyards and he remains “hands-on” on a daily basis, greeting FuN FACTS about guests in the tasting room most days, always ready to talk wine, Even if it’s not fired up when you visit, be sure to look at food and hospitality. Vic Bourassa’s creation: the barrel smoker and grill and of their Today, one of Northern California’s most respected barrel pizza oven. winemakers – Gary Galleron – works with Vic on the Check out the recipes on their website and give them a try. It might become your own “house favorite.” winemaking end to produce highly acclaimed bottlings that Giant.” They source their grapes from premium vineyards in consistently receive awards and critical acclaim from California Yountville, Calistoga and Oak Knoll to the south, as well as from respected national media. His wines can also be Tulocay/Coombsville to the southeast, and the lush found on some of the most distinguished wine lists in the Russian River Valley near the Sonoma Coast. ds nation. A visit to the intimate tasting room will quickly demonstrate this. GOOD TO KNOW The ‘Two-for-One Tasting Special’ includes a Reserve For a true wine country experience, join their popular wine wine tasting with six wines. club and participate in special events throughout the year. As a com wine club member you can sign one of the oak barrels in the Bourassa Vineyards yon beautiful tasting room. Wine club members are encouraged to bring friends along with them to the much-anticipated events and Open daily by appointment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. m to share the wine journey according to Vic. 190 Camino Oruga – Suite 5 Napa, CA 94558 Come visit Bourassa Vineyards, meet Vic’s friendly, talented (707) 254-4922 / (800) 499-2366 staff and best of all, try the Bourassa wines. By Charles Neave www.bourassavineyards.com Two-for-One Tasting Special when you mention “Day Trips”

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A Bold, New Kind of Wine Destination in Downtown Napa! Near Beautiful, intimate and sophisticated, but not the least WINES BY THE TASTE, GLASS, FLIGHT OR BOTTLE toward A Guests can sample a daily offering of 13 white and red wines bit stuffy, 1313 Main wine bar and lounge, located in 350-foo by the taste, glass, flight or bottle. downtown Napa, is a place where friends can meet to relax winery w CRAFTED BEERS an era w and enjoy fine wine, craft beers and tasty, artisanal plates in Daily offerings of 13 brews. currentl a chic, urban ambiance amidst supremely comfortable ARTISANAL SMALL pLATES and Yola furnishings. Featuring more than 1,300 rotating wine labels Small plates featuring local and artisanal cheeses, cured and red win on a daily basis, guests can sample 13 reds and 13 whites smoked meats and jams, breads, and even Golden Osetra caviar are all paired with the daily red and white wine menus. voluptu by the taste, glass, flight or bottle. Plus, chocolate assortments from Kollar Chocolates in continu Owner Al Jabarin and his top notch team of wine experts Yountville. springb are on hand to offer suggestions and to encourage guests to HAppY HOuR produce step outside the box and discover new varietals and Tuesday-Thursday 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy a menu of half price wine acres in producers. Join them on Facebook and Twitter and receive by the glass and craft beers. Rutherfo WEEKEND BuBBLES & BEATS invitations to spontaneous tastings of often difficult, St. Hele Every Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. to midnight +1 sometimes impossible to procure cult wines from Al’s secret 13 selections of Champagne/sparkling wines from around Toda stash of old and unique vintages. the world; plus DJ and lounge music. of the b In addition to the established producers and well-known WINEMAKER WEDNESDAY forty-fiv winemakers that are featured in tastings and dinners, 1313 Every Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. – a custom Meet the winemaker and taste their wines. offered a Main also showcases “garage wines” made by young and LIVE MuSIC accomp talented new winemakers that offer fresh ideas and products. Every Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. slightly Although there’s plenty of wine knowledge/talk swirling and/or p around, the emphasis at 1313 Main is on the pleasures 1313 Main fine wine | retail | tasting bar Both are surrounding wine – including…every Friday and Saturday, Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. to midnight +1 Well-kn Bubbles & Beats offers a selection of 13 Champagnes and Sun 2 p.m. to midnight | Tues-Thurs 4 p.m. to midnight voted w sparkling wines from around the world, plus local DJ and 1313 Main Street, Napa caves ar Lounge music. www.1313main.com | (707) 258-1313 area wit Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for our latest updates at 1313 Main!

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Near the northeast corner of the city of Napa, just barely on the way toward Atlas Peak, awaits a special treat. In 1885, Chinese laborers dug a Cave-Aged Wines and Barrel-Tasting Fun in Napa! 350-foot wine cave, using only picks and shovels. This hand-dug cave and winery was one of the first wineries to appear in the Napa Valley during VARIETALS an era when most were in San Francisco for ease of transport; it is Bordeaux Blend, Cabernet Franc, currently one of only six still in existence from that time. In 1997, Dave Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grappa, and Yolanda Del Dotto restored the original winery and began aging their Merlot, Pinot Noir, Port, Red Blend, red wines in the caves. These cave-aged wines proved to be more Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and voluptuous and opulent than those aged in modern facilities, and they Zinfandel continue to age their wines in these historic caves, using them as a FuN FACTS springboard for a range of experiments with oak barrels. The wines they Del Dotto serves a cheese and meat tray produce draw on the best organic estate fruit from more than 120 planted with the tour at both wineries on Friday, acres in a range of a locations, including Howell Mountain, Oakville, Saturday and Sunday (everyday at the Rutherford, Rutherford Bench, Sonoma Coast, Spring Mountain and Venetian Estate winery). At the Estate, they St. Helena. serve pizza as well on Friday, Saturday and Today, you can come and experience wines which are thieved right out Sunday, included with the tour. of the barrel in the Cave Tour and Barrel Tasting Experience. With up to forty-five different wines for your host to choose from, you are sure to get Del Dotto a customized experience on each visit. After you exit the caves, you will be Historic Winery & Caves offered a selection of cheese and salumi to cleanse your palate. Port Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. accompanied by chocolate truffles will complete the experience. For a except for select holidays slightly less comprehensive experience, the Bar Tastings offers five wines and/or port accompanied by a selection of fine cheeses and breadsticks. 1055 Atlas Peak Road Both are available by appointment only, so make sure you call ahead! Napa, CA 94558 Well-known for their hospitality, the Del Dotto cave experiences have been (707) 963-2134 voted wine country “bests” time and again for a reason, and the historic caves are newly renovated with lighting, artwork and a new special VIP www.deldottovineyards.com area with couches. Enjoy! By Josh Stein Facebook.com/deldottovineyards

Reserve your Cave Experience & Barrel tasting now! www.deldottovineyards.com.

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To experience William Hill is to discover another side of Napa Valley. A place where extraordinary vineyards TASTING ExpERIENCE Enjoy a selection of Estate-crafted wines at the tasting room bar are tucked away along the serene Silverado Trail. A place or on the patio. Tasting fees are from $15-$20 per person. where you can still discover an incredible wine for the VINEYARD ExpERIENCE first time. Enjoy an unprecedented look at what goes into crafting But make no mistake: this is Napa Valley winemaking exceptional wine with an interactive downloadable tour; the at its best. This is where talented winemakers, like Ralf William Hill Estate Vineyard Experience Mobile App. Available for Holdenried, are turning the world’s attention to southern download from the Apple App store, this mobile app lets guests Napa’s unique convergence of climate, soil, elevation and enjoy a self-guided audio tour through William Hill’s majestic estate sun exposure. This is a place where some of the world’s vineyard. Don’t have a smartphone? They have 18 iPods available most extraordinary Chardonnay vineyards lie, just up for use on-site. The Vineyard Experience is available at $25 and the road from William Hill. A place where the benchland includes a wine tasting. terroir of THE estate vineyard is virtually unparalleled. ESTATE ExpERIENCE The best wines are crafted by winemakers who are Experience all that the estate has to offer with a guided tour, tast- intimately connected to their wines. Winemakers who ing and blending activity. Learn about the history of William Hill Estate and the unique characteristics that make the home vineyard stay close to the vineyard, who select their grapes by so spectacular. Walk among the different vineyard blocks on the hand at the perfect moment of ripeness. Winemakers estate, or take in the aromas of the barrel room. You'll also taste an who taste their barrel selections and blend the individual exclusive selection of the estate wines and enjoy the opportunity lots together to create an exquisitely balanced wine. to blend your own glass of Meritage. This experience is available This is how Ralf Holdenried makes wine at William by 24-hour advance booking for groups of 4-18. $50 per person. Hill Estate Winery. And he wouldn’t have it any other To book an Experience, call (707) 265-3024 way. or email [email protected]. Ralf’s range of soft, expressive wines reflect his passion for the tucked-away vineyards that make southern Napa and the Silverado Trail so extraordinary. William Hill Estate Winery William Hill Estate Winery is a unique place, in every Open daily by appointment sense of the word. 1761 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, CA 94558

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Coombsville has been a hidden treasure east of downtown Napa’s Oxbow district for years. Known mostly to pica pica Maize Kitchen locals and wine buffs, this region is experiencing a renaissance, and rightly so. The proper boundaries and 610 1st Street, #5, Napa, (707) 251-3757 name for this to-be-AVA may be pending, but one thing is for certain – the grapes from this plateau under Explore the undiscovered cuisine of Venezuela and mount St. george is one of the reasons Napa Valley is world renown for big, bold reds and elegant whites. pair these fine dishes with the best Napa Valley wines! Try the house signature dish: the Arepa. FOOD Kara's Cupcakes Hog Island Oysters – Oyster Bar Model Bakery 610 1st Street, Napa, (707) 258-2253 641 1st Street, Napa 644 1st Street #B, Napa www.karascupcakes.com (707) 251-8113, www.hogislandoysters.com (707) 259-1128, www.themodelbakery.com Batch after batch of handmade, Hog Island is a local and tourist favorite. With A fixture in downtown St. Helena for over 80 organic cupcakes to dream about long after its simple menu, great wine list and perfect years, Model bakery specializes in artisan breads, you leave!! Don’t think about the calories – oyster bar, Hog Island is always a sure thing. organic stone ground flours, and a complete all ingredients are sourced from local vendors Gott's Roadside Cafe range of pastry products and fine coffee or teas. and are organic. 644 1st Street, Napa (707) 224-6900, www.gottsroadside.com

Driving Time: 17 minutes Map Not to Scale One of the best burgers in all of Napa Valley! From Farella HAGEN ROAD This ’50s style eatery may look like a roadside to Porter Family > 4 miles

to Tulocay 2 miles diner but that burger or fried green tomato BLT is Total 6 miles FARELLA made with only the finest ingredients. Fabulous,

K every bite!

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Milliken Creek Inn & Spa A V

L E I E 1815 Silverado Trail, Napa N A U CA’ MOMI U

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E E (707) 255-1197, www.millikencreekinn.com T e NAPA V

O A VALLEY D D One of the most coveted luxury hotel & spas in

A R ble for N 3

R ORTH AVENUE Napa! Relax on three green acres overlooking the E

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I and unwind with that special glass of ic estate S TULOCAY wine in hand. vailable The Westin Verasa S O and S PORTER 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa C O COO MBSVI L LLE ROAD FAMILY (707) 257-1800, www.strawoodhotels.com A V G E R E N Built snugly on the banks of the Napa River, the E U N

E V Westin is a calm, naturally beautiful haven of L ur, tast- Y luxury accommodations, stylish suites richly m Hill appointed, fine wines and cuisine. vineyard on the THINGS TO DO taste an Tillerman Tea rtunity 610 1st Street, #8, Napa ailable (707) 265-0200, www.tillermantea.com erson. Enjoy Celadon’s award-winning Tea lover? Do NOT miss Tillerman Tea. Apply- ing the concept of terroir to tea, proprietor David ‘Global Comfort Food’ Campbell brings a global knowledge of cultiva- m. tion, craftsmanship and culture to every cup. in our beautiful dining room Oxbow public Market or on the lovely courtyard. 2180 Jefferson Street, Napa (707) 257-7878, www.oxbowpublicmarket.com The seasonally influenced menu features flavors from the Mediterranean, Asia and the Americas. Find everything you are looking for under one roof. Situated in the heart of Downtown Napa’s 500 Main St, Ste G, Napa - In the Historic Napa Mill Oxbow District, the Public Market is a great col- 707-254-9690 • www.celadonnapa.com lection of fine wines, foods & crafts purveyors.

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Rarely are you allowed access to one of the premiere wine- makers of the Napa Valley. Most tasting rooms have you GOOD TO KNOW jockeying for position for a sample from someone hired to sim- • Farella Vineyard and Farella-Park wines is located in the ply pour wine. A visit to Farella Vineyard allows for a much Coombsville area, which is named after Nathan Coombs, more intimate and unforgettable wine tasting experience. Very the founder of the city of Napa. often it is winemaker Tom Farella himself who will take you on a tour of their vineyard and winery. Walking with him down the • Tom Farella’s favorite wine is their red blend, “Alta.” rows of vines, tasting ripe fruit as you go, or barrel tasting in the As he describes, “I love Alta because it is where all the colors come together. To compose the perfect cellar, you will hear his philosophy of winemaking firsthand. wine takes very careful attention to detail.” There are many passionate visionaries who have made the Napa Valley what it is today. Tom Farella, however, is one of the most • 100% estate bottled Farella wines have been made fascinating. A true renaissance man, this poet/winemaker has exclusively by Farella family members since 1985. managed to produce some of the most intriguing wines on the market today while maintaining the essence of a man whose job • Barrel tasting is one of Tom’s favorite ways to give visitors it is to work with the earth. While he considers himself more a a true picture of how his wines develop and mature. steward of the land rather than a winemaker, that stance under- • Look for Tom’s upcoming blog about winemaking on their states his immense talent. “The vineyard is the boss,” says Tom Facebook page, and read firsthand about the intricacies and his wines agree. and nuances of winemaking in the Napa Valley. Tom’s father, Frank Farella, planted the vineyard in 1979 and created “Farella-Park Vineyards” in 1985. Tom Farella is a man who does not take for granted what life has handed him. Farella Vineyard “It really is a fascinating thing to take a plant, stick it in the Open by appointment only. ground, grow some luscious fruit, ferment it naturally, age it in 2222 North 3rd Avenue, Napa an oak barrel, draw off the clear wine and put it in a bottle. This magic is what we offer from our little slice of a very unique spot (707) 254-9489 | www.farella.com on the planet.” By Ronda Giangreco Follow Farella Vineyard on Facebook. Mention Day Trips for two complimentary wine tastings.

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At first glance, this unassuming winery looks like just GOOD TO KNOW another charming little family winery. But don’t be fooled. The • Five million years ago, a small sandpiper wandered along homey reception area picnic table is just the tip of the iceberg. the shore, leaving tiny tracks in the sand. Soon they were The real grandeur of this winery lies in a 17,000-square-foot, covered with sediment and fossilized. In digging out their state-of-the art cave that will leave you awestruck. cave, the Porter family found the large fossil that comes from either the Eiocene or Miocene period. The Dome Tasting Room, carved out of compacted A large photo of this amazing piece of ancient history is volcanic ash, is breathtaking to say the least. Nearly thirty feet displayed at the entrance to their tasting room. high, the cave room required special sound buffers to reduce • The Porter Family’s magnificent cave is five hundred the echoing produced by the unique acoustics. Sound, and fifty feet long, fifty feet underground and encom- however, is still amplified in the room center, creating a passes 17,000 square feet. It houses their blending tanks, magical sensation that is difficult to explain. As you enter this barrels and wine library. astounding place and take your seat at the grand table, set • The winery’s technical system is one of the most with gleaming wine glasses for your private tasting, you know modern in existence, with control systems that monitor that something very special is about to happen. When the and adjust environmental conditions, control fermenta- tion temperatures and provide immediate access to wine is poured, the enchantment is complete. The Porter winery operations data. family prides itself on making small lots of handcrafted wines that reflect the marvelous growing conditions available in the • Be sure to give the winery dogs – Alexander, Jacob and Charlee – an ear scratch when you visit! Coombsville area. Before a visit to the magnificent Dome Tasting Room, your porter Family Vineyards hosts (always a family member) will take you for a gentle stroll through the vineyards and up a hill overlooking nearly the Open daily by appointment 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. entire Napa Valley. From this lofty perch, you can see all of 1189 Green Valley Road, Napa those cars weaving their way up the valley as they search for 1-888-656-7696 wines and wine tasting experiences that will never come close www.porterfamilyvineyards.com to the one you’re about to enjoy. By Ronda Giangreco

Bring in Day Trips for a two-for-one tasting – a $40 value!

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Bill Cadman, the owner of Tulocay Winery, is a treasure of information about wine. He is also a witty, humorous VARIETALS Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and thoroughly entertaining gentleman. Well, the Syrah, Zinfandel and Chardonnay “gentleman” part might be a bit of a stretch. Bill is old-time Napa, with not an ounce of pretentiousness about him. GOOD TO KNOW Nowhere else can you sit down with someone as • Tulocay Winery is one of the oldest and smallest knowledgeable or as approachable as Bill Cadman. He winery operations in the Napa Valley, providing the most simply does not have a snobbish bone in his body. His informal and unique tasting experience in the area. irreverent, light-hearted take on the business of • At his unassuming Tulocay Winery, Buddy, a little, winemaking, however, belies his superior skills. This is yappy dog, will loudly announce your arrival. You’ll then be escorted to the deck of Bill’s home or to his seriously good wine. He doesn’t even maintain a pour list. kitchen table, as the weather dictates, for one of the He’ll just ask what you like and open bottles accordingly. most low-key and friendly wine tasting experiences In 1972, Bill brazenly bought an old chicken farm and you will ever enjoy. began pestering the local wineries for a job. He started his • Bill collects art and his home is filled with some very career by operating the crushers at Charles Krug. From interesting pieces. With just a little encouragement, there he went on to enjoy a long history in the industry, he’ll show them to you and tell you the stories behind working for the likes of Robert Mondavi, Joe Heitz and them. other giants of the winemaking world. In 1975, after Above: Fernando, vineyard manager at Haynes Vineyard (source of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah), holding consuming copious amounts of wine one evening, he made Buddy the yapping dog and Calvin, Bill’s grandson. the presumptuous decision to open a winery himself. “My friends looked at the old chicken coops and declared them Tulocay Winery perfect for a winery. In my altered state, I agreed!” What Open by appointment only ensued was the creation of a refreshingly relaxed wine country experience and a Pinot Noir that would launch his 1426 Coombsville Road, Napa career. He has been enjoying the heck out of life ever since. For tours & tastings, call By Ronda Giangreco Bill Cadman, (707) 255-4064

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Follow the aroma of wine and wood-oven-fired pizzas to Napa’s buzzing hub, Oxbow Public Market, where Ca’ Momi resides. It’s a GOOD TO KNOW place to kick back riverside, while biting into the perfection of • Ca’ Momi means “House of Momi,” the traditional Napoletana pizza pie and other Italian-inspired bites, and namesake of their villa and vineyards in sipping Italian heritage Ca’ Momi wines. Veneto, Italy, originally owned by a beloved Ca’ Momi brings a taste of Italy to the eclectic mix at the Oxbow. It’s character named “Momi” dea Bionda. Momi a full-service restaurant, Enoteca (wine bar) and retail shop, all rolled was famous around the village for into one, where patrons have a choice of services. patrolling the property on his motorcycle, The Drink – Serving as the winery tasting bar, Ca’ Momi Enoteca with his dog and a rifle on his lap, as he provides a place to sit and savor. Known for its Rosso di Napa – a scared off trespassers. complex red blend – Ca’ Momi also makes Cabernet Sauvignon, • Folks can grab small bites at the Ca’ Momi Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a selection of other wines in small lots, as Enoteca bar, serving an assortment of well as serving wine from other local boutique Italian-varietal antipasti, imported and local artisan meats producers. (Ca ‘Momi is owned and operated by three spirited Italians, and cheeses, wood-fired Panini, and more. who wanted to make wine in Napa Valley, while capturing the essence of their Italian heritage.) The Enoteca has several award-winning beers Ca’ Momi Napa Valley on tap or by the bottle. A variety of Italian sodas and refreshing Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. sparkling waters are available, too. The Food – Ca’ Momi is one of only a few Italian restaurants in the 610 First Street, Napa country to be certified by Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), meaning it Oxbow Public Market specializes in truly authentic pizza Napoletana – created with the same (707) 257-4992 genuine technique found on the streets of Naples, Italy. An essential www.camomi.com part of the arduous process requires that pizzas be cooked for 90 Reservations can be made on the seconds in a wood-burning oven at 900 degrees. The finished pie has a raised edge crust – soft, elastic and easily foldable – not crispy. Ca‘ Momi Enoteca website: The sit-down restaurant also serves traditional Italian plates, such as www.camomienoteca.com Sarde in Saór – pan-fried sardines in a white wine marinade with www.camomienoteca.com/menus caramelized onions, pine nuts and raisins, or Lasagna Alla Bolognese – traditional meat sauce lasagna, and Italian pastries that would have www.facebook.com/ inspired da Vinci to sculpt a cream puff from marble. By Denise Olliffe camominapavalley Bring in Day Trips for a complimentary wine tasting, up to 4 people and 15% off Ca' Momi cases

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Mt. Veeder has been producingVeeder/Los rich, Napa Valley wines since the 1860s. Distinct mountain fruit Carneros produces wines that speak volumes about the rugged, labor-intense environments from which they spring. Steep hillsides, rugged terrain and a surprise ancient seabed, violently shoved aloft by volcanic activity eons ago result in vines that produce tiny berries and immensely intense flavors. Just a few miles south of Mt. Veeder AVA, the climate changes dramatically. “Los Carneros” (the ram in Spanish), has long been known for its cool, coastal climate, natural beauty and unparalleled Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. LODGING di Rosa Stanly Lane Marketplace Candlelight Inn Bed & Breakfast 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa 3100 golden gate Drive, Napa 1045 Easum Drive, Napa (707) 226-5991, www.dirosaart.com (707) 480-4479, www.ds-produce.com (707) 257-3717, www.candlelightinn.com A fresh-produce market revered by foodies and local A lyrical art and sculpture “gallery.” This lovely B&B is located near the bustle of down- tastemakers. Everything is organic. Savor an iced Join guided tours or hike the property solo town Napa but far enough away to provide each coffee drink and browse this great local wines and guest with a serene, tranquil environment. Built in and enjoy the unique metalworks juxtaposed gift items inside. A local favorite pumpkin patch in 1929, this Tudor mansion sits rimmed by strong with one of America's most lovely wine October. redwood trees, manicured gardens and a secluded appellations. swimming pool. Decadent three course gourmet breakfasts start your day out right! R Carneros Inn EDW

4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa OO (707) 299-4900, www.thecarnerosinn.com D RD HESS

The Carneros Inn, a Plumpjack Resort, is a unique COLLECTIONV BROWNS creation of architecture and culinary wonders. Fine

foods and luxurious rooms share emphasis evenly

A Candlelight

LL EASUM

within a long, modern compound reminiscent of the EY Inn

R area's silos, barns and rancher's cottages. D T 1st S P ATR FOOD ICK RD RD Boon Fly Cafe BROWNS VALLEY TH

4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa O MPSON (707) 299-4870, www.theboonflycafe.com Driving Time: 21 minutes The Boon Fly Cafe offers tasty beverages, From Hess Collection to Etude 10 miles AVE breakfasts, lunch and dinner on premises or packed Total 10 miles to go. Part of the Carneros Inn, the Boon Fly Cafe OLD SONOMA RD is centrally located to all of Carneros and a spot for RD easy, delicious, fresh foods. Try the Boon Fly Donuts at breakfast with hot coffee to start or the wine bar NOMA

D SO and appetizers after a long day. S

T OL A 29 Farm at Carneros Inn 12 NLEY di Rosa Preserve Carneros Inn 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa Farm at Carneros Inn Stanly Lane LN (707) 299-4880, www.thecarnerosinn.com Boon Fly Cafe Marketplace 121 CA 121 RNER Dinner at the Farm is a relaxed yet elegant affair. 12 OS ROAD C U NAPA LOS T Enjoy the outdoor living room, cathedral ceilings, TIN

121 C GS WHARF fireplaces and alfresco dining all summer long with ARN 29 wines from around the world and dishes made from EROS R Napa Valley bounty. 12 D THINGS TO DO ETUDE

Westwood Hills park

D R

3107 Browns Valley Road, Napa (707) 257-9529

G

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H (1 mile west of Hwy 29) U Enjoy three miles of trails through beautiful oak D trees and grassy meadows. The Carolyn Parr Nature

D

R Museum (near the parking lot) offers a children's N nature library and exhibits on indigenous flora and LAS AMIGAS O

ILT fauna to Napa Valley. Map Not to Scale M

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os e rugged,

he climate d Pinot

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A visit to The Hess Collection on Mount Veeder is a

unique experience on many levels. There’s the historic VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, classic building, once occupied by the Christian Brothers and built Bordeaux blends, Petite Sirah, Late Harvest Chardonnay and

in 1903; hillside vineyards, beautifully tended grounds and small-production wines sold only at the winery. an art collection that is in a league of its own. Then there Hess Small Block Series wines generate donations to

ST are the wines available in the tasting room near one of the 1% For The Planet, an environmental stewardship group.

barrel cellars. The museum, beginning a floor above, holds TOuRS

part of Swiss businessman Donald Hess’s extraordinary Special tours are offered: Call (707) 255-1144 or go to their website collection of contemporary art. to schedule an educational, wine production tour followed by a current release wine presentation paired with local artisan When it comes to the wines, The Hess Collection cheeses. portfolio is comprised of Hess Collection Mount Veeder FOR THE SENSES and Hess Napa Valley. Schedule a Tour of the Palate which combines a docent- guided Hess Collection wines come from the steep Mount tour of the Hess Art Museum with small plates prepared by Veeder estate vineyards and are an expression of this Hess Executive Chef Chad Hendrickson. Hess Chocolatier

29 unique climate. They show structure, complexity and Emma Kate Veader prepares artisan truffles on-site at the winery, and a special Chocolate Wine Pairing Experience is also available. elegance. Hess Napa Valley wines come from vineyard sites Call first, reservations required. 121 handpicked for their superior climate and location. Single vineyard wines come from Napa Valley sites handpicked OuTDOORS & GREEN

Experience the newest pairing of Mount Veeder wines with for their superior climate and location. Another notable artisanal cheeses in the comfort of reclaimed teak wood tables 29 achievement is that the estate vineyards are sustainably

and chairs, weather permitting. 12 farmed in accordance with founder Donald Hess’s philosophy to “nurture the land and return what you take.” The Hess Collection

The winery offers a wide variety of tasting options and Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

food pairings. The art is a special treat. There are also 4411 Redwood Road, Napa complimentary winery and vineyard tours offered almost (707) 255-1144 daily. Call for the current schedule. By Charles Neave www.hesscollection.com

Bring Day Trips along and receive one complimentary current release tasting with the purchase of one tasting.

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Etude Winery was founded to be a “winegrowing” house, not a “winemaking” house. Since its inception more than 30 years pASSION! What began more than 30 years ago as a philosophical ago, Etude has been on a quest for oenological perfection. state of mind is now a state-of-the-art winemaking facility Winemaker Jon Priest believes that great wines are grown, not where the ancient art of winemaking is pursued with a made. Priest sums it up best: “Etude was founded on the singular passion. philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard long before GREEN ALL THE WAY the harvest and that superior grape growing diminishes the need Etude Winery is a Napa Certified GREEN Winery. for intervention by the winemaker, resulting in wine that is Certified Fish Friendly Farming, too! grown, not made. This remains our approach today as we continue to build the Etude legacy.” DON’T MISS Etude’s 2008 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon Working with viticulturalist Franci Dewyer, Priest has for $110 per bottle. developed Etude Winery from this bold philosophical cornerstone into a premier producer of coveted wines. VARIETALS Already known for Carneros Pinot Noir and Napa Valley Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, , Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose of Pinot Noir Cabernet Sauvignon, Etude has now introduced brilliant Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris to huge reviews. MuST TRY: Two delightful tastings are available at Etude. The walk-in WINE & FOOD pAIRING tasting features five wines based on availability. As Etude is Enjoy a private tasting featuring a flight of Etude wines paired with savory bites. Available Friday - Sunday by known for its Pinot Noirs they are always available as well as appointment only. Maximum eight guests; $35 per wines ranging from their Pinot Gris and Chardonnay to rosé, red person/$25 for wine club members. blends and Cabernet Sauvignons. For groups of six or more, please call ahead for an appointment. Etude Wines The Etude seated Reserve tasting may be enjoyed with an Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. appointment made in advance and features five select, top-tier 1250 Cuttings Wharf Road, Napa wines. Patio seating is available for wine club members. By Abigail p. Zimmerman 1-877-586-9361 | etudewines.com

Mention Day Trips and receive a Two-for-One Tasting! *Terms and conditions apply – see winery for details.

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I’ll tell you – the owner, Ray Hanson, is a real character and he’s passionate about what he does. He loves talking with LITTLE KNOWN FACT Destiny Wine Tours was founded in 2009 and Ray’s wife all kinds of people – young people, older people, people is credited with choosing the name for the company from all around the world, etc. One could say that Ray is a (great name, by the way!). real “people person.” He told me, “I meet my passengers as FuN FACT clients, and they leave as friends. I want to adopt them and Owner/Driver Ray Hanson says “after driving a big fire take them home with me.” Next thing you know, Ray will truck for all those years, driving my limo is like driving a own a bed & breakfast to accommodate all of his adoptees! sports car!” Not to worry, though, Ray is a true profes- sional and pilots his limo with great care. Ray is also a firefighter, so if some sort of unfortunate incident happened to occur during your adventure, he would pLAN AHEAD At this point, Destiny Wine Tours has only one limo in know exactly how to handle it. If by chance Ray isn’t your their fleet (but they’ll be adding more soon), so make sure driver, his other drivers have all been through rigorous to book your trip well in advance! training to provide exemplary (and safe) service. KuDOS FOR DESTINY WINE TOuRS Along with the wine tours, Destiny safely chauffeurs Five Star Rating on www.yelp.com! clients to the airport, concerts, shopping sprees, weddings, It doesn’t get any better than that! bachelorette parties, sporting events, proms, anniversaries and just about any kind of special event imaginable. Destiny Wine Tours The limo (which comfortably seats eight passengers) is a Tours are available seven days a week spotless black 2006 Lincoln Tiffany Town Car, and it comes 3295 Vichy Avenue, Napa fully stocked with Champagne and other adult beverages, (707) 254-0442 water, sodas and more. It features a state-of-the-art sound www.destinywinetours.com system, which will sooth your ears or rock your world, depending on your mood. Your car is waiting – let Destiny Wine Tours take you to your travel destination! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Mention this story and get 20% off your adventure with Destiny Wine Tours.

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Napa and Sonoma counties are regarded by cyclists the world over, as having some of the finest terrain in the world. It might be time to switch FuN FACTS gears, strap on a helmet and take an invigorating Wine Country adventure • Napa Valley Bike Tours is located in the by way of Napa Valley Bike Tours (and Sonoma Valley Bike Tours). quaint town of Yountville in the southern end of the Napa Valley – a destination for Every fitness level can ride wine, food and outdoor enthusiasts – Cycling allows you to connect with the surroundings in a way that can considered the “Culinary Capital of the only be experienced on two wheels – out in the open air. Napa Valley Bike Napa Valley.” Tours (and Sonoma Valley Bike Tours) offers routes for for any level of experience, fitness and desire. A few examples are: • You can upgrade to an electric bike for Classic Bike Tour: Designed “for the tourist, not the cyclist,” this tour only $20 additional – if you’d rather soak keeps pace with the variety of fitness levels within each group. A friendly, up the scenery, without much exertion! knowledgeable local tour guide escorts the pack along flat and gently rolling terrain, pedaling 2-5 miles between winery visits. Self-Guided Bike Tours: Let professionals help you plan a cycling route Napa Valley Bike Tours geared toward your fitness level and desired mileage, and provide you with a 6795 Washington Street, Bldg. B detailed map. Even the most avid cyclist will be thrilled with the savvy trips Yountville planned. Cycling IN the Vineyards: Designed for tourists who are looking for (707) 944-2953 something a bit more adventurous, cyclists are taken on dirt roads through www.napavalleybiketours.com the vineyards – on flat to bumpy, gently rolling terrain between wineries. They’ve got you covered Each tour provides riders with bicycle that best suits the terrain – such as Sonoma Valley Bike Tours mountain bikes or road bikes. Your provided a helmet, a picnic lunch, a 520 Broadway, Sonoma souvenir water bottle, van support if needed (including wine purchase pick-up service), and a handlebar bag to hold your essentials such as a (707) 996-2453 wallet, sunscreen or camera. Cost varies per tour. By Denise Olliffe www.sonomavalleybiketours.com Visit www.napavalleybiketours.com/wctw for Special Offer.

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Only one wine tasting bar in Napa County is literally on rails and located in a historic Pullman car almost a century old. VARIETALS You name it, they might very well have it from a carefully The Wine Train’s wine bar reflects a time of luxurious passenger considered list. travel served with the exciting addition of today’s sophisticated pastimes – sipping wine, learning about wine and enjoying the pLAN AHEAD graciousness of life. The Napa Valley Wine Train runs year ’round with lunch Vineyards roll past and, depending upon the time of year, trains boarding at 10:50 a.m. Dinner trains open one to five nights a week boarding at 5:50 p.m. Be sure to check the you can watch the vineyards as they move slowly through their website. life cycle. At any given time, the wine bar will sport 40 to 50 bottles of FuN FACT wine available to taste. Flights can be suggested and selected by The Wine Train is the first and only locomotive in the United States to convert to compressed natural gas. the wine educator staffing the bar, or you can pick and choose whatever flight you might fancy. HOW HEAVY? A stroll through this amazing vintage train with a wonderful Each of the 1915-1917 Pullman-made rail cars weigh lunch or dinner and a stop at the wine bar, is a chance to revisit approximately 80 tons.. American history and renew your own personal connections SpICES with friends, family and life. Chef Kelly Macdonald is one of the masters when Dedicated to preserving a luxurious way of life, the Napa it comes to the use of spices – not to necessarily provide Valley Wine Train is instrumental in maintaining and using his- heat but a depth of flavor. toric rail cars that are very rare on the American landscape. In SpECIAL OFFERS Napa, they also preserve an important transportation corridor Be sure to check their informative website. that would have been abandoned decades ago. They layer this with a unique and award-wining restaurant, and an opportu- Napa Valley Wine Train nity to explore the wine country in a relaxed and pampered 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa manner that takes place outside your windows as you roll along these historic rail tracks, removed from both traffic and care. (707) 253-2111 • winetrain.com By Charles Neave Look for the Wine Train on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out Napa Valley’s only Evening Winery Tour. The first of its kind!

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Calistoga Balloons Napa Valley is a unique and intimate flying experience over the scenic northern end of the Napa Valley. These flights are more rural in nature, providing pristine views. Experience Old Faithful Geyser, the dramatic Palisade Cliffs, Mt. St Helena, as well as spectacular views of world-renown landmarks, vineyards and wineries including Chateau Montelena – the winery that put California’s Napa Valley number one in the world, Castello di Amorosa – the authentic 12th century Tuscan Castle-winery, Sterling Vineyards – a hilltop winery via aerial tram, along with Bennett Lane Winery, Envy Winery, Vincent Arroyo Winery and more. GOOD TO KNOW Calistoga is a unique destination whose vistas will remain with • Early mornings in Napa Valley are usually cool. It is you for a lifetime! recommended that you wear layered clothing and a Your adventure begins just after sunrise, between 6 a.m. and jacket depending on the time of year. During the flight, 7 a.m., when hot air ballooning flight conditions are best and it will get warmer so you will want to be able to remove the morning sunlight enhances the natural beauty. Guests meet layers as the day progresses. It is also recommended that you wear comfortable shoes that protect your feet. at the historic Railroad Depot at 1458 Lincoln Avenue in Bring sunglasses and cameras and enjoy the flight! friendly and quaint, Calistoga and off to the morning’s • VIP Limo Private Flights are available determined launch site. After the crew inflates the balloon, VISIT guests hop into the wicker basket. Once everyone is in, the hot Your magnificent flight and post-flight Champagne air balloon is ready to go and you begin your gentle ascent. breakfast at Solage Calistoga costs $249 per person. After about an hour of enjoying the breathtaking views of Napa Valley, the hot air balloon will be navigated to a landing Calistoga Balloons Napa Valley site, then your ballooning party is transported to Solage 1458 Lincoln Ave, Railcar #15, Calistoga, CA 94515 Calistoga for a post-flight celebratory Champagne breakfast! (707) 942-5758 | 1-888-995-7700 Note: Guests are offered an alternative flight corridor if weather conditions do not allow the Napa Valley flight. www.calistogaballoons.com By Alexandra Charsley On Facebook and Twitter $199 pp for Ballooning Only when mentioning this code: WCTWBO

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iNTELLigENCE FOR THE WiNE CONSUMER

BY LEN NAPOLITANO

Is it OK to bring my own bottle of wine to a restaurant?

I am often asked whether it is proper to restaurant by bringing in a bottle of some- bring a bottle of wine into a restaurant. I don’t thing they already have on their list. Of discourage anyone from bringing their own course, it isn’t always possible to know this wine, but only suggest a few guidelines and ad- in advance so either I ask in advance or I re- vice on what to expect when you arrive with duce the chance of that conflict by selecting your bottle. Be aware that some restaurants an older vintage bottle from my collection. have limits regarding customers taking in their On the other hand, for restaurants that have own wine and some do not permit it at all. small and very limited wine lists, bringing in Aside from high wine list prices being the an ordinary wine may not be a sensitive issue motivation for taking your own bottle to din- • I expect to pay a fee to the restaurant, known ner, the restaurant wine list that offers a very as a corkage fee, to open and serve my bottle. limited choice of wines that also provides a This fee usually ranges from $5 to $25, de- reason to bring your own. Unfortunately, often pending on the restaurant. Some restaurants wine list selections are either lopsided toward may waive this fee for their regular customers the mass-produced, popular brands, or else do or if you also order a bottle off their wine list. not offer a wide enough variety of wines styles. • I always offer a taste of my wine to my server, This is why bringing your own bottle to the host or sommelier. I do this simply as a cour- restaurant sometimes makes sense. Here is tesy and it is always appreciated, especially if how I approach it: I have brought an older wine, or one from an • If I am uncertain about a particular restau- unknown, high-quality producer. rant’s policy I will call in advance to ask • I tip my server based upon the dinner price about bringing my own bottle. I respect a and the approximate value of the wine that I restaurant that does not permit private party brought. wine, and this is more palatable to me if their wine list is extensive, diverse and rea- sonably priced. Learn more about wine! • I will only bring wine that is special--not an For past Wineology columns, scan the QR code with your ordinary supermarket wine that can be found smart phone application or go to www.WineCountry ThisWeek.com on virtually any restaurant wine list. I do not and search “Wineology.” want to appear as if I am competing with the

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 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.

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fine dining breakfast brunch lunch dinner wine/beer full bar outdoor seatingentertainmentorganic/localpet goods friendly casual upscale reservations NApA

Angéle Restaurant & Bar – 540 Main Street, 707 252-8115 French Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

Azzuro pizzeria & Enoteca – 1260 Main Street, 707 255-5552 Pizzeria © © © © © ©

Bistro Don Giovanni – 4110 Howard Lane, 707 224-3300 italian Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

Boon Fly Cafe – 4048 Sonoma Highway, 707 299-4870 Traditional American Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ © © © © © © © © 975 First Street, 707 226-3976 Contemporary American Cuisine

Ca’Momi – 610 First Street, #10, 707-257-4992 italian © © © © © © © © ©

Celadon – 500 Main Street, 707 254-9690 Seafood and Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

Cole’s Chop House – 1122 Main Street, 707 224-6328 Steakhouse and French Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Cuvee – 1650 Soscol Avenue, 707 224-2330 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Eiko’s – 1882 Town Center, 707-501-4444 Japanese Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Farm at Carneros Inn – 4048 Sonoma Hwy, 707 299-4880 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Fish Story – 790 Main Street, 707 251-5600 Seafood © © © © © © © © ©

Fumé Bistro – 4050 Byway East, 707 257-1999 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

Grace’s Table – 1400 Second Street, 707 226-6200 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Gott’s Roadside Cafe – 644 1st Street, 707 224-6900 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Hog Island Oysters – Oyster Bar – 610 1st Street, 707 251-8113 Seafood © © © © © ©

La Toque – 1314 McKinstry Street, 707 257-5157 French Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Morimoto Napa – 610 Main Street, 707 252-1600 Japanese Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

Oenotri – 1425 Fisrst Street, 707 252-1022 italian Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Siena Restaurant – italian, Seafood, Meditarranean © © © © © © © © © © at the Meritage Hotel & Spa, 875 Bordeaux Way, 707 251-1900

The Thomas @ Fagiani’s – 813 Main Street, 707-226-7821 Contemporary American Cuisine [ © © © © © © © © ©

ubuntu – 1140 Main Street, 707-258-1000 Vegetarian Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

uva Trattoria – 1040 Clinton Street, 707-255-6646 italian Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Zuzu – 829 Main Street, 707 224-0695 California Tapas, Spanish & Mediterranean © © © © © ©

CALISTOGA

Barolo – 1457 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9900 Contemporary American & italian Cuisine © © © © [ © ©

Brannan’s Grill – 1374 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-2233 Traditional American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Calistoga Inn & Brewery – 1250 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-4101 Traditional American Cuisine © © © © © © © © © ©

Flat Iron Grill – 1440 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-1220 Traditional American/ Steakhouse © © © © © © ©

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casual upscale reservations

© ©

© ©

© ©

© ©

©

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© © Follow the aroma of wine and wood-oven-fired pizzas to Napa’s © © buzzing hub, Oxbow Public Market, where Ca’ Momi resides. It’s a GOOD TO KNOW place to kick back riverside, while biting into the perfection of © © • Ca’ Momi means “House of Momi,” the traditional Napoletana pizza pie and other Italian-inspired bites, and namesake of their villa and vineyards in © © sipping Italian heritage Ca’ Momi wines. Veneto, Italy, originally owned by a beloved Ca’ Momi brings a taste of Italy to the eclectic mix at the Oxbow. It’s character named “Momi” dea Bionda. Momi

© © a full-service restaurant, Enoteca (wine bar) and retail shop, all rolled was famous around the village for © into one, where patrons have a choice of services. patrolling the property on his motorcycle, The Drink – Serving as the winery tasting bar, Ca’ Momi Enoteca with his dog and a rifle on his lap, as he © provides a place to sit and savor. Known for its Rosso di Napa – a scared off trespassers. © © complex red blend – Ca’ Momi also makes Cabernet Sauvignon, • Folks can grab small bites at the Ca’ Momi Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a selection of other wines in small lots, as Enoteca bar, serving an assortment of © © © well as serving wine from other local boutique Italian-varietal antipasti, imported and local artisan meats producers. (Ca ‘Momi is owned and operated by three spirited Italians, and cheeses, wood-fired Panini, and more. © © who wanted to make wine in Napa Valley, while capturing the essence © © of their Italian heritage.) The Enoteca has several award-winning beers Ca’ Momi Napa Valley on tap or by the bottle. A variety of Italian sodas and refreshing Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. sparkling waters are available, too.

© © © The Food – Ca’ Momi is one of only a few Italian restaurants in the 610 First Street, Napa Oxbow Public Market © © country to be certified by Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), meaning it specializes in truly authentic pizza Napoletana – created with the same (707) 257-4992

© © genuine technique found on the streets of Naples, Italy. An essential www.camomi.com © part of the arduous process requires that pizzas be cooked for 90 Reservations can be made on the seconds in a wood-burning oven at 900 degrees. The finished pie has a raised edge crust – soft, elastic and easily foldable – not crispy. Ca‘ Momi Enoteca website: The sit-down restaurant also serves traditional Italian plates, such as www.camomienoteca.com Sarde in Saór – pan-fried sardines in a white wine marinade with © © www.camomienoteca.com/menus caramelized onions, pine nuts and raisins, or Lasagna Alla Bolognese – © © traditional meat sauce lasagna, and Italian pastries that would have www.facebook.com/ inspired da Vinci to sculpt a cream puff from marble. By Denise Olliffe camominapavalley © © © © Bring in Day Trips for a complimentary wine tasting, up to 4 people and 15% off Ca' Momi cases l for Details www.WineCountryThisWeek.com 71 NVdaytrips-0413_Layout 1 4/25/13 9:58 AM Page 72

fine dining breakfast brunch lunch dinner wine/beer full bar outdoor seatingentertainmentorganic/localpet goods friendly casual upscale reservations Hydro Bar & Grill – 1403 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-9777 Traditional American Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

JoLe Restaurant – 1457 Lincoln Avenue, 707 942-5938 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Solbar @ Solage – 755 Silverado Trail, 707 226-0850 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © © © ©

Wappo Bar & Bistro – 1226 Washington Street, 707 942-4712 Blend of regional Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

YOuNTVILLE

Ad Hoc – 6476 Washington Street, 707 944-2487 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Lucy @ Bardessono – 6526 Yount Street,707 204-6000 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

Bistro Jeanty – 6510 Washington Street, 707 944-0103 French Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Brix Restaurant – 7377 Highway 29, 707 944-2749 French inspired California Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Bottega – 6525 Washington Street,707 945-1050 italian Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

Bouchon Bistro – 6534 Washington Street, 707 944-8037 French Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

étoile Restaurant – at Domaine Chandon, 1 California Drive, 707 204-7529 French Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Hurley’s – 6518 Washington St, 707 944-2345 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Mustards Grill – 7399 St. Helena Highway, 707 944-2424 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Redd – 6480 Washington Street, 707 944-2222 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © ©

Redd Wood – 6755 Washington Street, 707-299-5030 Pizzeria © © © © © © © © © ©

ST. HELENA

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen – 1327 Railroad Avenue, 707 963-1200 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © © © ©

Culinary Institute of America at Greystone (CIA) – Contemporary American and Worldwide Foods © © © © © © © © © 2555 Main Street, 1-888-995-1699

French Blue – 1429 Main Street, 707-968-9200 Rustic, local, wood-fired © [ © © © © © © © ©

Gott’s Roadside Cafe – 933 Main Street, 707 963-3486 Traditional American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Market – 1347 Main Street, 707-963-3799 Traditional American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

press – 587 St. Helena Highway, 707 967-0550 Steakhouse © © © © © © ©

Terra – 1345 Railroad Avenue, 707 963-8931 Contemporary Asian insipired American Cuisine © © © © © © ©

Tra Vigne Restaurant – 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, 707 963-4444 italian Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

RuTHERFORD

Alex – 1140 Rutherfrod Road, 707 967-5500 italian Cuisine © © © © © © © © ©

Rutherford Grill – 1180 Rutherford Road, 707 963-1792 Contemporary/Traditional American © © © © © © © © ©

Auberge du Soleil – 180 Rutherford Hill Road, 707 963-1211 Contemporary American Cuisine © © © © © © © © © ©

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Mark my words: this comfy Napa restaurant will be your favorite new place. Beloved by locals and visitors to Napa wine GOOD TO KNOW country, Fumé Bistro & Bar caters to food lovers who already • Every Wednesday night during the summer know you don’t need the big, ego-driven restaurant to find the months – don’t miss Farmer’s Market Meals. Chef best food in town. Terry Letson shops the Napa Valley Farmer’s Market Chef/Owner Terry Letson has crafted something unique at that morning to find what he will prepare for dinner Fumé Bistro: great food, seasonally correct menus straight from that night. Only the freshest, in-season foods are the farmer’s market and regional growers, personal service and a whipped up into a set price, fabulous three-course friendly welcoming atmosphere. meal. It’s no wonder Terry enjoys a passionate, local clientele. He • While the menu changes weekly, two items are invests in local farms, works to bolster community causes, and always on the menu: house favorite’s Pork Chop and delivers fantastic, fresh, regional food and off the beaten path Skuna Bay Salmon. wines without the big price tags normally associated with fine • Don’t miss Laura’s “No Chuck” Vegetarian Burger and dining in Napa Valley. Bistro Fries ($11) or the Flash Fried Calamari ($11). One of eight kids, Terry’s love of food began first as survival But each week the menu changes to reflect what’s and morphed into passion. Later, with years of hard work, two most in season. successful Los Angeles restaurants under his belt, Letson moved to his food and wine Mecca – the Napa Valley – and opened Fumé • Fumé is also well known for its full bar and favorite Bistro & Bar. Artistic talent is abundant in his family. Terry is local bartender Adam “Bubba” White married to local artist Sheri DeBow whose artwork frequently – come in and let him make you one of his signature adorns the walls of their bistro. seasonal drinks using the freshest ingredients. Understanding all elements of running a successful restaurant, Happy Hour is Monday - Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Terry worked to build strong ties with local growers and producers the bar is always a friendly, bustling place. of only the freshest produce, meats, cheeses and wines. His menu Fumé Bistro & Bar and the Bistro’s joyful cadence reflect his passion for delivering the best food, service and experience to each customer, each night. Open daily for Lunch, Dinner Rave reviews have not stopped since Fumé Bistro opened, even Happy Hour weekdays garnering Terry the coveted Chef of the Year for New Cuisine in and Brunch on weekends Northern California award! 4050 Byway East, Napa, CA 94558 This American bistro is all about really good food, great wine and an experience you want to share. By Abigail p. Zimmerman (707) 257-1999 | fumebistro.com Napa’s great American Bistro that is all about great food, great wines, and welcoming service!

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Find Your Favorite Varietals *Wines are subject to availability and release. Chardonnay Gewurztraminer pinot Blanc pinot Gris/ pinot Grigio Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Other

Acacia – Napa, Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm, 707-226-9991 P11  

Arger-Martucci – St. Helena, 10am-5pm (appt. encouraged), 707-963-4334 P30

Ballentine – St. Helena, by appt. only: daily 10am-5pm, 707-963-7919 P23  

Beaulieu Vineyards – Rutherford, daily 10am-5pm, 707-967-5233 P11    

Beringer – St. Helena, daily 10am-6pm, 1-866-708-9463 P25  

Bourassa – Napa, by appt, (707) 254-4922 P53 

Bravante – Angwin, by appt: Wed-Sun 11am-4pm, 707-965-2552 P19 

Burgess Cellars – St. Helena, by appointment only, 1-800-752-9463 P21

Ca’ Momi Winery – Napa, daily 7:30am-9pm, 707-257-4992 P61   

Castello di Amorosa – Calistoga, daily 9:30am-6pm, 707-967-6272 P14     

Del Dotto Venetian Estate – St. Helena, daily 11am-5pm, 707-963-2134 P31  

Del Dotto Historic Winery & Caves – Napa, daily 11am-5pm, 707-963-2134 P55  

Etude Wines – Napa, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-257-5300 P64   

Farella Winery – Napa, by appointment only, 707-254-9489 P58 

Frank Family Vineyards – Calistoga, daily 10am-5pm, 707-942-0859 P13 

Hagafen Cellars – Napa, daily 10am-5pm, 1-888-424-2336 P48    

Hess Collection – Napa, daily 10am-5pm, 707-255-1144 P63      

Hill Wine Company – St. Helena, by appointment, 855-HIL-WINE (445-9463) P33  

Kuleto Estate – St. Helena, by appointment only, 707-302-2209 P37 

Louis M. Martini – St. Helena, daily 10am-6pm, 707-968-3362 P28

Merryvale Vineyards – St. Helena, daily 10am-6:30, 707-963-7777 P27  

Mumm Napa – Napa, daily 10am-4:45pm, 1-800-686-6272 P41 

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Barbera Cabernet Franc Cab Sauvignon Carignane Grenache Malbec Merlot petite Sirah petit Verdot pinot Noir Sangiovese Syrah Tempranillo/ primitivo Zinfandel Other Sparkling Rosé port Dessert Wines Other

 

     

         

     

   

    

  

   

    

        

       

       

  

  

     

       

        

 

      

      

    

 

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Find Your Favorite Varietals

*Wines are subject to availability and release. Chardonnay Gewurztraminer pinot Blanc pinot Gris/ pinot Grigio Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Other

Newton – St. Helena, by appt, 707-963-9000 P26 

Nichelini Family Winery – St. Helena, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm, 707-963-0717 P36  

Pope Valley Winery – Pope Valley, Thu-Sun 11am-5pm; 707-965-1246 P17  

Porter Family Winery – Napa, by appt: daily 9am-5pm, 1-888-656-7696 P59 

Provenance – Rutherford, daily 10am-5pm, 707-968-3633 P11 

Reata Winery – Napa, by appt: daily 10am-5pm, 707-254-8673 P52    

RustRidge Ranch & Winery – St. Helena, by appt, 707-965-9353 P35   

Rutherford Grove Winery – St. Helena, daily 10am-6pm, 707-963-0544 P44 

Rutherford Hill Winery – Rutherford, daily 10am-5pm, (707) 963-1861 P39  

Rutherford Ranch Winery – St. Helena, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-963-3200 P40  

St. Clement Vineyard – St. Helena, daily 10am-5pm, 1-866-877-5939 P24  

Stags’ Leap Winery – Napa, by advance appointment only, 1-800-395-2441 P47  

Sterling – Calistoga, M-F 10:30am-4:30pm, S-S 10am-5pm, 1-800-726-6136 P11      

Summers Estate – Calistoga, summer daily 10:30am-5:30pm, 707-942-5508 P15  

Summit Lake – Angwin, by appointment only, 707-965-2488 P18

Tayson Pierce Estate – Rutherford, by appointment only, 707-968-9780 P43 

Tulocay – Napa, by appointment only, 707-255-4064 P60 

Turnbull Wine Cellars – Oakville, daily 10am-4:30pm, 1-800-887-6285 P42  

V. Sattui – St. Helena, daily 9am-5pm (summer 9am-6pm), 707-963-7774 P29    

Viader Vineyards – Deer Park, by appointment only, 707-963-3816 x110 P20

Whitehall Lane – St. Helena, daily 10am-6pm, 1-800-963-9454 P32/45  

William Hill Estate – Napa, daily by appt, 707-265-3024 P56 

76 Varietals www.WineCountryThisWeek.com NVdaytrips-0413_Layout 1 4/25/13 9:58 AM Page 77

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www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Varietals 77 NVdaytrips-0413_Layout 1 4/25/13 9:59 AM Page 78

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