Nor Cal Edition – Mar 16, 2012

8/2/2019 Nor Cal Edition Mar 16, 2012

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REE

OUR GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA WINE, GETAWAYS, THINGS TO DO & EVENTS

FERRARI-CARANOVINEYARDS & WINERY

PAGE 20

WINEMAKER:WILSON WINERY

PAGE 26

TASTE OFYOUNTVILLE

PAGE 42

TASTING ROOM:SEBASTIANI WINERY

PAGE 52

LIVERMOREBARREL TASTI

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www.WineCountryThisWeek.cMARCH 16, 20


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TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

4 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

W

INERYFEAT

URE

20

TASTING

ROOM

OF

THE

W

EE

K

52

W

INEMAKER

PROFILE

26

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winer

Diane WilsonWilson Winery & Vineyard

ONT

HE

COVE

R

24

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winer

Rombauer Vineyard


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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | TABLE OF CONTENT

M A R C H 1 6 , 2 0 1 2 I S S U E 1 1 V O L U M E 3 1

ON THE COVERRombauer Vineyards Photo by John A. Benson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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

WINE COUNTRY NEWS

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

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

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

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

SUISUN VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35

Suisun Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

NAPA VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-45

Downtown Napa Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

St. Helena Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

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

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

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

SONOMA COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-59

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

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

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

Sonoma Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-59

Sonoma Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Sonoma Plaza Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Glen Ellen & Kenwood Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61

Lake & Mendocino Counties Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

TREASURE ISLAND TO LIVERMORE VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63

Treasure Island Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Livermore Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ & MONTEREY COUNTIES . . 64-67

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

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

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

Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryTW


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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

NAPA VALLEY

ANDRETTI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 5 BERINGER VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting in the Rhine House w/ad 31

BOUCHAINE 2 for 1 tasting with ad 27 CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 ETUDE WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 29 GOLDEN HAVEN Mud Treatment for 2, $54 per person 3 HAGAFEN CELLARS Free tasting for 2 with ad 4JESSUP CELLARS Complimentary tasting for two with ad 43 LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 37 OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER $1 off with ad 45 PINK MANSION 15% off with ad at check-in 44 REATA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 4 RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad BACK PAGE

ST. CLEMENT WINERY2 for 1 tasting 7 ST. SUPRYExtra Library Selection, see ad 7 STAGECOACH EXPRESS Complimentary shipping box 32 SUMMERS WINES 15% discount with ad 44 TASTE AT OXBOW Complimentary tasting 6 TURNBULL WINE CELLARS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 23 WILLIAM HILL 2 for 1 tasting with ad 31SONOMA COUNTY

ALDERBROOK WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 51 BALLETTO VINEYARDS Complimentary tasting with ad 49 CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 CELLARS OF SONOMA 2 for 1 tasting with ad 47 CHATEAU ST. JEAN 2 for 1 tasting with ad 58 FERRARI-CARANO 2 for 1 Classic Wines tasting with ad 72 FRITZ WINERYMention ad for $5 off wine tasting 48 KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY2 for 1 Reserve Tasting with ad 19 LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS Mention ad for upgraded tasting 59

MARTIN RAY WINERY15% discount with ad 49

RODNEY STRONG Complimentary tasting/20% discount with ad 51 VIANSA WINERY2 for 1 tasting & 10% off purchase with ad 55BAY AREA: TREASURE ISLAND/LIVERMORE

BODEGA WINE ESTATES Complimentary tasting for 2 with ad 62 MacGRAIL VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 63SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ & MONTEREY COUNTIES

HAHN WINERYComplimentary tasting for two with ad 66 VINE HILL $10 tasting fee waived with ad 65

*See individual ads for details.

Special Coupons


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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

8


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10/80

I recently opened a bottle of red wine, vintage 1985. It poured outof the bottle with the color of an old brown-brick building, and myimmediate comment was, Perfect! You cant always judge a wine by

its color, but often a visual inspection provides clues to its age andsometimes quality.

Young red wines show a deep purple more than red. After aging a

few years, the color becomes more ruby-like. With an age of 10 to 20years, or more, the color is lighter and takes on a tinge of brown at

least around its edge, if not throughout.

As red wines turn a little lighter with age, white wines take theopposite path. Young white wines start very pale, maybe even with a

greenish hue. As the wine matures, the color of straw yellow is normal.As white wines age to near 10 years and older, the color deepens to an

attractive golden yellow.

Exceptions apply to sweet white wines like Sauternes, which arealmost never pale and will become deep amber-yellow with age, and

also with light red wines like Beaujolais, which rarely become deep in

color, at any age.Wines made from different grape varieties possess different shades.

For example, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling are paler

than Chardonnay, which tends to be more yellow-gold. For reds, PiNoir, Sangiovese and Beaujolais are more translucent than CaberMerlot or Syrah.

Judging a wines clarity involves holding the glass up againwhite background. A white wine should be clear and bright whi

red wine will be densely pigmented with color, depending on

grape variety. It may even have a little sediment, depending on its aand still be pleasing and safe to drink.

The key is to look out for cloudiness in the wine. A bottle of v

old red wine, say, more than 20 years old, may become a little clouwhen moved because the sediment is agitated. This is norm

My1985 bottle was decanted to separate the wine from its sedimenBut a permanent, dull, cloudiness in wine is a bad sign. Fo

nately, the quality of wine these days is so good that this is hig

unlikely.

UPCOMING

March 16

Ferrari-CaranoVineyards & Winery

April 20

Grgich Hills Estate

May 18

Hartford FamilyWinery

Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT10

i n t e l l i g e n c e f o r t h e W i n e c o n S U M e r

by Len Napolitano

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 con

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.

What can be learned from observing a wines color and clarity?


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by Jeffry Ross

The Skinny The Wine Garage is all about the juice. Its also about having funlike a kid in a candy store. The Wine Garage is, literally, a former gas station.

Todd, the wine buyer, travels far and wide to find top-shelf, affordably priced

wines. Inside, youll find more than 200 different labels neatly arranged in ca

on the floor and an engaging staff who are friendly, attentive and most impor

tantly, they know their wines.

Buzz Despite its funky space, the Wine Garage is a wine lovers best friend.Reminiscent of visiting your favorite record store (yes, kids, once upon a tim

thats where you had to buy your music), the fun is going through all the cas

and finding something youve never heard of. All the wines have been test

driven by the staff, so, whatever you select, you wont be disappointed.

Value Ultimately, the Wine Garage is about value. Its no secret that in NapaValley, its difficult to score a highly rated red for less than $65, but the Wine

Garage manages to do it all the time. The staff takes great pride hunting dow

unusual and lesser-known, limited-production wines and passing their haggl

finesse on to us.

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

Garage is stocked with premium, small-lot wines that you wont find at BevM

Trader Joes or your local wine store (plus, they do a better job storing their

wines at the correct temperature).

Best bets In addition to all the labels the Wine Garage represents, they alsoproduce their own lip-smacking blends. My in-house favorites are: 2009 Joy

Ride (white blend), 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet, 2007 Napa Valley PetiteSyrah, 2008 Napa Valley Chihuahua Cabernet and 2006 Napa Valley Hside Cabernet.

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

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

a cool gift.

Secrets For the next few weeks, receive an additional ten percent off thealready low prices when you purchase six bottles. Twenty percent on a case.

Better yet, the Wine Garage has the BEST wine club in the valley and they

ship just about everywhere.

Insider If youre a serious wino, get on the inside track for ultra exclusivedeals by hooking up with the Wine Garage on Twitter and Facebook (wine c

members get first crack to cream-of-the-crop finds).


WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINE COUNTRY NEW

1

Quality Wines All Under $2at Wine Garage, Calistoga


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

12 Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa

ONGOING

Napa Valley Wine Train

napa, www.wa.m, 800-427-4124

ONGOING

Taste at Oxbow Wine and Chocolate Pairing

napa, tas 5 as w 5 ws, $20, 12-7pm Suday u tusday

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

ONGOINGLive Music Fridays at Taste at Oxbow

napa, m vas, 707-265-9600, www.asaxbw.m

ONGOING

Seminars & Tastings at Merryvale Vineyards

S. ha, 10am-6:30pm, www.myva.m, 707-963-7777

Myva as, $15

rsv as, $35

W Ssy Sma, $45, fdays 12pm by app

W & cs exp, $45, by app

Smm gad rsv tas, $65, by app

ONGOING FRIDAYS-SUNDAYS

Barrel Tasting & Tours at Reata

Ba as: 11am, 2pm & by appm, tus by appm

napa, www.aaws.m, 707-254-8673x119

ONGOINGJefferson House Reserve Room Tasting at

Monticello Vineyards

napa, rsv W Sma, cy famy napa Vay $25

rSVP 707-253-2802 x18, www.cyfamynapaVay.m

ONGOINGV. Sattui Winery

S. ha, 9am-6pm, app. ssay, www.vsau.m, 707-963-7774 cass as, day, $5

Pmum as, day, $10 fd & w pa, M-tu, $18

Asa a & w pa, Sa-Su, $25

iaa Makpa w 200+ ss D w pa, sadws, abaks & m

Wkd BBQ, wd-d pzza, yss, mzzaa ba

2 as -sadd p uds

ONGOING FRIDAYS-SUNDAYSFood & Wine Pairings at Etude Winery

napa, 10am, 1pm & 3pm, $35, $25/mmbs

www.udws.m, 707-257-5300

ONGOING

Rombauer Vineyards

S. ha, www.mbau.m, 707 963-5170

fday-Suday: op by adva appm y

Mday-tusday 10am-5pm

tas $10

W & cs Pa day by appm y, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $25

ONGOING

Tours & Tastings at Andretti Winery

napa, www.adwy.m, 877-386-5070x227

idvdua tass, $15

Pva Wy tu & tas, $20/ps by appm Vyad tus, $20/ps by appm

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

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

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

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

www..m, 707-963-2784

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

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

Asa s adda $7.50/ps

ONGOINGEducational Tours & Wine Tasting

at Castello di Amorosa

casa, www.asdamsa.m, rSVP, 707-967-6272 rua u & as, $25-$40 rsv u & as, $35-$50 t as y, $ 10 -$ 25 Y u a du u s, $ 15 -$ 20 napa Vay nb Pam Pva ViP us

ONGOINGTastings at St. Supry

rud, www.ssupy.m, 800-231-6116 Vyad gass, Saudays, 2pm, $50 S Supy hsa tas, Sudays, 2pm, $50 ca tu, fdays, 2pm, $50 Dad lbay tas, day, $25 u lbay tas, day, $25

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Clos du Valnapa, day 10am-5pm, www.sduva.m, 800-993-9463 cass ass, $10: wavd w puas a b w.

rsv ass, $20: wavd w puas a b w. tus by appm w 24 u adva

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

ONGOINGJoseph Phelps Vineyards: Tastings & SeminarsA ppuy papa a wd a x smas. 1 11am day; 2:30pm, Mday-fday & 2pm, Sauday & Suday. $40, xisa Bd/$60, /w ub mmbs. ta ass day, $ 2rSVP, 707-967-3720, das www.jpvws.m isa Bd W Ama ca S Vyad cabs fs & Pps Ba sma

ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYSCooking Demonstrations at The DeBaun TheatreS. ha, cuay isu Ama a gys, 1:30-2:30pm, $20W a samp p ad gys [email protected], www.a.du, 707-967-2320

ONGOINGVisitor Programs at Robert Mondavi Wineryf das, www.bmdav.m, 888-rMonDAVi x2

t S a u t u & ta s t W t as B as s t exus v ca tas t as Byd Bas t havs Jy tu & lu

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

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

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Bacchus That Rascalcs Pas, casa, , 2pm, Mu-mda psa hsy Wwww.spas.m, 707-942-4981

ONGOING SATURDAYSNapa Riverwalk with Historian George Webber

2 u u w as & d w napa, 10am, $20, 707-251-8500

SECOND SUNDAYSSecond Sunday Supper ClubAViA napa, napa, 5:30-7pm, $110www.avas.m, 707-224-3900

ONGOINGdi Rosanapa, www.dsapsv., 707-226-5991 o u Ju 10: hu lu, nw Wk Ap 4: As tak, hu lu

ONGOING FRIDAYS

Friday Night Pulse TastingsAcMe f Ws, S.ha, 5-7pm, www.amws.m, 888-963

NAPA VALLEY

UPCOMING Daily: Vally firs tour

Daily: gri hills esa Winry tour

fri-Sun: Domain candon Winry tour

Sa: Vallys only evnin Winry tour

Mon-tu: Ambassador Winry tour

Mar 10: ghos Whisperer Dier

Mar 17: Murder Mysery

Mar 31: Bi gay trai


13/801www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT

ONGOINGNapa Valley Opera House1030 Ma S, napa, www.v., 707-226-7372 Ma 10: Pay ca Ma 14-15: A Wdad Ma 17: cap Sps Ma 18: Sas Ma 23: cs B Ma 24: Dab Ba, Da Ms Ma 27: tusday n fks, Ky la

Ma 29: Bad Masas Ap 1: Sa Masa

ONGOINGWine Tasting at Back Room Winesnapa, 5-9pm, www.bakmws.m, 707-226-1378 Ma 8: tas Uusua Vaas Ma 9: r Vay rds W tas Ma 15: caauu du Pap Ma 16: Md cuy tas Ma 22: is $50 $150?! Ma 23: l Vay W tas Ma 29: P n fa cub napa Vay Ma 30: Bak rm Bw ou XlVi Ap 5: tas gad cu Buudy Ap 6: Bak rms Bubb Ba

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

Ma 8: raad ea

Ma 9: By gad

Ma 17: Masa tuk Bad

Ma 18: l fa

Ma 29: A Da

Ma 31: Ks t

Ap 7: Jak g w rusd rONGOING FRIDAYS

Bubbles Bar at 1313 Mainnapa, 9pm-12am, www.1313ma.m, 707-258-1313

ONGOINGFriday Night Winemaker EventsJV W & Sps, napa, 5-7pm, $2, www.jvw.m, 707-253-2624

ONGOING WEDNESDAYSWinemaker Wednesdays at 1313 Mainnapa, 6-8pm, www.1313ma.m, 707-258-1313

Ma 7: cay cs

Ma 14: Paadm Wy

Ma 21: ha Wy

Ma 28: Jsp K

ONGOINGTasting Events at Wineries of Napa Valley

napa tw c, napa, k wbs ms & ps

www.apavas.m, 707-253-9450

ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 30Abstract Visions,

A Brett Weston Retrospective at Turnbu

tubu W cas, oakv, A mpsv xb ba

100 bday. www.tubuWs.m, 707-963-5839x15

MARCH 9-11Acacia Maddness Barrel Tasting Weekend

napa, 11am-3pm, 707-226-9991x2

www.aaavyad.m

MARCH 10

Merryvale March Barrel Tasting & Pick Up

Party

S. ha, 1-4pm, $25

www.myva.m, 877-887-7763

MARCH 10Opening Reception: Ancient Myths &

Vineyard Light Photography Exhibit

Mumm napa, rud, 6:30-8:30pm, www.mummapa.m, 707-967


14/8014 Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT

CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

MARCH 10Family Fun Day: Mask Makingnapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 2pm,

www.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500

MARCH 10Mozarts Muses in Arias & Duetsnapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7:30pm


MARCH 10Yountville Elementary Schools 19thAnnual Red & White FundraiserSvad Vyads, Yuv, 6-10pm, @yspa.m

MARCH 10Cooking Classes: Napa Valley Cuisine

J c J Adams ad Sypk Ws

cda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $160

www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

MARCH 10-11Ehlers Estate Wine Club Release Weekend

S. ha, 1-4pm, www.ssa.m, 707-963-5972

MARCH 10-11Calistoga Spring Jazz Festival

Dww casa & papa ws.

$40, www.casaVss.m, 707-942-6333MARCH 10 OCTOBER 14

Ancient Myths & Vineyard Light

Photography Exhibit at Mumm Napa

rud, 10am-5pm, www.mummapa.m, 707-967-7700

MARCH 11Pinot Noir Blending Session

at Domaine Carneros

caau Sy W cub ev, napa, 1-3pm

www.dmaas.m, 800-716-2788

MARCH 15Acacia Winemakers Dinner

fam, cas i, napa

www.aaavyad.m, 707-226-9991x2

MARCH 17

St. Patricks Day Dinnerfum Bs & Ba, napa, 707-257-1999

www.umbs.m, [email protected]

MARCH 17St. Patricks Day Celebration

at Sequoia Grove

ejy d b sds & w!

napa, www.squav.m, 800-851-7841

MARCH 17Beaulieu Vineyard Clone Release Party

rud, 1-4pm, $50, mmbs/

www.bvws.m, 800-373-2896

MARCH 17Hog Island OystersSvad Vyads, napa, 12-4pm

www.svadvyads.m, 707-259-6617

MARCH 22Hess Collection Winemaker Dinner

fum Bs & Ba, napa, 6pm, $45, rSVP, 707-257-1999

www.umbs.m, [email protected]

MARCH 22Film Screening: Mozarts Sisternapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7pm, $10


MARCH 24Spectacular Beringer

Cellar Sale Experience

S. ha, www.b.m, 866-708-9463

MARCH 24Cooking Classes: Napa Fresh and FabulousJ c Saa S ad ts Sabs Wycda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $160www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

MARCH 2419th Annual Taste of Yountville

Dww Yuv, 12-5pmwww.vmakpa.m, 707-944-0904

MARCH 25Pizza & Pinot at Acacianapa, www.aaavyad.m, 707-226-9991x2

MARCH 31Annual Carneros5K or 10K Run/Walk at Artesa

napa, www.asawy.m, 877-224-8309

MARCH 31The Big (Bigger) Gay Trainou Vyadnapa Vay W ta, napa, 6pmwww.uvyad.m, 800-427-4124

APRIL 1-30Napa Valley Arts in April

Vaus vs & as napa Vay!www.ldaynapaVay.m

APRIL 12The Mozart Supremacynapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7pmwww.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500

APRIL 13-15Spring Release WeekendPju, rud, www.pju.m, 707-963-3600

APRIL 14Local Oysters & Bale Lane Sauvignon BlancRelease Celebration at St. ClementS. ha, www.sm.m, 707-265-5000

APRIL 14Budbreak Lunch in the Vineyardsat Beaulieu Vineyards

rud, 11am-2pm, cub Mmb ev, $45www.bvws.m, 800-373-5896

APRIL 14Free Family Fun Day: Recycled Garden Artnapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 2pmwww.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500

APRIL 15OysterFestDma cad, Yuv, 12-5pmwww.ad.m, 707-944-2280, $50

ONGOINGLive Music at Centre du Vinlds h, Smawww.ds.m, 707-996-9779

ONGOINGPrivate Tastings at Viansa

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

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

/mmbs, $45

ONGOINGReserve Wine & Food PairingPrivate Tasting at Viansa

Sma, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appmwww.vasa.m, 800-995-7470, /mmbs, $45

ONGOINGCarneros Bistro & Wine Bar Introduces

Thematic Wine Programh a a w maks. Pus, a tusday, 6:30-8pm by w-ds. t ld a Sma, rSVP, www.dasma.m, 707-931-2042

ONGOINGVineyard Walk & Photography Workshop

at B.R. Cohn Winery

g e, 10am-1pm, $45, $35/mmbswww.b.m, 707-931-7924x123

ONGOINGExclusive Wine & Cheese Tasting

at B.R. Cohn Winery

g e, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/mmbswww.b.m, 707-931-7924x123

ONGOINGPrivate Wine Tastings

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

ONGOING FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYSTaste with the Count at Buena Vista

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

ONGOINGWine and Food Pairingat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mamak, a a ad s ma ws w p d. 6-8 pp, $35pp, by appmwww.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700

ONGOINGFree Guided Winery Tour

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu Mday-Sauday, 10am, by appmwww.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700

ONGOINGGroup Private Tastings

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineryhadsbu iuds 5 ws, 9-25 pp udud a, byappm. $20 p ps, www.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700

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

ONGOINGFood and Wine Pairing at

the Mayo Reserve Room9200 Sma hwy, Kwd, Day, 10:30am-6pm, 7 us d/w a$35, rsvas mmdd, www.mayamywy.m, 707-833-

ONGOINGWine Experiences at Chateau St. JeanKwd, t ps mmum, 2 us, $50, by appmwww.aausja.m, 707-833-4134x5258 cq cpas Bd Sma, e ps mmum, 2 us, $75 cq cpas cmp tas, e ps mmum, 1.5 us, $2 Pva ViP W tas, 10:30am, 1 & 3pm, $25, 1 u

Bx lu Pam w tu

ONGOINGTours, Tastings & Seminars at St. Francis WinSaa rsa, t ps mmum, ca m ma & sva888-675-Wine(9463)x255, www.saswy.m cau, day 11am-4pm, $25/$20 ub mmbs W & fd Pa, $35/$28 ub mmbs

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

ONGOINGWine & Food Pairing at Kendall-Jacksonfu, Spa sv d & w as, 10am-4pm, $25www.kj.m, 707-571-7500

SONOMA COUNTY


15/801Look for us on Facebook and become a Fan!


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

ONGOING SUNDAYSSunday Brunch at the Centre du Vinlds h, Sma, 9am-1pmwww.ds.m, 707-996-9779

ONGOING WEEKENDS

Wine & Chocolate Pairings at Fritz Winerycvda, 10:30am-4:30pm, $5 as vs pawww.zwy.m, 707-894-3389

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH50 Mile AV Vintner's Diningg e, Ba as & od V P n & Syas m As Vyad.fds sud ay. 4-7PM, asws.m, rSVP, 707-935-3456

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

ONGOING THURSDAY SUNDAYUnique Food & Wine Pairings

at HKG Tasting Roomg e, 12-6pm, www.pkwy.m, 707-938-7622

ONGOINGMoondance Cellars & Orchard Station Wines

g e, Pad w W cuy cas tu tass, $10

www.mdaas.m, 707-938-7550

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

ONGOING MONDAY-SATURDAYRobert Young Estate Winery Vineyard Tours

& Tasting in a Remodeled Grape Gondolagysv, 11:30am, $10, bx u pvdd $20

www.yw.m, 707-431-4811

ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYSCome Crush With Us at Icaria Creek WineryWmak J Sm ads a as bd & bad ws

www.aawy.m, rSVP, 707-486-9623

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAYSanta Rosa Original Farmers MarketSaa rsa Vas Bud pak , 8:3 0am-, 707-522-8629

EVERY FRIDAY MORNINGSonoma Valley Farmers MarketDp Pak, Sma, 9am-, 707-538-7023

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAYThe Art of Winemaking WorkshopP Vyads, Sma, 10:30am-12pm

www.pvyads.m, 707-935-8311

ONGOINGCooking Classes at Ramekins Culinary School450 Ws Spa S, Sma, ck wbs sdu.www.amks.m, 707-933-0450

ONGOING

Wells Fargo Center for the ArtsSaa rsa, wsaas., 707-546-3600

Ma 8: f Ma 9: r has Pumvm Ma 11: Psy/Mdum Ka Ps Ma 11: ls ts D n

Ma 17-19: Saa rsa Sympy S Sx Ma 22: Z Ma 24: ly tm

ONGOINGLive Shows at Hopmonk TavernSbasp, www.pmk.m, 707-829-7300

Ma 9: Mps

Ma 23: lys B


16/80


17/80

Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisWeek.com 1


EVERY SECOND SATURDAYFood & Wine PairingsMnab rd tas rm, hpad, www.mabd.m, 707-744-1986

ONGOINGSkunk Trainf Ba, www.skuka.m, 866-457-5865 Ap 7-8: eas e expss

ONGOING FRIDAYSTuscan Village Music Art Seriest cas, lw lak, 6-9pm, www.as.m, 707-994-3354

MARCH 6Winemaker Dinner SeriesSawsp gay Bs, Ksyv, 6-9pmwww.sawspbs.m, 707-278-0129

MARCH 10Point Arena Crafts Show & BazaarP Aa, 9am-2pm, www.suasss., 707-785-3538

MARCH 10Irish FeastM famy Wy, Ksyv, 6-9pm, $40www.mamywy.m, 707-279-9279

MARCH 10-11

Little River Whale FestivalVaus as & vs l rvwww.mdwa.m, 707-937-5942

MARCH 17St. Patricks Day Sale & Wine TastingMa famy Wy, hpad, 10:30am-5pmwww.mwy.m, 707-744-1396

MARCH 17St. Patricks Day/Green DaySma cas, Uka, 12-5pmwww.sma.m, 707-462-6300

MARCH 17Windows to the Universetay obsvay, Ksyv, 8-11pm, $3www.aybsvay., 707-262-4121

MARCH 17-1830th Fort Bragg Whale FestivalVaus vs & a f Bawww.mdwa.m, 866-466-3636

MARCH 18Kelseyville Olive FestivalKsyv W cmpay, Ksyv, 11am-5pmwww.ksyvvsva.m, 707-279-0483

APRIL 14Earth Day Family Festival 2012BArrA Md, rdwd Vay, 11am-4pm, www.baamd.m, 707-485-0322

SAN FRANCISCO

ONGOINGThe Walt Disney Family Museumt Psd Sa fas, Sa fas, 415-345-6816, www.wadsy.

ONGOINGSeasons Swirlfu Sass h, Sa fas, 5:30-7:30pmwww.usass.m/saas, 415-633-3838

ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 22Matter + Spirit, The Sculpture of Stephen De Staeblerd Yu Musum, Sa fas, www.ams.

ONGOING THROUGH AUGUST 9Arthur Tress: San Francisco 1964d Yu Musum, Sa faswww.ams., 415-750-3531

ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 17The Cult of Beauty: The V ictorian Avant-Gardel h, Sa faswww.ams., 415-750-3531

ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 17Childrens Books from the Victorian Eral h, Sa faswww.ams., 415-750-3531

MARCH 13

Beaulieu Vineyard Wine Tasting & Dinnercamp Pa, Sa fas Jy Samb, Wmakwww.ajs.m/saas, 415-955-5574

MARCH 13-17Bouquets to Artd Yu Musum, Sa faswww.ams., 415-750-3531

MARCH 18Bodega Wine Estates Irish Stew Cook-off

tasu isad, Sa fas, 415-525-4154p://wa.vb.m

MARCH 22B.R. Cohn Wine Dinner

h nkk, Sa faswww.b.m, 415-394-1111

MARCH 24-25Rhne Rangers: San Francisco Grand Tastingfsva Pav, f Mas, Sa fas, 2-5pmwww.as., 800-467-0163

MARCH 24-25Treasure Island Flea Indoor/Outdoor Flea Pop-Upo Avu Pams, tasu isad, Sa fas, 10am-5pmwww.tasuisadfa.m, 415-898-0245

MARCH 24 AUGUST 9The Fashion Word of Jean Paul Gaultier: From theSidewalk to the Catwalkd Yu Musum, Sa faswww.ams., 415-750-3531

MARCH 25 APRIL 7Macys 66th Annual Flower Show Presents Brasil:Gardens in Paradise

Mays U Squa, Sa fas, , p du s usMARIN COUNTY

ONGOINGMarin Center in San Rafaelwww..ma.a.us, 415-499-6800 Ma 10: Jaa Ws, & fds Ma 10-11: Sp Aqu Sw Ma 10-11: Masqu U f. ta Mas t Wzad oz Ma 17: A ev w P famp, famp cms Av! 35 tu Ma 22: fam Day Ma 23-25: Ma Pmay & Mdd S ps rumpssk Ma 25: Ma Sympy famy c, g es ad ham & gud Mfuzz Ma 18: t c ts Ap 2, 5: Ma Spaks Ss, gd Bw

MARCH 10Schug Winery Winemaker Dinner

B camp ca w wmak Ma cxSa raa Js, Sa raa, $80/adv, $90www.smavayw.m, 415-485-3025

ALAMEDA COUNTY

WEDNESDAYS MARCH 7 APRIL 253rd Annual Berkeley Wine Festival

t cam h cub & Spa, Bky, 6:30pmwww.bkywsva.m Ma 7: hs Vyads, $125 Ma 14: Jsp Pps Vyads, $155 Ma 21: ts Sabs Wy, $130 Ma 28: rb Kam, $130 Ap 4: Sv oak, $165 Ap 11: opus o, $195

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

ONGOINGTastings at PrimaWau ck, www.pmv.m, 925-735-7780f: 5:30-7pm, $20, $10/mmbsSa: 3-5pm, $20, $10/mmbs

MARCH 9-11Barrel Tasting Weekendhaa n Vyads, Bwd

www.vws.m, 925-240-2463APRIL 5

Wine Pairing Dinner: Award Winning Wineshaa n Vyads, Bwdwww.vws.m, 925-240-2463

LIVERMORE

ONGOINGBankhead Theatrelvm Vay Pm As c, lvmwww.vmpmas., 925-373-6800 Ma 10-11, 17-18: tsa Ma 15: tu fs Ama Ma 21: lzz W Ma 23: Jay Ua & My Mas Ma 24: hm m nY, laua ham Ma 28: t impa B eas

Ma 30: ra cd Ma 31: Aa Bass Qu

ONGOINGWine Cave Tasting ExperienceW Vyads, lvm, 4pm Sa/Su, $10, $5/w ub mmbsrSVP, www.wvyads.m/avs, 925-456-2405

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

MARCH 10-11Chocolate & Cabernet Weekendfsa Wy, lvm, 12-5pmwww.sawy.m, 925-447-5246

MARCH 14Winemaker Night

ca Vyad, lvmwww.avyad.m, 800-258-9866

MARCH 16St. Patricks Day Brew CrawlMa S, Dww Pasa, 6-9pmwww.pasadww., 92 5-484-2199

MARCH 17Mansion Winetaster Dinneres Vyads, Su, 6:30pm, $85www.s.m, 925-862-2377

MARCH 17St. Paddys Dayea rd Vyad, lvm, 12-4:30pm, $5www.advyad.m, 925-443-3375

MARCH 17-18Founders Day Celebration

ca Vyad, lvmwww.avyad.m, 800-258-9866

MARCH 30Ruby Fridayruby h Wy, Pasa, 6:30-pm, $10www.ubywy., 925-931-Wine

MARCH 31 APRIL 1Livermore Valleys 4th Annual Barrel Tasting Weeklvm Vay Wws AssaVs papa ws, 12-4:30pm, $30/adv, $35www.vw., 925-447-9493

APRIL 7Artist Reception: Carol MaddoxW Vyads, lvm, 1-3pmwww.wvyads.m, 925-456-2305

LAKE/MENDOCINO

BAY AREA


18/80Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT

WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

18

ONGOINGLive at Golden State TheatreMy, www.dsaa.m, 831-372-3800 Ma 9: A K & hs Pss, fa Dau Da

ONGOINGSunset Cultural Center-Carmel

cam, www.sus.m, 831-620-2048 Ma 9: Da Ma 11: gak oss, pa Ma 15: fbdd Badway, t 30 Avsay tu Ma 23: ea Pa t Ma 25-26: My Sympy c 5, Sus Sad Ma 31: Sd Ss Ap 1: nadja Sa-Sb, v Ap 12: taj Maja t

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

ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYSSweet Thursdays at Cannery RowMy, famy u, mus, d & a dsus, 4-8pm831-649-6690

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

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

EVERY TUESDAYFocus on Monterey County Winescpa W Ba, ra cas, cam, 3-8pmwww.aas.m, 831-625-5646

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

ONGOING THURSDAYSExploring Winela m abu w & w appa, as a ws !cam rd Wy, cay rw, My, 4-6pm, $40www.amd.m, 831-324-0035

FRIDAYS THROUGH MARCHJazz in the CellarBa Wy, Squ, 6-8pmwww.ba.m, 831-475-2258

MARCH 9Girls Night Out: 1970sf Wy, gy, 7-9:30pm, $15/mmbs, $25www.wy.m, 408-842-3305

MARCH 9Robinson Jeffers at Point Sur: Tour of LighthouseP Su lus, cam, 6-10pm

www.us., 831-624-5725

MARCH 10Edibles from the WildBadus ld, cam Vay, 11am-2pm, $95www.badus.m, 831-658-3400

MARCH 15Hall/Roessler Winemaker DinnerPa ed, hya cam hads, cam6:30pm, www.pasd.m, 831-622-5445

MARCH 23Opening Reception, California Impressionism: Selec-tions from the Irvine Museumt My Musum A, My, 6-8pmwww.mya., 831-372-5477

MARCH 23 MAY 27California Impressionism: Selections fromthe Irvine Museumt My Musum A, Mywww.mya., 831-372-5477

MARCH 24-25Home, Garden, Culinary & Wine Expocau gv, Saa cuz, 10am-5pm, $3, ud 12/www.babadwak.m

MARCH 25Annual Great Taste of Pacific GroveBs Pa gv Ud S Dsi a Spas Bay, Pbb Ba, 4-7pm831-642-4943

MARCH 27In Your Own Backyard Series: Celebrate NationalPaella DaySp, Sw, Sav & lahma ra tas rm, cam Vay, 6pmwww.maa.m, 831-659-2640

APRIL 8Easter BrunchBadus ld, cam Vay, 11am-3:30pm, $75, $32/5-12yswww.badus.m, 831-658-3400

APRIL 12

In Your Own Backyard Series: Get Savory with ElenaSalsedo from Sweet ElenasSp, Sw, Sav & lahma ra tas rm, cam Vay, 6pmwww.maa.m, 831-659-2640

APRIL 14Vintage Affaircaau Ju, cam Vay, 11am-4pm, $15, $10/mmbswww.aauju.m, 831-624-2600

APRIL 14Wine, Art & Music WalkDww Pa gv, 6-9pmwww.pav., 831-373-3304

APRIL 14-1555th Annual Good Old DaysDww Pa gv, 9am-5pm

www.pav., 831-373-3304SANTA CLARA COUNTY

ONGOINGTasting Room TuesdaysSaa cuz Muas Wws Assa, t fam Sa Js, Sa JsWy psav w pu & b avaab v ak. 5-7pmwww.am.m, www.smwa.m, 800-441-1414, 831-685-8463

MARCH 10Spring Bridal Faire at Guglielmo Winery

Ma h, 11am-3pmwww.umwy.m, 408-779-2145

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

ONGOINGThursday Night Music SeriesBa Wy, Squ, ejy mus, d & Ba w! 6-8pm

www.ba.m, 831-475-2258x11ONGOING WEEKENDS THROUGH APRIL 1

Rainforest Weekendsra camp raad, fwww.aamp.m, 831-335-4484

MARCH 31 APRIL 1Pinot Paradise: Taste the Magic of Moun-

tains Pinot Noirs

Saa cuz Muas Wwswww.smwa.m, 831-685-8463 Ma 31: gad cuz tas, Va rausa, od tw campb, 2-5pm,

$55/adv, $65/d Ap 1: Paway P Paads, s-udd u P-pdu

ws, $25 Ap 1: ta Ssss, Va rausa, 9am-12pm, $55, rSVP

APRIL 7-8Eggstraordinary Egg Huntra camp raad, fwww.aamp.m, 831-335-4484

ONGOINGSierra Railroadoakda, www.saaad.m, 209-848-2100

Ma 14, 20, 29: S lu Ma 17: Mud Mysy D Ap 12, 17, 24: S lu

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

ONGOINGSacramento River Trainwww.saamva.m, 800-866-1690 Ma 10: ga ta rbby Ma 24: Mud Mysy D Ma 31: eas e expss Ap 7: eas e expss Ap 8: eas e expss

ONGOINGMondavi Center for the Performing ArtsU.c. Davs, www.mdavas., 866-754-ArtS Ma 8, 10-11: cus o tu

Ma 9: gak oss, pa Ma 17-18: Ba Pjaj, Ba n Ma 18: Axad S Qua Ma 22: Zak hussa & Mass Puss Ma 24-25: cus oz Ma 29: SfJAZZ cv Ap 1: Yu Ass cmp Ws c Ap 9: ex lv

SUISUN VALLEY

ONGOING SATURDAYS$5 Wines by the GlassWawk Wy, fad W & mpmay pzza 1-6pmlv mus 2-5pm, www.wawkwy.m, 707-428-6977 Ma 10: Ma App & Md Bad Ma 17: rbud rm

Ma 24: gay Mdza w Va Sa & t Bus rk

MARCH 10Vezer Family 3rd Annual Bridal Fairlv mus, s duvs & w!Bu Va Wy, fad, 12-4pmwww.vzamyvyad.m, 707-429-3958

APRIL 2725th Annual Solano Wine & Food Jubileenu t cmpx, Vaav, 6:30pm, $75/adv, $100www.waddjub., 707-646-3133

SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ& MONTEREY COUNTIES

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

SOLANO COUNTY

Check the website for more eventswww.winecountrythisweek.com

Email Your Events [email protected]

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

wks prior o h da o your vn. evn lising

ar r, and publishd as spa is availabl and a

h disrion o Win counry this Wk.


19/80

21 Wineries, Local Chefs & Barrels of Award-Winning Wines!

Heart of Sonoma Valley Association announces their

premier event of the year the 22nd Annual Savor Sonoma

Valley happening Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18

from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days! Twenty-one wineriesthroughout the Heart of Sonoma Valley will be showcasing

the 2011 vintage straight from the barrels, sampling new

releases and offering award-winning wines paired with

scrumptious food prepared by local chefs and restaurants.

Meet winemakers, taste reserve wines, sample barrel

wines, mingle with wine lovers in caves and on crush pads,

enjoy live music, tour wineries and vineyards and savor a wonderful

wine country weekend. Most importantly this event offers guests the

chance to take an advance look at what the 2011 vintage is going to

be like in bottle!

This year marks our 22nd year and we are so excited to be teaming

up with local chefs and restaurants to create a truly special weekend

of delicious foods paired with the amazing variety of wines produced

in our valley, said Executive Director Josie Gay. We invite wine lovers

out to celebrate the bounty of Sonoma Valley! Twenty-one wineries are

participating this year and they are throwing open their cellar doors

for this authentic wine country experience.

Admission is $65 per person for a Weekend Pass, which includes a

souvenir wine glass and access to event tastings at

participating wineries. Advance ticket purchase

recommended, as tickets are limited. Tickets a

detailed information may be obtained online

www.heartofsonomavalley.com or by calling 1-8794-9463.

Participating wineries include Audelssa Win

Benziger Family Winery, Chateau St. Jean Wine

Deerfield Ranch Winery, Enkidu Wines, Eric R

Winery, Family Wineries, Imagery Estate Win

Kenwood Vineyards, Kunde Family Estate, Led

Winery & Vineyards, Little Vineyards, Loxton Cellars, Mayo Fam

Winery, Moondance Cellars, Muscardini Cellars, Paradise R

Winery, Ty Caton Vineyards, Valley of the Moon Winery, VJB V

yards & Cellars and Wellington Vineyards.

About Heart of Sonoma Valley Association

Heart of Sonoma Valley Association is an alliance of 23 winer

and tasting rooms located on scenic Sonoma Highway where fo

century and a half many of the vintages that have made Califor

wines world leaders in viticulture have been harvested. In the ten-m

stretch of the wine country, in the environs of Glen Ellen a

Kenwood, youll find a blend of family owned and classically beaut

wineries filled with award-winning wines.

21 Wineries Pour During Savor Sonoma Valley, March 17 & 18

1www.WineCountryThisWeek.com



20/8020 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

FEATURE STORY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

BY MICHELLE J. BAKER

Spring is in the air in Dry Creek Valley,where grapevines will soon awaken from

their winter slumber and spring flowers willopen to reveal their prize to birds of allkinds. Its still a somewhat quiet season at

Ferrari-Carano, which makes it the perfecttime for visitors to get personalized attention

at any of the winerys wonderful venues.

Ferrari-Caranos storied history began inReno, Nevada, hometown of winery owners

Don and Rhonda Carano, where Don

established the Eldorado Hotel and Casinoin 1973. In 1979, the Caranos first visited

Sonoma County to buy wine for the hotel,

and quickly fell in love with the area.Eventually they purchased their first

property, 60 acres in Alexander Valley, andwere inspired to start their own winery.

Ferrari-Carano was founded in 1981, with

their first wine released in 1987.In the 1990s followed Villa Fiore, the

magnificent Italian-style villa that serves asFerrari-Caranos headquarters and hospitality

center in Dry Creek Valley. On the main floor

is the wine shop and tasting room, guests cantaste many new spring releases of Ferrari-

Caranos Classic Wines. Take your sample

and browse the shops extensive selection ofgifts and souvenirs, including many great

books, housewares and yummy foodproducts. But dont stop there...

Tasting Downstairs in the Enoteca

Several years ago, Ferrari-Carano openedthe Enoteca, where visitors can get spoiled by

tasting through limited-availability, vineyard-select wines. Whatever wines strike yourfancy, the Enoteca has you covered, fromdelicious Chardonnays to amazing Pinot Noirfrom the tiny Mendocino Ridge appellation,and of course, Trsor, the winerys signatureBordeaux-style blend. Fairly new are thecoveted PreVail wines; West Face which is aluscious Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah blend;and Back Forty, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignonthat shows the incredible potential ofAlexander Valleys mountain fruit to produceworld-class, ageworthy wines.

Tours & Private Tastings

Ferrari-Carano offers a free tour byappointment, 10 a.m., Monday thoroughSaturday. The tour takes you through thegardens, tank room, barrel cellar, onto thecrush pad and out in the vineyard.

Private tastings are also available thathighlight the many nuances of wine in a funand informative style. Hosted by Ferrari-Caranos wine educator in the beautiful, cozyPreVail room, these tastings can be tailored tofit any groups preferences. That is if you canthink of a tasting that the folks at Ferrari-Carano havent already thought of, including:Pick of the Bunch Taste five wines and talkabout any wine-related topic on your mind.

Scentiments Test your smell memory,familiarizing yourself with scents and thentrying to identify those aromas in five wine

White Wine Lovers Taste five of Ferrari-Caranos most popular white wines, pairedwith local artisan cheeses.King of Reds Includes four Cabernet-bawines and the delicious dessert wine,Eldorado Noir, paired with chocolates anddried fruit.Matchmaker Learn how to match wineswith the perfect food. Sample four wines,including the PreVail wines, paired withseasonal small plates from the winerys cheCabernet Terroir Tasting Learn all aboutterroir through four wines, including HoRanch Cabernet Sauvignon, Trsor, PreVailWest Face and PreVail Back Forty, paired wa local artisan charcuterie plate.The PreVail Tasting This most luxurioustasting highlights the PreVail wines, paired

with a local Artisan charcuterie plate.Private Tastings are by appointment only,Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. and2:30 p.m., based on availability.

Gardens

The renowned gardens at Ferrari-Caranattract thousands of visitors from around tworld every year. The gardens started as alabor of love for Rhonda Carano in 1987, aafter 16 months of work the French-Italianparterre styled gardens were finally finishe

F E R R A R I C A R A N O V I N E Y A R D S & W I N E R Y

PreVail Ro


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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | FEATURE STOR

These lush, sprawling five acresboast more than 2,000 species oftrees and shrubs, all marked withinformative identification tags.

Spring is flowering season forthe 10,000 glorious tulips anddaffodils at the villa. Tulip lovers

can call the Tulip Hotline at(707) 433-5349 to find out whenthe tulips will be in full bloom.

Seasons of the Vineyard

Ferrari-Carano also offerstastings in downtown Healdsburgfor those who arent able to makeit to the winery. The tasting menuincludes many of the ClassicWines, some small productionLimited Release Wines, pluswines from sister winery Lazy

Creek Vineyards, the secondoldest winery in Anderson Valley.Anderson Valley is well knownfor producing world-classAlsatian varietals (Riesling,Gewrztraminer) and Pinot Noir.Lucky visitors may also find LazyCreek Ros, Chardonnay andSyrah on the tasting menu.

Seasons offers some greatshopping in its boutique, whichis stocked with unique home

decor, housewares and gardeningitems. During the summermonths theres also late afternoonjazz to help visitors ease intotheir evening dinner plans. Thiswell-located facility has a BackRoom available for private eventsfor groups up to 30 people.

Visit Ferrari-Carano Vineyardsand Winery at 8761 Dry CreekRoad, Healdsburg, at the northend of scenic Dry Creek Valley.The winery is open daily from 10a.m. until 5 p.m. To make areservation for tours and privatetastings, call (707) 433-6700.

Seasons of the Vineyard islocated on the Healdsburg Plazaat 113 Plaza Street (the north sideof the plaza). They are open fromTuesday thru Sunday from 11a.m. until 6 p.m. To book aprivate event at Seasons, call(707) 431-2222.


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BY JoSh Stein

Bob Pepi is a living embodiment of the last fifty years in the Napa Val

Like many others, his father purchased land in the mid-sixties in the

mid-Valleys Oakville. And, like a number of the Valleys current A-list

winemakers, the non-enology college student ended up in wine anyway

taking coursework at UC Davis and St. Helenas Wine Lab. By 1980, the

time had come for the founding of the familys winery on the their then-

seventy-acre Oakville estate. Bob took over as winemaker, bringing great

success and reknown to Robert Pepi Wines for Cabernet Sauvignon,

Sangiovese and Sauvigon Blanc. In 1994, the winery was sold to Kendal

Jackson, allowing Bob to become the globe-trotting winemaker hes been

ever since, working with folks in Argentina, Lake County, Napa Valley anColorado, amongst many others.

Winemaking alone isnt Bobs gift as the key to his success isnt just tim

in the cellar but the time spent in the vineyard long before harvest. As yo

drive through wine country, look for the two-hearted trellis system tha

splits the vines horizontally and criss-crosses them. This style of vineyar

management is known as the Geneva Double Curtain, or GDC to those

the business, and Bob was instrumental in the development of this syste

and its adoption throughout the Valley; it ameliorates excess vigor while

also encouraging better air circulation around the clusters and thus work

against rot or mildew in the bunches. Given how rich the Valleys soil is,

GDC is often needed to stress the vines and produce more flavorful grap

using the vines own productivity against itself in service to better wines.

And thats where Andretti Winery comes into the picture. The winery

was founded in 1996 when legendary race car driver Mario Andretti and

his friend, Joseph Antonini, former Chairman, President, and CEO of

Kmart Corporation, brought their shared love of Mediterranean cuisine,

lifestyles and wines to the Napa Valleys Oak Knoll District, selected beca

its location just north of the city of Napa provides moderating ocean

breezes and weather, cooling the heat of long summer days and prolong

harvest, allowing for more complexity in the resulting wines. Bob has be

involved since the beginning in designing the winery to create the best

expressions of food-friendly releases from the surrounding forty-two acr

Creating wines which go well with food means approaching the vineyand winemaking with an eye towards acid levels: You want the fruit to

shine forth, remarks Bob. And when you have that crispness from the

acidity, it really makes the wines go well with food. This also means

working with vineyards in the mid-Valley so that higher alcohols and the

deleterious effects on food-and-wine matches are kept at bay. The award

winning Cal-Ital wines have not disappointed, and given the wide rang

of wines Bob makes for Andretti Winery, theres something for everyone

Do yourself a favor and travel over to Big Ranch Road and try the results

Bobs forty-plus vintages for yourself youll be glad you did. Enjoy!

ANDRETTI WINERYop daiy m 10 a.m. 5 p.m.

S ad pa 5 2 1 tas4162 Big ra rad, napa

1-877-386-5070 | adiwiy.m

BOB PEPITurning Grapes into Pleasure for More Than Forty Harvest

WINEMAKER PROFILE: ANDRETTI WINERY


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www.WineCountryThisWeek.com 2


Ancient Myths and Vineyard

Light Photography Exhibitto Open at Mumm Napa

New Exhibit Runs March 10 - October 14 in Napa Valley

A new exhibit, opening March 10 at Mumm Napas Fine Art

Photography Gallery, comes to life with a stunning exploration of

photographs of ancient African myths and photographer Janis

Miglavs vineyard-related work. The exhibit is titled Ancient Myths

and Vineyard Light and will be open to the public at Mumm Napa

winery in Rutherford through October 14.

The African Myths and Vineyard Light photography exhibit will

include color photographs of world-class vineyards and photo-illus-

trations that narrate some of Africas undiscovered myths. Miglavs

fine art photographs show some of the worlds best vineyards in a visu-

ally stimulating way, with dramatic pops of color and intense lighting

and shadows. Said to be the only person to have recorded such infor-

mation, his photo-illustrations of African myths were inspired by his

travels to African villages, where he learned of local legends and arche-

typal dreams from village shamans, witchdoctors and storytellers.

Miglavs has been teaching and studying photography for many years

and has continued to pursue his interest in wine professionally. Hiswork will be available for purchase at the exhibit.

The Ancient Myths and Vineyard Light exhibit opens with a

sparkling wine reception at Mumm Napa on March 10 from 6:30-

8:30 p.m. The reception and exhibit are open to the public. There is

no charge to view the exhibit or attend the reception. Mumm Napa

Winery is located at 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford. The visitor

center and fine art photography gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

daily. For additional information on visiting the winery and its

exhibits, call (707) 967-7700 or access the Mumm Napa website at

www.mummnapa.com.


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24 www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

The hilltop aerie of Rombauer Vineyards is more than slightl

emblematic of the wines this property produces. It is not

hyperbole to say that their wines are at the pinnacle of the

bottlings produced not only in the Napa Valley, but anywhere o

the planet.

The tasting room and winery are built over a mile of caves th

reach into the hillside, and it is there that the wine ages in the b

conditions, protected naturally from variables such as humidity

and temperature. The fact that the winery sits amongst some of

the regions most coveted vineyard real estate is not to be forgott

either.

Then there are the wines. Rombauer wines are always placed

the top of the rankings in wine publications and, even moreimportantly, in customer loyalty. If you have any doubt about th

visit the tasting room any day of the week and look at the

enthusiasts that fill the room. Wine is something that truly sho

be enjoyed, they say. And, Rombauer puts a lot of care into

making drinkable wines and that one word, drinkable, is the k

to their winemaking philosophy.

As Sheana Rombauer said recently, The specialty red wines o

Rombauer Vineyards are the 2007 Proprietor Selection Block 9

Merlot and the 2005 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon.

They are limited-production bottlings sold only at the winery.

Then there is the incredibly popular, limited edition, Le Meilleu

du Chai Best of the Cellar. Its a classic Bordeaux-style blend o

49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot

We also have our 2006 Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

and a new release, the 2009 Joy Late Harvest Chardonnay in h

(375 ml) bottles, which we are very excited about.

And if you ever want to start a conversation with a total

stranger, take any bottle of Rombauer to a local restaurant.

Without fail someone nearby will remark on how they, too, are a

fan of this wine, and it is also likely they will have a story to tell

an anecdote perhaps even a glass to share. It is also testimon

to this drinkability commitment that you can, in fact, take

virtually any wine available at the tasting room, purchase it atnoon and enjoy it with dinner that night. Of course, ageing is a

wonderful thing, but with the wines from Koerner Rombauers

family owned and operated winery, it is an option, not a written

in-stone necessity.

The wines produced up there on the knoll top include

outstanding Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot and a collection of

Cabernet Sauvignons. All are what could be called food friendly

which is appreciated by those who believe that good food and f

wine should stand as compliments to each other, to be enjoyed

side-by-side.

ROMBAUER VINEYARDS

Open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.3522 Silverado Trail, St. Helena

(707) 963-5170 | www.rombauervineyards.comFollow Rombauer Vineayrds on Facebook and Twitter!

ON THE COVER

ROMBAUER VINEYARDBY CHARLES NEAVE


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26

DIANE WILSONA Time to Shine

A rising star in Sonoma County winemaking since the moment t

her initial release in 1994 garnered a Best of Class, Diane Wilson ha

been the winemaker to watch. With an outstanding track record of

awards over the years, and recognized as one of the most talented

winemakers in California, this is Dianes time to shine. Winning the

Sweepstakes for Best Red Wine (the third time in seven years!) at the

Sonoma County Harvest Fair (October 2011) with her outstanding

Zinfandel, she moved on into November by receiving 91 points on

three wines in the Wine Spectator, again on her fantastic Dry Creek

Valley Zinfandels. And if these accolades werent enough, Diane won

unprecedented quantity of three Best of Class awards and was

presented with the prestigious honors of Best of Show and Best Wby a Women Winemaker in Decembers International Womens

Winemaking Competition. The New Year brought twenty-one overa

medals from the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition,

including nine gold or double gold awards and featuring some new

winners in the Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon categories and

solidifying the fact that this woman is an exceptional winemaker.

With vineyards named after family members, each harvest brings

something new for the small-lot, single-vineyard designate winemak

at Wilson Winery. Known in the area for her amazing Zinfandels,

Diane Wilson has branched out into different varietals for the new

boutique wineries that she and husband Ken have purchased in thepast few years. Adding new wines to her portfolio, she has had fun

applying known techniques and learning new practices to

accommodate their expansion.

Local to the North Bay, Diane is an avid runner, and accompanie

companion Molly, her Border Collie, she runs the local trails and pa

of beauty in Sonoma County. She enjoys her garden, using what sh

grows for her savory family meals. Diane loves to discover how food

flavors pair with wine, and is often found assessing flavors for variet

pairings, or creating recipes for hors doeuvres to serve at winery

events. Dianes innate talent and sense of smell have contributed to t

making of her award-winning wines and have also staved off some

disasters! This year, she averted a house fire due to her amazing sen

of smell.

As a winemaker, Diane spends time honing her craft, learning fro

other esteemed winemakers, and researching methods to keep her a

courant with the newest cellaring and winemaking practices. With n

years vintages still in the barrel, and already tasting like gold medal

winners, one can only guess what amazing wines this next release w

bring. One thing is for sure; Diane will continue to add to her ever-

growing wine accolades portfolio and produce some of the best win

coming out of Sonoma County, California.

WILSON WINERYop Daiy 11 a.m. 5 p.m.

1960 Dy ck rad, hadsbug1-800-433-4602 | www.wiswiy.m

WINEMAKER PROFILE


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Celebrate The Napa Valley Collection with Four Weeks ofWinery Art Crawls, Tours and Tastings in The Legendary Napa Valley

Throughout the month of April, the second annual Napa Valley

Arts in April celebrates The Napa Valley Collection: the famed

wine regions other collection of priceless vintages significant 20thand 21st century artwork. Winery art collections include work by

notable contemporary painters Francis Bacon and Jean Dubuffet, as

well as sculptors George Rickey and Richard Serra. Napa Valley Arts

in April 2012 celebrates the Napa Valley Collection by letting mad-

about-art winemakers collaborate with collection curators and

favorite artists to turn the Napa Valley into a month-long art and wine

crawl, made up of a variety of interactive art programs, curator-led

tours, special exhibitions and inspired tastings. Many winery art

activities are complimentary, and neighboring lodging establishments

and spas welcome guests to complement Napa Valley Arts in April

happenings with special offers from the best in wine, food and well-

ness.The Napa Valley Arts in April festivities progress geographically

week by week; beginning with Calistoga (April 1-7), followed by St.

Helena and Rutherford (April 9-15), Oakville and Yountville (April 16-

22), and finally Napa, Carneros and American Canyon (April 23-30).

Calistoga, the Valleys northernmost region kicks off Napa Valley

Arts in April on April 1. Throughout the Calistoga week, local wineries

showcase impressive collections including the amazing sculpture,

painting, and decorative objects collection at Clos Pegase.

From April 9-15, wineries around St. Helena and Rutherford t

center stage, featuring an exclusive exhibition of photography

Markham Vineyards by photojournalist Baron Wolman, Rolling St

magazines first chief photographer. This week only, original con

sheets belonging to Mr. Wolmans personal collection will be on vi

From April 16-22, wineries in Oakville and Yountville showc

permanent and rotating exhibitions, such as Robert Mondavi Win

permanent collection that holds work by Francis Bacon and a rota

exhibition space currently showing Napa Valley artist Nancy Wi

monotypes and paintings.

April 23-30, Napa, Carneros and American Canyons art-focu

wineries include The Hess Collection, which is displaying a select

of Donald Hess personal modern and contemporary collec

including artwork by artists Robert Motherwell and Magdal

Abakanowicz (see page 36).

A full list and detailed map of participating wineries, as well

variety of art viewing and wine tasting special offers, can be dow

loaded at the official Legendary Napa Valley website. Maps and in

mation are also available at all participating wineries, the Napa Va

Welcome Center, all chambers of commerce offices and many ot

locations throughout the Napa Valley.

For more information on Napa Valley Arts in April special of

and opportunities, visit www.LegendaryNapaValley.com.



2

Napa Valley Arts in AprilTMJoins Fine Wine with 20th, 21st Century Ar


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TURNBULL WINE CELLARSPhotography and Wine are Truly Divine!BY JoSh Stein

Lovers of photography and wine can sometimes find it difficult to bring

these two passions together outside of their own homes on a regular basis,

that is most definitely not the case at Turnbull Wine Cellars, where those wenjoy fine art, photography and site-specific, single-vineyard red wines wo

ever want to leave! Its a feast for all the senses.

Founded in 1979 as Johnson Turnbull Vineyards, the name and logo w

modified slightly after the winery changed hands to publisher Patrick ODe

in 1993, resulting in todays Turnbull Wine Cellars and its well-known

Minoan turning bull. Current owner ODells background is evident in th

photography collection, and its his insistence on enjoying two of his passio

together which makes Turnbull stand apart and the great wines themselv

of course! Two options for tasting are always available, and while the curre

TURNBULL WINE CELLARSop Day 10 a.m. 5 p.m.

S ad pa 23 2--1 tas Ma tas ad ra rm8210 Sa ha hway, oakv

(707) 963-5839 | www.ubuws.m

TASTING ROOM OF THE WEEK


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2

release room with its high wood ceiling, skylights and French-doored

garden views are quite attractive, its the Reserve Room that draws me

back every time.

On the art side, the winery presents two exhibitions a year in The

Reserve Room Gallery, drawing from more than 4,000 pieces by

renowned photographers, including work from Ansel Adams,Margaret Bourke White, Walker Evans, Yousuf Karsh, Dorothea

Lange, Herb Ritts and Edward Weston. The spaces cathedral ceiling,

exposed beams, antique bar and barrels highlight one of the West

Coasts largest permanent photography locales. Through the end of

March, the space hosts Abstract Visions: A Brett Weston

Retrospective, and the new Birds of the World exhibit opens April

14th in conjunction with the Napa Arts and Napa Valley Destination

Councils Arts in April events. Running through September, this

new exhibit features the work of George Edwards, John Gould, John

James Audubon, and Mark Catesby, among others. Admission to the

gallery, by the way, is always complimentary, so the sober driver or

non-imbiber wont feel left out one bit.The reserve wines are equally as stellar as the artwork and the

barrels containing subsequent vintages theyre tasted alongside and

being able to taste horizontals of the same variety Cabernet

Sauvignon as expressed through three different vineyards

Amoneus, Fortuna and Leopoldina is quite a treat as each bottling

shows off unique characteristics derived from its vineyards soil,

elevation, micro-climate and a whole host of other elements all best

summed up as simply terroir. Equally, in being able to taste Merlot

and Cabernet Franc bottlings from the same vineyards, the impact of

terroir on all wines is also made clear. Its quite the tasting and not to

be missed.

The wines above, and many others, have won a considerable

amount of acclaim a half dozen have recently received excellent

scores above 90 from the major publications, for example but its

the variety of wines available a good two dozen or so in

combination with the variety of art also there to be enjoyed with

them that makes a visit to Turnbull Wine Cellars truly memorable. If

thats not enough to get you to stop by, its spring, which means new

releases, including the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and the limited, tasting-

room-only 2011 Ros of Cabernet Sauvignon both just perfect for

parties and picnics are now available, too. There are all kinds of

great places throughout the Valley, but do yourself a favor and stop in

at Turnbull the next time youre here. Once you pull off of Highway29, youll feel pulled into a whole different way of seeing and

enjoying great wines. Enjoy!

Continued


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Whats your favorite red wine? Whatever that wine happens to

be, one thing is certain; it took years of effort to get it from grape toglass. The vineyard manager spends months toiling among the

vines, and then the winemaker spends more months in the cellar

converting beautifully ripened grapes into a deliciously fermented

elixir. Finally, the wine is aged for years in oak barrels, racked,

topped off and subtly adjusted along the way. And after all these

years of hard work and diligent attention to minute details, there is

still a vital step left to do the final blend! And at Judds Hill

Winery and MicroCrush, thats where you come in!

In 2009, the Finkelstein family of Judds Hill had the forward-

thinking idea of creating a Bottle Blending Day Camp

experience (BBDC for short), during which visitors to their winery

located at the southern end of Napas Silverado Trail, can actually

craft their own, personal, Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend. The

wines used for this blending experience currently include barrel

lots of two Cabernet Sauvignons, each from a different vineyard,

plus a Merlot and Cabernet Franc, all from Napa Valleys yet to be

released 2010 vintage.

Judds Hill Winery and MicroCrush specializes in making small

lots of hand-crafted wines for their Judds Hill label, and for dozens

of their Custom MicroCrush clients. Although it takes years to

convert clusters of grapes into a ready-to-drink bottle of red wine,

blending finished wine is an important part of the winemaking

process that can be accomplished in just an hour or two.These BBDC experiences are led by one of their extremely

knowledgeable Blending Guides and take about 2-1/2 hours to

complete. During the session, blenders will be guided through the

intricacies of creating a wine best suited to their personal taste,

explaining and demystifying the process along the way. Once a

favored cuve has been decided upon and a name is chosen, the

newly minted wine-blenders will complete the process by hand-

bottling, labeling and spinning foil capsules onto the bottlenecks

The wine is then ready to take home the same day. Its a great way

to spend a few hours in wine country and is sure to increase any

wine lovers knowledge and appreciation for every bottle of wine

they enjoy in the future. The Bottle Blending Day Camp at Judds

Hill has several options: $225 enables you to take home three

finished bottles of wine; $395 results in six bottles; $695 is a 12-

bottle adventure. A 24-case, full-barrel option, is also available

(bottling will be at a later date). Sessions can be scheduled for any

day of the week, and 24 hours advanced notice is usually sufficien

for groups as large as eight. Group sizes ranging from 10-100

participants can be accommodated with more advanced notice.

Reservations can be made by calling the winery at (707) 255-2332

or visiting their website at www.juddshill.com.

JUDDS HILL WINERYPlay Winemaker for the Day!

JUDDS HILLop daiy by appim y 10 a.m. 4 p.m.

2332 Sivad tai, napa(707) 255-2332 | www.juddsi.m


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All-Gay Winemakers Dinner returns to Napa Valley

On the Napa Valley Wine Train

Out In The Vineyard and the Napa Valley Wine Train are pleased

to announce the return of the one-of-a-kind-experience, The (Bigger)

Gay Train, a food and wine event. On Saturday, March 31st, localLGBT Winemakers will be pouring their wines paired with the

inspired cuisine of Executive Chef Kelly MacDonald.

The evening be filled with unforgettable memories on the rails of

Napa Valley, aboard the legendary Wine Train. As the train departs,

guests will enjoy a multiple course meal paired with wines from LGBT

Winemakers found in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Sarah

Bennett, Navarro Vineyards; Greg Bjornstad, Bjorstad Cellars; M

Lyon, Sebastiani Vineyards; and Jeff Durham and Joey Wolo

Gentleman Farmer Wines, will be on board to meet and g

throughout the evening.

Due to last year's overwhelming response we are creating a mexpansive event. In this case bigger is better and a lot more fun!

Join Out In The Vineyard and the Napa Valley Wine Train fo

truly remarkable experience.

The Big Gay Train Dinner is a new multiple-course menu desig

by Wine Train Chef, Kelly Macdonald, and paired with LGBT W

makers from Napa and Sonoma valleys

Check in time is at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $160 for the Gourm

Express Car or $175 for the VIP Vista Dome Car. More information

available at winetrain.com/big-gay-train. Reservations can be made

calling the Napa Valley Wine Train at 1-800-427-4124.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the most unique and b

Napa restaurants. This top dining establishment is housed inantique train that runs on 25-miles of track in the heart of the N

Valley. The train itself has two engines, three kitchens on board an

collection of early 20th century rail cars that are pure Americana

offers guests great regional food and fabulous, hard-to-find wi

Enjoy winery tours, wine tasting on board and celebrity winema

dinners. A great place to celebrate your special moments, or jus

enjoy everyday life. For more information, go to winetrain.com.

Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT


PINK MANSIONthe perfe napa wie asi experiee. Valley or fores views from eah room,

lavish breakfas ad aferoo wie asi, lare idoor heaed pool ad Jauzzi,

i-room massae ad faials available. 1-800-238-74651415 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga www.pinkmansion.com

BRANNAN COTTAGE INNSx spaus, mab ms w ad vws, pva as, pva bas,qu-sz bds ad a a. tw m-sus av s ms w v-ss as w. A d ad as su m du summmvss. Dw ms ad pas zy ad ma vs.109 Wapoo St, Calistoga [email protected] (707) 942-4200

LEDSON HOTELSluxuy suad s Sma Paza. Sx dvduay dad msw k-sz bd, wp bas, pa ad bas.Appd w aqu adu pad w md ams. (707) 996-9779480 First Street East, Sonoma www.ledsonhotel.com

INN AT THE TIDESBay vws, wak dsa spp, sauas; swmm p, ub,ss , saua; ms w vws ad pas; massa avaab;a bakas 1-800-541-7788800 Hi ghway O ne, B od ega B ay w ww .InnattheTid es.com

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

suudd by vyads. 1-800-421-24350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa www.vintnersinn.

CALDERWOOD INNA s Va i a hadsbu

25 W. Grant Street, Healdsburg [email protected] 707-431-1

HILTON GARDEN INN

2200 Gateway Court, (707) 426-6

Fairfield www.hiltongardeninn.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES

316 Pittman Road (707) 864-3

Fairfield www.hiexpress.

LONE OAK LODGE

W mus aquaum, ws, My hab, spp, avs, sauas, .

1-800-283-5663 www.loneoaklodge.

SONOMA COUNTY NORTHERN

MONTEREY BAY/CENTRAL COAST

FAIRFIELD/SUISUN VALLEY

SONOMA COUNTY COAST

SONOMA COUNTY SOUTHERN

NAPA VALLEYNAPA VALLEY

CANDLELIGHT INN

Privae bahs; tV/phoe ad Ac; wo-perso

marble jauzzis ad fireplaes; baloies or

deks; hree-ourse ourme breakfas, hors

doeuvres, wie ad sherry i he evei; luxu-

rious 30'x60'; swimmi pool

1045 Easum Drive, Napa

1 -80 0-624 -03 95 candlelig htinn.com

L O D G I N GLook for more lodging options o


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The Big Gay Train Returns to Napa Valley March 3


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3

Trinchero Family Estates Recognized for its

Support of Employees Serving in the Military

Trinchero Family Estates announced Vice

Chairman and CEO, Roger Trinchero, has

accepted the Patriot Award for the companys

support of the National Guard and Reserve

Forces. The Patriot Award is given by the

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

(ESGR), a Department of Defense organiza-

tion, to companies with personnel policies

benefiting employees serving in the United

States Armed Forces.

Roger Trinchero, a Vietnam veteran, was

nominated for the award by Christopher F.

Burton, a Major serving in the United States

Army Reserve, currently deployed on active

duty. Burton, a Sutter Home Winery tastingroom employee for the past several years,

was pulled from retirement in 2009 to serve

two tours in Iraq. He currently is stationed in

Alabama. Trinchero Family Estates policy

supports Chris and other veterans by holding

their jobs for them, providing guaranteed

employment when they return from their

duties.

The men and women serving America

deserve to be honored and supported while

they are out protecting our country, risking

life and limb, said Roger Trinchero. We are

honored to support Chris during his time

the Army, and if we can be an example

other companies on how to support th

amazing employees who also happen to

troops we are happy to do so.The Employer Support of the Guard

Reserve (ESGR) department conducts

awards program designed to recogn

employers that support a strong Natio

Guard and Reserve Force. Employers qua

for recognition by practicing leadership

personnel policies that support emplo

participation in the Guard and Reserve. T

ESGR was established in 1972 and has rec

nized thousands of American companies

their support of the military.

For more information on TrinchFamily Estates, visit www.tfewines.com a

for further information about ESGR and

Patriot Award visit www.ESGR.org.

Visit Trinchero Napa Valley at 3070 No

St. Helena Highway or Sutter Home Win

at 277 St. Helena Highway South, St. Hele

Roger Trinchero Recently Accepted Patriot Award

Roger Trinchero


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Wine Tasting inS U I S U N V A L L E Y

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

Membership in Vezr Wine ClubWhen people join the Vezr Family Vineyard wine club, they tend

to not let their membership go. In fact, Vezr has one of the highest

club retentions of all time. There are many reasons to join other thanthe award-winning wine shipments and the benefits that give you VIP

status and recognition. Theres ambiance that you cannot get anywhereelse, free tastings for up to four people, a private tasting room and club

room onsite, ATV tours, free wine club pick-up parties with live music,

exceptional food and wine served right from the barrels.Winter pick-up parties are usually barrel burning events, roasting

linguica, Hungarian paprika bacon and sausages from all over the

world, accompanied by hearty Zins, some seductive Cabernets, PetiteSirah and Barrel Room Select Blends. And try roasting smores over the

open fire while tasting some of the finest white and ruby Ports.At the spring and summer pick-up parties there are outdoor movies,

barbecues and live music in the gardens, either at the Private Ranch orthe quaint Western Village of Mankas Corner. Throughout the year,there are special concerts and formal dinners. The wine club, due to

the limited production and intimate settings, is anticipated to be

capped at 1,000 members. The club consists of 250 spots for Chief-tains VIP Chairmens, and 750 Elite members and these two quotas

are quickly filling up. Stop by and visit the Vezrs and join either clubat the tasting room or join online at www.vezerfamilyvineyard.com.


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

The Napa Back Road

The 2012 Solano Wine & Food Jubilee will celebrate its 25th

anniversary when the event returns to the Nut Tree Complex inVacaville on April 27. In honor of this silver celebration, event

organizers promise an array of enhancements that should make

the Wine & Food Jubilee already Solano Countys must-do

social event of the year an even hotter ticket to obtain.

The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee is the primary fund-raising

event for the programs of NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, and

over the past 24 years the gala affair has raised more than $2

million. These funds have enabled NorthBay to provide physical,

emotional and spiritual care for the terminally ill, allowing these

patients and their families to live their final days as peacefully

and as comfortably as possible.

The Jubilee, as the areas premiere food and wine tasting event,will offer ticket-holders an opportunity to spend hours tasting an

array of sweet and savory foods from the regions most notable

restaurants and food merchants, paired with pourings from

numerous top-flight wineries and breweries.

There are also several exciting new 25th anniversary twists

planned, including a raffle with $35,000 in cash and prizes. The

top prize in the raffle is an Electra Glide Ultra Limited motorcycle

in Vivid Black donated by Harley-Davidson ($23,999 MSRP), and

$11,000 in additional cash prizes. Making this deal even more

enticing is the buy two, get the third free offer.

The 2012 Silent Auction is sure to include many 25-themed

items, including such things as signed movie posters, an entire

start-up wine cellar, sporting event tickets, exotic jewelry, artwork,

travel opportunities and wine-tasting events.

The Time Bandits, the areas most popular and in-demand

band, returns for the 2012 event. This nine-piece rhythm and

blues and rock band is known for their mastery of dance tunes

from the 70s to today, and they may be joined by several speciaguests.

As in the past, the event will be held under an enormous ten

through a joint arrangement with Total Home & Garden Show.

This year, the show will be held at the Nut Tree the weekend

before the Jubilee, from April 20 to 22. This large venue means

there will be plenty of food, wine and brew vendors on hand.

Organizers will also offer a limited number of VIP Table for

Eight packages that include many of the benefits afforded VIP

ticket-holders early admittance, special treats on arrival, and

access to the VIP Lounge for $1,000. This reserved package

must be purchased before March 23, 2012.

The Solano Wine & Food Jubilees Presenting Sponsors for2012 are Patt & Al Shaw, Dr. Lee Freeman, Burger King Restau-

rants, Golds Gym, Iron Steed Harley-Davidson and the Nut Tre

The event benefits NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement, which

provides its services to all regardless of their ability to pay, and

includes access to an integrated program of physical, emotional

and spiritual care for the terminally ill.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and for a

minimum of $1,000 a sponsor can enjoy early entrance to the

Jubilee, an invitation to a private reception at the event, hotel

accommodations and limousine service.

The Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, a black tie-optional affair

(denim discouraged), gets under way at the Nut Tree Complex

beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, for those ages 21 and over, mu

be purchased in advance and are $75 each, or $100 at the doo

if still available. To purchase tickets, call (707) 646-3133, or go

online at www.wineandfoodjubilee.org.

Its a Silver Celebration for 2012 Solano Wine & Food Jubile

If this is one of your many visits to the wine country, you are

no doubt looking for something a little different. So why not

change things up and take the road less travelled through SuisunValley The Napa Back Road. We all no doubt have our favorites,

but we are always looking to one up our friends back home. Yes,

that never ending search for something new and refreshing, but

still preserving all that made you first fall in love with the whole

Wine Country Experience.

If you are staying in downtown Napa, do you realize you are

just approximately 15 to 20 minutes away from a valley that

preserved what Napa was in the 1960s? However, the wines at

such places like Vezer Family Vineyard and the Blue Victorian

Winery take advantage of both the old traditions, such as 100%

hand punched down wines, along with implementing the impor-

tant new techniques learned from those great California wine-makers over the last 50 years.

This Suisun Valley has been a long-time held secret in the wine

country. In fact, many of the locals try to continue this secret,

simply because it is where they go to still experience those old

feelings of days gone by. Suisun Valley is where you can find

wines that would sell for over $150 a bottle at the popular better

known tourist destinations in Napa, for $30 to $60. These same

wines have 94, 95 and 97 point rankings and medals from the

greatest national and international competitions!

Dont Miss Suisun Valley Wine Country


36/80

Award-Winning Women Art Revolution FilmDebuts At The Hess Collection Arts Council Benefit Features Artist Conver-sation With Forums Michael Krasny

A moving collection of inter-views with female artists recorded

over four decades by artist LynnHershman Leeson captures the

history of women in contemporary

art, in their own, often contentiousretelling of the impact of the femi

Documents

Nor Cal Edition – Mar 16, 2012