Nor Cal Edition - Nov 30, 2012

7/30/2019 Nor Cal Edition - Nov 30, 2012

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REE

ODETTEESTATEWINERYPAGE 26

NEW!PET FRIEND

WINERIESPAGE 75

JUDDSHILL

HOOTENANNYPAGE 40

TOP 5CAVE

TOURSPAGES 73/77

WINEMAKER PROFILE:

CHARLES KRUGESTATE WINERY

PAGE 32

MUMMDVX

PAIRINGPAGE 34

LEDSONWINERY &

VINEYARDSPAGE 58

ST. FRANCISHOLIDAY

WINESPAGE 64

YOu R gui dE tO NORtH ERN CAL iFORNiA WiN E, tHiNgS tO dO & EVENtS

NOVEMBER 30, 2012

PAGE 2

Happy Holidaysfrom

PRAGERWINERY&

PORTWORKS

PAGE 22


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www.WneConrythsWeek.co

WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK

Special Holiday Gift Packsmake wine shoppingfun and easy.Come by for a visit!Gift Packs available until December 23rd, 2012

Private Carriage House available

for Weddings and Events

2

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EDITORIAL Karin Argoud, Michelle Baker, Alexandra Charsley

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707-938-3734, [email protected]

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Santa Cruz Mountains 707-938-3734

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tABLE OF CONtENtS | WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK NOVEMBER 30, 2012 | ISSUE 48, VOLUME

FEAtuRES REguLARSWiNE REgiONS31 | SuiSuN VALLEY

35 | NApA VALLEYNapa Valley Wineries Map, 44-45Yountville, 36-37Calistoga, 38-39Downtown Napa Map, 40St. Helena Map, 42

46 | SONOMA COuNtYSonoma County Wineries Map, 46-47Russian River Area Wineries Map, 48Geyserville Wineries Map, 48Downtown Healdsburg Map, 50Sonoma Valley Wineries Map, 56Sonoma Plaza Map, 61Glen Ellen & Kenwood Map, 62

65 | LiVERMORE VALLEYLivermore Valley Map, 65

66 | MENdOCiNO & LAKE COuNtiESLake & Mendocino Counties Map, 66

68 | SANtA CLARA, SANtA CRuZ & MONtEREY COuNtiESMonterey Bay/Santa Cruz Mountains Map, 68Salinas Valley Wineries Map, 70

22 | ON tHE COVER:pRAgER WiNERY & pORt WORKS

24 | WiNERY FEAtuRE: pROVENANCE ViNEYARdSLocation, location, location

26 | WiNERY FEAtuRE: OdEttE EStAtE ViNEYARdSA destination for lovers of exceptionalCabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay

27 | WiNERY OpEN HOuSESFor holiday shopping and good cheer

32 | WiNEMAKER pROFiLE: StACY CLARKCharles Krug Estate Winery

35 | A tOASt tO RutHERFORdThree-day passport weekend experience

37 | SANtA ViSitS SOMERStON tAStiNg LOuNgECarolers, wine and gift specials, photos with Santa

54 | NEW CHOCOLAtE tRuFFLE & WiNE pAiRiNgat Fritz Underground Winery, Cloverdale

58 | tAStiNg ROOM OF tHE WEEK:Ledson Winery & Vineyards

60 | NEW HARVESt/HOLidAY WiNE & FOOd pAiRiNg MENuat Mayo Reserve Room, Kenwood

6 | WiNE COuNtRY dEALS & diSCOuNtS

8 | NORtHERN CALiFORNiA MAp

10 | WiNEOLOgYBy Len NaolanoWhy are some wines blended?

12 | WiNE gROWiNg dESiCiONS By Josh SenTo oak or not to oak? So many decisions.

14 | CALENdAR OF EVENtS

71 | WiNE COuNtRY LOdgiNg

71 | WiNERY LiStiNgSNapa Valley, 71Sonoma County, 76Monterey, Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties, 81Lake & Mendocino Counties, 83Bay Area/Livermore, 84

73 | NApA VALLEYS tOp 5 CAVE tOuRS75 | pEt FRiENdLY WiNERiES77 | SONOMA COuNtYS tOp 5 CAVE tOuRS85 | diNiNg diRECtORY

Wine Country This Weeks preferred r estaurantsin Napa Valley (p85) and Sonoma County (p86)

24

5

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Small Family OwnedWinery in the Heart of

Napa Valley

1563 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena | 800-963-9454 | whitehalllane.comFollow us: facebook.com/whitehalllanewinery | twitter.com/whitehalllane

Open Daily 10am to 5:45pm

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Pinot Noir

Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay

Dessert Wines

COME IN AND TASTE OUR WINES:

Join us for an amazing wine experienceat our winery & tasting room.

PrivateTours and Tastings available by appointment

Flagship Tasting Daily from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

No appointment necessary


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WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK

NApA VALLEY

5 | ANdREtti WiNERY2 for 1 asn wh a

29 | BERiNgER ViNEYARdS 2 for 1 asn n he Rhne Hose w/a

5 | CALiFORNiA WiNE tOuRS Secal rce on ors an asns

39 | CALiStOgA BALLOONS Vip packae

39 | dutCH HENRY WiNERY10% off rchase wh a

25 | EtudE WiNERY2 for 1 asn wh a

3 | gOLdEN HAVEN dscons on Coles M Bah/Sa geaway

10 | HAgAFEN CELLARS 2 for 1 asn wh a

37 | JESSup CELLARS tasn fee wave wh rchase

41 | LOuiS M. MARtiNi WiNERY2 for 1 asn wh a

39|

OLd FAitHFuL gEYSER $1 off wh a

7 | REAtA 2 for 1 asn wh a

88 | RutHERFORd HiLL WiNERY10% off yor rchase wh a

37 | SOMERStON WiNE CO. Comlmenary asn, see a for eals

7 | St. CLEMENt WiNERY2 for 1 asn

40 | StAgECOACH EXpRESS Comlmenary shn box

38 | SuMMERS WiNES 15% scon wh a

35 | WiLLiAM HiLL 2 for 1 asn wh a

SONOMA COuNtY

63 | B WiSE Menon a for an Enhance asn exerence

49 | BALLEttO ViNEYARdS Comlmenary asn wh a

5 | CALiFORNiA WiNE tOuRS Secal rce on ors an asns

47 | CELLARS OF SONOMA 2 for 1 asn wh a

64 | CHAtEAu St. JEAN 2 for 1 asn wh a

78 | FERRARi-CARANO 2 for 1 Classc Wnes asn wh a

48 | FRitZ WiNERYMenon a for $5 off wne asn

53 | KENdALL-JACKSON WiNERY2 for 1 Reserve tasn wh a

63 | LEdSON WiNERY & ViNEYARdS Menon a for rae asn

49 | MARtiN RAY WiNERY15% scon wh a

61 | R2 Comlmenary rae reserve lbrary asn

50 | ROdNEY StRONg Comlmenary asn/20% scon wh a

57 | ViANSA WiNERY2 for 1 asn & 10% off rchase wh a

SANtA CLARA, SANtA CRuZ & MONtEREY COuNtiES

70 | HAHN WiNERYComlmenary asn for wo wh a

*See individual ads for details.

Wine Country Deals & Discounts


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www.WneConrythsWeek.com


Award winning wines.

One of Napas best vineyard andproduction tours.

Beautiful grounds with outdoor seating

and picnic areas.

Award winning wines.

One of Napas best vineyard andproduction tours.

Beautiful grounds with outdoor seating

and picnic areas.

Receive 2-for-1 wine tastingwith this coupon.

%""#$-***.reatawines.com707.254.8673 ext. 119


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I am often asked whether it is proper to bring a bottle of wine into

a restaurant. I dont discourage anyone from bringing their own wine,but only suggest a few guidelines and advice on what to expect whenyou arrive with your bottle. Be aware that some restaurants have

limits regarding customers taking in their own wine and some do not

permit it at all.Aside from high wine list prices being the motivation for taking

your own bottle to dinner, the restaurant wine list that offers a very

limited choice of wines that also provides a reason to bring your own.Unfortunately, often wine list selections are either lopsided toward the

mass-produced, popular brands, or else do not offer a wide enoughvariety of wines styles. This is why bringing your own bottle to the

restaurant sometimes makes sense. Here is how I approach it:

If I am uncertain about a particular restaurants policy I will calladvance to ask about bringing my own bottle. I respect a restaurthat does not permit private party wine, and this is more palatab

to me if their wine list is extensive, diverse and reasonably price

I will only bring wine that is special--not an ordinary supermarkwine that can be found on virtually any restaurant wine list. I do

not want to appear as if I am competing with the restaurant by

bringing in a bottle of something they already have on their list. course, it isnt always possible to know this in advance so either

ask in advance or I reduce the chance of that conflict by selectinan older vintage bottle from my collection. On the other hand, f

restaurants that have small and very limited wine lists, bringing i

an ordinary wine may not be a sensitive issue I expect to pay a fee to the restaurant, known as a corkage fee, t

open and serve my bottle. This fee usually ranges from $5 to $2depending on the restaurant. Some restaurants may waive this f

for their regular customers or if you also order a bottle off their

wine list. I always offer a taste of my wine to my server, host or sommelier.

do this simply as a courtesy and it is always appreciated, especia

if I have brought an older wine, or one from an unknown, high-quality producer.

I tip my server based upon the dinner price and the approximatvalue of the wine that I brought.

Follow s on twer @WneConry10

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 RBY 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.

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

Producing

Gold-MedalWines

Since 1979Tours, Tastings & Sales

11am-4pm

TWO FOR ONE TASTING WITH THIS AD(LOGO GLASS NOT INCLUDED)

4160 Silverado Trail, Napa

1-888-HAGAFEN(1-888-424-2336)

www.hagafen.com [email protected]

Learn more abo wne!For past Wineology columns,

scan the QR code with your

smart phone application

or go to

www.WineCountry

ThisWeek.comand search Wineology.


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1

ODETTE ESTATE

Welcome to Odette Estate, Stags Leap District newest winery.We invite you to visit our vibrant tasting room.

Open daily for tastings 10:30 am 4 pm by appointment.

To schedule your visit please call 707.224.7533or visit www.odetteesate.com.

ODETTE ESTATE WINERY

5998 SILVERADO TRAIL NAPA, CA 94558

100% Organic Grapes, Estate Grown Napa Valley WinesHill Wine Company Specializes in small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon,

Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc to ensure the highest quality wines.

Come sit back relax and taste the difference in our wines at the estate

craftsman tasting room or walk our estate olive orchard and grounds.

Of every bottle sold, a portion is donated to the ASPCA

Open Daily 10am-5pm

[email protected]

1001 Silverado Trail South, St Helena CA 94574


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BY JOSH STEIN

Has someone ever handed you a random glass of sparklingwine at an event, from which you eagerly sipped, expecting

creaminess and length, but ended up instead disappointed in the

insipid, sweet, bubbled white or pink grape juice actually in the

glass? No, it wasnt you, and no, all bubbles are not created equal

or equally. Blame soda for ever making you think otherwise since

thats essentially how that wine was made.

Inexpensive sparkling wine tastes cheap not necessarily

because of inexpensive grapes (though they dont help) but

because of an inexpensive production process, called the Charmat

or bulk process, which accelerates the fermentation and thus the

carbonation, creating an artificially-tasting mouthfeel on the

tongue. Through the use of glass-lined pressure tanks, carbondioxide can also be injected into the wine, giving it carbonation

ala soda water. The result of either looks like sparkling wine, but it

sure doesnt give the same pleasures.

Indeed, without considerable time on the lees, the spent yeast

and other fermentation by-products, the creaminess we associate

with a sparkling wine wont be present, which is why the bubbles

dont have the same mouthfeel. This latter, methode traditionelle,

process produces the bubbles as part of a long, slow fermentation

on the yeast in individual bottles and is what creates the

luxuriously creamy yet fruity essence of proper sparkling wine or

its various pseudonyms around the world (cava, prosecco, Asti,

Champagne, etc.). Its no joke that patience is rewarded in

sparkling wines. The timeframe is completely different for each

methodology, and that has the impact on the finished product.

Equally, because the pressure tanks are proportionally so much

larger than a sparkling wine bottle, the liquid-to-solids ratio is fdifferent. What produces the creaminess of the mouthfeel in age

sparkling wines is precisely the length of time in contact with th

fine lees thats what forms the modern day frozen bolt that e

bottle releases during disgorgement before final bottling.

Producers will sometimes move sparkling wines into other glass

sizes before bottling in the finished glass for this reason: the righ

ratio really matters to the aging. In fact, all of the packaging for

these wines has to be specially designed, but thats a tale for

another day.

And so, unlike a lot of other things in the world today, you

really do get what you pay for with fine sparkling wines and the

natural bubbles produced the low and slow way firstrecognized by winemasters Francesco Scacchi and Dom Prigno

all those centuries ago. Any sparkling wine made the traditiona

way will indicate as such on the label because the imposters leg

cannot, and given the time, expense and headaches involved, th

who can want credit where its due! At your next event, ask to s

the bottle before you imbibe and if anyone gives you a funny

look, now youve got a conversation starter for those awkward

event beginnings when no one knows what to talk about. Enjoy

Two Ways to Produce Bubbles

Josh Stein has been in the Napa wine business for a decade, and, in addition to being owner/

winemaker of the Stein Family Wine Group, which produces a nationally and internationally distributeportfolio of wine brands and donates 5% of its sales to the children of wineworkers in the form of colleg

scholarships and support funds, he regularly consults for wineries and organizations throughout the No

Bay and Coast via their subsidiary, Discrete Wine Support Services. With the other hours of his life, he

teaches all levels of developmental writing, college composition and American Literature at Fairfields

Solano College.


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CALENdAR OF EVENtS | WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK

14 Look for s on Facebook an become a Fa

ONGOINGNapa Valley Wine Train

Napa, www.winetrain.com, 800-427-4124 Nov 26-29: Santa Express Train Nov 30: Moonlight Escape Dec 3-6, 10-13, 17-20: Santa Express Train Dec 7, 21: Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Dec 28: Moonlight Escape

Dec 31: New Years Eve CelebrationONGOING

Seminars & Tastings

at Merryvale VineyardsSt. Helena, 10am-6:30pm, www.merryvale.com, 707-963-7777 Merryvale tasting, $15 Reserve tasting, $35 Wine Sensory Seminar, $45, Fridays 12pm or by appt Wine & Cheese Experience, $45, by appt Sommelier Grand Reserve Tasting, $65, by appt

ONGOING FRIDAYS-SUNDAYSBarrel Tasting & Tours at Reata

Barrel tasting: 11am, 2pm & by appointment, Tours by appointmentNapa, www.reatawines.com, 707-254-8673x119

ONGOINGJefferson House Reserve Room

Tasting at Monticello Vineyards

Napa Reserve Wine Seminar, Corley Family Napa Valley, $25RSVP 707-253-2802 x18, www.CorleyFamilyNapaValley.com

ONGOINGV. Sattui WinerySt. Helena, 9am-6pm, no appt. necessary, www.vsattui.com, 707-963-7774 Classic tasting, daily, $5 Premium tasting, daily, $10 Food & wine pairing, Mon-Thu, $18 Artisan chocolate & wine pairing, Sat-Sun, $25 Italian Marketplace with 200+ cheeses Deli with panini, sandwiches, crabcakes & more Weekend BBQ, wood-fired pizza, oysters, mozzarella bar 2 acres of tree-shaded picnic grounds

ONGOING FRIDAYS-SUNDAYSFood & Wine Pairings at Etude Winery

Napa, 10am, 1pm & 3pm, $35, $25/memberswww.etudewines.com, 707-257-5300

ONGOINGTours & Tasting at ZD Wines

Rutherford, RSVP 800-487-7757, www.zdwines.com Traditional Tasting, $10, daily 10am-4:30pm Premier Tasting, $20, daily 10am-4:30pm Private Group Tasting, $25, by appt Cellar Tour & Tasting, $40, by appt Vineyard View Tasting, $75, by appt Abacus Tasting, $650, by appt Wine Train, $199

ONGOINGTours and Tastings

at William Hill Estate Winery

Napa, 10am-5pm, by appt., www.williamhillestate.com, 707-265-3024 Taste the Napa Valley, $12 Taste the Silverado Bench, $20 Estate Exclusives, $25

Intro to William Hill Estate Tour and Tasting, $25 The William Hill Estate Experience Tour and Tasting, $40

ONGOINGVineyard & Winery Tours

at Raymond Vineyards

St. Helena, 11am (by appt), $15, Group tours available (by appt)www.raymondvineyards.com, 800-525-2659x620

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Andretti Winery

Napa, www.andrettiwinery.com, 877-386-5070x227 Individual Tastings, $15 Private Winery Tour & Tasting, $20/person by appointment

Vineyard Tours, $20/person by appointment

ONGOINGTasting at Grgich Hills Estate

Rutherford, 9:30am-4:30pm, Tours at 11am & 2pm, $10Wine library tasting/$30, Barrel tasting on most Fridays 2-4pmwww.grgich.com, 707-963-2784

ONGOINGTastings & Tours at Artesa Winery

Napa, RSVP, 877-224-8309, www.artesawinery.com Vino con Queso, Wine & Cheese Experience, $40 Daily Guided Tours Vines & Wines, A Vineyard Tour, $40

ONGOINGEducational Tours & Wine Tasting

at Castello di Amorosa

Calistoga, www.castellodiamorosa.com, RSVP, 707-967-6272

R egular tour & tast ing R eserve tour & tas ting Tasting only Young adult tours Napa Valley Neighbor Program Private VIP tours

ONGOINGTastings at St. SupryRutherford, www.stsupery.com, 800-942-0809 Vineyard to Glass Cellar Tour, Fridays, 2pm, $50 Dollarhide Library Tasting, daily, $35 lu Library Tasting, daily, $35

ONGOINGWine Tasting Experiences at Benessere VineyardsSt. Helena, www.benesserevineyards.com, by appt 707-963-5853x105 Personalized Wine Flights, daily, $10 Vineyards Walking Tour & Tasting, M-W, 10:30am, $15 Fudge Pairing Experience, Sun, 10:30am, $15 Barrel Tasting, RSVP, Tues, Sat-Sun, 11am, $20

Barrel Tasting & Current Release, Tues, Sat-Sun, 11am, $25 Barrel Tasting & Vertical, Tues, Sat-Sun, 11am, $25 Group Tasting, Sat-Sun, 1:30pm, $15

ONGOINGJoseph Phelps Vineyards: Tastings & SeminarsAn opportunity to participate in a wide range of excellent seminars.11am daily; 2:30pm, Monday-Friday & 2pm, Saturday & Sunday, $40except Insignia Blending & Single Vineyard Wines/$60, free/club membersWine & Cheese Pairing $75. Terrace tastings daily, $30 & $60.RSVP, 707-967-3720, details www.josephphelps.com Insignia Blending Wine Aroma Challenge S in gl e V in ey ar d W in es N ap a V al le y R oc ks Barrel Seminar

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Clos du ValNapa, daily 10am-5pm, www.closduval.com, 800-993-9463 Classic tastings, $10: fee waived with purchase of a bottle wine.

Reserve tastings, $20: fee not waived with purchase of a bottle of wine. Tours by appointment with 24 hour advance notice

ONGOINGVIP Tasting & Artisan Barrel Factory TourBourassa Vineyards, Napa, Mon-Fri by appointment, $15 mid-week speciMention this listing, www.bourassavineyards.com, 800-499-2366

ONGOINGVisitor Programs at Robert Mondavi WineryFor details, www.robertmondavi.com, 888-RMONDAVI x2 The Sign ature Tour & Tasting T he Wine Tast ing Basics The Exclusive Cella r Tast ing T ast ing Beyon d the Basic The Harvest of Joy Tour & Lunch

ONGOINGTastings at Silverado VineyardsNapa, www.silveradovineyards.com, 707-259-6611, 800-997-1770x611 Saddleblock Vineyard Tasting, by appt, $75 Library Tasting, by appt, $75 Daily Tasting Room Flights, Estate/$15, Premier/$25 Public Tours & Tasting, 10:30am & 2:30pm, by appt, $25 Private Tour and or Tasting, 15-25 guests, by appt, $20/tour, $25/tour &tasting

ONGOINGNapa Valley MuseumYountville, www.NapaValleyMuseum.org, 707-944-0500 Dec 1: All Aboard! Opening Reception Dec 1-16: All Aboard! Dec 19: Discovery Day for Kids, Victorian Egg Ornaments

ONGOINGNapa Valley Opera House

1030 Main Street, Napa, www.nvoh.org, 707-226-7372

Nov 29: Punch Brothers Dec 1: Dan Hicks, Holidaze in Hicksville Dec 2: TEDx Napa Valley Dec 4: Documentary, Miss Representation Dec 6: Riders in the Sky, Christmas the Cowboy Way Dec 7: Cantus, All is Calm Dec 8: Garage Band 101, Music of the New Millennium Dec 9: Ballet Folklorico Costa de Oro Dec 11: Caf Theatre Comedy, James P. Connolly Dec 14: Napa Regional Dance Company, The Nutcracker

Dec 19: Willie K Christmas Show Dec 20: Windham Hill Winter Solstice Dec 22: Voena, Voices of the Season

ONGOINGWine Tasting at Back Room WinesNapa, 5-9pm, www.backroomwines.com, 707-226-1378 Nov 29: Pinot Noir Fan Club of Napa Valley Nov 30: Grower Champagne Tasting Dec 6: Sherry, Comprehensive Tasting & Lesson Dec 14: Bring an Interesting & Good Bottle Night Dec 20-21: Gluhwein! Dec 24: Christmas Eve Afternoon Social

ONGOING FRIDAYSBubbles Bar at 1313 MainNapa, 9pm-12am, www.1313main.com, 707-258-1313

ONGOINGdi Rosa

Napa, www.dirosapreserve.org, 707-226-5991 Ongoing through Jan 27: Renaissance on Fillmore, 1955-65

NAPA VALLEY

UPCOMING Daily: Valley First Tour Daily: Grgich Hills Estate Winery Tour Fri-Sun: Domaine Chandon Winery Tour Sat: Valleys only Evening Winery Tour Mon-Thu: Ambassador Winery Tour Nov 30: Moonlight Escape Dec 3-6, 10-13, 17-20: Santa Express Train Dec 7, 21: Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Dec 28: Moonlight Escape Dec 31: New Years Eve Celebration


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ONGOINGLive at Uptown TheatreNapa, www.uptowntheatrenapa.com, 707-259-0123 Nov 30: Glen Campbell, The Goodbye Tour with Victoria Ghost Dec 1: Anne Lamott Dec 2: The Elves and the Shoemaker Dec 7: Sons of Champlin Dec 8: Taj Mahal Dec 15: Todd Snider w/ Dave Schools of Wide Spread Panic Dec 21: Bootsy Collins & The Funk Unity Band

ONGOING WEDNESDAYSWinemaker Wednesdays at 1313 MainNapa, 6-8pm, www.1313main.com, 707-258-1313 December 5: Flora Springs Winery December 12: Ridge Vineyards December 19: Herb Lamb Vineyards

NOVEMBER 30 DECEMBER 2

A Toast to Rutherford at theRutherford Appellation WineriesVisit participating wineries! $75, Sunday only $60www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com

ONGOING THROUGH DECEMBER 31Out of the Woods: Freeland TannerThe Grand Hand Gallery, Napawww.thegrandhand.com, 707-253-2551

DECEMBER 1Harvest Dinner at ArtesaNapa, 6:30pm, $95, Club Member Eventwww.artesawinery.com, 877-224-8309

DECEMBER 1Etude Will Call Pick PartyNapa, 11am-3pm, www.etudewines.com, 707-299-3064, RSVP

DECEMBER 1Etude Seasons GreetingsNapa, 12-3pm, Carolers at 1pm, www.etudewines.com, 866-708-9463

DECEMBER 1Annual Holiday Open Houseat St. ClementSt. Helena, 11am-5pm, www.stclement.com, 866-877-5939

DECEMBER 1Holiday Open House & Art ShowBlack Stallion Winery, Napa, 11am-4pmwww.blackstallionwinery.com, 707-227-3250

DECEMBER 117th Annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor ParadeDowntown Calistoga, www.calistogavisitors.com

DECEMBER 1Napas Holiday Historic B&B Tour & Taste EventDowntown Napa, www.NapaHolidayTour.com

DECEMBER 1Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & PartyRobert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, 3-5pmwww.robertmondavi.com, 707-968-2001

DECEMBER 1, 9Holiday High TeaSilverado Resort & Spa, Napa, 1:30-3pm, $40/personwww.silveradoresort.com, 707-257-0200

DECEMBER 2

Holiday Party & Special TastingViader Winery, Deer Park, 12-4pm, $45www.viader.com, 707-963-3816,

DECEMBER 3-5CIA Dessert Boot CampCIA Greystone, St. Helena, $1325www.ciachef.edu/enthusiasts, 800-206-8425

DECEMBER 7, 15Andretti Winery CelebratesWine & Cuisine with DinnerNapa, $125, 7pm, www.andrettiwinery.com, RSVP, 888-460-8463x229

DECEMBER 8Paella Holiday Celebrationat Sequoia GroveNapa, www.sequoiagrove.com, 800-851-7841

1www.WneConrythsWeek.com

WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK | CALENdAR OF EVEN

Celebrate the Magic

of the Holidays with Us

wines sold exclusively at the winery w family-owned since 1885

Great Giftsfor the Wine Lover

on your list

. SattuiV

lian& It

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DECEMBER 8Dolce In Vigneto Culinary Confections:Holiday Cookies at Andretti WineryAndretti Winery, Napa, 11am-1:30pm, $55www.andrettiwinery.com, 888-460-8463x229

DECEMBER 8Holiday Open Houseat Somerston Tasting LoungeCarolers, wine & gift specials, have your photo taken with Santa12-5pm, Yountville, 707-944-8200, [email protected]

DECEMBER 8Holiday Marketplace at Ehlers EstateSt. Helena, 11am-5pm, RSVP, 707-963-5972x306

DECEMBER 8Chateau Society Holiday Dinner Partyat Domaine CarnerosNapa, 7:30-10pm, $115/members, $125/guestswww.domainecarneros.com, 707-257-0101

DECEMBER 8Wine Club Progressive & FestiveCocktail Party at Raymond VineyardsSt. Helena, www.raymondvineyards.com, 707-963-6941

DECEMBER 8Beringer Holiday Open HouseSt. Helena, 11am-4pm, $35, RSVP, www.beringer.com, 877-586-9361

DECEMBER 8Stags Leap Open House

Napa, 1-4pm, $25, RSVP, www.stagsleap.com, 800-395-2441

DECEMBER 8Holiday Winemaker Dinner in the CaskRoom at Merryvale VineyardsSt. Helena, 7pm, $150, RSVP 800-326-6069x429, www.merryvale.com

DECEMBER 97th Annual Hanukkah Hootenanny& Wine Club Pickup Party at Judds HillNapa, 12-2:30pm, members/free, guests/$25, $50www.juddshill.com, 707-255-2332

DECEMBER 9Club Member Appreciation Holiday Partyat Beringer VineyardsSt. Helena, 11am-4pm, RSVP, www.beringer.com, 707-963-8989x2036

DECEMBER 15Wine Club Holiday Stop & Shop

at Grgich Hills Estate

Rutherford, www.grgich.com, 800-532-3057

DECEMBER 15Holiday Barrel Tasting & Pick Up Party

at Merryvale Vineyards

St. Helena, 1-4pm, $25, free/membersRSVP 877-887-7763, www.merryvale.com

DECEMBER 15Yountville Inaugural DinnerCornerstone Cellars, Yountville, 6pm, $100, $125/memberswww.cornerstonecellar.com, 707-945-0388

DECEMBER 16Holiday Tea at the Chateauat Domaine CarnerosNapa, 11am-12:30pm, 3-4:30pm, $45/members, $55/guestswww.domainecarneros.com, 707-257-0101

DECEMBER 16

Teddy Bear TeaSilverado Resort & Spa, Napa, 1:30-3pm, $40/personwww.silveradoresort.com, 707-257-0200

DECEMBER 16Father & Child TeaSilverado Resort & Spa, Napa, 1:30-3pm, $20/twosomewww.silveradoresort.com, 707-257-0200

DECEMBER 25Christmas Day DiningSilverado Resort & Spa, Napa, www.silveradoresort.com, 707-257-0200

DECEMBER 31New Years Eve Masquerade Ball

at Castello di Amorosa

Calistoga, $255/members, $290/guestswww.castellodiamorosa.com, RSVP, 707-967-6274

DECEMBER 31New Years Eve 2012Domaine Chandon, Yountville, www.chandon.com, 707-944-2280

JANUARY 12Dolce In Vigneto Culinary Confections:Tropical Fruit Tarts & Tartlets at AndrettiAndretti Winery, Napa, 11am-1:30pm, $55www.andrettiwinery.com, 888-460-8463x229

JANUARY 18-213rd Annual Napa Truffle Festival

Various events & locations in Napa Valleywww.napatrufflefestival.com, 888-753-9378

JANUARY 19Cooking Class: Authentico Mexican FareJoin Chef Enrique Gonzales, Cedar Gables Inn, Napa, 4-8pm, $169www.cedargablesinn.com, 707-224-7969

JANUARY 25Cooking Class: Robbie Burns CelebrationCedar Gables Inn, Napa, 4-11pm, $179www.cedargablesinn.com, 707-224-7969

JANUARY 27Chocolate Festival at Castello di AmorosaCalistoga, 12-4pm, $49/members, $59/guests, RSVP requiredwww.castellodiamorosa.com, 707-967-6274

ONGOINGTastings at Fritz Underground WineryA Taste of Fritz: $10, Indulge in Fritz Reserve Wines: $15Cloverdale, www.fritzwinery.com, 707-894-3389

ONGOINGLive Music at Centre du VinLedson Hotel, Sonoma, www.ledsonhotel.com, 707-996-9779

ONGOINGPrivate Tastings at Viansawww.viansa.com, 800-995-7470 Italian Wine & Cheese Pairing ,

10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appointment, $10/members, $25 Reserve Wine & Food Pairing

10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appointment, free/members, $45

ONGOINGReserve Wine & Food PairingPrivate Tasting at ViansaSonoma, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appointmentwww.viansa.com, 800-995-7470, free/members, $45

ONGOINGVineyard Walk & Photography Workshopat B.R. Cohn WineryGlen Ellen, 10am-1pm, $45, $35/memberswww.brcohn.com, 707-931-7924x123

ONGOINGExclusive Wine & Cheese Tastingat B.R. Cohn WineryGlen Ellen, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/memberswww.brcohn.com, 707-931-7924x123

ONGOINGPrivate Wine Tastingsat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and WineryHealdsburg Pick of the Bunch five wines, 6-8 people, $20-$40ppby appointment, www.ferrari-carano.com, 707-433-6700 Scentiments Test your Smell Memory

White Wine Lovers wines paired with Artisan cheeses King of Reds wines paired with dried fruits and chocolates Matchmaker wine and food pairing PreVail Tasting wines paired with Artisan Charcuterie plate Cabernet Terroir Tasting comparison wines from different elevations

ONGOING FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYSTaste with the Count at Buena VistaA 45-minute tour and wine tasting, 11am & 12:30pm, $20A 90-minute Taste with the Count with Reserve Buena Vista wines in theCounts Lair by the Count. 2pm, $45, RSVP, 800-926-1266

ONGOINGWine and Food Pairingat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and WineryHealdsburg Matchmaker, learn the art and science of matching wines withthe perfect food. 6-8 people, $35pp, by appointmentwww.ferrari-carano.com, 707-433-6700

ONGOINGFree Guided Winery Tourat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and WineryHealdsburg Monday-Saturday, 10am, by appointmentwww.ferrari-carano.com, 707-433-6700

ONGOINGGroup Private Tastingsat Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and WineryHealdsburg Includes 5 wines, 9-25 people in underground cellar, byappointment. $20 per person, www.ferrari-carano.com, 707-433-6700

ONGOINGTerroir & History Tour at Chateau St. JeaKenwood A visit to Chateau St. Jean lifts all of your senses.Complimentary, 11am-2pm, www.chateaustjean.com, 707-833-4134

ONGOINGFood and Wine Pairingat the Mayo Reserve Room9200 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, Daily, 10:30am-6pm, 7 course food/wine tas$35, Reservations recommended, www.mayofamilywinery.com, 707-833-

ONGOINGWine Experiences at Chateau St. JeanKenwood Ten person minimum, 2 hours, $50, by appointmentwww.chateaustjean.com, 707-833-4134x5258 Cinq Cpages Blending Seminar, Eight person minimum, 2 hours, $75 Cinq Cpages Component Tasting, Eight person minimum, 1.5 hours, $2 Private VIP Wine Tasting, 10:30am, 1 & 3pm, $25, 1 hour Box Lunch Prgram with Tour

ONGOINGTours, Tastings & Seminarsat St. Francis WinerySanta Rosa Ten person minimum, Call for more information & reservati888-675-WINE(9463)x255, www.stfranciswinery.com Charcuterie, daily 11am-4pm, $25/$20 club members Wine & Food Pairing, $35/$28 club members

ONGOINGGuided Winery Tours at Gloria FerrerSonoma, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $10, www.gloriaferrer.com, 707-996-7256

ONGOINGWine & Food Pairing at Kendall-JacksonFulton Special reserve food & wine tasting, 10am-4pm, $25www.kj.com, 707-571-7500

ONGOINGCarneros Bistro & Wine Bar IntroducesThematic Wine ProgramHonoring great local wine makers. Plus, each Thursday, 6:30-8pm celebri

wine-tenders. The Lodge at Sonoma, RSVP, www.thelodgeatsonoma.com707-931-2042

ONGOING SUNDAYSSunday Brunch at the Centre du VinLedson Hotel, Sonoma, 9am-1pm, www.ledsonhotel.com, 707-996-9779

ONGOING WEEKENDSWine & Chocolate Pairings at Fritz WineryCloverdale, 10:30am-4:30pm, $5 tasting fee covers the pairingwww.fritzwinery.com, 707-894-3389

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH50 Mile AV Vintner's DiningGlen Ellen Barrel tasting & Old Vine Pinot Noir & Syrahs from Ashton VineyaFoods sourced locally. 4-7pm, ashtonwines.com, RSVP, 707-935-3456

THURSDAYS NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 20Locals' Late NightLater hours, discounts, live music, food & wine tastings & more!Cornerstone Sonoma, Sonoma, www.CornerstoneSonoma.com

THURSDAYS NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 20Locals' Late Night - CornerstoneLater hours, discounts, live music, food & wine tastings & more!Cornerstone Sonoma, Sonoma, www.CornerstoneSonoma.com

ONGOING THURSDAYSThirsty Thursdays at AnabaSonoma Enjoy complimentary cheese & crackers to pair with your winetasting. 4-5:30pm, www.anabawines.com, 707-996-4188

ONGOING THURSDAY SUNDAYUnique Food & Wine Pairingsat HKG Tasting RoomGlen Ellen, 12-6pm, www.hopkilnwinery.com, 707-938-7622

ONGOING THURSDAY-SATURDAYLive Music at Cellars of SonomaSanta Rosa, 7:30-10:30pm, www.cellarsofsonoma.com, 707-578-1826

SONOMA COUNTY


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SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTHComedy Night at Cellars of SonomaSanta Rosa, 8:15-9pm, www.cellarsofsonoma.com, 707-578-1826

ONGOINGMoondance Cellars &

Orchard Station Wines

Glen Ellen Paired with Wine Country Chocolates Truffle Tastes, $10www.moondancecellars.com, 707-938-7550

ONGOING SATURDAYSJazz it up Wine & Concert Series

Ferrari-Caranos Seasons of the Vineyard, Healdsburg, 4-6pmwww.seasonofthevineyard.com, 707-431-2222

ONGOING THURSDAY-SATURDAYMichel-Schlumberger Winery Green TourHealdsburg, 10:30am, $25, www.michelschlumberger.com, 800-447-3060

ONGOING MONDAY-SATURDAYRobert Young Estate Winery Vineyard Tours& Tasting in a Remodeled Grape GondolaGeyserville, 11:30am, $10, box lunch provided for $20www.ryew.com, 707-431-4811

ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYSCome Crush With Us at Icaria Creek WineryWinemaker Jeff Smith leads a tasting of bottled & barreled wineswww.icariawinery.com, RSVP, 707-486-9623

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAYSanta Rosa Original Farmers MarketSanta Rosa Veterans Building parking lot, 8:30am-noon, 707-522-8629

EVERY FRIDAY MORNINGSonoma Valley Farmers MarketDepot Park, Sonoma, 9am-noon, 707-538-7023

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAYThe Art of Winemaking WorkshopPetroni Vineyards, Sonoma, 10:30am-12pm

www.petronivineyards.com, 707-935-8311ONGOING SATURDAYS

Syrah Hill Experience at Cline Cellars

Sonoma, 11am-1pm, 2-4pm, $40, $30/memberswww.clinecellars.com, 707-940-4061

ONGOINGCooking Classes at Ramekins Culinary School450 West Spain St, Sonoma, Check website for schedule.www.ramekins.com, 707-933-0450

ONGOINGSpreckels Performing Arts CenterRohnert Park, 707-588-3400, www.spreckelsonline.com, 707-588-3400 Nov 28-29: The Nightmare Before Christmas Dec 14-16: SR Dance Theatres The Nutcracker

ONGOINGWells Fargo Center for the ArtsSanta Rosa, wellsfargocenterarts.org, 707-546-3600 Dec 2: Straight No Chaser Dec 5: John Prine Dec 6: The 7th Annual Chris-Mix Dec 7: Posada Navidea Dec 14: Dave Koz & Friends Dec 15: Dwight Yoakam Dec 16: POPS2 Eileen Ivers, An Irish C

Dec 23: Moscow Ballets NutcrackerONGOING

Live Shows at Hopmonk TavernSebastopol, www.hopmonk.com, 707-829-7300 Nov 29: Phutureprimitive Nov 29: Milo Greene Nov 30: Grant Farm Dec 1: Jonathan Richman Dec 6: MC Yogis Mindfulfillment Dec 7: The Shotgun Wedding Quintet Dec 8: Free Peoples Dec 15: Dragon Smoke Dec 18: Not Getting Behind is the New Getting Ahead Dec 20: Minnesota Dec 21: 2nd Annual Doomsday Cabaret Dec 22: 8th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with John Courage


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ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 17Chuck Close: Works on Paper 1975-2012Monterey Museum of Art, Montereywww.montereyart.org, 831-372-5477

DECEMBER 1Chocolates & Desserts Cooking DemonstrationBernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley, 1-3pm, $95www.bernardus.com, 831-658-3400

DECEMBER 119th Annual Stillwells Fun in the Park

Caledonia Park, Pacific Grove, 10am-4pm, 831-373-3304DECEMBER 1-2

Art in the CellarBargetto Winery, Soquel, 11am-5pmwww.bargetto.com, 831-475-2258

DECEMBER 2Annual Wreath Making at Hahn EstatesSoledad, 11am-4pm, 831-678-4555www.hahnestates.com

DECEMBER 2Inns of Distinction TourCarmel-by-the-Sea, 2-5pm, 831-624-4447www.carmelheritage.org

DECEMBER 2Holiday SpectacularChateau Julien, Carmel Valley, 2:30-5:30pm$45, $35/members, www.chateaujulien.com, 831-624-2600

DECEMBER 3City Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyJewell Park, Pacific Grove, 6-9pm, 831-373-3304

DECEMBER 4-5Christmas at the InnsPacific Grove, 6-9pm, 831-373-3304

DECEMBER 6Krug Winemaker Dinner at PppoliPebble Beach, 831-647-7490, www.pebblebeach.com

DECEMBER 611th Annual Holiday Parade of LightsDowntown, Pacific Grove, 6-9pm, 831-601-8424

DECEMBER 716th Annual Truffle DinnerBernardus Lodge, Carmel Valleywww.bernardus.com, 888-648-9463

DECEMBER 7Holiday Tree Lighting & Carmel Plaza Open HouseDevendorf Park & Carmel Plaza, Carmel, 4:30pmwww.ci.carmel.ca.us, 831-620-2020

DECEMBER 8Pastry Class with Peggy FortinoFortino Winery, Gilroy, 2pm, $40/member, $50www.fortinowinery.com, 408-842-3305

DECEMBER 8Jingle Bell Run/WalkLovers Point Park, Pacific Grove, 8-11am, 831-620-1699

DECEMBER 31

Once Upon a Time: New Years Eve 2012

The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beachwww.pebblebeach.com, 800-654-9300

JANUARY 17

Winemaker Series: Margerum Wine Company, Santa

Barbara County

Pacifics Edge, Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Carmelwww.hyattcarmelhighlands.com, 831-620-1234

JANUARY 19Barrel Tasting & Futures Open HouseChateau Julien, Carmel Valley, 11am-4pmwww.chateaujulien.com, 831-624-2600, $15, free/members

FEBRUARY 2

Meet the Farmer Lunch Series:

Monterey Abalone Company

Pacifics Edge, Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Carmelwww.hyattcarmelhighlands.com, 831-620-1234

FEBRUARY 4-10

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

Pebble Beach, 831-649-1533, www.attpbgolf.com

FEBRUARY 9

Valentines Passport 2013

River Road Wine Trail

Visit 14 artisan vintners along the trail! 11am-4pmMonterey, www.riverroadwinetrail.com

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

ONGOING

Tasting Room TuesdaysSanta Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, The Fairmont San Jose, San JoseWinery representative will pour & be available for vine talk. 5-7pm www.fair-mont.com, www.scmwa.com, 800-441-1414, 831-685-8463

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

ONGOING

Thursday Night Music Series

Bargetto Winery, Soquel, Enjoy music, food & Bargetto wine! 6-8pmwww.bargetto.com, 831-475-2258x11

DECEMBER 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 21-23

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Roaring Camp Railroad, Feltonwww.roaringcamp.com, 831-335-4484

DECEMBER 1-2Pinotage Release Party at Loma Prieta

Los Gatos, www.lomaprietawinery.com, 408-353-2950

DECEMBER 9

Wine & Jazz Holiday Brunch

The Mountain Winery, Saratogawww.MountainWinery.com, 408-913-8124

DECEMBER 15

Tunes & Tasting

The Mountain Winery, Saratoga, 12-7pmwww.MountainWinery.com, 408-913-8124

DECEMBER 21

Wine & Blues

The Mountain Winery, Saratogawww.MountainWinery.com, 408-913-8124

ONGOING

2012 Vintners Holiday Sessions

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park

www.yosemitepark.com/vintners, 801-559-4859

Session 6, Nov 28-29: Honig Vineyard & Winery, Hatcher Winery,

Twomey Cellars, Silver Oak Cellars

Session 7, Dec 2-4: Frogs Leap Winery, Dutton-Goldfield,

Hitching Post Winery, Karly Wines

Session 8, Dec 5-6: Qupe, Bonny Doon, Ancien Wines,

Cain Vineyard & Winery

ONGOINGSierra RailroadOakdale, www.sierrarailroad.com, 209-848-2100 Dec 1: Sunday Night Dinner Dec 2, 8-9, 13, 15-16, 19-23: Christmas Train Dec 7: Murder Mystery Dinner Dec 7: Great Train Robbery

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

ONGOINGSacramento River Trainwww.sacramentorivertrain.com, 800-866-1690 Dec 1-2, 8-9, 11, 15-16, 18-23, 26-30: The Christmas Train Dec 31: New Years Eve Express

ONGOINGMondavi Center for the Performing ArtsU.C. Davis, www.mondaviarts.org, 866-754-ARTS Nov 29-Dec 1: Jogja Hip Hop Foundation Nov 30: One Man Star Wars Trilogy Dec 1: Charles Bradley & Menahan Street Dec 2: Alexander String Quartet Dec 3: The Fallen Idol Dec 5-6: Dan Dec 6-8: Lucy Guerin Dec 8: Cantus Dec 16: American Bach Soloists Dec 21: San Francisco Symphony Family Concert Jan 6: Alexander String Quartet

Jan 9-12: Ninety Miles Jan 13: Charlie Albright, piano Jan 17: Harry Belafonte Jan 18: Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour

55th Anniversary Celebration Jan 23-26: National Theatre of Scotland Jan 26: L.A. Dance Project Jan 29: Yo-Yo Ma, cello & Kathryn Stott, piano Jan 31: Calder Quartet, Rootstock Percussion Trio

& Mayumi Hama, marimba

SUISUN VALLEY

THURSDAY NIGHTSDate Night at Mankas

Tapas Bar & Steakhouse

Fairfield, $49/couple for a 3 course dinnerwww.mankassteakhouse.com, 707-425-3207

SUNDAY NIGHTSGrand Master Tasting at

Mankas Tapas Bar & Steakhouse

Fairfield, $29/ dinner & tastingwww.mankassteakhouse.com, 707-425-3207

ONGOINGWines by the GlassWinterhawk Winery, FairfieldWine & complimentary pizza 1-6pm, Live music 2-5pmwww.winterhawkwinery.com, 707-428-6977

ONGOINGCommunity Service SundaysWinterhawk Winery, FairfieldWine tasting, wine by the glass & food, 1:30-5:30pmwww.winterhawkwinery.com, 707-428-6977

DECEMBER 7Barrel Burning Pickup Partyat Vezer Family Vineyards

Suisun Valley, www.vezerfamilyvineyard.com, 888-823-8463

DECEMBER 7Shop Til You DropWooden Valley Winery, Suisun, 6-9pmwww.woodenvalley.com 707-864-0730

DECEMBER 26SVGGA Anniversary CelebrationOne Day OnlySuisun Valley Vintners and Growers AssociationVisit participating Suisun Valley wineries, 12-5pmwww.suisunvalleywines.com, 707-864-0730

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

SOLANO COUNTY

Check the website for many more events

www.winecountrythisweek.com

Email Your Evens o

[email protected]

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

weeks prior to the date of your event. Event listings

are free, and published as space is available and at

the discretion of Wine Country This Week.


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ON tHE COVER | WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK

22

PRAGER WINERY

& PORT WORKS

Open daily 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.1281 Lewelling Lane, St. Helena

(707) 963-7678 | www.pragerport.com.

pRAgERWinery & Port WorksBY MICHELLE J. BAKER

What could be a more fitting complement to holiday meals

cheese plates or sweets and treats than the delicious Ports fromNapa Valleys Prager Winery & Port Works? Port doesnt have t

foothold in the United States that it does in the Iberian

Peninsula, but a taste through the Ports at Prager will make yo

believer!

Jim Prager has been a believer since 1979, when he and wi

Imogene, moved to Napa Valley and opened the winery after

Jims successful career as an insurance broker in Southern

California. The winerys first vintage included Cabernet

Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Zinfandel, plus a Cabernet Port,

which gave the winery something unique that its Napa Valley

neighbors werent producing.

For more than 30 years Prager has been a true family-runwinery, with Jim and Imogenes five grown children now runn

everything from the books to the bottling line. Son, Jeff, is the

winerys general manager; Peter is the winemaker; John handle

wine sales and distribution; daughter, Katie is the chief financi

officer, and Mary handles the wine club and special events.

You dont see dad, Jim, around the winery much anymore

since he retired. According to Jeff Prager, Once we got a

computer in here and then started playing Led Zeppelin, Dad

said, thats it, Im done! Mom, Imogene, stays busy in the

kitchen, making the sweet and savory nuts that go famously w

any Prager Port. Still, on most days youll get at least a couple

Pragers to entertain you in the tasting room.Prager tasting room, where since the late 1980s customers

have been leaving currency from all over the world tacked to th

walls and ceiling. In fact, good luck finding a piece of wall to f

your dollar bill you may just have to tack it over someone

elses. This great Napa Valley tradition got started after Jim Prag

received a survey in the mail that included a $1 bill as

enticement to complete and return the survey. Prager tossed th

survey and tacked the dollar to the wall of the tasting room.

Customers soon followed suit.

Currently the Prager Port-folio includes a total of five Ports

of which are distinctly balanced and downright delicious. The

flagship Port at Prager is the Royal Escort, a big boy made from100% Petite Sirah grown right in St. Helena. The current relea

vintage 2006 is an intense wine that can be laid down for a lon

time or enjoyed in its youth paired with rich dark chocolate,

dried fruit or strongly flavored cheeses.

The 10-year-old Tawny Port, dubbed Noble Companion,

was produced from Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2001 vintag

The wine was left in French Oak barrels to oxidize as a good

tawny does never topped up, never racked. The result is an

amber beauty with nutty, caramel and vanilla notes, great acidi

and just enough sweetness to pop its luscious flavors.

In their Toms Port, the Pragers use the traditional Portugu


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WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK | ON tHE COV

Port varietals Touriga, Tinta Cao

and Tinta Roriz grown just up

the road in Calistoga. Toms is

an elegant, softer style Port that

will pair nicely with holiday fruit

and cheese plates. The Aria

White Port is quite similar to the

Portuguese version of whitePorts, which are often paired

with lunch fare such as soups,

bisques and seafood. Who says

you can only have Port after a

meal? The Aria White Port

makes a great apertif to sit

around the fireplace before the

holiday meal.

While Prager may be best

known for its Ports, theres a

Petite Sirah in the house that will

impress folks who love a big redwine. The Pragers is an old

school Petite Sirah, aged for two

and a half years in American oak

barrels, which gives this wine a

great spicy character and plenty

of backbone. Drink it now with

a juicy steak or sock it away as

its sure to improve for many

years.

Beyond their great selection

of wines, Prager has lots of other

fun gifts for the holidays. Youll

fall in love with Imogenes Sweet

and Savory Caramelized Walnuts

and Sweet and Savory

Caramelized Pecans. These

delicious nuts, made by Imogene

Prager, make a great

accompaniment to holiday fruit

and cheese plates alongside a

Prager Port.

For the chocolate fanatic,

Prager now also offers a

Chocolate Port Drizzle ($17.95)

to pour over fruit or ice cream

(or, shhhh, drink straight out of

the bottle!) and Chocolate Port

Truffles ($13.50 for a box of 12).

Both of these confections are

made with Prager Port.

For a more savory gift, try the

Prager 12-year-old Port Balsamic

Vinegar, made from Prager Port

and aged in cherry and oak

wood.


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WiNE COuNtRY NEWS | WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK

24

pROVENANCE ViNEYARdLocation, Location, LocationBY JOSH STEIN

Provenance Vineyards, as the name suggests, is all about what goes o

the vineyard. Winemakers Tom Rinaldi and Chris Cooney have developclose grower relations and spend a great deal of time walking the vineya

Their minimal intervention during winemaking ensures that each wine

shows off the unique personality of its origin. The key to their success is

time and energy they put into the only thing that truly matters in wine:

land.

Indeed, provenance means origin or source, and can be used to r

to the complete record of ownership that establishes an artworks

authenticity beyond question. In winemaking, provenance points to a w

origins how one can trace what is in the glass directly back to the

vineyard. This name was chosen for the winery because all of its releases

made from grapes that come from hallowed ground in the winemaking

world. In other words, the resulting wines are works of art in the bottlebecause they clearly show the uniqueness of their origins.

Provenances vineyards, whether they are owned directly by the wine

or by some of the valleys best growers, are historic and well-known sites

Most winemakers never encounter vineyards of this quality during their

careers; the winemakers at Provenance have access to several. These inc

the Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, Provenance Vineyards Rutherford

estate, the Three Palms Vineyard in Calistoga, the Beckstoffer Las Amiga

Vineyard in Carneros, and the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakvill

which has been producing internationally recognized, award-winning

Cabernets since 1889.

PROVENANCE VINEYARDS

Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for major holidays.Appointments are not necessary but are appreciated for groups over six.

1695 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94574(707) 968-3633 | www.provenancevineyards.com

Mention Wine Country This Week to receive 2 tastings for the price of 1


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&

Only available at winery. Not applicable online. Offer expires 12/31/2012.

(877) 586-9361

0-4:30 |Outdoor Patio - Catering Available - Manicured Gardens - Private Tasting Room

Trendy Boutique Feel - Food & Wine Pairings - Ample Parking - Shaded Areas

2 for1Present thi s ad to

Adjacent to the winery itself is the Hewitt Vineyard, first

planted more than 130 years ago, and from which only one wine is

made: the limited-release Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Rather

than using other varietals as part of a blend, Tom Rinaldi uses the

best grapes from a variety of clones in the fifty-eight-acre vineyard

to achieve each years bottling. Its celebrated, enticing note of violet

is a hallmark of the vineyard, not present in wines from other

Rutherford locations.

Tasting Provenance wines is something special. Unlike many

other wineries, Provenances property evokes Old Napa the minute

you move away from the highway. The red farmhouse that greets

you is surrounded by vineyards and an extensive lawn, which is

how 19th-century winemakers throughout the valley laid out their

winery homesteads. Inside, the tasting room is bright and airy,

with high ceilings and an art-gallery feel. The intimacy of the room

is accented by the floor, which is made from the barrelheads and

staves from 960 barrels from the winerys first vintage, and by a

large window that overlooks the goings-on in the barrel room.Provenance is well known for its Cabernets and Merlots, but a

number of extremely small bottlings cant be found elsewhere.

These include the aforementioned Beckstoffer To Kalon Cab do

not miss out! as well as library releases of small-lot Merlots and

aged Cabernets, the Bordeaux-style Winemakers Reserve Blend,

and the delicious Ruby Cabernet Port. We come to Napa for wines

with a certain attitude, for wines that let us know they came from

one exact special spot. The winemakers at Provenance Vineyards,

thanks to the quality of their vineyards, produce wines that do just

that. Enjoy!


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OdEttE EStAtE WiNERYBY CHARLES NEAVE

Set in the heart of the Napa Valleys famous Stags Leap district, Ode

Estate Winery has become a destination for lovers of exceptional Cabe

Sauvignon and Chardonnay in just a few short months. With fruit sou

from some of the areas finest vineyards, it is then crafted into wine at thands of talented winemaker Jeff Owens, formerly of PlumpJack and

CADE wineries both part of the owners winery portfolio.

The new owners of the Odette property are certainly well known in

Northern California and in Wine Country. They are philanthropist,

investor and composer Gordon Getty and Gavin Newsom, former may

of San Francisco and now the states lieutenant governor. Even the nam

Odette has a certain cachet in the wine world, appearing at the infam

(or famous, if you come from this side of the Atlantic) Paris Wine Tast

of 1976, in which a red wine from Stags Leap District took top honors

over the French vintners.

Wines from Stags Leap District develop remarkable power and fin

classic structure, Jeff explains. Im looking forward to exploring every

facet of our vineyards personality.

He also adds that, Estate soils range from Perkins and Boomer grav

loam to Bale clay loam and yield Cabernet Sauvignon of pure terroir

expression.

Odette Estate occupies 45 acres, with a total of 36 planted to vines

soils naturally yield Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases the best

characteristics of this iconic varietal. The entire estate is farmed organic

and the owners have plans to break ground on a new Leed Certified

organic winery next year, which will be major and very forward-lookin

achievement.

To sample Odettes Adaptation wines, as well as PlumpJack Merlot Sauvignon Blanc and a Cabernet from CADE, youll need to put a visi

the tasting room on your schedule. Located on the Silverado Trail, it is

quiet haven where you can take your time, enjoy the 360-degree view

vineyards and rolling hillsides sit, relax and be charmed.

At the tasting venue the floor, both inside and out, is stone, the col

scheme a subtle monochromatic, and the sleek modern bar is polished

wood. Teardrop lights drop down from the high ceiling and throw a

flattering glow. The whole effect combines both the casual with an infu

of earthy, country sophistication. The room is spacious; the staff friend

enthusiastic and welcoming and there is a nice but not overwhelmin

selection of interesting merchandise, much of it perfect for gifts.Outside there are plenty of chairs, tables with crisp white market

umbrellas, and another smaller, semi-private patio off to one side. And

unlike at many wineries, you can buy a bottle of any of the bottles (ch

for the whites; cellar temperature for the reds) they offer and enjoy it a

table. Theyll even open it for you and provide high-quality glassware.

Private tastings can also be arranged for up to six people in their

private tasting room, or for as many as 15 outside on the patio. If

discovering new faces in the ever-evolving wine country landscape is

you, then check your map, program your GPS and chart a course to t

gem of a winery at the base of the Vaca Mountains in Stags Leap.

ODETTE ESTATE WINERY

Open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 4 pm,by appointment.5998 Silverado Trail, Napa CA 94558

(707) 224-7533 | www.odetteestate.comFollow them on Facebook and Twitter

The property is available for private events (though not for picnics).

Inquire at the winery for information, options and availability.

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2

Come and experience the history and

pastoral setting with picnic grounds,a bocce court and a horse shoe pit.

Tours & Tastings offered daily

Exclusive Group & LunchPackages by appointment

Open Daily 11-56613 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley, CA 94567(707) 965-1246 www.popevalleywinery.com

PREMIUM NAPA VALLEY WINES FOUNDED IN 1897

Tis the season to celebrate family, friends, food and, of course

wine! Stop by these open houses to find the perfect wine for yourholiday gatherings and a few unique gifts.

Berner Holay Oen Hose Saray, december 8, 11am-4mRing in Holiday 2012 with the traditional sights, sounds and

flavors of the season. Join us for a festive gathering in the Victorian-

era Rhine House and savor a reserve tasting paired with holiday bites.

Live carolers will wander, singing seasonal songs of yore from 11 a.m.

to 1 p.m. to be followed by an offering of delightfully sweet treats

accompanied by our dessert wines. Experience the whole property

for holiday decorating inspiration courtesy of our Beringer team.

Cost: $35 per person. For reservations call 866-708-9463. Beringer

is located at 2000 Main Street, St. Helena. For more information, goto www.beringer.com.

Joyex Nol a Chaea S Jean december 8-9 & 15-16, 10am-5mExperience a taste of Christmas in the French tradition this

holiday season. With special discounts, holiday wine flights with

small bites, live caroling, bche de nol, classic holiday movies and

much more, the Chateaus Joyeux Nol is the cant-miss shopping

event of the season. The winery will be dressed to the nines in

holiday trimmings and the Chateau St. Jean entry to the Sonoma

Winery Gingerbread House contest will be on display for you to

cast your vote. Reservations are not required. Chateau St. Jean is

located at 8555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood. For more information,

call 1-877-478-5326 or go to www.ChateauStJean.com.

Ee Seasons greens december 1, 12-3m; Carolers a 1mGet into the holiday spirit with live carolers, holiday treats and

wine tasting. Special large-format bottles will be available for holiday

gifting. Donate a can of food to the food drive and get $5 off tasting.

Reservations are not required. Etude is located at 1250 Cuttings

Wharf Road, Napa. For more information, call 1-877-586-9361 or

go to www.etudewines.com.

S. Clemen Annal Holay Oen Hose december 1, 11am-5mSt. Clement will ring in the holiday season with their annual open

house. Join them for a progressive wine tasting, festive bites and gift

ideas galore. Special holiday pricing on select wines! Cost is $25 per

person. For reservations, call 1-866-877-5939. St. Clement is at 2867

St. Helena Hwy North, St. Helena. For more information, go to

www.stclement.com.

Sas Lea Holay Oen Hose december 8, 1-4mEnjoy live holiday music in front of the Manor House fireplace

while tasting our wonderful wines paired with scrumptious holiday

bites. Cost $25 per person. For reservations, call 1-800-395-2441.

Stags Leap is located at 6150 Silverado Trail, Napa. For more

information, go to www.stagsleap.com

Holiday Gatherings forShopping, Good Cheer


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HiLL WiNE COMpANYAffordable, Vineyard-Driven Green Releases

BY JOSH STEN

Is it still possible to make great Napa Valley wines without harming the land or the wallet

the process? Well, St. Helenas Hill Wine Company declares, unequivocably, yes! And theyve

done so by keeping the emphasis on great grapes grown in awesome locations which are

interfered with as minimally as possible to let the vineyards speak for themselves in the glass

The history of the relatively young Hill Wine Company starts with Jeff Hill, Sr., who, as amember of the US Marine Corps, moved his family around quite a bit. His son, Jeff, Jr., becam

involved in Future Farmers of America along the way, and that set in motion the training and

experiences which would create the winery several decades later. Jeff went on to do a degree

plant science with an emphasis in plant health from Fresno State, as well as working for close

a decade in agricultural organics. His Jeff Hill Vineyard Group organically farms 650 North

Coast acres in Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties, and the Hill Wine Company combines his

areas of specialty together with the best lots hes grown to produce surprisingly affordable,

vineyard-driven Napa Valley wines.

Jeff draws on the finest grapes from nine of the Valleys sub-appellations, including multip

locations throughout the southern Valley, from Carneros and Coombsville up to Yountville an

Rutherford, and in multiple hillside spots, including Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak. The f

series of wines released are called The Black Dog, named for Jeffs beloved black labrador, and

offers bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

Equal to the quality of the wines, another key to success for the winery is keeping the focu

on sustainable and organic practices, which extend beyond the vineyards into everything the

winery does. They use recycled glass and organic labels, boxes, and corks. A percentage of ev

bottle sold is donated to the ASPCA, and the winery is a proud member of 1% For The Plane

which supports environmental causes.

As you can tell, Hill Wine Company simply isnt like a lot of other Valley wineries. Theyv

kept only their goals in mind every step of the way: affordability, growing great grapes, and

releasing great wines. Go visit them up on the Trail youll be immensely glad you did. Enj

HILL WINE COMPANYOpen daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1001 Silverado Trail South, St. Helena CA 94574(707) 963-7000 | www.hillwinecompany.com


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Experience the holidays in California wine

country from a whole new perspective: Your seat

on the Holiday Wine Trolley. This holiday season

guests will have two ways to take in the festivities

in Napa and Sonoma counties.

The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley has beentransformed into the Holiday Wine Trolley,

brimming with garland, lights and playing classic holiday music.

Board the trolley at the Sonoma Plaza or one of four hotels in the

area, and begin your Sonoma adventure touring historical landmarks

and four premium wineries. Guests may also take advantage of

holiday winery specials and do their holiday shopping while on the

tour. Tickets for the Holiday Wine Trolley Tour are $99 per person,

and the price includes a catered lunch from the girl & the fig

restaurant. For more information visit

www.sonomavalleywinetrolley.com or call 1-877-WIN

TROLLEY.

In Napa County, families and kids of all ages are

invited to board the Napa Valley Holiday Wine Trolley

for the Holiday Light Tour, which takes passengers

through historic downtown Napa and its Victorianneighborhoods. The one-and-a-half hour tour transpo

trolley guests into the holiday spirit as they enjoy seasonal light

displays and decorations, sing holiday carols and sip hot chocolate

Proceeds from these tours benefit foster children of Napa County.

The Holiday Light Trolley Tour begin December 7 and continues

every weekend in December. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $15 for

children between 4 and 12 years old, children under 3 years are fre

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit

www.NapaValleyWineTrolley.com or call 1-877-WINE-TROLLEY.

Trolley Bells Ring in the Holiday Season in California Wine Country

www.WneConrythsWeek.com

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Chrs MoranoCHIEF CONCIERGE

FOUNTAINGROVE INN, SANTA ROSA

CM: The perfect day is different for each guest,so as a former San Francisco Chief Conciergewho moved here for the wine and stayed for theriver and the trees I continually seek the most-memorable mix Sonoma County has to offer.

Begin your day with the popular, heartybreakfast buffet at the Fountaingrove Inn, andthen head to Goat Rock State Beach. This StatePark is located where the fresh water Russian

River meets the salty Pacific, and a brisk-morningvisit to this microcosm of life is a must-do. Then,head east to Guerneville for a leisurely strollthrough the magnificent giants that encompassArmstrong Woods State Park, an ancient grove ofCoastal Redwoods; this is a do-not-miss multi-sensory experience. Both parks can be enjoyedthroughout the year, even in winter!

Now, on to Korbel for a fabulous tour andtasting; dont forget to visit their Marketplace,where youll create a picnic delight youll enjoylater! Of course, I base my winery suggestions onvarietals sought by my guests, but alwaysrecommend a drive to the vintners of scenic DryCreek and Russian River Appellations. Among

my personal favorites are Bella Vineyards (greatreds, rustic cave tour, winery artifacts fromaround the world), Amista (pet-friendly, world-class wines); VML Winery (gold medal-winningPinot), Lambert Bridge (enjoy your picnic lunchamid their beautiful gardens with a glass of theirfinest!) and the casual Kokomo Winery (to-diefor Zin and MOST gracious hospitality!).

Afterward, enjoy late-afternoon one-of-a-kindshopping in the Victorian town of Healdsburg;end your day with a delicious dinner at ourrestaurant, Equus, or at the Michelin-rated, smallplates gem Willis Wine Bar.

Jlee ChrsensenCONCIERGE, ANDAZ NAPA

JC: Im not the type to say, You have to go hereits my favorite! Everyone is different, and withmore than 400 wineries in Napa alone, there aenough wineries to please every palette.

Personally, I have some that are varietal-specificothers because of great wine and gorgeousgrounds (Newton), spectacular caves (HallRutherford), or fabulous food and wine pairin(Rams Gate)or all of the above (Quintessa).For a great introductory tour, I still think

Mondavis Signature Tour & Tasting is one othe best in the valley!

For those thirsty to learn more about wine,there are wineries that conduct blendingseminars, allow barrel tasting and, during harveven allow guests to actively participate inpunch-down. For wine blending, Conn Creeis fabulous andJoseph Phelps is veryeducational. For barrel tasting, I frequentlyrecommend Alpha Omega, Fontanella, FloraSprings Winery and Del Dotto.

For those who claim to have done Napa,sometimes its often a matter of looking beyondHwy 29 or the Silverado Trail. I love some of thsmaller wineries in Coombsville, but am also a

fan of mountain Cabs, and have sent many gueup-valley to Spring Mountain and HowellMountain. Youd be surprised how many winerare still not really on the map but have muchoffer to the most discerning critics. InCoombsville, I love Tournesol, Palmaz andCaldwell. On Howell Mountain, I loveOShaugnessy, Viader and Cade. On SpringMountain, I love Barnett, Vineyard 7 & 8 andSpring Mountain Winery.

One of the most gratifying aspects of my jobwhen guests come back to tell me how amazintheir day was!

CONCiERgE Q & A: What are your personal favorites?

Anreas RelCHEF CONCIERGEFOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAN FRANCISCOMember of Les Clefs DOr USA

WCtW: If you were to visit just one winery,which would you choose and why?

AR: Quintessa. Perfect experience with a privatetour and tasting with your own guide, beautifulgrounds, architecture and, of course, amazingwine.

WCtW: Describe what you would call theperfect day in wine country.

AR: Grabbing a quick delightful pastry and coffeeat Bouchon Bakery in Yountville for breakfast,then going to one of the many wineries for a tourand tasting, preferably one of the wineries whooffer tours and tasting by appointments only(Quintessa, Shafer, Far Niente, Cakebread orNickel & Nickel).

For lunch I would organize a tour and tastingwith a winery who offers lunch possibilities(Tamber Bay or Gamble). In the afternoon onemore tasting only Duckhorn or Schramsbergfor some Champagne tasting. When wineries areclosing I would go for a mud bath treatment inCalistoga and then be ready for a nice dinner in ofthe many amazing restaurants in the Napa Valleyarea (Mustards, Redd, Bouchon, The Restaurant atthe Auberge du Soleil, Solbar, Farmstead, Bottegaor for a very special evening and a lot of good luckto secure a reservation at the French Laundry orThe Restaurant at Meadowood Resort).

WCtW: What areas and/or wineries would yourecommend that are not part of the popularwine country?

AR:Anderson Valley with Goldeneye ( for aperfect setting and really good Pinot Noirs) andNavarro Winery, Scharffenberger and RoedererEstate for some bubbly.

Remember: Please sip responsibly! Plan to taste at no more than three wineries based on these recommendations.

CONCiERgE FAVORitES | WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK


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32

WiNEMAKER pROFiLE

StACY CLARK

Charles Krug Estate WineryBY JOSH STEINCharles Krug Estate Winery has been known for innovation for a

century and a half, and its newest winemaking team member,

Winemaker Stacy Clark, fits right into a winery intent on continuing

evolvution of creating great wines. Clark says, Theres this amazing

legacy of the past but theres also a focus on the future to raise the pro

of the winery even more. Named for the twenty-seven-year-old Prus

who founded it in 1861, Charles Krug, the man, was an innovator m

times over: he opened the first tasting room in California in 1882. He

introduced the cider press to winemaking, making it considerably ea

to press wines and separate liquids from solids. A true pathbreaker, hmade careful study and selection of rootstock, varieties and vineyard

locations. Over time, however, the winery fell into other hands and w

eventually far worse for wear which is where the Peter Mondavi fam

came into the picture during World War II, when it was purchased b

family patriarch Cesare Mondavi.

Peter took over as President in 1976, and his efforts have resulted

enological, viticultural and marketing revolutions, which include the

vintage-dating of varietal wines; cold fermentations of white wines; c

sterile filtration of wines; leading the planting of Carneros to

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties; conducting fermentations in

small French oak barrels; producing the first winery newsletter, Bott

& Bins, in 1949; and creating the annual Tastings on the Lawn conc

series in 1951, the first wine industry tasting events for the general

public. For these successes and more, Peter was justly named by th

Napa Valley Vintners Association as one of its twelve Living Legend

in 1999, and for those efforts, Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed

September 10th, 2011 as Charles Krug Winery Day. He was also

admitted into the Vintners Hall of Fame this past year, in recognition

his and the winerys work for the industry.

Change in the name of better wines continues to this day with th

next generation of Mondavis leading the way. Peters sons, Marc and

Peter, Jr., have just completed a nine-year, $22-million initiative to

replant more than four hundred acres of estate property and upgradthe winery to twenty-first-century equipment, including solar power

Those upgrades in combination with Stacy Clarks vision are already

producing distinction: the current releases have received a slew of 9

scores and Gold, Double Gold and Best of Class awards. Produced

from eleven vineyards and encompassing four AVAs Carneros, How

Mountain, St. Helena, Yountville across 850 acres, the wines are

clearly amongst the best the Valley has produced.

Balance and structure in the name of wines for the dining room

table are always the goal, says Stacy Clark: There are always new

challenges, so the process of making wine is always vibrant and

CHARLES KRUG WINERY

2800 Main Street, St. Helena CA 94574(707) 967-2200 | www.charleskrug.com

Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Current release tasting is $15 per person, Reserve and Limited Release tasting is $25 per person.

With redevelopment ongoing at the winery, tours are currently unavailable.


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The Bay View Restaurant & BarTraditional Italian Cuisine & Local Seafood

Cocktails on the Patio or at the Hearthside LoungeDinner with the Winemaker Monthly Series

Saturday Night Piano BarFamily Gatherings, Banquets & Receptions Welcome

DINNER SERVED Wednesday - Sundays

THE INN AT THE TIDES800 Hwy. One, Bodega Bay

www.InnattheTides.com (707) 875-2751

WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK | NApA VALL

Follow s on twer @WneConrytW 3

Continued

inspiring. Considering Charles Krugs venerable history, outstanding

reputation and impressive family portfolio of prime Napa Valley

estate vineyards to work from, I am very excited to be part of the

team.

After a quarter-century of her own at Pine Ridge, consulting, and

making her own wines, Clark has been brought in to continue the

winerys evolution, putting even more attention into precision

production processes. Clark champions cellar practices such as

cluster and berry sorting and cold soaking among many others, all

of which allow the production of high quality, expressive wines with

a sense of place. Charles Krug Winery is essentially a winery-

within-a-winery, allowing Clark to closely monitor the terroir-based

premium wines that are produced.

And that really is what todays and tomorrows Charles Krug

Estate Winery is all about. The family doesnt want to forget its past,

celebrates it in fact, but it also seeks to move ahead to new ways of

growing and making even better wines with the addition of veteranwinemaking talent. The change in name to Charles Krug-Peter

Mondavi Sr. Family Estate several years ago was meant to signal that

they intend to continue to conserve Napas past while creating new

chapters in that history. Go taste for yourself and see why

winelovers have been coming to this estate for more than 150 years.

Enjoy!


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Chef Cindy Pawlcyn has partnered with Mumm Napa tocreate fresh new festive recipes that will make every celebrationworth toasting! Of course we never need a special occasion for

sparkling wine but Mumm Napa has just released the latest

vintage of their flagship cuve, the 2006 DVX just in time for theholidays. Chef Cindy Pawlcyn is a pioneer in wine country

cuisine and with her three different restaurants in Napa shecontinues to create innovative dishes using local and sustainable

meats and produce. Her wine lists are just as impressive and

showcase the many sides of Napa Valley.Sparkling wine is such a great way to start a holiday party. Its

an ice breaker and shows your guests that you have taken the

time to find that perfect accompaniment to the meal. This wineopens with warm biscuity notes laced with cherry and red

delicious apples followed by scrumptious flavors of Bosc pear,fig and baked apples. The 2006 DVX paired with these delicate

morel mushroom and goat cheese toasts is an ideal match.

These bite size starters are delicious and make a beautifulpresentation. The earthiness and warmth of the mushrooms

complement the crisp apple notes in the wine. Since this dish isquick to prepare, you can get out of the kitchen and have more

time to enjoy your guests and those spiraling bubbles that make

sparkling wine a perfect holiday aperitif. This wines fabulous

structure may be enjoyed now or cellared for addeddepth and character. Pair this exceptional new cuvewith all of your holiday meals and celebrate the season!

Mumm Napa is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:45

p.m. Three distinct seated tasting experiences withpersonal table service are available. Enjoy the beautiful

outdoor patio, or taste in the glass-enclosed TastingSalon while enjoying views of the surrounding

vineyards. Reserve your seating on the Oak Terrace

for an exclusive library flight with morespectacular views. Mumm Napa offers many

exclusive wines only available here so come and

experience the luxury of sparkling wine in thequintessential wine country setting. One of the

most unique features of the winery, their FineArt Photography Gallery features a permanent

collection by Ansel Adams as well as rotating

exhibits by prominent photographersthroughout the year. Pick up a glass of bubbly

at the tasting room and stroll through thegalleries at your leisure. For more information

or to reserve the Oak Terrace, visit their

website at www.mummnapa.com.

Perfect Pairs BY ALEXANdRA CHARSLEY

Morel mushrooms are smallish, look like cone-shaped sponges, and have honeycomblike caps that suck up sauces and pan juices wonderfully. They are fairly plentiful

in spring, at least in certain areas, such as the Midwest and parts of the Northwest. Always buy dry, clean-looking morels, and when you get them home, look for

hidden insects and shake out any forest debris. Do not wash them, however. If you cant find morels, you can use other wild mushrooms porcini in the fall and

chanterelles later in the year or if all else fails, purchase a nice combination of cultivated mushrooms, such as button mushrooms, shiitakes, and portobellos, from

the market. A combination of dried and fresh mushrooms also works well. Figure on one-eighth to one-fourth the weight of the fresh mushrooms when computing the

amount of dried mushrooms.

Reprinted with permission fromMustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbookby Cindy Pawlcyn with Brigid Callinan, copyright 2001.Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group. Photo credit: Laurie Smith.

Morel Mushroom and Goat Cheese ToastsFromMustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbookby Cindy Pawlcyn Serves 6

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 teaspoons butter 2 shallots, thinly sliced into rounds 4 cups fresh morel mushrooms,

quartered lengthwise and carefully cleaned Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 1/4 cup Calvados, Madeira or Cognac 1/4 pound fresh goat cheese

2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or half-and-half 6 slices rustic country bread, each 1/3-inch thick 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Heat the olive oil and 2 teaspoons of the butter in a saut pan overmedium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes,until they begin to caramelize. Add the morels and saut, stirringoccasionally for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Sprinkle to taste withsalt and pepper. When the mushrooms start to caramelize and giveoff their juices, add the thyme and saut for 1 minute more. Then stirin the Calvados and the remaining 2 teaspoons butter and keep warmover low heat until you are ready to serve.In a bowl, mix the goat cheese together with the whipping cream to

make it spreadable. Toast or grill the bread, smear each slice with anice layer of the creamy goat cheese and place on serving plates. Pourthe mushroom sauce over, sprinkle with parsley and serve at once.

Cindy Pawlcyns Morel Mushroom and Goat Cheese Toasts

Perfectly Paired with Mumm Napa 2006 DVX


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passor Weeken Exerence Exene o three days

Rutherford Appellation Wineries will celebrate the holiday season

with an extended Toast to Rutherford Passport Weekend, November

30th through December 2nd. With the three-day weekend in mind,two evening events have been added for those who purchase special

VIP Passports.

In addition to the daytime wine and food tastings, VIP Passport

holders may begin the weekend with a Friday night Magnum Party at

Mumm Napa. Saturday evening, VIP Passport holders will be invited

to attend a winemaker dinner at Alpha Omega Winery featuring

vintner and Rutherford Dust Society President Robin Baggetts almost

famous BBQ and Rutherford vintners pouring their wines.

On Saturday and Sunday all Passport holders will be offered

unique wine tastings and toasted fare foods to pair with them (think

crostini, toasted chestnuts, French toast) by 19 Rutherford wineries,

some of which are normally open by appointment only. Each winerywill offer a special tasting experience such as barrel samples, limited

edition wines, or tastings with the winemaker, all accompanied by

toasted fare. Discounts and special pricing will continue through the

end of the year.

Participating wineries include Alpha Omega, Beaulieu Vineyard,

Conn Creek Winery, Elizabeth Spencer Wines, Foley Johnson, Frank

Family Vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate, Hewitt Vineyard, Honig

Vineyard & Winery, Meander, Mumm Napa, Peju, Pia Napa Valley,

Provenance Vineyards, Raymond Vineyards & Cellar, Round Pond

Estate, St. Supery Vineyards & Winery, Sullivan Vineyards, Tres

Sabores and William Harrison Vineyards & Winery.

We are excited to expand the Rutherford Passport Weekend to

three days, announced Regina Weinstein, Director of Marketing and

Retail for Honig Vineyard & Winery. The holiday season is a special

time of the year, and our Toast to Rutherford will make this season

even more festive for wine enthusiasts.

Standard two-day Passports are $75; Sunday-only Passports are

$60. VIP upgrades may be purchased for an additional $150. As

always, profits from the event will be donated to a local charity.

Passports may be purchased online. For more information or to

purchase a passport visit www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com

Rutherford Appellation Wineries was established as the direct-t

consumer marketing arm of the Rutherford Dust Society to educat

the public about the significance of the Rutherford appellation as

Napa Valleys preeminent grape-growing area. This consumer-focu

organization was created to promote the uniqueness of the area an

encourage visitors to experience personally the quality of the wine

produced in this special place.

3www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK | NApA VALL

Rutherford Appellation Wineries A Toast to Rutherford


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JESSup CELLARSIts All about the experienceBY CHARLES NEAVE

From the time you enter the stone-faced structure, past the outdoor fireplace and the native pla

that adorn the front, Jessup Cellars tasting room is a wonderful experience. The wines are excellen

the people are friendly (while also being efficient and knowledgeable about their wines, art and

hospitality in general). But there are some things you will find when you visit that set Jessup apart

from the rest.

As

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Nor Cal Edition - Nov 30, 2012