Greetings from beautiful Wine Country
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The 2008 Harvest is underwayWe haven’t seen anything like this in a while – a harvest with so many challenges, twists and turns. When you see a winery owner, winemaker, or vineyard manager during your visit, offer a little extra TLC. The 2008 Harvest is underway - Artisan Wine ToursThe 2008 Harvest is underway - with more twists, turns and surprises
This year, the weather has thrown more challenges in the way of top winemakers. First, the vineyard managers were hit with the driest Northern California Spring on record. Irrigation could help to some degree but there’s no question that the lack of rainfall had an effect on the vines. Then, many of the wine valleys were pummeled with thick, heavy smoke from the raging wild fires. There were days on end when we could not see the lovely hills and mountains which rim the wine growing districts. Adding to the challenge, Northern California has been beset by an unusual string of 100-plus degree heat. That’s been at the vortex of the harvest in the last couple of weeks. With such a long spell of high heat, sugar levels in the grape clusters began to rise dramatically. For the small, ultra-boutique family winery (of which there are a few hundred here), the demand on the staff has been a near hardship. One vintner we met over the weekend was hit with it all nearly at once. With a small tour/tasting group this past Sunday walking into the winery with open vats of fermenting grapes everywhere, the aroma was unmistakable. We always see a staggered harvest,” he told our tour guests. “First you pick Pinot Noir, and Pinot Grigio. Then you get a break, and soon after the Chardonnay is ready. Then with another break, you can catch your breath and the Bordeaux varietals come in with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘Cab” Franc and Malbec.” “This year, four varietals hit us at once and the sugar levels were spiking!” he said. Another niche winemaker from the Napa Valley told me yesterday that the challenge in his vineyard is to wait out the high heat and hope the grape ripens. “When the sugar levels peak as they are with this heat, you’ll have a grape with a lot of sugar, but a very green seed inside,” he said. “I’ve been out tasting daily, and the temptation is always there to pick now, but I don’t think the grapes are ready.” “With a little patience, we’ll be just fine,” he said. With any Super Bowl, it can be a grind yard by yard. Here in Wine Country, this Harvest is being decided vine by vine.
Tasting NotesCatch up on news from winery tasting rooms in the North Bay of San Francisco Napa Valley You can’t help but notice the big changes in downtown Napa. With the anticipation of two major hotels opening soon, some wineries are moving their tasting rooms from the country to the city of Napa. One of our favorite Pinot Noir producers, Mahoney Vineyards now has a tasting room on First Street next to Oxbow. Ceja Vineyards has opened a tasting room at 1248 First Stree t, Napa. We can’t wait to see winery general manager Ariel Ceja take to the dance floor for their regular schedule of Salsa lessons on Saturdays. It’s a festive atmosphere at Ceja’s tasting room. Look what’s happening on Larkmead Lane! TheLarkmead Vineyards hospitality center is stunning. Napa Valley architect Howard Backen designed a fluid, bright and airy concept which brings the full feeling of the vineyards and outdoors into the each and every room. Cam Baker’s team has done a superb job with their inviting and engaging visitor program. Terra Valentine on Spring Mountain has rolled out a fun experience with the Reserve Tour and Tasting program. You’ll taste several vintages of wines, including two of their single vineyard cabernet sauvignons. The wines are paired with artisan cheeses selected by one of our favorite cheese mongers in Northern California, John Raymond. The Reserve Tour is available each day at 10:30AM and 2:30PM for $30/person. We’ve been delighted with the way our guests are treated at Elizabeth Spencer on Rutherford Road, one block from the Highway 29 Crossing. The winery now offers a special Appellation Tasting featuring four Cabernet Sauvignons (and a mystery wine), each from a different Napa Valley district. The wines are paired with artisan cheeses. Look for new hospitality programs at Elizabeth Spencer. Sonoma County Gloria Steward tells us that famed winery Jordan has added to the tour and tasting program at their Alexander Valley estate. Now, the winery will offer an extensive tour (two hour) tour of the winery and grounds Monday through Saturday by appointment. You’ll taste current release Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and estate grown extra virgin olive oil. Older vintage Cabernets are also offered in their library. Jordan’s chef will prepare “little tastes” to pair with the wines. Cost is $30 pp. The Library tasting available through October, Monday through Saturday is a comfortable setting with tastings of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and estate olive oil. The wines are paired with artisan cheeses. You’ll also sample older vintage Cabernet Sauvignon from the library. Cost is $20 pp. Chalk Hill Winery, which for years offered visitor programs during the work week now is open for tastings on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, by appointment. We highly recommend the hospitality program here. The Sonoma Valley is alive with new programs for food & wine and wine education. At St. Francis Winery they’ve put it all together with Chef David Bush’s Wine Dining program. Tricia Stock tells us that guests have the chance to relax in the elegance of the St. Francis dining room and try a pre-fixe flight of four wines paired with four delectable food items. The program is available Friday through Sunday and is scheduled through October. Cost is $50 pp. The Wine & Charcuterie program is served al fresco through October and includes wines presented with a beautiful charcuterie plate. Cost is $30 pp and is served Friday through Sunday, between 11:00AM and 4:00PM. Seating is subject to availability and weather conditions. In the Dry Creek Valley, Ferrari-Carano has opened the Enoteca Reserve Tasting Bar in its underground cellar. This new tasting room is gorgeous with the Venetian plaster walls and ceilings, the alabaster pendants, iron and crystal chandeliers, and tasting tables. Combined with the dazzling PreVail room, Ferrari-Carano offers premium wine lovers a first class experience. |
Pam Personette's Tasting Room of the Month: Far Niente, Napa Valley One of the icons of modern day Napa Valley,Far Niente is still receiving rave reviews for hospitality. Find out why in this review by a noted Wine Country consultant. Far Niente - Artisan Wine ToursFar Niente, Napa Valley - an extraordinary experienceWhen you visit a winery, whether halfway around the world or close to home, the memories you take away are as much about the hospitality you received as the wine you tasted. Welcome to the world of Far Niente, located in Oakvillein the Napa Valley. From the moment we drove down the long, tree-lined driveway and through the gate that allows entrance to this private getaway, we knew we were in for something special. The hospitality began immediately as our host, Phil warmly greeted us at the door. We saw our names on the welcome board, a touch that made us feel special. Phil afforded us time to freshen up before our tour and tasting began. Joined by another couple, our tour of the winery began with its history. Soon we were moving on to a discussion about wine making. Phil asked us questions and found that our group was knowledgeable about wine. He tailored his tour, focusing on what makes Far Niente unique. Phil’s friendly demeanor and his enthusiasm for Far Niente made for a relaxing, informative tour. The walking tour ended in the garage. This is not your typical garage, but a stone carriage house. Far Niente’s owners are as passionate about classic cars as they are wine. Phil led us across polished floors where we were thrilled to admire the fabulous car collection of Far Niente’s owners. He let each of us discover cars that were important to us and casually slipped in the details of that car. We meandered through the lovely gardens and back to the main building for our tasting. Before we sat down, Phil gave us time to experience the spectacular view from the balcony. Phil welcomed us back inside and we each took a seat at the large wooden dining table that was beautifully set for five. Phil took his place at the head of the table and led the tasting which consisted of five outstanding wines paired with artisan cheeses. Each guest was provided with a beautiful menu (a nice keepsake), listing the wines and explaining the cheeses. Phil talked about the wines and cheeses, allowing us time to savor each pairing, ask questions, and soak in the ambiance in the beautifully appointed room. What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon! The hospitality Far Niente gave us was superior. We were never rushed. We were treated royally from the time we arrived until it was time to leave. Phil even offered to have the wine we purchased held for us at the front door. When we drove by, he brought the wine to our car, helped us store it carefully, and bid us good-bye as if we were old friends! As we left through the gate, we saw another pair of wine tasters arrive. Oh, were they in for a treat! By Pamela Personette Wine Trails Features:
How does one build on a reputation forged over 150 years? Sixth generation winery president Jeff Bundschu, family, and staff recently celebrated the rich history of the Sonoma Valley’s Gundlach Bundschu Winery. Sonoma photo-journalist William Cooley produced this lively interview with Jeff as he recalls the wild days of Gun Bun marketing.
This Hispanic family is changing the face of California winemaking. They were just kids working in the fields as migrant laborers when they met. It was love at first sight and together they forged a life-long plan that would see a dream come true. The Ceja family has elevated hospitality in Wine Country. Food & wine writer Jim Claus sits down for lunch with winery founders, Pedro and Amelia Ceja. Collector's Corner : Wine Recommendations by Michael Traverso of Traverso's Food & Liquors2005 TRIONE CHARDONNAY RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2006 THE FIVE RUSSIANS RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2006 FOUR BEARS NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON SPECIAL Traverso's Gourmet Foods has been a Sonoma County fixture for over seventy-five years, offering the highest quality and selection of domestic and imported food, wine, and liquors since 1922. Please visit: www.traversos.com |
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