nor cal edition – apr 6, 2012

8/2/2019 Nor Cal Edition Apr 6, 2012

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REE

LOUIS M. MARTINIWINERYPAGE 22

CHARLES KRUGESTATE WINERY

PAGE 26

BALDACCI PINOT NOIWITH PULLED PORK

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TASTING ROOM:LOXTON CELLARS

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TREASURE ISLANDWINERIES

PASSPORT EVENTPAGE 63

Happy EastefromPrager

WINERY & PORT WORPAGE 20

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

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com APRIL 6, 20

n HOSPITALITY DE LOS CARNEROS PRESENTS n

APRIL 21-22

PAG


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W

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TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Charles Krug Estate Winer

Baldacci Pinot with Pulled Por

ON

THE

COVE

R

20

Loxton Cellar

Prager Winery & Port Work


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

ON THE COVER

Page Winey & Pt Wks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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

WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Nthen Calinia map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Winelgy by Len Naplitan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Wine Cunty Calenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-18

WINE COUNTRY GETAWAYS

ovenight Accdatins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

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

Suisun Valley Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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

Dwntwn Napa map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

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 rive Aea Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Healdsbug map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

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

Sna Valley Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Sna Plaza map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Glen Ellen & Kenwd map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

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

Lake & mendcin Cunties map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

LIVERMORE VALLEY Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

TREASURE ISLAND Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

SANTA CLARA, SANTA CRUZ & MONTEREY COUNTIES . . 63-65

mnteey Bay/Santa Cuz muntains map . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Salinas Valley Wineies map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67-78

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | TABLE OF CONTENT


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NAPA VALLEY

ANDRETTI WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 5 BERINGER VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting in the Rhine House w/ad 25

CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Special price on tours and tastings 5 ETUDE WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 23 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 45 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 38 SUMMERS WINES 15% discount with ad 44 TURNBULL WINE CELLARS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 19 WILLIAM HILL 2 for 1 tasting with ad 27SONOMA COUNTY

ALDERBROOK WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 51 ARROWOOD WINERY2 for 1 tasting with ad 55

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 56 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 31 LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS Mention ad for upgraded tasting 59 MARTIN RAY WINERY15% discount with ad 49 MATANZAS CREEK 2 for 1 tasting with ad 59

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 78 MacGRAIL VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad 62SANTA 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

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Aging wine in oak came about by accident. A few hundred yearsago, before the mass production of glass bottles, wine was sold in bulk

and transported in wooden barrels. Merchants, the majority in

England, would then resell the wine, keeping it in barrels the whole

time. Wood barrels were easy to move by rolling them and easy to

control their movement, because of the concave shape of the barrel,

and wood was relatively inexpensive.

In the course of transporting wine across the English Channel, the

wine would transform. A startling discovery came when people

noticed the difference in the color, flavor and texture of the wine after

spending time in contact with the wood. The wine also lasted longer

before spoiling when left to sit inside a barrel and take in the tannins

from the wood. Before long, wine producers realized the benefits ofmaking oak contact with the wine part of their normal winemaking

regimen.

Oaks inherent characteristics make it the obvious choice among

wood species. It is durable, yet can be bent into shape when heated.

It has good anti-leaking properties, yet it allows microscopic amounts

of air through it over time to enhance the wines structure without

spoiling it. When heated to high temperatures, the wood produchemical compounds that elicit flavors of vanilla, almond, cloves

spice, all of which complement many wines, to one extent or anoth

Today, wine is not only aged in oak, but sometimes also fermen

in oak. With a winemakers skill, the seamless integration of wine a

wood can create an attractive taste and aroma. The drawback to w

in oak comes when the flavors from the wood overtake those of

fruit. Not only does this hide the true varietal character of the gra

it also creates clashes when trying to pair the wine with food.

Red wines that almost always are aged in oak include Caber

sauvignon, merlot, (and blends of them), Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot N

and Sangiovese. The most popular white wine to age in a barre

Chardonnay, while other white wines may or may not, dependingthe grape and style of the winemaker.

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.

Why is wine aged in oak?


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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

ONGOINGNapa Valley Wine Trainnapa, www.wa.m, 800-427-4124 Ap 6: M esap Ap 26: Pa Ba S A

ONGOINGTaste at Oxbow Wine and Chocolate Pairingnapa, tas 5 as w 5 ws, $20, 12-7pm Suday u tusday12-9 pm fday ad Sauday. rsvas mmdd. 707-265-9600.

ONGOINGLive Music Fridays at Taste at Oxbownapa, m vas, 707-265-9600, www.asaxbw.m

ONGOINGSeminars & Tastings at Merryvale VineyardsS. 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-SUNDAYSBarrel Tasting & Tours at ReataBa as: 11am, 2pm & by appm, tus by appmnapa, www.aaws.m, 707-254-8673x119

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

ONGOINGV. Sattui WineryS. 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 Winerynapa, 10am, 1pm & 3pm, $35, $25/mmbswww.udws.m, 707-257-5300

ONGOINGRombauer VineyardsS. 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

ONGOINGTastings at St. Supryrud, 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 & 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

ONGOINGTours & Tastings at Andretti Winerynapa, www.adwy.m, 877-386-5070x227 idvdua tass, $15

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

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

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 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

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

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTHBacchus 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, $110

www.avas.m, 707-224-3900

ONGOINGNapa Valley Opera House1030 Ma S, napa, www.v., 707-226-7372 Ap 5: Da S. Pau Ap 6: hm Pasa Ap 10: Sdm S cma, tuyas Maa Ap 12: Paua Puds Ap 13: Bam Say Ap 14: gaa Bad 101 c Ap 17: Suza Va & Dua Sk Ap 20: Wm fuy cd

ONGOINGWine Tasting at Back Room Winesnapa, 5-9pm, www.bakmws.m, 707-226-1378 Ap 5: tas gad cu Buudy Ap 6: Bak rms Bubb Ba

Ap 12: W Ws fm t Sks tas Ap 13: Ud twv Buks a B tas

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

April 6: Mooligh esap

April 26: Piao Bar Sig Alog


13/801www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENT

ONGOINGdi Rosanapa, www.dsapsv., 707-226-5991 o u Ju 10: hu lu, nw Wk Ap 4: As tak, hu lu Ap 28: Sp nau hk

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

Ap 7: Jak g w rusd r Ap 15: Jmmy c Ap 18: Squz Ap 25: ca fus Ap 27: cs isaak

ONGOING FRIDAYSFriday Night Pulse TastingsAcMe f Ws, S.ha, 5-7pm, www.amws.m, 888-963-0440

ONGOING FRIDAYSBubbles 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

ONGOINGTasting Events at Wineries of Napa Valleynapa tw c, napa, k wbs ms & ps

www.apavas.m, 707-253-9450

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

ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 30

Napa Valley Arts in AprilVaus vs & as napa Vay!

www.ldaynapaVay.m

APRIL 12The Mozart Supremacynapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7pm

www.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500

APRIL 12-15Live in the Vineyard Music FestivalVaus das & as napa Vay!

k wbs m ma, www.vvyad.m

APRIL 13-15Spring Release Weekend

Pju, rud, www.pju.m, 707-963-3600

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

APRIL 14Budbreak Lunch in the Vineyardsat Beaulieu Vineyardsrud, 11am-2pm, cub Mmb ev, $45www.bvws.m, 800-373-5896

APRIL 14Art & Wine at Beaulieu Vineyardswith Artist Penelope Moorerud, www.bvws.m, 800-264-6918x5233

APRIL 14BASH from Appellation St. Helenacuay isu Ama, S. ha, 6-9pmwww.aspss.appasa.m, 7 07-967-1100

APRIL 14A Day of Bluegrassnav Ss gd Ws ha, S. ha10am-7pm, $15, www.sbs., 707-254-7567

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


14/8014 Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT


APRIL 15Off the Beaten Path at Pope Valley Winery

A W tas ev B S. Jud cd's hspaMus, b ba, s ss, p aa, s au & m!Pp Vay, 11:30am-4pm, $25/p pswww.ppvaywy.m, rSVP, 707-965-1246

APRIL 15Preferred Palates Day at The Estatefa Sps Wy, S. ha

www.asps.m, 707-967-6723APRIL 15

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

APRIL 16-22Arts in April Complimentary Art Tourrb Mdav Wy, oakv, 3pm, rSVPwww.bmdav.m, 888-766-6328x2

APRIL 17Pink Party at Etudenapa, www.udws.m, 707-257-5300

APRIL 212008 Lot No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

Release at Louis M. Martini Winery

S. ha, $30/mmbs, $40/usswww.usma.m, 866-549-2582

APRIL 21Lobster Fest at V. Sattui

S. ha, 6:30-9:30pm, $99/mmb, $109/usswww.vsau.m, 707-963-7774

APRIL 21Cabernet Blending Event at Beringer

S. ha, www.b.m, 707-963-8989x2036

APRIL 21Cooking ClassJ c Sa ot ad cs du Va Wycda gabs i, napa, 4-8pm, $160www.daabs.m, 707-224-7969

APRIL 21-22April in Carneros

hspay d s cas. Vs papa ws!10am-4pm, $39/adv, $45, www.asws.

APRIL 22New DARE Releases & Paella Party at Viader

D Pak, 12-4pm, $60, www.vad.m, 707-963-3816

APRIL 26The Art of Costume Designnapa Vay Musum, Yuv, 7pmwww.napaVayMusum., 707-944-0500

APRIL 27Sunsets on the Silverado Bench at

William Hill Estate Winery

napa, 5:30pm-sus, rSVP qudwww.wamsa.m, 888-909-9463

APRIL 27-29

Stags Leap District Vineyard to VintnerVaus vs & as, www.sasapds.m

APRIL 28Spanish Dinner at Artesa

napa, 6:30pm, $90, cub Mmb evwww.asawy.m, 877-224-8309

APRIL 28!WAR Arts in April Benefit at Hess Collection

napa, 3pm, $100, www.wmavu.mwww.ss.m, 707-255-1144

APRIL 28Farmers Market Lunch at Acacia Vineyard

napa, 11am-3pm, $40/mmbs, $50www.aaavyad.m, 707-226-9991x2

APRIL 28Kitchens in the Vineyard Home & Garden Tourtu ks napa Vay, 9:30am-4:30pmwww.apavaymus., 707-258-5559

APRIL 283rd Annual HALL Cabernet CookoffhAll S. ha Wy, S. ha, 11am-3pm$60, $48/mmbs, www.aws.m, 707-967-2657

APRIL 29Peju Art Exhibit Reception

rud, 1-4pm, www.pju.m, 707-963-3600

ONGOINGLive Music at Centre du Vinlds h, Smawww.ds.m, 707-996-9779 Ap 7: Da Das & nky D Paa Ap 14: Jaa Pz Ap 21: Jss Py Ap 28: Da Das & Jy ga

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

$10/mmbs, $25

rsv W & fd Pa, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm by appm/mmbs, $45

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

ONGOINGCarneros Bistro & Wine Bar IntroducesThematic 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 Workshopat B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 10am-1pm, $45, $35/mmbswww.b.m, 707-931-7924x123

ONGOINGExclusive Wine & Cheese Tastingat B.R. Cohn Wineryg e, 11am & 3pm, $25, $20/mmbswww.b.m, 707-931-7924x123

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

ONGOING

Group Private Tastings

at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

hadsbu iuds 5 ws, 9-25 pp udud a, by

appm. $20 p ps, www.a-aa.m, 707-433-6700

ONGOING

Terroir & History Tour at Chateau St. Jea

Kwd, 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 Ro

9200 Sma hwy, Kwd, Day, 10:30am-6pm, 7 us d/w a

$35, rsvas mmdd, www.mayamywy.m, 707-833-

ONGOING

Wine Experiences at Chateau St. Jean

Kwd, t ps mmum, 2 us, $50, by appm

www.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

ONGOING

Tours, Tastings & Seminars at St. Francis Win

Saa rsa, t ps mmum, ca m ma & sva

888-675-Wine(9463)x255, www.saswy.m cau, day 11am-4pm, $25/$20 ub mmbs

W & fd Pa, $35/$28 ub mmbs

ONGOING

Guided Winery Tours at Gloria Ferrer

Sma, 11am, 1 & 3pm, $10, www.a.m, 707-996-7256

ONGOING

Wine & Food Pairing at Kendall-Jackson

fu, Spa sv d & w as, 10am-4pm, $25

www.kj.m, 707-571-7500

ONGOING SUNDAYS

Domaine Carneros Sparkling Brunch

at the Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa

Sma, 9am-1pm, www.am.m.sma, 707-938-9000

ONGOING SUNDAYS

Sunday Brunch at the Centre du Vin

lds h, Sma, 9am-1pm

www.ds.m, 707-996-9779

ONGOING WEEKENDS

Wine & Chocolate Pairings at Fritz Winery

cvda, 10:30am-4:30pm, $5 as vs pa

www.zwy.m, 707-894-3389

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

50 Mile AV Vintner's Dining

g e, Ba as & od V P n & Syas m As Vya

fds sud ay. 4-7PM, asws.m, rSVP, 707-935-3456

ONGOING THURSDAYS

Thirsty Thursdays at Anaba

Sma, ejy mpmay s & aks pa w yu w

as. 4-5:30pm, www.aabaws.m, 707-996-4188

ONGOING THURSDAY SUNDAY

Unique Food & Wine Pairings at HKG Tasting Ro

g e, 12-6pm, www.pkwy.m, 707-938-7622

ONGOING WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY

Live Music at Cellars of Sonoma

Saa rsa, 7:30-10:30pm, www.assma.m, 707-578-1826

Wd: rky Aa ray

tu: Dus Say

f: J Pa

Sa: rb ha & By Ksbu (y aa vy Sau

SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Comedy Night at Cellars of Sonoma

Saa rsa, 8:15-9pm, www.assma.m, 707-578-1826

SONOMA COUNTY


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


ONGOINGMoondance Cellars & Orchard Station Winesg e, Pad w W cuy cas tu tass, $10www.mdaas.m, 707-938-7550

ONGOING THROUGH MAY 31Artist Robert Benson at Charles Creek

Tasting Room & Gallery

Sma, 11am-6pm, www.ask.m, 707-935-3848

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY

Santa Rosa Original Farmers MarketSaa rsa Vas Bud pak , 8:30am-, 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-12pmwww.pvyads.m, 707-935-8311

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

ONGOINGWells Fargo Center for the ArtsSaa rsa, wsaas., 707-546-3600 Ap 6: lsa lampa Ap 15: J rva Ap 17: Dsys c-c Su

Ap 19: hw Mad Ap 20: Mk Bba Ap 22: Pps tbu lads Mw Ap 27: rym cus

Ap 28: Ky rsONGOING

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

ONGOINGLive Shows at Hopmonk TavernSbasp, www.pmk.m, 707-829-7300 Ap 5: hyka & gy fas Ap 6: Day ck & t h Yas Ap 7: Bkdw Baksd Ap 9: Jada Bakkam & DJ cd Ap 13: Papads & gvda Ap 14: t B Sd Pays Ap 21: t M hps Ap 25: M Skd

ONGOING THURSDAYSWinemaker Thursday Series at Big Bottom Marketguv, 6-8pm, www.bbmmak.m, 707-604-7295

ONGOING FRIDAYSMusic at Vino di Amore Tasting Loungecvda, 7-9pm, www.vdam.m, 707-894-6166

ONGOING SATURDAYSSwirl, Sniff & Sip (aka Wine 101)B 3 W Ba, fam Sma Mss i & Spa, Sma10-10:45am, www.am.m/sma, 707-938-900

ONGOING THROUGH EARLY SPRING 201216th Annual Sculpture Exhibit FINALEat Paradise Ridge Wineryt Supu v a b s u dusk, wd by a ass w wys vada, w s spaua vw sus. 11am-5pm, dawww.pwy.m, 707-528-Wine

ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 4The Wall Show Wall Hung Works by 8 SculptorsA nw la gay, cs, Smawww.supus.m, 707-933-1300

APRIL 72011 Ros & Pinot Gris Release at B.R. Cog e, 12-5pm, www.b.m, 707-938-4061x124


16/80


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APRIL 29

Spring Antique Faire

Dww Pauma, www.paumadww.m

APRIL 29

J. Rickards Vineyards Winemaker Dinner

Va i & rsaua, M r, 6pm, $48, 707-865-0565

APRIL 29-30

Steppin Out with the Healdsburg Chorus

hadsbu cmmuy cu, hadsbu, 707-495-5620

EVERY SECOND SATURDAY

Food & Wine Pairings

Mnab rd tas rm, hpad, www.mabd.m, 707-744-1986

ONGOING

Skunk Train

f Ba, www.skuka.m, 866-457-5865

Ap 7-8: eas e expss

ONGOING FRIDAYS

Tuscan Village Music Art Series

t cas, lw lak, 6-9pm, www.as.m, 707-994-3354

APRIL 3Winemaker Dinner Series

Saw Sp Bs, Ksyv, 6-9pm

www.sawspbs.m, 707-278-0129

APRIL 8

Easter Brunch

Md h, Md, 8am-2:30pm

www.md.m, 707-937-0511

APRIL 14

Earth Day Family Festival 2012

BArrA Md, rdwd Vay, 11am-4pm,

www.baamd.m, 707-485-0322

APRIL 14

Pt. Arena Craft Fair & Bazaar

Su as S c, P. Aa, 9am-2pm

www.suasss., 707-785-3538

APRIL 15-22

Earth Day

hus Vyads, P, 10am-4pm

www.usvyads.m, 800-554-8724

APRIL 21

Earth Day Dog Hike

Saaa Vyads, hpad, 10am-1pm

www.saaa.m, 707-744-1671

APRIL 21

Noyo Food Forest 6th Annual Earth Day Festival

f Ba h S, f Ba, 12-6pm

www.yds., 707-964-0218

APRIL 21Earth Day Celebration

fy Vyads, rdwd Vay, www.yw.m, 707-468-7936

APRIL 22

Earth Day Celebration

Ykv cas, Ykv, 11am-2pm, $10

www.Ykvcas.m, 707-894-9177

APRIL 22

Hendy Woods Benefit

nava Vyads, P, 12-3pm, www.dywds., 800-537-9463

APRIL 22

Kronos Quartet

guaaa As, guaaa, 7-10pm, www.uaaaas., 707-884-1138

APRIL 28Wildflower Brunchca lak Sa Pak, Ksyv, 9am-

www.aaksapak.

SAN FRANCISCO

ONGOING

The Walt Disney Family Museumt Psd Sa fas, Sa fas, 415-345-6816

www.wadsy.

ONGOINGSeasons Swirl

fu Sass h, Sa fas, 5:30-7:30pm

www.usass.m/saas, 415-633-3838

ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 22Matter + Spirit, The Sculptureof Stephen De Staebler

d Yu Musum, Sa fas, www.ams.

ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 3Arthur Tress: San Francisco 1964

d Yu Musum, Sa fas

www.ams., 415-750-3531

ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 17The Cult of Beauty: The V ictorian Avant-Garde

l h, Sa fas

www.ams., 415-750-3531

ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 17Childrens Books from the Victorian Eral h, Sa fas

www.ams., 415-750-3531

ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 7Macys 66th Annual Flower Show Presents Brasil:Gardens in Paradise

Mays U Squa, Sa fas, , p du s us

ONGOING THROUGH AUGUST 9The Fashion Word of Jean Paul Gaultier:

From the Sidewalk to the Catwalkd Yu Musum, Sa fas

www.ams., 415-750-3531

APRIL 24Chalone Vineyard Wine Tasting & Dinnercamp Pa, Sa fas rb ck, Wmak

www.ajs.m/saas, 415-955-5574

APRIL 28-29Treasure Island Fleao Avu Pams, tasu isad, Sa fas, 9am-4pm

www.tasuisadfa.m, 415-898-0245

MARIN COUNTY

ONGOINGMarin Center in San Rafael

www..ma.a.us, 415-499-6800 Ap 2, 5: Ma Spaks Ss, gd Bw

Ap 6: A Aus ev w ov r

Ap 15: Mak ludm, lau s n luxuy

Ap 21: t rms, rya famy gua

Ap 22: Dbb ryds

APRIL 2122nd Annual Great Chefs & Wineries

fmas fud isua cmpay, nva

www.asadws.

APRIL 2810th Annual Artists of Issaquah Show

issaqua Dk, Sausa, 11am-5pm

www.assssaqua.m, 415-331-8989

SAN MATEO COUNTY

APRIL 28-2922nd Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Showfsva Ma Masha M Bay Ap, ha M Baywww.mamavs.m, 650-726-2328

ALAMEDA COUNTY

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH APRIL 253rd Annual Berkeley Wine Festivalt cam h cub & Spa, Bky, 6:30pmwww.bkywsva.m Ap 4: Sv oak, $165 Ap 11: opus o, $195 Ap 18: cakbad cas, $125 Ap 25: Jus Vyads, $125

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

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

APRIL 5Wine 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 Ap 6-7: t Vaa Mus Ap 13: Paua Puds Ap 14: had/Mza Ap 15: 2012 ra Sas Ap 20, 22: Swa lak Ap 21: eda W Ap 27: Maa S d Mx Ap 28: Az K lineS Ba

ONGOINGWine Cave Tasting Experience

W 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

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

APRIL 7Eggstravaganzacda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-1pm, rSVPwww.damuawy.m, 92 5-373-6636

APRIL 7-8Les Chenes Celebrates 5 Years

ls cs esa Vyads, lvm, 12-4:30pmwww.ssv.m, 925-373-1662

APRIL 151040 Soup Kitchencda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-4pm, $5www.damuawy.m, 92 5-373-6636

APRIL 15B.Y.O.B. - Fill Your Own Bottlecda Mua Wy, lvm, 12-4pm, $8www.damuawy.m, 92 5-373-6636

APRIL 21-22TriValley Conservancy Eco Toursca Vyad, lvm, 12:30pm, $10www.avyad.m, 925-456-2505

LAKE/MENDOCINO

BAY AREA


18/80Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryT


18

APRIL 22Earth DayW Vyads esa Wy, lvm, 11am-4pmwww.wvyads.m, 925-456-2450

APRIL 27Ruby Fridayruby h Wy, Pasa, 6:30-9pm, $10www.ubywy., 925-931-Wine

ONGOINGSunset Cultural Center-Carmelcam, www.sus.m, 831-620-2048 Ap 12: taj Maja t Ap 14: Dadaus S Qua Ap 22-23: My Sympy, c 6, fm f gud Ap 25: t Am, Aa Ap 26: Maa S d Mx Ap 28: 1964t tbu

ONGOINGLive at Golden State TheatreMy, www.dsaa.m, 831-372-3800

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 TUESDAY

Focus 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

APRIL 2-6Comcast Spring BreakSaa cuz Ba Badwak, Saa cuzwww.babadwak.m, 831-423-5590

APRIL 5Battle of the BandsSaa cuz Ba Badwak, Saa cuzwww.babadwak.m, 831-423-5590

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

APRIL 12In 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 12-15Pebble Beach Food and WineVaus vs & as Pbb Bawww.pbbbadadw.m, 866-907-3663

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

APRIL 14

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

APRIL 14-1555th Annual Good Old DaysDww Pa gv, 9am-5pmwww.pav., 831-373-3304

APRIL 20-22Wildflower ShowPa gv Musum naua hsy, Pa gv10am-5pm, www.pav., 831-648-5718

APRIL 21St. Marys By-The-Sea Annual Spring Book SaleS. Mays By-t-Sa epspa cu, Pa gv9am-2pm, www.pav., 831-373-4441

APRIL 28

Wine Country Tapas at Hahn EstatesSdad, rSVP, www.asas.m, 831-678-4555

APRIL 28Just Run! Just Kids 3Klvs P, Pa gvwww.bsm., 831-373-3304

APRIL 29Big Sur International Marathoncam, 6am-1pm, www.bsm.

SANTA 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

APRIL 22J. Lohr Down to Earth Celebration

J. l Sa Js W c, Sa Js, 6-9pm, $75www.j.m, 408-918-2176

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

ONGOINGThursday Night Music SeriesBa Wy, Squ, ejy mus, d & Ba w! 6-8pmwww.ba.m, 831-475-2258x11

APRIL 7Spring Barrel Strollcs la ca Wy, Sa Mawww.s.m, 800-itS-Wine

APRIL 7-8Eggstraordinary Egg Huntra camp raad, f

www.aamp.m, 831-335-4484

APRIL 21Passport Wine TastingSaa cuz Muas Wws AssaVs papa ws, 11am-5pm, $45www.smwa.m,831-685-8463

APRIL 28Morgan Hill Downtown Spring Wine StrollDww Ma h, 1-5pm, $25/adv, $35www.s.m, 800-487-9463

APRIL 29Rivers of Chocolate Festivalt Mua Wy, Saaa, 1-5pmwww.muawy.m, 408-741-2822

ONGOINGSierra Railroadoakda, www.saaad.m, 209-848-2100 Ap 12, 17, 24: S lu Ap 21: Mud Mysy D

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

ONGOING

Sacramento River Trainwww.saamva.m, 8 00-866-1690 Ap 7: eas e expss Ap 8: eas e expss Ap 14: Mud Mysy Ap 28: ga ta rbby Ap 28: Sus D

ONGOINGMondavi Center for the Performing ArtsU.c. Davs, www.mdavas., 866-754-ArtS Ap 9: ex lv Ap 11: Sma Ax Ap 13: By laV Ap 14-15: Zpp Ss, Pms m f Ap 17: Auska Saka Ap 18-21: t Bad Pus Ap 19-22: t impvsd Sakspa cmpay Ap 22: empya esmb, Ss, Wsps, tas & Uas, nw

Wks V Ap 23: t Ss Ap 25:Suba Sus Ap 28: lys S Qua Ap 28: Maya Bs Ap 29: Uc Davs Baqu esmb& Davs h S

Baqu esmb

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 Ap 7: t Ukd Bus Bad

Ap 14: Pa Wd

APRIL 154th Annual SVGGA Passport SundayVs Susu Vay ws! 11am-4pmwww.susuvayws.m, 707-864-0730

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 webste e 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 1www.WineCountryThisWeek.com



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20

BY 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 th

foothold in the United States that it does in the Iberian Peninsu

but a taste through the Ports at Prager will make you a believer!

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

Imogene, moved to Napa Valley and opened the winery after Jim

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 th

winery something unique that its Napa Valley neighbors werent

producing.For more than 30 years Prager has been a true family-run

winery, with Jim and Imogenes five grown children now runnin

everything from the books to the bottling line. Son, Jeff, is thewinerys general manager; Peter is the winemaker; John handles

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

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

Richard, Marys husband is cellar master.

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

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

here and then started playing Led Zeppelin, Dad said, thats it, I

done! Mom, Imogene, stays busy in the kitchen, making the

sweet and savory nuts that go famously with any Prager Port. Ston most days youll get at least a couple of Pragers to entertain y

in the tasting room.

Napa is known world-wide for its winemakers, who havemanaged, through several generations of hard work and reserac

to produce still, dry wines in an astounding array of flavor profi

However, almost no one has used those techniques to produce t

same kind of range of sweet wines except the Prager family, th

is who have used that same winemakers eye for detail but res

sentative-of-the-vintage Port wines. And, not just with one or tw

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

which are distinctly balanced and downright delicious. The flag

ship Port at Prager is the Royal Escort, a big boy made from 100

Petite Sirah grown right in St. Helena. The current release vintag

2006 is an intense wine that can be laid down for a long time o

enjoyed in its youth paired with rich dark chocolate, dried fruit

strongly flavored cheeses.The 10-year-old Tawny Port, dubbed Noble Companion, w

produced from Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2000 vintage. Th

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 acidity and ju

enough sweetness to pop its luscious flavors.

In their Toms Port, the Pragers use the traditional Portugue

ON THE COVER

PRAGERWINERY & PORT WORKS

PRAGER WINERYAND PORT WORKS

tasis by appim m 10:30 a.m. ui 4:30 p.m. daiy1281 lwi la i S. ha.

(707) 963-7678 | www.pap.m.


21/802Look for us on Facebook and become a Fan!


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 a

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 bigred wine. 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 holiday. Youllfall in love with Imogenes Sweet

and Savory Caramelized Walnuts

and Sweet and Savory

Caramelized Pecans. These deli-

cious nuts, made by Imogene

Prager, make a great accompani-

ment to holiday fruit and cheese

plates alongside a Prager Port.

For the chocolate fanatic,

Prager 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 Truf-

fles ($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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22

For three generations, the Martini family has been making exceptional wines,

dating back to 1906, carrying on the winemaking tradition today. As you look a

the vintage photos, hanging at the entrance of the Louis M. Martini Winery, you

feel a sense of nostalgia for the past. Through the years, the Martini men are

pouring wine together, Louis M. Martini, Louis P. Martini and Michael Martini,

sharing what they know and love, a delicious glass of wine.

Their story is a fascinating one, starting in 1899, when Louis M. Martini

emigrated from Genova, Italy to join his father in San Francisco. By 1906, they

made their first wine together and wanted to make more. Louis Martini returned

Italy to study home winemaking and perfect his craft amongst the masters. He

returned to California in 1911 and over the next seven years made his first and

finest selection of Martini wines.Louis M. Martini was an enterprising man. During the prohibition era, Martin

formed the L.M. Martini Products Company and produced sacramental wines an

grape concentrate for home winemaking. At the end of prohibition, Louis M.

Martini built his own winery in St. Helena, California, the heart of Napa Valley.

continued his passion for buying premium vineyards, and purchased the Goldst

Ranch, on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains, renaming it Monte Ro

for its red, volcanic soil.

A pioneer in the region, in 1943, Louis M. Martini was one of the founders of

Harvard Club, which developed into the Napa Valley Vinters Association where

winemakers could exchange ideas and collectively work together to overcome

LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERYop Daiy 10 a.m. 6 p.m.

2 1 tasi wi ad, s pa 37

254 Su S. ha hiway, S. ha707-968-3362 | www.uismaii.m

LOUIS M. MARTINI WINERYThe Best Grapes, The Best Vineyard, The Best Wines!BY MonicA l. DAShWooD

Louis P, Louis M and Michael Martini


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www.WineCountryThisWeek.com 2


challenges in the industry. Amongst the photos, Louis M. Martini

stands with the founders of the wine industry during the mid-

1900s with, Brother Tim, Christian Brothers, Robert Mondavi,

and Jacob Beringer, just to name a handful.

He welcomed his son into the business. In 1951, Louis P.

Martini, an inventor at heart, is the first to design and use wind

machines to combat frost in the vineyards. Shortly after, Louis P.

Martini took over the reins as winemaker from his father. In1968, Louis P. Martini was the first winemaker to bottle Merlot as

a varietal in the industry.

A decade later, winemaker Michael Martini took the helm and

brings an old world, European influence to his wines. Given his

inclination to work with the technological advancements of

winemaking, he was granted his own micro-winery by the Gallo

family, friends of the Martini family, to produce stellar Cabernet

Sauvignon wines.

At the winery, Louis M. Martini offers a selection of tasting

flights, highlighting wines produced from the finest growing

areas in Sonoma and Napa counties including the Monte Rosso

Vineyard. Their first class, award-winning wines include the2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet, 2009 Gnarly Vine Zinfandel,

2008 Lot No.1 Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as newly released

vintages, the 2007 Monte Rosso Cabernet, scoring 95 points

from Robert Parker Jr. and the 2009 No. 254 Petite Syrah. They

can be sampled in the rustic red, underground cellar with tours

offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. by reservation. There, you

will have rare access to their premium wines offered through

their exclusive wine clubs. The winery tour gives you a rich taste

of their family history and confirms their dedication to making

the best wines. The Louis M. Martini park grounds are beautiful,

an Italian piazza, lined with Cypress and Citrus trees, picnic

tables, wood benches, climbing ivy and market lights.For more than 75 years, the Martini family winemakers have

crafted unforgettable Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The founder,

Louis M. Martini worked from a simple, honest premise: The

best grapes make the best wines. And after you taste Louis M.

Martini wines you know, that his philosophy still holds true

today!


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For the international wine tourist this is very good news. No more

worrying about how to get your wine purchase home. No morepaperwork or hassles with customs.

Wineflite provides a door-to-door service for any wine traveler

wanting to purchase wine, and ship it back to their home.

Napa and Sonoma are known the world over as one of the most

fruitful and beautiful areas of the world to experience wine. Anyone

who ventures a visit is not only taken aback by the views and vistas, but

most importantly by the amazing variety and quality of the wine.

Now with Wineflite and their amazing fully automated website, the

wine traveler has a way to ship their wine and track their wine from

pickup to their door 24/7.

This service is making inroads into all wine growing regions of the

world. With an easy online system, used by a network of wineries, wine

shops, tour operators, and hotels.

How it works

When visiting a winery or wine shop, and wishing to ship wine back

home, the first question to ask is: Are they part of the Wineflite

network?

If they are, then you can relax and enjoy your wine, and Wine

will take care of the rest.They handle all the details, and paperwork. Businesses love it. T

sell more wine and reduce the need to ever say no to a wine trav

when asked the proverbial question, Do you ship wine to my count

The answer in most cases now is, Yes. With no fear of what w

happen to the shipment, and a super quick 10- to 15-day deliv

directly to their door, what could be better?

Wineflite is the only dedicated wine shipping company in the wo

for the international tourist.

Wineflite is the brainchild of Greg McLaughlin, a 30-year veteran

the Freight & Logistics Industry. With the help from Gary For

extensive consumer user experience they have propelled Wineflit

become the #1 wine shipping service for the international tourist.If the winery is not part of the Wineflite network, cont

[email protected], and theyll arrange everything, or

1-800-285-1135. Check www.wineflite.com for up-to-date pricing

destinations.

You can reach Greg or Gary by calling (415) 491-1095, or by em

at [email protected].

WINEFLITE Wine Shipping Made Easy for the International Tourist

24


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2


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www.WineCountryThisWeek.co

WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

26

CHARLES KRUG ESTATE WINERYNow at Year 151!BY JoSh Stein

Eponymously named for the twenty-seven-year-old Prussian who founded it in 1861

Charles Krug, the man, was an innovator many times over: he opened the first tastingroom in California in 1882. He introduced the cider press to winemaking, making it

considerably easier to press wines and separate liquids from solids. A true pioneer, he

made careful study and selection of rootstock, varieties, and vineyard locations, a total

rarity for the next one hundred years. Over time, the winery fell into other hands and w

eventually far worse for wear--which is where the Cesare and Rosa Mondavi family cam

into the picture during World War Two.

Cesare Mondavi, Peter Mondavi Sr.s father, emigrated from Italy in 1906 and came t

Lodi during Prohibition, building a successful grape- and fruit-shipping business and

partnering in Sunny St. Helena Winery (now Merryvale).He purchased the Charles Kru

Winery in 1943 for $75,000, revitalizing it from its Prohibition-era neglect. One could s

the future of the region as the Napa Valley hung in the balance of that purchase, thougno one realized it at the time.

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

viticultural, and marketing revolutions, which include the vintage-dating of varietal win

cold fermentations of white wines; cold sterile filtration of wines; leading the planting o

Carneros to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties; conducting fermentations in small

French oak barrels. The family also produced the first winery newsletter, Bottles & Bins

1949 and creating the annual Tastings on the Lawn concert series in 1951, the first win

industry tasting events for the general public. For these successes and more, Peter was

justly named by the Napa Valley Vintners Association as one of its twelve Living Legen

in 1999. He modestly says, We worked at it. We did a lot of research in our day. And

CHARLES KRUG ESTATE WINERY

op daiy 10:30 a.m. 5 p.m.cu ass a $15 p ps

rsv ad limid ras asi a $25 p psBa tasi by svai

2800 Mai S S ha, cA 94574

(707) 967-2200 | www.asku.m


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2

those efforts, Governor Gerry Brown proclaimed September 10th,

2011 as Charles Krug Winery Day.

The latest accolade bestowed on the nonagenarian and spry

luminary is his induction into the Vintners Hall of Fame at the

Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, just opposite the

entrance to the winery.

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

the third generation of Mondavis leading the way. Peters sons,

Marc and Peter Jr., led a nine-year, $22-million initiative to

replant more than four hundred acres of estate property and

upgrade the winery to twenty-first-century equipment. Those

upgrades in combination with new winemaker Stacy Clarks

vision are already producing distinction: the current 2008 releases

have received a slew of 90+ scores and Gold, Double Gold, and

Best of Class awards. Produced from eleven vineyards and

encompassing four AVAs Carneros, Howell Mountain, St.

Helena and Yountville across 850 acres, the wines are clearly

amongst the best the Valley has produced. Balance and structurein the name of wines for the dining room table are always the

goal, says Peter Sr.: When you have a nice dinner, you want a

wine that is drinkable but wont overpower it.

The various wine tiers carry out these ideals. The Napa Valley

and Carneros releases all are made to accompany food and

include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir,

Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. The Family Reserve Generations

utilizes special vineyard blocks, and the Vintage Selection

Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship bottling, only having been

produced in special years since 1944. The Limited Release wines

are small-lot, one-hundred-to-five-hundred-case wines only

available directly from the winery and display a real sense of

adventure. There are several different Cabs including the very

special 150th Anniversary Cab in 1.5 liter magnum bottles

Pinot Noir, a Red Blend, Zinfandel and Zinfandel Port.

The tasting options for these wines, current releases, Family

Reserve and Limited releases, all take place, literally, inside of

history. As you wander, youll see the original cider press, wine

bars made from the same redwood as the tanks, and lots of

historical artifacts. Now on the National Register of Historic

Places and a California Historic Landmark, the newly restored

Redwood Cellar holds the state-of-the-art barrel room, holding

the Family Reserve wines and serving as the location for special

ninety-minute barrel tastings. As Peter Jr. says, Youre in the

room where wine is aging in oak barrels, and youre trying wine

that came from those barrels. Fruit and cheese are provided to

accompany this very unique tasting experience, and it is limited

to eight people at a time.

As you can tell, the winery has never shied away from trying

new things nor going where others cannot or will not go; befitti

the enormity of a 150th anniversary, the winery has been

conducting a search for the oldest pre-Prohibition or Peter

Mondavi Family-era (1944 onward) bottle of Charles Krug winThe search yielded submission from across the nation, with rich

stories from folks who had fond memories of their visits to the

winery. Joe Smith from Pope Valley, CA, submitted the oldest

documented bottle, a 1946 Napa Valley Pinot Noir. Think abou

how few wineries anywhere could even contemplate such a que

its quite impressive to basically be conducting two at the same

time one for the oldest bottle produced by the man himself an

one for the oldest produced by the propertys longest running

caretakers.

And that really is what todays and tomorrows Charles

Krug-Peter Mondavi Family Winery is all about. The family

doesnt want to forget its past, celebrates it in fact, but it also see

to move ahead to new ways of growing and making even better

wines. Go taste for yourself and see why wine lovers have made

the journey since the nineteenth century. Enjoy!

Continued


28/80


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Pair with Gloria Ferrer

Extra Brut

Reserve Cuvee

Oysters mignonette and sparkling wine makes for a beautiful marriage and

an even better food pairing. Sparkling wine should be enjoyed weekly and the

limited production 2004 Gloria Ferrer Extra Brut Reserve Cuvee is very

pleasing. This recipe is from Executive Chef and Owner Carlo Cavallo of

Sonoma Meritage Martini and Oyster Bar who has a long-standing partnership

with Gloria Ferrer. His menu focuses heavily on fresh seafood and his wine

list features Gloria Ferrer wines.

The crisp, exquisitely dry sparkler has bright layered flavors of Meyer lemon

citrus, Granny Smith apples with toasty complexity that crescendo into a bril-

liant, silky and dry finish that perfectly complement the oysters mignonette.

Sparkling wine winemakers reverently speak of Extra Brut as the ultimate

expression of their art and vineyard. Not surprisingly, few are made and only

in vintage years. At Gloria Ferrer, they start theirs with only the first, most

gentle pressing of their finest Carneros estate fruit. They increase cellar-aging

of more than six years for this limited-production Late Disgorged 2004

Carneros Extra Brut cuvee to enhance its sublime effervescence, tiny bubble

trails and delightfully fragrant mousse. This wine takes 7- years to develop

from the time the grapes were hand-picked to the point it reaches your glass.As the first sparkling wine house in Californias Sonoma Carneros region,

Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards was established in 1986. Gloria Ferrer

embodies Spanish winegrowing history, time-honored tradition, and centuries-

old sustainable practices in creating exceptional sparkling and estate varietal

wines blended to pair perfectly with food.

Their Visitor Center is located in Sonoma and is open daily from 10 a.m. to

5 p.m. The winerys sun-drenched Vista Terrace overlooks breathtaking estate

vineyards providing the perfect place to enjoy a glass of sparkling or still wine

with savory Spanish and local cheeses, meats, almonds and other delicacies

that are available from their gift shop. Tours are also available daily at 11 a.m.,

1 and 3 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and includes two sparkling wine

tastes and one estate varietal. For large groups, reservations are required and

can be made by calling (707) 933-1931.

Dont miss Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards 20th annual Catalan Festival

from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 21st and 22nd. This is a celebration of the

winerys Spanish roots and the opening of the winery in July 1986. Join Gloria

Ferrer for a day of Spanish food, wine and entertainment with lively classical

guitar, passionate flamenco dancing, a festive grape stomp and traditional folk-

lore surprises. Stroll and enjoy savory tapas, paella demonstrations and wine

seminars as you sip the acclaimed California Carneros sparkling and estate

wines. Tickets are available on their website at www.gloriaferrer.com.

Oysters Mignonette Paired

with 2004 Gloria FerrerExtra Brut Reserve Cuvee

Perfect Pairs BY ALEXANDRA CHARSLEY


29/80


30/80

Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa

PULLED PORK

1 and 1/2 chpped ellw nns

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2/3 cup apple cde vnega 1/2 cup bwn suga

4 tablespns papka

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easl pull awa bne.

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ness. retun the pulled pk t the slw cke and let t

sak n the juces/sauce whle sevng.

Seve n lls u chce add cleslaw as a tppe an

elegant pen-aced sandwch

Its springtime and that can only mean one thing; barbecue

season is upon us! Just as the weather warms up, I look forward

to a lighter wine and the 2010 Baldaccci Family Vineyards

Elizabeth Pinot Noir is perfectly paired with pulled pork. This is

a family recipe from Meredith Grcina, Direct to Consumer

Manager at Baldacci Vineyards. She said, We came up with this

pairing because our Pinot is very unique in the sense that its a

bold Pinot with strong flavors that can stand up to bigger meals.

Pinot Noir tends to be a softer wine with very delicate flavors.

The Elizabeth on the other hand, is a fuller bodied, darkercolored Pinot that offers a complexity and range of flavors

making it a great food pairing wine. Because Pinot tends to be

paired with lighter dishes, we wanted to experiment a bit and

pair it with a more daring meal. The smoky and red berry

characteristics along with the earth undertones makes it a great

wine to pair with any sort of roasted or grilled meats. We decided

to go with the pulled pork because we are entering spring and

pulled pork is really an all-American barbecued picnic dish.

Pinot is a great springtime wine because its not too warm outside

to render a white, however its a bit lighter and more refreshing

than a Cabernet.

The 2010 Elizabeth Pinot Noir continues the Baldacci Familys

tradition of rich, fruit-forward wine from their estate vineyard in

Carneros. The wine has aromas of strawberry, graphite, sweet

smoky cranberries and mouth-watering flavors of pomegranate,

red berries and hints of baked vanilla custard. While the wine is

delicious now, this balanced and structured wine will age well for

three to five years. The Elizabeth Pinot Noir from their Carneros

estate vineyard has always been called a Pinot for Cabernet

lovers. One sip and you will not be disappointed and since their

wines are only sold at their tasting room or online, its the perfect

time to discover this family winery.

Baldacci Family Vineyards is located in the famed Stags LeapDistrict in Napa Valley and includes 17 acres of Estate Cabernet

Sauvignon grapevines. In addition to their Estate Cabernets, their

winemaker Rolando Herrera makes wines for the Family

Collection using grapes carefully sourced from unique vineyards

in Napa and Sonoma. Their Carneros estate vineyard is planted

with the Family Collection varietals of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah,

Gewrztraminer and Chardonnay. Their tasting room is open

daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only. Reservations

can be made by calling (707) 944-9261 or visiting their website

at www.baldaccivineyards.com.

Pulled Pork Paired withBaldacci Family Vineyards 2010Elizabeth Pinot Noir, Carneros

Perfect Pairs BY ALEXANDRA CHARSLEY

30


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3

April in Carneros is an exciting multi-winery open house

event featuring nearly 20 wineries in the Carneros region of

the Napa and Sonoma valleys. Each winery will open its

doors to visitors and invite them to join in on a variety of

activities, including food and wine pairings, live music, art

or craft shows, special tastings (barrel, reserve, library and

new release), discounts or special pricing and more activities

unique to each winery.

Tickets are $39 per person when purchased online at

www.CarnerosWineries.org or by calling 1-800-366-2806

by April 19th, or $45 per person the day of the

eventdesignated drivers are $10! Some activities at select

wineries may have additional fees, but all participating

wineries have generous offerings for April in Carneros

participants included in the cost of admission. Proceeds

from April in Carneros help fund scholarships at Santa Rosa

Junior College and Napa Valley College.Participating wineries include: Adastra, Anaba Wines,

Bonneau Wines, Ceja Vineyards, Cline Cellars, Enkidu

Wine, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Homewood Winery,

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Keating Wines, Larson Family

Winery, Meadowcroft Wines, Robledo Family Winery, Schug

Carneros Estate, Talisman Wines, Tin Barn Vineyards and Ty

Caton Vineyards.

April in Carneros, April 21-22


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PINK MANSIONth prf napa wi asig xpri. Vally or fors viws from ah room,

lavish brakfas ad afroo wi asig, larg idoor had pool ad Jauzzi,

i-room massag ad faials availabl. 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

Priva bahs; tV/pho ad Ac; wo-prso

marbl jauzzis ad firplas; balois or

dks; hr-ours gourm brakfas, hors

douvrs, wi ad shrry i h vig; luxu-

rious 30'x60'; swimmig 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


32

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

center stage, featuring an exclusive exhibition of photography

Markham Vineyards by photojournalist Baron Wolman, Rolling St

magazines first chief photographer. This week only, original consheets belonging to Mr. Wolmans personal collection will be on vi

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

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 W

monotypes and paintings.

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

wineries include The Hess Collection, which is displaying a selec

of Donald Hess personal modern and contemporary collec

including artwork by artists Robert Motherwell and Magda

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 o

locations throughout the Napa Valley.

For more information on Napa Valley Arts in April special of

and opportunities, visit www.LegendaryNapaValley.com.

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


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3

In honor of Cinco de Mayo the Rutherford Appellation Wineries

will hold their spring passport event, a Rutherford Passport to Fiesta,

on the weekend of May 5th and 6th. Eleven wineries will offer special

tastings and comida to those who purchase a two-day passport for $75

or a Sunday-only passport for $60.

Each winery will offer a unique tasting experience such as barrel

samples, limited-edition wines or tastings with the winemaker, all

accompanied by festive Cinco de Mayo fare. Participating wineries

include Alpha Omega, Beaulieu Vineyard, Conn Creek Winery, Honig

Vineyard & Winery, J. Moss, Peju Province, Pia Napa Valley,

Raymond Vineyards, St. Supery Vineyards & Winery, Sawyer Cellars

and Tres Sabores.

Who doesnt love a fiesta? says Regina Weinstein, Director of

Marketing and Retail for Honig Vineyard & Winery. This should be a

good weekend for guests to come to Rutherford in the heart of the

Napa Valley and enjoy great wines paired with wonderful food. Wereready for a party!

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

Passports may be purchased online and will be available for pick-up

at the Rutherford Grange on Saturday, May 5th.

For more information or to purchase a passport, visit the website at

www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com.

About Rutherford Appellation Wineries

Rutherford Appellation Wineries was established as the direcconsumer marketing arm of the Rutherford Dust Society (www.ruth

forddust.org) to educate the public about the significance of

Rutherford appellation as Napa Valleys preeminent grape-grow

area. This consumer-focused organization was created to promote

uniqueness of the area and encourage visitors to experience person

the quality of the wines produced in this special place.

Rutherford Appellation Wineries Rutherford Passport to Fiesta


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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

Visit Vezr Family VineyardsVezr Family Vineyards is one of the more picturesque and

inviting of the Suisun Valley wine region. Owned by the famouslyfriendly and welcoming Frank and Liz Vezr, the winery is a

refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of their more well-

known neighbors over the hill. With a climate that boasts of sun-

drenched days and sweet foggy nights, the grapes of the Vezr

Family Vineyards enjoy near perfect growing conditions. Their

winery is best known for the luscious Petite Sirah that they produce,

as well as their hearty, fruit-forward Zinfandel and a little known, but

magnificent blend, La Salette. While lacking the big name appella-

tion, these wines are by no means also-rans. In fact, the region is

rated as the oldest and best in the State of California by the U.C

Davis University. These are seriously good wines.

The Vezr Family Vineyard tasting room is located in the tinyvillage of Mankas Corners. The town was originally established by a

local miner in 1846. Hints of its old west history can be seen in the

old general store and surrounding buildings. The tasting room is

open seven days a week and no appointment is necessary. The ten

dollar tasting fee is waived with a wine purchase. But, to really get the

most out of your visit, opt for their VIP Barrel Blend Tour. At a

bargain price of $35, this tour is well worth the extra investment.


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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

The NapaBack Road


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MATERRAComfort on Main StreetBY JoSh Stein

Napa Valleys newest tasting room is doing things the Old Napa way with

emphasis on the land and pure expressions of its fruit in a relaxed, comfortable

setting. While founded a short five years ago in 2007, the beginnings of the

Cunat familys desire to produce great wines stretch back to the 1960s, when

co-founder Brian Cunat worked on a farm and dreamed of a life centered on th

land. Years later, the successful land developer and youngest-ever Kiwanis

International president and his brother, John, turned to the Napa Valley after

tasting great wines in other highly regarded viticultural areas around the world

The goal would be to produce the best wines possible through honoring the la

which is where the name Materra literally Mother Earth comes from.

The land they settled on is in the heart of the Oak Knoll District, which is oof the newest-recognized viticulture areas in the Valley, and it was delineated a

distinctly separate locale for winegrowing because of its difference from Valley

spots to both the north and south. OKD never gets to the vine-punishing

temperatures of the north Valley, nor does it recieve the potentially vine-

damaging frosts of the regions on the Bay. Its balance allows for the winery to

produce a range of bottlings.

The family is involved at all levels, with daughter Neena Cunat Heitz

managing the new tasting room and her sister, Amie, doing creative design wor

for the releases. The Cunats have also brought together a team of Valley veteran

to help create dreams-come-to-life. Winemaker Bruce Regalia brings his

experiences with Duckhorn, Goldeneye, and Madrigal; Winemaker Mike Truji

is past president and winemaker for Sequoia Grove and his own label, KarlLawrence; and Vineyard Manager Chris Madrigal brings his familys seventy-fiv

year history to bear on acreage of the OKD property, guaranteeing Bruce and

Mike have the best starting conditions possible great wines can only come fro

great grapes, after all.

The winery currently offers seven releases, four red and three white. You can

taste 2007 and 2008 Cabernets; 2007 and 2008 Merlots; and 2010 Chardonna

Sauvignon Blanc, and rare-for-Napa Viognier. The wines show off their origins

with the reds especially displaying a recognizable similarity while allowing for

vintage differences. Open Thursday through Sunday plus by appointment the

rest of the week, the Materra tasting room is next to the Wydown Hotel on Mai

Street in St. Helena. The intimate tasting lounge has a homey feel to it, with maof the furniture pieces coming from the Cunats themselves. Besides a tasting ba

with counter, there is an area for sitdown tasting at the Cunats dining room tab

and a lounge area with a couch and leather chairs, giving great views of the St.

Helena world going about its business outside the window. Neena presents a

comfortable, self-paced enjoyment of the wines, for sure.

As you can see, the wines currently in bottle and their family-inspired

surroundings evince a belief in the power of nurturing what is most important

the world of wine: emphasis on the land, emphasis on enjoyment. Anything el

just gets

nor cal edition – apr 6, 2012

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