April 2008 Archives

By Robert Farmer

Especially in America, even twenty-five years is a good stretch for a winery. So special congratulations are definitely in order to Wente Vineyards as it celebrates more than a hundred years longer than that. The 125th anniversary celebration is taking place throughout 2008, but in May things really heat up. Numerous events are slated to commemorate Wente's status as the country's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery.

By Robert Farmer

It can sometimes be tough to figure out with all the talk of "green" and "eco-friendly" trends bandied about these days, who is just talking and who is actually doing. There's no other way to be green than to do, and so I think it's important to give a "shout out" to those who are actually trying to make a difference. In Napa, the list of the former is large and growing all the time. And at the Silverado Resort (one of my personal favorites, thanks to the perfect melding of excellent wine, food, and golf), is now upping the sustainability ante with their recently implemented practice of comprehensive recycling.

By Robert Farmer

And now for some news about air travel that doesn't involve bankruptcy, flight cancellations or fare increases. In fact, this bit of air travel news is decidedly good - that is if you're a wine fan, and by reading this space I'm guessing you've got at least a passing interest in the topic.

By Courtney Cochran

Anyone who's rued bypassing the cosmopolitan charms of San Francisco en route to wine country no longer need despair.  Because with the new partnership between Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco and Meadowood Napa Valley, well-heeled (and well-financed, I might add) visitors can now enjoy the charms of both spots in the context of one very sweet deal.

I pity the fool who missed the fabulous Sonoma Film Festival Gala celebration last night at Jacuzzi Winery. First things first - Jacuzzi Winery is an absolutely gorgeous venue, replete with a center courtyard that gives way to views of the vineyards and barrel chaix. My friends and I imagined grand weddings for ourselves (once we get that elusive proposal) in such lavish settings sans the gravel parking lot. Note to self: bring an extra pair of walking shoes so as to not break neck in 3 inch heels!

VILLAGIO INN & SPA OPENS ITS DOORS TO A NEW ERA
WITH THE ULTRA LUXURY SPA VILLAGIO
Premier Spa in Napa Valley ~ Yountville, California
Defines The Ultimate Spa Experience

YOUNTVILLE, Calif. - April 7, 2008 - Setting the stage for a new standard of wellness in 2008 and beyond, the new Spa Villagio, located on the landmark Four-Diamond Vintage Estate destination in Napa Valley ~ Yountville, California, will open its doors this month as Northern California's premier luxury spa retreat.  The new spa is available to both hotel guests and day spa goers.

Sonoma Film Festival makes it Easy to Go to The Movies (even for parents!)
By Robert P. Farmer

Once upon a time I went to the movies four times a week. Now, I never go. No exaggeration - four times a week. And seriously - never. These days, if it doesn't come to my house via a little red envelope in my mail, I don't see it. I still see all the good ones, but it's never at the movie theater. It wasn't always like that. I used to be at the theater more days than I wasn't.

Sure, the Sonoma Valley Film Festival is a celebration of new independent films. But with its stunning location in the heart of the Wine Country, food and wine are Oscar-worthy support characters.

Hailing from Sonoma Valley, the festival's 2008 Epicurean Director, Kathleen Hill, has put together an amazing showcase of celebrity chefs. Take the opening night gala on April 10 at Jacuzzi Winery. As stars like Michael Keaton rub elbows with crowd, eight superbly talented chefs will provide show-stopping cuisine, including -

An Epicurean Itinerary
By Courtney Cochran

We're so sure you'll love Elvis & Anabelle - a delightful new flick screening April 13th at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival sponsored by WineCountry.com- that we've designed a custom itinerary around the film to help you take your viewing experience to altogether more hedonistic heights.