Wine

Vine Cliff Winery Offers Weekly Wine Tastings w/ Winemaker Jim Kress

2012-04-27T22:29:30Z

Vine Cliff Winery
7400 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 707.944.1364
Open daily 10am - 4pm, by appt only

Vine Cliff Winery, located in the Oakville appellation of the Napa Valley, has announced a new program to allow consumers to tour the winery and taste their wines with winemaker Jim Kress.

"We are very pleased that our guests will have this opportunity," said Rob Sweeney, Vine Cliff's Proprietor and General Manager. "Jim is a great guy, and what could be better than tasting our wines with one of the key people responsible for making them?"

Kress joined Vine Cliff prior to the 2011 harvest. He has 16 vintages under his belt having worked previously at St. Clement Vineyards and Domaine Chandon. After graduating from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, Jim's passion for food and wine eventually led him to the Master of Science program in Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis.

"I am excited to have the chance to share our passion with Vine Cliff's guests ," Kress said. "We'll check out the production area, kick some dirt in the vineyards, then relax in the caves and try some wines. It should be a lot of fun!"

The tours and tastings are being offered every Friday at 3 pm and last about 90 minutes. A maximum of 12 guests per week may participate and the cost is $25 per guest. Prior appointments are required, and may be made by calling 707-944-1364. Children and pets are not permitted.

Founded in 1871 and owned and operated by the Sweeney family since 1985, Vine Cliff Winery focuses on producing Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate vineyard in Oakville and Chardonnay from their vineyard in the Los Carneros District.

Livermore Wine Country - Garden Trails

2012-04-16T22:05:34Z

Just in time for Earth Day, the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association celebrated the opening of the Drought Resistant Garden Trail with a sign installation and toast at Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery on April 12. Developed in cooperation with the Alameda County Master Gardeners, the initial phase of the new trail includes the first of many local winery and event center gardens to feature native, drought resistant plantings. Trail maps will soon be available at www.LVwine.org and at each of the following garden trail locations in Livermore Valley:

Cedar Mountain Winery (7000 Tesla Road): A wide perennial garden flanks both sides of the barrel room. The garden is filled with roses; especially captivating is the climbing rose Altissimo. Hardy penstemon and sages also fill the beds.

Concannon Vineyard (4590 Tesla Road): Playful topiary is the obvious theme of these gardens, where even mature Fruitless Mulberry trees are trained into arches and orbs. Drought resistant New Zealand flaxes, purple hopseed and daylilies are scattered among the olive trees. Concannon was one of the first wineries in Livermore Valley to use roses as detectors of molds and mildew in the vineyard.

Las Positas Vineyards (1828 Wetmore Road): Many drought resistant grasses, including California fescue and Mexican feather grass are planted in this extensive landscape that also features Teucrium chamaedrtys (germander).
]]> Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery (3053 Marina Avenue): Avid gardener and winery owner Nancy Rodrigue is challenged by lack of sun in her landscape that features many garden "rooms." With the advice of master gardeners, she has replaced ground covers with ceanothus and native deer grass. A border that runs along an outdoor seating area has been replanted with honey bush mahonia and various colored leafed heuchera that add color.

Wente Vineyards Estate Winery (5565 Tesla Road): A former parking lot is now planted with hardy trees, shrubs and perennials that welcome guests to picnic. Outside the winery, white oleander and olive trees under planted with rosemary, lavender and agastache repeat in drifts along Tesla Road. Coffeeberry and heleanthemum are highlights of a corner garden in this lush space that features native and drought resistant plants.

Martinelli Event Center (3575 Greenville Road): Property given to the Master Gardener Program by the county in 2000 now blooms as an example of beautiful landscaping in a dry summer garden. The University of California Alameda County Master Gardeners Livermore Demonstration Garden is divided into six areas: an oak garden, a flower garden, a dry creek bed garden, a garden that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, a wind garden and example of gardening on a berm.

Several other Livermore Valley wineries are actively working with the Master Gardener Shari Wentz to design and plant drought resistant gardens that will be included in future phases of the wine country trail.

"Although the program is still in the beginning stages, the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association and Alameda County Master Gardeners are excited about this cooperative effort and its potential," said Wentz.

All of the gardens on the Drought Resistant Garden Trail are open to the public and the Master Gardeners Livermore Demonstration Garden hosts monthly classes. The Master Gardener program is part of Cooperative Extension, the outreach arm of the University of California through its Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide residents of Alameda County with information to help them garden in schools, backyards, nursing homes and other locations. Visit http://acmg.ucdavis.edu/Demonstration_Gardens/ for more information.

Inspired by Earth Day on April 22, wineries around the state of California are celebrating "Down to Earth Month" with hands-on workshops, eco-tours, green-themed events, special offers and tastings of eco-friendly wines. Explore "Down to Earth" events at www.discovercaliforniawines.com/d2e and plan a visit just as California vineyards are coming alive with spring.

About Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association
The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association is a 501(c)6 organization that supports the wineries, growers, and members in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area though educational and marketing programs.

New Season, New Wines

2012-03-27T19:08:01Z

Submitted by Chateau Montelena

Now that we've officially kicked off the beginning of a new season here at Chateau Montelena, it's time for spring renewal and getting a fresh start in the New Year. For some, that may mean starting a new garden, taking up a new hobby or working on some spring cleaning. For us, spring means enjoying longer days, ample amounts of sunshine and the start of a new growing season in our vineyard.

We're also looking forward to sharing our three new releases wines: our 2008 Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Montelena Estate Zinfandel are now available for your sipping pleasure. Aside from being great pairings with spring and summer dining experiences - either along with a park picnic or out on the patio under the stars on a warm evening - they're also three fantastic reasons to make more room in your wine cellar. At the end of a long day, there's nothing better than grabbing a great bottle of wine to hang out on your home patio with your favorite people and savor a glass of wine as you unwind on a warm and clear night. The season of "patio wine" is upon us.

With three new Montelena wines to choose from, we're certain that there's an option for every palate and every occasion - from a special, celebratory dinner with our 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon to a family barbeque with our 2009 Estate Zinfandel and even a mid-week repose to savor a special meal alongside our 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet just-because-its-Wednesday-and-you-need-a-break.

So whatever your wine preference may be, we hope that you take some time to enjoy the new season, relax on the patio outside and delight in a glass (or two!) of your favorite Montelena wine. And next time you're in Calistoga, stop by the Chateau to taste them all, pick your favorite and stock up - we have a long and glorious spring and summer ahead of us.

CLICK HERE to see more posts in the Chateau Montelena Blog.

Sustainable Growing & Wineries: Sonoma

2012-03-27T00:04:41Z

by Courtney Cochran

Sustainable businesses famously have an eye to the future as well as current projects. As awareness about the need to conserve for tomorrow's generations grows, so does the number of wineries in our backyard converting to eco-oriented wine-growing - and a sustainable future for us all. Below are some of the Sonoma wineries featuring green practices ranging from responsible vineyard management to economically friendly processes in the winery.

Benziger Family Winery
Sustainability is built into the mission at this green winemaking leader, which famously focuses on "family, great wine and healthy vineyards." Now three generations in, the Benziger clan - more than a dozen are actively involved in the winery - ensures their entire roster of vineyards is certified sustainable, organic or Biodynamic© via green metrics and a rigorous annual audit. Visitors will see the 'whole farm' ethos at work by way of the farm animals at the welcoming Glen Ellen property (hello, sheep cam!), and can look forward to quality that shows through in the glass: a diverse lineup spanning Sauvignon Blanc to Syrah is well-received by critics.

*Visit: 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442; Call (707) 935-3000; Tasting Offer
**Event: Celebrate Earth Day

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
Nestled into the hills of cool, bucolic Carneros, Gloria Ferrer is in a prime spot for making world-class sparkling wines. What's perhaps less apparent is this picturesque winery's commitment to sustainable agriculture, something its owners pursue through innovative approaches to everything from soil biodiversity programs to integrated pest management, water management and energy conservation. Because sustainability also has an eye to the health of people - not just plants - Gloria Ferrer's sustainability efforts support an arts program for local bereaved children, facilitating a focus on renewal of life through creativity. Ferrer's high marks for hospitality and stellar pours are just icing on the sustainable cake, as it were.

*Visit: 23555 Arnold Drive Sonoma, CA 95476; Call: (707) 996-7256; Tasting Offer

]]> Imagery Estate Winery
Benziger scion Joe Benziger brings his passion for lesser known varieties (a popular phrase is "Lagrein is not a sexy Latin dance") and Biodynamic© farming to estate vineyards in Sonoma. With green farming input coming courtesy of renowned horticulturist Alan York, Imagery's sustainable practices are off-the-charts on-target.

Think: creation of a wastewater pond and composting site, recycling organic winery and vineyard waste back into the land, and the construction of a wildlife sanctuary (ongoing). Not only is all this good for your conscience, you can play bocce and picnic while on site, too. That's what we call a green tourism score. Now pass the sustainably made Muscato di Canelli.

*Visit: 14335 Highway 12 Glen Ellen, CA 95442; Call: (707) 935-4515; Tasting Offer

Korbel Champgne Cellars
As one of California's most historic wineries, Korbel knows a thing or two about the passage of time and preserving a healthy planet for future palates. In the vineyard, stewards of this stunning Russian River sparkling producer follow a sustainably-focused routine that hews to the guidelines of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Beyond, they've taken innovative steps to dramatically decrease energy use, reduce CO2 emissions and improve water quality at their on-site wastewater pond. Statistics they're proud to share include tripling the efficiency of their wastewater system and reducing related energy use by 75%. According to head winemaker Paul Ahvenainen, "We want to be around for another 130 years!" We certainly hope so, and the planet does, too.

*Visit: 13250 River Road Guerneville, CA 95446; Call: (707) 824-7000; Tasting Offer

Stonestreet Winery
Stonestreet's owners like to say their job is uncovering the "story" of Alexander Mountain Estate, their vineyards' rugged perch high above the Alexander Valley in northern Sonoma.

Incorporating the land's story - even invoking its 3 million-year-old legacy - in their ethos is a direct tie to sustainability, as the winery invokes the past, present and future in its ideology. (Since 2009, all Stonestreet vineyards have been certified sustainable under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance's Certified California program.) Boasting a critically lauded portfolio of varietal wines focused on Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Stonestreet's collection of altitude-driven pours appeals to those looking for excellence in the glass as well as in a tie between the winery's overall outlook and the environment.

*Visit: 7111 Highway 128 Healdsburg, CA 95448; Call: (800) 355-8008; Tasting Offer

Relax . . . with a Glass of Wine

2012-03-22T19:51:23Z

There's no need to rush through tastings or cram all your wine tasting into a 10am - 5pm time frame. More and more wineries are starting to offer evening tasting room hours and it's just what the doctor ordered!

Tamber Bey
Arrived early for dinner reservations? Checked in to your hotel from an evening flight and would like to unwind before heading to bed? Tamber Bey's tasting room in downtown St. Helena is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine. Not only do they offer their full flight of tastings until 8pm daily, they are one of the few tasting rooms that have a license to serve wine by the glass. With dimmed lighting, and soft jazz notes floating in the air, and of course, amazing wines, you'll wonder why you didn't discover this gem earlier!

The Space
Tamber Bey's tasting room reflects the equestrian influence of their namesake (Tamber Bey combines the names of the first Arabian horses that Tamber Bey owner Barry Waitte owned and raced -- Tamborina and Bayamo affectionately known as Tamber and Bey.).

There are several different areas to taste within the Tamber Bey tasting room - a different space to fit your mood. Slide up to the tasting bar finished in copper or lounge on one of the leather couches. On a warm summer day, sit bistro style at the small tables outside or taste in the private tasting room with at a striking 100 year-old barn-wood table. Whatever you fancy and wherever you are comfortable, the tasting room staff is there to accommodate.
]]> The Wine Experience
What could be better than tasting several wines paired with cookies! Tamber Bey is unique in that the wines on their tasting menu are perfectly paired with a sweet or savory cookie that is carefully prepared and selected by a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America. Guests are encouraged to taste a particular wine first, then nibble their cookie, taste the wine again and note the differences. Also, it pays to join the EQQWINE Club as some of their fantastic wines are only available to club members - special shout out to their 2009 Sabino (a Cabernet Franc blend) which was love at first sip!

The Staff
Wine staff is very knowledgeable and if you would like to know the tasting notes of each wine, the intricacies of wine making and production, they are more than eager and capable of sharing this knowledge.

However, they also understand that for many, the experience itself-atmosphere, conversation, comfort- is what is most important and will actually help create lasting memories of both Tamber Bey and their treasured wines. When visiting, we recommend, for a 3 or 5 wine flight program, plan to spend at least 45 minutes. It's worth your while!

Tamber Bey - a memorable tasting experience awaits whether you visit during the day or relax with a glass of wine in their tasting room at the end of the day.

Tamber Bey ~ 1234 Adams Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Tasting Room Hours: 10am - 8pm ~ CLICK HERE for Special Offer

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Other wineries that offer late tasting room hours in Napa Valley:

Peju Province Winery - Open til 6pm
TopFlight Wine & Beer Tasting - Open til 7pm
Merryvale Napa Valley - Open til 6:30pm
Bounty Hunter Rare Wine - Open til 10pm
Castello di Amorosa - Open til 6pm
Clif Family Winery at Velo Vino - Open til 6pm
Louis M. Martini Winery - Open til 6pm

Korbel Practices Sustainable Wine Growing

2012-03-07T23:20:09Z

There are a lot of wine terms to keep up with if you visit wine country. Many times we have no idea what they mean, we just nod our heads in silent agreement. One such term that many wineries declare that they have implemented is sustainable wine growing. But, what does this mean?

According to the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, "Sustainable winegrowing practices help reduce water and energy use, minimize pesticide use, build healthy soil, protect air and water quality, recycle natural resources, maintain surrounding wildlife habitat, provide employee education, and communicate with neighbors about vineyard and winery operations."

There are many wineries in Sonoma County that have made significant changes with how they grow grapes and make wine. Watch how Korbel Champagne Cellars increased energy efficiency, saved money, reduced CO2 emissions and improved water quality through installing a new aerator system.

Korbel Champagne Cellars Process Water Ponds Efficiency Measures

Help BV Coastal Estates Give & Give Back

2012-02-21T22:16:40Z

"At BV we make wines to enjoy at every American table. The fact that so many people are not able to put food on that table is a critical issue of our times," says BV Marketing Brand Manager, Noelle Campbell. "In America, more than 50 million people go hungry each day, and 17 million of those are children. Hunger relief has become a focus of our BV Coastal Estates mission and a way to give back to the community."

As part of the Give & Give Back online challenge, BV asks Americans to commit at least 1 million volunteer minutes to food banks, soup kitchens and hunger relief agencies nationally. When BV reaches the challenge goal of 1 million volunteer minutes, American wine lovers will have contributed the volunteer time equivalent of $356,000.

]]> "The economy is a challenge for everyone right now, we want to remind people that volunteering their time can be as valuable as a donation of money or food," says Campbell. "With the help of wine lovers across the country, the BV Coastal Estates Give & Give Back Challenge can raise the time equivalent of another 2,500,000 meals for the hungry in America," says Campbell.

To participate in the BV Coastal Estates Give & Give Back Challenge and to learn more about hunger relief in America, visit www.bvwines.com or facebook.com/bvwines and "like" us. You will find a national list of food relief agencies, learn where to volunteer in your area, pledge your donation of volunteer minutes, watch an informational video, read and post volunteer stories, and download a coupon for a purchase of BV Coastal Estate Wines.

CLICK HERE to read the full press release.

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Beaulieu Vineyard is produced by Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E), which is part of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O); the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E produces and markets premium wines from around the globe including Napa Valley, Sonoma, the California Central Coast, France, New Zealand and Australia. Brands include: Sterling Vineyards, Sterling Vintner's Collection, Chalone Vineyard, Acacia Vineyard and Rosenblum Cellars. DC&E is also a leading importer of estate-bottled wines from Burgundy. For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

Wine Lovers Boot Camps

2012-01-18T18:10:52Z

The Culinary Institute of America is launching a new series of classes designed for the wine enthusiast at its St. Helena, CA campus -- Wine Lovers Boot Camp: Basic Training and Wine Lovers Boot Camp: Tasting Like a Pro.

Wine Lovers Boot Camp will debut in spring 2012 at the CIA at Greystone, whose location in the heart of the Napa Valley--home to great vineyards and wine estates--is ideal for the study and enjoyment of wine.

Wine Lovers Boot Camp: Basic Training
is a five-day exploration of the joys wine can bring to one's lifestyle, and is designed to elevate participants' overall understanding of wine. The program will also enable students to select and enjoy wine with greater knowledge and confidence, whether shopping for a mid-week meal at home, dining out at a restaurant, or hosting a special social gathering.

Working with the CIA's renowned faculty, students in this Boot Camp will taste the world's major white and red wine grape varieties as they learn to decipher wine labels from regions near and far. They will discover how a vineyard's location and a winemaker's influence can impact the flavor, style, and price of wine. Through tastings, participants will learn how to evaluate wine "flavor" and place it skillfully in the context of a meal. This new-found understanding will ultimately be put into practice in the kitchen as students prepare a multi-course meal with paired wines.

Initial 2012 class dates are February 13-17, April 16-20, and May 21-25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition is $2,195 per person, and the class is open to students 21 years of age and older.
]]> Wine Lovers Boot Camp: Tasting Like a Pro
It is often said in oenophile circles that a wine is good if you like it. But how do professionals objectively evaluate wine? The CIA's Wine Lovers Boot Camp--Tasting Like a Pro will teach the casual wine drinker how to adopt professional approaches to tasting wine.

This two-day program will guide participants through proper tasting technique and teach them how to recognize important wine attributes that determine the quality and style of still, sparkling, and sweet wines. Through structured tastings, students will discover the influence on flavor of wine-making techniques, from barrel fermentation to fortification. Blind tastings will ultimately test their ability to identify wines like professionals.

Initial class dates for 2012 are February 2-3, February 29-March 1, March 26-27, April 13-14, and May 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition is $895 per person, and the class is open to students 21 years of age and older.

On select class days, students in both Wine Lovers Boot Camp programs will enjoy dinner at the on-campus Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant.

To enroll in a CIA Wine Lovers Boot Camp, visit www.ciachef.edu/enthusiasts or call 1-800-888-7850.

**Photo Credit - Keith Harris

Wine Samplers for the Holidays

2011-11-28T23:01:33Z

The wheel. Sliced bread. Electricity. TastingRoom.com wine samplers.

Life was fine without these revolutionary inventions but it's oh so much better with them.

How can one wine product be that different and industry-changing? We're glad you asked. Wine samplers let you try wine before you buy the bottle. That's right, no more paying first and then hoping you like the wine. These samplers let you taste six top wines at home and then buy bottles of your favorites. Like we said--it's revolutionary.

And, we're excited to offer our readers a special 1¢ Shipping promotion to discover this amazing wine innovation for themselves. Click here to shop and use promo code WCGIFT.* Better hurry! Offer expires 12/30/2011.
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Introducing the TastingRoom.com sampler! Each of their samplers contains six "Mini" bottles that contain 1.7 ounces of wine from the top wineries from around the world. You will also get a bunch of fun stuff in your box like tasting notes and a tasting card to help with the experience. You will love lining up your wines, comparing and contrasting them and then ranking each of them on your personal page at TastingRoom.com. Now, go online and buy the full-size bottles you loved.

Pretty incredible right? Now, to the bigger question on everyone's mind--where do you start? They actually have some pretty cool categories to choose from.

Wanna drink like the stars? Start with a Celebrity Sampler from super chefs Mario Batali and Michael Chiarello, world-renowned sommelier Rajat Parr and wine-personality Gary Vaynerchuk. They've picked their favorites with tasting notes and food pairings. These are great if you like a little guided exploration.

Varietal samplers let you taste all the different ways a grape can express itself in the glass. Learn all about a varietal or taste six new wines and find your new favorite.

Regional samplers are a wonderful way to get to know the nuances of a terroir. Taste the diversity of wines that can grow in one area. Can you taste any similarities? Even if you can't, isn't it fun trying? It's the next best thing to visiting the wine region yourself!

Get to know an individual winery with our winery samplers. This is just like drinking a flight at the winery, except you can do it in the comfort of your home. And just like a tasting room, you can order full-size bottles of the ones you love.

However you choose to embark on your TastingRoom.com adventure, we know that just like the internet and smart phones, the phenomenon of trying before you buy will become a way of life. Don't forget to shop here before 12/31 to get $10 off ANYTHING* with promo code WCGIFT!

* Offer excludes gift cards.

Santa Cruz: Fall Wine Passport

2011-11-16T17:37:27Z

Explore the Santa Cruz Wine Country, a unique viticultural region, and become acquainted with the incredible diversity of the wines and winemakers therein.

Passport wineries will be open on the third Saturday of January, April, July and November from 11:00am to 5:00pm, as well as during their regular hours. Each season brings something new to the vineyards; from pruning in the winter to crush in the fall, wineries are bustling with activity year-round! Passport is your opportunity to meet the talented winemakers of the Santa Cruz Mountains and to see where and how they produce some of the world's great wines.

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Use the map as a rough guide only and read the directions for each individual winery. At each winery you visit, a page of your Passport will be given a unique commemorative stamp. You must have your Passport with you in order to participate in the tasting. Passport benefits are good for one visit to each participating winery and are for use on designated Passport days only. Passports do not expire until each winery has been visited once.

During Passport Day you can also enjoy discounts at local participating restaurants. Participating restaurants offer specials such as waived corkage on Santa Cruz Mountains Wines, 10% off on dinner and much, much more! Restaurant pages are located in the back section of each Passport.

Purchase a Passport for $40 donation by calling (831) 685-8463 or CLICK HERE to buy tickets online.

Monterey Wine Harvest - 2011 Update

2011-10-28T19:47:37Z

Monterey County Wraps Up A Positive - If Unusual - Vintage

October 28, 2011 (Monterey, CA)--"This is my ninth harvest in the area and it has been unlike any that I can recall," says Executive Director for the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, Rhonda Motil of Monterey County's 2011 growing season. "The growers have all handled Mother Nature's curve balls with the patience and expertise indicative of our winegrowing region."

While growers and vintners throughout Monterey County admit that this has been an out-of-the-ordinary year, lovers of the area's elegant and well-balanced wines will be pleased to learn that the strange growing season has yielded overwhelmingly good quality across its nine AVAs.

"Climactic events like a wet spring, late rain in June, a milder-than-usual summer, and a big rain storm in early October presented us with many challenges, but the fruit coming into the winery is superb," said Matt Shea, Vineyard Manager of Bernardus Winery in the Carmel Valley. "The long summer coupled with adequate soil moisture created the perfect conditions for Pinot Noir on the Central Coast. The loose clusters, small berries, low yields, and long hang time will equate to concentrated wine with lots of depth and flavor."

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De Korth echoes a sentiment heard among several Monterey County growers: that the benefits of a long, mild growing season are particularly evident in the region's Pinot Noir crop. "Pinot Noir excels in minimal diurnal swings - the less fluctuation in temperature, the better," said Andy Mitchell, Director of Vineyard Operations at Hahn Winery in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. "The 2011 vintage certainly bears that out. We're seeing full flavors, with brix and acid levels in wonderful balance across our Pinot Noir fruit. In prior years, we've had to wait for either the sugars or the acids to come into balance, but this year, everything came together to full maturity at once."

While wine quality for the 2011 vintage is predicted to be high, volume will be an issue. "Our Pinot Noir crop was 50% lighter than usual," says Mitchell. "You can count on great concentration, but it will be at the expense of the wine's accessibility."

In the southerly San Antonio Valley AVA, Lockwood Oaks Vineyard owner, Joyce Yates, speaks to the quality-versus-quantity issue. "My crop is coming in as good, if not better than, last year. The phenols, acids, tannins, and flavors are excellent. Although the quantity isn't what we'd like to see, overall, this vintage was terrific quality-wise. There's no question, we can count on 2011 being a terrific vintage for wines from this area."

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Bringing together the talents and resources of its members, partners and the community, the MCVGA promotes and supports their leadership in the art, science and business of wine. Founded in 1974, the Association is a non-profit organization representing over 75 vintners and growers in Monterey, California. Additional details are available by visiting www.montereywines.org or by calling (831) 375-9400.

Watch the Napa Valley Harvest Firsthand!

2011-10-25T18:02:03Z

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Harvest In Wine Country Report

2011-10-21T17:04:43Z

by Courtney Cochran

Harvest is always a nail-biting time for winegrowers, but never more so than in a cool, late year like this one. Why? Early autumn rains can wreak havoc on fruit left on the vine to ripen long into the season, but low sugar levels in cooler years necessitate doing just that. As a result, this year brought fretting throughout wine country over when to pick versus when to roll the dice and hope for the best.

In some instances, grapes - especially whites and lighter reds - were harvested a bit behind schedule with little incident, while in others, rain fell on crops that were awaiting that extra bit of sunshine that never came. Here are insights from the harvest trenches on the peculiarity of the 2011 season. ]]> SONOMA
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Lisa Mattson of Jordan Vineyard & Winery explained that rot was a real concern after the North Coast suffered a second blast of rain in less than a week, with the first major storm occurring October 4-6 and the second touching down just days later. "We weren't as concerned about the first rains as we were with the second.

Our winemaker thinks our Cabernet wines are better when we get one quick sprinkling of rain before we pick the grapes. The variety wears well with rain...as long as it is not prolonged."

But a second storm meant too much moisture for too long - even for thick-skinned Cabernet - and mold pressures started to rise, prompting Jordan to begin picking in earnest. "Our winemakers worked quickly...to identify blocks that were ready to pick and got them to the winery before mold could become an issue. The teams worked around the clock Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We were harvesting more hillside Cabernet Sauvignon in Alexander Valley Sunday morning [the 16th] at sunrise." The Jordan team had already harvested their Chardonnay and Merlot before the first storm.

What's the outlook for the Cab? Mattson shares, "the grapes we harvested...were full of flavor, ripe with nice acids and had ideal brix for our more European style of red wine." She added, "This is the kind of year where decades of experience were key in our ability to react to all Mother Nature's curveballs and still harvest high-quality fruit."

NAPA
Vineyard 29
According to Vineyard 29 winemaker Keith Emerson, you can look for European style wines coming out of Napa for the 2011 harvest, too. The vintner related, "my number one observation from the field is that seed browning, skin tannin development, color and mature fruit flavors are coming around at lower sugar levels while maintaining ideal acid and pH balance." Critics of California's so-called "overblown" style of high-sugar, high-extract reds should find solace in words like Emerson's. He continued, "we will produce lovely, full-bodied, age worthy wines with most likely slightly lower alcohols than typical vintages. We're actually in great shape."

Emerson's insights underscore an ongoing phenomenon: the last several years have trended cool for North Coast winegrowing, prompting global warming skeptics to posit there could be an inverse climate trend occurring here. That hardly seems likely, but this much does seem certain: a series of cooler vintages means we have had to adapt to a more perilous harvest psychology, one that mirrors the nail-biting end-of-season considerations European vintners have grappled with for many years.

The Winery at Reata Opens in Napa Valley

2011-10-19T23:13:39Z

New Vision for Historic Rancho Property

NAPA, CA, Oct. 19, 2011 - The Winery at Reata has opened the doors to its stunning California coastal lodge, located in the rolling hills that were part of General Vallejo's sprawling Suscol Rancho more than 150 years ago. The winery invites guests from around the world to enjoy its newly landscaped grounds, gracious hospitality and a wine tasting experience that is unique within the Napa Valley.

"Reata has some of the most beautiful views in the Northern California Wine Country," said Alyssa O'Hare, co-founder and president for Reata. "I was raised on a working ranch in Oregon, and this estate is magical for me. From our veranda you can see the whole panorama from the Napa Valley to San Pablo Bay. It's a wonderful place to appreciate the beauty of this area."

"We want people kick back and stay a while," says O'Hare. Guests are invited to soak up the sun on the veranda, sample wines at the gorgeous tasting bar, tour our landscaped grounds or simply relax by the massive stone fireplace. Barrel tastings are held daily and can be scheduled for private parties. Interactive guided tours are available by appointment, and the winery also offers a variety of formal and informal food pairings with Reata's portfolio of wonderful wines.

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The Lodge at Reata has a lovely traditional banquet room with handsome vaulted ceilings--ideal for private dinners, large celebrations and corporate events--and can accommodate both casual gatherings and formal seated dinners.

Sheltered from the elements, the soaring ceilings and huge timbers frame stunning views of Napa Valley and San Pablo Bay. Reata's veranda is ideal for casual summer fare, barbeques and seated luncheons or buffets.

About Reata
The Reata Estate's spectacular coastal lodge is located at 1 Kirkland Ranch Rd. and sits in the rolling hills that were once part of General Vallejo's sprawling Suscol Rancho more than 150 years ago. The many threads of California history run through this land, creating a unique sense of place and authentic style.

The Winery at Reata provides its winemakers with the freedom and resources to make each bottle of wine the best possible expression of the varietal. Reata's tasting room is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 707.254.8673 (ext. 127), e-mail info@reatawines.com or visit reatawines.com.

Sweet Whites: A Napa Valley Itinerary

2011-10-17T22:22:12Z

by Courtney Cochran

If you enjoy a crisp, off dry Muscat (aka "sweet wines") on a warm afternoon or kicking back with girlfriends, this itinerary's for you. Come along as we visit three Napa Valley wineries offering pours of sweeter whites, and learn about shopping excursions and nightlife options, too. Here's to enjoying a sweet day in wine country!

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Views on High: First-time Napa visitors thrill at the spectacular valley views from Sterling's aerial tram. A glass of wine is proffered when you alight 300 feet above Calistoga to embark on a self-guided tour affording views into the winemaking process - especially diverting for beginners - alongside expertly-curated art installations. Pours of white sweeties like Malvasia Bianca and Muscat Canelli are on offer in the tasting room, and though the price of admission is somewhat chère, guests find it's more than worth it.
1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga * (800) 726-6136 * sterlingvineyards.com * Special Offer

>>Mini Break
On your way down valley for your next visit, stop into postcard-cute downtown St. Helena for souvenir foraging and - should your appetite call for it - a snack. Options for both abound, and you can also order an expertly made latte, dip into an olive oil tasting or gaze at world-class art.

V. Sattui
Italian Renaissance: Stop next at V. Sattui, a sprawling, lively compound dedicated to all manner of vinous and gustatory delights. Like Sterling, V. Sattui offers self-guided tours - in this instance showcasing the winery's stone buildings, underground cellars and museum - which make a terrific extracurricular for first-time visitors and budding enthusiasts. Score pours of sweet whites like Late Harvest Riesling and sweet Muscat in the tasting room or, even better, nab a bottle and gourmet bites from the adjacent deli and head outside to enjoy an alfresco picnic on the spot's 2 ½ acres of tree-shaded grounds.
1111 White Lane, St. Helena * (707) 963-7774 * vsattui.com * Special Offer & Video

Robert Mondavi Winery
Valley Classic: Just a bit further down valley you'll find Robert Mondavi Winery, a classic destination for newbie and seasoned visitors alike. Founded in 1966 by the spot's namesake valley pioneer, the striking Mission-style structure recalls early California architecture and offers a full slate of tours, concerts and tastings throughout the year. Take in the winery's inspired outdoor art collection before heading into the tasting room to sample tastes of sweeter whites like Moscato D'Oro and similarly fruity rosé and fumé blanc. A great spot to nab souvenirs, too.
7801 St. Helena Highway, Oakville * (888) 766-6328 x1
* robertmondavi.com * Special Offer

>>After Dark
Just because you've finished tasting for the day doesn't mean you have to call it a night! Napa offers plenty to keep you engaged from cocktail hour through last call - with special events like concerts, comedy shows, special film screenings and more offered throughout the year in keeping with the valley's rep for cultural excellence. Party on!

Check our Napa Valley Nightlife Guide for more on what to do when the sun goes down.