Wine

Roots run deep in Tri-Valley; one of California's oldest wine regions

2013-04-23T20:26:04Z

Livermore Valley Wine Country is home to more than 50 wineries.

Wineries range from small family-owned operations to historic leaders of the California wine industry. You can enjoy handcrafted wines in an intimate, authentic setting in Livermore Valley.

The difference. Unlike other wine regions, with long lines, large crowds, and expensive tasting room fees, most of our wineries still offer a complimentary tasting and a homespun atmosphere. We warmly welcome wine enthusiasts and novices alike. The neighborly ambience of our tasting rooms will never make you feel like a tourist. We treat our guests like old friends, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. Meet the winemaker, get a private tour, barrel taste, and get a firsthand account of the wine-making process.

The experience. There are several types of wine-tasting experiences in Livermore Valley wine country, from tasting rooms in downtown to no-frills country wineries and historic tasting rooms. Downtown Livermore's Blacksmith Square has several tasting rooms offering local wines, with restaurants and shopping nearby. Taste in an old barn while the winery owner's dog naps at your feet. Picnic in the countryside at a winery where the owners greet every visitor personally. Sip wine on the lawn, and play a relaxing game of bocce ball. For an upscale experience, with a touch of history, celebrate over 125 years with Concannon Vineyard and Wente Vineyards. Hungry for more? Livermore offers everything from picnic fixings to award-winning fine dining at several wineries throughout the region.
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To learn more about the Tri-Valley wineries, visit www.VisitTriValley.com.
See photos and follow our Tri-Valley Pinterest Page or like us on Facebook!

Art, Food & Wine Experience at Kenwood Vineyards

2013-04-19T20:17:11Z

Appreciate the premier marriage of art and wine at Kenwood Vineyards with their Artist Collection Series.

Every weekend, visitors will have an opportunity to view original art pieces from the collection that began with the controversial 1975, "Naked Lady" by David Lance Goines. With every new vintage, a new piece of art is featured making each bottle a true collectable.

Sip exceptional wines including the Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignons and nosh on gourmet appetizers perfectly paired to bring out the best characteristics of the wine.

More Details

Date: Every *Saturday & Sunday*
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Place: Kenwood Vineyards
Price: $30/person or $25/ wine club members
RSVP Required: For reservations, please call 707-282-4228. Reservations are required 72 hours in advance.

Arts in April: Beaulieu Vineyard

2013-03-29T23:15:02Z

Appreciate the Arts in the Napa Valley throughout the month of April.

Beaulieu Vineyards, located in the heart of Napa Valley in Rutherford, will play host to the original wine paintings of local artist Penelope Moore whose work will be on display starting April 1st in BV's Maestro Tasting Room and Club Room.

On Sunday, April 14th from 1:00-4:00pm, join other guests and enjoy a wonderful fusion of art and wine, live music, and afternoon hor d'oeuvres. Each of Penelope's paintings will be paired with a sinfully selected bottle of BV juice. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on each pairing. The lucky winner will have a sensory experience to take home. Tickets are only $15 per person or complimentary to club members.

But you don't have to wait until April 14th to start bidding!

Bid In Person: Visit Beaulieu Vineyards anytime starting April 1st - April 14th. Just mention "Arts in April" to receive two Maestro Tastings for the price of one to enjoy while you view and bid on the art.

Bid Online: A selection of five paintings will be available to preview and bid online at www.facebook.com/penelope. Bid on the painting by leaving a comment under the corresponding painting with the amount, your name and phone number. Online Auction closes on Sunday, April 14th at 4:00 pm PST. "Buy it Now" bids win. Visa, MC, AMEX, PayPal accepted.

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About the Artist:
Penelope's paintings and photography are a reflection of her passion for food, wine and joie de vivre. They are contemporary in style with an emphasis on color, mood and light. A gourmet at heart, Penelope is immersed in Wine Country culture and influenced by her experience working in the fine dining restaurant industry. Penelope's culinary compositions offer unique insight into the world of food and wine. She earned her BFA in Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA and regularly exhibits her work at wineries throughout Sonoma and Napa Valley. Penelope resides in St. Helena, Napa Valley where her love and growing knowledge of wine continues to be a source of inspiration in her work.

Partake by KJ : Now Open in Healdsburg

2013-03-22T19:56:25Z

Kendall Jackson Winery is upping the ante of your tasting experience with it's very own wine tasting lounge, Partake, is now open!

Partake is located in the ever popular and trendy town of Healdsburg, right off the square, and will specialize in wine flights and seasonal bites that showcase the diversity of flavors in Sonoma County. Imagine an array of estate grown olive oils, organic vegetables, fruits & herbs, artisan cheeses, and sustainably raised meats - each dish artfully inspired to pair with the vast collection of Kendall Jackson wines.]]> More Details and pictures at the Kendall Jackson Blog.

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In the area for a couple of days?
Plan your visit in advance. See our Healdsburg Tasting Itinerary or download our Mobile App to see list of Healdsburg wineries, places to stay and play. You can also email guestservices@winecountry.com for more customized trip planning and recommendations.

Pawsport Napa Valley

2013-03-05T21:16:44Z

Napa Valley Wine Tasting Event that is Dog Friendly!

No need to leave your dog at home when going wine tasting! Pawsport Napa Valley is a fabulous annual dog-friendly, passport-style wine tasting event in Napa Valley. This year the event is March 22-25th and features exclusive tastings at 20 Napa Valley dog-friendly wineries, food pairings, discounts on wine purchases, souvenirs for guests and their pups, drawings, dog treats, meet-and-greets with the winery dogs and winemakers, and so much more!

Pawsports are only $75 per person for four days of exceptional wine tasting in the beautiful Napa Valley. Your ticket includes one complimentary wine tasting and a discount on wine purchases at each winery. Additional specials and activities vary from winery to winery. Already sold on coming!? Click Here to buy event tickets.

NEW THIS YEAR! From discounts to special dishes, a selection of Napa Valley restaurants and lodging partners are offering "Pawsport Perks" to attendees during the four-day event, including special lodging packages at these dog-friendly hotels: Harvest Inn and Westin Verasa Napa.

This year's participating Napa Valley wineries include: B Cellars, Bennett Lane Winery, Ca' Momi, Chateau Boswell, Clos du Val, Cornerstone Cellars, Franciscan Estate Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, HALL St. Helena, Jessup Cellars, Lava Vine Winery, Madonna Estate, Mumm Napa, Peju Family Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Trefethen Family Vineyards, V. Sattui Winery.

Visit www.napahumane.org/PawsportNV for more details!

]]> A Worthy Cause!
Proceeds from Pawsport Napa Valley will benefit Napa Humane's affordable Spay/Neuter Clinic, where in one surgery suite more than 20 surgeries are performed daily, and an average of 47 dogs, cats and rabbits are seen during Friday's weekly low-cost vaccination and microchipping clinic.

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About Napa Humane
Napa Humane (the Humane Society of Napa County & SPCA) is a non-profit organization serving the Napa Valley since 1972. Our Mission is to promote the welfare of companion animals through protection, advocacy, education, and by example. For more information about Napa Humane's in-class and community education programs, our behavior helpline, and the services of our Spay/Neuter Clinic, visit www.napahumane.org.

Pinot & Mushroom Weekend at Chateau St. Jean

2013-02-12T01:57:07Z

No need to forage for mushrooms on your own this season. Join local Sonoma County mushroom experts at Chateau St. Jean February 23rd and 24th for a weekend of discovery with perfect pairings of fine St. Jean Pinot Noir and artisanal mushrooms. This special event will feature special wine and mushroom flights, a bountiful, mushroom-centric marketplace, informative lectures on fabulous fungi, an incredible Station-to-Station tasting experience, and a sumptuous Earthly Wonders luncheon, all which will leave you with a renowned sense of awe for the so-called simple mushroom and Pinot Noir. See more details below!

]]> Earthly Wonders Luncheon Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Join Chef Rodger Babel as he transforms local ingredients into culinary wonders in a special winery luncheon. Savor a seasonal showcase of Pinot Noir and mushrooms in all their glory. Guests will enjoy a three-course lunch with five wine pairings during this exclusive luncheon. Tickets are $60 per person/$50 for wine club members and can be purchased by calling 877-478-5326.

Station to Station Tasting Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Follow mushroom experts, Kevin Feinstin and Monique Risch, "station to station" through the grounds of the winery to discover different types of mushrooms and how they pair perfectly with the flavors of Chateau St Jean's award-winning Pinot Noir. Tickets are $20 per person/$16 for wine club members and can be purchased by calling 877-478-5326.

Pinot Noir & Mushroom Pairing Flight Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Experience a taste of Pinot Noir & mushroom bites at Chateau St. Jean's Visitor Center tasting bar. Available throughout the weekend as supplies last. $15 per flight, walk-ins welcome

Mushroom Marketplace Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy a one-weekend-only pop-up marketplace in Chateau St Jean's Visitor Center. This incredible market is entirely dedicated to the mushroom, local mushroom specialties, books, and art for purchase.

Art of the Mushroom Photography Exhibit Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Paul Kozal returns for another inspirational display of his artwork in the Chateau St. Jean Visitor Center. Kozal's Art of the Mushroom is a study of the foraged wild mushrooms of Sonoma County. Using a camera-less, filmless technique, Kozal scans actual foraged mushrooms and infuses them onto an aluminum surface allowing each image to take on an almost magical luminescence.

All About Chanterelles Saturday only at 10 a.m. and 2 pm
Join local mushroom expert, Kevin Feinstein, and learn about one of California's favorite fungi - the Chanterelle. This lecture is free, however space is limited. RSVP is required to 877-478-5326.

Artist Reception Saturday only from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Meet artist Paul Kozal. Kozal's Art of the Mushroom is a study of the foraged wild mushrooms of Sonoma County. Using a camera-less, filmless technique Kozal scans actual foraged mushrooms and infuses them onto an aluminum surface allowing each image to take on an almost magical luminescence. This reception is free. Wines by the glass and wine flights will be available for purchase.

Treat Your Sweetheart!

2013-01-30T20:44:20Z

Napa Valley wineries - Sterling Vineyards and Cliff Family Winery - have you covered for Valentine's Day this year. See their sweet line-up of wine gifts perfect for that special someone in your life!

Sterling Vineyards
Give your loved one the very best with two of Sterling Vineyard's premium Reserve wines! The buttery 2009 Reserve Chardonnay is the perfect companion for heart-warming wintertime comfort foods. Or try the 2009 Platinum Reserve, which scored a superb 92 points from the Wine Enthusiast for its expertly balanced boldness. Complete with a lovely red gift box and personalized message, these extravagant wines will make the perfect gift this Valentine's Day! Shipping deadlines are fast approaching so put in your order as soon as possible! (East Coast Orders - Feb 3rd, West Coast Orders - Feb 7th) ORDER NOW

Visiting Napa Valley for Valentine's Day/Weekend? Enjoy excellent wines and amazing views at Sterling Vineyards! Indulge in complimentary hand-crafted chocolates paired with our delectable port-style Zinfandel available at the winery on February 9th, 10th, and 14th. Learn More.

]]> Clif Family Winery
Looking for a unique Valentine's Day gift for your sweetie? Clif Family Winery has some delectable gift ideas:

Chocolate Almond Trio: Premium organic California almonds roasted to perfection then dipped in a rich layer of fine dark chocolate kissed with Balinese Sea Salt. An irresistible treat for even the most discerning palate. Ideal for a sweet indulgence,

Chocolate & Cabernet Gift Set: Nothing says love like chocolate and cabernet. The perfect pairing - a three pack of our dark chocolate almonds and a bottle of our 2009 Kit's Killer Cab, Cabernet Sauvignon. This perfectly indulgent pairing comes in a custom Clif Family Winery wooden box.

The Ultimate Spice Blend: Inspired by ancient Egyptian recipes, our dukkah three pack is as delicious as it is unique. Perfect Valentine's Day gift for that foodie in your life.

Each gift set comes wrapped in a beautiful gift box and shipped with a special message of your choice. Visit their online store to shop these Valentine's Day Gifts and more!

Chandon for New Year's Eve Toast!

2012-12-27T22:16:23Z

If you can't attend Domaine Chandon's Sparkling Gala this year for New Year's Eve, not to fret; check out their recommendations for hosting a Chandon-style soiree at home!

1. Start the night a Chandon Sidecar: Begin with this brandy-based, citrus-infused cocktail classic, made distinctive with some sparkling flourishes and sure to please your guests. Click here for recipe.

2. Every good party needs a soundtrack, so try creating a playlist of your favorite songs from the past year. It'll infuse the celebration with your unique personality and is a nostalgic, toe-tapping way to send off the year.

3. Make it a magnum: Always a popular option to keep the bubbles flowing on New Year's Eve, a magnum of Chandon Brut Classic is both economically and conversationally effective. One magnum equals two regular-sized (750ml) bottles of wine.

CLICK HERE for more creative pointers for hosting a successful New Year's Eve party!

Don't forget to relax and enjoy your guests, look forward to what the new year may hold and don't forget the midnight kiss!

House Party! at Chateau Montelena Winery

2012-12-27T20:28:06Z

Have full run of the Chateau with your friends this coming January 26th at Chateau Montelena Winery when they host their annual House Party. This year's theme is Fire and Ice and will feature one fantastic night of dancing, find food, and of course, wine!

The menu includes an array of culinary delights served at tempting temperatures paired with Montelena classics, special wines from the library collection, and even a few limited-production winery-only wines. AND! back by popular demand is hit band "Wonderbread 5" for an encore performance in the cellar.

Snap up these tickets as soon as you can!

What: Chateau Montelena House Party!
Where: Chateau Montelena Winery ~ 1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
When: January 26, 2012 ~ 6pm -10pm
Tickets: $65-$95
More Details: CLICK HERE!

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About Chateau Montelena Winery
Founded in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs, Chateau Montelena Winery is currently owned and operated by the Barrett family, who purchased the property in 1972. Perhaps best known for the 1976 Paris Tasting when the little-known American winery triumphed over the French in a blind tasting, the winery is currently recognized for producing world-class wines with the Barrett family still at the helm.

TastingRoom.com: It's Vino Nirvana

2012-12-10T23:54:35Z

If you enjoy the finer things in life (and who doesn't?), then you'll love this innovative new way to enjoy fine wine. TastingRoom.com takes the risk out of online wine purchasing by allowing you to try before you buy. Whether it's by the taste, by the glass or by the bottle, we let you enjoy wine the way you want it.

Our Wine Samplers let you line 'em up, six great wines side by side, and you're the judge and the jury. Each Sampler consists of six tastes (50ml) of different wines based on varietal, region or food pairing ability. Pick your favorite wines from each Sampler and then go online to order full-sized bottles of them to drink now or store for future consumption.

Our Super Flights™ take the Wine Sampler one step further: you or your giftee can sample six wines and then pick the top two to be delivered to their doorstep at no extra cost. It's that easy.

But what if you don't want to open a full bottle? Say it's a Tuesday night, you're home alone and you want just one glass of wine (we've all been there, right?). Our innovative Wines by the Glass allow you to enjoy a single glass of wine whenever you like. Mix and match multiple Wines by the Glass and order by the 6-pack or by the case. Either way, you get great taste and no waste. Genius.

If you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, give a membership to our Wine Club, so your gift recipient can discover wines they love on a regular basis. It's the only club that lets you choose the wines you receive, so you're sure to get something you love every time. It's waaaay better than a book club.

TastingRoom.com takes the whining out of wine shopping. No more battling the crowds at your local liquor shop or asking for help from uneducated staff. In our Wine Shop, you get to choose from hundreds of wines by producers from all of the major winegrowing regions in the world. That's what we call vino Nirvana.

* Must be 21 or older to make a purchase.

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Holiday Greetings from Flora Springs Winery

2012-12-06T19:59:57Z

Flora Springs Winery has created a whimsical twist on the "Twas the night before. . ." starring third generation family member, Nat Komes. Watch the video below:

In celebration of the holidays, Flora Springs Winery is offering a special price on case purchases of their 2009 Trilogy (their flagship wine), that includes shipping*. Offer ends December 31, 2012.

2009 Trilogy Holiday Case Special

Retail Price: $900/Case ($75/Bottle)
Special Price: $576/Case ($48/Bottle)

+ shipping included!

CLICK HERE to buy now!

Merlot Masters the Thanksgiving Wine Challenge

2012-11-10T20:51:32Z

Thanksgiving is almost here and with it the challenge of selecting a wine to go with the Thanksgiving feast. So what red wine will complement the turkey, the stuffing, the cranberry sauce and the other traditional Thanksgiving dishes? The surprising answer is Merlot.

Merlot's character and style pair deliciously with most Thanksgiving dishes. Generous fruit and modest structure enable Merlot to match the flavor of the turkey without overwhelming it, as powerful reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah do, or being overwhelmed by it, as often happens with delicate reds like Pinot Noir. The fresh, ripe raspberry and black cherry fruit of Merlot echoes cranberry sauce's bright fruit, and the smooth style of Merlot works well with both turkey stuffing and Thanksgiving side dishes.

Sonoma County produces outstanding Merlots and Kenwood Vineyards Merlots combine Sonoma County quality, fine value and ready availability. The Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Merlot's forward fruit and polished texture make it ideal for Thanksgiving. For those who prefer a Merlot with a bit more concentration and structure, the Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Vineyard Merlot - from the famed author's Beauty Ranch overlooking Sonoma Valley - would be a tasty Thanksgiving choice.

As one would expect of a winery with wines worthy of Thanksgiving, Kenwood Vineyards also knows about Thanksgiving foods. Kenwood Vineyards Chef Robin Lehnhoff-McCray suggests this flavorful Thanksgiving side dish to accompany the turkey.

Wrapping Up Harvest & Crush Season Around Wine Country

2012-11-09T21:34:25Z

Benziger Family Winery - Sonoma County, CA
Mark it on your calendar, 2012 was a phenomenal growing season...and you know what that means? Phenomenal wines. We promise you, although you won't have to wait too long for the whites, the reds will be well worth the wait.

Rutherford Hill Winery - Napa Valley, CA

]]> PEJU - Napa Valley, CA
All of the picking for Harvest 2012 is officially finished, but the work does not end there. As the focus moves inside of the cellar, it is clear that while the taste of the vineyard does not hinge on following procedure after complicated procedure, it does require some thoughtful decision making about which are the most effective practices for making great wine. These practices often surround treating the grape with care, and avoiding too much manipulation of its flavors. But the thread that seems to run most clearly through Peju's winemaking philosophy is . . . CLICK HERE to continue reading article.

Castello di Amorosa - Napa Valley, CA
Listen to Castello di Amorosa's Director of Winemaking, Brooks Painter and his thoughts on what has made this a fabulous Harvest Season this year for the winery.

CLICK HERE to listen.

Wine Institute - General California Wine Harvest Report
The 2012 California wine grape harvest yielded generous amounts of high quality fruit, and winemakers across the state are describing this year's vintage as "excellent," "outstanding" and "ideal." "The 2012 vintage will offer consumers in our growing national and international markets fantastic choices," said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute. "The California winegrape harvest is estimated at 3.7 million tons, up from 3.3 million tons in 2011."

LIVERMORE VALLEY
Karl D. Wente, Winemaker, Wente Family Estates
2012 Harvest was a great year! The weather in the Livermore Valley has been moderate, and yields look good to great on all cultivars. The Merlot season is late this year and, as a result, is overlapping with the Cabernet Sauvignon season. In my opinion, this is mostly due to the best set in Merlot that I have seen. All of our whites are finished in Livermore (except our Late Harvest Orange Muscat) and we are finished with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Arroyo Seco, Monterey.

MENDOCINO
Milla Handley, owner/winemaker, Handley Cellars
2012 was one of the best vintages I can remember in Anderson Valley. Summer temperatures were warm but not too hot, with cool nights both on the valley floor as well as the ridges. There was some fog, but most days were sunny with moderate temperatures. After the last two vintages, the extra sunshine was wonderful. Moderate temperatures all summer helped ripen the grapes without any major heat waves. The mild late summer and fall weather created a fairly long harvest. It allowed us to harvest fruit when it was mature at reasonable sugars and good flavors. It truly has been a very good year from bud break to the harvest of our final grapes.

TEMECULA VALLEY
Ken Zignorski, Senior Co-Owner and General Manager, Monte De Oro Winery
Temecula Valley, Southern California wine country, had a great 2012 grape harvest. The season started with a cool spring and early summer, giving grapes quality time to develop, though offset by concern for early morning condensation and mildew management. While this resulted in an extended growing season for the grapes, high heat in mid-August and early September led to quick white grape ripening and quick-paced harvesting across the valley. A good portion of red grapes were harvested in mid-- to late September. Overall, yields were slightly higher than forecasts--5-8 percent higher in some areas. . .

READ MORE excerpts from this report.

Kamen Wines: New Tasting Room!

2012-10-11T19:41:35Z

It was with much excitement that Kamen Wines opened a tasting room to showcase their wonderful wines to the public earlier this summer. With harvest and crush festivities abounding in wine country right now, now's the perfect time to visit Sonoma County and stop by Kamen's new tasting room!

The Kamen Estate Wines Tasting Room is located in the historic downtown square of Sonoma and is is open to the public daily. Tasting fees depend on the wine flight selected. See below for more details.

Signature Flight: A perfect way to enjoy the varietals in the Kamen Estate Wines portfolio, a rotating selection of current release Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Writer's Block Blend & Cabernet Sauvignon. 20 per person. Waived with two bottle purchase.

Premier Flight: For the Cabernet lover, a selection of three library vintages for a vertical comparison of our flagship varietal. $35 per person. Waived with three bottle purchase.

Vineyard Tasting: By advance appointment only, a private tour and tasting in their mountain vineyard. Guests will taste four wines complemented by artisanal cheese & charcuterie, while enjoying sweeping views of the Mayacamas Mountains and San Francisco Bay. They offer this experience once daily. Secure your reservation by credit card 48 hours in advance. 24 hour notice is Required for any alterations or cancellations. $60 per person. Allow 1 ½ - 2 hours for this visit.

To schedule your visit, call 707.938.7292 or email info@kamenwines.com.

Harvest Updates Around Wine Country: The Reds

2012-10-02T18:04:59Z

Peju Winery - Napa Valley, CA
On September 27th, Peju Winery located in Napa Valley harvested their first red of the season - Syrah. Grown at their Persephone vineyard, the grape is typically picked on the earlier side and this year was no different. "We are always excited about crushing Syrah since it gives us two wines--a traditional red Syrah as well as a Rose." CLICK HERE tor read full post.

Chateau Julien Wine Estate
First grapes of the season for Chate Julien Wine Estate in Carmel, CA (Monterey Wine Country region) were delivered Friday night (Sept. 28th) with a lot of guests watching. Watch a small clip below.

]]> Benziger Family Winery - Sonoma County, CA
The Pinot Noir from the San Remo vineyard hit the crush pad at about 8am on September 11. It's everything we hoped it would be, and a whole lot more. This 2012 vintage is going to knock your socks off!