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Les Garagistes Napa Will Give Small Wineries A Place To Shine

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine


It can be hard for small-production wineries in Napa to get off the ground. Wines and Vines reports on a new development that could help a select few. Tony Cartlidge and John Hawkins have announced plans to create a village of limited-production wineries for lease. Les Garagistes Napa will be home to 12 individual wineries, ranging in size from 3,500 to 6,500 square feet in four buildings surrounding a large courtyard. The spaces will small wineries a chance to have a tasting room and sales and the site will also be adjacent to a large winery that will offer barrel and case goods storage as well as a lab and bottling facility. No newbies wanted though, the founders caution that they are looking for established strong brands. It should be a benefit to consumers too, offering a chance to taste the work of 12 different winemakers in one space. The project is set to open in August 2009.

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Tags: les gargistes, napa, napa valley, napa wineries, wine, winemaker, winemaking, wineries

Ancient Winemaking Technique Revived in Napa

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine


Most winemakers are interested in the latest technology and newest techniques. Dave Del Dotto of Del Dotto Vineyards in California is seeking to take a step backward, fermenting some of his wines in giant clay amphorae, the vessels used by the ancient winemakers to make wine. Del Dotto, who is also completing a new property with wine caves and a marble-columned room south of St. Helena, bought four amphorae in Tuscany. The clay vessels are said to be 300 years old and cost him $15,000 each. He has so far made Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon and his first official release will be a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon that will be available in the fall. The wine will be bottled in clay magnums and will sell for around $100. In this article in Wines & Vines, Del Dotto says he is happy with the result and will be buying custom-made clay fermentation vessels because it adds an earthy quality to the wine. The clay fermentation also softens the tannins in red wine. Del Dotto plans to experiments with whine wine and to bury some of the jars the way ancient winemakers did.

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Tags: cabernet sauvignon, california, dave del dotto, DaveDelDotto, del dotto vineyards, napa, winemaking, winery

Solage Calistoga Opens

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas, Green


Last year, I mentioned the plans for the Solage Calistoga. Now the Napa Valley resort has opened its doors. The resort is an 89-room property which also has a bistro, full-service spa that includes Kate Somerville facials and a 130-foot swimming pool surrounded by cabanas. The guest rooms are called studios and have open floor plans and stone showers with pebble flooring. The restaurant, Solbar, is headed by Brandon Sharp, an alumnus of the hot Gary Danko restaurant in San Francisco. Dishes include Gently Cooked Pacific Halibut with Baby Spinach, White Corn, Sweet 100 Tomatoes and Basil and Beef Shortribs Stroganov with Egg Noodles, Horseradish and Maitake Mushroom. Solbar also boasts Napa Valley's largest champagne list.

The spa includes a mud bar where guests are painted with local volcanic mud. The hotel also offers a couple of bicycles for guests to cruise the local landscape. Like many hotels which have opened recently Solage is touting their green features. The interiors are made from earth-friendly materials such as bamboo and reclaimed cedar and non-toxic, low-VOC paints. Other eco-friendly touches include the use of environmentally-safe cleaning products, solar panels, recycling, water reclamation and even a plan to minimize chlorine use in the pools by using an ozone-based system to keep water clean. Solage Calistoga is also-pet-friendly. Rates start at $325 for a deluxe studio to $875 for a one-bedroom suite.

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Tags: california, napa, napa valley, resort, solage calistoga, SolageCalistoga, travel, vacation

Grgich Hills Launches BioDynamic Wine

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine


Grgich Hill Estates celebrated their 30th anniversary on July 4 with a unique production, their first biodynamically produced wine, a limited-production 2006 Sauvignon Blanc called Essence. An article in Wines and Vines reports that Grgich Hills owns 366 acres, which are all certified organic and farmed biodynamically. The Grgich Hills website has a great slideshow and FAQ on biodynamics. The process, which was derived from lectures by Rudolf Steiner is more than just going organic,although both practices use compost. Biodynamics treats the soils with a variety of preparations to bring microbial life and nutrients to the soil. The preparations seem a bit wacky at first and include cow manure packed in a cow how, a stag's bladder stuffed with yarrow flowers and stinging nettle tea. The planting, harvesting and other tasks are timed in harmony with the earth's natural cycles. How biodynamics works is a bit of a mystery but more and more wineries in the U.S. and in Europe are finding that it makes for better wines.

The grapes for the Essence wine were hand-harvested at night Sept. 13-22 so they arrived at the winery cool and intact and were aged for seven months in large oak casks. The wine has notes of citrus and kiwi with the classic Sauvignon Blanc minerality. It sells for around $40 and 374 cases were produced.

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Tags: biodynamic, california wine, grgich hills, GrgichHills, napa, organic, wine

Copia Gets Automated

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine


The Copia center for food and wine and the arts in Napa has a new toy. The center has installed "wine stations" that let visitors do a tasting all by themselves. There are ten stations with four wines each. Six of them will be more educational and four will have a commercial angle. The stations operate on a debit card, the visitor purchases and the tasting and picks out the pour size. You hold your glass under the spigot, press the button and out comes your wine, just like those old coffee machines. The stations include a best of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, a best of Sonoma Pinot Noir selection, Copia's winery of the month and other stations that let you guess the grape used or taste the effect of oak. I've seen similar stations used in some wine bars but like a self-service checkout, a bit of the charm is lost with the automated approach. However, it does let those new to wine tasting experience it in a more relaxed manner. For pictures of the stations and a list of all ten check out the article in the Napa Valley Register.

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Tags: copia, napa, wine, wine stations, wine tasting

Casi Cielo, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates


A friend referred me to today's home which has the curious name of Casi Cielo, almost heaven. One has to wonder what exactly would make this place more heavenly. After all, you have two parcels of land for a total of 20 acres tucked into California wine country (St. Helena), it was designed by architect Sandy Walker and is built for luxury living. The home is also a smart house completely controlled by a Crestron system. The home has views over the valley and only has three bedrooms but is laid out for entertaining with plenty of wet bar areas, onyx counters and expansive indoor and outdoor seating. Tennis courts and an infinity pool contribute to the playtime vibe. It is listed at $8.5 million. After the jump, a huge wine cellar and bar areas prove that this is a home made for partying.

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Tags: casi cielo, CasiCielo, estate of the day, luxury real estate, napa, st helena

Continue reading “Casi Cielo, Estate of the Day”

The Oxbow Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine, Auctions, Events

Okay, here's a epicurean dilemma for you: would you rather have a dinner with Napa Valley legends Robert and Margrit Mondavi at their home on the summit of Wappo Hill with wines specially selected from the Mondavi personal library, and conversation with San Francisco figurative artist Manuel Neri or would you rather dine with nine friends at the legendary Chez Panisse, the restaurant that started a food revolution? You might just want to bid on both at the June Scholarship Benefit for the Oxbow School, the nation's first semester-only secondary school program for the visual arts. The school is hosting a gathering to honor Christopher Brown in its annual Celebration of an Artful Life Saturday, June 2 at 6 p.m. on the school's Napa River campus in Napa. The event will start with a feast prepared by chef Jennifer Sherman and her Chez Panisse team and the live auction features the lots mentioned above as well as others that include a London Art Tour for two which includes two round trip tickets aboard EOS Airlines and original artwork by Nina Katchadourian, J. John Priola, Kathryn Spence, Randy Twaddle, and dinner at Gretchen and John Berggruen's Napa residence with Christopher Brown. Tickets include the dinner and auction, for $350 or $500, which includes a chance to win the 2007 Artful Life door prize: Day of Art with Oxbow Director Stephen Thomas.

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Tags: auction, chez panisse, mondavi, napa, oxbow school, OxbowSchool

Judd Hill's Cure For The Tax Blues

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine, Events


Oh how I wish I were headed to Napa this weekend. If you need to chase away your income-tax-paying blues, Judd's Hill Winery just might be the place. On Saturday, April 14 they are holding the First Annual Judd's Hill Musical Bonanza, from noon until 4:00 p.m. The event celebrates the release of their 2005 Old Vine Zinfandel and Judd's band, The Maikai Gents Featuring The Mysterious Miss Mauna Loa, will perform as well as a variety of other bands including the tropical rock band APE and King Kukulele from Los Angeles, a comedic ukulele player. A barbecue feast will be served and all of the winery's current releases are available for sale and for tasting. A few hours and those nasty tax forms will be a distant memory. Tickets are $85 ($70 for Judd's Wine Club members).

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Tags: events, judd's hill, Judd'sHill, napa, wine, zinfandel

Christina Vineyards, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates


If you've ever visited the wine country of Northern California I don't have to sell you on the lure of Napa. Christina Vineyards is located in the newly created Oak Knoll appellation and has 23 acres planted with Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The land is over 27 acres total and includes a 4,000 square foot main house and a barn. The three-bedroom farmhouse is located in the center of the vineyard for gorgeous views of your domain. It is listed at $8.8 million. After the jump, a lovely corkscrew of a staircase.

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Tags: california, estate of the day, napa, napa valley, oak knoll, vineyard for sale, wine country

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Miu Miu Napa Spring Frame Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Miu Miu's Napa Spring Frame Bag strays from the overtly geometric, angular look that plagues so many frame bags, but still has a defined, if softer, shape. The bag is made of warm camel-colored napa leather and has golden hardware that complements the color. It has two rolled leather top handles, but also has a detachable shoulder strap if you prefer to carry it that way and is accented with a small logo belt on the front. Price: $1,085.


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Tags: handbag, handbag of the day, leather, napa, napa leather, purse

Silverado SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

If you are a fan of Stag's Leap wines but not ready to splurge on the Stag's Leap collection, you could always settle on a single bottle of the 2002 SOLO Cabernet Sauvignon from Silverado Vineyards. The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from grapes grown exclusively in the winery's Stags Leap District Estate Vineyards, The wine highlights one distinct vineyard and has a deep ruby color with notes of cherry, cassis and blackberry and layered hints of spice. It earned 93 points and a loving review from Wine Enthusiast and sells for around $60. It makes a natural companion for the heavier food of winter, especially meats and hard cheeses.

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Tags: california wine, napa, silverado vineyards, SilveradoVineyards, stag's leap, wine

Stag's Leap Appellation Collection

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

For lovers of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association 10th Anniversary Appellation Collection is a big box of happiness. This limited collection of 15 bottles is available only through the Association. This collection of 2003 wines includes new cuvees from Cliff Lede Vineyards and Silverado Vineyards and debut releases of new members, Griffin Vineyards and Taylor Family Vineyards. It sells for $1200 and there are just 300 cases available.

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Tags: cabernet, napa, stag's leap, Stag'sLeap, wine

Hagafen Kosher Wine

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

hagafenAs we've mentioned before kosher wines are definitely becoming more upscale and tasty so that the kosher part of the equation is no longer the only thing to recommend them. A recent article led me to discover Hagefen Cellars the only kosher winery in Napa Valley. The winery produces small amounts (8,000 cases per year) of rich and fruity wines including a sparkling wine and a well-regarded Reisling. To be certified as kosher, a wine must be produced only by Sabbath-observant Jews and Kosher-certification rabbis are involved in each step of the process. The mid-priced wines are created by Ernie Wien who named the winery after the Hebrew word for grapevine.Hagafen Cellars wines have won gold medals at a variety of competitions. For an excellent report on a winery tour check out Carolyn Tillie's report of her visit.

[via Wine Sediments]

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Tags: kosher, napa, wine

What Will Mondavi Call His Wine?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

mondavi labelRecently it was announced that R. Michael Mondavi has bought the Carneros Creek Winery in the Napa Valley, giving him a chance to reestablish the Mondavi dynasty, if only he can get his own name back.. Mondavi resigned as vice chairman of Robert Mondavi Corp. in 2004 and has since founded Folio Wine Partners with his wife and son. The former owners of the Carneros Creek winery, Francis and Kathleen Mahoney. Mondavi will continue to make their Mahoney Vineyards wines there and Folio will produce their I'M, Oberon and Hangtime brands there as well.

Constellation Brands Inc. bought the name when it bought Robert Mondavi Corp. of Oakville for $1 billion from the family and public shareholders. Michael Mondavi's uncle Peter Mondavi owns the rights to make wine under the CK Mondavi Family Vineyards label. Leaving Michael Mondavi with not a lot of choices for giving the wine his own name. Constellation Brands isn't ready to give the name back any time soon, they see the name as a valuable asset. It gets more confusing, Michael Mondavi's 93-year-old father, Robert Mondavi, and two siblings are also considering their own return to the business. What should Mondavi call his new wine? Tom Wark suggests "Formerly Known As Estates" but I'm partial to "Ivadnom" (Mondavi backwards).

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Tags: mondavi, napa, wine

Villa Poggio Solatio, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates


Villa Poggio Solatio is the ultimate Napa version of a Tuscan retreat. The home sits on over 47 acres and of course, there are vineyards, nearly three acres in fact. You can also make your own olive oil from the over 500 olive trees on the property. What would an Italian retreat be without a friendly game of bocce? The home has a bocce court too as well as more American amenities such as tennis courts, a swimming pool and an outdoor kitchen. The estate also includes a guest house and a caretaker's house. The main residence is over 10,000 square feet and has an observatory, a suite that is currently in use as a children's theater, a media room and of course a great wine cellar. It is listed at $15.95 million. The website has a great slideshow of this lovely home. After the jump, a true Napa delight.

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Tags: estate of the day, napa, real estate, villa poggio solatio, VillaPoggioSolatio

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