The wine tasting’s name comes from the group’s calculation that roughly 93% of the North Coast Appellation vineyard acreage is planted to eight major grape varietals (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, etc.).  The remaining 7% of acreage is home to numerous lesser known varietals and while these varietals may be heavily planted in their respective native lands (France, Spain, Portugal, etc.) they remain largely unknown to many California wine consumers. Some of the “seven percent” varietals you can expect to taste at SEVEN % SOLUTION include: Trousseau, Semillon, Montepulciano, Chenin, Picpoul, Grenache, Touriga Nacional, Albariño, Mourvèdre, Vermentino, Gamay, Ribolla Gialla, Counoise, Barbera, Grenache Blanc, Cinsault, Carignan, St. Laurent, Tinta Cão, Aglianico, and Verdelho.

Broc Cellars

The wineries at SEVEN % SOLUTION are embracing varietals which show tremendous potential for making delicious, expressive and balanced terroir-driven wines.  Creating wines that retain varietal correctness while also exhibiting characteristics true to their California soils and climate is part of the challenge for these winemakers.  Participating wineries include: Arnot-Roberts, Bedrock Wine Co., Broc Cellars, Dirty & Rowdy Family Winery, Forlorn Hope Wines, Idlewild Wines, Jolie-Laide Wines, Leo Steen Wines, Massican, Matthiasson, RPM Wines, Ryme Cellars, Stark Wine, The Scholium Project, Two Shepherds, Unti Vineyards, and Wind Gap.

To find the SEVEN % SOLUTION Wine Tasting just go a half-block north of Healdsburg Plaza to Bergamot Alley Wine Bar and Merchants, a small family-owned business where you can usually find a by-the-glass list of 15-20 wines, 6 draft beers and around 30 bottled beers (both 750s and bombers).  The name “Bergamot Alley” was inspired by the bouquet (bergamot orange and rose petal) of owner Kevin Wardell’s favorite obscure grape variety, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba.

So, if you are in the mood to explore new wines and/or wineries you should take advantage of this great excuse to head over to Healdsburg next weekend.  While you are in this part of Sonoma County, you can find our recommendations for wineries and food destinations for the Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valley regions by following the drop-down menus on the navigation bar above under “Favorites by Wine Region.”

(There is also a preview SEVEN % SOLUTION tasting event for TRADE members only on Wednesday, May 8, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.  If you are interested, please send an email soon to info@bergamotalley.com to express your desire to attend)

Full details for the weekend, a map of participating wineries, and tickets are available here. Passes for both Saturday and Sunday are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Sunday-Only tickets are available for $45 in advance and $55 at the door. There are also significantly reduced designated driver tickets available ($20 in advance for weekend, $15 in advance for Sunday only).

The Pool at Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Some of our favorite wineries participating in the 2013 Taste Alexander Valley are deLorimier Winery, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Hawkes Wine, Medlock Ames, Stonestreet Winery, Stryker Sonoma, Stuhlmuller Vineyards, Trione Vineyards and Winery, and White Oak Vineyards and Winery.

The food offerings are plentiful and varied on May 18^th and 19^th.  Depending on the winery, you can find Red Snapper Ceviche, Wild Salmon Cakes, Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Gumbo, BBQ Pork Ribs, Meatball on Orzo, Cavatelli with Duck and Mushroom Ragu, Grilled Leg of Lamb Medallions, and Braised Beef Cheeks with Truffle Polenta.  Or, you can find a range of Sliders made with Pulled Pork, Roasted Pork, Pork Belly, and Beef Brisket.  Options for dessert lovers include Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding, Port-Filled Chocolates, Maple Bacon Brownies, and Raspberry-Jalapeño Brownies with Salted Caramel.  To see a complete list of participating wineries, and what’s happening at each location, please go here.

Trione Vineyards and Winery

Taste Alexander Valley’s three-day wine and food extravaganza kicks off on Friday, May 17 with the Opening Celebration, an outdoor reception and gala at the historic “Old Stone Winery” at Trione Vineyards and Winery from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Adding to the festivities will be passed hors d’oeuvres and a variety of seasonally influenced small plates prepared by renowned chefs/restaurateurs Josh Silvers of Jackson’s Bar and Oven; Jeff Mall of Zin Restaurant and Wine Bar; and Carlo Cavallo of Sonoma-Meritage. Tickets for the Opening Celebration on Friday are $95 in advance only, and may be purchased here.  There is also a full weekend pass available for the best value price of $150.

Here are just some of the dishes available on Friday evening: Parmesan Crisps with Roasted Vegetable Goat Cheese Mousse, Chilled Spring Pea Soup with Minted Crème Fraiche, Zinfandel Cured Ham on Biscuits with Peach Mustard, Kobe Beef Brisket Encrusted in Sonoma Mustard and Lavender, and Lemon Tarts with Whipped Crème Fraiche and Berries.

The Steve Pile Band will serenade Opening Celebration guests while they enjoy reserve and library wines from throughout Alexander Valley.  The evening’s festivities also include a Silent Auction benefiting the Alexander Valley School, with auction lots featuring private tastings and lunches with winery owners, proprietors, and winemakers along with access to private properties not generally available to the public.

Taste Alexander Valley (celebrating its 16^th year) is the major event produced each year by the Alexander Valley Winegrowers Association. The Valley is best known for the world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that thrive here, but the gravelly loam soils straddling the river also encourage Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot to flourish. Alexander Valley is also home to Zinfandel and Rhone varieties, including Syrah and Viognier.

Brownies at Stuhlmuller Vineyards at the 2012 Taste Alexander Valley

If you want to read about our favorite wines and tastes from last year’s event, please go here.  After Taste Alexander Valley, if you are looking for other recommendations you can go here to see our Favorite Tasting Rooms and Food Stops in Alexander Valley. Or, you can use the drop-down menus on the navigation bar near the top of this page to see some of our other wine country travel advice under “Favorites by Wine Region.”

We strongly encourage you to act quickly: the Grand Tasting is almost sold out, and the only Winemaker Dinner that hasn’t sold out yet is really close to that.  However, even if you can’t make it to the first two days of events you should still seriously consider driving over for the Winery Open Houses on Sunday, May 19^th.  Come for food, wine, music, gorgeous scenery, and the temperature is usually about 75 degrees this time of year.

Keep reading to get more information about the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, now in its 16^th year. To buy tickets for activities on May 17 or 18, please go here.  The Open Houses on May 19^th do not require a ticket.

Friday May 17 at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival

Anderson Valley in the morning, as seen from Esterlina Vineyards

On May 17, between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival provides a Technical Conference at the County Fairground’s Apple Hall (14400 Highway 128, Boonville) for $95, and a light breakfast and lunch is included. The day’s agenda includes a Riedel Glass Comparative Tasting session as well as presentations on viticulture in Mendocino County, agricultural water use in Anderson Valley, and the history of Pinot Noir Clone 828.  For 2013, the Technical Conference will also involve three tasting panels covering Pinot Noir Blanc wines, a Barrel Selection for Pinot Noir, and wines from Wiley Vineyard (one of the oldest and most westerly Pinot Noir vineyards in Anderson Valley).

Friday evening, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm you can swing on over for a casual BBQ at Scharffenberger Cellars (8501 Highway 128, Philo, 707-895-2957) and enjoy an evening filled with great wine and food (both chicken and ribs are on the menu).  Pinot Noirs from near and far will be available, and guests are also encouraged to bring a bottle to share. Tickets are $50 per person.

Saturday May 18 at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival

Goldeneye Winery, site of the Grand Tasting at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival

Starting at 11:00 am and going until 3:00 pm on May 18, don’t miss the Grand Tasting segment of the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival held at Goldeneye Winery (9200 Highway 128, Philo, 707-895-3202). Surround yourself with world-class Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs from over 40 different producers throughout California and savor foods designed to complement the wines. Talk with the winemakers, sample the wines, and listen to live music while you enjoy a delicious array of lamb, artisan cheeses, hand thrown pizzas, wine-based truffles, and more. During the Grand Tasting you will also have an opportunity to participate in a Silent Auction benefiting the Anderson Valley Health Center, a non-profit Rural Health Center offering primary care, mental health, and behavioral health services to the local community.

Some of our favorite Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs come from the following wineries which are participating this year: Baxter Winery, Breggo Cellars, Copain Wines, Drew Family Cellars, Elke Vineyards,  Esterlina Vineyards, Goldeneye Winery, Londer Vineyards, Lula Cellars, Phillips Hill Estates, Roederer Estate (Sparkling Pinot Noir), and Williams Selyem. To see a complete list of the participating wineries, go here. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $105 per person, or Designated Driver tickets are also available for $50.

Navarro Vineyards Emblem

On Saturday night, there are four Winemaker Dinners to choose from, although three of these (at Roederer Estate, The Apple Farm, and Little River Inn) are already sold out. A fourth dinner, at Aquarelle Cafe & WineBar (14025 Highway 128, Boonville, 707-895-2767) still has seats available. For $127 per person you can dine with the winemakers from Navarro Vineyards and Lazy Creek Vineyards while you enjoy the culinary skills of Chef Christina Jones.  Unfortunately, the dinner is limited to 25 people and is almost sold out so if that sounds good to you please move quickly to secure your spot(s) at the table.

Sunday May 19 at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival

Sparkling Wine at Roederer Estate, with an Open House from 11 am to 3 pm at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival

Come May 19, you can delight in the beauty of Anderson Valley as you travel Highway 128 and visit the many Winery Open Houses along the way. Over 20 wineries from Saturday’s Grand Tasting will offer opportunities to try barrel samples, taste select older vintages, and enjoy creative food and wine pairings. We don’t know what everyone will be serving, but we do know that your culinary options will at least include Oysters, Local Cheeses, Tacos, Flat Bread Pizza, and Lamb Sliders.  The sounds of live music will be heard throughout the Valley on this closing day of the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival.

Even if you’ve been wine tasting in Anderson Valley before, you may not have visited the new tasting rooms for Balo Vineyards, Baxter Winery, or Knez Winery and all three of them are open this day.   For the complete list of Winery Open Houses (and their hours) please go here.

It is important to realize that each winery has its own operating hours. Three of the wineries open at 10:00 am that Sunday and at least one will remain open until 6:00 pm but each winery determines their own hours and activities so please plan accordingly.

The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association is a not-for-profit trade group created in 1983 to promote the grapes and wines of the Anderson Valley winegrowing appellation.  The Association organizes two festivals each year, the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival and the International Alsace Varietals Festival (held in February).  The Association also works to build the local community, and to date approximately $180,000 has been donated to local community groups

The 2013 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival should be a ton of fun whether you can make it for all three days or only one.  While you are in the area, if you want to learn more about our personal favorites for wineries and food stops in Anderson Valley then please go here. Or, to see our recommendations for the nearby Yorkville Highlands region you can go here.

Consumer Tickets for this event are $55 per person in advance and can be purchased here. If you need to purchase tickets at the door, you can, but the onsite ticket price increases to $75 so you should really just buy your tickets now. Admission to Passport to Cabernet includes Cabernet Sauvignon wines and food pairings from Winery Chefs with assorted artisan cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruit, nuts, olives and Bouchon breads.

Tasting Room for Star Lane Vineyard (and Dierberg Vineyard) in Santa Rita Hills

Here are just a few of the California wineries expected to participate at Passport to Cabernet:  Bell Wine Cellars, Cain Vineyard & Winery, Charles Krug, Cornerstone Cellars, Guilliams Vineyards, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Keenan Winery, Kristine Ashe Vineyards, Mario Bazán Cellars, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, Star Lane Vineyard, Steven Kent Winery, Trinchero Napa Valley, VIADER, and ZD Wines.

The 2012 California Cabernet Sauvignon growing season was ideal by most standards as it was back to a normal harvest picking timeline, with an abundance of sunshine, yielding generous amounts of high quality grapes that were ripe and concentrated.  The fairly mild weather allowed vintners and growers to wait for fruit maturity in order to harvest mature grapes with balanced flavors, producing Cabernet Sauvignon clusters packed with tiny bluish black flavorful berries.

Passport to Cabernet: The Spring Barrel and New Release Wine Tasting event is presented by the California Cabernet Society.   The Society was founded in 1991 for the purpose of promoting Cabernet Sauvignon and educating consumer, trade, and press about the qualities of California Cabernet Sauvignon. To learn more about the organization, please go here.

Earlier on May 6th, the California Cabernet Society is also hosting trade and media representatives with a preview tasting between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. If you would like to attend, prior registration is absolutely required – please register online or email ccsinfo@californiacabernetsociety.com. All trade/media registrations are limited to credentialed WINE MEDIA whose PRIMARY job is writing about wine/wine industry and TRADE is limited to restaurant/retail wine buyers/sellers and sommeliers whose PRIMARY job is wine buying/selling. Names and Companies will be vetted.

Honey Harvest Tomato Bisque

It’s still too early for Heirloom Tomatoes, so we thought we’d share our favorite recipe for tomatoes during the winter and early spring.  It’s a Honey Harvest Tomato Bisque  we discovered at the A Wine and Food Affair event in northern Sonoma County.  This event (sponsored by the Wine Road) is one of our favorites and you can read about how much we enjoyed it last November here.  The Honey Harvest Tomato Bisque is outstanding on its own, although we can also highly recommend combining it with the Cheddar Biscuits recipe from Stephen Barber for a heartier meal (just follow that link for the recipe).

We love this recipe because it is quick, easy, and delicious.  It comes from Amber Balshaw at Preferred Sonoma Caterers, and it was paired with Dutcher Crossing Winery Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon the first time we had it.  This version of Ms. Balshaw’s recipe is from the 14^th Volume of the Tasting Along the Wine Road Cookbook.

Honey Harvest Tomato Bisque

• ½ cup Olive Oil
• ½ cup Chopped Onions
• 1 ½ teaspoons dill weed
• 5 cups Chopped Tomatoes
• 4 teaspoons Honey
• 1 ¼ cups Heavy Cream
• Salt and Pepper

In a large pot, sauté the onions and dill weed in the olive oil for 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.  Add the tomatoes.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the honey and cream, and remove the pot from the heat.  Using an immersion blender, puree the bisque to a smooth consistency.  Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Serves 8

(note from Two Guys From Napa:  We find this results in 8 cup-sized servings, or 4 generous bowl-sized servings, so your personal results may vary.  Also, we have been very successful with substituting 3 cans of 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes for the chopped tomatoes in the recipe when needed)

Recipe courtesy of Preferred Sonoma Caterers, reprinted with permission

Moroccan Spiced Waffle Cones, one of the Food Pairings at the 2013 bASH

Well, they did it again.  Last Saturday night, Appellation St. Helena presented bASH, a competition for pairing food and wine held at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone featuring wines from this Napa Valley appellation.  This was the second year for bASH and we found significantly more white wines being poured this time as well as more food pairings with white wines, a development we heartily endorse.

What made the evening so terrific? First of all, the spectrum of wines. Napa Valley may be Cabernet Sauvignon country but the Appellation St. Helena wineries were also pouring Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel.  In fact, one table even had a Sparkling Wine as an option.

Short Rib Sliders with Horseradish Aioli

The second major attraction at bASH  was the variety of delicious and well-executed food offered alongside the wines.  It was clear that a lot of thought (and effort) had gone into the chefs’ creations.  The small plates used Sliders, Tostadas, Cones, Crostatas, Ravioli, Croquettes, Lettuce Wraps, and even Breadsticks as delivery methods for tasty dishes based on Beef, Pork, Lamb, Duck, and a variety of Vegetables.

So what did we like?   A lot.  The wines were outstanding, many of the dishes made us want seconds, and multiple times we were excited to find highly effective and interesting pairings of food ingredients and spices with the flavor components of the wines they were paired with.   Which was, after all, the whole point of the evening.

Barrel Room at the CIA, Just Before the Start of bASH

Keep reading, and we’ll tell you what our favorite food and wines were at the 2013 bASH.  Some of the food offerings came from local restaurants and caterers, and other dishes were developed and prepared by student teams from the CIA’s Culinary Program.

Favorite Food and Wine Pairings at bASH

There were 28 Food and Wine Pairings offered at bASH this year and we’ve listed below our personal favorites.  In each case, we were impressed three ways: the wine itself, the food alone, and how well the elements of the food offering complimented the flavor nuances of the wine.

Whipped Goat Cheese Tart with Reconstituted Cherries, Walnuts, and Port-Spiked Whipped Cream

Calafia Cellars 2008 La Reina paired with Whipped Goat Cheese Tart with Reconstituted Cherries, Walnuts, and Port-Spiked Whipped Cream from CIA students Jason Raffin (Los Altos Hills, CA) and Connor Castelli (Jacksonville, FL).

Chase Cellars 2009 Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel paired with 5-Spice Braised Pork Belly on a Homemade Steamed Bun with Fennel Relish and Pickled Beets from CIA students Alvin Tsao (Cupertino, CA) and Nick Mazzuca (Hockessin, DE).

Fava Bean and Sheep Milk Ricotta with Pecorino Pepato on Grissini

Ehlers Estate 2012 Sauvignon Blanc paired with Fava Bean and Sheep Milk Ricotta with Pecorino Pepato on Grissini from Panevino (St. Helena).

hope & grace 2009 Lewelling Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Porcini, Cremini, and Oyster Mushroom Soup with Basil Olive Oil from Goose & Gander (St. Helena, CA).

Pellet Estate 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Mini Beef Wellington from CIA students David Moosman (Detroit, MI) and Stephanie Torgerson (Winter Park, CO). 

Titus Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc paired with Pickled Piquillo Pepper stuffed with a Three-Cheese Blend (Blue Cheese, Cream Cheese, and Boursin with Lemon Zest) from CIA students James Dagleish (Aberdeen, Scotland) and Cody Bucholz (Fairfax, CA).

Braised Short Rib Croquette

Trinchero Napa Valley 2009 Central Park West Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Braised Short Rib Croquette with a Rosemary and Roasted Garlic Dijon Sauce from CIA students Bryan Owens (Hollywood, MD) and Addison Girdner (Eagle, ID). 

V Madrone Cellars 2009 St. Helena Zinfandel paired with Moroccan Spiced Waffle Cone filled with Raisin Chutney, Sweet Potato and Bone Marrow Purée, Roasted Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds, and a Sunchoke Chip from CIA students Daniel Kim (Burlingame, CA) and Kaitlin Steets (Houston, TX).

In addition to the dishes included in the pairings above, we particularly enjoyed these other small plates during the bASH event as well:

• Macaroni and Cheese from Market (St. Helena, CA)
• Ravioli with Braised Pork and Chicken Liver from CIA students Louis Lin (Hacienda Heights, CA) and Anai Arzola (Grand Prarie, TX)
• Short Rib Sliders with Horseradish Aioli from Tra Vigne (St. Helena, CA)

Favorite Wines at bASH

Crocker & Starr Stone Place Cabernet Sauvignon

If you are looking for excellent wines from the St. Helena Appellation in Napa Valley, we found several at bASH and highly recommend you seek these out in stores, at a restaurant, or from the winery itself. Please follow the links below to the wineries’ websites to learn more about wine availability and whether or not the winery has a tasting room open to the public.  The list below includes the wines mentioned in the Favorite Pairings section above as well as 10 additional ones:

Calafia Cellars (St. Helena, CA) – 2008 La Reina (blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 11% Malbec)

Charnu Winery (St. Helena, CA) – 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Red Dye Cabernet Sauvignon

Chase Cellars (St. Helena, CA) – 2009 Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel

Crocker & Starr (St. Helena, CA) – 2010 Stone Place Cabernet Sauvignon

Ehlers Estate (St. Helena, CA) – 2012 Sauvignon Blanc

hope & grace (Yountville, CA) – 2009 Lewelling Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Parry Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Parry Cellars (St. Helena, CA) – 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Pellet Estate (St. Helena, CA) – 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert Biale Vineyards (Napa, CA) – 2009 Thomann Station Vineyard Petite Sirah, 2011 Varozza Zinfandel

Titus Vineyards (St. Helena, CA) – 2010 Cabernet Franc, 2011 Zinfandel

Trinchero Napa Valley (St. Helena, CA) 2009 Central Park West Cabernet Sauvignon

V Madrone Cellars (St. Helena, CA) 2009 St. Helena Zinfandel and 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Varozza Vineyards (St. Helena, CA) – 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 Petite Sirah

For the second year in a row, we had a great time at Appellation St. Helena’s bASH. It was a pleasant way to try wines from the appellation all conveniently gathered into one location, and savor thoughtfully composed and prepared food items.  Unfortunately, for the second year in a row, our personal favorite of the CIA teams didn’t ultimately win the Food and Wine Pairing Competition (sorry Mr. Moosman and Ms. Torgerson…we had our fingers crossed).

Appellation St. Helena is a non-profit organization of over 50 winery and grape grower members who actively promote their wines and the local community through charity events, wine tastings, and community involvement.  If you are interested in learning more about the organization and its activities, or to be one of the first to hear about next year’s food and wine competition, we encourage you to go here to get onto ASH’s mailing list.

The 2010 HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of special lots from their estate vineyards along with fruit from their premiere Napa Valley vineyard partners.  Before tasting the wine, you may discover a bouquet of dark ripe fruit, blackberry pie and hints of espresso on the nose.  When tasted, this wine is opulent with flavors of plum, cherry and jam leading to a velvety finish.  These characteristics should provide interesting options for chefs to use as a basis for their delicious competition entries.

Clinic Ole, Represented by Oenotri at the 2013 HALL Cabernet Cookoff

All tickets proceeds and a portion of wine purchases during the Hall Cabernet Cookoff will be donated to local charities.  So, please go here now to purchase your tickets in advance as this event is sure to sell out.  Tickets are $65 per person or $50 for HALL Wine Club Members.  You can also order tickets by phone at (707) 967-2626.  Last year’s crowd of wine and food lovers were able to raise a record $13,000.

HALL Cabernet Cookoff:  Competitors and Judges

These are the culinary teams for this year’s HALL Cabernet Cookoff and the charities they are competing on behalf of:

Ca’ Momi  – Napa County Animal Shelter, the County’s animal shelter and adoption center, dedicated to teaching responsible pet ownership and the importance of vaccination and licensing of dogs.

Carpe Diem Wine Bar – Napa Humane, the local Human Society and SPCA whose mission is to promote the welfare of companion animals through protection, advocacy, education, and by example.

Culinary Mercenary – Slow Food USA, part of a global, grassroots movement (with members in over 150 countries) which links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.

Feast Catering – Katie’s Clinic, one of the few places in the US specializing in diagnosis and comprehensive care for girls and young women with Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder affecting primarily females.

Fumé Bistro & Bar – Grace Academy, a private K-8 Christian school operating as a ministry of Grace Church of Napa Valley.

Kara’s Cupcakes – Save the Bay, the largest regional organization working to protect and restore San Francisco Bay in order to make it cleaner and healthier for people and wildlife.

La Condesa – Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga, local efforts of national organizations trying to provide all young people a safe, positive,and unique place to develop their natural talents, and to inspire them to achieve their full potential.

Market St. Helena – Legal Aid of Napa Valley, which provides free bilingual legal assistance to seniors, immigrants, and low-income residents of Napa County, in addition to occasionally hosting free legal advice clinics.

The Grill at Meadowood  - Community Resources for Children, a nonprofit, community-based organization providing resources for the early care and education of children throughout Napa County.

Napa Valley Biscuits – We Care Animal Rescue, a cage-free sanctuary operating under an unwavering “no-kill” philosophy where animals are able to live out the remainder of their natural lives in a peaceful, serene environment free from judgment or harm.

Oenotri – Clinic Ole, a family of community health care service providers comprised of Community Health Clinic Ole (a Federally Qualified Health Center and the only nonprofit community clinic in the County),  Sister Ann Dental Clinic, Healthy Moms and Babies (a Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program), and Napa Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Group.

Paula LeDuc Fine Catering – St. Helena Hospital, a part of the Adventist Health network offering compassionate care through an integrated system of hospitals and clinics while promoting  whole-person wellness (balancing physical, mental and spiritual needs).

Restaurant Cuvée - Connolly Ranch, an education center on 12 acres working to connect kids with nature through farm-based environmental education programs.

For 2013, the guest Judges for the HALL Cabernet Cookoff will be Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani (Terra, Bar Terra and Ame), Brandon Sharp (Solbar), and  Ken Frank (La Toque).

HALL Cabernet Cookoff:  Past Winners and Recipes

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ

At last year’s HALL Cabernet Cookoff, the People’s Choice Winner was Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ for their Baby Back Ribs with HALL Cabernet “Q” Sauce.  The Judges’ Choice Winner was Restaurant Cuvée for a dish of Kobe Beef Belly with Arbuckle Grits, Prune, Parmesan Reggiano, and Ramps.  Second Place in 2012 went to Grapevine Catering (People’s Choice) and Neela’s Contemporary Indian Cuisine (Judges’ Choice).

We’re also delighted to share with you two recipes from prior Cabernet Cookoff events, available through the HALL Wines website:  

• Seared Duck w/ Port Reduction (with a sauce of Citrus, Cherries, and Cabernet Sauvignon)
• Chipotle Chocolate Short Rib Tamales (with a sauce of Red Wine, Chipotle, Cumin, and Chocolate)

HALL Wines’ estate vineyards encompass more than five hundred acres of classic Bordeaux varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.  Under the artisanship of winemaker Steve Leveque, HALL continues to set new heights in Napa Valley winemaking.  Owners Kathryn and Craig Hall continue to demonstrate their commitment to Environmental and Social Responsibility through the Cabernet Cookoff™ (now in its 4^th year) and their support for several other ventures (including the Wine Valley Cycle For Sight & Rotary Ride for Veterans).   In 2008, the HALL St. Helena winery was the first winery in California to become LEED Gold Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).  More recently, it also became Napa Valley’s first winery to install an Electric Vehicle charging station. 

We can’t wait to see who wins the HALL Cabernet Cookoff this year!  Once again, to order tickets, just go here.

Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Napa, this annual event offers cyclists (regardless of skill level) a chance to ride their bike past vineyards (where the buds are just starting to break through), help raise money for worthwhile charities, and support our Veterans all at the same time.  After riding one of three possible available routes, recreation opportunities are at the Cycle For Sight Wine and Music Festival featuring food, wine, and beer from the Valley.  Registration fees include entrance to the Festival, but non-cyclists can purchase separate tickets as well.  So gather your family and/or friends and start making plans for a fun Saturday in just two weeks.

Proceeds from the event will go to two local organizations, the California Veterans Pathway Home Project and the Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind & Visually Impaired.  Keep reading, and we’ll tell you more about the Routes, the Festival, the Charities, and how to register or make a donation.

Wine Valley Cycle For Sight 2013:  The Routes

California Veterans Home in Yountville

Cycle for Sight has three beautiful courses to choose from that wind among the hills and vineyards of Napa Valley.  Each ride starts and finishes at Justin Siena High School (4026 Maher Street, Napa) where the Cycle for Sight Wine and Music Festival will take place afterwards. These rides are supported with SAG vehicles, food, and rest stops.  Please realize that helmets are required on all routes.

50 MILE ROUTE: Begins at 8:00 am

This challenging ride features a 1,700 foot climb to the top of Mt. Veeder, passes by the Enchanted Hills Camp and offers panoramic views of the Napa Valley.  The course then returns to the valley floor to wind past the California Veterans Home, the historic town of Yountville, vineyards and wineries.
Click here for map

25 MILE ROUTE: Begins at 9:00 am

A moderate level ride with some gradual elevation changes that takes riders alongside lush vineyards and wineries, the California Veterans Home, the historic town of Yountville and the popular Silverado Trail.
Click here for map

15 MILE ROUTE: Begins at 9:30 am

This is an easier “family” ride on level terrain passing by vineyards and wineries as it travels up to the California Veterans Home in historic Yountville and back.
click here for map

Wine Valley Cycle For Sight 2013:  The Festival

O’Brien Estate, One of the Wineries at the Wine Valley Cycle For Sight Festival

The Wine Valley Cycle For Sight & Rotary Ride for Veterans ends with a fantastic food, wine and music festival at Justin Siena High School, starting at 11:00 am.  If you are over 21, your Festival ticket allows you to taste wine and beer while enjoying live entertainment.  There will also be food and beer available for purchase.  Tickets to the Festival can be purchased in advance or at the entrance.  The Cycle For Sight Wine and Music Festival attractions include:

• Live Music – Perfomers include Napa Valley’s own Johnny Smith Group (11:30 am to 1:00 pm) and the Bay Area’s legendary Pride & Joy (1:00 pm to 3:30 pm).
• Wine tasting – Select and taste from a variety of over 20 Napa Valley wineries which include Cliff Lede Vineyards, Conn Family Vineyards, Duckhorn Vineyards, Frazier Winery, HALL Wines, Hess Collection, O’Brien Estate, Renteria Wines, Robert Biale Vineyards, Trinchero Family Estates, and ZD Wines. 
• Microbreweries – Taste beers from Downtown Joe’s Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and Blue Frog Brewery.
• Gourmet Food -   Enjoy food from Napa Valley restaurants such as Compadres Rio Grille, Fazerrati’s Pizza, Fume Bistro & Bar, Hurley’s Restaurant, Oyster Guy, and Ristorante Allegria, among others.
• Silent Action – Bid on wine lots, travel packages, lodging, dining, golf, art, and other intriguing offerings.

Wine Valley Cycle For Sight 2013:  The Charities

The two charities that will benefit from funds raised at this year’s event are:

The Pathway Home Project – This rehabilitation and transition center for returning veterans is dedicated to helping them transition back to productive lives.

Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind & Visually Impaired – This 300 acre camp is located in the western hills of Napa Valley and offers hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and a variety of other activities for the blind and visually impaired.

Wine Valley Cycle For Sight 2013:  Registration, Festival Tickets, Donations

“The Memorial Mile” Donation

Online registration is the preferred and easiest way to register as an individual or team member, but online registration ends at midnight on April 18^th.  Festival tickets, pledges, and donations can also be made online.

Adult Cyclist Registration ($65) – Includes supported ride for all distances, festival entry, T-shirt, commemorative wine glass, and wine and beer tasting. Also includes all fees associated with on-line registration.

Pedal of Honor Registration ($100) – All of the same benefits as General Registration plus an additional Festival entry ticket for a non-rider, and 2 commemorative water bottles

Youth Registration for riders under 21 years ($25) – Does not include commemorative wine glass or wine and beer tasting.

Festival Only Ticket ($30) – Includes festival entry, commemorative wine glass and wine and beer tasting for adults.

You can also be a part of this historic event by honoring a particular veteran, soldier or your business with a sign to be displayed along the mile long entry to the California Veterans Home.  To make a ”Memorial Mile” Donation ($100) or to assist the Rotary Club of Napa’s efforts with a General Donation, please go here.   

Pledge raising is optional, but the Wine Valley Cycle For Sight & Rotary Ride for Veterans is a fun and rewarding opportunity for you and your friends to contribute more to these great causes if you are interested.  All pledges can be made to your account on-line.   Go here to learn more about Pledge Raising, and the Pledge Team Challenge Cups.

If you need it, Same Day Registration will be available onsite Saturday morning from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.  To save time, please print out and complete a registration form in advance, and bring a check payable to “Rotary Bike Event” with you.

The oldest chartered club in district 5130, the Rotary Club of Napa was first chartered in 1920.   From its original membership of 24 men, the club now has a membership of 102 men and women. The club meets for lunch each Wednesday at 12:00 at the Napa Elk’s Lodge located at 2840 Soscol Ave. in Napa.  Visitors are encouraged to drop by.

Cabernet Sauvignon from Robert Craig Winery, one of Wine and Spirits Magazine’s Top 100 Wineries of 2012

Here are just a few of the Mount Veeder Appellation wineries participating:  Fontanella Family Winery, The Hess Collection, Lagier Meredith, Marketta Winery, Mayacamas Vineyards, Mount Veeder Winery, Robert Craig Winery, Rubissow Wines, Rudd Winery, Spotted Owl Vineyards, VGS Chateau Potelle, Vinoce Vineyards, and Y Rousseau Wines.

Consumer Tickets for this event are $55 per person in advance and can be purchased here.  If you need to purchase tickets at the door, you can, but the onsite ticket price increases to $75 so you should really just buy your tickets now.   Admission to the Spring Wine Tasting includes Mount Veeder wines and food pairings from Winery Chefs with assorted artisan cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruit, nuts, olives and Bouchon breads.

West of Napa and Yountville, Mount Veeder is a one-of-a-kind appellation which has been producing richly intense, age-worthy wines since the 1860’s.  The wines from Mount Veeder reflect the independent spirit of its mountain growers and vintners, borne of rugged conditions that demand handcraftsmanship at the highest level.

The Mount Veeder Appellation Spring Wine Tasting is presented by the Mount Veeder Appellation Council.  To learn more about the appellation, the Council, or future public events, please go here.

Earlier on April 10th, the Mount Veeder Appellation Council is also hosting trade and media representatives with a preview tasting between 2:00 and 4:00 pm.  If you would like to attend, prior registration is absolutely required – please register online or call 707-266-1296 or email sampeters_mvac@live.com.  All trade/media registrations are limited to credentialed WINE MEDIA whose PRIMARY job is writing about wine/wine industry and TRADE is limited to restaurant/retail wine buyers/sellers and sommeliers whose PRIMARY job is wine buying/selling.  Names and Companies will be vetted.

The 2013 World of Pinot Noir

Earlier this month, we enjoyed two days surrounded by sun, surf, great food, and an enormous amount of high quality Pinot Noirs.  That’s right, we were at the 2013 World of Pinot Noir in Shell Beach.  With about 200 wineries participating we found some new discoveries, and reminded ourselves why we love some of our favorite Pinot Noir producers.  

We are very fond of this varietal and always appreciate hearing about good wines made from it.  If you keep reading, we’ll share our favorite wines from the Grand Tastings in case you are looking for new discoveries yourself.  Several wineries below already represent a significant portion of our wine cellar, but many of them are places we have not visited yet so they are now on our “To-Do” list.

Favorite Wines at the 2013 World of Pinot Noir

At this year’s event, the organizers tried something new by having the Friday Grand Tasting focus on smaller lots of Pinot Noir, while expanding the number of wineries participating at the Saturday Grand Tasting (which added an additional tent to the proceedings).  We enjoyed the shift with the more focused tasting on the first day, and hope to see it again next year.

Here are our favorites from two days of tasting.  If you are a fan of Pinot Noir and haven’t tried these wines yourself, we recommend you check out the wineries and/or look for these in your local wine stores, restaurants or online:

Ancien Wines (Napa, CA) – 2010 Jouissance and 2010 Fiddlestix Pinot Noirs

Belle Glos (Rutherford, CA) – 2011 Clark & Telephone Vineyard

Benovia Winery (Santa Rosa, CA) – 2010 Cohn Vineyard and 2010 La Pommeraie Pinot Noirs

Bergström Wines (Newberg, OR) – 2011 de Lancellotti Vineyard, 2011 Shea Vineyard, 2011 Temperance Hill Vineyard, and 2010 Le Pré du Col Pinot Noirs

Bonaccorsi Wine Company (Buellton, CA) – 2010 Sebastiano Pinot Noir

Brewer-Clifton

Brewer-Clifton (Lompoc, CA) – 2010 3D and 2010 Machado Pinot Noirs

Byron Wines (Santa Maria, CA) – 2011 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

Cartograph (Healdsburg, CA) – 2010 Floodgate Vineyard and 2010 Perli Vineyard Pinot Noirs

Chamisal Vineyards (San Luis Obispo, CA) – 2010 Monologue Pinot Noir

DeLoach Vineyards (Santa Rosa, CA) – 2010 Estate Collection Pinot Noir

Dierberg Vineyard (Santa Ynez, CA) – 2010 Drum Canyon Vineyard, 2010 Santa Maria Valley, and 2009 “Steven” Pinot Noirs

Domaine Serene

Domaine Serene (Dayton, OR) – 2009 Yamhill Cuvée and 2008 Evanstad Reserve Pinot Noirs

Fiddlehead Cellars (Lompoc, CA) – 2010 Lollapalooza, 2009 Lollapalooza, 2010 Oldsville Reserve and 2009 “728” Pinot Noirs

Fog Crest Vineyard (Sebastopol, CA) – 2011 Laguna West Pinot Noir

Freeman Winery (Sebastopol, CA) – 2011 Keefer Ranch and 2011 Akiko’s Cuvée Pinot Noirs

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery (Healdsburg, CA) – 2010 Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir

J.K. Carriere (Newberg, OR) – 2010 Vespidae Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Keefer Ranch (Sebastopol, CA) – 2010 Pinot Noir

Kenneth Volk Vineyards (Santa Maria, CA) – 2009 Santa Maria Cuvée and 2009 Garey Vineyard Pinot Noirs

Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Wines (Lompoc, CA) – 2010 Clone 2A and 2009 Kessler-Haak Estate Pinot Noirs

La Fenêtre Wines (Santa Maria, CA) – 2010 Presqu’ile Vineyard, 2010 Bien Nacido Vineyard, 2008 Sierra Madre Pinot Noirs

Masut Vineyard and Winery

Masút Vineyard and Winery (Redwood Valley, CA) – 2011 Block 1, 2011 Block 11 and 2011 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noirs

Mercy Vineyards (Marina, CA) – 2009 Cedar Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir

Pali Wine Co. (Lompoc, CA) – 2011 “Huntington” and 2008 Keefer Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noirs

Pisoni Vineyards & Winery (Gonzales, CA) – 2011 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir

Sequana Vineyards (Sebastopol, CA) – 2010 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Siduri Wines (Santa Rosa, CA) – 2011 Santa Rita Hills, 2011 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noirs

Sokol Blosser (Dundee, OR) – 2010 Dundee Hills and 2009 Estate Cuvée Pinot Noirs

Soter Vineyards (Carlton, OR) – 2010 North Valley, 2010 Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noirs

Stephen Ross Wine Cellars (San Luis Obispo, CA) – 2011 Stone Corral Vineyard and 2011 Santa Lucia Vineyard Pinot Noirs

Twomey (Healdsburg, CA) – 2011 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Windward Vineyard (Paso Robles, CA) – 2007 and 2008 Estate Pinot Noirs

Food Highlights from the 2013 World of Pinot Noir

In addition to the great Pinot Noirs from around the world, the World of Pinot Noir event is well known for the quality of food available at their events.  There were three primary food purveyors during the Grand Tastings.  Each did an outstanding job regarding the quality of food, as well as ensuring an adequate quantity throughout the event.

Spinach and Feta Tartlet, from Pacific Harvest Events

On both days, the primary caterer was Pacific Harvest Events, serving up small bites of Spinach and Feta Tartlets, Apple and Chevre Tartlets, and Seared Beef Filet with Horseradish Creme and MicroArugula.  At the Crostini Bar, our favorite toppings were the Tuscan White Bean & Thyme, and the Fava Bean Spread with Pozo Tomme & Truffle Oil.  There was also a fully loaded Charcuterie Table in one tent, and a Pâté Table in another offering Duck Pâté, Olallieberry Jam, and Gherkin Relish.  Led by Owner/Executive Manager Dawn White, the Pacific Harvest team continuously refreshed all of their food tables to keep the guests happy.

Mini BLT, from Lido Restaurant

On Saturday, when the Grand Tasting increased to three tents of wineries, additional catering was offered by Lido Restaurant at the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa.  We enjoyed their Phyllo Tartlets with Brie, Honey, and Herbs, but kept going back to the table for their scrumptious Mini BLT enhanced with Fresh Tomato, Roasted Shallot Relish, Basil Crème Fraiche, and a Chiffonade of Greens.

Danika Reed from Vivant Fine Cheese also offered an interesting selection of cheeses for attendees on both Friday and Saturday.

All in all, the 2013 World of Pinot Noir event was a delightful opportunity to taste some of the best Pinot Noir available in the world, consume delicious food offerings which paired with but didn’t overwhelm the wines, and bask in a glorious sunny coastal atmosphere (well, until the fog rolled in on Saturday afternoon).  It’s on our calendars for 2014 already, and you should seriously consider attending it yourself.

The World of Pinot Noir is a non-profit organization whose mission is to further the knowledge and breadth of Pinot Noir through educational seminars and tastings.  You really should go to their website to join their mailing list so you will receive details about next year’s event as they unfold.

If you find yourself in the San Luis Obispo area before next year’s event, feel free to check out our recommendations for wineries and restaurants around there.  Simply go to the navigation menu near the top of this page, click on “Favorites by Wine Region,” and then follow the drop-down menu to “Favorites in San Luis Obispo County,” where you can find our “Favorites in Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, and the City of San Luis Obispo.”  Or, you can just take the easy way and click here.