Tales of the Stylish Traveler

Premiere Napa Valley

As my friend and associate Carrol Gettko says, “Napa Valley is God’s country.” And, it truly is with its rolling green low mountains and the flat area of the valley and proliferation of bright yellow mustard flowers in between the vines. It’s also the second busiest time of the year, Premiere Napa Valley  and disciples climbing their ladders to the top of the red wine barrels. The events are the reason that I attended. (The biggest time of the year is Auction Napa Valley which promotes wine to savvy consumers and who out bid each other for some for high priced wine…all in the name of charity.)

Blackbird Vineyards and Ma(i)sonry

The first stop of the day was Michael Polenske’s Ma(i)sonry which is also the tasting room for his Blackbird Vineyards, called a “living art gallery” by the owner. Housed in a stunning 1904 stone building quarried from the eastern hills of the valley, it is also high end art and design gallery and wine-tasting room.

Guests at the 20 person, 2 hour luncheon experienced cooking by resident Chef Taylor Mason and delighted tastebuds. Beginning with a dish of Petite Potato Gnocchi, paired with 2009 Blackbird Vineyards Arriviste Rosé. It was then followed by Beef Prepared Two Ways which consisted of Roasted Ribeye and Short Ribs & Swiss Chard Ravioli. This wine pairing was offered with 2007 Blackbird Vineyards Arise and the signature 2007 Blackbird Vineyards Illustration.  Dessert was an unusual pairing, Vela Dairy Dry Jack, served with a braised artichoke, savory beignet and lardon as well as the 2008 Blackbird Vineyards Barrel Lot.

The meal was a fly-away success both for its innovation and for the pairings.

Signorello Vineyards

After consumption of all that food who knew that there would still be a room for the fantastic American Kobe Beef burger, normally priced at $41 at Manhattan’s Old Homestead.

At Signorello Vineyards, it was a much more leisurely affair with a barbeque grill serving up the burger, chorizo sausage and the Kurobata pork hot dog all from Snake River Farms.  “How do you want your burger cooked,” asked the chef. “Medium rare,” I replied; a bite of the burger with a barrel tasting of Ray Signorello’s 2008 Red Rock Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and heaven’s gates open wide. 

Stags Leap District at Pine Ridge Winery 

In probably one of the most unusual tastings and a distinct homage to New York City nightclubs during the late 80’s and 90’s, Stags Leap District Winegrowers presented the Stags Leap District Appellation Collection Bar & Lounge to the trade and media. 

Complete with a red velvet rope upon entering, I was struck by how I felt transported to my time at AREA, one the late 80’s hot spots that included sightings of the era’s and Manhattan’s downtown demimonde icons such as Andy Warhol, fashion designer Stephen Sprouse, Deborah Harry and Jean Michel Basquit.

We went through the caves passing movable mirror walls and oversized images of grapes and leaves; until we got to a large space which was outfitted with Kelly green chairs, mirrored lamps and servers all in black. The food here was also delicious and created by Pine Ridge’s resident chef Eric C. Mazko. Served up were tasting bits of cocktail nibbles such as sausage pizza, bite sized empanadas and beef dumplings which all were prepared to go with the flavors and characteristics of  a Stags Leap District cabernet sauvignon, the wine of Napa Valley.

As guests left, some said it was the best event of Premiere. To quote Irene from Iowa, “I have been to 14 events today and this was the best by far.” Hope you made it home, Irene.

I think I made it to heaven albeit 8 pounds heavier.

-BG

The 1st Annual Moveable Feast - an epic feat of gourmet eating and drinking

My husband and I recently embarked on the culinary journey provided by Yountville's Moveable Feast with high expectations and came away feeling relaxed, fabulous and perhaps a few pounds heavier.

I’m not sure exactly why it’s called moveable, other than that you can pick and choose your favorite aspects of the potential feast and make your move. Hotels such as the Bardessono, The Cottages of Napa Valley and Hotel Luca are involved and participating restaurants include Michael Chiarello’s Bottega Restaurant, Bouchon Bakery and Bistro Jeanty. The package deal is put together by the Yountville Chamber of Commerce as an incentive to visit during the off season, and while the weather isn’t quite as pleasant, it is definitely worthwhile because you are able to experience the town authentically, sans tons of tourists.

The beautiful Villagio Inn and Spa acted as our home base and is conveniently located in the darling center of Yountville where lights are strung from massive old trees and chain stores simply don’t exist – at least not on the main drag. Bottega, Bouchon and a plethora of other famous Napa Valley eateries are all within walking distance. The 3-course lunch at Bottega pleased my Italian-born husband; he marveled over the polenta starter and though I thought my belly couldn’t hold anything more; I made room for the outstanding chocolate lava cake that was my dessert. The ambiance in the restaurant also startled us, it’s beautiful, spacious and the open kitchen creates extra entertainment.

We also visited one client, Signorello Estate, which is located on the Silverado Trail. I had been raving about the Enoteca experience and wanted to share it with my husband. The Enoteca entails a sit-down wine and food pairing of gourmet bites and flights as well as a tour of the hilly property overlooking the valley. I’m particularly fond of the local rabbit salad, loaded with chanterelles and a few red grapes, not to mention the wine. The pairing starts off with a Semillon blend and finishes with the Padrone, a fitting tribute to the late Ray Signorello, Sr. and to the ability of the Napa Valley to create phenomenal Cabernet Sauvignon.

Though also not part of the package, we took the time to ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. Sipping wine while gently swaying in rotating armchairs is a very pleasant way to pass the morning. We selected the afternoon lunch seating, as we had thoroughly enjoyed the Mimosa and Bloody Mary brunch provided by the Villagio Inn that morning. The Wine Train’s pork tenderloin on grilled yams in a peppercorn zinfandel sauce was perfect, as was the trip.

If you are looking for a weekend getaway this is the ideal opportunity. The package is available through the end of February, so get moving.

V2V

The Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association welcomes you to its annual Vineyard to Vintner (V2V) celebration. Now in its 9th year, V2V has become one of Napa Valley’s best experience of an appellation. The Stags Leap District received its official government AVA designation in 1989, so we are especially proud this year as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary.

V2V is a day for our vintners and winemakers to share their hospitality, say a heart-felt thank you to old friends and welcome new ones to the neighborhood. It is a day for those just discovering fine wine and those who have been collecting for years. It is a day of swirling and sipping, learning and laughing.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Hosted by Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association

ON THE TRAIL: OPEN HOUSES
11:00am - 4:00pm · $135/person
The District-wide celebration continues from our most historic properties to our newest members. Begin at a starting point of your choice and wind your way up and down the Silverado Trail from winery to winery. Your V2V pass gives you exclusive access to our vintners and winemakers. Discover winery caves, enjoy special barrel tastings, explore the cellars and enjoy food and wine pairings not available to the public. Due to Soiree preparations, there will be no open house at Clos du Val.

SOIREE CABERNET at Clos Du Val and OPEN HOUSES
6:30pm - 10:00pm  ·  $285/person
(Includes Open Houses, Limited seating, Party attire)
Our 20th anniversary celebration kicks off with the District’s founders. Sharing their personal stories of the appellation’s beginnings and their vision for the future, John Shafer, Richard Steltzner and Bernard Portet reunite for an intimate conversation and library tasting. Having combed their cellars, the founders will share with you their rarest wines and oldest vintages. Every wine has a story. Come share ours.

The District-wide celebration continues from our most historic properties to our newest members. Begin at a starting point of your choice and wind your way up and down the Silverado Trail from winery to winery. Your V2V pass gives you exclusive access to our vintners and winemakers. Discover winery caves, enjoy special barrel
tastings, explore the cellars and enjoy food and wine pairings not available to the public. Due to Soiree preparations, there will be no open house at Clos du Val.

The French have the best word to describe our 20th anniversary—SOIREE! In keeping, Clos Du Val is the fitting location this year, hosted by French-born vintner and Napa Valley icon Bernard Portet. It was 1972 while scouting for land to plant a vineyard in Napa that Bernard drove through what is now Stags Leap District and noted that the area was distinct with cooler evenings—an important factor to the Bordeaux native for determining a superior cabernet site. The evening party is located on this very site.

First, join all of the District’s vintners and winemakers for an exclusive reception and preview tasting of the 2005 Appellation Collection in the Barrel Room. After the sun sets on the Palisades, the evening moves into the tent for dinner with each vintner hosting a table and bringing wines from their cellars to celebrate our history. Plan to wear your dancing shoes as the Dick Bright Band rocks the District.

LOOKING BACK, LEAPING FORWARD: SEMINAR
10:00am - 11:00am · $60/person
(Requires either Open Houses or Soiree Cabernet)
Our 20th anniversary celebration kicks off with the District's founders. Sharing their personal stories of the appellation's beginnings and their vision for the future, John Shafer, Richard Steltzner and Bernard Portet reunite for an intimate conversation and library tasting. Having combed their cellars, the founders will share with you their rarest wines and oldest vintages. Every wine has a story. Come share ours.

Napa Valley Casual Attire
Event access passes will be mailed in advance
See a list of local accommodations

MEMBER WINERIES
Baldacci Family Vineyards
Chimney Rock Winery
Cliff Lede Vineyards
Clos Du Val (no open house available)
Hartwell Vineyards
Ilsley Vineyards
Malk Family Vineyards
Pine Ridge Vineyards
Regusci Winery
Shafer Vineyards
Silverado Vineyards
Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Stags' Leap Winery
Steltzner Vineyards
Taylor Family Vineyards
Terlato Family Vineyards