Clos Du Val has been a winery staple in Napa Valley ever since their Cabernet Sauvignon won eighth in the ‘Judgement of Paris’ tasting in 1976. Now the tasting room has a fresh new look with contemporary architecture and modern finishes. With all the new wineries popping up in the Napa Valley on a yearly…
Tag: Pinot Noir
AO Collective – Alpha Omega Winery, Tolosa Winery & Perinet
We spent an amazing morning learning about the umbrella brand known as the Alpha Omega Collective and tasting wines from Alpha Omega Winery as well as the two sister properties, Tolosa Winery and Perinet. It was an exciting day with three unique Winemakers, discussing the philosophy behind their wines and what ties the AO Collective together….
Charlie Palmer Steak – Napa Valley’s New Cosmopolitan Hot Spot
The long anticipated Archer Hotel, smack in the middle of a seemingly quiet downtown Napa, has only been open for a few weeks. But inside there is a restaurant breathing new life as a metropolitan vibe is evolving at the new Charlie Palmer Steak. A lot of long-time locals in the Napa Valley frown upon…
Durant & Booth Tasting Salon – A Piece of Napa Valley History in Oakville
Durant & Booth has closed their Oakville tasting salon as of June 10th, 2018. However, their wines are still available on Vivino. Durant & Booth Tasting Salon is relatively new to the Napa Valley but the building that houses the tasting room is a historic gem. Located in the small town of Oakville, lies Oakville Grocery, a popular…
Gatehouse Restaurant – Culinary Institute of America Greystone Napa Valley
While in town for a week in Saint Helena a friend invited five of us for the soft opening of Gatehouse Restaurant at CIA Greystone The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone just outside of Saint Helena in Napa Valley has been lately going through many changes. The Wine Spectator at Greystone has been closed indefinitely…
What Wines are Winter Wines? Wine Pairing in a Winter Wonderland
What wines do you think go best on a blustery day or night, rain and snow falling like crazy? I feel like summer disappeared so quickly, I didn’t have time to pull out the jackets and sink into hibernation mode. One thing I do notice is that my palate changes through the seasons like clockwork….
Schramsberg Vineyards – Méthode Champenoise in Napa Valley
When friends come to town, I am always looking for a unique place to start the day; and three million hand stacked bottles of sparkling wine in a 2-1/2 mile cave is an excellent choice. Last Saturday was my second time at Schramsberg Vineyards. About 3-1/2 years ago, before I lived in the Napa Valley,…
Fantesca Estate & Winery – A Close Escape to Tranquility & World Class Winemaking
Not far from downtown St. Helena lies the less traveled path of Spring Mountain Road, encompassing off the beaten path wineries like Fantesca Estate. Only a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Highway 29 lies Fantesca Estate & Winery. Feeling a world away from the tour buses and crowds fighting for a space…
Davis Estates – High Tech Innovation & Stylish Architecture Meet Traditional Winemaking
On May 14th 2016, the new Davis Estates tasting room and caves opened for business with three wine experiences, by appointment only. Two weeks ago while having lunch at SolBar in Calistoga, I decided to try the Davis Estates Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. It was so good, crisp and refreshing, I immediately thought to email them to get…
Ciccio – Cozy Italian Restaurant in Yountville – Napa Valley
Ciccio is a quaint little Italian place on the north end of Yountville. You won’t find it on Open Table and you can’t call up and make a reservation. Getting a table is half the battle. Located in the old Italian grocery store built in 1916, Ciccio is an intimate dining experience with high…