Nor Cal Edition - January 2, 2009

YOUR GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA WINE, GETAWAYS, THINGS TO DO & EVENTS E A S Y-T O - F O L LO W W I N E R Y M A P S JANUARY 2, 2009 winecountrythisweek.com

MUMM NAPA PAGE 20

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WINEMAKER PROFILE: ANDERSON’S CONN VALLEY VINEYARDS

SONOMA VALLEY OLIVE FESTIVAL’S FEAST ON THE OLIVE DINNER

FLAMINGO RESORT & SPA

TASTING ROOM OF THE WEEK: MATRIX WINERY

MONTEREY’S CAFE FINA RESTAURANT

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ATTRACTIONS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

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ATTRACTIONS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Published Weekly Since 1981

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Michelle Baker Jeffry Ross Carole & Daniel Ehrler Diana Greenwood Richard Paul Hinkle Mildred Howie Charles Neave Nan Reiley Sue Straight, Wine Wench

SALES General Sales

Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties Napa Valley

Dan Zimmerman 707-938-3734 Margaret Villarreal 707-338-2894 RoseAnn Trzesniewski 707-938-0780, ext. 5#

Livermore, Lodi, and Sierra Foothills

Dave Crockett 707-529-7856

Monterey Bay, Central Coast, Santa Cruz Mountains

Whitney Brem 831-596-4945

Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission is prohibited.

Planning a Visit to Central Coast Wine Country? Pick up a copy of WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST or download the current issue at www.winecountrythisweek.com

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WINERY F E AT U R E

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TABLE OF CONTENTS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

J A N UA R Y 2 , 2 0 0 9 – I S S U E 1 – V O LU M E 2 8

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Mumm Napa

ON THE COVER Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Photo by Kathleen Harrison Photography . . . . . . 24 WINE COUNTRY NEWS Wineology by Len Napolitano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

PERFECT PAIRS Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery Dominique Chardonnay paired with Scallop, Fennel & Apple Risotto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

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ON THE COVER

SPECIAL COUPONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

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WINEMAKER PROFILE

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PERFECT PA I R S

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay with Scallop, Fennel & Apple Risotto

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THINGS TO DO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 What’s Hot This Week by Jeffry Burgess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 WINE COUNTRY GETAWAYS Overnight Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 NAPA VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-47 Napa Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Downtown Napa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Calistoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 St. Helena Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Art & Antiques Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 SONOMA COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-63 Sonoma County Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Russian River Area Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Santa Rosa Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Healdsburg Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Geyserville Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Sonoma Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58-63 Sonoma Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Glen Ellen Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Sonoma Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Mac Sawyer, Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards

MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-65 Lake & Mendocino Counties Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 LIVERMORE VALLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-67 Livermore Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 LODI/WOODBRIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-69 Lodi/Woodbridge Area Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 SIERRAS/FOOTHILLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70-71 Sierra Foothills Wineries Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-77 Monterey Bay/Santa Cruz Mountains Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Salinas Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Carmel Valley Wineries Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Matrix Winery

WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78-86 www.winecountrythisweek.com

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

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See the “right” side of the Napa Valley wineries map on page 36

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WINE CLUB OF THE WEEK:

LONGBOARD VINEYARDS WINE CLUB DETAILS The Big Kahuna Club, limited to 500 members. • Members receive two shipments per year: The fall shipment will consist of six bottles (two each of the two single-vineyard Cabernets and Dakine Syrah). The spring shipment will consist of twelve bottles (four each of the Sauvignon Blanc, RRV Syrah and Dakine Merlot). • Wine will be billed at 18% discount off the retail price. Expected cost per shipment is $250 plus applicable taxes and shipping. • Kahuna members (limited to the first 500 people who sign up) will also enjoy an ongoing 15% discount on wine purchases in the tasting room and online. This benefit starts with a single-bottle purchase and also includes apparel. • Members are guaranteed a minimum of two bottles each of all single-vineyard wines. • A discount of 15% off single-bottle purchases and access to large format and library wines. • Invitation to special Big Kahuna only events, a SurfRider Membership Card and an exclusive annual party as well as invitations to other special events. Ohana Club, subject to availability

So to start with, exactly what does surfing have to do with making fine wine? It’s certainly a logical enough question to ask when you visit Longboard Vineyards, where surfboards – longboards – are an integral part of the décor. Try balance, harmony and nature for starters. According to the folks at the winery, surfing is part sport, part meditation and all working within, rather than against, nature. Making wine? It’s a pretty similar approach. “Both surfers and winemakers reach the summit of their respective crafts when they attain an understanding of, and a respect for, the environment in which they work (and play). Adapting to their surroundings, they achieve peak performance, on the waves and in the vineyards.” Longboard is the result of the passion of Oded Shakked, a surfer first, winemaker later, who brings a unique perspective to winemaking, or rather winegrowing as he prefers to call it. “Surfing and winemaking are essentially solo activities that can reach across gender, social, economic and age boundaries, creating communities of passionate apostles who know a good wave – and a good wine – when they experience one.” While studying winemaking at UC Davis (can’t beat the homework!), Oded worked harvests in Napa and in Bordeaux, but his heart was captured by the rich diversity of Sonoma County – the soils, the climate and the people. Passionate about his craft, Oded is also a great believer in perspective, saying, “Relax, it’s only frickin’ wine … enjoy it with food you like and trust nothing but your own palate.”

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• Members will receive two shipments per year: The fall shipment will consist of three bottles (one bottle each of the single-vineyard Cabernets and the spectacular Dakine Syrah). The spring shipment will consist of six bottles (two each of the Sauvignon Blanc, RRV Syrah and Dakine Merlot). Wine will be billed at 10% discount off the retail price. Expected cost per shipment is approximately $140 plus applicable taxes and shipping. • Ohana members also enjoy an ongoing 10% off single-bottle purchases and 10% off apparel. • Invitation to winery special events, a SurfRider Membership Card and access to large format and library wines.

Open Wednesday through Monday 11 a.m. to at least 6 p.m. 5 Fitch Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-3473 www.LongboardVineyards.com

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Wineology

INTELLIGENCE FOR THE WINE CONSUMER by Len Napolitano

Why are some wines blended? The purpose of blending is to create a more interesting wine. A winemaker may feel that the addition of wine made from another grape will either fill in any weaknesses of the primary grape or create a more complex wine, and consequently, a more pleasing wine to drink. Perhaps the most famous blended red wine in the world is Bordeaux, from France. It is a blend of two to five grapes, the dominant ones being Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The other grapes that make up a red Bordeaux wine are Petit Verdot (contributes to color), Cabernet Franc (contributes to tannic structure and richness of flavor) and Malbec (contributes to flavor). Merlot is often used to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon to help soften, or round out, the Cabernet Sauvignon, which can sometimes contain harsh-tasting tannins. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is also a popular duo having complementary characteristics. The percentage breakdown of the components that make up a blended wine are sometimes indicated on a label, but it is not required to do so for American wines. In Australia, however, where the Cabernet/Syrah combo is frequently found, label laws must show the percentages of each grape that make up a blend. Grapes that are used for blending purposes are chosen to either add flavor, body, acidity, finish or aging potential. It is also possible for white wines to be made from a blend of grapes, such as Sauvignon Blanc with Semillion, but white wine blends are usually less popular than red blends. When producers in the United States make a blended wine using the same grapes that are used to make Bordeaux wine, they are permitted to identify these wines as “Meritage” style wines (rhymes with heritage). This is a unique, American term that may only be used on a wine label when the wine is blended from the Bordeaux grapes mentioned above. If a non-Bordeaux grape, such as Zinfandel, is part of the blend, it is technically not a “Meritage” style wine. I find Meritage style wines to be among the very best of California red wines. They are elegant, layered with aromas and flavors and pair beautifully with many meat dishes.

Label s T o Look For: My recommendations for this week are: PIETRA SANTA MERLOT, CIENEGA VALLEY, 2005 A graceful blend of merlot and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon (8%), it has lush plum and blackberry with sweet oak that makes it so easy to enjoy, especially with grilled meats. $15.00 ROSENBLUM CELLARS ZINFANDEL, LYONS RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY, 2004 A balanced wine, silky smooth, yet spicy, and picked at the perfect ripeness, yielding its true varietal character. Blended with 7% Petite Sirah. $45.00 J. LOHR CUVÉE ST. E, PASO ROBLES, 2003 A Meritage style wine, mostly Cabernet Franc, with about 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, it surges with dark fruit, dark chocolate and supple tannins. Elegant and impressive. $50.00 DUTTON GOLDFIELD SYRAH, CHERRY RIDGE VIINEYARD, GREEN VALLEY / RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2004 Singularly focused on delivering a savory experience for the palate, this wine is fine and complex, without blending in additional grapes. $35.00

Len Napolitano lives in Central Coast Wine Country and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators, Wine & Spirits Education Trust and Chicago Wine School and continually gains knowledge from his frequent contact with California winemakers. More information is on his website, www.wineology.com. Send your questions about wine to: [email protected] or by mail to Len Napolitano in care of Wine Country This Week magazine. Wineology is a registered trademark of Len Napolitano.

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WINE COUNTRY NEWS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Plan a Visit to J. Rickards – A Tiny Gem of a Winery by Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Located just a couple of miles south of the tiny town of Geyserville (A handful of restaurants, a couple of wineries, a post office, feed store and P, G & E office – that’s about it!), J. Rickards Winery sits atop a small, old vine Zinfandel covered knoll. Their narrow driveway gently winds up the hill between Zinfandel vines that were planted way back in 1908. If those vines could talk, just think of the stories they could tell! Jim and Eliza Rickards purchased the 60 acres that would eventually produce their wines way back in 1976. Along with Zinfandel vines (which makes up about 80% of their production), the rest is made up of varying numbers of Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouchet, Mataro and even some white varieties, including Palomino and Muscat Canelli. The winery itself is a small, unassuming barn-like building, surrounded with the requisite cement pads, stainless steel fermentation tanks, crusher-stemmer, press and other

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necessary winery accoutrements. The tasting room is tiny – a small bar, two barstools and an assortment of cases and bottles of wine take up part of the front of the winery’s cellar. The view is of barrels and cases of wine in the back of the cellar. When you visit J. Rickards, there’s no doubt that you are visiting a winery! Eliza explained to me with a smile, “We use a “Tom Sawyer” method of production around here – during harvest, there is a faithful group of friends that volunteer their services every year and they are rewarded with a big harvest dinner in late August.” There are only five “real” employees at this tiny gem of a winery – Jim and Eliza Rickards, Juan Favela (Vineyard Manager) and the husband-and-wife team of Alex (Winemaker) and Annie (Sales & Marketing) Holman. This is a working grape farm along with being a winery. The Rickards sell much of their fruit and only produce about 2500 cases of wine annually under their own label. The J. Rickards logo looks like something you’d find on the flank of a longhorn steer – another nod to their complete lack of pretension.

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Let’s talk about the wines – this humble winery produces some kickin’ wines at reasonable prices. I tasted a variety of wines during my visit – the following wines were my favorites: 2005 Sisters Meritage, $28 – This is an $80 Meritage in a $28 dollar dress! What a deal! Mouthwatering aromas of cherry pie, mocha, vanilla and cigar box continue as flavors in the sumptuously textured mouth. Gorgeous! 2005 Voight Family Zinfandel, $24 – Simply a classic Zin! Aromas of blackberry and raspberry jam, brambles and peppery spice delight the nose. The huge mouth is packed with berry, dark chocolate and spice flavors, which linger through the finish. Yum! Take it from The Wine Wench – don’t miss this place! Visitors are welcome from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment. For more information, call (707) 758-3441 or visit the website at www.jrwinery.com.

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Over 250 Quality Wines Under $25 at Wine Garage Hidden next to a dilapidated ’40s-era former filling station on Highway 29 in Calistoga lies the Wine Garage. A unique wine shop in Napa Valley that retails all wine in the store under $25. Sound crazy? Its true. And the proprietors Todd and Joy Miller, have hit on a niche in the Valley that had been very missed by the locals there. “There are a lot of winemakers here that can’t afford to drink the wine they make” says Miller. “That’s crazy, yes, but who can afford to drink a $65 bottle with dinner every night?” Many people miss The Wine Garage on the first try upvalley, but the search is well worth it. Miller stocks wine from all of California’s wine growing regions including fifty Napa selections and 40 from Sonoma County. When he first sought out buying the initial inventory, “I enlisted a local farmer buddy and his 15-foot box van and off we went all over California hunting down the deals. I tried to seek out the small producers who didn’t have distributes so I could pass the savings on to my customers.” And Miller did just that. His store is stocked with high-quality juice all under $25 and all are unique. Most labels in the shop are unrecognizable – but all pass the same test; everything passes over Miller’s lips before he makes a buy. “If I don’t love it, I don’t buy it, period. Sometimes I will taste over a hundred wines in one day, load up the truck and haul it up to Calistoga, unload at the store, and maybe I will crawl in bed by 3 a.m. Needless to say my buddy bowed out of the deal after their 2nd trip. I initially recruited him on a ‘hey lets go wine tasting in Santa Barbara’ until he realized how much work it entailed. Poor guy, he had to be at the farm at 5 in the morning.” It is all worth it. Millers’ customers love him. He has a unique ability to hear a verbal description of a customers favorite wine and translate that into a recommendation for sometimes a third of the cost. “I have people all over the country that use me as their local wine shop. I ship right to their door – and the cost of the shipping is a drop in the bucket compared to what they save on the cost of the wine. Miller gets deals on Napa wine too. “I have winemakers from small wineries stop in every week saying ‘I have something that will fit into the store,’ if they only have 15 or 25 cases of an end-of-vintage wine – I am the perfect outlet for them.” So head up to the Wine Garage and check out the best deals in the Valley at 1020 Foothill Blvd (Hwy 29), Calistoga, CA 94515. For more information, call (707) 942-5332. You can also check out the website at winegarage.net.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

HIGHLIGHTS ★ JANUARY 2–FEBRUARY 28 Estate Olive Oil, Vinegar & Wine Tasting Sonoma Valley Olive Festival, 707-938-4064x124, www.olivefestival.com www.brcohn.com, B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen ★ JANUARY 4 – Three Kings Day 4pm, 707-933-1999, $5, www.gloriaferrer.com Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Sonoma ★ JANUARY 9 – Martini Madness Sonoma Valley Olive Festival, 707-933-3191, www.macarthurplace.com www.olivefestival.com, Saddles Restaurant, MacArthur Place, Sonoma ★ JANUARY 11, 25 – Don Landis Olive Curing Seminar Sonoma Valley Olive Festival, 11am-1pm, Cline Cellars, Sonoma 707-823-5097, www.olivefestival.com, www.clinecellars.com

NAPA VALLEY ★ ONGOING Fumé Bistro & Bar Happy Hour Spirit & snack specials, wine & beer, 4-6pm Napa, 707-257-1999, www.fumebistro.com ★ ONGOING WEEKENDS (EXCEPT 4TH WEEKEND) Wine Component Tasting Seminar 10:30am-12:30pm, 707-963-7777 www.merryvale.com, $20, free/club members Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena ★ EVERY 4TH WEEKEND Wine & Food Pairing Seminar 10:30am-12:30pm, 707-963-7777 www.merryvale.com, $20, free/club members Merryvale Vineyards, St. Helena ★ ONGOING THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS Wine & Food Pairings 11am: Wine & Cheese Pairing 1pm: Wine & Tapas Pairing Peju Province Winery, Rutherford www.peju.com, 800-446-7358

★ JANUARY 16 – Winter Winemaker Dinner 6:30pm, 925-371-8200, Garré Winery, Livermore, www.garrewinery.com, $65, $55/members

ONGOING Epicurean Explorations RSVP, 707-944-1986, minimum 6 people $95/3-course lunch, $135/5-course lunch www.goosecross.com Goosecross Cellars, Yountville

★ JANUARY 16 – Dinner with the Winemaker Series: Featuring Sebastiani Vineyards 800-541-7788, www.innatthetides.com The Bay View Restaurant, Inn at the Tides, Bodega Bay

ONGOING WEEKENDS Reserve Room at Markham Vineyards Enjoy reserve and library wines by candlelight in an historic stone cellar. $15pp, 11am-4pm www.markhamvineyards.com, 707-963-5292

★ JANUARY 17-18 – 17th Annual Winter Wineland Russian River Wine Road, 100 participating wineries! 11am-4pm, www.wineroad.com, $40/weekend, $30/Sunday, $10 designated drivers

ONGOING Napa Valley Opera House 707-226-7372, www.nvoh.org 1000 Main St. Ste 150, Napa • Jan 9: David Hidalgo & Louis Perez of Los Lobos • Jan 14: Blue Note Jazz • Jan 16: Best of San Francisco Comedy Competition • Jan 24: Spanish Brass

★ JANUARY 17 – Santa Cruz Mountains Winter Passport Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries Association, 11am-5pm, 831-685-VINE(8463) www.scmwa.com, $40, More than 50 Santa Cruz Mountains wineries! ★ JANUARY 18 – Santa Cruz Mountains Wine & Crab Taste-Off Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries Association, 2-5pm, 831-685-VINE(8463) www.scmwa.com, $49/two restaurants Ma Maison, Aptos; Sandlerlings at the Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos; Michael’s on Main, Soquel; Theo’s Restaurant, Soquel ★ JANUARY 21 – Food & Wine Pairing Class 6-8pm, 925-371-8200, www.garrewinery.com, $40, Garré Winery, Livermore ★ JANUARY 23-25 – 10th Annual Crab & Wine Days Various locations in Mendocino County, 707-961-4363, www.gomendo.com ★ JANUARY 24-25 – Bring Out the Barrel El Dorado Winery Association, 800-306-3956, www.eldoradowines.org Barrel tasting weekend at El Dorado wineries! ★ JANUARY 25 – Olive Curing Workshop 11am-1pm, RSVP free, B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen 800-330-4064, www.brcohn.com, ★ JANUARY 31 – Mustard Magic – The Grand Opening Event 16th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival, 7pm The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, St. Helena, 707-944-1133, www.mustardfestival.org

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ONGOING Cooking Classes at Napa Valley Culinary Centre Take a fun class & learn easy gourmet “short cuts” favorite recipes & more & enjoy the flavors of Napa Valley in your own home. Napa 707-603-3250, www.napavalleyculinarycentre.com. ONGOING Wine Tasting at Back Room Wines 5-9pm, 707-226-1378, Napa www.backroomwines.com • Jan 2: Sparkling Wines • Jan 5: Dinner & A Tasting – Jamey Whetstone • Jan 9: Under Twelve Bucks a Bottle Wines • Jan 16: Germany! • Jan 23: Zinfandel • Jan 26: Dinner & A Tasting – Jamey Whetstone ONGOING di Rosa Preserve Art & Nature 707-226-5991, Napa, www.dirosapreserve.org Call for particulars • Ongoing through Feb 7: After the Age Reason: New Work by Maria Porges ★ ONGOING Jefferson House Reserve Room Tasting $25 Reserve Wine Seminar Reservations required, 707-253-2802 x18 Monticello Vineyards, Corley Family Napa Valley Napa, www.CorleyFamilyNapaValley.com

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ONGOING FRIDAYS-MONDAYS Cooking Demonstrations at The DeBaun Theatre 707-967-2320, www.ciachef.edu St. Helena, [email protected], $12.50pp Culinary Institute of America at Greystone ONGOING Tour & Taste In Hall Wines’ Ghost Winery Four barrel samples & four current releases, $20 St. Helena, 707-967-2620, www.hallwines.com ONGOING Private Tours 707-944-1986, RSVP, www.goosecross.com $25, Goosecross Cellars, Yountville ONGOING Cabernet Flight Tasting at A Dozen Vintners Taste & compare award-winning Cabernets St. Helena, 707-967-0666, $5pp www.adozenvintners.com ONGOING Visitor Programs at Robert Mondavi Winery 888-RMONDAVI (766-6328)x2000 www.robertmondavi.com Call or check website for particulars. • The To Kalon Tour & Tasting • A Guided Tasting • Pleasure in the Glass • The Taste of Wine • The “Harvest of Joy” Tour & Lunch • Celebrating California Wine & Food • The Essence Tour & Tasting • Artisan Cheese & Wine – A Perfect Match ONGOING THURSDAYS-SATURDAYS Made in Napa Valley Culinary Centre Taste samples of prepared demos of delicious & easy recipes for entertaing, quick weeknight suppers, grilling techniques and more! 707-603-3250, [email protected] Visit www.madeinnapavalley.com for details. ★ ONGOING THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS Library & Barrel Sample Tastings Sequoia Grove Winery 8338 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena 707-944-2945, www.sequoiagrove.com • 11am: Library & Barrel Sample Tasting in the underground cellar, $20 • 12:30: Food and Wine Pairing Tasting to include Barrel Sample, $40 • 3pm: Library & Barrel Sample Tasting in the underground cellar, $20 ★ ONGOING Ansel Adams – John Muir Trail Exhibit Mumm Winery, 10am-5pm daily, Rutherford 800-MUM-NAPA, www.mummnapa.com ★ ONGOING Progressive Tasting at Sterling Vineyards 800-726-6136, Calistoga www.sterlingvineyards.com Taste limited release wines at the winery. ★ ONGOING Reserve Tour & Tasting at Sterling Vineyards 11am, 800-726-6136, Calistoga www.sterlingvineyards.com, $45pp Private tasting in the Reserve Room after tour. ONGOING VIP Tasting & Artisan Barrel Factory Tour Mon-Fri by appointment, Bourassa Vineyards $15 mid-week special, mention this listing www.bourassavineyards.com 800-499-2366 THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Bacchus That Rascal Multi-media presentation – History of Wine Clos Pegase, Calistoga, free, 2pm www.clospegase.com, 707-942-4981

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK CALENDAR OF EVENTS ★ LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Winemaker Dinners at Fumé Bistro Local favorite wineries are spotlighted in a four-course dinner. $60pp, call for reservations 707-257-1999, Napa, www.fumebistro.com ★ EVERY SATURDAY ZD Wines: Wine & Cheese Seminar Includes visit to Wine Library & Cellar, $40 800-487-7757 x107, 11am Rutherford, 707-963-5188, www.zdwines.com

ONGOING Friday Night Winemaker Events 5-7pm, 877-469-9463, www.jvwine.com, $2 JV Wine & Spirits, Napa ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 7 Napa Behind the Bottle Exhibit Featuring the photography of Bill Tucker 10am-5pm, Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville www.robertmondaviwinery.com, 707-968-2203

★ EVERY SUNDAY Sensory Component Tasting at ZD Wines 11am by appointment only, $20pp Rutherford, 707-963-5188, www.zdwines.com

★ ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 29 Peju Province Winery Art Exhibit 10am-6pm, 800-446-7358, www.peju.com Peju Province Winery, Rutherford • Jan 4: Featured artist Alijona Andejeff

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY Wine & Artisanal Cheese Pairings at Havens Wine Cellars 10am-4:30pm, Napa, 707-261-2000 www.havenswine.com

★ ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 15 Trees: Perspectives and Interpretations 800-MUM-NAPA, www.mummnapa.com Mumm Napa, Rutherford

★ EVERY SATURDAY Chocolate & Red Wine Saturdays at Bennett Lane Winery Calistoga, 707-942-6684, 10am-5pm www.bennettlane.com

JANUARY 3 Tank Tasting in the Cellar 2pm, 800-231-9116, $35, St. Supéry, Rutherford www.stsupery.com, limited space Enjoy fresh oysters & hors d’oeuvres!

JANUARY 4, 11, 18, 25 Behind the Scenes 11am-12pm, 800-231-9116, $30 www.stsupery.com, limited space St. Supéry, Rutherford

★ JANUARY 31 Mustard Magic – The Grand Opening Event 16th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival, 7pm The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, St. Helena, 707-944-1133, www.mustardfestival.org

JANUARY 10 Artisan Cheese & Wine Pairing: California Cheese 2pm, $35, St. Supéry, Rutherford www.stsupery.com, 800-231-9116, limited space

FEBRUARY 1, 8, 15, 22 Behind the Scenes 11am-12pm, 800-231-9116, $30, St. Supéry, Rutherford www.stsupery.com, limited space

★ JANUARY 16-17 Caviar Tastings Chateau Society Event 7-9:30pm, Domaine Carneros, Napa www.domainecarneros.com, 707-257-0101

★ FEBRUARY 6 Welcome Weekend – Jazz & Oysters Event 5-7pm, 800-716-2788x135, $35, $30/members www.domainecarneros.com Domaine Carneros, Napa

★ JANUARY 20 Wine Garage Winemaker Dinner at JoLe Hosted by JoLe Restaurant, Calistoga, 6pm $95 includes wine, 6-course meal RSVP: www.winegarage.net, 707-942-5332 www.jolerestaurant.com, 707-942-5938 JANUARY 24 Cabernet Tasting with Hors d’oeuvres 2pm, $35, St. Supéry, Rutherford 800-231-9116, www.stsupery.com, limited space

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★ FEBRUARY 7 Trilogy Release Celebration 707-967-6723, www.florasprings.com Flora Springs Winery, St. Helena ★ FEBRUARY 7-8 A Weekend of Fine Art 16th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival 707-944-1133, www.mustardfestival.org Galleries throughout Napa Valley

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Coupons & Discounts ANDRETTI WINERY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK ★ FEBRUARY 7 - MARCH Visual Art Competition Exhibit 16th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival 707-944-1133, www.mustardfestival.org St. Supéry, Rutherford

Two for one tasting with ad PAGE 7

BERINGER VINEYARDS Free tasting with paid tasting in the Old Winery, before noon PAGE 33

CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS Tour and tasting from $69 per hour

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CALISTOGA CELLARS Complimentary tasting with ad

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FOLIO WINEMAKERS’ STUDIO Complimentary tasting with ad

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GOLDEN HAVEN Mud Treatment for 2, $54 per person

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HAGAFEN CELLARS Free tasting with ad

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JESSUP CELLARS 2 for 1 tasting with ad

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MARTIN RAY WINERY 15% discount with ad

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OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER $1 off with ad

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SIMI WINERY Save $10 on public tour or tasting

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SONOMA WINE HARDWARE Free offer

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ST. CLEMENT VINEYARDS 2 for 1 tasting with ad

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STAGECOACH EXPRESS Complimentary shipping box

★ ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Wine & Food Sampling at Hop Kiln 10am-5pm, 707-433-6491, www.hopkilnwinery.com Visit the historic tasting room to enjoy delicious wine & sample over 80 food items in their gourmet marketplace, Russian River Valley. ONGOING Wells Fargo Center for the Arts Santa Rosa, 707-546-3600 www.wellsfargocenterarts.com • Jan 10: Biglittlethings • Jan 11: Santa Rosa Concert Association • Jan 15: The Peking Acrobats • Jan 16: Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood • Jan 16: The Hot Club of San Francisco • Jan 23: Forever Tango • Jan 24-26: Santa Rosa Symphony Set Four • Jan 29: Joe Goode Performance Group • Feb 3: The Ant and the Elephant • Feb 6: An Opinionated Evening with Henry Rollins • Feb 7-8: Symphony Pops My Kind of Broadway ONGOING Spreckels Performing Arts Cenr 707-588-3400, Rohnert Park www.spreckelsonline.com • Jan 10: Rick Ellis Sings Sinatra • Jan 22-Feb 8: Doubt, a Parable ★ ONGOING Terroir & History Tour at Chateau St. Jean A visit to Chateau St. Jean lifts all of your senses. Complimentary, 11am-2pm, 707-833-4134 ONGOING Sonoma Film Institute 707-664-2606, www.sonoma.edu/sfi Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park • Jan 9: The Return of the Secaucus Seven • Jan 16: Eight Men Out ★ ONGOING Cooking in the Vineyard – Classes & Seminars Rodney Strong Vineyards, 707-544-3059 Healdsburg, www.rodneystrong.com ★ ONGOING Wine & Food Pairing at Kendall-Jackson Special reserve food & wine tasting, 10am-4pm 707-571-7500, www.kj.com, Fulton, $25pp ONGOING (THURSDAY-SATURDAY) Michel-Schlumberger Winery Green Tour 10:30am, 800-447-3060, $25 www.michelschlumberger.com, Healdsburg ONGOING (MONDAY-SATURDAY) Robert Young Estate Winery Vineyard Tours & Tasting in a Remodeled Grape Gondola 11:30am, $10pp, box lunch provided for $20 Geyserville, www.ryew.com, 707-431-4811 ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS ‘Come Crush With Us’ at Icaria Creek Winery Winemaker Jeff Smith leads a tasting of bottled & barreled wines. Call for reservations & bring a lunch! 707-486-9623, www.icariawinery.com

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★ ONGOING WEEKENDS Wine & Chocolate Pairings 10:30am-4:30pm, Fritz Winery, Cloverdale www.fritzwinery.com, 707-894-3389 $5 tasting fee covers the pairing!

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SUMMERS WINES 10% discount with ad

SONOMA COUNTY

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY Santa Rosa Original Farmers’ Market Santa Rosa Veteran's Building parking lot 707-522-8629, 8:30am-noon

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 29 New Paintings by William Wheeler 707-433-2798, www.palette-art.com Palette Art Café & Gallery, Healdsburg

EVERY FRIDAY MORNING Sonoma Valley Farmers’ Market Depot Park, Sonoma, 9am-noon, 707-538-7023

DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu 707-938-9430, www.sonomameritage.com Sonoma-Meritâge, Sonoma

ONGOING FRIDAYS-MONDAYS Hanna Winery Reserve Tasting Gallery Taste limited-production reserve Bismark Mountain wines paired with local artisanal cheese selections from The Cheese Shop in Healdsburg. Alexander Valley, 707-431-4310 www.hannawinery.com, $10pp ★ EVERY FRIDAY Complimentary Wine Tasting at Flamingo Hotel 5:30-7pm in the Terrace Grille features Sonoma County wines 707-545-8530, 800-848-8300 Santa Rosa, www.flamingoresort.com

★ JANUARY 1 Santé Holiday Domaine Carneros Sparkling Brunch 800-441-1414, www.fairmont.com/sonoma Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Spa ★ JANUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 28 Estate Olive Oil, Vinegar & Wine Tasting Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 707-938-4064x124, www.olivefestival.com www.brcohn.com, B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen JANUARY 2-17 Always Patsy Cline 707-763-8920, www.cinnabartheater.org Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma

★ ONGOING WEEKENDS THROUGH FEBRUARY Estate Olive Oil Tasting & Pesto Sonoma Valley Olive Festival, 707-833-2300 www.olivefestival.com, www.vjbcellars.com VJB Cellars, Kenwood

JANUARY 3 Sonoma Wedding Show 11am-4pm, 707-583-2355 Petaluma Community Center, Petaluma

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 18 Gifts of Art Holiday Art Show 707-829-8912, www.gratongallery.com Graton Gallery, Graton

JANUARY 9 Student Exhibition Reception 5-7pm, 707-431-1970 Plaza Arts Center, Healdsburg

★ ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 Tour & Taste at The Olive Press Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 707-939-8900, www.theolivepress.com www.olivefestival.com The Olive Press, Sonoma

★ JANUARY 9 Martini Madness Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 707-933-3191, www.macarthurplace.com www.olivefestival.com Saddles Restaurant, MacArthur Place, Sonoma

★ ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 Olive Festival Martini Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 707-939-0713, www.amigoscantina.com www.olivefestival.com Amigos Grill & Cantina, Sonoma

★ JANUARY 9 17th Annual Tides Wharf Crab Feed 5-9pm, 707-875-3652, $39.95 The Tides Wharf Restaurant, Bodega Bay

JANUARY 4 ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 8 Vivaldi’s Gloria Sing Along Wine and Winter: Sonoma County Landscapes 6pm, 707-869-3273, $15 Guerneville Community Church, Guerneville 707-588-2780, 707-236-0517 www.americanartvenues.com ★ JANUARY 4 Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Rohnert Park Three Kings Day 4pm, 707-933-1999, $5, www.gloriaferrer.com ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 9 Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Sonoma Lori Robinson Exhibit 888-466-7446, www.moshinvineyards.com JANUARY 5 – FEBRUARY 1 Student Exhibition www.lorirobinson.30art.com 11am-5pm, 707-431-1970, Plaza Arts Center, Healdsburg Moshin Vineyards, Healdsburg

★ ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 Cellar Door Complimentary Tasting Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 707-938-4466, www.sonomacellardoor.com www.olivefestival.com Cellar Door Tasting Room, Sonoma ★ ONGOING THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 Tasting Room Sampling Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 800-995-4740, www.viansa.com www.olivefestival.com Viansa Winery & Marketplace, Sonoma ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 11 Winterfest 707-829-7200, www.sebastopol-gallery.com Sebastopol Gallery, Sebastopol ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 11 The Art of Ursula Fahner Noonan 707-579-1500, www.sonomacountymuseum.org Sonoma Country Museum, Santa Rosa

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JANUARY 10 Truffle Dinner 6:30-10:30pm, 707-433-3579x109 Seghesio Family Vineyards, Healdsburg JANUARY 10 Cinnadinner 707-763-8920, www.cinnadinner.org Jacqueline’s High Tea, Petaluma JANUARY 10 – MARCH 1 Gord Peteran: Furniture Meets Its Maker 707-939-7862, wwwsvma.org Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma ★ JANUARY 11, 25 Don Landis Olive Curing Seminar Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 11am-1pm, 707-823-5097, Cline Cellars, Sonoma www.olivefestival.com, www.clinecellars.com ★ JANUARY 16 Dinner with the Winemaker Series: Featuring Sebastiani Vineyards 800-541-7788, www.innatthetides.com The Bay View Restaurant Inn at the Tides, Bodega Bay

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 17 Jack London Foundation Book Auction Preview at noon, 1pm auction, 707-996-2288 Sonoma Community Center, Sonoma JANUARY 17 Lions Club Crab Feed 12 & 7pm, 707-778-7796 Petaluma Veterans Building, Petaluma

JANUARY 9 Meet the Winemaker: Gregory Graham, Crimson Hill Vineyard 6-9pm, 707-275-2244, www.bluewingsaloon.com Blue Wing Saloon & Café, Upper Lake JANUARY 13 Southwest Cooking Class 11:30am-3pm, 800-479-7944, Albion www.albionriverinn.com, $75, Albion River Inn

★ JANUARY 17-18 17th Annual Winter Wineland JANUARY 17 Russian River Wine Road, 100 participating wineries! The History of Jazz Piano 11am-4pm, www.wineroad.com Solo Performance & Seminar 7:30pm, 707-884-1138, www.gualalaarts.org $40/weekend, $30/Sunday, $10 designated drivers Gualala Arts Center, Gualala ★ JANUARY 17-18 JANUARY 19, 26 Winter Wineland Old Fashioned Crab Feed 11am-4pm, 707-282-9020, www.prwinery.com, 6:30pm, 707-937-5942, $55 Paradise Ridge Tasting Room, Santa Rosa Little River Inn, Little River ★ JANUARY 17-18 JANUARY 22 Winter Wineland 9th Annual Mermaid Ball 11am-4pm, Christopher Creek Winery, Healdsburg 707-937-0282, Ledford House, Albion 707-433-2001, www.christophercreek.com ★ JANUARY 17-18 Winter Wineland 11am-4pm, 800-292-8339, www.quivirawine.com Quivira Vineyards, Healdsburg

JANUARY 23-25 10th Annual Crab & Wine Days 707-961-4363, www.gomendo.com Various locations in Mendocino County

★ JANUARY 22-25 Annual Sonoma Environmental Film Festival 707-935-3456, www.seff.us Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club, Sonoma

JANUARY 23-24 Knights of Columbus Crab Feed 6pm, 707-937-2406, $40, Crown Hall, Mendocino

★ JANUARY 24 Feast of the Olive Dinner Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 707-823-5097, www.olivefestival.com, $150 Ramekins Culinary School, Sonoma ★ JANUARY 24 Professional Olive Oil Tasting Sonoma Valley Olive Festival 707-256-1472, www.buenavistacarneros.com www.olivefestival.com, $55 Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma ★ JANUARY 25 Olive Curing Workshop 11am-1pm, 800-330-4064, www.brcohn.com, RSVP free, B.R. Cohn Winery, Glen Ellen JANUARY 30 Winemaking Team Crab Feed 5:30-8:30pm, 707-433-7427, RSVP www.michelschlumberger.com, $50 Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate, Healdsburg

LAKE/MENDOCINO EVERY SECOND SUNDAY Buford & Brown Yappy Hour Wine tasting with your dog! 1-3pm The Vintage Marketplace, Hopland, 707-744-878 ONGOING Classic Concerts by the Lake Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, Kelseyville www.konoctiharbor.com, 800-660-LAKE • Feb 7: Josh Turner ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 8 Legendary Prints of the Southwest 707-467-2836, www.gracehudsonmuseum.org Grace Hudson Museum, Ukiah

JANUARY 24 Annual Crab & Wine Gala 12-2pm, 707-964-1155, $70, $60/members Pacific Star Winery, Fort Bragg JANUARY 24 10th Annual Navarro Vineyards Crabulious Wine Tasting 5:30pm, 800-264-4723, $15, Dennen’s, Mendocino JANUARY 25 Wine & Crab Event 11am-5pm, 707-895-2828, Toulouse Vineyards, Philo JANUARY 29 2009 Premium Wine Dinner 800-479-7944, www.albionriverinn.com Albion River Inn, Albion JANUARY 30 Crab & Winemaker’s Dinner with Esterlina Vineyards 6:30pm, 888-466-5683, $90 Little River Inn, Little River JANUARY 30 Concerts with Conversations: Spencer Brewer, Pianist 7:30-9pm, 707-275-2244, www.tallmanhotel.com, $40 Tallman Hotel, Upper Lake JANUARY 31 Crab & Wine Festival Winemaker Dinner 6pm, $75, Mendocino Hotel, Mendocino 800-548-0513, www.mendocinohotel.com

NORTH CENTRAL COAST MARIN COUNTY

ONGOING Marin Center in San Rafael 415-499-6800, www.marincenter.org • Jan 5, 8: Marin Speakers Series, Fareed Zakaria JANUARY 4, 11, 18, 25 • Jan 10-11: Bay Area World Guitar Show Sunday Brunch in the Garden with Live Music • Jan 10: Love2Dance: Love 10am-3pm, 707-275-2244, www.bluewingsaloon.com • Jan 16: The Peking Acrobats Blue Wing Saloon & Café, Upper Lake • Jan 18, 20: Marin Symphony, Romantic Passions of Cello & Courtship JANUARY 5, 12, 19, 26 • Jan 24: Bay Area Environmental Education Fair Blue Wing Monday Blues • Jan 24: The Best of Doo-Wop 6:30-9pm, 707-275-2244, www.bluewingsaloon.com • Jan 25: RoCo Dance on Stage Blue Wing Saloon & Café, Upper Lake

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SAN FRANCISCO ONGOING Wednesday Sunset Sessions 5-8pm, Americano Restaurant at Hotel Vitale 415-278-3777, www.americanorestaurant.com JANUARY 10 Bill’s Birthday Bash 9pm, 415-421-TIXS, www.livenation.com The Fillmore, San Francisco A Benefit for The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation, funky Meters featuring Cyril Neville, Marcia Ball, San Francisco Mime Troupe, Bonnie Raitt with Hutch Hutchinson JANUARY 15-21 Berlin & Beyond Film Festival 415-263-8760, www.berlinandbeyond.com Castro Theatre & Goethe Institute, San Francisco JANUARY 20 Kobalt Napa Valley Tasting Seminar & Dinner 415-955-5574, [email protected] Campton Place, San Francisco, $225 JANUARY 20-22 San Francisco Rod, Custom & Motorcycle Show 866-270-1955, www.sfcustomshow.com Cow Palace, San Francisco JANUARY 23 Annual Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux Tasting 2-6pm, www.ugcb.com Le Meridian, San Francisco JANUARY 24 Voices of Latin Rock 5th Annual Benefit for Autism Awareness WAR, Azteca, Los Cenzontles & Voices of Latin Rock Review, 7:30pm, 415-775-7722 Warfield Theater, San Francisco JANUARY 24-25 Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show 8:30am-5pm, 415-404-4111, www.cowpalace.com Cow Palace, San Francisco

MONTEREY BAY AREA ONGOING Sunset Cultural Center-Carmel 831-620-2048, Carmel • Jan 17: Hans Boepple Piano Jan 18-19: Monterey Symphony Concert Three • Jan 23: Best of Doo Wop • Jan 30: Footloose ONGING Live Music at KRML Radio The Eastwood Building, Carmel www.krmlradio.com, 831-624-6432

ONGOING WEEKENDS JANUARY 3 – MARCH 29 Rain Forest Weekends 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton

JANUARY 10-24 Valley of the World Wine & Food Festival 831-775-4721, www.wineandfoorfestival.org Various locations in Salinas

0NGOING WEDNESDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER Winemaker Wednesdays Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association 5pm, 831-685-VINE (8463), www.scmwa.com Shadowbrook Restaurant, Capitola

JANUARY 15-19 Monterey SwingFest 805-937-1574, www.centralcoastswingdance.com Hyatt Regency, Monterey

ONGOING Thursday Night Music Series 6-8pm, 831-475-2258x11, www.bargetto.com Bargetto Winery, Soquel Enjoy music, food & Bargetto wine! ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYS Sweet Thursdays at Cannery Row Family fun, music, fine dining & great discounts 4-8pm, 831-649-6690, Monterey ONGOING TUESDAYS Farmers’ Market at the Barnyard Organic fruit, vegetables & flowers Carmel, 11am-3pm, 831-624-8886 ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYS Monterey Museum of Art Evening of music, wine and hors d'oeuvres 5-7pm, 831-372-5477, Monterey EVERY THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Open for Tasting 11am-4pm, Martin Ranch Winery, Gilroy $10/refundable w/purchase, free/club members www.martinranchwinery.com, 408-842-9197 EVERY TUESDAY Focus on Monterey County Wines Cepage Wine Bar, Rancho Cellars, Carmel 831-625-5646, 3-8pm, www.ranchocellars.com JANUARY 2-4 2009 Twist and Shout Tribute Concert 7:30pm, 831-622-0100, www.pacrep.org Golden Bough Playhouse, Carmel JANUARY 8, 15, 22, 29 Time for Wine 5-9pm, 800-ITS-WINE, www.clos.com Clos La Chance, San Martin JANUARY 10 11th Annual Rotary Wine & Food Festival 6-9pm, 831-775-4721 Pasadera Country Club, Monterey JANUARY 10-11 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair 10am-5pm, 831-420-6115 www.santacruzmuseums.org Louden Nelson Community Center, Santa Cruz

Email Your Events to [email protected] For best results, send your emails at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the date of your event.

★ JANUARY 17 Santa Cruz Mountains Winter Passport Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries Association 11am-5pm, 831-685-VINE(8463) www.scmwa.com, $40 Over 50 Santa Cruz Mountains wineries! JANUARY 17 Barrel Tasting & New Release Party 11am-4pm, 831-624-2600, $10 www.chateaujulien.com Chateau Julien Winery, Carmel Valley JANUARY 17 Monterey Symphony: Jean Sibelius & Pedro Carbone 3 & 8pm, 831-624-8511x0, Sherwood Hall, Salinas www.montereysymphony.org

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 25 Walnut Creek on Ice 925-935-7669, www.iceskatewalnutcreek.com Civic Park, Walnut Creek

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ONGOING Sierra Railroad 209-848-2100, Oakdale, www.sierrarailroad.com • Dec 31: New Years Eve Party

LIVERMORE ★ EVERY FRIDAY Wine Dinners at Café Garré Enjoy gourmet seasonal wine-paired cuisine with locally grown & produced ingredients. Garré Winery, Livermore, 6-9pm 925-371-8200, www.garrewinery.com ONGOING WEEKENDS Wine Cave Tasting Experience 1 & 3pm, 925-456-2405, RSVP, $20 www.wentevineyards.com/caves Wente Vineyards, Livermore

ONGOING Bankhead Theatre Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center 925-373-6800, Livermore JANUARY 17 www.livermoreperformingarts.org Passport Day & 30 Year Anniversary Celebration • Jan 9: Gleusteen & Ordronneau 11am-5pm, 408-353-2278, www.silvermtn.com • Jan 11: Masked Marvels & Wondertales Silver Mountain Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains • Jan 13: Keyboard Conversations II JANUARY 18 • Jan 15: Flight of Imagination Under the Tuscan Moon • Jan 17: Stanford Woodwind Quintet www.pebblebeach.com • Jan 23-25, 30-31: Guys & Dolls Pèppoli at The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach • Jan 29: The Best of Doo Wop ★ JANUARY 18 Santa Cruz Mountains Wine & Crab Taste-Off Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries Association 2-5pm, 831-685-VINE(8463) www.scmwa.com, $49/two restaurants Ma Maison, Aptos; Sandlerlings at the Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos; Michael’s on Main, Soquel Theo’s Restaurant, Soquel

SOUTH BAY ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 11 Downtown Ice 408-279-1775, www.sjdowntown.com Circle of Palms, San Jose ONGOING THROUGH DECEMBER 31 Fantasy of Lights 6-10pm, 408-355-2201, www.parkhere.org, $15 Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos JANUARY 3-4 Cave of the Spirits for Twelfth Night 2pm, 707-224-4222, $40, www.cavemusic.com Byington Winery, Los Gatos JANUARY 11 Grand Old Winery Tour 2:30pm, 408-354-6150 www.testarossa.com Testarossa Vineyards, Los Gatos

Event listings are free, and published as space is available and at the discretion of Wine Country This Week.

SAN MATEO COUNTY

For more event listings throughout Northern and Central California, visit

ALAMEDA COUNTY

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JANUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 15 High School Musical 2 831-622-0100, www.pacrep.org The Golden Bough Theatre, Carmel

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

EVERY SATURDAY Wine Tasting at Beltramo’s Menlo Park, www.beltramos.com 650-325-2806, 2:20-5:30pm

ONGOING THROUGH JANUARY 11 Macbeth Shotgun Players, The Ashby Stage, Berkeley 510-841-6500, www.shotgunplayers.org

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ONGOING FRIDAYS Fridays at Fenestra Fenestra Winery, Livermore, 12-5pm 925-447-5246, www.fenestrawinery.com ONGOING Thursday Night Music & Dinner 6-9pm, 925-456-2400, $125/couple www.wentevineyards.com The Restaurant at Wnte Vineyards, Livermore ONGOING Wine Cave Tasting Experience 1 & 3pm, 925-456-2405, Wente Vineyards $20, $15/wine club members www.wentevineyards.com, Livermore JANUARY 9-19 California Sports, Boat & RV Show 925-931-1890, www.rvshows.net Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton ★ JANUARY 16 Winter Winemaker Dinner 6:30pm, 925-371-8200, Garré Winery, Livermore www.garrewinery.com, $65, $55/members ★ JANUARY 21 Food & Wine Pairing Class 6-8pm, 925-371-8200, www.garrewinery.com, $40 Garré Winery, Livermore JANUARY 24-25 Soup & Wine Souperbowl 12-5pm, 925-447-5246, www.fenestrawinery.com Fenestra Winery, Livermore

SIERRAS/FOOTHILLS ONGOING Railtown 1897 State Historic Park 209-984-3953, Jamestown www.railtown1897.org

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK CALENDAR OF EVENTS EL DORADO COUNTY

AMADOR COUNTY

JANUARY 22 Sierra Soundbites: Delta Wind Quintet 6pm, Madroña Vineyards, Camino www.madronavineyards.com, 530-644-5948

ONGOING Wine Tasting at Amador Vintage Market 10am-7pm, taste the wines in a flight for $3 C.G. di Arie, Four Vines & Cedarville Vineyards 209-245-FOOD, www.amadorvintagemarket.com

JANUARY 24-25 Bring Out the Barrel El Dorado Winery Association 800-306-3956, www.eldoradowines.org Barrel tasting weekend at El Dorado wineries!

CALAVERAS COUNTY SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH Wines of the World Education Tastings 5:30pm, 209-736-2949, $15pp Murphys Hotel, Murphys No reservations required, everyone welcome!

BUTTE COUNTY ONGOING Chico Performances 530-898-6333, www.chicoperformances.com California State University, Chico •Jan 20: Peking Acrobats •Jan 22: The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra •Jan 28: The Second City on Tour

ONGOING Wine Tasting at the Cafe Via d’Oro 6-8pm, 36 Main Street, Sutter Creek www.cafeviadoro.com, 209 267-0535

SACRAMENTO VALLEY ONGOING Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts 866-754-ARTS, www.mondaviarts.org U.C. Davis, Davis •Jan 13: Blue Note Records •Jan 14: Mavis Staples •Jan 16: Gloria Steinem •Jan 18: Alexander String Quartet •Jan 23-24: UC Davis Flute Festival •Jan 25-26: Scrap Arts Music •Jan 25: Empyrean Ensemble, Americana – Music & Film

ONGOING Sacramento River Train 800-866-1690, Sacramento www.sacramentorivertrain.com

JANUARY 9-31 Gallery Showcase: Artists’ Choice 209-368-5123, www.KnowltonGallery.com Knowlton Gallery, Lodi JANUARY 16, 18

LODI/WOODBRIDGE ONG0ING Hutchins Street Square 209-333-6782, Lodi www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com •Jan 4: George Winston •Feb 8: Central Valley Youth Symphony, Honoring Our Seniors Through Music

The Barber of Seville Stockton Opera Association 209-946-2474, www.stocktonopera.org University of the Pacific, Stockton JANUARY 24 Crab Feed 6pm, 209-466-3836, $45 Waterloo Gun & Bocci Club, Lodi

JANUARY 9 Opening Reception, Gallery Showcase: Artists’ Choice 6-8:30pm, 209-368-5123 www.KnowltonGallery.com, Knowlton Gallery, Lod

JANUARY 24-25 Pastel Workshop, Studio 9am-4pm, 209-368-5123, $225 www.KnowltonGallery.com Knowlton Gallery, Lodi 2 day workshop with Gill Dellinger

JANUARY 9 Pacific Softball’s 27th Annual Cioppino Feed 6pm, 209-946-2699, $40 The American Legion Hall, Lodi

★ FEBRUARY 14-15 12th Annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend 11am-4pm, 209-365-0621, $35/adv, $45 www.lodiwineandchocolate.com, www.lodiwine.com Visit participating Lodi wineries!

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WINERY FEATURE WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

MUMM NAPA Artistry and Bubbles by Charles Neave

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n one of those cool, crisp and lovely days we are lucky to get in the Napa Valley, few spots are a better place to be than at the tasting room of the sparkling wine house Mumm Napa – the American outpost of one of the finest French Champagne houses in the world. It may be many thousands of miles from the original, but the hospitality is just as gracious and welcoming. It also has stunning views and makes it a must stop for any visitor. The history of sparkling wine in the Valley is not new, but when Mumm Napa opened its doors it added a new sense of sophistication and style. Then there was the fact that they have an art gallery with a permanent collection of Ansel Adams photographs, that grand view and, well, the attraction multiplies. Located at one of the higher points along the scenic Silverado Trail, the winery offers – in addition to exceptional sparkling wines and gracious hospitality – that wonderful, sweeping view across the vineyards of this part of the Napa Valley. In the sun, in the

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rain, in the occasional morning fog that makes the fields seem surreal and almost dream-like it simply doesn’t matter, not when you are sitting at a table, being served tastes of their wine. It is a relaxed, unhurried, and completely civilized way to spend some time as you tour this part of the world. The making of sparkling wine is a real art. While many people enjoy the end result, not many understand the complex and timeconsuming process that precedes it. But if you want to find out even more about the intricate process of turning grapes into wine that truly sparkles, make sure you make time to take the free tours, which are every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. until the last www.winecountrythisweek.com

one of the day at 3 p.m. The whole process is a fascinating blend of farming and terroir, technology, artistry and, as much as any other component, a long and storied history. All of which is aimed at capturing those millions of tiny little bubbles in the bottle and delivering them to wine lovers around the world. At the winery you have two initial options as to where you taste: indoors or out. Inside, where the Champagne flutes stand lined up in long rows, floor-to-ceiling glass makes up three sides, allowing for unparalleled and unobstructed views of both the vineyards and other parts of the attractive winery. There are modern wickerstyle chairs and stone table tops into which is pressed a leaf motif. Outside, market umbrellas shade the tables and you almost feel a part of the vines. Right across the courtyard is the entrance to their acclaimed gallery of fine art photography, also not to me missed, either before or after you taste. “In March, a brand new second terrace will be opening for a new level of our club members, and we will be serving all library wines,” said Jeri Gallant, the visitor center

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK WINERY FEATURE manager. “It will also be available for the special events that we have here at the winery.” By all means be sure to sample their famous DVX label. An exceptional wine for a very special occasion, for a very special someone, or for both. But at the winery they will be the first to tell you a glass or two of sparkling wine from Mumm Napa will make every day a special one. And they have a great many offerings to choose from (some available only at the winery), to fit any mood, to pair with almost any food. So make a trip to this spot on the Silverado Trail and have a taste (or three) for yourself. The tasting room at Mumm Napa is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. In addition to the tastes and surprises you will find in your glass, the staff at Mumm Napa also emphasizes the “hospitality” part of their profession. Whether you want local recommendations, detailed information on the wines and winery, or simply want to chat about the harvest, weather and what is happening next weekend, they are outgoing and friendly. It is located at 8445 Silverado Trail between the Oakville Cross Road and the Rutherford Cross Road. For more information, call them at 1-800-MUM-NAPA or (707) 967-7700 (or 1-866-7835826 for special events), or look them up on the Internet at www.mummnapa.com. You can also get information on exhibits and upcoming special events plus private tours and tastings on their website. www.winecountrythisweek.com

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WITH

QUESTIONS

WINE COUNTRY NEWS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

DENNIS ZABLONSKI

FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS by Charles Neave No less a personage than the late Robert Mondavi has called Frank Family tasting room manager a “treasure”. And no one who has met Dennis is ever likely to forget the occasion or disagree with that assessment. Holding court now in the winery’s stunning new tasting room at the historic property just north of St. Helena, his continued passion and enthusiasm for the winery, and the Napa Valley, has never diminished.

1. What is the one thing you most love about the Napa Valley? The wine. That was easy.

2. You used to be a great baseball player. You still a fan? No.

3. What is the wine varietal you think is the most underrated? Syrah.

4. When you are not at work what do you like to do? Drink wine.

5. If you didn’t work here at Frank Family, or in the wine business, what would be your ideal job? I’d be a golf sports agent.

6. Frank Family Winery has some of the most desired wine in the world – do have a favorite? It would have to be Cabernet Sauvignon.

7. Is there one misconception you find that most people that visit have about the Valley? They think you have to spend a thousand dollars a day to have a great time here, and that’s just not true.

8. Best dessert and wine combination? Black Forest cake and either Cabernet or Port.

9. Last book you read? The Dick Francis novel ‘Firewall’.

10. Favorite time of year? I would have to say late October and the early part of November.

Frank Family Vineyards is open every day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is located at 1091 Larkmead Lane in St. Helena. For more information, call (707) 942-0859.

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WINE COUNTRY NEWS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards: A Proud Heritage Moves Forward by Charles Neave

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Ken Viale

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ake a long family interest and involvement in growing grapes and making wine, a commitment to excellence, style and refinement at every level, and then throw in those intangibles that make a winery a little more special, and the result? Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, very near the southern gateway to Sonoma County Wine Country. Starting a few years ago with a beautiful piece of property across the street from another iconic winery (with the same owners, by the way), Cline Cellars, the building that now houses the new winery slowly, carefully took shape. Today, it is a striking rustic stone structure done in the Italian style that goes back to the Jacuzzi family home in the Italian town of Udine. In fact, this 18,000-square-foot building is meant to honor that family, Italian immigrants who made their way from northwest Italy to America in the early part of the last century to raise their children and make their fortune. “Visitors to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards are in awe of the attention to detail given this magnificent Italian winery at the entrance to the Sonoma Valley. “Guests are fascinated with the history of the Jacuzzi family and impressed by the carpentry work, products of reclaimed wood from our various properties. The Olive Press next to the tasting room gives our visitors another point of interest” the winery’s Bob Kelso said recently. The land this stunning winery sits on is 190 acres of coveted Carneros real estate. Known for cool days (a result of its proximity to San Pablo Bay) and warm nights, coastal winds and fog, and adobe clay and Sonoma volcanic soil, the Carneros region is famous for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as

well as the more esoteric varietals such as the illusive Sangiovese (a key ingredient in classic Italian Chiantis) and the hearty, mouth-filling Barbera. The winery owns a total of four vineyards throughout the Sonoma County appellation, making them one of the dominant growers in the area. Not surprisingly the vineyards are planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sangiovese, as well as Pinot Grigio and Merlot. Some of the acreage is also used to plant Italian olive trees, a further acknowledgment of their past. In addition to this the winery farms the “Green String” way (as it has since 2000) using zero pesticides, no petroleum based fertilizers and no herbicides. As they say, “Our belief is that this is the best way to

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Richard Wood

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attain a healthy vineyard. Developing healthy soil supplies vines with the water and nutrients it needs.” The wines produced at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards constitute a long list, close to a dozen in fact. They range from traditional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to fascinating blends such as the Valeriano, a combination of Cabernet, Barbera and Merlot. Aged two years in French and American oak barrels it is their Super Piemontese. At the other end of the spectrum are two lighter offerings, the Arneis from Paicines and the Moscato Bianco made with grapes from the fertile Alexander Valley to the north. Just as you really need to go to the winery to see what has been created architecturally, even more do you need to visit to find what a rich heritage can mean when it comes to crafting unique and delicious wines at one of the area’s newest and most striking wineries. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is located at 24724 Arnold Drive (Highway 121) about ten minutes from the town of Sonoma. The tasting room is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. For directions or for more information you can call them at (707) 931-7575 or toll free at 1-866-522-8693, or look for them on the World Wide Web at www.jacuzziwines.com. www.winecountrythisweek.com

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P erfect P airs

by Francis Rivetti

Scallop, Fennel & Apple Risotto Superbly Paired with Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay As owners of the Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Healdsburg, second-generation Italian Americans, Don and Rhonda Carano certainly know how to celebrate Wine Country seasonal cuisine and authentic Italian home cooking at its very best. “The concept of cooking seasonally and abundantly with fresh, local foods and produce and pairing these unique recipes with our wines is the beauty of living in such a bountiful region,” says Rhonda, who shares this fabulous seasonal pairing with Ferrari-Carano Alexander Valley 2006 Russian River Valley “Vineyard Select” Dominique Chardonnay. Despite the reputation of risotto as traditional restaurant food, it is surprisingly easy to create the splendor of a Sonoma County Italian-style fresh seafood feast paired with its ideal companion wine in the comfort of your own home kitchen. All that stirring and careful watching over the rice is not as complicated as it may appear in a typical Italian cookbook recipe, for Arborio rice is quite robust and capable of soaking up considerable liquid for most delicious results. Fruit for the Scallop, Fennel and Apple Risotto’s companion wine comes from a single vineyard along a creek in one of the coolest regions of the Russian River Valley, a terroir driven with intense ripe aromas and flavors of pear, fig and apple interspersed with a hint of maple syrup and nutmeg. “The Dominique Chardonnay’s ripe fruit component perfectly complements our favorite seasonal risotto,” says Rhonda. “A bright acidity with layers of intense flavors in this beautiful Chardonnay enhances the complimentary flavors of the fish, fruit and fennel of this exceptional dish.” Three Chardonnay clones comprise the 2006 Dominique Chardonnay. Each lot was hand harvested, whole cluster pressed and cold-settled for two days in stainless steel tanks for a mere 24 hours prior to being transferred into a variety of French Oak cooperage barrels. Aged by lot, 2006 Dominique Chardonnay was stirred weekly for 15 months before bottling in December 2007. Dominque Chardonnay may be tasted in a flight of four wines for a $5 tasting fee at Villa Fiore, Ferrari-Carano’s hospitality wine center located at 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. Tasting room hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (707) 4336700. Dominique Chardonnay is also available for purchase on-line at www.ferrari-carano.com.

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SCALLOP, FENNEL & APPLE RISOTTO • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 1 head fennel bulb, sliced paper-thin • 1 ½ cup Arborio rice • 1 medium Golden Delicious apple, peeled, cored and diced • ½ cup dry white wine • 5 cups vegetable stock, hot • 1 tbsp. olive oil • 4 strips proscuitto, sliced, cut julienne • 12 fresh Diver scallops, cut into chunks, keep 4 whole • 4 tbsp. mascarpone or ¼ cup cream • Splash of white vinegar • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese • 3 tbsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley Heat butter in a large, wide, deep pan over medium. Add shallot, sauté until soft and translucent. Add garlic and fennel and sauté a few minutes longer. Add rice and stir until all the grains are coated well, add the wine and stir until absorbed. Begin to add simmering stock, a full ladle at a time, stirring frequently after each addition. Wait until each addition is absorbed before adding next ladle. After 10 minutes of cooking rice, add the apples and stir, watching so it doesn’t stick by adding more stock. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large heavy sauté pan and add proscuitto and fry until crisp. Remove, set aside. With pan still hot, sauté the 4 whole scallops with a little salt and white pepper, set aside. Add scallop chunks and cook until almost done. Do not overcook. Add the mascarpone cheese or cream. Remove from heat and add this mixture to your rice and stir in. Add a splash of wine vinegar, Parmesan cheese and stir until rice is nice and creamy. Serve family style on a large platter, or divide into bowls, top with crispy proscuitto, arrange whole scallops on top, sprinkle with parsley.

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From the Hills of Montalcino to the Heart of Sonoma Lorenzo Petroni’s dream was to be the first California vintner to grow the prized Sangiovese Grosso clone from his native Tuscany in Sonoma soil. He sensed that California could produce stunning results with Italian varieties, similar to the new world successes accomplished with the Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. His feeling is that if done correctly, the new world can rival if not surpass Italy’s most prestigious red wines. At Petroni Vineyards, they strive to accomplish that obsession every day. In searching out the right spot, Lorenzo traveled the Northern California Wine Country for years, until one bright day, on a one-lane, winding road on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Range, he happened on a 37 acre estate with an old double wide just below Monte Rosso Vineyard. The red, mineral rich terrain was filled with rocks and stones, was extremely steep at 800 ft. elevation, facing due south, with an undulating pattern that looked perfect for developing multiple plots within the estate. Lorenzo, and his wife Maria Elena, purchased the parcel the very next day, in the Spring of 1992. First the land was cleared, grape cuttings from Montalcino and Tuscan olive trees were secured and the terraces and vineyard blocks were laid out over 14 acres using volcanic rocks from the property to build the retaining walls and provide an optimal 100% organic farming environment. The mobile home was removed and in its place, a villa rose above the small winery. Italian and American flags were raised at the gates and the Poggio alla Pietra (Hill of

Rocks) estate was born. After selling the fruit the first few years, the first estate wine was produced in 1998. In addition to Brunello di Sonoma, the winery also produces estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah as well as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from purchased fruit and the 100% certified organic estate extra virgin olive. So the story unfolds and the dream grows closer to being realized with more exciting developments on the horizon. The 2006 Rosso di Sonoma was awarded 92 points by the Wine Enthusiast in the 2008 December publication. It is described as: “an absolutely lovely wine, made in the modern soft style, but with great structural integrity. The delicious flavors come in waves of currents, wild berries, peppery spices, chocolate-covered mint, licorice and cedary oak influences. Fully drinkable now due to the finely ground, velvety tannins.” Lorenzo Petroni runs the famous North Beach Restaurant, considered by many a San Francisco institution, and has proudly served authentic Tuscan cuisine to San Franciscans and world-citizens since 1970. North Beach Restaurant has a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list with a selection of over 400 wines from all over the world. Lorenzo’s experience and understanding of wine, combined with an organic grape-growing philosophy with minimal intervention in the cellar and a faith in Sonoma Valley as a premium wine growing region is the driving force behind Petroni Vineyards.

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Jeffry can be heard discussing Wine Country every Thursday at 5:45pm on the Monterey Peninsula's number 1 rated talk show: www.ForLocalsOnly.com; with live digital streaming from the legendary KRML Jazz & Blues Radio, in Carmel.

FYI: What

’ s hot this week

by Jeffry Ross

E-mail content considerations to [email protected]

2009 Tips

Urban Winery

Resolved to broaden your tastes and knowledge this year? Break tradition by not following the masses. There’s only one way to really learn more about wine: be adventurous. Find your own zone and do everything in your power to stray from the same old thing. Explore a couple of offbeat wineries or hot boutiques. Pick something on a wine list you’ve never heard of, one you can’t pronounce. Become a world citizen with Argentinean Malbecs and Spanish Riojas. If you don’t challenge yourself, you’ll follow the masses into mainstream sipping and miss the best part of wine: discovering it for yourself. Here are some tips to kick-start your new year. 1. For an out-of-the-ordinary tasting excursion, make an appointment to taste at Jarvis, Darioush or Prager wineries. The appeal of Jarvis is its class-act setting. The entire Napa winery is underground, 46,000 square feet of roaming caves with a waterfall streaming through it. For wine geeks, there’s the additional perk that the winemaker is Dimitri Tchelistcheff, son of legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff, who revolutionized Napa Valley Cabernet. Darioush is another rare find, a Persian architectural feat. The Napa winery, which focuses on Bordeaux varietals, has classic Persian elements blended with modern European touches. Finally, Prager Winery and Port Works, in St. Helena, is unusual because it’s in a no-frills barn, offering insight into a determined new breed of entrepreneur obsessed with making exceptional wines on a limited budget. At this rustic winery, the riches are in the glass: stellar Petite Sirah and royal Ports. 2. Handcrafted wines are at their best in boutiques – small wineries that produce 5,000 cases a year or less. Here’s a short list of my favorite labels whose producers are true artisans: Silenus Vintners, Benessere, Elizabeth Spencer, Grange-Sonoma or Wilson Winery. Why not keep a running list in 2009? 3. When exploring wine lists with an eye to imports, keep this in mind: California Pinot Noirs have characteristics similar to Cote du Rhones from France and Spanish reds based on Tempranillo; California Chardonnay aligns with white Chateauneuf du Pape from France and Verdelho from Spain; California Sauvignon Blancs echo Albarinos from Spain and Gruner Veltliners from Austria. 4. If exploring wine seems too pricey an exercise, here’s one final tip, take a look at www.winegarage.net. Specializing in upwards of 200 different wines and an impressive inventory of over 3000 bottles, the Wine Garage is the “industry insiders’” wine store. Todd Miller, founder and wine buyer, procures undiscovered top shelf wines from several boutique producers (most making less than 1000 cases per year). Many of the bottles are priced under $15 and none are over $25. To find out more, see the website, call (707) 942-5332 or visit them in Calistoga. The Wine Garage is found at 1020 Foothill Blvd (driving north on Highway 29 they’re on the right, a street before the flashing light).

The new rage in wines? Warehouses! Yep, warehouses. These days, you don’t need a winery to make great wine. In fact, some of the most interesting varietals are being produced in warehouses. Cast away any pessimistic notion you have about tin-roofed tasting rooms because these less than bucolic settings can deliver. At $100,000 per acre, many aspiring winemakers cannot afford to start a winery so, these caverns of corrugated steel are the perfect alternative. Among these are Jack and William Salerno, who produce the Manzanita Creek label. The Salernos rent a 4,000-square-foot warehouse in north Healdsburg and have a small tasting room in the front. Despite their unconventional approach, they have received more than their fair share of gold medals, including Best of Class in 2005. Rather than aspiring to own an extravagant winery, the Salernos hope to build a bigger, better warehouse. And they’re not alone. Warehouse wineries are a growing niche among America’s most passionate winemakers, determined entrepreneurs who insist on owning their own labels despite having fewer resources than convention might dictate. These warehouses, located far from vineyards, are often in obscure pockets of cities and not easy to find. Yet these buildings, some with 30-foot ceilings, have enabled winemakers short on investment capital to defy the system and plunge into the wine biz anyway. Making wine without much overhead isn’t the only benefit of being a warehouse vintner. The warehouse district dress code and lifestyle also has a whimsical appeal, especially to those fond of jeans, bento boxes and iPods. Find Manzanita Creek at 1441A Grove Street in upscale Healdsburg; (707) 433-4052, www.manzanitacreek.com.

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Say Spahhh! Economy got you tense? Although the current doldrums seem to threaten the frivolity associated with having a spa day, relaxation may still be the best deal in town. Research reveals there are still a few places to enjoy a little relaxation without breaking the bank. Case in point, Envision Spa offers soothing massage and every spa treatment imaginable. An owner-operated spa, this establishment entices clients to “treat thyself” to the unique services it offers. Treatment options vary from simple scrubs and brow-shaping to full-out body therapy, nourishing the skin with a full line of upscale skin products. This fun-loving body shop also focuses on waxing, assuring “an eyebrow wax can be an instant facelift for only $12,” or a bikini wax as far you want to take it. Want your skin to glow? Ask for the spa’s Eve Taylor beauty products (hailed by the world’s leading skin care therapists). By the way, don’t be put off by the strip mall location, this sexy spa is the perfect stop after cosmopolitans or just before that really hot date. Whatever the occasion, pamper yourself at this fun urban oasis. 817 Russell Avenue Suite C, Santa Rosa, (707) 566-0969. FYI: Bring a friend along and receive 50% off their unlimited package.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK THINGS TO DO

Looking for Something Special in a Wine Club?

@

Visit PREMIER WINE CLUBS online

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Find your perfect wine club according to: varietal • price • color preference • winery name special events • discounts • tours • and more!

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FLAMINGO RESORT & SPA Five Star Features at a Moderate Price by Frances Rivetti

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our million dollars of extensive interior and exterior remodeling with sleek, state-of-the-art style including slate and bamboo, flat screen televisions, plush, white, European spa-style bedding, a second, brand new heated lap pool and energy-efficient lighting and windows have done wonders for the legendary, new-look Flamingo Resort and Spa, Santa Rosa’s ultimate, restyled retro resort. Five star features at a moderate price range … isn’t that what most of us are looking for in today’s market for the ideal hotel resort destination stay? And where many up-scale Wine Country resort spa hotels come up short in personality and warmth, The Flamingo continues to maintain its one-of-a-kind status as the friendliest, most fun and affordable place to stay in Sonoma County. Designated a Santa Rosa historic landmark and inspired by the graceful glass and stone design of the fabled Las Vegas Flamingo, the Wine Country hotel was built in the late 1950s and is central to twelve distinct wine appellations and unlimited regional recreational activities. A favorite destination for catered functions, weddings, parties and conferences, the Santa Rosa Flamingo is home to award-winning Montecito Heights Health Club with its outstanding and state-of-the-art lap pool – a rare on-site commodity, complimenting the hotel’s 170 tastefully remodeled rooms, all set amidst artfullymaintained and mature gardens. The

Voted: • Best Sunday Buffet Brunch • Best Resort Spa for Sonoma County! – BEST OF BOHEMIAN full-service spa features 12 treament rooms including Body Scrub Vichy shower (photo shown, page 34) and includes use of the lap pool, sauna, steam rooms and Jacuzzi. Family owned and operated for the past 30 years, The Flamingo’s proprietor Pierre Ehret infuses his European heritage into this quintessential Sonoma County experience. Alongside a penchant for providing a superior quality guest experience worthy of all of the great hotel spas of the world, Ehret takes enormous pride in his resort-wide display of classic collector Charlie Brown character statues. Its strong connection to the glamour of Hollywood and Las Vegas attracts film crews and visiting celebrities for a wide variety of modern amenities immersed in the glorious ambience of an original 1950s summer resort. Spacious, family-friendly rooms are equipped with voice-mail, data-ports, climate control, eco-friendly bath products, direct-dial telephones, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, remote controlled, flat-front televisions with expansive cable offerings. Fully equipped accommodations for physically challenged guests are available and the resort boasts 14 suites, executive poolside rooms and See page 34

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Tickets Now On Sale for ZAP Zinfandel Festival Tickets for the 18th Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Festival are now available through the website (www.zinfandel.org) and by calling (530) 274-4900. The festival takes place January 28-31, 2009 in San Francisco. Details are updated regularly at www.zinfandel.org. “There’s no other place in the world a wine lover can go to experience so much about the world of Zinfandel,” explains Rebecca Robinson, ZAP’s Executive Director. “Every year we see increasing interest in America’s heritage grape, which played a key role in California’s history,” she adds.

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In 2008, an estimated 10,000 people attended the four events which made up The 17th Anniversary Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Festival in January. 273 Zinfandel wineries poured at least one wine each, with a total field of wines available to taste approaching 550; the wines were primarily the 2004 vintage and barrel samples of the 2005. More than 300 volunteers helped keep the event proceeding smoothly. Zinfandel Advocates & Producers has been told that this is the biggest single varietal (wine) event in the world and possibly also the largest single-varietal single-day wine event worldwide.

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Flights: A Showcase of California Zinfandels, an afternoon of seated tastings and panel discussions, will take place on Wednesday, January 28 from 2 to 6 p.m. at City College in San Francisco (50 Phelan Avenue, 94112, www.ccsf.edu/Campuses/). Ticket prices are $100 per person for ZAP members and $130 per person for non-ZAP members. Good Eats & Zinfandel Pairing, a “dine-around” extravaganza, where Zinfandel producers team up with restaurants and purveyors to offer fine-tuned food-wine “marriages,” will take place on Thursday, January 29 at Fort Mason (94123, www.fortmason.org from 6 to 9 p.m. Ticket prices for members are $95 and $125 for non-members. Evening with the Winemakers, an elaborate tasting and dinner and auction to benefit The Heritage Vineyard Projects, takes place on Friday, January 30 at The Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco (335 Powell Street, 94102, www.westinstfrancis.com/location/) from 5 to 10 p.m. Ticket prices are $210 for members and $260 for nonmembers. There is also a VIP ticket for Evening with the Winemakers, at $365 per person. The 18th Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Tasting will take place on Saturday, January 31 at Ft. Mason. Early bird tickets, for members only, are $49; tickets at the door, for the public are $69. Members can enjoy the event from 1 to 5 p.m.; the public is welcome from 2 to 5 p.m. The trade tasting begins at 10 a.m. (tickets must be arranged in advance at www.zinfandel.org). The tasting is the only place where Zin aficionados can purchase the Heritage Vineyard Zinfandel; in 2009 the 2006 vintage (made by Jerry Seps of Storybook Mountain Winery) will be available. Each attendee received a commemorative wineglass (to use and keep) as well as a baguette upon entering. Logo’d merchandise and mixed cases of Zinfandels were available for purchase as well. Water, coffee, cheeses, breads and fruits were available throughout the two pavilions. Visit www.zinfandel.org to join ZAP, research Zinfandel and more! Visit www.zinworld.org to join in the enormous online world of Zinfandel lore and socializing. The Association of Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is a non-profit, educational 501(c)(3) organization. ZAP is dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. Winegrowers, winemakers and wine enthusiasts combine to form the membership. The common focus is the preservation and recognition of Zinfandel as America’s heritage wine. ZAP’s membership includes approximately 300 winery-members, 6,000 advocate-members and 50 associate members. www.winecountrythisweek.com

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LODGING WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK NAPA VALLEY

INN ON RANDOLPH 1860s landmark Victorian and 1930s cottages in Napa’s Riverfront District. All accommodations include full breakfast, privae bath, A/C, phone. Most feature whirlpool tub, fireplace, deck or patio. Cottages also offer TV/VCR/CD, fridge, microwave. 411 Randolph Street, Napa (707) 257-2886 www.innonrandolph.com

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CANDLELIGHT INN Private baths; TV/phone and AC; two-person marble jacuzzis and fireplaces; balconies or decks; three-course gourmet breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, wine and sherry in the evening; luxurious 30'x60'; swimming pool 1045 Easum Drive, Napa 1-800-624-0395 candlelightinn.com

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Flamingo Resort & Spa

multiple function rooms throughout. Stroll along covered walkways of polished flagstone toward a giant sycamore and cedar dotted outdoor pool and you will find ample room for lounging under the new cabana or by the poolside bar. Though an ever-changing lineup of live music, dance and informal nightlife at the retro Flamingo Lounge is undoubtedly one of the resort’s major attractions for locals, conference and resort-spa visitors have little reason to leave the Flamingo for evening entertainment and hospitality. Offering Wine Country cuisine and poolside dining in summer months; the remodeled Terrace Grill is a destination-dining venue in itself for its distinctive, regional dishes. During daytime hours, diners enjoy sweeping views over the resort’s attractive pool and gardens and in the evening, a moonlit pool provides a romantic backdrop for platters of fresh, local ingredients celebrating the bounty of Sonoma County. Bohemian Newspaper reader-voted “Best of Sonoma County” Sunday KJZY Brunch is a popular weekend treat. Room prices range from $109 to $259 with winter weekend specials as low as $99 per night. Flamingo Resort & Spa is conveniently located 2777 4th Street on Highway 12 on Farmer’s Lane, across from Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa, CA 95405; (707) 545-8530, www.flamingoresort.com.

NAPA VALLEY

LODI/WOODBRIDGE

SUNNY ACRES BED & BREAKFAST Victorian set amidst vineyards. Queen size beds, private bathrooms with shower. 397 Main Street, St. Helena (707) 963-2826 www.sunnyacresbandb.com

ROBIN’S NEST GUEST HOUSE 665 W. Turner Road, Lodi

WINE AND ROSES HOTEL AND RESTAURANT 2505 W. Turner Road

(209) 334-6988

SONOMA COUNTY– SANTA ROSA

AMOROSA INN AND GARDENS 8400 E. Harney Lane

(209) 367-0882

THE INN AT LOCKHOUSE 19960 Elliot Road, Lockeford

(209) 727-5715

FLAMINGO RESORT & SPA 170 rooms and suites on 10 acres, garden setting with heated pool, night club with entertainment,Terrace Grill restaurant, fitness center and tennis courts 2777 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa 1-800-848-8300 VINTNERS INN Forty-four spacious rooms and suites with balconies or patios; surrounded by vineyards. 1-800-421-2584 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa www.vintnersinn.com

SONOMA COUNTY– SONOMA

Check out our website for more lodging options in California Wine Country: Napa Valley • Sonoma County Livermore • Central Coast Lodi/Sierra Foothills Mendocino • Lake County

Continued from page 30

LEDSON HOTEL Luxury hotel situated on historic Sonoma Plaza. Six individually decorated rooms with king-size bed, whirlpool baths, fireplace and balconies. Appointed with antique grandeur paired with modern amenities. (707) 996-9779 480 First Street East, Sonoma www.ledsonhotel.com

SONOMA COUNTY– COAST INN AT THE TIDES Bay views, walking distance to shopping, restaurants; swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, sauna; rooms with views and fireplaces; massage available; 1-800-541-7788 continental breakfast 800 Highway One, Bodega Bay www.InnattheTides.com

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(209) 334-3952 www.robinsnestlodi.com

MONTEREY BAY/CENTRAL COAST LONE OAK LODGE Voted Monterey Peninsula Travel Planner Best Value – Within minutes to aquarium, wineries, Monterey Harbor, shopping, taverns, restaurants, etc. Rooms available with kitchenettes. 1-800-283-5663 www.loneoaklodge.com LOBOS LODGE Visit Lobos Lodge in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Lovely rooms with a fireplace. Complimentary continental breakfast. Snack refrigerators, patios and balconies. Complimentary off-street parking. Ocean Ave. at Monte Verde, Carmel (831) 624-3874 email: [email protected] www.loboslodge.com MONTE VERDE INN Nestled in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the MonteVerde Inn is the essence of carmel. Just steps from Ocean Avenue with its many shops, galleries and restaurants, the Inn is only five blocks from the miracle mile of Carmel’s white sandy beach. Style, comfort, location – MonteVerde Inn has it all. Monte Verde & Ocean Ave., Carmel 831 624-6046, www.carmelmonteverdeinn.com

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK NAPA VALLEY

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NAPA VALLEY WINERIES WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK NAPA VALLEY

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NAPA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Winemaker Profile: Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards

MAC SAWYER by Nan Reiley

M

ac Sawyer is an enthusiastic winemaker. He has been an enthusiastic winemaker since 7th grade, when an early interest in chemistry led him to make plum wine and then distill it into plum brandy. With some time off for adolescence, a year-long sea voyage on a sailing ship and some pre-med schooling at the University of California at Davis, Mac renewed his passion for wine by enrolling in, and graduating from, that school’s renowned enology and viticulture program. The university program included an exchange student stay in Montpelier, France where Mac was only the second American to participate in the prestigious école superieur program in viticulture and enology that led to the equivalent of a master’s degree. While in France he worked in several wineries and vineyards in Bordeaux, Provence and Alsace. Upon his return to California, Mac made wine at Wente and Stag’s Leap before joining Clos Pegase. Meanwhile, Todd Anderson, who owns Conn Valley Vineyards, was busily transforming some hayfields hidden in the far northeastern corner of Napa Valley into vineyards and a winery. The first grapes he sold,

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in 1986, were Cabernet Sauvignon, to Mac Sawyer at Clos Pegase. “They were good, too,” recalls Mac, “so when I heard in 2000 that Todd was looking for a winemaker, I knew the fruit quality was in place for me to make some great wine there.” Mac has been with Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards since that time, and knows the vineyards so well that he can finesse the fruit just the way he wants, to create rounded, sweet tannins in his red wines and pure varietal flavors in the whites. Because of the winery’s small case production (approximately 8,500 cases per year) Mac is hands on with each and every one of them. During a tasting in the caves behind the winery, he displays his intimate knowledge of the character and history of each Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. He is especially proud of his Bordeaux blends which include a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot called “The Right Bank,” a tribute to the St. Emilion region of Bordeaux, famous for its exceptional wines. Éloge (meaning “praise”) is another classic red Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Both wines are rich and lush, full of black fruit flavor and with the ripe sweet tannins that www.winecountrythisweek.com

Mac insists on. Mac’s wines are regularly tasted by wine critic extraordinaire, Robert Parker, who praises them highly. But that’s just one more reason to pay a visit to the winery. You owe it to yourself to get off the beaten path in Napa Valley, away from the wine castles and palaces to the serene, hushed beauty of hills and forests that comprise tiny Conn Valley and its environs. There’s only one winery here, and where the road comes to a winding end, you’ll find it. You should call ahead for an appointment, and chances are that Mac himself or Todd Anderson will be your guide through the caves and the wine tasting. Bring a picnic lunch with you and enjoy it with one of Mac’s delicious wines. Even though Anderson’s Conn Valley wines are distributed nationally, because of the small case production, they will be hard to find, so take some home with you or join the wine club to be sure you don’t miss out on Mac’s stunning Bordeaux and Chardonnay. The winery is located at 680 Rossi Road, near St. Helena. It’s east of the Silverado Trail, and not really hard to find, just secluded. Call (707) 963-8600 or go to the website at www.connvalleyvineyards.com for more information.

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK NAPA VALLEY

Sixteenth Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival – Officially Off to an Inspired Start The Napa Valley Mustard Festival, entering its 16th annual Season of Sensational Events, January 31 through March 28, provides “good news and vibrant activity” during the winter, a time of year known sixteen years ago as Napa Valley’s “slow season.” The Festival’s line up of stellar events takes place when wild mustard blooms in the vineyards, offering visitors from far and wide immersion in the legendary wine region’s “good life.” Unveiling of the festival’s artwork of the year, Magique de la Moutarde by Melissa Baker, at HALL Wines in St. Helena in November, 2008, officially announced the coming of the season. The 2009 Season is especially important as consumers are continually bombarded with unsettling financial news, according to the festival’s producer, Pat Summers, President of Summers-McCann Public Relations. “The Napa Valley Mustard Festival’s events offer something for nearly everyone, from no cost and reasonably priced day time events, to high end dinners,” she points out. “Entertainment along with great food, wine, and art, provides a ray of sunshine during difficult times. It doesn’t get much better than Napa Valley during the Mustard Season.”

SOME THINGS NEW Magique de la Moutarde, Baker’s magnificent 5' by 7' oil painting that is the dynamic poster artwork of the year, will be on exhibit and open for silent bidding at HALL Wines through March 28 when it will go to the highest bidder at the Mumm Napa Photo Finish, the festival’s Grand Finale event. The bidding opened at $10,000. Those who cannot visit Napa Valley but would like to place a bid on the painting can call Summers at (707) 938-1133 ext 106. Posters are offered at $30 unsigned or $40 signed by the artist, and can be ordered at mustardfestival.org or by calling (707) 938-1133. Martha Stewart Living Radio has come on board as the festival’s official satellite radio sponsor. They began to promote the festival this month. The full radio crew will come to Napa Valley and broadcast live – devoting their entire programming to the Napa Valley experience: food, wine, art, spas, lodging – on Wednesday, March 11 through Friday, March 13. The team will attend The Awards at Black Stallion Winery on Friday evening, March 13, and tape shows during The Marketplace, the festival’s Signature Event, at Robert Mondavi Winery on March 14 and 15. The Vintage Estate, a long time Napa Valley Mustard Festival sponsor, will host the talent and producers of Martha Stewart Living shows during their stay. Robert Mondavi Winery will officially sponsor The Marketplace on March 14 and 15, formerly held at COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts. “Moving the event to the winery where it will be surrounded by vineyards in one of the most beautiful settings on earth is a very exciting and positive move,” said Summers.

regional artists; and national sponsors – will present their finest throughout The Season. Fields, vineyards and hillsides vibrant with wild mustard in bloom provide a breathtaking backdrop and share center stage with mustard the condiment during the two-month marathon of food, wine and art events.

MID-WEEK MUSTARD SEASON OFFERS Plan to extend your stay when you attend events or simply take a mid-week respite to take advantage of special mid-week Mustard Season offers. Visit mustardfestival.org to view restaurant, hotel, winery and retail offers and packages. The mid-week promotion is sponsored by The County of Napa.

YOUR HOSTS Meet Napa Valley Mustard Festival host Chef Ken Frank, executive chef/owner of La Toque, and the host winemaking team of Robert Mondavi Winery, as well host artist Melissa Baker, at the events. La Toque recently moved from Rutherford to the new Westin Verasa Napa, where the season’s gourmet sit-down extravaganza, Le Grand Dîner, will be held on Saturday, February 21. See Napa Valley Mustard Festival, page 40

A SEASON OF SENSATIONAL EVENTS Celebrate Napa Valley’s unique agricultural and cultural bounty during the 16th annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival. An impressive collection – the who’s who of Napa Valley restaurants, caterers, and wineries; mustard and gourmet companies from around the world; www.winecountrythisweek.com

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NAPA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Napa Valley Mustard Festival THE EVENTS Mustard Magic Mustard Magic, the opulent grand opening event, will launch the season on Saturday, January 31, 7 p.m., at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena. The historic three-story stone building sets the stage for dramatic tableaux vivants. Magique de la Moutarde and paintings by European masters will come to life. Entertainment at its finest will complement the living art. As you stroll through art-filled, candlelit spaces tantalizing tastes of food and wine will entice you at every turn. Take a turn on the dance floor in the barrel room where the Visual Art Competition Exhibit and Silent Auction is surrounded by chefs and winemakers. Visit the teaching kitchen on the third floor for a gourmet buffet and raise your paddle high at the live auction to win food and wine experiences you could not otherwise buy. Luxurious trips, art, wine and more will also go to the highest bidders. Drape yourself in Art Nouveau attire for this extravaganza magnifique. Allow Magique to inspire a fanciful headdress. Tickets are $125 in advance through January 9; $150 in advance through February 1; $175 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at mustardfestival.org, by calling (707) 938-1133, or at local ticket outlets: Antique Fair in Yountville, Art on Main in St. Helena, Embassy Suites in Napa, and Jessel Gallery in Napa.

Mustard Magic Art Auction and A Weekend of Fine Art Add to your art collection at the Mustard Magic Visual Art Competition and Silent Auction in the barrel room at The Culinary Institute of America on January 31; then meet the artists at a reception at St. Supéry Winery on Saturday evening, February 7 during A Weekend of Fine Art. The exhibit will be displayed and offered at retail through March 30. Galleries throughout Napa Valley will feature special exhibits and receptions on February 7 and 8 during A Weekend of Fine Art. Don’t miss the magnificent Magique de la Moutarde at HALL Wines in St. Helena. There is no admission charge to these open house events.

Le Grand Dîner Indulge in seven courses presented by seven of the region’s most notable chefs and winemakers, headed by Host Chef Ken Frank and Margit Biever Mondavi of Robert Mondavi Winery at Le Grand Dîner on Saturday, February 21, 6 p.m., at La Touque, newly located at the Westin Verasa Napa. The evening will include a silent auction of exceptional wines and experiences. Seating is limited to 120 at $350 per person.

The Awards ~ A Spicy Soirée! Don jewels and black tie or dazzle guests with diamonds and denim for a glitzy evening of food, wine, music and dancing at The Awards – A Spicy Soirée! on Friday, March 13, 7 p.m., at the beautiful Black Stallion Winery on Silverado Trail in Napa. Top off your gown with a rhinestone hat; wear tails and tooled boots; kick up your heels to California Cowboys‘ personal brand of country rock at this former equestrian estate where stallions once ruled.

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While sipping Napa Valley’s finest vintages and tasting your way through the most creative mustard recipes of the year (entries in the Festival’s Napa Valley Chef’s Mustard Recipe Competition), the Critic’s Choice recipe judging, headed by Gene Burns of KGO Newstalk AM810, will take place behind closed doors. You’ll then have the chance to compare your taste buds with those of the professionals as you cast your ballot for People’s Choice Chef of the Year. Tip your hat to world champion mustard makers who’ve come to Napa Valley from around the world to walk the red carpet and receive their Napa Valley Mustard Festival World-Wide Mustard Competition awards. Tickets are $100 in advance; $125 at the door.

The Marketplace – A Signature Event for Connoisseurs Celebrate the mustard season and taste mustards from around the world at The Marketplace on Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Robert Mondavi Winery. Highlights of this rain or shine food, wine and arts festival include: celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, a KGO Newstalk AM810 live remote broadcast of Dining Around with Gene Burns, a Sunset Magazine pavilion, and taping of Martha Stewart Living radio shows. Artful activities include fine arts and crafts presented by juried artists and artisans, and live performances of jazz, world and classical music. Adult admission to The Marketplace at $35 in advance, $40 at the door, includes eight food and five wine tasting tickets (value $1 each), plus a souvenir wine glass. Student admission, ages 13 to 20, at $10 includes five food tasting tickets. Admission for children ages 6 to 12 is $5. Children under the age of 6 are admitted for free. Visit participating Raley’s, Nob Hill Foods and Bel Aire Markets to purchase adult tickets in advance, which include a voucher for five additional tasting tickets. Purchase a weekend package in advance at mustardfestival.org which includes both The Awards and The Marketplace at $125 per person. Park and shuttle free to the event. There will be no on-site parking. Visit mustardfestival.org for more specific park and shuttle instructions.

The Mumm Napa Photo Finish – The Grand Finale Event View the season’s beauty captured by photographers from far and wide at The Mumm Napa Photo Finish, the inevitably “sold out” and wildly exuberant Napa Valley Mustard Festival Grand Finale Event, at Mumm Napa in Rutherford on Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Taste a heady array of Napa Valley wines along with sweets and savories, view the Napa Valley Mustard Festival Photography Contest Exhibit of photographs, available for purchase, and revel in the party until the last dance. Tickets are $95 in advance; $125 at the door.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Don’t miss the array of community and non-profit events that further enrich the mustard season calendar. Mustard, Mud & Music A Calistoga Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8 in downtown Calistoga; and A Taste of Yountville on Saturday, March 22 in downtown Yountville.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK NAPA VALLEY

TICKETS Treat yourself to a Benefactor’s Package and take advantage of the full spectrum of Napa Valley Mustard Festival events. The package includes one ticket to each of the following events: Mustard Magic, The Awards, The Marketplace and The Mumm Napa Photo Finish; and one entry in the Festival’s American Airlines Trip to France Drawing plus a 2009 Napa Valley Mustard Festival poster signed by Melissa Baker, for $350 per person (a value of $445); or, $600 per person with Le Grand Dîner. Tickets are transferable and may be given as gifts. Napa Valley Mustard Festival activities include Fine Art and Photography Competitions, The World-Wide Mustard Competition, overseen by Barry and Patti Levenson of the Mt. Horeb Mustard Museum in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin and a Napa Valley Chef’s Mustard Recipe Competition. For information and guidelines visit mustardfestival.org. For tickets and information, call Summers-McCann, Inc., Public Relations, event producer, at (707) 938-1133, or visit the festival website at mustardfestival.org. Tickets may also be purchased at local ticket outlets: Antique Fair in Yountville, Art on Main in St. Helena, Embassy Suites in Napa and Jessel Gallery in Napa. Visit participating Raley’s, Nob Hill Foods and Bel Aire Markets to purchase adult tickets for The Marketplace, which include a voucher for five additional tasting tickets. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival is a non-profit community service organization.

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DOWNTOWN

N A PA

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Yountville W H E R E

S H O P P I N G

M E E T S

L I F E S T Y L E

Gates Estates to Make Your Wine Country Dreams Come True Mention the Napa Valley and real estate in the same sentence and the name Cyndi Gates is bound to enter the conversation. As one of the area’s most visible and successful Realtors, her company, Cyndi Gates Estates, is responsible for the listing and sale of many of the region’s most intriguing residential properties, as well as the valley’s most visible symbol of world prominence: the famous vineyards. Having lived in the Napa Valley for almost forty years – thirty of them working in the real estate business – she has been witness to the dramatic changes to the area as this world renowned and highly coveted region continues to grow. And as time goes on it has become even more exciting. Especially for those fortunate to own a home here, and for those looking to purchase one.

“My passion has been to match the perfect property to the buyer. And whether you are buying or selling, I am determined to negotiate the very best price you can obtain. That is part of the challenge that makes the end result a success,” she says. “As I always say, it’s all about you and your dreams. And the Napa Valley is a place where dreams really do come true.” The centrally located office of Cyndi Gates Estates is at 6550 Washington Street in Yountville across from the Vintage Inn. Their telephone number is (707) 944-0888; the website is www.gatesestates.com.

The Perfect Place to Taste Girard Library, Small Production Wines The tasting room for Girard Winery has been scrupulously designed to enhance all aspects of winetasting. Soothing lighting, colors, textures, furnishings, music and a décor that has been dubbed an “elegant mixture of cosmopolitan chic and heartland rural” have all been thoughtfully selected. The attention to detail is astounding. The ceilings and walls are finished with reclaimed barn wood from Missouri. Other features include cedar floors, mosaic glass tiles, a unique, handcrafted tasting bar and dramatic lighting. Wines can be enjoyed at the bar or while comfortably seated. A state-of-the-art, walk-in, glass-enclosed wine cellar ensures that guests are always served wine that has been properly stored. Three different tastings are available. The first is a flight of five wines offered for the modest fee of $10 (free to club members). No appointment is necessary. A second tasting of library and reserve wines ($15 for three or $5 each, no charge to club members), also does not require an appointment. A private tasting of seven wines paired with food ($40 per person, free to club members), requires reservations. Visitors taste seven wines matched with impeccably produced, handcrafted fare from Dean & Deluca. The wine-and-food tasting can be reserved on-line at the winery’s website or by calling (707) 9689297.

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Ride, Wine & Dine with Us +

SERVING WINE COUNTRY SINCE 1987

YO U N T V I L L E A T T R A C T I O N S

• G u i d e d T o ur s • B ic y c le R e n t a ls • B i c y c l i n g V a c a t i on s www.napavalleybiketours.com • 1.877.309.BIKE (2453)

Taste the results of over twenty-five years experience at crafting award winning Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah and Chardonnay. Small production, vineyard designated wines in an intimate and casual setting. Open daily 10:30 - 4:00 One mile south of Yountville on Washington Street

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Calistoga HOT SPRINGS • COOL WINES • WARM WELCOME

Calistoga is Catching Hollywood’s Attention A Napa Valley town that’s known for its geothermal waters, spas, lodging, wineries and down-to-earth atmosphere is rapidly gaining attention for something very different. Hollywood has discovered the charm and scenic beauty of Calistoga, and anyone watching movies or television will see the proof. For many days, locals and visitors rubbed elbows with Adam Sandler, who was in town filming the movie “Bedtime Stories.” Calistoga area winery Castello di Amorosa, a 120,000-square-foot, eight-level (four above ground, four below), $35 million Tuscanstyle castle was selected over an option in Scotland. Castello di Amorosa owner Dario Sattui is donating $100,000 of the location fee to local charities. “Bottle Shock,” the movie with Alan Rickman and Bill Pullman that debuted in theaters over the summer, depicts the true story of a 1976 blind tasting in Paris widely credited with launching California wines onto the international scene for the first time. A Chardonnay from Calistoga’s Chateau Montelena won it all, and as the title indicates, the win by an American wine was quite a shock to the European wine industry. The film will be released on DVD in February 2009, perhaps prompting a wave of blind winetasting/“Bottle Shock” parties. Speaking of movies about wine, most people are familiar with “Sideways,” which had a significant impact on tourism where it was filmed, California's Central Coast. It also increased sales of Pinot Noir. The movie is being remade for Japan, with Japanese actors including Rinko Kikuchi (nominated for Best Supporting Actress in “Babel”) in a leading role, and a revised script. Much of it is being

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filmed in the Calistoga area. People watching television also can see a bit of Calistoga. The popular Showtime Network program “Weeds” is introducing a new set this season. It’s a deli, wine and cheese store that also sells coffee. Look closely, and you’ll see bags of coffee that say “Calistoga Roastery.” They’re from a 17-year-old Calistoga business that’s a favorite of locals. For more information on visiting Calistoga, contact the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce at (707) 942-6333 or visit the website at www.calistogavisitors.com.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK CALISTOGA

CALISTOGA A T T R A C T I O N S

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NAPA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Trefethen Family Vineyards Celebrates 40th Anniversary Eat, Drink and Be Merry Features Notable Chefs, Vintners and Celebrities Trefethen Family Vineyards recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a fundraiser for Cancer Schmancer which generated in excess of $130,000. Approximately 250 attendees enjoyed lunch, a live auction and PMX bike races. Eat, Drink and Be Merry, as the celebration was titled, featured lunch by six of Napa Valley’s finest chefs: Michael Chiarello, Bottega (opened in Yountville last month); Todd Humphries, Martini House; Richard Reddington, Redd Napa Valley; Donna Scala, Bistro Don Giovanni; and Chris Aken, aka A Bistro. They created an array of delicious dishes from sushi to mushroom soup, Greek salad to lamb chops. The meal was accompanied by wines from Trefethen as well as 60 other Napa wineries, and topped off with a special anniversary cake created by the Culinary Institute of America. Emmy Nominee, Fran Drescher, famous for her role in The Nanny on television and founder of Cancer Schmancer which is committed to detecting women’s cancers in stage one when it is most curable, initiated the live auction. The top lot was 19 vintages of Trefethen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and dinner at the French Laundry for four which commanded $12,000. The high point of the day had to be the pink pixie bike races, which concluded the afternoon. Pitting the six culinary stars that made lunch against some of Napa’s wine legends and “Be Merry” celebrants Fran Dreshcer and 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist Peggy S T. H E L E N A Fleming Jenkins, the races were outrageously entertaining. As if the sight of 18 adults racing against each other on little girl’s bikes wasn’t enough, the race commentary was done by Emmy Award Winner Arte Johnson of Laugh-In fame. K.R. Rombauer of Rombauer Vineyards proved to be the speediest pedaler, narrowly beating out Chef Todd Humphries of the Martini House. The guests, all smiles, departed at the end of the day, many making a last-minute donation to Cancer Schmancer, and all congratulating the Trefethens on a fun and fruitful 40th Anniversary. Trefethen Family Vineyards is located at 1160 Oak Knoll Avenue in Napa. For more information, call (707) 255-7700 or visit the website at www.trefethenfamilyvineyards.com.

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John, Hailey, Janet and Loren Trefethen

Fran Drescher, Janet and Loren Trefethen

Peggy Fleming Jenkins and Fran Drescher back: K.R. Rombauer and Jordan Brown

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Napa Valley Art & Antiques

RASgalleries

The New Year sparkles in the Napa Valley and nowhere is that more evident than in Yountville’s RASgalleries. Now is a great time to stop in to see gorgeous colors captured in glass and add a special piece to your collection. “We have featured glass artists from the Bay Area such as Murano-trained Jeremy Cline; Randy Strong, who has shown his pieces in the Corning Museum and the Louvre in Paris and Richard Silver’s glass sculptures, which we have carried for 17 years,” says Ronda Schaer, RASgalleries owner. “In smaller pieces, we have a beautiful selection of perfume bottles, jewelry, delicate jellyfish by master glassblower Richard Satava, glass chocolates and wine glasses. For the holidays, we have tree ornaments, menorahs and mezuzahs.” Other artists include Colorado artist Elizabeth Johnson, whose lamp-worked glass berries and cherries look good enough to eat and upstate New York artist Margaret Neher, who creates flame-worked glass apples and pears. Schaer opened the RASgalleries, located in Beard Plaza, more than 18 years ago. The gallery displays more than 200 American glass artists, many of them the undisputed masters of the difficult but compelling craft of art glass. Artists from the Bay Area and Northern California are well represented, as are artists from the Pacific Northwest and throughout the United States. The gallery has the largest selection of hand blown perfume bottles in Northern California and a huge display of vases, paperweights and unique glass sculptures. In addition to carrying art glass, sculpture and ceramics, experts at RASgalleries also work as glass consultants and as intermediaries between the artist and client on commissioned works of art, one-of-a-kind pieces created for a specific space. RASgalleries is located at 6540 Washington Street, next to Bouchon in Yountville and is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday by appointment. Phone (707) 944-9211.

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Napa Valley Art & Antiques

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SONOMA COUNTY WINERIES WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SONOMA COUNTY

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SONOMA COUNTY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

ALEXANDER VALLEY DRY CREEK VALLEY & RUSSIAN RIVER W I N E R I E S

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SONOMA COUNTY

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SONOMA COUNTY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Winemaker Profile: Chateau St. Jean

MARGO VAN STAAVEREN by Sue Straight, the Wine Wench

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ine Enthusiast Magazine has recently named Margo Van Staaveren as “Winemaker of the Year” as part of its annual Wine Star Awards for 2008. The harvest of 2008 marked her 29th at Chateau St. Jean. In an industry where people change jobs like Elizabeth Taylor changes husbands, that is really saying a lot, both for Margo and for Chateau St. Jean. That tenacity, coupled with being a woman in the male-dominated field of winemaking, made choosing Margo a no-brainer for Wine Enthusiast Magazine. She really loves what she does – I could hear the smile in her voice as I interviewed her over the phone. “Chateau St. Jean is a very special place – everyone who works here is passionate about our wines, and the site is absolutely beautiful,” she told me enthusiastically. When I asked Margo what her favorite aspects of her job were, she replied, “This may sound silly, but I really love tasting wine! Some days, I’ll taste only a few wines, other days, I’ll taste over twenty – it just depends on the day. I also love traveling around the country, pouring our wines and

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educating people about Sonoma County.” Margo travels a lot – she is on the road several weeks a year. At home, Margo enjoys spending quality time with her family. Margo graduated from University of California at Davis in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Science. Margo is a forerunner of a new generation of female winemakers that are making their mark in winemaking history. Shortly after graduation, she joined Chateau St. Jean as a Laboratory Technician in 1980. By 1989, she had worked her way to being named Assistant Winemaker and later named Associate Winemaker. Margo was named Winemaker and Director of Operations for Chateau St. Jean in August of 2003. Margo believes that great wines are grown and she is fastidious about choosing the best vineyards to source her fruit. She says “Since no two vintages are alike, it gives us the opportunity to carefully search for the vineyard lots that offer the biggest fruit expression and the ability to age in order to create a wine that truly captures the best of the vintage.” She also believes that blending is an art. To her, one of the greatest accomplishments is to create a wine style or signawww.winecountrythisweek.com

ture blend that comes from vintage to vintage while still capturing the uniqueness of that particular growing year. Chateau St. Jean produces between 350,000 – 400,000 cases a year and roughly half of that is their renowned Sonoma County Chardonnay (yum!). The other varietals include Viognier, Riesling (and late harvest Riesling, too), Fumé Blanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (including the famous Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon). Most of these wines are vineyard designated and available only at the winery. Of the 30 wines that Margo and her crew carefully craft, only 10 wines are available for national distribution. Margo encourages everyone to come to the winery to visit and taste the fruits of her labor. She is proud of her wines (as she should be!) and she feels that the hospitality staff at Chateau St. Jean does a fantastic job educating people about her wines and the winery. The visitor’s center and acclaimed gardens are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about Chateau St. Jean and Margo Van Staaveren, visit the website at www.chateaustjean.com.

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SONOMA COUNTY

Explore the Road, Discover the Wine Russian River Wine Road celebrates the 17th annual Winter Wineland With more than 100 wineries of the Russian River Wine Road in the Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander valleys, the 17th annual “Winter Wineland” allows guests to create their own path in discovering unique, select wines. Meander through picturesque countryside in Northwest Sonoma County on the “Wine Road,” meeting winemakers and tasting limited production wines alongside new releases and older vintages. Select wineries will also be offering delectable food pairings or tours. “Winter Wineland” promises an exceptional weekend of great wine and presents on January 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a unique opportunity to save with special discounts on bottles and cases of wine. More than 100 winery members of the Russian River Wine Road in Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valleys – Northwest Sonoma.

A list of participating wineries is on its website at www.wineroad.com. Tickets are $40 for both days, $30 for

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Sunday only and $10 for designated drivers. To purchase tickets, go to www.wineroad.com or call 1-888-251-0560. The Russian River Wine Road is an association of 140 wineries and 50 lodgings throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek, Russian River, Chalk Hill and Green valleys in Northwest Sonoma County. Some of the most beautiful country in the world dotted with wineries and picturesque towns. The grandeur of the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods lead you inland along quiet country roads only one hour north of San Francisco. And … there is always something going on along the Wine Road with winery events, new releases of wine and much more. For more information or to request a free map, contact Beth Costa at 1-800-723-6336, email [email protected] or check out the website at www.wineroad.com.

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SONOMA COUNTY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Tasting room of the Week:

MATRIX WINERY by Frances Rivetti

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lankets of fog roll through the rustic western Dry Creek Valley in winter months as early as mid-afternoon, casting a thick layer of mystery and intrigue over swirling vineyard vistas. Tasting rooms emerge as isolated islands of warmth and welcome in the mist. Tucked away into the gently rolling slopes of vines along Healdsburg’s Westside Road, Matrix Winery’s compact, cozy, original Wine Country tasting room is one such haven of year-round hospitality. Find your way through the mist to Matrix and what you see is what you get. No frills and fancies, not a single, Tuscan-style, structural distraction … though a modest remodel is under way. For here at Matrix it is all about the wine and the landscape and the unspoiled beauty of the region. Exceptional smallproduction wines from award-winning sustainable estate vineyards are poured for visitors for a nominal $5 fee (refundable with a purchase), though the winery does participate in the Visa Signature Program of complimentary wine tasting for its members. Licensed for 5,000 cases, Matrix owners Ken

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and Diane Wilson purchased this particular 44-acre scenic Dry Creek Valley property from Rabbit Ridge in 2007. Making it their mission to produce exemplary Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varietals, the Wilsons have plans to plant an additional 22 acres of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir around the tasting room property, while expanding the parking lot. During the warmer months, visitors to www.winecountrythisweek.com

Matrix may sip and swirl and taste French winemaker Antoine Favero’s Best of Class and Double Gold 2007 Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2005 Zinfandel on a sun-dappled terrace overlooking natural, peaceful surrounds of unspoiled countryside. Favero’s affordable $18 Zin is redolent of currents and ripe plums, blackberry jam and cherry cola. Its long, complex finish also won the winery a Gold at the 2008 San Francisco Wine Competition. Matrix participates in all of the Russian River annual events, with Winter Wineland next on the calendar for crowds of visitors to partake in a spot of barrel tasting January 17th and 18th, 2009. As Bay Area Green Business Award and Sonoma County Green Business Award winners for environmental leadership, the friendly folk behind the Matrix tasting room counter, are content in the knowledge that they are pouring wines which are perfectly in balance with the harmony of the land. Matrix Winery is located at 3291 Westside Road in Healdsburg. The tasting room is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (707) 433-1911 or visit the website at www.matrixwinery.com.

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SONOMA COUNTY

Adobe Road Winery Honored by the City of Petaluma Adobe Road Wines was honored by the City of Petaluma recently with a proclamation recognizing the array of awards and accolades the Adobe Road wines have received, and the winery’s important role in the Petaluma wine region. The city’s mayor, Pam Torliatt, in issuing the proclamation, explained Kevin Buckler accepting the honor “I am happy to present this from Petaluma mayor, Pam Torliatt honorary proclamation to Adobe Road Winery in recognition of their contributions to the City of Petaluma. Kevin and Debra Buckler have worked tirelessly to craft outstanding wines and bring positive and wonderful recognition to our city and the Petaluma Gap as a wine producing region. We are so pleased they have chosen Petaluma for their place of business. The Petaluma City Council and I wish them continued success and thank them for their contributions.” Adobe Road Wines have been on an incredible journey – winning a first place prize with its 2005 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir at the 2008 California Pinot Noir shootout against Pinot Noirs from all over the world; and winning nine medals, including two gold and one overall

Sweepstakes Award for best red with its 2005 Sonoma County Zinfandel, at the 2008 Sonoma County Harvest Fair this past fall. Wine Spectator Magazine recently gave Adobe Road three top scores and generous mentions in related articles. Upon hearing that the proclamation would be bestowed, Adobe Road’s owner, Kevin Buckler, responded “We are honored to receive the City Proclamation and thrilled with the recognition that this brings to the Petaluma wine growing region.” Adobe Road Winery in Petaluma specializes in handcrafting small lots of red and white wine from the best vineyards in Sonoma and Napa valleys. The award-winning winery is owned by professional race car driver and team owner, Kevin Buckler. For more information, visit www.adoberoadwines.com.

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SONOMA COUNTY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Annie, a rescued Goldendoodle owned by Carol and Joe Vaughan of Healdsburg, drives a tractor through vineyards abloom with mustard

Topel Wine Tails Cover – Xena and Joxer, Pit Bulls owned by Topel tasting Room associate Lucibel Nunez, belly up to the bar to greet wine tasters.

Every Day is a Dog Day on Topel ‘Wine Tails’ Calendar Sales will benefit Healdsburg Animal Shelter When Mark and Donnis Topel urged people to shoot their dogs, the response was overwhelming. Armed with a bevy of digital cameras, loving canine guardians kept shooting and shooting and shooting – submitting scores of photographs for Topel Winery’s first “Wine Tails” Calendar, a benefit for the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. “We were shocked at the number of dog lovers and the amazing amount of effort they put forth to get their dogs to pose for photographs for the calendar,” said Donnis Topel. “Many submitted photos with elaborate staging, using wine-related props. And the dogs were so cooperative!” The Topels, who recently opened their new tasting room at 125 Matheson Street in Healdsburg, decided to put together a

calendar after watching numerous dogs parade past their tasting room on a daily basis. Dog lovers themselves (they currently have three Basset Hounds and a Rottweiler at their estate vineyard in Hopland), they decided to donate all proceeds from the sale of the calendars to the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Some of Healdsburg’s celebrity canines are featured, including Max and Fritzi, two Schnauzers owned by Bob Jensen and Perry Hardin of Jensen’s Copy & Art Supplies (where they regularly greet customers). Mel and Holly Schatz, owners of The George Alexander House Bed and Breakfast, snapped their English Springer Spaniel, Wrigley, having a Wine Country picnic. In one of the funnier photos, Annie, a miniature “Goldendoodle” owned by Carol Vaughan of the

Healdsburg Parks and Recreation Department (and her husband, Joe) “drives” a green tractor through a vineyard laden with blooming mustard. And the cover shot is a classic — two Pit Bulls (Xena and Joxer) belly up behind the bar to greet customers at the Topel Tasting Room (photographed by their mom, Topel Tasting Room associate Lucibel Nunez). The calendars sell for $15 each. They are available at the Topel Tasting Room, the Healdsburg Animal Shelter and at two pet supply stores in Healdsburg – Fideaux and Healdsburg Dog House. The calendars can also be purchased online at www.topelwines.com. The Topel tasting room is located at 125 Matheson Street in Healdsburg. For more information, call (707) 433-4116.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SONOMA COUNTY

UPCOMING EVENTS

See page 16 or visit www.healdsburg.com for more event information

JANUARY 3 – Beginning Bird Walks – Lake Sonoma. Come out to beautiful Lake Sonoma for a Ranger led beginning bird walk every Saturday at 9am. Meet at the visitor center on 3288 Skaggs Springs Rd in Geyserville. Bring binoculars if you have them and learn about the birds. For more information, call Ranger Michael Carroll 707-431-4535 JANUARY 17, 18 – Winter Wineland – presented by The Russian River Wine Road. Escape from those winter blues as more than 100 wineries treat visitors to: library wines, vertical tastings, food pairings, educational tour...and so much more. 11am-4pm, $40 weekend; $30 Sunday only; $10 Designated Driver. For more information, visit www.wineroad.com or call 800-723-6336 JANUARY 30 – Winemaking Team Crab Feed – at Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate, 4155 Wine Creek Road. A real Crab Feed prepared by the winemaking team. The kind that's easy on decorations and fancy tableware and big on lots of cracked crab, bibs, garlic bread and clam chowder. Imagine enjoying this with the cellar crew, friends from the winery and a bit La Brume Chardonnay. Cost: $50.00 pp (includes a glass of wine). 5:30-8:30 pm. RSVP by Jan 20th. For more information or to RSVP, email [email protected], or call 707-433-7427.

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SONOMA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

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SONOMA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Get a First Class Education, Wine Country Style, at B.R. Cohn With both the grape and olive harvests under their belt, B.R. Cohn Winery moves on to the business of teaching people what to do with the olives once they’re picked. In many wine-producing countries the olive harvest is as important as the grape harvest. Most of the olive harvest becomes olive oil, but cured olives are also a staple. Don Landis, a noted expert on olive curing, is presenting two Olive Curing Workshops. He’ll talk about the history of the olive, the history of the olive in California and a thorough description of the Greek Style of olive curing without the use of lye. A tasting of olives with cheese and crackers is included. There is no cost for these workshops, but space is limited so reserve your seat by calling 1-800-330-4064 ex. 124. Workshops are held January 25th and March 1st, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. B.R. Cohn Winery is located at 15000 Sonoma Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. The tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Founded in 1984 by Bruce Cohn, the estate winery is known for its critically acclaimed, world-class, ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and award-winning gourmet estate olive oils, vinegars and gourmet specialty food products. Cohn’s olive oil business began in 1990, well before olive oil was trendy. Back then, the estate’s 140-year-old Picholine olive trees would drop their ripe black fruit, and it showed all too well on the family’s

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white carpets. Olive oil was Cohn’s very simple solution. Cohn still produces an extra virgin olive oil made from the estate, but has since added several other olive oils to the line. There’s also a balsamic and herb dipping oil Cohn developed in his kitchen and a full line of gourmet vinegars aged in the winery’s used oak barrels. More recently, Cohn introduced two delicious aged balsamic vinegars (a 15-year and a 25-year) imported from Italy. For more information, call 1-800-330-4064 or for other information go to www.brcohn.com.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SONOMA VALLEY

KENWOOD & GLEN ELLEN W I N E R I E S

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Sonoma Valley Olive Festival’s ‘Feast On the Olive’ Dinner New ‘Chefs Duet’ Format Pairs Top Sonoma Valley Chefs Together for Exciting Olive-Inspired Culinary Creations On Saturday, January 24, the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival’s annual Feast of the Olive Dinner, highlighting the valley’s bounty of food and wine offerings, will take place at Ramekins Culinary School’s Vineyard Room in Sonoma. One of Sonoma Valley Olive Festival’s anchor events, the Feast of the Olive Dinner is a multicourse olive-inspired feast prepared by Sonoma Valley’s top chefs. An exciting new element of the Feast of the Olive Dinner this year will be the “Chefs Duet,” a new format in which all 12 of the participating Sonoma Valley chefs will be paired together in teams of two people to collaboratively create an olive-inspired dish. All culinary creations in the six-course dinner are designed to showcase the individuality of the chef’s styles, while highlighting the camaraderie of the chefs in the kitchen. Each course will be prepared by a “Chefs Duet” using local, artisan olives and olive oils, and paired alongside a complementing Sonoma Valley wine. The annual Feast of the Olive Dinner is an epicurean delight and brings together ten Sonoma Valley chefs to collaboratively prepare a sensational, olive-inspired dinner. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. at Ramekins Culinary School in the Vineyard Room, located at 450 West Napa Street in Sonoma, just west of the historic Sonoma Plaza. Tickets are $150 per person and are available to purchase online at www.sonomavalley.com/OliveFestival/tickets.html or by calling (707) 996-1090 ext 108. Additionally, each year the Feast of the Olive Dinner honors individuals in Sonoma Valley for their outstanding work within the community and commitment to highlighting Sonoma Valley’s abundance of local and sustainable food and wine. This year, Deborah Rogers, co-owner of The Olive Press, will be honored for her devotion and expert knowledge of olive oils and as one of the influential people contributing to Sonoma Valley’s recognition as one of the top producers of extra virgin olive oil in the Unites States. The Feast of the Olive Dinner attracts olive and wine aficionados from around the world. Patrons can expect to see a cornucopia of cuisine showcasing olives in a variety of creative ways. Menu highlights in previous years have included such items as Timbale of Duck Confit and Farro “Risotto” Wrapped in Savoy Cabbage with an Orange and Olive Emulsion on Fennel Salad, and Grilled Lamb with Tomato and Crushed Olive Confit and Winter Vegetable Gratin. This

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year’s menu will include an equally interesting array of cuisine, with the olive as the star ingredient. For additional information, contact the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau at (707) 996-1090 or visit www.olivefestival.com. This year’s participating chefs include the finest in Sonoma Valley. To begin the evening, Steve Valadez of Ramekins Culinary School will delight guests with an appetizing amuse bouche. Preparing the salad course are Chefs Chris Jones from the girl & the fig and Manuel Azevedo of La Salette Restaurant. Chef Carlo Cavallo of Sonoma Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grill and Justin Everett from El Dorado Kitchen will prepare the vegetable and pasta course, while Heather Ames from ESTATE and John McReynolds from Stone Edge team up to prepare the fish course. The meat course will be created by Janine Falvo from Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar and Cafe La Haye’s Chef Norman Owens. Gary Edwards of Sonoma Valley Olive Oil Company will create the cheese course, and Chef Bruno Tison from Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Chef Jen Demarest of Harvest Moon will complete the delicious dinner with a spectacular dessert. Each olive-themed menu item will be paired with wine from Sonoma Valley. Wineries participating in the dinner include Buena Vista Carneros, Cline Cellars, Imagery Estate Winery, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Landmark Vineyards, Arrowood Vineyards & Winery, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards and VJB Vineyards & Cellars.

About The Sonoma Valley Olive Festival The Sonoma Valley Olive Festival, currently in its eighth year, is a celebration of the senses. Taking place December through February, the Olive Festival brings special events to the Sonoma Valley, as well as a range of festival promotions with local lodging, spas, wineries, restaurants and retail shops. For additional information on the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival including event specifics and information on Olive Festival sponsors and participants, please contact the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau at (707) 996-1090, or visit the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival’s Web site at www.olivefestival.com.

SONOMA PLAZA

WINE TASTING, SALES & HOME ACCESSORIES

– 12 Wineries – One Great Place 35 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 935-1200 www.sonoma-enoteca.com

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SONOMA COUNTY

Sonoma Environmental Film Festival Where Every Day is Earth Day The Green Generation has arrived. We are now at the beginning of a sustainable business and clean technology revolution. There are long waiting lists for hybrid cars, sales of organic products are exploding and eco-tourism is flourishing. People are demanding products and services that are good for the earth. A film festival that helps define and gives voice to this Green movement is what the 2nd Sonoma Environmental Film Festival (SEFF) is all about. Justine Ashton, founder of SEFF, was inspired by her granddaughter who, after watching Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, asked “what are you going to do Grandma to make our planet healthy?” Ashton decided to put together a program of environmentally conscious films that foster an open forum where people of different opinions can start finding solutions. The films are inspiring and educational. Many are microcosms that resonate with important environmental issues currently being debated across the nation and around the world. SEFF takes place January 22-25 in the town of Sonoma. Topics include green building, renewable energy, organic agriculture, sustainable community, citizen activism, and the state of the planet’s rivers, forests and oceans. Also planned are green exhibits, live performances featuring Native American storytellers, a Taste of New Orleans, a Green Café offering local products, organic beverages and wines sourced from sustainable vineyards and opening and closing night receptions. Visiting Sonoma County in January is the perfect time to visit a region that is wild and full of life. While attending the Film Festival take some time to visit an organic farm or Biodynamic® vineyard and a few local green businesses. All films and events take place at the Sonoma Valley Womans Club at 574 First Street East in Sonoma. The building, built in 1916, is a cozy, intimate venue, perfect for mingling and movie watching. SEFF is a Zero Waste event. Only 500 programs on recycled paper will be printed and only available at the venue. Net proceeds benefit Sonoma Valley School Gardens. For the complete film program and ticket information, visit www.seff.us.

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MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK MENDOCINO & LAKE COUNTIES

10th Annual Crab & Wine Festival 2009 Early next year, Mendocino County will celebrate locally harvested Dungeness crab and locally grown and produced wines with a festival that is sure to delight foodies and oenophiles alike! There will be a multitude of dinners, events and lodging specials to take advantage of over the course of the weekend – hosted by the Mendocino County Clinics, innkeepers, restaurants and more – so head to Mendocino County this January and enjoy good food, fine wines and familyfriendly fun! Coastal Living recently named Mendocino’s Crab & Wine Days as one of the “top ten seafood and wine events in the world!” Proceeds from the Cioppino Dinner, the Crab Cake Cook-Off, and the Wine Tasting Competition fund uncompensated care for those in need. Mendocino Coast Clinics, a non-profit, board-governed community health center, provides medical, dental, perinatal and behavioral health care to all Mendocino Coast residents & visitors, regardless of their ability to pay. Other Crab & Wine Festival events are being hosted by the various restaurants, wineries and lodging accomodations. For more information and a complete listing of all events, or for information on where to stay during your upcoming trip to Mendocino County, call 1-866STAY-MENDO or visit www.gomendo.com.

What’s on the menu • 10th Annual Crab and Wine Days – January 23 and 24 Mendocino Coast Clinics, Fort Bragg – (707) 961-3463 www.mendocinocoastclinics.org, [email protected] Mendocino Coast Clinics hosts the 10th Annual Crab & Wine Days, held at Pentecost Hall in Fort Bragg, where spectacular ocean bluffs and majestic redwood forests create an idyllic setting. • Cioppino Dinner: Friday, January 23, $30 – Family-style dinner features steaming bowls of cioppino, fresh salad and lots of hot bread for dipping! Evening includes music and raffle prizes! Two seatings available: 5:30 and 7 p.m. • Crab Cake Cook-Off and Wine Tasting Competition: Saturday, January 24, $65 – The premiere event of the festival! Mendocino County chefs and wineries serve up their best to celebrity judges – and the public gets to sample each of the entries as well – live and silent auction; noon – 3 p.m. Vote for the coveted Peoples’ Choice Award.

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Livermore

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Winemaker Dinner, Wine Education at Garré Winery Head to Garré Winery Friday, January 16, for its Winter Winemaker Dinner and enjoy a five-course gourmet meal prepared by Executive Chef Ty Turner paired with award-winning wines, perfect for winter. Winemaker Wayne Re will provide wine education and guests will receive a “sneak peek” of wines not yet released to the public. Official release of 2006 Profound Secret. Hors d’oeuvres reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by sit-down dinner service at 7 p.m.; $65 general, $55 wine club members. Limited seating is available and is by reservation only. Head to the Wine Country Wednesday, January 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. and join Executive Chef Ty Turner and Winemaker Wayne Re as they demonstrate the fundamentals of food & wine pairing. Experience five sample dishes paired with five different wines along

with information and discussion on tasting and pairing. Chef Ty will highlight one of the prepared dishes in a cooking demonstration and winemaker Wayne Re will provide wine education. Dishes reflect seasonality. The wine and food pairing class is $40 with limited seating. For more information contact Garré Winery (925) 371-8200, www.garrewinery.com. To make reservations, contact the Livermore Area Recreation Park District (LARPD) at 925-373-5700 or www.larpd.dst.ca.us. Offered through the LARPD. Café Garré is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and for dinner on Friday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call (925) 371-8200, or fax to (925) 371-0979.

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Irish President and James Concannon Celebrate 125-Year Connection The 125-year connection of the Irish Republic to California’s Concannon Winery was celebrated in December as Irish President Mary McAleese received a three-liter bottle of Concannon Petite Sirah from James Concannon, third generation of the famous vintner family. The winery produced the first wines from that variety at its Livermore winery, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary with a $30-million revitalization program. In tracing the history, James pointed out that his grandfather James Concannon was born on St. Patricks day in 1847, came to America in 1865, settled in Livermore, and became friendly with San Francisco’s Catholic Archbishop Alemany. The archbishop suggested he plant a vineyard in Livermore’s vineyardfriendly rocky soils to produce wine for the church. This allowed Concannon Winery to continue production through Prohibition, and the winery became one of the stalwarts of the California wine industry. Gift of the bottle reflects the visit of President Reagan to Ireland 30 years ago, when the state gift to that nation was a six-liter bottle of Concannon Petite Sirah with the statement, “A fellow Irishman who made good in America.” James Concannon commented, “This occasion is a marvelous reminder that the winery, the Concannon family and Ireland all stay true to their roots; that’s where we get our strength and our commitment to the future.” Concannon wines were featured at the reception.

Concannon Winery

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Lodi Wine Country x

EXCITING DESTINATION IN CALIFORNIA WINE

Zinfandel is considered California’s grape, and in Lodi Zinfandel is the king. Nestled between the Sierra Foothills and the San Francisco Bay Delta, Lodi offers the ideal climate for producing ripe fullflavored Zins. The distinctive delta bay breezes cool the region in the afternoon and evenings creating characteristic Lodi Zinfandel – ripe forward fruit with soft polished tannins. Dating back to the late 1800s, Lodi has a long proud history of producing some of the finest Zinfandel grapes in the state. Growers, vintners, and consumers from around the world are quickly discovering the distinctive character of Lodi Zinfandel. www.lodiwine.com

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LODI AREA WINERIES

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK LODI / WOODBRIDGE

A Valentine Weekend of Wine & Chocolate in Lodi Wine Country Cupid is on the wine trail in Lodi Wine Country this Valentine’s Day as 40 wineries will be hosting the 12th annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend on February 14 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. One “Golden Ticket” will be hidden in the commemorative chocolate bars that are given to each participating guest as they arrive. The grand prize is a Lodi Wine County Weekend Getaway plus more than 100 other prizes will be tucked away in the chocolate bars. Lodi vintners will be on hand to open their tasting rooms and share their wines with numerous activities, including barrel tasting, wine and chocolate pairing, live music, blending seminars and behind-the-scene tours. Bring your sweetheart and or friends to experience the delectable wines of Lodi paired with irresistible chocolates. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door at any participating winery. Ticket includes a commemorative wine glass, chocolate bar and admission to all participating wineries on both days. There is no charge for designated drivers. Visit www.lodiwineandchocolate.com or www.lodiwine.com for information on special winery activities or to purchase advance tickets. Also, contact the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center at (209) 365-0621, 2545 W. Turner Road, Lodi. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Children’s Cancer Research.

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Nevada County

El Dorado

Calaveras

Amador

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SIERRA FOOTHILLS

The Grapes of the Sierra Foothills by Charles Neave A century-and-a-half ago if you went looking for vineyards in California you would head not to Napa or Sonoma, but to the country around Los Angeles. But then gold was discovered near Coloma in 1849 and everything changed in a heartbeat. Vineyards suddenly began to sprout up in the Sierra Nevada Foothills northeast of Sacramento, and a new kind of gold rush occurred as immigrants – most of them Italians looking for the mother lode – began to plant vineyards in the shadow of the mining camps that came and went like magic. The mines are for the most part boarded up now, the rush for gold pretty much over, but the vineyards and the wineries remain, their numbers increasing every year as wine lovers rediscover just how good the wines of this region really are, and how they only continue to dramatically improve, one year to the next. Made up of eight counties, the Sierra Foothills are planted with an amazing array of varietals on over 3,000 acres of vineyard land, much of it in Amador and El Dorado counties, where many of the more well-known wineries are located (though wonderful wineries can be found throughout the region, discovery being part of the charm of any exploration of the Foothills). More than forty varieties – varietals – of wine grape have been cultivated here in these fields, and this diversity has resulted in some outstanding single varietal bottlings, and some truly fascinating blends. The blends, many of them Rhône-inspired in fact, exemplify the individualism that is a hallmark of the Sierra Foothills. History, soil, climate and topography have also shaped this part of California

Wine Country. Old Vine Zinfandel, Barbera, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli (for dessert wines, along with dry Rieslings, many of them Late Harvest) are a big part of the palette that winemakers work with in these hills. Hills that as often as not are rugged mountain landscapes formed by volcanoes eons ago, and filled in with soils rich in minerals and, in some places, loam. The climate is changeable, to say the least, with days that can be very hot and nights that are often quite cool; in the winter months, snow in the vineyards is not an unheard of occurrence. The vineyards also occupy, in terms of their distance above sea level, the highest spots anywhere in the Golden State. Some reach almost two-thirds of a mile in altitude, there in the shadow of the peaks of the Sierras, where mountains go as high as 10,000 feet. The result of this combination of factors, the terroir as it is called, is grapes that, though small in size (or, in fact exactly because they are small) are rich and firm, well structured with highly concentrated flavors that translate into distinctive, full-bodied wines. Wines that in their own way embody the spirit of those early settlers, those seekers of riches beyond imagination, and where today the gold visitors find is not mineral, but liquid.

Mark Your Calendars! • Barrel Tasting Weekend January 24-25, 2009 El Dorado’s vintners invite wine enthusiasts to step inside their cellars and sample distinctive wines straight from the barrel and enjoy futures, light food pairings and demonstrations! There’s no better way to beat the winter doldrums! Weekend Passes are $20 online or at participating wineries thru January 20; $25 thereafter. Sunday-only passes are $15/$20. Designated drivers are $5. Special pricing on four-packs is available. Tickets are limited. Tickets make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers!

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Monterey Bay Area

MONTEREY • CARMEL • CARMEL VALLEY • SANTA CRUZ • SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS • SALINAS • SANTA CLARA • LOS GATOS

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK CENTRAL COAST/MONTEREY BAY

Cafe Fina – A Favorite Among Visitors and Locals by Katie Perry

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ld black-and-white family photos line the venue’s narrow walls, pointing like an arrow to the blue harbor that glistens through the clear windows below. Italian music hums in the background as the aroma of garlic and roasted tomatoes pervades the senses. Upon stepping through the doors of Café Fina, it’s instantly perceptible why this venerable restaurant on Monterey’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Providing a peek into owner Dominic Mercurio’s family history, this quaint restaurant boasts tradition in every element, from its serene oceanfront setting to its savory cuisine. “Coming from a Sicilian background and a fishing family, the influence came from being around the kitchen with my family. It came naturally,” Mercurio says. The pleasurable dining experience at Café Fina is a testament to the owner’s innate restaurateur talents. Since 1989, Mercurio has been serving homemade pasta and fresh fish out of the esteemed two-story location, which formerly housed one of the many canneries along the peninsula. “My goal is to serve local fish from Monterey,” he explains. Having fished with his father in Alaska for 19 summers in a row in earlier years, he adds, “I know what fresh fish is supposed to be like.”

He also knows how to compile a menu of truly flavorful dishes, such as his calamari appetizer with homemade tartar sauce, a special risotto of salmon and peas, and tasty shrimp and crab ravioli in a light pesto cream sauce. Another dish that’s a big hit: the cioppino. “We do it in a light tomato broth with clams, mussels, prawns, scallops and calamari, with a touch of saffron. The only thing we do that’s not traditional is put a little linguini in the bottom. It’s unbelievable,” Mercurio smiles. And in celebrating his Italian heritage with a menu of signature dishes, he adheres to the local theme by using only the freshest vegetables, harvested from none other than his own garden. “I grow 17 different varieties of tomatoes, five different kinds of zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, watermelons, cucumbers and all the herbs. Everything is organic,” Mercurio says. With crisp ingredients straight from the vine, it’s no wonder that the tomato caprese salad is another tasty delight and a must-have menu item during the summer months. For more information or to make a reservation, call Café Fina at (831) 372-5200 or visit www.cafefina.com.

Fine Dining

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NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

The Tranquil Setting, Award-Winning Wines of Sarah’s Vineyard by Charles Neave

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et in the beautiful rural countryside by the eastern slope of Mount Madonna, Sarah’s Vineyard surely occupies one of the more tranquil spots when it comes to wineries. Sitting on a rocky knoll in the southwestern corner of the Santa Clara Valley, the property stretches across 20 rolling acres. Because of its often windy location, it benefits from the meteorological dynamics of California’s coastal weather patterns. Summer days in this part of Wine Country usual start with fog then turn sunny, with temperatures at night dipping down into the 50s. Conditions that grapevines need to thrive. This all – weather, soil, geography and topography – combines to create a very beneficial microclimate in which to grow premium wine grapes. It is those special grapes that create the award-winning wine that Sarah’s Vineyard has become famous for. Two varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, thrive under these conditions, and it is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that form the core of their estate wines. Other varietals come from nearby vineyards in the Santa Clara Valley and Santa Cruz Mountain appellations. It is grapes from those local vineyards that allow the winery to craft their Syrah, Zinfandel and Roussane, among others. And some of these vineyards have their own stories to tell. For instance their coveted Old Vine Zinfandel is made with grapes from gnarled vines that were planted just a few miles away in 1922. Other vineyards were planted even before then, and as testimony to the historic part that viticultural played in the area, nearby Uvas Creek is named for the Spanish word for “grapes.” From the beginning (this year is their 30th harvest season) Sarah’s Vineyards has set as a goal the creation of making wines that are unique and express the special qualities of this verdant land, and that are perfect to accompany food. As you drive the long lane through the vineyards to this comfort-

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able spot, to try the wines for yourself, you can sense those special qualities even before you stand, glass-in-hand in their tasting room. Some of the winery’s resident dogs – two regulars plus one that visits on occasion – might be lounging nearby; the room itself has a well crafted rustic feel, but with an edge of casual sophistication that befits the fine wines they pour. The people that will guide you through the selections are not just knowledgeable and friendly, they clearly love the winery where they work, and sharing that feeling with others. As if that were not enough there is also a new picnic area and bocce courts, plus a vineyard walking trail. In the end there is really no excuse to not go a little bit (but not really very much) off the beaten path for an experience you will not soon forget: your visit to Sarah’s Vineyard in those beautiful, rolling hills. The tasting room at Sarah’s Vineyard is open daily from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is about a 40 minute drive south of San Jose, They are directly on Highway 152 (4005 Hecker Pass Highway if you are programming your GPS) about three hundred yards east of Watsonville Road, on the north side of the road. The winery is near the town of Gilroy. For more information, you can contact them at 1-877-44-PINOT (447-4668) or look on their helpful website, www.sarahsvineyard.com.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST

Santa Cruz Mountains Great Wine Weekend Taste wonderful crab dishes paired with luscious local wines. The Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association presents the sixth annual Wine & Crab Taste-Off! Four of the finest local restaurants will be battling it out in hopes of being named “Crab Cook 2009.” Your help is needed to make the decision, so come and judge for yourself! All four restaurants will be preparing two crab dishes to satisfy your appetite on Sunday, January 18th from 2 to 5 p.m. For $49, you can take on the challenge of “consumer judge”. Taste food and wine at two restaurants, of your choice, and let them know what you think. All ballots will be tallied to determine the “Consumer Choice Awards” as well as scores from professional judges for the “Judges Choice Awards.” For an additional $16 you can visit another restaurant of your choice. The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association invites you to take part in their Winter Passport Program. More than fifty Santa Cruz Mountains wineries – from Ahlgren to Zayante – will open their doors to Passport Program participants on Saturday, January 17th, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Passports, which cost just $40 per person, provide entry into participating wineries, including many that are not normally open to the public. Passport holders will be invited to tour the facilities, meet the winemakers, and sample the fruits of their labors – including special wines poured only for citizens in the Passport Program! As an added feature several of Santa Cruz Mountain’s finest restaurants and wine bars that are offering special discounts to Passport Holders will be showcased on the day of the event.

The Passport Program is held on the third Saturday of January, April, July, and November; and will be for years to come, allowing for visitors to view the vineyards at every season in the growing cycle. This winter, on January 17th, begin a new adventure and experience the excellence of the wines produced in this appellation, by spending a wonderful day at the wineries and in the company of winemakers. Santa Cruz Mountains Wines and Passports make wonderful gifts for all occasions. Many of these award-winning wines can be hard to find in stores (and of course are not be available there for sampling). Special prices are also often available during passport. Bring home some great wine to treasure and share with friends. Reservations for both events may be purchased from the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers office or online. For more information, or to make reservations, call (831) 685-VINE (8463), go to www.SCMWA.com, or email [email protected].

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NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

A Sunday in Carmel SALINAS AREA

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It was a beautiful day. The weather was wonderful. It was just the type of day that prompts a person to check out the tourist life in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Babs and your writer met in the afternoon to sample to good life available there and were not disappointed. We started off with a wine tasting at the Galante Wine Tasting Room and Western Emporium. It’s located on Dolores between Ocean and 7th and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shop is situated just off the street at the end of a small courtyard. For a modest price all of the wines are available to sample. The Galante vineyard is located in the hills above the Carmel Valley. It began as a working ranch many years ago and this is reflected in the cowboy wisdom on each label. “Always drink upstream from the herd.” Or, my favorite, “Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.” It has been a local, family winery for the last 24 years. Thirty to forty acres are planted with various grape varieties. Their Cabernet is grown at the higher elevations to catch the chill of the ocean breezes. The grapes thrive in the different microclimates within the vineyard. Prices range from $129 to $540 a case. About 5000 cases are produced annually. Winery tours are available by special arrangement. Galante can be found at www.galantevineyards.com or you can call them at 1-800-GALANTE (425-2683). After leaving Galante’s wine tasting, we strolled through town looking in some of the art galleries that flourish all over Carmel. Babs maintains that she doesn’t have a favorite gallery, but her favorite bookstore is Pilgrim’s Way. Tony’s favorite gallery is at the corner of Ocean and San Carlos. Oliver, Elliott and Sebastian Fine Art (www.oesfineart.com) has a wonderful collection of Modern Masters. Works by Chagall, Picasso, Dali, Miro and others can be found there. When we visited oils and drawings done by Tony Bennett (yes, that one) as well were being exhibited. It was getting near dinner time and the wine and walking had worked up an appetite. We made our way to Christopher’s Restaurant.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK NORTHERN CENTRAL COAST

with Babs and Tony It’s located on Lincoln between 5th and 6th. You can find them at www.cristophersonlincoln.com or call (831) 626-8000. This is a nice size restaurant with a pleasant ambiance. It’s comfortable with sound attenuated by thick carpet and drapes. It was full of soft, romantic music and the laughter of others enjoying a fine meal. I started with Parma Prosciutto and melon for and a soft-shell crab for Babs. Following that we enjoyed two tomato dishes. One was a refreshing tomato salad, the other

was fried green tomatoes that were lightly breaded, cooked in olive oil and basil, and served with a touch of marinara. They are very tasty and highly recommended. For dinner Babs had halibut while I had barbecued Niman Ranch short ribs. Two desserts of an apple tart and a chocolate grenache tart topped off a delicious, satisfying meal. When in Carmel, Christopher’s is not to be missed. The food is fresh and seasonal. The portions are generous and filling.

Not to Scale

CARMEL VA L L E Y W I N E R I E S

Contact them for reservations or just walk in. On warmer evenings or during the day, the courtyard is a very inviting place to dine. No trip to Carmel would be considered complete without a stay at Vagabond’s House Inn at the corner of Dolores and 4th. Even for a local who just wants to spend a night away from home, this is the place to go. One of seven boutique inns owned by Denny LeVett and ably managed by Bobby Richards, it is a great place to relax and get away from it all. The inn itself is superbly decorated and a beautiful garden and fountain grace the entrance courtyard. There are no “cookie cutter” rooms here like you find in large hotels. Each room has its own personality. Some have kitchens; some have wood or gas fireplaces. All are delightfully comfortable with lots of pillows and plenty of space. There is complimentary sherry in each room as well as the usual coffee. Every day at 4pm, local wines and cheese are served without charge in the lobby. It’s a good time to mingle with other guests and have a little something before dinner. While you are in the lobby explore the collections of childhood memories. Before going to bed be sure to arrange for a complimentary breakfast in the morning. Yogurt and granola, pastry, juice and other items will get you started right for your new day in Carmel. The inn can be found at www.vagabondshouseinn.com or by phone at 1-800-262-1262. Babs is a coastie and Tony is a townie who both enjoy occasionally playing tourist in Carmel.

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WINERY LISTINGS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

★★Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

Charbay Winery & Distillery– 4001 Spring Mtn Rd; St. Helena; 707 963-9327

NAPA VALLEY

Open Tue-Sat or by appointment

Charles Krug Winery – 2800 Main St. Hwy 29, St. Helena; 707 967-2229 A Dozen Vintners – 3000 Highway 29 North, St. Helena; 707 967-0666

Open daily 10-5

★ ALPHA OMEGA – 1155 Mee Lane @ Highway 29, Rutherford; 707 963-9999 Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Educational Programs Amuse Bouche Winery – 2930 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; 707 251-9300 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vnyds – 680 Rossi Road, St. Helena; 707 963-8600

Mon-Sun 10-6

Open daily 10-5

Open by appointment only

Cliff Lede Vineyards – 1473 Younvtille Cross Rd, Yountville; 707 944-8642

Open daily 10-5

Open daily 10-5

Open by appointment only

★ ARTESA – 1345 Henry Road, Napa; 707 224-1668 Gift Items, Children OK; Call for Winery Tours at 11 & 2, Vineyard Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-4:30 Open daily, 10:30-4:30 Open daily 10-4

Ballentine Vineyards – 2820 St. Helena Hwy N, St. Helena; 707 963-7919

Open daily 10-5

Barnett Vineyards – 4070 Spring Mountain, St. Helena; 707 963-7075

Open daily 10-4

Barlow Vineyards – 4411 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707 942-8742

Open daily 10-4

★ BEAULIEU VINEYARDS – 1960 Hwy 29, Rutherford; 707 967-5230 Gift Items, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Vineyard Tours

Open daily 10-5

★ BELL WINE CELLARS – 6200 Washington St, Yountville; 707 944-1673 Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Vineyard Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-4

★ BENESSERE WINERY – 1010 Big Tree Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-5853 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-5

★ BERINGER VINEYARD – 2000 Main St, St. Helena; 707 967-4412 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Cave Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-6

Open daily 10-5:30

Open by appointment only

★ BLACK STALLION – 4089 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 253-1400 Gifts, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Educational Programs, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-5

Open daily 10:30-4:30

Conn Creek Winery – 8711 Silverado Trail, St. Helena; 707 963-9100

Open Sat 10-4, Sun-Fri 11-4

Constant – 2121 Diamond Mountain Rd, Calistoga; 707 942-0707

Open by appointment only Call for information; 877 686-3286

Corison Winery – 987 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; 707 963-0826

Open daily 10-5

Cosentino Winery – 7415 St. Helena Hwy, Yountville; 707 944-1220

Open daily 10-5

Cuvaison Estate Wines – 4500 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707 942-2468

Open daily 10-5

Cuvaison Estate Wines – 1221 Duhig Road, Carneros (between Napa & Sonoma); 707 942-2455

Open daily 10-5

Darioush Winery – 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 257-2345

Open daily 10:30-5

Del Dotto Vineyards – 1055 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa; 707 963-2134

Open daily 11-5

Delectus Winery – 908 C Enterprise Way, Napa; 707 255-1252

Open daily 9-5

di Rosa Preserve – 5200 Carneros Hwy 121, Napa; 707 226-5991

Open Tu-Fr 9:30-3

Diamond Oaks – 1595 Oakville Grade, Oakville; 707 948-3000

Open daily 10-4:30

★ DOMAINE CARNEROS – 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa; 707 257-0101 Gifts, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Vineyard Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-6

Domaine Chandon – 1 California Dr, Yountville; 707 944-2280

Open daily 10-6 Open by appointment, 10-4

★ DUTCH HENRY WINERY – 4300 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707 942-5771 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Cave Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10:30-4

Bounty Hunter Rare Wine Co. – 975 First St, Napa; 707 226-3976

Sun-Thu 11-10, Fr-Sa 11-Midnight

Bourassa – 190 Camino Oruga, Napa 707 254-4922; 800-499-2366

Open daily 9-5

Ehlers Estate – 3222 Ehlers Lane, St. Helena; 707 963-5972

Open daily 10-4

★ ELIZABETH SPENCER – 1165 Rutherfrod Road, Rutherford; 707 963-6067 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-6

Bremer Family – 975 Deer Park Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-5411

Open daily 10-5 Open Sat-Sun 10-3:30 or by appointment

Cakebread Cellars – 8300 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford; 707 963-5222 Cafaro Cellars – St. Helena

Open by appointment only Call for information; 707 963-7181

★ CALISTOGA CELLARS – 1371 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga; 707 942-7422 Gifts, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Educational Programs, Food Pairings Cardinale – 7585 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville; 707 944-2643

Sun-Thu 11:30-5, Fri-Sat til 8

Open daily 10:30-4

Cartlidge & Brown – 205 Jim Oswald Way, American Canyon; 707 552-5199 x215

Open daily 10-5

★ CASA NUESTRA WINERY – 3451 Silverado Trail No, St. Helena; 707 963-5783 Gifts, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Open Mon-Sat 10-5

★ CASTELLO DI AMOROSA – 4045 North St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga; 707 942-8200 Gifts, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for:Winery & Cave Tours with reservation only

Open daily 9:30-5

Caymus Vineyards – 8700 Conn Creek Rd, Rutherford; 707 967-3010

Open daily 10-4

Ceja Vineyards – 1016 Las Amigas Rd, Napa; 707 255-3954

Open daily 10-4 Open daily 12-6, Th-Sat 12-10 Open by appointment only

Open daily 10-5

Envy Wines – 1170 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga; 707 942-4670 Etude Winery – 1250 Cuttings Wharf Rd, Napa; 707 257-5300

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 9-4

Elyse – 2100 Hoffman Ln, Napa; 707 944-2900

Bouchaine Vineyards – 1075 Buchli Station Rd, Napa; 707 252-9065

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Clos Pegase – 1060 Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga; 707 942-4981

Eagle & Rose – 1844 Pope Canyon Rd, Pope Valley; 707 965-9463

Black Cat Vineyard – 1075 Shadybrook Ln, Napa; 707 321-0866

Chappellet Vineyard – 1581 Sage Canyon Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-7136

Open daily 10-5

Duckhorn Vineyards – 1000 Lodi Lane, St. Helena; 707 963-7108

★ BENNETT LANE – 3340 Hwy 128, Calistoga; 707 942-6684 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Vineyard Tours, Educational Programs, Food Pairings

Ceja Vineyards Tasting Room – 1248 1st St, Napa; 707 226-6445

★ CLOS DU VAL WINERY – 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 259-2225 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Wine Tours, Vineyard Tours, Food Pairings

Cornerstone Cellars – Napa

★ BALDACCI – 6236 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 944-9261 Gift Items, Children & Pets OK

Burgess Cellars – 1108 Deer Park Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-4766

Open daily 11-5

Chimney Rock Winery – 5350 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 257-2641

★ ARGER-MARTUCCI – 1455 Inglewood Ave, St. Helena; 707 963-4334 Open daily 10-5 Wine Tasting, Gift Items, Picnic Area, Arts Exhibit, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Food Pairings

August Briggs – 333 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707 942-4912

Open daily 9:30-4

Chateau Potelle – 3875 Mt. Veeder Rd, Napa; 707 255-9440x18

Open by appointment only

★ ANDRETTI WINERY – 4162 Big Ranch Road, Napa; 707 259-6777 x227 Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours (Private Tours for 10 or more), Educational Programs

ARNS – 601 Muno Road, St. Helena; 707 963-3429

Open daily 10:30-5

Chateau Montelena – 1429 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga; 707 942-5105

Open daily 10-4:30 Open by appointment only

Failla – 3530 Silverado Trail, St. Helena; 707 963-0530

Open daily 10-5

Falcor – 2511 Napa Corporate Dr, Ste 115, Napa; 888-402-WINE

Open daily 10-5

Farella-Park – 2222 N. Third Ave, Napa; 707 254-9489

Open daily 10-4

Far Niente – 1350 Acacia Dr, Oakville; 707 944-2861

Open daily 8-4:30

Fleury Estate Winery – 950 Galleron Rd, Rutherford; 707 967-8333

Open daily 10-4

★ FLORA SPRINGS TASTING ROOM – 677 St. Helena Hwy So., St. Helena; 707 967-8032 Children & Pets OK, Picnic Area

Open daily 10-5

★ FOLIE A DEUX – 7481 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville; 800 535-6400 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 10-6

★ FOLIO ENOTECA – 610 First Street #10, Napa; 707 256-3700 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Children Welcome ; Call ahead for Food Pairings ★ FOLIO WINEMAKERS’ STUDIO – 1285 Dealy Lane, Napa; 707 256-2757 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Picnic Area, Children Welcomed ; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Educational Programs, Food Pairings Franciscan Vineyards – 1178 Galleron Rd, Rutherford; 707 963-7111 ★ FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS – 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga; 707 942-0859 Gift Items, Picnic Area; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Vineyards Tours Frazier Winery – 70 Rapp Lane, Napa; 707 255-3444

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Open Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5 Open daily 10-5

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10-4

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK WINERY LISTINGS ★ FREEMARK ABBEY – 3022 St. Helena Hwy 29 N., St. Helena; 707 963-9694 Gift Items, Children Welcomed

Open daily 10-5

★ GIRARD WINERY – 1551 Sage Canyon Rd, St. Helena; 707 968-9297 Children Welcomed, Picnic Area

Open daily 10-5

★ GIRARD WINERY – (Tasting Room) 6795 Washington, Yountville; 968-9297 Tasting Fees, Gift Items, Art Exhibits

Open daily 10-6

★ MUMM NAPA – 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford; 800 MUM-NAPA Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Wine Tours

Open daily 10-5

Goosecross Cellars – 1119 State Lane, Yountville; 707 944-1986

Open daily 10-4 Open daily 10-5

★ NAPA CELLARS – 7481 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville; 707 944-2565 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 10-6

Graeser Winery – 255 Petrified Forest Rd, Calistoga; 707 942-4437

Morey Cellars – Napa

★ GRGICH HILLS – 1829 St. Helena Hwy 29 S., Rutherford; 707 963-2784 Gift Items, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours By Appt. at 11 & 2, Food Pairings Gustavo Thrace – 1021 McKinstry St, Napa; 707 257-6796

Miner Family – 7850 Silverado Trail, Oakville; 707 944-9500

Open daily 9:30-4:30

★ HAGAFEN CELLARS – 4160 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 252-0781 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Wine Tours

Open daily 10-4 Open daily 10-5:15

Hans Fahden Vineyards – 4855 Petrified Forest Rd, St. Helena; 707 942-6760

Open daily 10-

William Harrison Vnyrds – 1443 Silverado Trail, St. Helena; 707 963-8310

Open Thu-Mon 11-5

Hartwell Vineyards – 5795 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 255-4269

Open Wed-Sun 11-4

Open Thu-Sun 11-5

Open Sat-Sun 11-5

Patz & Hall – 851 Napa Valley Corporate Way, Ste A, Napa; 707 265-7700

Open Wed-Sun 10-4

★ PEJU – 8466 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford; 707 963-3600 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily 10-4:30

Pine Ridge – 5901 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 252-9777 PlumpJack Winery – 620 Oakville Crossroad, Oakville; 707 945-1220 Pope Valley Winery – 6613 Pope Valley Rd, Napa; 707 965-1246

Open daily 10-6

Provenance – 1695 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; 707 968-3633

Honig Vineyards – 850 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford; 707 963-5618

Open daily 10-4

Quintessa – 1601 Silverdo Trail , St. Helena; 707 967-1601

Jarvis Winery – 2970 Monticell Rd, Napa; 800 255-5280

Open daily 11-4 Open daily by appointment only 10-4

★ JESSUP CELLARS – 6740 Washington St, Yountville; 707 944-8523 Art Exhibits; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily 10-6

★ JOSEPH PHELPS VNYDS – 200 Taplin Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-2745 Gift Items, Children OK; Call ahead for: Wine Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-4

★ JUDD’S HILL – 2332 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 255-2332 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children Welcomed

Open daily 10-4

★ KIRKLAND RANCH WINERY – One Kirkland Ranch Rd, Napa; 707 254-9100 Gift Items, Children OK; Call ahead for Wine Tours

Open daily 10-4

Ladera – 150 White Cottage Rd So, Angwin; 707 965-2445

Open Moo-Sat 9-5 Open daily 10-5

Larkmead Vineyards – 1100 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga; 707 942-0167

Open daily 10-4

Long Meadow Ranch – 1775 Whitehall Ln, St. Helena; 707 963-4555 ★ LOUIS M. MARTINI – 254 St. Helena Hwy 29 So, St. Helena; 707 968-3361 Gift Items; Call ahead for: Wine Tours at 11 & 2, Cave Tours, Food Pairings Luna Vineyards – 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 255-2474 MJA – 647 Greenfield Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-3394 McKenzie-Mueller – 2530 Las Amigas Rd, Napa; 707 252-0186

Open by appointment only Open daily 10-6 Open daily 10-5 Open by appointment only Open by appointment only

Madonna Estate Winery – 5400 Old Sonoma Rd, Napa; 707 255-8864

Open daily 10-5

Madrigal Vineyards – 3718 N. St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga; 707 942-6577

Open daily 10-4

★ MAHONEY VINEYARDS – Taste at Oxbow, 708 First St, Napa; 707 265-9600 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily 11-7

Markham Vnyds – 2812 St. Helena Hwy 29, St. Helena; 707 963-5292 Mario Perelli-Menetti – 1443 Silverado Trail, St. Helena; 707 963-8310 Mason Cellars – 714 First St, Napa; 707 255-0658 ★ MERRYVALE VINEYARDS – 1000 Main St, St. Helena; 707 963-7777 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK Call ahead for: Wine Tours at 10:30 & 12:30, Educational Programs, Food Pairings Milat Vineyards – 1091 St. Helena Hwy S, St. Helena; 707 963-0758

★ RAYMOND VINEYARD – 849 Zinfandel Ln, St. Helena; 707 963-3141 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Wine Tours Regusci Winery – 5584 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 254-0403 Reverie Winery – 1250 Diamond Mtn Rd, Calistoga; 707 942-6800

Laird Family Winery – 5055 Solano Ave., Napa; 707 257-0360

Open daily 10-5 Open Thu-Sun 10-5 Open Thu-Mon 11-5:30 Open daily 10-6:30

Open daily 10-5:30

Open daily 10-6 Open daily 10:30-4:30 Open daily 10-4 Open Thurs-Sun 11-5 or by appt.

★ PRAGER WINERY/PORT WORKS – 1281 Lewelling, St. Helena; 707 963-PORT (7678) Children & Pets OK

Hill Family Estate – 6512 Washington, Yountville; 707 944-9580 Hopper Creek – 6204 Washington St, Napa; 707 744-0675

Open daily by appointment 9-5

Paoletti Vineyards – 4501 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707 942-0689

Open daily 11-4:30

★ HESS COLLECTION – 4411 Redwood Rd, Napa; 707 255-1144 Open daily 10-5:30 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Welcomed; Call ahead for: Wine Tours, Food Pairings

Open Mon-Fri 10-3, Sat-Sun 10-2 Open Mon-Sat 10-5

Heitz Cellars – 436 St. Helena Hwy 29, St. Helena; 707 963-3542

Open by appointment only

Open daily 10-4:30

O’Brien Estate – 1200 Orchard Ave, Napa; 707 252-8463

Havens Wine Cellars – 2055 Hoffman Lane, Yountville; 707 261-2000 Hendry – 3104 Redwood Dr, Napa; 707 226-8320

Call for information; 707 226-2348

Noah Vineyard – 6204 Washington St, Yountville; 707 944-0675 Palmaz Vineyards – 4029 Hagen Road, Napa; 707 226-5587

Hall – 401 St. Helena Hwy So, St. Helena; 707 967-2620

Open daily 10-4:30

Napa Wine Company – 1133 Oakville Cross Rd, Oakville; 707 944-1710 Nickel & Nickel – 8164 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville; 707 967-9600

Open daily Sun-Wed 11-6, Thur-Sat 11-8

Open daily 11-5

★ MONTICELLO VINEYARDS – 4242 Big Ranch Rd, Napa; 707 253-2802 Gift Items, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Wine Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10:30-4:30 Open daily 10:30-5:30 Open daily 10-4 Open daily 10-4 Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10-5

Reynolds Family Winery – 3266 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 258-2558

Open daily 10-4:30

Robert Craig Wine Cellars – 880 Vallejo St, Napa; 707 252-2250 x1

Open by appointment Mon-Sat

Keenan – 3660 Spring Mtn. Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-9177 Robert Mondavi Winery – 7801 St. Helena Hwy 29, Oakville; 707 968-2001 Robert Pepi Winery – 7585 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville; 707 944-2807 Robert Sinskey Vnyrds – 6320 Silverado Trail, Yountville; 707 944-9090 Rocca Family – 1130 Main St, Napa; 707 257-8467

Open by appointment only Open daily 10-5 Open daily 11-4 Open daily 10-4:30 Mon-Sat 1-6

★ ROMBAUER VINEYARD – 3522 Silverado Trail, No, St. Helena; 707 963-5170 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children OK; Call ahead for Wine Tours

Open daily 10-5

Round Pond Winery – 886 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford; 1-877-963-9364

Open daily 10-5

Rubicon Estates – 1991 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford; 707 968-1161 Rudd Winery – 500 Oakville Cross Rd, Oakville; 707 944-8577 Rustridge Ranch – 2910 Lower Chiles Valley Rd, St. Helena; 707 965-9353 Rutherford Grove – 1673 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford; 707 963-0544 Rutherford Hill – 200 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford; 707 963-1871 Rutherford Ranch – 1680 Silverado Trail, Rutherford; 707 963-5251 Saddleback Cellars – 7802 Money Road, Oakville; 707 944-1305 ★ ST. CLEMENT VINEYARDS – 2867 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; 800 331-8266 Gift Items, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Wine Tours, Food Pairings St. Helena Wine Center – 1321 Main St, St. Helena; 707 963-1313 St. Supéry – 8440 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford; 800 942-0809 Saintsbury – 1500 Los Carneros Ave, Napa; 707 252-0592

Open daily 10-5 Open Tues-Sat 10-5 Open daily 10-4 Open daily 10-4:30 Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10-4:30 Open daily 10-4 Open daily 10-5 Open Mon-Sat 10-6, Su 10-5:30 Open daily 10-5 Open Mon-Fri by appointment

Salvestrin Vineyard – 397 Main Street, St. Helena; 707-963-5105

Open daily 10-4

Sawyer Cellars – 8350 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford; 707 963-1980

Open daily 10-4

Schramsberg – 1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga; 707 942-2414

Open daily 10-4

www.winecountrythisweek.com

79

WINERY LISTINGS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

★ Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

Schweiger Vineyards – 4015 Spring Mt Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-4882 ★ SEQUOIA GROVE – 8338 St. Helena Hwy 29, Rutherford; 707 944-2945 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Wine Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-3:30

X Winery & Amius – 1405 2nd Street, Napa; 707 287-4984

Open by appointment only

Open daily 10:30-5

Yates Family Vineyard – 4723 Redwood Rd, Napa; 707 226-1800

Open by appointment only

Zahtila Vineyards – 2250 Lake County Hwy; Calistoga; 707 942-9251

Shafer Vineyards – 6154 Silverado Trail, Nap; 707 944-2877

Open Mon-Fri 10-4

Signorello Vineyards – 4500 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 255-5990

Open daily 10:30-5

Silenus Vintners – 5225 Solano Ave, Napa; 707 299-3930

Open by appointment only

★ SILVERADO VINEYARDS – 6121 Silverado Trail, Nap; 707 257-1770 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK Call ahead for: Wine Tours, Educational Programs, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-4:30

Silver Oak Cellars – 915 Oakville Crossroad, Oakville; 1-800-273-8809

Open Mon-Sun 9-4

Silver Rose Cellars – 400 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707 942-9581

Fr-Su 10-4:30 or by appointment Open by appointment only

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 944-2020

Open daily 10-4:30

Steltzner Vineyards – 5998 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 252-7272

Open daily 10:30-4:30

★ STERLING VINEYARDS – 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga; 707 942-3344 Self-Guided Winery Tours, Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 10-4:30

Stonehedge Winery – 1004 Clinton St, Napa; 707 256-4444

Open Wed-Sat 11-7

Storybook Mountain – 3835 Hwy 128, Calistoga; 707 942-5310

Open Mon-Sat 10-4

Sullivan Vineyard – 1090 Galleron Rd, Rutherford; 707 963-9646

Open daily 11-5

★ SUMMERS/VILLA ANDRIANA – 1171 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga; 707 942-5508 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily 10:30-4:30

★ SUTTER HOME WINERY – 277 St. Helena Hwy S, St. Helena; 707 963-3104 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10-4

The Terraces – 1450 Silverado Trail, St. Helena; 707 963-1707

Open by appointment only

Trefethen Vineyards – 1160 Oak Knoll Ave, Napa; 707 255-7700

Open daily 10-4:30

Tres Sabores – 1620 S. Whitehall Lane, St. Helena; 707 967-8027

Open by appointment only

★ TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES – 3070 N. St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; 1-800-473-4454 Trinitas Cellars – 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa; 707 935-3504

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 12-8

Truchard – 3234 Old Sonoma Rd, Napa; 707 253-7153

Open by appointment only

Tudal Winery – 1015 Big Tree Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-3947

Open by appointment only

Tulocay – 1426 Coombsville Rd, Napa; 707 255-4064

Open by appointment only

Turnbull Wine Cellars – 8210 Highway 29, Oakville; 707 963-5839

Open daily 10-4

Twomey Cellars – 1183 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga; (707) 942-7122

Open Mon-Sat 9-4

★ V. SATTUI WINERY – Corner Hwy 29 & White Ln, St. Helena; 707 963-7774 Open daily: Winter 9-5, Summer 9-6 Picnic Area, Deli, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Cave Tours Van Der Heyden – 4057 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707 257-0130

Open daily 10-6

Viader Winery – 1120 Deer Park Rd, St. Helena; 707 963-3816

Open by appointment only

Vincent Arroyo Winery – 2361 Greenwood Ave, Calistoga; 707 942-6995

Open daily 10-4:30

Vine Cliff Winery – 7400 Silverado Trail, Yountville; 707 944-1364

Open daily 10:30-4:30

Vintners Collective – 1245 Main St, Napa; 707 255-7150

Open daily 11-6

Volker Eisele Family – 3080 Lower Chiles Valley Rd, St. Helena; 707 965-9485

Open by appointment only

Von Strasser – 1510 Diamond Mtn. Rd, Calistoga; 707 942-0930

Open daily 10:30-4:30

★ WATERSTONE – Taste at Oxbow, 708 First St, Napa; 707 265-9600 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily 11-7

SONOMA COUNTY Open by appointment only

Adler Fels – 9575 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707 833-6131

Open daily 11-5

Adobe Road Winery – 1995 S. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma; 707 939-7967

Open daily 11-5

★ ALDERBROOK WINERY 2306 Magnolia, Healdsburg; 707 433-9154 Gift items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Food Pairings

Open daily10-5

Alexander Valley Vineyards – 8644 Hwy 128, Healdsburg; 707 433-7209

Open daily 11-5

Amista Vineyards– 3320 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 431-9200

Thur-Mon 11-4:30

★ ARMIDA WINERY – 2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg; 707 433-2222 Gift items, Children OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily11-5

Arista Winery – 7015 Westside Rd, Healdsburg; 707 473-0606

Open daily11-5

★ ARROWOOD VNYDS & WNRY – 14347 Sonoma Hwy 12, Glen Ellen; 707 935-2600 Gift items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits; Call ahead for Winery Tours at 10:30 & 2:30

Open daily 10-4:30

★ ARTESA – (at Cornerstone, tasting room) 23564 Arnold Dr, (Hwy 121), Sonoma; 707-933-8980 Gift items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children Welcomed

Open daily 10-5

Artiste – 435 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 433-1920

Open daily 11-5:30 Fri-Sat 12-6

Balletto & Dutton-Goldfield – 5700 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa; 707 568-2455

Open daily 10-4

Bartholomew Park – 1000 Vineyard Ln., Sonoma; 707 935-9511

Open daily 11-4:30

★ BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY – 1883 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen; 707 935-4046 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Vineyard Tram Tours

Wermuth Winery – 3942 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707 942-5924

Open daily 11-5 Open daily 11-6

Open daily 10-4:30

★ BR COHN WINERY – 15000 Sonoma Hwy 12, Glen Ellen; 800-330-4064 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call for: Tours, Educational Programs, Wine Pairings

Open by appointment only Open daily 10-5

Open Mon-Sat 11-6:30, Sun 11-430 Open by appointment only

Open daily 10-5

Bradford Mountain – 4035 Westside Rd, Healdsburg; 707 431-4433

Open by appointment only

Buena Vista Winery – 18000 Old Winery Rd, Sonoma; 707 938-1266

Open daily 10-5

Davis Bynum Winery – 8075 Westside Road, Healdsburg; 707 433-5852

Fri-Mon 11-4

C. Donatiello – 4035 Westside Rd, Healdsburg; 800-433-8296

Open daily 11-5

Cale Cellars – (at the Wine Room) 9575 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707 833-6131

Open daily 11-5

Camellia Cellars – 57 Front St., Healdsburg; 707 433-1290

Open daily 11-6

Carneros Family Wineries – 23574 Arnold Dr/Hwy 121, Sonoma; 707 934-4090

Open daily 10-5

Castle Vineyards – 122 West Spain St, Sonoma; 707 996-1966

Open daily 11-6

Cellar Door – 1395 Broadway, Suite E, Sonoma; 707-938-4466

Open daily 10-6

Charles Creek Winery – 483 First St. W., Sonoma; 707 935-3848

Open daily 11-6

Chateau Felice – 223 Center St, 707 431-9010; Healdsburg

Mon-Wed 11-6 Thu-Sun 11-6

★ CHATEAU ST. JEAN – 8555 Sonoma Hwy 12, Kenwood; 707 833-4134 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings ★ CLINE CELLARS – 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; 707 940-4030 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours at 11, 1, 3 or Food Pairings Clos du Bois – 19410 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville; 707 857-3100

★ WILLIAM HILL WINERY – 1761 Atlas Peak Road, Napa; 707 224-4477 Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Vineyard Tours, Educational Programs

Open daily 10-5

★ BLACKSTONE WINERY – 8450 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707 833-1999 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Wine Pairings

Chandelle Winery – 1395 Broadway at the Cellar Door in Sonoma; 707 938-4466

★ WHITEHALL LANE – 1563 St. Helena Hwy S, St. Helena; 707 963-9454 Gift Items, Art Exhibits, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Tours

80

Open daily 10-4:30

Audelssa Estate – 13647 Arnold Dr, Glen Ellen; 707 933-8514

Terra Valentine – 3787 Spring Mountain Rd, St. Helena; 707 967-8340

★ WINE GARAGE – 1020 Foothill Blvd (Hwy 29), Calistoga; 707 942-5332 Wing Canyon Vineyard – 3100 Mt. Veeder Rd, Napa; 707 265-8798

★ ZD WINES – 8383 Silverado Trail, Rutherford; 707 963-5188 Gift items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibits, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Wine Pairings

A. Rafanelli Winery – 4685 W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-1385

Spring Mountain – 2805 Spring Mtn. Rd, St. Helena; 707 967-4188

Whitford Cellars – 4047 E. Third Ave, Napa; 707-942-0840

Daily 10-4:30

★ CHRISTOPHER CREEK – 641 Limerick Ln, Healdsburg; 707 433-2001 Picnic Area

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 11-6 Open daily 10-6 Open daily 10-4:30 Open daily 10-6

Davis Family Vnyds – 53 Front St, Healdsburg; 707 433-3858

Thu-Sun 11-5

De La Montanya – 999 Foreman Ln., Healdsburg; 707 433-3711

Mon-Fri 11-4:30

De Loach Vineyards – 1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa; 707 526-9111

www.winecountrythisweek.com

Open daily 10-4:30

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK WINERY LISTINGS Deerfield Ranch – 10200 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood; 707 833-5215

Kenwood Vineyards – 9592 Sonoma Hwy 12, Kenwood; 707 833-5891;

Dry Creek Vineyards – 3770 Lambert Bridge Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-1000

Open daily 10:30-4:30

★ DUTCHER CROSSING – 8533 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 431-2700 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Open daily 11-5

Open daily 9-4:30

Kunde – 9825 Sonoma Hwy 12, Kenwood; 707 833-5501

Open daily 10:30-4

La Crema – 235 Healdsburg Ave, Ste 101, Healdsburg; 707 431-9400

★ ERIC ROSS – 14300 Arnold Dr, Glen Ellen; 707 939-8525 Children Welcomed

Thu-Mon 11-5

Everett Ridge – 435 W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-1637

Open daily 11-4:30

Family Wineries of Dry Creek Valley – 4791 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-0100 Open daily 10:30-4:30 ★ FERRARI-CARANO – 8761 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-6700 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Wine Pairings

Open daily 10-5

Field Stone Winery – 10075 Hwy 128, Healdsburg; 707 433-7266

Open daily 10-4:30

Forchini – 5141 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 431-8886

Sat-Sun 11-4

Foppiano Vineyards – 12707 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg; 707 433-7272

Open daily 10-4:30

★ FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’S ROSSO & BIANCO 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville; 707 857-1462 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Wine Pairings

Open daily 10-5

Freestone Vineyards – 12747 El Camino Bodega, Freestone; 707 874-1010

Fri-Mon 11-5

Frick – 23072 Walling Road, Geyserville; 707 857-1980

Sat-Sun 12-4:30

★ FRITZ WINERY – 24691 Dutcher Creek Rd, Cloverdale; 707 894-3389 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Wine Pairings

Open daily 10:30-4:30

★ GALLO FAMILY VNYDS – Tasting Room: 320 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707 433-2458 Gary Farrell Wines – 10701 Westside Rd, Healdsburg;707-473-2909;

Open daily 10-6 Open daily 11-4

Geyser Peak Winery – At Canyon Rd, Chianti RdGeyserville; 707 857-9400 GlenLyon –

Open daily 10-4:30;

Korbel Chmpgne Clrs – 13250 River Rd, Guerneville; 707 824-7000

Open daily 10-5 Call for information; 707 833-0032

★ GLORIA FERRER CAVES & VNYDS – 23555 Hwy 121, Sonoma; 707 996-7256 Open daily 10-5 Gift items, Picnic Area, Art Exhibit; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Educational Programs, Food Pairings Gourmet Au Bay – 913 Hwy 1, Bodega Bay; 707 875-9875

Fri-Sat 11-6, Sun-Thu 11-5

Grange Sonoma – (Tasting room for boutique wineries) 23564 Arnold Dr (Hwy 121), Sonoma; 707-933-8980

Open daily 10-5

Open daily 10:30-5:30

Lake Sonoma Winery – 340 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 473-2999

Open daily 10-5

Lambert Bridge – 4085 W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 431-9600

Open daily 10:30-4:30

Landmark – 101 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood; 707 833-0053

Open daily 10-4:30

Larson Family – (Cornerstone, tasting room for boutique wineries) 23564 Arnold Dr, (Hwy 121), Sonoma; 707-933-3010

Open daily 10-5

Larson Family – (Tasting Room at The Cellar Door) 1395 Broadway, Sonoma; 707 938-4466

Open daily 11-6

★ LEDSON WINERY – 7335 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707 833-2330 Open daily 10-5 Tasting Fees, Gift items, Deli, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call for: Educational Programs, Food Pairings ★ LIMERICK LANE – 1023 Limerick Ln, Healdsburg; 707-433-9211 Gift items, Art Exhibit, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 10-5

Little Vineyards Family Winery – 15188 Sonoma Hwy, Glen Ellen; 707 996-2750 ★ LONGBOARD VINEYARDS – 5 Fitch St, Healdsburg; 707 433-3473 Gift items, Children OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings ★ LOXTON CELLARS – 11466 Dunbar Rd, Glen Ellen; 707 935-7221 Picnic Area; Call ahead for Vineyard and Winery Tours

Open daily 11-5

MacRostie Winery – 21481 Eight St E, Suite 25, Sonoma; 707 996-4480

Open by appointment only

Manzanita Creek – 1441 A&B Grove St, Healdsburg; 707 433-4052

Open by appointment only

Marimar Estate – 11400 Graton Road, Sebastopol; 707 823-4365

Open daily 10-5

Open daily 11-4 (Closed Tue & Wed) ★ MARTIN RAY – 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa; 707 823-2404 Gift items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours Martinelli Vineyards – 3360 River Rd, Fulton; 707 525-0570

Open daily 10-5

Matanzas Creek Winery – 6097 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa; 707 528-6464

Open daily 10-4:30

★ MATRIX – 3291 Westside Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-1911 Gift items, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Open daily 11-5

Mauritson Family Winery – 2859 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 431-0804

Grove Street – 1441 Grove St, 707 433-6734; Healdsburg

Open daily 10-4

Gundlach Bundschu – 2000 Denmark St, 707 938-5277; Sonoma

Open daily 11-4:30

Hanna Winery – 9280 Hwy 128, Healdsburg; 707 431-4310 5333 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa; 707 575-3371

Open daily 10-4 Open daily 10-4

Hartford Family Wines – 8075 Martinelli Road, Forestville; 707 887-1756

Open daily 10-4:30

Holdredge – 51 Front St, Healdsburg; 707 431-1424

Fri-Sun 11-4:30

Homewood Winery – 23120 Burndale Rd, Sonoma; 707 996-6353

Open daily 10-4

★ HOP KILN WINERY – 6050 Westside Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-6491 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for: Educational Programs, Food Pairings Huntington – 52 Front St, Healdsburg; 707 433-5215

Open daily 10-5 Thu-Sun 11-5

★ IMAGERY ESTATE – 14355 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen; 707 935-4515 Weekdays 10-4:30, Weekends 10-5 Gift items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call for: Educational Programs, Food Pairings ★ J RICKARDS WINERY – 24505 Chianti Rd, Cloverdale; 707 758-3441 Picnic Area, Children Welcomed

Tue-Sat 11-5

J Vineyard & Winery – 11447 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg; 707 431-3646

Open daily 11-5

J. Pedroncelli Vineyards – 1220 Canyon Rd, Geyserville; 707 857-3531

Open daily 10-4:30

Jacuzzi Vineyards – 24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; 707 931-7575

Open daily 11-5

Johnson’s Alexander Valley Wines – 8329 Hwy 128, Healdsburg; 707 433-2319

Open daily 11-5

Kastania Vineyards – 4415 Kastania Rd, Petaluma; 707 763-6348 ★ KAZ WINERY – 233 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood; 707 833-2536 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Winery Tours, Vineyards Tours

Thu-Mon 11-5

Open daily 11-6 (closed Tue)

Open daily 10-5

★ MAYO FAMILY WINERY – Hwy 12 & Arnold Dr, Glen Ellen; 707 938-9401 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Open daily 10:30-6:30

★ MAYO FAMILY RESERVE ROOM – 9200 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707 833-5504 Gift items, Art Exhibit, Children OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings ★ MAYO FAMILY – at The Cellar Door in Sonoma, 1395 Broadway; 707 938-4466 Gift items, Art Exhibit; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily 11-6 Th-Mon 11-6, Tu-Wed 4-6

★ MAYO FAMILY ON THE PLAZA – 498 First St. E, Sonoma; 707 996-9911 Gift items, Children Welcomed ★ MAZZOCCO VINEYARDS – 1400 Lytton Springs Rd, Healdsburg; 707 431-8159 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK Meeker Vineyards – 21035 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville; 707 431-2148

Open daily 10:30-6 Open daily 11-5 Open daily 10:30-5

Michel-Schlumberger – 4155 Wine Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-7427

Open daily 10-5

Mill Creek Vineyards – 1401 Westside Rd; Healdsburg; 707 431-2121

Open daily 10-5

Moondance Cellars – at the Wine Room; 9575 Sonoma Hwy; Kenwood; 707 833-6131 ★ MOSAIC (formerly De Lorimier)– 2001 Hwy 128, Geyserville; 707 857-2000 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK Murphy-Goode – 20 Matheson St, Healdsburg; 800 499-7644

Open daily 10:30-4:30

★ MUSCARDINI CELLARS – 8910 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707-833-0526 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Sat Sun 11-4

Nicholson Ranch – 4200 Napa Rd, Sonoma; 707 938-8822

Fri-Mon 11-5

Opus One – 1144 Oakville Cross Rd, Oakville; 707 944-9442

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10-4:30

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10-6 Open daily by appointment only 10-4

Papapietro Perry – 4791 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-0422

Open daily 11-4:30

★ KENDALL-JACKSON – 5007 Fulton Rd, Fulton; 707 571-8100 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Educational Programs, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-5

★ PARADISE RIDGE WINERY – 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr, Santa Rosa; 707 528-Wine Gift items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Open daily 11-5

★ KENDALL-JACKSON – 337 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 433-7102 Children & Pets OK

Open daily 10-5

★ Paradise Ridge – Kenwood Tasting Room, 8860 Sonoma Hwy; 707 282-9020 Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 10-5

www.winecountrythisweek.com

81

WINERY LISTINGS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

★★Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

Passalacqua Vnyds – 3805 Lambert Bridge Rd, Healdsburg; 877-825-5547

Open daily 11-5

Pastori Wines – 23189 Geyserville Ave, Cloverdale; 707 857-3418

Open by appointment only

Pellegrini Family– 4055 West Olivet Rd, Santa Rosa; 800-891-0244

Open by appointment Thur-Mon 10-4

Preston Vineyards – 9282 W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-3372

Open daily 11-4:30

★ QUIVIRA VINEYARDS – 4900 W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 431-8333 Gift items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Open daily 11-5

Ravenswood – 18701 Gehricke Rd, Sonoma; 707 938-1960

Open daily 10-4:30

Raymond Burr – 8339 W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-4365

Open daily 11-5

Richardson Winery – at The Cellar Door in Sonoma, 1395 Broadway; 707 938-4466

Open daily 11-6

Ridge/Lytton Springs – 650 Lytton Springs Rd; Healdsburg; 707 433-7721

Open daily 11-4

Robert Hunter – at The Cellar Door in Sonoma,1395 Broadway; 707 938-4466

Open daily 11-6

Robert Young Estate – 4960 Red Winery Rd, Geyserville; 707 431-4811

Open daily 10-4:30

Robledo Family Winery – 21901 Bonness Rd, Sonoma; 707 939-6903

Open by appointment only

Roche – 28700 Arnold Dr, Sonoma; 707 935-7115

Open daily 10-6

Rochioli – 6192 Westside Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-2305

Open daily 11-4

★ RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS – 11455 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg; 707 431-1533 Gift items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 10-5

Rosenblum Winery – 250 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707 431-1169

Open daily 10-5

Roshambo – (Cornerstone, tasting room for boutique wineries) 23564 Arnold Dr, (Hwy 121), Sonoma; 888-525-9463

Open daily 10-5

★ Topel – Tasting Room in Healdsburg, 125 Matheson St; 707 433-4116 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call for: Educational Program, Food Pairings

Open daily 11-7

Trentadue – 19170 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville; 707 433-3104 Trione Vineyards – 19550 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville; 707 814-8100 Twomey Cellars – 3000 Westside Rd, Healdsburg; 707 800-505-4850

Open daily 10-5 Thurs-Sun 10-5 Mon-Sat 9-4

★ Ty Caton Vineyards – 8910 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707 833-0526 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call for: Educational Program, Food Pairings

Open daily 10-6

Valley of the Moon – 777 Madrone Rd, Glen Ellen; 707 996-6941

Open daily 10-4:30

★ VJB VINEYARDS & CELLARS – 9077 Sonoma Hwy 12, Kenwood; 707-833-2300 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Pets Welcomed

Open daily 10-5

Viansa Winery – 25200 Arnold Dr, Sonoma; 707 935-4700

Open daily 10-5

★ WELLINGTON VINEYARDS – 11600 Dunbar Rd, Glen Ellen; 707 939-0708 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call for: Educational Programs, Food Pairings Westwood Winery – 11 E. Napa St, Suite 3, Sonoma; 707 935-3246 White Oak Vineyards – 7505 Hwy 128, Healdsburg; 707 433-84291 ★ WILSON – 1960 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg; 707 433-4355 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings

Open daily 11-5 Open daily 11-5 Open daily 10-5 Open daily 11-5

Zichichi Family – 8626 W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg; 707 433-4410

Open daily 11-4:30

NORTH CENTRAL COAST ALAMEDA COUNTY

★ ROSSO & BIANCO - 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville; 707 857-1462 Gift items, Food Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings Route 128 Winery – 21079 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville; 707-696-0004 Russian River Vineyards – 5700 Gravenstein Hwy N, Forestville; 707 887-3344 SL Cellars – 9380 Sonoma Hwy 12, Kenwood; 707 833-5070

Open daily 10-5

Dashe Cellars – 55 4th St, Oakland; 510 452-1800

Open by appointment only Thu-Mon 12-6

Thur-Mo 11-6

Eno Wines – 805 Camelia, Berkeley; 415 515-7227

Open daily 11-5

Harrington – 805 Camelia, Berkeley; 510 527-1305

Open by appointment only

J C Cellars – 55 4th St, Oakland; 510 465-5900

Open by appointment only

Open daily 10:30-5

Sable Ridge Winery – 6320 Jamison Rd; Santa Rosa; 707 542-3138

A Donkey and a Goat – 2323 B Fourth St, Berkeley; 510 926-9050

Open by appointment only

Open by appointment only

Lost Canyon – 2102 Dennison St Ste A, Oakland; 510 534-9314

Fri-Sun 12-6 or by appointment

★ ST. FRANCIS VINEYARDS – 100 Pythian Rd, Santa Rosa; 888-675-WINE Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call for Food Pairings, Winery Tours

Open daily 10-5

Rosenblum Cellars – 2900 Main St, Alameda; 510 865-7007

Open daily 11-6

St. Helena Road Winery – 6995 St. Helena Road; Santa Rosa; 707 538-8674

Open daily 9-5

Sapphire Hill – 55 Front Street, Healdsburg; 707 431-1888

Open by appointment or Thurs-Mon 11-4:30

★ SAUSAL WINERY – 7370 Hwy 128, Healdsburg; 707 433-2285 Gift items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings Sbragia Family – 9990 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville; 707 473-2992

Open daily 10-4 Thur-Mo 11-5

★ SCHUG CARNEROS ESTATE – 602 Bonneau Road, Sonoma; 800-966-9365 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children Welcomed, Picnic Area

Open daily 10-5

★ SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS – 389 Fourth St. East, Sonoma; 707 938-5532 Complimentary Tours & Tasting, Gift Items, Picnic Area & Supplies, Children Welcomed

Open daily 10-5

Sebastopol Vineyards – Hwy 116 N. Green Valley Rd; Sebastopol; 707 829-9463

Sat/Sun 11-4:30

Seghesio Winery – 14730 Grove St, Healdsburg; 707 433-3579

Open daily 10–5

Selby Winery – 215 Center St, Healdsburg; 707 431-1288 Silver Oak Cellars – 24625 Chianti Road, Geyserville; 707 857-3562 ★ SIMI WINERY – 16275 Healsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 433-6981 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for Tours at 11 & 2

Stryker Sonoma – 5110 Highway 128; Geyserville; 707 433-1944 ★ SUNCÉ WINERY – 1839 Olivet Rd, Santa Rosa; 707 526-9463 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children Welcomed Taft Street Winery – 2030 Barlow Lane, Sebastopol; 707 823-2049 Tin Barn – 21692 Eighth St E. #340, Sonoma; 707 938-5430

Open daily 11-5:30 Mon-Sat 9-4 Open daily 10-5

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10:30-5 Open daily 10:30-5 Sat-Sun 11-4:30, Mon-Fri 11-4 Sat-Sun 11-4

Thumbprint Cellars – 36 North St, Healdsburg; 707 433-2393

Open daily 11-4

Toad Hollow – 409A Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 431-8667

Open daily 10:30-5:30

82

Byington Winery – 21850 Bear Creek Rd, Los Gatos; 408 354-1111

Open daily 11-5

Bargetto – 700-G Cannery Row, Monterey; 831 373-4053

Open daily 10:30-6

Casa De Fruta – 6680 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister; 800 543-1702

Open daily 9-6

Clos LaChance – 1 Hummingbird Ln, San Martin; 408 686-1050

Mon-Th 11-5, Fri-Sun 11-4

Conrotto Winery – 1690 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy; 408 842-3053 Creekview – 12467 Creekview Ct, San Martin; 408 686-0534

Smothers/Remick Ridge – at the Wine Room in Kenwood, 9575 Sonoma Hwy; 707 833-6131 Open daily 11-5 Stonestreet – 7111 Highway 128; 707 473-3333; Healdsburg

SANTA CLARA VALLEY

Sat-Sun 11-5 By appointment 11-5 or 3rd Weekend of the Month

Fellom Ranch Vnyds – 17075 Montebello Rd, Cupertino; 408 779-2145

Open daily 10-6

Fortino Winery – 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy; 408 842-3305

Open daily 10-5

Guglielmo Winery – 1480 E. Main St, Morgan Hill; 408 779-214

Open daily 10-5

Hecker Pass Winery – 4605 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy; 408 842-8755

Open daily 9-5

J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery – 1000 Lenzen Ave, San Jose; 408 288-5057

Open daily 10-5

Kirigin Cellars – 11550 Watsonville Rd, Gilroy; 408 847-8827

Open daily 10-5

Léal Estate Vnyds – 300 Maranatha Dr, Hollister; 831 636-1023

Open daily 11-5

Martin Winery – 6675 Redwood Retreat Rd, Gilroy; 408 842-9197

11-4 3rd Saturday of each month

Morgan Hill Cellars – 1645 San Pedro Ave, Morgan Hill; 408 779-7389 Rapazzini Winery – 4350 S. Monterey Hwy, Gilroy; 408 842-5649 ★ SARAH’S VINEYARD – 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy; 408 842-4278 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Tue-Sun 10-5, Closed Monday Open daily 10-6 Open daily 11-5

Satori Cellars – 2100 Buena Vista Ave, Gilroy; 408 84-5823

3rd Saturday of each month

Solis Winery – 3920 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy; 408 847-6306

Open daily 11-5

Sunrise Winery – Montebello Rd, Cupertino; 408 741-1310 ★ SYCAMORE CREEK – 12775 Uvas Rd, Morgan Hill; 408 779-4738 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

www.winecountrythisweek.com

Fri-Sun 11-5 Fri-Sun 12-5

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK WINERY LISTINGS Thomas Kruse Winery – 3200 Dryden Ave, Gilroy; 408 842-7016

Open daily 12-5

Troquato Vineyards – 24130 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408 866-6700

Open by appointment only

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS Ahlgren Vnyd – 20320 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek; 831 338-6071

Sat 12-4 or by appointment

Alexander Cellars – 427 A Swift St, Santa Cruz; 831 471-9090

Fri-Sun Noon-5

Alfaro Family Vnyd & Winery – 420 Hames Rd, Corralitos; 831 728-5172

Sat 12-5 or by appointment

Aptos Creek – 520 Nisene Meadws Ct, Aptos; 831 684-1680

Open by appointment only

Armida Winery – 103 Stockton Ave, Capitola; 831-462-1065

Open daily 11-6

Bargetto Winery – 3535 N. Main St, Soquel; 831 475-2258

Open daily 12-5

Beauregard – 55B Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz; 831 458-WINE

Open daily 11-6

Bonny Doon Vnyd – 10 Pine Flat Rd, Santa Cruz; 831 425-4518

Open daily 11-5

★ BURRELL SCHOOL – 24060 Summit Rd, Los Gatos; 408 353-6290 Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 11-6

Open by appointment only Open daily 12-6

Soquel Vineyards – 8063 Glen Haven, Soquel; 831 462-9045

Sat 11-4

Storrs Winery – 303 Potrero St. #35, Santa Cruz; 831 458-5030

Open daily 12-5

Testarossa Vineyards – 300-A College Ave, Los Gatos; 408 354-6150

Open daily 11-5

Thomas Fogarty Winery – 19501 Skyline Blvd, Woodside; 650 851-6777 Vinocruz – 725 Front St, Santa Cruz; 831 427-0436

Thu-Sun 11-5 Mon-Thu 11-7, Fri-Sat 11-5, Sun 12-6

Wines of Vine Hill – 2300 Jarvis Rd, Santa Cruz; 831 427-0436

Open daily 11-5 Open daily ’til Midnight Closed Mondays

Cinnabar – 23000 Congress Springs Rd, Saratoga; 408 741-5858 ★ COOPER-GARROD – 22645 Garrod Rd, Saratoga; 408 867-7116 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children OK; Call ahead for: Food Pairings, Tours

Special Events & by appointment Mon-Fri 12-5 Sat-Sun 11-5

Windy Oaks – 550 Hazel Dell Rd; Corralitos; 831 786-9463

Open daily 11:30-6 Special events & by appointment

Woodside Vineyards – 340 Kings Mountain Rd; Woodside; 650 851-3144

Open by appointment only Special events & by appointment

CARMEL VALLEY Bernardus – 5 W. Carmel Rd, Carmel Valley; 800 223-2533

Open daily 11-5

★ BOEKENOOGEN – 24 West Carmel Rd, Carmel; 831 659-4215 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 11-5

Bountiful Basket – 3969 The Barnyard, Ste A13; Carmel Valley; 831 625-4457

David Bruce Winery – 21439 Bear Creek Rd, Los Gatos; 408 354-4214

Open daily 12-5

Davenport Roadhouse – 1 Davenport Ave, Daven Port; 831 426-8801 Domenico – 1697 Industrial Rd, San Carlos; 650 593-2335

Special events & by appointment

White Crane Winery – 110 Capitola Ave, Capitola; 831 477-9911

Zayante Vineyards – 420 Old Mount Rd; Felton; 831 335-7992

Byington Winery – 21850 Bear Creek Rd, Los Gatos; 408 354-1111 Cava Wine Bar – 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola; 831 476-2282

★ SILVER MOUNTAIN – Santa Cruz Mtns, call for information 408 353-2275 Tasting Room – 381 #Q Cannery Row, Monterey; 831 644-9609 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Tue-Sun 9-8

Mon-Sat 10-6 Su 12-5

Chateau Julien – 8940 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel; 831 624-2600

Mon-Fri 8-5 Sat-Sun 11-5

Chateau Sinnet – 13746 Center Street, Carmel Valley; 831 659-2244

12-5 Sun-Thur Fri & Sat 12-6

Open daily 12-5 Closed Tues

Cima Collina – San Carlos, btwn Ocean & 7th, Carmel; 831 620-0645

Thur-Mon 11- 6

Fri-Sun 12-5

Heller Estate – 69 W. Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley; 800-625-8466

Mon-Thur 11-5:30 Fri-Sun 11-6

Equinox – 427-C Swift St, Santa Cruz; 831 338-2646; 831 423-3000 Fellom Ranch Vnyds – 17075 Montebello Rd, Cupertino; 408 741-0206

Open by appointment only

Galante Vineyards – btwn Ocean & 7th, Dolores; Carmel; 800-GALANTE

Open daily 12-6

Fernwood Cellars – 7137 Redwood Retreat, Gilroy; 408 848-0611

Open by appointment only

Georis Winery – 4 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley; 831 659-1050

Open daily 11-5

Joullian Vnyds – 2 Village Dr, Carmel Valley; 866-659-8101

Open daily 11-5

★ FLEMING JENKINS VNYDS & WINERY – 45 W. Main St, Los Gatos; 408 358-4949 Hallcrest Vineyards – 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton; 831 335-4441 Hunter Hill – 7099 Glen Haven Rd, Soquel; 831 465-9294 Loma Prieta – 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos; 408 353-2950 Martin Ranch – 6675 Redwood Retreat, Gilroy; 408 842-9197 Michael Martella – 17287 Box 103 Skyline Blvd, Woodside; 650 851-6777

Tu-Su 12-6 Open daily 12-5

Sat-Sun 11-4 or by appt Open by appointment only 3rd Sat of each month 11am-4pm Open by appointment only

Mountain Winery – 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga; 408 741-2822

Special events & by appointment

Natal Vnyds – 1310 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville; 831 750-0271

Special events & by appointment

Naumann Vnyds – 16505 Montebello Rd, Cupertino; 408 867-7871

Special events & by appointment

Nicholson – 2800 Pleasant Valley Rd, Aptos; 831 724-7071

Special events & by appointment

Obester – 12341 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay; 650 726-9463 Organic Wine Works – 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton; 800-OWW-WINE

Fri-Sun 10-5 Mon-Th 12-5 Open daily 12-5

Oscalis – 5579 Old San Jose Rd, Soquel; 831 477-1718

Open by appointment only

P&M Staiger – 1300 Hopkins Gulch Rd, Boulder Creek; 831 338-4346

Open by appointment only

Pelican Ranch – 402 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz; 831 426-6911 Picchetti Winery – 13100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino; 408 741-1310 Pinder – 165 Cristich Lane, Campbell; 877-684-2601 Picchetti Winery – 13100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino; 408 741-1310 Pleasant Valley – 600 Pleasant Valley Rd, Aptos; 831 728-2826 Ridge Vnyds – 17100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino; 408 867-3233 River Run – 65 Rogge Lane, Watsonville; 831 726-3112 Roudon -Smith – 2364 Bean Creek Rd, Scotts Valley; 831 438-1244 Salamandre – 108 Don Carlos Dr, Aptos; 831 685-0321 Santa Cruz Mtn Vnyd – Near Boulder Creek, Felton; 831 335-4242

Fri-Sun 12-5 Open daily 11-5 Special events & by appointment Open daily 11-5 Open by appointment only Sat-Sun 11-4 or by appointment Open by appointment only Sat 11-4:30 or by appointment Special Events & by appointment Open by appointment only

★ SARAH’S VINEYARD – 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy; 408 842-4278 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Open daily 11-5

Savannah-Chanelle– 23600 Congress Springs Rd, Saratoga; 408 741-2934

Open daily 11-5

Joyce Vnyds/Chateau Christina – 12 Del Fino Pl, Carmel Valley; 831 659-2885

Fri-Sun 11-5

Talbott – 53 West Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley; 831 659-3500

Open daily 11-5

Taste Morgan – 204 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel; 831 626-3700

Open daily 11-6

Valley Hills/Boete & Parsonage – 7156A Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley; 831 625-5040

Open daily 11

MONTEREY WINERIES A Taste of Monterey Wine Visitors Cntr – 700 Cannery Row, Suite G, Monterey; 831 646-5446

Open daily 10-6

Baywood Cellars – 381 Cannery Row Suite C, 831 645-9035; Monterey

Open daily 11-7

★ SCHEID VNYDS WINE LOUNGE 751 Cannery Row, Monterey; 831 624-2600 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Children & Pets OK

Sun-Thu 11-8, Fri-Sat 11-7

Silver Mountain – 381 Cannery Row Suite Q, Monterey; 831 644-9609

Open daily 11-7

Terra Nova – 315 Calle Principal, Monterey; 831 649-4124

Open daily 11-5

★ VENTANA VINEYARDS – 2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy, Monterey; 831 372-7415 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 11-5

Wine from the Heart – 241 Alvarado St, Monterey; 831 641-9463

Open daily 10-6

SALINAS VALLEY A Taste of Monterey – 127 Main Street, Salinas; 831 751-1980

Mon-Sun 11-5

★ BLACKSTONE WINERY – 800 South Alta St, Gonzales; 831 675-5341 Gift Items, Children & Pets OK, Self-Guided Tour

Open daily 11-4

★ BOEKENOOGEN – Santa Lucia Highlands, Salinas; 831 675-3549 Chalone Vnyds – Stonewall Canyon Rd (Hwy 146), Soledad; 831 678-1717

Open by appointment only Sat-Sun 11:30-4 By Appt

★ HAHN ESTATES/SMITH & HOOK – 37700 Foothill Blvd, Soledad; 831 678-4555 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call for Winery Tours Joyce Vnyds/Chateau Christina – 1354 G. Dayton St, Salinas; 831 659-0312 Marilyn Remark – 645 River Road, Salinas; 831 455-9310 Manzoni Estate – 30981 River Road, Soledad; 831 675-3398 Paraiso – 38060 Paraiso Springs Rd, Soledad; 831 678-0300

www.winecountrythisweek.com

Mon-Fri 11-4 Sat-Sun 11-5

Open by appointment only Sat-Sun, Holidays 11-5 Sat-Sun 11-5 Sat-Sun 11-5 M-F 11-4

83

WINERY LISTINGS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

★★Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

★ PESSAGNO WINERY – 1645 River Road, Salinas; 831 675-9463 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Vineyard Tours, Food Pairings San Saba Vineyards – 35801 Foothill Rd, Soledad; 831 678-2992

Fri-Sun 11-5 Tue-Sun 11-5

★ SCHEID VINEYARDS – 1972 Hobson Rd, Greenfield; 831 386-0316 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Open daily 11-5

★ VENTANA – 38740 Los Coches Rd, Soledad; 831 678-2900 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Weekends & Most Holidays 11-5

HOLLISTER DeRose Vineyards – 9970 Cienega Valley Rd, Hollister; 831 636-9143 Léal Estate – 300 Maranatha Dr, Hollister; 831 636-1023

Sat-Sun 11-4 or or by appt Weekends 11-5, Weekdays by appt

Pietra Santa – 10034 Cienega Road, Hollister; 831 636-1991

Open by appointment only

LAKE/MENDOCINO COUNTIES

★ SCHARFFENBERGER CELLARS – 8501 Hwy 128, Philo; 707 895-2957 Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Open daily 11-5

Shannon Ridge – 12599 E. Hwy 20, Clear Lake Oaks; 707 998-9656

Fri-Mon 12-5

Standish Wine Co. – 5101 Hwy 128, Philo707 895-9213

Wed-Mon 10-6

Steele Wines – 4350 Thomas Dr; Kelseyville; 707 279-9475

Mon-Fri 11-5, Sat 8-5

Toulouse Vineyards – 8001 Hwy 128, 707 895-2828; Philo

Open daily 11-5

Tulip Hill Winery – 4900 Bartlett Springs Rd, Kelseyville; 707 274-9373

Open daily 10-6

Wildhurst Vineyards – 3855 Main St, Kelseyville; 800 595-WINE

Open daily 10-5

Yorkville Cellars – 25701 Hwy 128, Yorkville; 707 894-9177

Open daily 10-5

★ ZINA HYDE CUNNINGHAM – 14077 Hwy 128, Boonville; 707-895-9462 Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK

Open Daily 10-5

YOLO COUNTY

Barra of Mendocino – 7051 N. State Street, Redwood Valley; 707 485-0322

Open daily 10-5

Berryessa Gap – 1 Ranch Road, Winters; 530 795-3201

Braren Pauli – 7051 N. State Street, Redwood Valley; 707 485-0322

Open daily 10-5

Bogle Vineyards – 37783 County Rd, Clarksburg; 916 744-1139

Sat-Sun 11-5, Mon-Fri 10-5

Capay Valley Vineyards – 1 Ranch Rd, Brooks; 530 796-4110

Open by appointment only

Brassfield Estate – 10915 High Valley Rd, Clearlake Oaks; 707 998-1895 Breggo Cellars – 11001 Highway 128, Boonville; 707 895-9589 Brutocao Cellars – 7000 Hwy 128, Philo; 707 895-2152

Mon-Fri 10-5 Open daily 11-5 Summer 10-6, Winter 10-5

First Sat 12-6, Fri-Sat 4-8

Carvalho Family Wines – 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg; 916 744-1625

Wed-Sun 11-5

French Hill Winery – 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg; 916 744-1710

Fri-Sun 11-5

Brutocao Cellars – H13500 Hwy 101, Hopland; 707 744-1664

Open daily 10-6

Heringer Estates – 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg; 916 744-1094

Thu-Sun 11-5

Burford & Brown – 13265 S. Hwy 101, Ste 5, Hopland; 707-744-8781

Open daily 11-4

Old Sugar Mill – 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg; 916 744-165

Wed-Sun 11-5

Ceago Vinegarden – 5115 E. Hwy 20, Nice; 707 274-1462

Open daily 10-5

R.H. Phillips – 26836 Country Rd, Esparto; 530 662-3215

Christine Woods – 3155 Hwy 128, Philo; 707 895-2115

Open daily 11-6

Satiety Vineyards – 40101 County Rd 25A, Woodland; 530 661-0680

Fetzer Vineyards – Hwy 175, Hopland; 707 744-1250

Open daily 9-5

Solomon Wine Co. – 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg; 916 744 1131

Fr-Su 11-5

Fife Est Winery – 3620 Rd B, Redwood Valley; 707 485-0323

Open daily 10-5

Todd Taylor Wines – 35265 Willow Ave, Clarksburg; 916 744-1120

Fri-Sun 11-5

Foursight Wines – 14475 Highway 128, Boonville; 707 898-2889

Open by appointment only

LIVERMORE VALLEY

Gabrielli Winery – 10950 West Road, Redwood Valley; 707 485-1221

Open daily 10-5

Goldeneye Anderson Vly – 9200 Hwy 128, Philo; 707 895-3202

Open daily 11-4

Battaion Cellars – 21 S. Livermore Ave, #109, Livermore; 925 245-9242

Graziano Family of Wines – 13251 S.Hwy 101; Suite 3, Hopland; 707-744-8466

Open daily 10-5

Bent Creek Winery – 5455 Greenville Rd, Livermore; 925 455-6320

Greenwood Ridge Vnyd – 5501 Hwy 128; Philo, 707 895-2002 Guenoc/Langtry Estate – 21000 Butts Canyon Rd, Middletown; 707 987-9127

Summer 10-6, Winter 10-5 Open daily 11-5

Handley Cellars – 3151 Hwy 128, Philo; 707 895-2190

Open daily 11-6

Hidden Cellars – 501 Parducci Rd, Ukiah; 707 463-5357

Open daily 10-5

Horne – 2200 Hwy 29, Middletown; 707 987-3743; 987-3503

Open daily 11-6

Husch Vineyards – 4400 Hwy 128, Philo; 707 895-3216

Open daily 10-5

Jepson Vineyards, Ltd. – 10400 S. Hwy 101, Ukiah; 707 468-8936

Open daily 10-5

Jeriko Estate – 12141 Hewlitt Sturtevant Rd, Hopland; 707 744-1140

Open daily 10-5

Le Vin Winery – 33151 Hwy. 128, Yorkville; 707-894-2304 Le Vin Winery Bar – 45055 Albion St, Mendocino; 707-937-4960 Manoir Girard Cellars – 1 Old Winery Way; Potter Valley; 707 743-1010

Open by appointment only Open daily 11-5 Open by appointment only

Maple Creek Winery – 20799 Hwy 128; Yorkville; 707 895-3001

Open daily 10-5

McDowell Wine – 13380 S. Hwy 101; 707 744-8911; Hopland

Open daily 10-5

Wed-Sun 11-5 Mon-Fri 7-7, Sat-Sun 11-5

Fri 4-7, Sat-Sun 12-5 Fri-Sun 12-4

Big White House – 6800 Greenville Rd, Livermore; 925 449-1976

Sat-Sun 12-4:30

Bodegas Aguirre – 8580 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 606-0554

Sat-Sun 12-4

★ CEDAR MOUNTAIN – 7000 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 373-6636 Mon-Fri 11-3, Sat-Sun 12-4 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for: Wine Tours, Vineyard Tours Charles R Vnyds – 8195 Crane Ridge Rd, Livermore; 925 454-3040

Fri-Sun Noon-4:30

Chouinard Vnyds – 33853 Palomares Rd, Castro Vly; 510 582-9900

Sat-Sun 12-5 (and most holidays)

★ CONCANNON – 4590 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 456-2505 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours Crooked Vine – 4948 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 371-8156

Thu-Sun 11-4:30

Deer Ridge Vineyards – 1828 Wetmore Rd, Livermore; 866 561-0838

Open daily 11-5

Eagle Ridge Vineyard – 10017 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 447-4328

Sat-Sun 12-4:30

el Sol – 8626 Lupine Way, Livermore; 925 606-1827

Tue-Sun 12-4:30

Elliston Vineyards – 463 Kilkare, Sunol; 925 862-2377

Meyer Family Cellars – 19750 Hwy 128, Yorkville; 707 895-2341

Fenestra Winery – 83 Vallecitos Rd (Hwy 84), Livermore; 925 447-5246 Open daily 10-5 ★★GARRÉ VINEYARD & WINERY – 7986 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 371-8200 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Restaurant, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Food Pairings Open daily 11-5 Hidden Creek – 21 So. Livermore Ave, Ste 101, Livermore (at Blacksmith Square); 925-989-1163 Mon-Sat 10-5

Milano Family Winery – 14594 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 800-564-2582

Open daily10-5

McNab Ridge Winery – 13441 S. Hwy 101; Hopland; 707 744-1986 Mendocino Wine Co. – 45070 Main St, Mendocino; 707 937-6190

Navarro Vineyards – 5601 Hwy 128, Philo; 707 895-3686 Pacific Star – 33000 North Highway 1, Fort Bragg; 707 964-1155 Parducci Wine Cellars – 501 Parducci Rd, Ukiah; 707 463-5357 ★ ROEDERER ESTATE – 4501 Hwy 128, Philo; 707 895-2288 Children OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

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Open daily 11-4:30

John Christopher – 25 So. Livermore Ave, Ste 103, Livermore; 925-456-WINE

Sat-Sun 12-5 Sat-Sun 12-5 Sat-Sun 11-5 Sat-Sun, 1-6 Fri 4-7 Fri-Sun 1-6

La Rochelle – 5443 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 243-6442

Open daily 12-4:30

Open daily 11-5

Les Chenes – 5562 Victoria Lane, Livermore; 925 373-1662

Weekends 12-4:30

Open daily 10-5

Little Valley Winery– 5700 Greenville Rd, Livermore; 925 862-9006

Fri-Sun 12-5

Open daily 11-5

Livermore Valley Cellars – 1508 Westmore Rd, Livermore; 925 447-1751

Sat-Sun 12-5

Longevity Wines – 35 Rickenbacker Circle South, Livermore; 888 325-WINE

Sat-Sun 12-5

Summer 10-6, Winter 10-5

www.winecountrythisweek.com

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK WINERY LISTINGS McGrail Vineyards – 5600 Greenville Rd, Livermore; 925 373-6214

Fri-Sun 12-4:30 & by appointment

Mitchell Katz Winery – 1188 Vineyard Ave; Pleasanton; 925 931-0744

Thu-Sun 12-5

Murietta’s Well – 3005 Mines Rd; Livermore; 925 456-2390

Wed-Sun 11-4:30

Red Skye – 21 So. Livermore Ave, Ste 101, Livermore (at Blacksmith Square) 925-989-1163

Fri 3-6, Sat 1-6 Sun 1-5

Retzlaff Vineyards – 1356 S. Livermore Ave, Livermore; 925 447-8941

Wed-Fri 11-3, Sat-Sun 11-5

Rios Lovell Estate Winery – 6500 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 443-0434

Wed-Fri 11-3, Sat-Sun 11-5

Rodrigue Molyneaux – 3053 Marina Ave, Livermore; 925 447-4280

Sat-Sun 12:30-5

Ruby Hill Winery – 400 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton; 925 931-WINE

Wed-Sun 11:30-5:30

Steven Kent – 5443 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 243-6440

Open daily 12-4:30

Stony Ridge Winery – 4948 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 449-0458

Thu-Sun 11-4:30

Tamas Estate – 5565 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 456-2380

Open daily 12-4:30

Tenuta Vineyards – 633 Kalthoff Common, Livermore; 925 960-1006

Sat-Sun 12-5 or by appointment

Tesla Vintners – 5143 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 606-WINE Thomas Coyne Winery – 51 E. Vallecitos Rd (Hwy 84), Livermore; 925 373-6541

Stama – 12470 Locke Rd, Lockeford; 408 464-6923

Open daily 11-5

Vino Con Brio – 7889 E. Harney Ln, Lodi; 888-410-VINO

Open daily 12-5

Vino Piazza – 12470 Locke Rd, Lockeford; 800-939-2566

Open daily 12-5

Watts – 12470 Locke Rd, Lockeford; 209 794-2871

SIERRA FOOTHILLS AMADOR COUNTY Amador Cellars – 6150 Shenandoah Rd, Amador City; 209 245-6150 Amador Foothill Winery – 12500 Steiner Road, Plymouth, 209 245-6307

Fri-Sun 12-5

Sat-Sun 12-5

Avio – 14520 Ridge Rd, Sutter Creek; 209 267-1515

Fri-Sun 12-5

Bella Piazza – 19900 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-4600

Open daily 11-4:30

Bray Vineyards – 10590 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6023

Sat-Sun 12-5 Sat-Sun 12-4:30

Boitano Family – 12470 Locke Rd, Lockeford; 209 727-3270 Borra Wines – 1301 E. Armstrong Rd, Lodi; 209-368-2446

Delicato Vineyards – 12001 S. Highway 99, Manteca; 209 824-3600 Grand Amis – 115 North School St, 209 369-6805; Lodi

Cooper Vineyards – 21365 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6181

Sat-Sun 12-5

Deaver Vineyards – 12455 Steiner Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-4099

Open daily 11-5 Sat-Sun 11-5 Open daily 11-5

Mo-Sa 9:30-7:30, Sun 10-7:30 Open daily 10-5 Open daily 9-5:30 Fri-Sun 1-5

Harmony Wynelands – 9291 E. Harney Ln, Lodi; 209 369-4184

Mon-Sun 11-5:30, Sun 12:30-5

Jessie’s Grove Winery – 1973 W. Turner Road, Lodi, 209 368-0880

Thu-Sun 11-5

Jewel Collection – 3750 E. Woodbridge Rd; 209 340-8521 Leonardo Family – 12470 Locke Rd; Lockeford; 209 369-9616 Lodi Wine & Visitor Center – 21831 N, Lodi. Highway 99; Lodi; 209 369-9463

Open daily 11-6 Sat-Sun 12-6 Open daily 10-5

Open daily 10-5 Fri-Mon 11-4

Drytown Cellars – 16030 Hwy 49, Drytown; 866-379-8696

Fri-Sun 11-5

Il Gioiello – 22355 Lawrence Rd, Fiddletown; 209 245-3395 Karmére – 11975 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-5000

Open daily 10:30-4:30 Sat-Sun, Holidays 11-5 or by appointment Open daily 10-5 Open daily 9:30-5 Fri-Sun 10-5

Stoneridge Winery – 13862 Ridge Rd, Sutter Creek; 209 223-1761

Open by appointment only

Story Winery – 10525 Bell Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6208

Mon-Fri 12-4, Sat-Sun 11-5

Sutter Creek Wine Tasting – 85 Main St, Sutter Creek; 209 267-5838

Open daily 11-6

Sutter Ridge – 14110 Ridge Rd, Sutter Creek; 209 267-1316

Fri-Sun 11-4:30

Mokelumne Oaks – 12470 Locke Rd, Lockeford; 209 339-3754

Sat-Sun 12-5 or by appointment

Oak Ridge Winery – 6100 E. Highway 12, Lodi; 209 369-4758

Open daily 10-5

Tanis Vineyards – 13120 Willow Creek Rd, Ione; 209 274-4807

Olde Lockeford – 12470 Locke Rd; Lockeford, 209 727-9770

Open daily 11-5

TKC Vineyards – 11001 Valley Dr, Plymouth; 209 245-6428

Open by appointment Mon-Sun 12-5

Sat-Sun 10:30-5:30

Renwood – 12225 Steiner Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6979 Serenidad – 21339 Dickson Way, Plymouth; 209 245-5304 x19

Sat-Sun 10-5:30 Sat 11-5, Sun 1-4 or by appointment

Toscano Winery & Bistro – 10600 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-3800

Pasos Vineyards – 12470 Locke Rd, Lockeford; 209 727-3153

Sat-Sun 11-5

Young’s Vineyard – 10120 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-3005

Peirano Estate – 21831 N. Highway 99, Acampo; 209 369-9463

Wed-Sun 11-5

Vino Noceto – 11011 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6556

Ripken Vineyards – 2472 W. Sargent Rd, Lodi; 209 367-WINE

Sat-Sun 11-4

Wilderotter Vineyard – 19890 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6016

Spenker Winery – 17303 De Vries Rd, Lodi; 209 367-0467 St. Amant Winery – 1 Winemaster Way, Lodi; 209 367-0646

Sat & Sun 12-4:30 or by appt only Open daily 1-4

Open daily 10-4:30 Open daily 11-5

Nua Dair Vineyards – 13825 Willow Creek Rd, Ione; 209 245-5567

Stonehouse Winery – 10861 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6888

Omega Cellars– 13731 N. Highway 88, Lodi; 209 367-1910

Thu-Mon 11-5 or by appointment

Nine Gables – 10778 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-3949

Fri-Sun 11-4

Open by appointment only

Open daily 12-4

★ MONTEVINA WINERY – 20680 Shenandoah Schl Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6942 Gift Items, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Winery Tours

Fri-Sun 11-5

Miramont Estate – 24837 E. Milton Rd, Linden; 209 887-3860

3rd Sat of the Month 11-5:30

Karly – 11076 Bell Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-3922

McConnell Estates – 10686 W. Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove; 916 685-5368

Thu-Mon 11-5

Open daily 10:30-5

Domaine de la Terra Rouge/Easton Wines– 10801 Dickson Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-3117

M2 Winery – 1376 East Turner Rd, D, Lodi; 888-757-WINE

Open daily 10-5

Fri-Sun 10-5 Fri-Sun 11-5 or by appointment

Dobra Zemlja Winery – 12505 Steiner Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-3283

Sobon Estate – 14430 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-6554

Michael-David Vineyards – 4580 W. Highway 12, Lodi; 209 368-7384

Wed-Sun 10-4

Fri-Sun 11-4:30

Shenandoah Vineyards – 12300 Steiner Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-4455

Macchia – 7099 E. Peltier Road, Acampo; 209 333-2600

Tues-Sun 9-4:30

Dillian Wines – 12138 Steiner Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-3444

Fri-Sun 12-5

The Lucas Winery – 18196 N. Davis Rd, Lodi; 209 368-2006

Thurs-Mon 10-4:30

Charles Spinetta Winery – 12557 Steiner Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-3384

Thu-Sun 10-5 Open daily 12-5

Campus Oaks/Gnekow Family Winery– 17347 E. Gawne Rd, Collegeville; 209 463-0697

Crystal Valley Cellars – 16750 E. Hwy 88, Lodi; 209 759-3888

Fri-Mon 10-5

C.G. Di Arie – 19919 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth; 209 245-4700

Convergence Vnyds – 14650 Hwy 124, Plymouth; 209 245-3600

Berghold – 17343 N. Cherry Rd, Lodi; 209-333-9291

Chocoholics Divine Desserts 18819 E. Hwy 88, Clements; 759-3320

Open daily 10-5

Clos Du Lac Cellars – Hwy 88/Jackson Vlly Rd, Ione; 209 274-2238

LODI/WOODBRIDGE

Century Oak – 22211 Lower Sacramento, Acampo; 209 334-3482

Fri-Sun 11-6 or by appointment

Tue-Sun 11-5

Wente Vineyards Estate Winery – 5565 Tesla Rd, Livermore; 925 456-2300

Cantiga Wineworks – 12470 Locke Rd, Lockeford; 209 727-3782

Fri-Sun 11-5

Amador County Wine Cellar– 14207 Hwy 49, Amador City; 209 267-0104

Open daily 11-4:30

White Crane Winery – 5405 Greenville Rd, Livermore; 925 455-8085

Sat-Sun 12-5

★Woodbridge – 5950 Woodbridge Road, Acampo; 209 365-2839 Open daily 10:30-4:30 Gift Items, Art Exhibit, Picnic Area, Children & Pets OK; Call ahead for Tours at 9:30, 1:30 or by Appt

Wente Vineyards Visitors Center – 5050 Arroyo Rd, Livermore; 925 456-2405 Westover Vineyards – 34329 Palomares Rd, Castro Valley; 925 537-3932

Sat-Sun 11-5

VanRuiten – 340 W. Highway 12, Lodi; 209 334-5722

Open daily 10-5 Open daily 10:30-5 Mon-Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun 11-5 Fri-Sun 10:30-5

CALAVERAS COUNTY Black Sheep Winery – 634 French Gulch, Murphys; 209 728-2157

www.winecountrythisweek.com

Fri-Sun 12-5 or by appointment

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WINERY LISTINGS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK Bodega de Sur Winery– 457C Algiers St, Murphys; 209 728-9030

★★Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

Sun-Thu 11-5, Fr-Sa 11-6 (summer only)

Brice Station – 3353 E. Hwy 4, Murphys; 209 728-9893

Fri-Sun 12-6 or by appointment

Broll Mountain – 106 Main St, Murphys; 209 728-9750

Sat-Sun 12-5

Chatom Vineyards – 1969 Highway 4, Douglas Flat; 209 736-6500

Holly’s Hill Winery – 3680 Leisure Lane, Placerville; 530 344-0227

Open daily 10-5

Madrona Vineyards – High Hill Road, Camino; 530 644-5948

Open daily 11-5

Mining Camp Winery – 4801 Rock Barn Rd, Shingle Springs; 530 677-6510

Open daily 11-5

Miraflores Winery – 2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville; 530 647-8505

Domaine Becquet – 2173 Highway 12 East, Valley Springs; 209 772-1303

Wed-Sun 11-5

Mount Aukum Winery – 6781 Tower Rd, Mt. Aukum; 530 620-1675

Domaine Becquet – 415 Main St, Murphys; 209 728-8487

Wed-Sun 11-6

Narrow Gate Vyds – 4282 Pleasant Valley Rd, Placerville; 530 644-6201

Thur-Sun 10-5 Open daily 10-5 Wed-Sun 11-5 Fri-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

Frog’s Tooth Vineyards – 380 Main St. Ste 5, Murphys; 209 728-2700

Thur-Mon 11-5 or by appointment

French Hill Winery – 8032 So. Main St, Mokelumne Hill; 209 286-1800

Tue-Sun 11-5

Perry Creek Vnyds – 7400 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-5175

Open daily 11-5

Hatcher Winery – 419 Main St, Murphys; 209 605-7111

Fri-Sun 11-5

Primus Vineyards – 2875 Larsen Dr, Camino; 530 647-9463

Open daily 11-5

Fri-Sun 12-5:30

Sierra Oaks Estates – 6713 Mt. Aukum Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-7079

Open daily 11-5

Sat-Sun 10-5

Sierra Vista Winery – 4560 Cabernet Way, Placerville; 530 622-7221

Open daily 10-5

Open daily 10-5

Single Leaf Vineyards – 7480 Fair Play Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-3545

Wed-Sun 11-5

Indian Rock – 1154 Pennsylvania Gulch Rd, Murphys; 209 728-8514 Irish Vineyards – 2849 Hwy 4, Vallecito; 209 736-1299 Ironstone Vineyards – 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys; 209 728-1251

Oakstone Winery – 6440 Slug Gulch Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-5303

Wed-Sun 11-5 or by appointment

Laraine/Gerber – 3675 Six Mile Rd, Vallecito; 209 736-4766

Fri-Sun 11-5

Sogno Winery – 3046 Ponderosa Rd, Shingle Springs; 530 672-6968

Wed-Sun 11-5

Lavender Ridge – 431 B Main St, Murphys; 209 728-2441

Fri-Sun 11-5

Stone’s Throw – 3541 North Canyon Rd, Camino; 530 622-5100

Thur-Sun 11-5

Thompson’s Mining Camp Winery– 4801 Rock Barn Rd, Shingle Springs; 530 677-6510

Thur-Sun 10-5

Milliaire Winery – 276 Main Street, Murphys; 209 728-1658

Open daily 11-5

Newsome-Harlow – 403 Main St, Murphys; 209 728-9817

Fri-Sun 11-6

Solomon Wine Co. – 397 Main St, Murphys; 209 728-8290

Open daily 12-5

Van Der Vijver Estate – 7451 Fair Play Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-9424

Wed-Sun 11-5

Stevenot Winery – 2690 San Domingo Rd, Murphys; 209 728-3436

Open daily 11-5

Venezio Vineyard – 5821 Hwy 49, Coloma; 530 885-9463

Wed-Sun 11-5

Stevenot Winery – Main & Sheep Ranch Rd, Murphys; 209 728-0148

Wed-Mon 11-6

Windwalker Vnyds – 7360 Perry Creek, Fair Play; 530 620-4054

Twisted Oak – 4280 Red Hill Rd, Vallecito; 209 736-9080

Open daily 10:30-5:30

Twisted Oak – 350 Main Street, Murphys; 209 736-9080

Thu-Sun 10:30-5:30

Vina Moda – 634 French Gulch Road, Murphys; 209 728-9911

Fri-Sun 12-5

Zucca Mountain – 425E Main St, Murphys; 209 736-2949

Open daily 12-5

Auriga Wine Cellars – 3500 Carson Rd, Camino; 530 647-8078

Fri-Sun 11-5 Open daily 10-5, Summer: Fridays ’til 8

Busby Cellars – 6375 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset; 530 344-9119 Cantiga Wineworks & Deli – 5951 Mt. Aukum Rd, Somerset; 530 621-3352 Cedarville Vnyd – 6320 Marestail Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-9463 Charles B. Mitchell – 8221 Stoney Creek Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-3467 Chateau Rodin – 4771 Green Hill Rd, Placerville; 530 622-6839 Chateau Routon – 2800 Omo Ranch Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-5818 Chevalier Winery – 5720 French Creek Rd, Shingle Springs; 530 677-1676 Tasting Room – 2530 Pleasant Valley Rd, Placerville; 888 802-9321 Colibri Ridge – 6100 Gray Rock Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-7255

Thu-Sun 11-5

Wofford Acres – 1900 Hidden Valley Rd, Camino; 530 626-6858

Wed-Sun 11-5

MERCED COUNTY Red Rock Winery – 7326 E. Hwy 140, Merced; 209 722-7625

Fri-Sun 11-5:30 Fri-Sun 11-5 Open by appointment only Open daily 11-5 Wed-Sun 11-5 or by appointment Wed-Sun 11-4 Sat 12-5 Monday Holidays & Sat-Sun 12-5 Fri-Sun 11-5

Avanguardia – 13028 Jones Bar Rd, Nevada City; 530 274-9482 Burch Hall – 108 Mill St, Grass Valley; 530 477-5500 Coufos Cellars – 10065 Rough & Ready Rd, Rough & Ready; 530 274-2923 Double Oak – 14510 Blind Shady Rd, Nevada City; 530 292-3235 Indian Springs – 303 Broad St, Nevada City; 530 478-1068 Lucchesi Vineyards – 167 Mill St, Grass Valley; 530 274-2164 Naggiar Vineyards – 18125 Rosemary Lane, Grass Valley; 530 268-9059 Montoliva Vineyard – 15629 Mount Olive Rd, Chicago Park; 530 346-6577 Nevada CityWinery –321 Spring Street, Nevada City; 530 265-9463 Pilot Peak Winery – 12888 Spenceville Rd, Penn Valley; 530 432-3321 Sierra Knolls – 19635 Kingswood Ct, Grass Valley; 530 268-9225

Open daily 11-5

Sierra Starr – 209 W. Main Street, Grass Valley; 530 477-8282

Coulson Winery – 3600 Carson Rd; Camino; 877 253-9672

Open daily 11-5

Smith Vineyard – 13577 Dog Bar Rd, Grass Valley; 530 273-7032

David Girard Vineyards – 741 Cold Springs Rd, Placerville; 530 295-1833

Open daily 11-5

Solune Winegrowers– 16303 Jewett Lane, Grass Valley; 530 271-0990

Fenton Herriott – 120 Jacquier Ct, Placerville; 530 642-2021 Fitzpatrick Winery – 7740 Fair Play Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-3248 Fleur de Lys – 7696 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-2246 Granite Springs Winery – 5050 Granite Springs Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-6395 Goldhill Vineyard – 5660 Vineyard Lane, Placerville; 530 626-6522

Fri-Sun 11-5 Thu-Sun 11-5 or by appointment Wed-Mon 11-5

Truckee River – 10061 South River St, Truckee; 530 587-4626

Open daily 10-5 Sat-Sun 12-5 Open daily 12-5 Sat-Sun 12-5 Sat 11-5 or by appointment Fri-Sat 11-6, Sun-Thur 11:30-5 Open daily 11-Dusk Open by appointment only Sat-Sun 12-4 Mon-Sat 12-6, Su 12-5 Sat-Sun 12-5 Sat-Sun 12-5 Open daily Noon-5pm (closed Tues.) Open by appointment only Sat-Sun 12-6 Open by appointment only

PLACER COUNTY Fawnridge– 5560 Fawnridge Rd, Auburn, 530 887-9522

Open by appointment only

Fri-Sun 11-5

Green Family – 3420 Pine Ridge Ln, Auburn; 530 888-8866

Open by appointment only

Open daily 11-5

Mt. Vernon – 10850 Mt. Vernon Rd, Auburn; 530 823-1111

Thur-Sun 10-5 or by appointment

Thu-Sun 11-5

Ophir Wines – 8030 Woodman, Newcastle; 530 823-8030

Open by appointment only Open by appointment only

Jodar Vineyards – 3405 Carson Court, Camino; 530 644-3474

Open daily 11-5

Pescatore – 7055 Ridge Rd, Newcastle; 916 663-1422

Latcham Vineyards – 2860 Omo Ranch Rd, Mt. Aukum; 530 620-6642

Open daily 11-5

Rancho Roble – 340 Fleming Rd, Lincoln; 916 645-2075

Lava Cap – 2221 Fruitridge, Placerville; 530 621-0175

Open daily 11-5

Secret Ravine – 4390 Gold Trail Way, Loomis; 916 652-6015

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Wed-Sun 11-5 or by appointment

Winery by the Creek – 8085 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-2402

Crystal Basin Winery – 3550 Carson Rd, Camino; 530 647-1767

dkcellars – 7380 Vineyard View Dr, Fair Play; 530 620-1132

Fri-Sun 11-5:30 or by appointment

NEVADA COUNTY

EL DORADO COUNTY Boeger Winery– 1709 Carson Rd, Placerville; 530 622-8094

Toogood Estate Wine Caves– 7280 Fair Play Rd, Fair Play; 530 620-1910

www.winecountrythisweek.com

Thu-Sat 1-4 Open by appointment only

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK ATTRACTIONS

www.winecountrythisweek.com

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