So, you’re headed to Napa Valley and want to visit a winery. But which one? There are more than 400 open to the public in California’s prestigious vinous heart — and they’re not all created equal. With your cash on the line (tastings are chargeable) you want an experience that goes above and beyond. That’s where the wineries listed below come in — they deliver much more than samples of the region’s esteemed cabernet sauvignon. They come with exclusive experiences and daring architecture, knock-out food pairings and insider tours. Book well ahead to secure your picks, as the valley gets busy. And hire a taxi too — pours can be generous.

Main photo: Inglenook, Rutherford

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Opus One Winery

1. Opus One Winery, Oakville

This lauded collaboration between Cali icon Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild — of Bordeaux’s Château Mouton Rothschild — pairs Napa glamour with French precision in a sleek contemporary space. Patience and deep pockets are essential for snagging a tasting slot within the hallowed walls of Opus One; in high season they can book up months in advance. Entry-level flights of three wines, sipped in the serene courtyard, cost from around £85pp — not as bad value as it sounds given the bottles retail for upwards of £500. Money no object? Settle into a glass-lined space overlooking the vines for a new gourmet food and wine offering, launching in autumn 2022.

Where to stay Carry on channelling the Gallic vibe at nearby Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s long-standing luxury resort with a sublime restaurant overlooking the hills. Book in for sunset hour and arrive thirsty; the lengthy wine list deserves your full attention.

A tasting at Robert Mondavi Winery (Alamy)

2. Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville

Robert Mondavi Winery is best known for its signature fumé blanc. Created in 1968, the wine is made with dry oak-aged sauvignon blanc grapes, which were at the time an unpopular variety in California, but went on to become a great success. It was opened in 1965 by the eponymous Napa Valley winemaking guru (see Opus One, above, another Mondavi project), whose pioneering methods brought fame to this New World wine region. Mondavi was a philanthropist and a lover of art, good food and, naturally, fine wine, with his winery reflecting these passions. Drop by for summer concerts, bicycle vineyard tours amid the property’s sculptures, an extensive art collection, walk-in tastings, wine-paired dinners and twilight tours around this Spanish mission-style winery.

Where to stay After a day of walking around the winery you’ll want to soak your feet and ward off any hangovers with a stint in the hot tub at Rancho Caymus Inn*.

Inglenook

3. Inglenook, Rutherford

This grand historic estate feels a bit like a film set — but then again, it’s owned by Hollywood royalty Francis Ford Coppola. Wander through the landscaped grounds, through the greenery-lined manor doors and into the library-style tasting room dressed in retro wallpaper and belting out jazzy tunes. The atmosphere at Inglenook is 10/10 and the wines follow suit. Made under the watchful eye of Philippe Bascaules — also the MD at esteemed Bordeaux estate Château Margaux — the flagship red, Rubicon, is bursting with dark red fruit and rippled with silky tannins. But our personal favourite? The Rhône-style white blend, Blancaneaux, all golden and peachy. 

Where to stay Book into Hotel Yountville*, where the stone frontage echoes some of the old-world grandeur of Inglenook. After a morning of serious wine tastings, install yourself by the suntrap pool with a good book and a glass of frivolous rosé.

Stanly Ranch

4. Ashes & Diamonds, Oak Knoll

Napa wineries don’t get much more Instagrammable. But the angular mid-century aesthetic and citrussy colour palette at this new-wave Napa outfit is only one part of the draw. Ashes & Diamonds sources grapes from cooler climate vineyard sites to make fresh, approachable wines that are interesting and contemporary — perfect if you find classic Napa reds a bit too hefty. The food and wine pairing is next-level, too: book ahead to devour the fermented potato bread and labneh, charred romanesco with date agrodolce, and spiced chicken with chickpeas.

Where to stay If you like the vibe here you’ll love the slick stylings of Stanly Ranch, a luxurious stay amid vineyards just a 15-minute drive away. Don’t miss the spa — one of the finest in the valley. 

Chateau Montelena

5. Chateau Montelena, Calistoga

One of the names that changed it all in Napa. Montelena was the white wine winner of the 1976 Judgment of Paris, the landmark French vs US tasting depicted in the film Bottle Shock (Chris Pine played Montelena’s current CEO Bo Barrett). Styled after a European chateau, the grand, greenery-clad property looks just like it did in the movie. Come for a tasting in one of the wood-panelled private rooms, then wander around the lake and its Chinese-inspired pavilions.

Where to stay Montelena has been in sun-baked Calistoga for ages, and so has Dr Wilkinson’s*, a mud spa and hotel open since the 1950s. Renovated bedrooms are retro in a good way, with mid-century furniture and house plants.

6. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stag’s Leap District

Not to be confused with the similarly named Stag’s Leap Winery, this cabernet powerhouse was the other Napa winery to win big at the Judgment of Paris — you can see some of the original documentation displayed in the tasting room. Despite the pedigree, Stag’s Leap doesn’t rest on its laurels, turning out silky wines that bring a loyal following to the buzzy window-lined space. Sign up for a Celestial Tour & Tasting, which plunges you into the cool cellars, decked out with a giant steely Foucault pendulum. It includes a seated food and wine pairing where, if you’re lucky, winemaker Marcus Notaro might in pop in for a chat.

Where to stay An eco-conscious stay in idyllic nearby Yountville, Bardessono* is set in a LEED-certified Platinum building and has its own organic garden on site. Spa-style bedroom suites bring the therapist to you.

Four Seasons Napa Vallley

7. Elusa Winery, Calistoga

This intimate, open-by-appointment winery has the visitor experience nailed. Elusa shares its site with the Four Seasons Napa Valley, and the winery’s cabernet sauvignon vines are dotted throughout the hotel grounds. Call ahead for the chance to tour the space with hospitable winemaker Jonathan Walden and sample a catalogue of cabernet sauvignon dating back to 2012, all paired with local cheeses.

Where to stay You’re already at the Four Seasons Napa Valley*, so you may as well check in. Vines are close enough to the rooms that you can reach out and pluck off a grape (though, for Walden’s sake, please don’t).

Round Pond Estate

8. Round Pond Estate, Rutherford

Make no mistake, Round Pond does tasty wine — crisp sauvignon blanc and inky cabernet sauvignon, plus fruity nebbiolo and sweet white fortified. But many visitors also come for the tutored olive oil tastings, set on a shaded terrace overlooking the purple Mayacamas Mountains. Like most of the estate’s grapes, the olives are ripened under the rays right here in Rutherford. Try them in Spanish or Italian varietals, pure and clean or ripened with zingy Meyer lemon or fragrant rosemary. 

Where to stay It suffered in the 2020 wildfires — the Michelin-starred restaurant was a casualty and has yet to reopen — but luxurious resort Meadowood* is back. There are 36 lodges which are rustic on the outside and relaxing on the inside, with huge beds and windows that overlook forested slopes. Come for rambling grounds and family-friendly facilities, including tennis courts. Bonus points: three gorgeous outdoor pools.

Long Meadow Ranch (Alamy)

9. Long Meadow Ranch, St Helena

If Old MacDonald had a not just a farm, but a multi-million-dollar ranch in the heart of St Helena, it might look like Long Meadow. The bucolic-chic winery grows on over 2,000 acres across three counties — not just grapes, but fruit and veg too — and serves up the bountiful results in its headquarters here, via a restaurant, café, farmers’ market and tasting room. There’s a delicious diversity of wines to be tasted, from sparkling blanc de noirs from the Anderson Valley to sangiovese and merlot from Napa. 

Where to stay If you’re feeling nostalgic for low-key Napa Valley farm life, Wine Country Inn* has a homely feel coupled with vineyard views and private patio space. Its smaller, low-key space is the escape you need from the wine-tasting crowds.

10. Grgich Hills Estate

Perfectly manicured rows of vines, undulating mountains beyond — the view from the tasting terrace at Grgich is special. You’re here to enjoy the flight of five limited production wines, sipped over 90 minutes while comfortably seated, so you can really soak up the scene. And soak up the history; founder Miljenko “Mike” Grgich was the winemaker who crafted Chateau Montelena’s winning 1973 chardonnay, and is a Napa legend who’s still going at age 99. The estate’s whites are sublime as ever; snap up a couple to take back home from the shop.   

Where to stay Napa town, a 20-minute drive to the south, has been awash with new restaurant and bar openings over the past few years. Get in the heart of the action at low-key Inn on Randolph*, a B&B set in a historic home.

Artesa Vineyards & Winery

11. Artesa Vineyards & Winery, Carneros

Is it a winery or a Bond villain’s hideaway? However you interpret the dramatic semi-subterranean architecture at Artesa, you certainly can’t knock the sweeping, bird’s eye view. Here in southerly Carneros the skies are big and the landscapes are wide-angle; as you sip the local pinot noirs, chardonnays and fizz you can also fill up your camera reel. If things are looking familiar, that’s because the winery featured in Netflix film Wine Country, starring Amy Poehler.

Where to stay It’s little more than a five-minute drive to Carneros Resort*. With three restaurants, bikes to hire and private cottages with fireplaces, it’s got it all — though we’d be spending most of our time by that pool.

Hall St Helena (Alamy)

12. Hall St Helena, St Helena

Culture enthusiasts should be sure to make a stop at Hall St Helena and book its signature Hallmark tour, which takes guests on a head-spinning whirl around the winery’s grounds, vines, wines and eye-popping modern art. The vineyard is known for its merlot, sauvignon blanc and age-worthy cabernet sauvignon, which is so highly regarded that the property even offers visitors its “ultimate cabernet” experience, allowing guests to sip a selection of some of Hall’s most sought-after cabernets.

Where to stay Meadowood* is close — see 8, above.

13. Shafer Vineyard, Yountville

Showered with accolades — including being hailed as “one of the world’s greatest wineries” by wine critic Robert M Parker Jr — family-run Shafer Vineyard produced its first wine in 1978. It specialises in high-end, premium wines, and its 1994 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay was included among the top ten wines of 1996 by Wine Spectator; in 2012 the vineyard went one better when its 2008 Relentless was named wine of the year by the magazine. John and Doug Shafer were also named Wine and Spirits Professionals of the Year by the James Beard Foundation in 2010. Tastings are limited to two sessions a day, each with groups of no more than ten guests. Book well in advance.

Where to stay Be a stroll away from Michelin-starred restaurants and wine tasting rooms at North Block Hotel*. Make time for mornings relaxing in the cosy courtyard and heated pool.

The dining room at Castello di Amorosa (Alamy)

14. Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga

Blending new world wines with old world ambience, Castelo di Amorosa — true to its name — was built in the style of a medieval Tuscan castle, featuring five crenellated turrets, a drawbridge, more than 100 rooms connected by secret passages and even its own church. Despite its outward appearance, 95 per cent of this property is devoted to winemaking and guests can visit, by appointment only, to sample six of its eclectic range of wines and take themselves off on a self-guided tour of the castle.

Where to stay The Inn on Pine* is just a ten-minute drive from Calistoga Hot Springs. There’s a hot tub and in-room for conveniences including fridges and microwaves when you’re happy to stay put, too.

The Rhine House at Beringer (Alamy)

15. Beringer, St Helena

Managing to remain in operation throughout the USA’s prohibition era, Beringer is Napa Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery, one of the region’s largest producers, and a pioneer of wine tourism. Dating back to 1875 — when the Beringer brothers, German immigrant winemakers, planted the estate’s first vines — Beringer survived prohibition by slyly selling its dried grapes as “raisin cakes”, supplied with crafty warning labels advising its customers not to let the reconstituted grape juice sit in a corked bottle for 21 days, lest it accidentally ferment into wine.

After prohibition ended, Beringer invited Hollywood stars and attendees of the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco to visit the estate, printing promotional maps emblazoned with the words “All roads lead to Beringer”, kick-starting Napa Valley’s enduring oenotourism scene. Beringer is now one of the largest wine producers in the Napa Valley and visitors are welcome to come and picnic in the grounds, explore the winery’s 19th-century mansion and mooch around the property’s hand-dug wine caves.

Where to stay Get cosy in a Victorian home built in 1872 at the four-star Inn St Helena*, a colourful pad just half a mile from Beringer Vineyards.

16. Raymond Vineyards, St Helena

This 100 per cent solar-powered winery, certified organic and biodynamic, does things a little differently. Raymond is a lavish affair and was founded in 1974. The Red Room lounge, in particular, is decked out like a belle époque bordello in sumptuous velvet, lit by crystal chandeliers and can be visited by appointment only. The wine cellar has even hosted burlesque nights. Sample its sparkling rosé and cabernet sauvignons as you make yourself at home with a game of cards or a book from the offbeat library.

Where to stay There’s lots to toast to at the Vintage House*, but start with the daily champagne buffet breakfast that’s included in the rate. It sits on a 23-acre space and there are lots of landscaped gardens and waterways to explore, while inside you’ll find rustic rooms with huge bathtubs and a great spa.

Domaine Carneros (Alamy)

17. Domaine Carneros, Napa

Easily one of the most regal properties in the Napa Valley, Domaine Carneros attracts visitors not just for its fantastic pinot noir and its excellent chardonnay, but also because of its picture-perfect château. Built in the 1980s, but architecturally based on the Taittinger-owned Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France, it’s a popular spot locally for a romantic Valentine’s getaway or a classy New Year’s Eve. Enjoy Domaine Carneros’ versatile sparkling wines, served with caviar and charcuterie, in its Louis XV-styled salon or on the terrace, overlooking 36,900 acres of certified-organic vineyards.

Where to stay Carneros Resort* is close — see 11, above.

18. Pine Ridge Vineyards, Napa

Set amid the Stag’s Leap District, against a backdrop of undulating hills, rugged peaks and valley floor vineyards, Pine Ridge, founded in 1978, is one of California’s better known, most consistent wineries — and one of its most ethical. Producing nationally distributed wines from its many vineyards throughout the Napa Valley region, Pine Ridge is a Napa Green-certified winery owing to its commitment to sustainable practices. Tastings are by appointment only and you should try its unusual chenin blanc and viognier blend, plus its flagship wine, the Fortis cabernet sauvignon.

Where to stay Get the five-star treatment with a stay at Bardessono Hotel and Spa* and you’ll be within walking walking distance of Girard Winery.

Del Dotto Estate (Alamy)

19. Del Dotto Estate, St Helena

Paying homage to the Del Dotto family’s Italian ancestry, dating back to 1150, this Venetian-inspired estate was added to the Dottos’ Napa empire of three wineries in 2007. It’s all about opulence — even its hand-excavated wine caves have crystal chandeliers and are clad with Italian marble.

Focusing on small production premium wines, the family has spent 25 years acquiring vineyards and Del Dotto specifically produces cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, sangiovese and sauvignon blanc from its many, organically farmed, Napa Valley properties. Visit for a tasting paired with the chef’s Italian cuisine.

Where to stay Head to the Harvest Inn* for your pick of two pools and — if you haven’t had enough bubbles yet — two giant hot tubs.

Chimney Rock Winery (Alamy)

20. Chimney Rock, Napa

Chimney Rock stands out from its Napa neighbours in the Stags Leap district, with its Cape Dutch architectural style that you’d usually expect to see around South Africa’s Constantia wine region. Oenophiles come for its bold and structured cabernet sauvignon; the grape variety that makes up the vast majority of its vineyards.

Visitors can take a ride around the winery and its various vineyards in Chimney Rock’s specially designed touring carts: enjoying exclusive, guided wine tastings between the vines and taking lunch against the backdrop of sweeping valley views from the Stags Leap Palisades.

Where to stay Hunker down in cottage at The Chimney Rock Inn & Cottages* and you’ll find lots to do nearby including hiking and fishing. As for dinner? Each cottage comes with a barbecue.

Clos Pegase Winery (Getty Images)

21. Clos Pegase Winery, Calistoga

Instantly recognisable by its striking postmodern architecture, designed by Michael Graves, Clos Pegase has an extensive art collection, 20,000 sq ft of wine caves and stirring views across mountains and vineyards. Visitors can try wine flights, guided tours, wine tastings for the connoisseur in the property’s Cave Theatre, and sommelier wine-paired picnics. Its signature experience, however, is roasting s’mores around a fire pit. Munching campfire treats (fire-toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers), while drinking a selection of the winemaker’s favourite wines makes for a wonderfully intimate way to end your trip around the Napa Valley.

Where to stay Dial up the romance with a stay at the boutique Bergson*. You’ll be in easy strolling distance of restaurants, spas and quirky museums. 

Take me there

Inspired to visit Napa Valley but yet to book your trip? Here are the best hotels from Mr & Mrs Smith* and Virgin Holidays*.

The post 21 of one of the best Napa Valley vineyards appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

In January 2021, Kourtney and Travis spark romance rumors again when they both posted photos of the view of her mom Kris Jenner‘s pool at her Palm Springs-area vacation home. A source later tells E! News that the two have been casually dating since around December.

“It’s been very low-key,” the insider says. “They are a really good match, and Kourtney’s entire family already loves Travis. They have been neighbors and great friends for years, and it just recently turned romantic.”

The source adds, “Travis has always had an eye for Kourtney. The chemistry and flirtation has always been there. They have a lot in common, and Kourtney has always been attracted to how Travis is as a parent. He’s an amazing, hands- on dad, and Kourtney loves that about him. They love relaxing at home with their kids, and everyone gets along. It’s going well, and they aren’t putting pressure on it being super serious at this point.”

The post Travis Barker Declares He is “Transferring” to Napa After Journey With Kourtney appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Von David Landis –

Es ist Weinzeit.

In der letzten Ausgabe besuchte The Gay Gourmet Napa, um Hotels, Ausflüge und Restaurants zu empfehlen. Jetzt ist es Zeit für das, was im Valley im Vordergrund steht: Wein, Wein und noch mehr Wein.

Der Besuch der Weingüter in Napa ist ein magischer – und bequemer – Kurzurlaub von der Bay Area, kaum mehr als eine Stunde von der Stadt entfernt. Ich besuche das Napa Valley seit meinem Umzug nach San Francisco im Jahr 1980 und die Fülle an Weingütern ist exponentiell gewachsen (letzte Zählung liegt irgendwo nördlich von 375!). Auch die Art und Weise, wie man Weine verkostet, hat sich dramatisch verändert. Früher konnte man ins Weinland wandern, vorbeischauen und einige der besten Rebsorten schlürfen – oft kostenlos.

Diese Zeiten mögen vorbei sein, aber was jetzt passiert, sind kuratierte Erlebnisse, die gehobene önophile Abenteuer bieten: eine Möglichkeit, Weine zu entdecken, aber auf anspruchsvollere und bewusstere Weise.

Was natürlich seinen Preis hat. Es wird Ihnen schwer fallen, Weinproben im Napa Valley für weniger als 40 oder 50 US-Dollar zu finden, aber dieser Preis beinhaltet im Allgemeinen eine erweiterte, reservierte Sitzgelegenheit (ein Muss während dieser Pandemiezeiten); mehrere Weine zur Auswahl; und oft, Knabbereien und Häppchen, um Ihren Ausflug zu begleiten. Und das Beste ist, dass viele Weingüter im Napa Valley jetzt auch Hunde willkommen heißen: Meine eigenen Pfundwelpen, Gaston und Alphonse, wedeln um ihre Zustimmung!

Was folgt sind drei meiner persönlichen Napa-Tal Favoriten.

Ganz oben auf der Liste würde ich setzen Alpha Omega Weingut. Dieses Boutique-Weingut befindet sich nördlich von Yountville, direkt an der 29, in der Appellation Rutherford auf einem wunderschönen Grundstück mit Blick auf die Berge des Sugar Loaf Ridge State Park. Inmitten eines charmanten, kleinen Sees mit tanzenden Springbrunnen bietet das gesamte Erlebnis eine entspannende Pause vom Stress des Stadtlebens und ermöglicht gleichzeitig die Verkostung von handwerklichen Weinen, die das Weingut als “handgefertigt mit Praktiken der Alten Welt” bezeichnet. Die COVID-Protokolle bei Alpha Omega Winery sind beispielhaft: Sie werden auf dem Parkplatz begrüßt, wo Sie in Ihrem Auto warten – und dann checkt Ihre Party von selbst ein. Anstelle einer Innenverkostung (die ich zuvor gemacht hatte) entschieden wir uns für eine Verkostung im Freien, um die idyllische Aussicht zu genießen. Da Alpha Omega so hundefreundlich ist, durften auch Alphonse und Gaston mitmachen.

Unser engagierter Weinexperte Carl führte uns durch die anderthalbstündige Verkostung, beginnend mit einigen köstlichen Weißweinen. Wir begannen mit dem 1155 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (2019) des Weinguts, der als „ausgewogen mit einem lebendigen, säuerlichen mittleren Gaumen mit Aromen von asiatischer Birne“ beschrieben wird. Was mir persönlich an diesem Wein gefallen hat, war, dass er in Edelstahl gereift ist, mit nur einem Hauch französischer Eiche. Carl nannte es ein perfektes Getränk für „ein Napa Valley Frühstück“.

Als nächstes probierten wir den Chardonnay 2016, der laut einem anderen Weingutführer „gut zu Brathähnchen passt“. Dieser Chardonnay war meiner Meinung nach recht elegant und Eiche dominierte nicht – ein Ansatz, den ich persönlich schätze.

Bei den Rotweinen (da Alpha Omega als „Bordeaux-Haus“ bekannt ist) haben wir einen meiner persönlichen Favoriten probiert: den Proprietary Red Napa Valley (2018), der als „seidig und ausgewogen mit Karamellnoten“ beschrieben wird. Dieser Wein hat eine Geschmeidigkeit, von der ich dachte, dass sie eine perfekte Ergänzung zu Pasta, Rindfleisch und mehr wäre.

Von dort zogen wir in das Petit Verdot Napa Valley (2019), das als „dicht mit roten und schwarzen Kirschen“ beschrieben wird – eine weitere großartige Wahl. Als nächstes hatten wir zwei Single-Weinberg-Angebote: die Stagecoach und die Drew Vineyard. Unsere Party war geteilt, was uns am besten gefiel: Der Drew Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (2019), der an schwarze Pflaumen erinnert, war etwas mutiger; der Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon (2019), der mehr nach Brombeeren schmeckte, schien eine leichtere Wahl zu sein. Für unseren endgültigen Wein haben wir den speziellen Era-Rotwein (2019) des Weinguts verkostet, eine Mischung aus Weinbergen, die nach dunklen Früchten mit dezenter Eleganz schmecken. Alles in allem ist Alpha Omega ein Weingut, das man unbedingt besuchen sollte und das auf keinem Napa Valley Trip fehlen sollte.

Ein weiterer Favorit auf dieser Reise war das umbenannte Chandon Weingut (ehemals Domaine Chandon), das für seine Schaumweine bekannt ist und auf einem wunderschönen Grundstück westlich der Innenstadt von Yountville liegt. Die Landschaftsgärten sind Teil der Attraktion hier, zusammen mit einem normalerweise atemberaubenden See (wenn Kalifornien nicht in einer Dürre ist). Auch hier entschieden wir uns für eine Verkostung im Freien auf einer von Bäumen umgebenen Anhöhe, einer entspannten Umgebung zum Sitzen und Trinken. Alphonse und Gaston wurden wieder mit offenen Armen empfangen.

Während es Chandon schon seit Jahren gibt, ist eines der Unterscheidungsmerkmale, dass die Winzerin eine Frau ist, Pauline Lhote, die ihre Karriere bei Chandon als Praktikantin begann. Da sie bei ihrer Weinherstellung französische Techniken anwendet, sind diese Schaumweine raffiniert, leicht und trocken. Unsere Party hat sich für das rosé-prickelnde Flugerlebnis entschieden und wir haben uns zwar nicht dafür entschieden, aber Sie können auch kulinarisch hinzukommen.

Eine unerwartete Wendung war das erste Angebot, ein stiller Rosé, der überraschend leicht und trocken war, eher im Stil von Provence-Rosés als von vielen Napa-Rosés. Von dort aus probierten wir den prickelnden Brut Rosé, den unser Guide als „kalifornischer Sonnenschein im Glas“ bezeichnete. Es war der perfekte Start in einen gemütlichen Sonntagmorgen. Unser Flug ging weiter mit der E’Toile Prestige Cuvee im Alter von fünf Jahren (einer unserer Favoriten), gefolgt von Club Cuvee, beschrieben als „ein Kissen auf der Palette“, das unsere Party zum Gewinner erklärte. Der Flug endete mit einem ganz besonderen Tete de Cuvee, zehn Jahre gereift, ein eleganter Abgang zu einer köstlichen Verkostung.

Die vielleicht großartigste Aussicht im Tal ist von der Hügelkuppe, wo Weingut Artesa thront, direkt mit Blick auf die Region Carneros. Um dorthin zu gelangen, fahren Sie durch wenig befahrene Landstraßen voller grüner Weinberge und schlängeln sich zu einem atemberaubenden Panoramablick. Nach dem Parken steigen Sie neben einem vertikalen künstlichen Wasserfall hinauf zu dem avantgardistischen Gebäude, das vom spanischen Architekten Domingo Triay entworfen und in einen Hang gebaut wurde. An einem guten Tag können Sie dank der Aussicht bis nach San Francisco sehen. Wir entschieden uns, unseren Verkostungsflug draußen zu verbringen, um die Aussicht zu genießen. Sie können gegen Aufpreis auch einen Charcuterie-Teller hinzufügen. Während der Verkostung saßen Gaston und Alphonse gerne zu unseren Füßen und wurden wieder von allen herzlich umarmt.

Artesa wurde 1991 von der ältesten Winzerfamilie Spaniens gegründet und vereint Techniken der Alten und der Neuen Welt. Unser Flug begann mit einem schönen, trockenen 2019er Rosado (Rosé) Wein aus Tempranillo und Pinot Noir – knackig und köstlich. Von dort haben wir meinen persönlichen Favoriten probiert, den Albariño Estate Wein (2020), der in Edelstahl und Beton gereift ist, was dem Wein einen sauberen, mineralischen Abgang verleiht.

Als nächstes hatten wir den Chardonnay Estate (2016), der in französischer Eiche gereift war – nicht besonders nach meinem Geschmack, aber für diejenigen, die Eiche und butterartige Weißweine mögen, ist dies eine gute Wahl. Danach probierten wir sowohl einen leichten und fruchtbetonten Pinot Noir (Selection 91) als auch einen erdigen Block 12, eher im Stil der französischen Pinot Noirs. Ein weiterer Favorit war der Tempranillo 2017 – ein Rotwein mit mittlerem Körper, der zu fast allem passt. Wir entschieden uns, dass wir kein Fan ihres 2017 Cask Reserve Especial Cabernet Sauvignon (zu fruchtig für unseren Geschmack) waren, aber unser Weinführer brachte uns dann einen köstlichen, prickelnden Grand Reserve Brut Barrica, der die Verkostung mit einem hohen Grad beendete.

Zusammenfassend würde ich sagen, dass Napa immer noch alles bietet – und noch mehr: köstliche Restaurants, unterhaltsame Ausflüge, großartige Hotels und natürlich einige der besten Weingüter und Verkostungen der Welt. Und es ist ein Sprung und ein Sprung von zu Hause entfernt. Geh jetzt!

Bits und Bites

Für die Feiertage 2021, Alamedas Farm-to-Barrel Craft Beer-Pioniere Almanach Bier Co. bieten eine unterhaltsame und köstliche Möglichkeit, dem Craft-Beer-Enthusiasten in Ihrem Leben ein unvergessliches Geschenk zu machen. Almanach ist festlich Weihnachts-Advent-Bierkiste verfügt über zwölf 16 oz. Bierdosen, die eine breite Palette innovativer Craft-Bier-Stile umfassen, darunter dunstige IPAs, Lagerbiere, Stouts, im Fass gereifte Sours und mehr. Sie können auch Almanachs limitierte Ausgabe von hinzufügen Hässlicher Pullover LOVE Hazy IPA (6,1% vol.) und feiert eine der beliebtesten Traditionen der Saison mit einem wunderbar kitschigen Feiertagsetikett. Hässlicher Pullover LOVE Hazy IPA wird mit Sabro-, Citra- und Mosaic-Hopfen trocken gehopft und bringt Urlaubsstimmung in alle.

Wie wäre es mit gesunden Snacks ohne Vorbereitung in festlichen Rot- und Grüntönen für Feiertagstreffen? Einer der Favoriten des schwulen Gourmets—Ernteschnappschüsse– enthält Gemüse vom Bauernhof wie grüne Erbsen und rote Linsen als Hauptzutat. Sie sind in festlichen Geschmacksrichtungen wie Tomaten-Basilikum, Original (grüne Erbsen), gerösteter Parmesan-Knoblauch und Caesar erhältlich. Ob im Grab-and-Go-Becher serviert, als Dip oder als Knusper auf einer Crudité-Platte, die perfekt knusprigen Snacks auf pflanzlicher Basis bringen herzhafte Güte in jede Soirée. Sie sind auch gebacken, also sind sie besser für dich – und lecker, obendrein.

Black Cat Jazz Supper Club in SF’s Tenderloin ist in der Mitte seiner JAZZ@theEDGE-Festival, mit Underground-Künstlern, die dafür bekannt sind, das Jazzgenre an die Spitze zu treiben. Black Cat kuratiert das Festival „at its glam-meets-grit urban lair“, um sowohl etablierte Künstler als auch unentdeckte neue Talente hervorzuheben. Der mit dem Grammy ausgezeichnete Trompeter Maurice „Mobetta“ Brown macht Schlagzeilen für die Silvestershows des Restaurants/Clubs. Dieser Veranstaltungsort ist das Beste aus beiden Welten: Live-Jazz hören, während Sie köstliche amerikanische Tapas genießen.

Chanukka kommt dieses Jahr vom 28. November bis 6. Dezember und Sie können es mit feiern Pomella in Oakland, sowie Ein Markt und Mark ‘n Mike’s in San Francisco. In dieser Weihnachtszeit arbeitet Pomella mit lokalen Lebensmittelherstellern zusammen Bishulim SF, Boichik, Bundesweine, und andere, um fast jeden Tag von Chanukka etwas anderes anzubieten. One Market bietet ein dreigängiges Chanukka-Prix-Fixe-Dinner für 49 US-Dollar an, darunter: Matzeh-Bällchensuppe, Kartoffellatkes (gegen Aufpreis), Rinderbrust und einen traditionellen Gelee-Donut. Darüber hinaus sind zum Abendessen die regulären Gerichte von Mark und Mike erhältlich.

Probieren Sie diese Größe an: die neue Manischewitz Ugly Sweater Chanukah Sugar Cookie Kit. Das Angebot enthält alles, was Ihre Familie braucht, um Ihren bisher hässlichsten Pullover zu kreieren: Zuckerkeksmischung, traditionelle gelbe und blaue Farbpulver, Chanukka-Streuselmischung, drei Spritzbeutel und einen Pullover-Ausstecher. Alles, was Sie brauchen, ist Ihr Sinn für Humor und Kreativität. Die Pakete ergeben acht bis zehn Ugly Sweater Cookies zum Teilen, Verschenken oder „einfach essen“.

Dies gerade in: Esser hat genannt “Die 11 besten neuen Restaurants in Amerika” und San Franciscos Sardellenbar die Note gemacht. Herzlichen Glückwunsch an unseren Lokalmatador!

Alpha Omega Weingut: https://www.aowinery.com/
Artesa Weinberge & Weingut: https://www.artesawinery.com/
Weingut Chandon: https://www.chandon.com/en-US/visit-us.html
Almanach Bier Unternehmen: https://almanacbeer.com/
Ernteschnappschüsse: https://harvestsnaps.com/
Restaurant/Club Black Cat: https://blackcatsf.com/
Pomelle: https://www.pomellaoakland.com/
Ein Markt: https://onemarket.com/
Mark’n Mikes: https://tinyurl.com/4tk6k343
Manischewitz Ugly Sweater Chanukah Sugar Cookie Kit von Kayco: https://tinyurl.com/ruut5eyh

Sardellenriegel: https://theanchovybar.com/

David Landis, alias „The Gay Gourmet“, ist Feinschmecker, freiberuflicher Autor und PR-Experte im Ruhestand. Folgen Sie ihm auf Instagram @GayGourmetSF oder senden Sie ihm eine E-Mail an: davidlandissf@gmail.com Oder besuchen Sie ihn online unter: www.gaygourmetsf.com

Veröffentlicht am 18. November 2021

The post Napa Valley: It’s About Wine – San Francisco Bay Occasions appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

AMERICAN CANYON (CBS SF / KPIX) – Napa County authorities said Monday night a burning, stolen car may have ignited fast-moving vegetation in the American Canyon. The police arrested the driver.

The so-called Newell Fire burned east of Newell Drive, north of American Canyon Road near two local schools.

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The fire was first reported around 6:30 p.m. and quickly grew to 150 acres. At around 10 p.m., Cal Fire said that progress had stopped and that the fire was 50% contained. The fire brigade watched the gusts of wind throughout the night.

According to the Napa County Sheriff, Oscar Ortiz, 26, is on remand. He was found in the hills with burns on his body next to the burning car.

“When the officers responded to the fire and arrived on site, they found a burning car where a car shouldn’t be in a stream area,” said Sheriff Ortiz.

He also confirms that the car was stolen from Vallejo.

Napa County Sheriff Oscar Ortiz told us tonight that his deputies found a burning car near the source of the fire. The driver of the car was also burned. Sheriff says it was a stolen car. #NewellFire

– Andrea Nakano (@AndreaKPIX) October 12, 2021

#NewellFire – UPDATE – Fire is approximately 150 acres and is 50% contained. Forward progress has stopped. When driving in the area, be careful and avoid emergency vehicles.
# CALFIRE # CALFIRELNU

– CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) October 12, 2021

At around 8:35 p.m., Cal Fire confirmed that the fire had stopped from progressing to approximately 150 acres. The evacuation warning was lifted.

Cal Fire is investigating the possibility that the burning car started the fire. Local residents watched the flames spread rapidly on a hill just across from their homes.

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“Everyone was kind of nervous,” said Rob Sloan, a resident. “We live down the street, this is the family home here and we came to be with everyone until the evacuation order was lifted.”

The evacuation warning was issued around 7 p.m. to residents east of Broadway Street / Highway 29. American Canyon Road has been closed because of the fire, according to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office.

#NewellFire – CAL FIRE The Sonoma Lake Napa unit responds to a vegetation fire near the 4000 block of Newell Dr, Greenwood Ranch. When traveling in the area, please be careful and give emergency vehicles right of way. # CALFIRE # CALFIRELNU pic.twitter.com/RZJWZyvSZ4

– CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) October 12, 2021

The smoke from the fire could be observed for miles. Residents up to Berkeley reported smelling the smoke.

Travelers in the area were advised to exercise caution. Contra Costa Fire and other Bay Area fire departments are providing mutual assistance to prevent the fire from spiraling out of control under the terms of the red flag warning.

#NewellFire in #AmericanCanyon

: Emma Trotter pic.twitter.com/XSpsjj1dpt

– Steve Trotter (@sirtrotsalots) October 12, 2021

#NewellFire – UPDATE – Fire is approximately 150 acres and is 50% contained. Forward progress has stopped. When driving in the area, be careful and avoid emergency vehicles.
# CALFIRE # CALFIRELNU

– CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) October 12, 2021

“American Canyon Fire is fighting a fast-moving forest fire,” tweeted fire officers in Crockett / Carquinez. “Expect smoke in Crockett.”

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Andrea Nakano contributed to this report.

The post Burning, Stolen Automotive Could Have Sparked Newell Fireplace In Napa County; Driver Arrested – CBS San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

NAPA (KPIX) – With drought rapidly drying up reservoirs, farmers are desperate for new sources of water and some of them are turning to a mysterious method that is thousands of years old.

Just before the harvest, the Napa Valley grapes shine like jewels on the vine. But that day we’re looking for another treasure in a vineyard outside St. Helena … we’re looking for water. But Mark Neal, the land manager of Lawrence Family Vineyards, has brought his secret weapon: Rob Thompson, who ironically describes his business during a drought.

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“Flooded. I book 3 to 4 weeks in advance and also work on Saturdays, ”Thompson said. “I’ve never seen it like that before.”

Thompson, who owns the Thompson Well Location in Sonoma County, practices the mysterious art of commuting and locates underground water with nothing more than a pair of curved steel rods. He touches the ground with his sticks to reset them and then begins to move them. When they point towards the water, the bars magically cross each other, almost as if they were being magnetized.

Thompson believes that underground objects like water create changes in a weak electromagnetic field.

“Think of us as a big radio,” he said, “and we’ll adjust to this change in the magnetic field and pick it up.”

Well drilling costs thousands of dollars. When Neal hires a dowser, he backs him with a sizeable investment and his faith has been well rewarded. In the 25 years of their collaboration, Thompson has had a 100 percent success rate.

“I’ve never met a dry well,” said Neal. “Now don’t bewitch this today!” he said with a laugh.

The well on a 50 acre vineyard along the Silverado Trail is starting to fail, so Thompson started looking for a new location, eventually found 3 spots and identified the exact location to be drilled. As he focuses, the rods even tell him how deep to drill and how much water is likely to be produced. It all feels a bit mystical, and despite Thompson’s 40-year success, the scientific community says commuting is a lot of nonsense.

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What is his reaction when people say there is nothing wrong?

“I’ll just give them a set of dowsing rods,” he said. “And some of them can and they wonder what’s going on?”

So I decided to give it a try myself. I held the bars as gently as possible and began to walk forward. Suddenly the bars began to cross and since they were pointing slightly downwards, they had to defy gravity.

“Okay, I don’t move this, it moves by itself,” I said to Thompson. “That is amazing.”

But Thompson believes we move the rods, subconsciously tapping into a sixth sense. And while he can’t fully explain it, after 40 years he doesn’t doubt it’s real, and neither does Neal.

“I won’t take on a project unless I can use Rob as a dowser,” he said, “on every project.”

Thompson says his “sixth sense” extends to other things as well, and has been hired to find oil, gas, and mineral deposits and even the occasional shipwreck.

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Agriculture is a practical occupation, but it depends on the weather, which no one can really predict. Commuting may be a mystery, but if growers can trust something as mysterious and complex as the weather, why not something as simple as two steel bars?

The post Outdated-Long-established Dowser Makes use of Sixth Sense To Assist Napa Farmer Discover Water – CBS San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Here are 30 wine-centric experiences to enjoy this summer, from vineyard outings and winemaker dinners to virtual tastings you can do from home.

Abbot’s Passage Winery and Mercantile: Summer opening July 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, 777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen. Offering guests tastings or bottle service, shuffleboard and other games, and a Mercantile with artisanal products. Reserve a wine tasting or immersive food and wine experience. abbotspassage.com

Acumen PEAKeasy Champagne Room: Acumen Napa Valley, which is known for its Atlas Peak wines, has just opened a new speakeasy-inspired Champagne lounge at the Acumen Wine Gallery in downtown Napa, pouring top French bubbles by the glass or bottle. Open by appointment from 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and noon to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays at 1315 First St., Napa; acumenwine.com.

Aperture Cellars Virtual Tastings: Join the winery’s experts for a virtual tasting in the comfort of your home. Order ahead so your tasting kit arrives before the virtual tasting. aperture-cellars.com/virtual-tastings

Berryessa Gap Vineyards’ International Food & Wine Dinners: 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14, Oct. 30, Berryessa Gap Vineyards, 27260 Highway 128, Winters. Each dinner features a Peruvian, Asian, Moroccan or Spanish cuisine experience, plus wine. Bring your own dishes, silverware and decorations for your party’s table. Individual events are $70. bit.ly/2PzjmiN

Best of the Valley Wine Tastings: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays through July 31. Silverado Resort and Spa, 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. Taste eight wines from select Napa wineries paired with small bites. Tickets include a welcome “bubbles” reception from 12 to 12:30 p.m. $79. bit.ly/35eeoN3

Bouchaine Vineyards Picnic and Falconry Programs: Bring a picnic from home or any restaurant, then pick up a Bouchaine wine bag, which includes a wine key, water, two logo crystal wine tumblers and a bottle each of Bouchaine’s Estate Pinot Noir and Estate Chardonnay. ($150 per couple, $25 for additional guests.) Or enjoy a falconry demonstration with master falconer Kate Marden, of West Coast Falconry, at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Fridasy as part of a small group or private event. The experience is $75 and includes a glass of wine. bouchaine.com

Cabernet Classic: Aug. 19-22, Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa Valley. Guests will taste and learn about some of the world’s iconic cabs from Master Sommeliers Jay Fletcher and Thomas Price, and explore the cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc, too. Find details at thepatronfoundation.org

Cardinale’s Virtual Wine and Cheese Tastings: Crafted by Cardinale’s estate chefs and selected to pair with winemaker Chris Carpenter’s mountain wines, each kit includes a set of two to four wines accompanied by an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and a variety of seasonal small bites. $100-$150. www.exploretock.com/cardinale

Carmel-By-The-Sea Wine Walk: Sip, savor and discover the region’s premium wines. This free digital guide details exclusive and upgraded tasting experiences at 11 Carmel wine tasting rooms. Carmel-by-the-Sea: https://bit.ly/35uWoy4

C’est Si Bon  — Bastille Day at Treasure Island Wines: 1-4 p.m. July 10, 995 Ninth St., Building 201, Treasure Island, San Francisco. Featuring  live French café music and classic bistro cuisine to pair with sauvignon blanc, rosés, Pouilly Fuissé chardonnay, Burgundian pinot, and Napa bubbly. $35. Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3zlB0sT

Charles Krug Live Events: Events at the St. Helena winery at 2800 Main St. include Blue Note Napa (June to October) with concerts twice per night Fridays through Sundays featuring acts such as Brian McKnight, Tycho, Los Lobos and Pink Martini; bluenotenapa.com. Festival Napa Valley (July 16 through 25) showcases Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Lisette Oropesa, Michael Fabiano, Roberto Bolle and more; festivalnapavalley.org/. The Cameo Theater brings a drive-in movie experience to the winery on Wednesdays through September; cameocinema.com. The Sunset Cinema Series brings a variety of screenings on July 9, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3; charleskrug.com. And Nimbash, Napa Valley’s annual celebration on Sept. 11, offers art, music, local cuisine and wine; nimbusarts.org/nimbash.

Chateau St. Jean Virtual Tastings: Order a tasting kit and enjoy a virtual tasting with Chateau St. Jean’s wine educators, available by reservation from 12 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Or head for the winery for outdoor tastings by reservation during the same hours. chateaustjean.com

Clif Family Virtual Experiences: Virtual Brunch: Enjoy farm-inspired ingredients paired with the lighter side of Clif Family wines. Tasting kit includes a rosé, a white and a red wine, three food pairings and recipes for brunch. $120-$150. Napa Valley Adventure Wine Tasting: This private gathering includes a guided tasting of Clif Family’s small production wines and hand-crafted food products, hosted by a wine educator. Kit includes one white wine, two reds and three food pairings. $120-$150. King of the Mountain Wine Tasting: This private tasting of small production wines features cabernet sauvignon from Howell Mountain Appellations of Napa Valley and three current vintages, complete with food pairings. $225-$250. https://cliffamily.com/visit/virtual-wine-tasting-experience/

Clos Du Val : This Napa winery is offering both real life and virtual tastings. The “Hirondelle House Experience” includes a winery tour and private seated tasting ($50, limited to six guests), while the “Tasting at your Table” offers a virtual tasting with a three or four-bottle tasting kit ($240 and up) to enjoy from home. 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa. www.closduval.com/Visit-Us

Contra Costa County Beer Trail: June 1-30, Contra Costa County. Explore 40+ local breweries, tap houses and beer bar restaurants, from Canyon Lakes to Danville Brewing and Epidemic Ales, try new brews and earn prizes during the month of June. https://bit.ly/3vlEedn

Cornerstone Sonoma Summer Music Series: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays in June, 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. June 20, Steve Pile Band; June 27, the Henry Coopers. Free. Food, wine and other beverages available for purchase. www.cornerstonesonoma.com/

Cuvaison Estate Wines: Head for this Napa winery for intimate, in-person tastings by appointment amid lush vineyards and with panoramic views. The winery also offers virtual tasting experiences to showcase its new wines. 1221 Duhig Road, Napa.  www.cuvaison.com

Earth & Fire Wine Dinner Event: 7 p.m. June 27, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 1685 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. Featuring a four-course dinner paired with Caymus wines. Taste and sip through a plant-forward earth menu or a land and sea fire menu, both paired with four Wagner Family wine pairings. $80-$98. www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Elevated Hike and Wine Adventure: This new hike and wine tour led by Active Wine Adventures takes guests on secluded trails, 4.5 to 6 miles long, in Napa and Sonoma, before heading to hidden wineries to taste small-production wines. $179. www.activewineadventures.com

Far Niente Family of Wineries: Get your pressing wine-related questions answered, while learning more about the wines and winery. Book a reservation for an outdoor seated tasting at the winery or a virtual tasting, with wine shipped directly to your door. 1350 Acacia Drive, Napa. www.exploretock.com/farnientewinery/

Festival Napa Valley Arts for All Gala: 5 p.m. July 18. Enjoy a lavish dinner paired with Far Niente wines at this charity event whose festivities include a powerhouse performance by Jennifer Hudson. $2,500. Other Festival Napa Valley 2021 events include performances and dinners July 13-25 at Napa Valley wineries and other venues. https://festivalnapavalley.org

Flowers Vineyards & Winery’s Indefinite Virtual Tasting Experiences: Offering 30-minute daily virtual tastings of pinot noir or estate flights, or you can customize a tasting with your favorite Flowers wines.  www.flowerswinery.com/virtual-tastings/

Frank Family Vineyards Fourth of July BBQ Bash: July 3, 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga. Celebrate Independence Day and the winery’s 28th anniversary alongside barbecue specialist and backyard pitmaster Jack Arnold, who will host a Zoom cooking demonstration at 2 p.m. The event includes expert wine pairings and recipes, so you’ll want to purchase both Frank Family wines and wagyu steak packages ahead of time. $235-$435. www.frankfamilyvineyards.com/events

Gloria Ferrer Virtual Tastings: This Sonoma Valley winery offers private, virtual tasting experiences with wine educators, who sip along with you through a selection of Gloria Ferrer wines. You can taste with just your household or invite friends to join in via Zoom. The Trio of Sparkling Wine & Chocolate Pairing experience ($115), for example, includes three bottles of sparkling wine and a 12-piece box of chocolate truffles. Details: www.gloriaferrer.com.

Hess Collection: Enjoy an interactive virtual experience or an outdoor tasting at the winery, with  a dedicated host to guide you. Reservations required. 4411 Redwood Road, Napa. www.hesscollection.com

Inman Family Wines: Patio tastings are held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at the winery located at 3900 Piner Road in Santa Rosa. In addition to patio tastings, you can enjoy a number of virtual wine tasting events. www.inmanfamilywines.com/Visit-Us/Events

J. Lohr Vineyards Virtual Tastings: This San Jose and Paso Robles winery has launched private virtual tastings for J. Lohr aficionados. Order a four-pack of wine ($130 and up), then pop the cork for the one-hour tasting session held Wednesday through Sunday. Order the wines and make reservations via jlohr.com/virtual-tastings.

J Vineyards & Winery: Virtual tastings noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Choose your favorites for a custom flight, explore a new collection or take a deep look at a single wine through the years. www.jwine.com/bespoke-virtual-tastings

JCB Live Happy Hour: Indoor and outdoor experiences are available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday by appointment, as well as online. JCB Live Happy Hour sessions will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and at 4 p.m. Saturday through September. 6505 Wshington St., Yountville. https://jcbcollection.com/

Jordan Winery Events: Paris on the Terrace Noon Thursdays-Sundays through Aug. 29 and Oct. 1-17. Enjoy classic Parisian bistro fare with a California twist, including Jordan Garden crudité, a salad of Jordan Garden greens, charcuterie and cheese platter and dessert, paired with Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble and other Jordan wines. The winery also offers a library tasting, an estate tour and tasting, a winery dinner in July and August and more. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg. https://www.jordanwinery.com/

Justin Vineyards & Winery: Outdoor tastings at the estate and downtown tasting rooms, as well as lunch and dinner reservations are now available. Prefer to sip from home? The winery is also  offering interactive virtual tastings led by certified sommeliers. Estate winery, 11680 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles; Downtown tasting room, 811 12th St., Paso Robles. www.justinwine.com

Keller Estate Road Rallies: This Petaluma winery has plotted three different, summery road trips from the East Bay and the South Bay to the winery that include a “rally kit” shipped ahead of time, a winery tour and a tasting served with salad and Argentine-style empanadas. $150. Find details at www.kellerestate.com/Visit/Hit-the-road, and reserve your spot at least a week ahead by emailing customercare@kellerestate.com.

Kendall Jackson Wine Estate Garden Dinner Series: Through October. These alfresco feasts, each with a different theme, showcase Kendall Jackson’s wines and estate garden’s fresh produce prepared by the winery’s gardeners and chefs. $135-$180. Kendall Jackson Wine Estate, 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton; www.kj.com/events/farm-table-dinner-series

Landmark Vineyards Sensory Tasting Experience: Guests will learn about all the sensory aspects of enjoying wine and how to identify and appreciate all the elements within the glass. After the guided tour, enjoy a selection of four Landmark wines paired with artisan cheeses, hand selected by winemaker Greg Stach. $85. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood; Landmark Reservations.

Larkmead Estate Tastings: Open for outdoor estate tastings at the winery, as well as virtual tastings from home. Tasting fee ranges from $45-$95. Reservations required. 1100 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga. www.larkmead.com/pages/visit/

Lobster Feed in the Vineyards: 7-10 p.m. July 23, Hannah Nicole Vineyards & Winery, 6700 Balfour Road, Brentwood. Enjoy music, dancing, wine and and steaming pots of lobster, prawns, artichokes and more. $140-$150. Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3goWQmQ

Longevity Tastings: Now open for outdoor wine tastings on the covered patio and lawn from 1 to 6 p.m. Fridays and noon to 5 pm. weekends. If you prefer to taste from home, Longevity is also offering private virtual wine tasting experiences for you and your group. 2271 S. Vasco Road, Livermore. https://www.longevitywines.com/

Markham Napa Valley Vineyards Virtual Party: Outdoor tastings have returned with a variety of options, including wine and potato chip pairings, as well as virtual vineyard fly overs. 2812 St. Helena Hwy North, St. Helena. https://markhamvineyards.com/visit/

Meritage Resort Vista Collina Summer Events: Red, White & Rosé, noon-8 p.m. July 4. Guests can enjoy barbecue by chef Vincent Lesage, wine and cocktails, while the kids participate in activities including bubble fun and glitter tattoos from 1-4 p.m. https://bit.ly/2TKLDoK; Lobster Feed, 6-9 p.m. Aug. 14. This fork-free evening pairs wines and brews from the Vista Collina tasting rooms with lobsters, prawns, artichokes, corn and sourdough baguettes. Enjoy your meal outdoors, with a live bluegrass band providing tunes. $215. Adults only. https://bit.ly/3vbbd3g

Monochrome: Enjoy an outdoor seated wine tasting by appointment with owner/winemaker Dave McGee as you learn about Monochrome, the wines and winemaking style. $20. Free virtual tastings are also available. 3075 Blue Rock Road, Paso Robles. https://monochromewines.com/

Murphy-Goode Winery Tasting Lounge: This just-reopened tasting room is offering wine flights, paired cheese and charcuterie boards, pool and shuffleboard. Noon-6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. 241 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. $10-$25. Tock: www.exploretock.com/murphygoodewinery

Napa Valley Tasting Barn: This family owned tasting room is offering wine tasting flights by appointment, along with a seasonal food menu. In-person tastings 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Monday. Private virtual tastings also available. 1021 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. www.primesolum.com/

Newsome Harlow Wines: Join the virtual tastings with this Sierra Foothills winery every Wednesday, alternating between happy hour with winemaker Scott Klannour and a guest and virtual tastings. www.nhvino.com/visit/

ONX: This Paso Robles winery and tasting room have reopened for tastings of current releases and library selections by appointment only. Virtual tastings are still available as well. 2910 Limestone Way, Paso Robles. www.onxwine.com/

Page Mill Winery: Livermore winemaker Dane Stark is offering Virtual Twilight Tastings on Facebook on the first  Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. The tasting benefits a different charity each time, with 10 percent of gross sales from the start of the virtual tasting to close of business on Friday going to that week’s organization. www.pagemillwinery.com/twilight-tastings

Parallel Napa Valley: Visit the Napa Valley winery for private tasting experiences by appointment, or book a private online tasting. Brasswood Napa Valley, 3125 St. Helena Highway North (highway 29), St. Helena. www.parallelwines.com/tastings

Passalacqua Winery Virtual Wine Tasting: Taste through Passalacqua’s small-lot handcrafted wines outdoors under the redwood trees by appointment, or reserve a virtual wine tasting session from home. 3805 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg. https://passalacquawinery.com/

Priest Ranch Wines: This Yountville tasting room is offering a wide range of outdoor tasting experiences ($15-$50) that include a new Bubbles & Caviar Tasting, a Bacon & Wine Experience and more. 6490 Washington St., Yountville. Find details and make reservations at www.priestranchwines.com.

Quilt & Co.: This downtown Napa tasting room and wine lounge is currently open for outdoor seating. Enjoy a glass, tasting or bottle in a heated tent. Open noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, and noon-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Virtual wine tastings also available.  https://quiltandco.com

Rombauer Hour, Virtual Wine Tasting: Visit and taste wines at the winery’s Napa Valley and Sierra Foothills tasting rooms, as friendly, knowledgeable hosts guide you through a tasting by appointment. Virtual wine tasting sessions are also available. Napa Valley, 3522 Silverado Trail North, St. Helena. Sierra Foothills, 12225 Steiner Road, Plymouth. www.rombauer.com/

Secrets of Aging Cabernet with Mark Oldman and Chappellet: 7:30 p.m. July 8. During this virtual mini-master class on aging wine, guests will taste two vintages of the Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and discuss aging characteristics and qualities that add cellar value. Free. Bevinars: https://bit.ly/3gEThcb

Silver Trident Winery: This Yountville winery is offering two tasting experiences, Perfect Pairing and a Potato Chip Extravaganza, each beginning with a complimentary splash of Rosé of Pinot Noir. Prefer to sip at home? They’re also offering virtual tastings. 6495 Washtington St., Yountville.  www.silvertridentwinery.com

Summer Wine Celebration: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 24, ZD Wines, 8383 Silverado Trail, Napa. This fete, which benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, features wine, live music and fare from Di Filippo’s wood-fired pizza food truck and Kona Ice. $100. Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3pIaRjI

Takara Sake Virtual Sake Tasting: Takara tasting room manager Mika Tsuchiiwa will lead a Zoom class from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays. Tasting kits ($50) include five bottles of various types of sake, detailed charts and descriptive sheets. Register in advance for home delivery or pick up at Takara Sake, 708 Addison St., Berkeley. www.takarasake.com

Taste of Terroir Wine Dinner Series: This series of four wine dinners ($135-$160) includes a Pinot Noir Harvest Dinner and a Premier Cruz Dinner featuring hard-to-get wines from the region. The series opener will be at 5 p.m. June 27 for Heart of the Santa Cruz Mountain, followed by Elevated Wines of the Santa Cruz Summit at 6 p.m. July 24, Pinot Noir Harvest Dinner at 5 p.m. Aug. 29, and Premier Cruz at 5 p.m. Nov. 6. Tickets: https://bit.ly/2P6asJT

Thirsty Thursday: 5-8 p.m. July 1, Aug. 5. Hannah Nicole Vineyards & winery, 6700 Balfour Road, Brentwood. Enjoy music, wine and food on the first Thursday of every month. Ticket includes a meal, live music and a glass of wine or beer. Additional drinks available for purchase. $25-$30. https://bit.ly/2U0ViI7

Vinyl + Wine: 5-8 p.m. first Friday of the month from July through October, Farm at Carneros, 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa. Featuring music curated by executive chef Aaron Meneghelli from his personal vinyl collection, alongside sips from Napa and Sonoma wineries, raw bar station and seasonal small bites. https://carnerosresort.com/events/vinyl-wine-1

Wine Women Fundraiser: 5-7 p.m. July 14, Raymond Vineyards, 1584 Saint Helena Highway, St. Helena. This fifth annual benefit features live music, hor d’oeuvres and a talk by Maureen Downey, an authority on wine fraud, counterfeit wine and fine wine authentication. $100. https://bit.ly/35fj2KK

WineaPAWlooza: 5 p.m. June 19. This year’s virtual fundraiser features rare, handcrafted wines from more than 50 famed vintners and winemakers, and a live auction of 12 lots led by auctioneer Fritz Hatton.  $250-$25,000. https://bit.ly/2Ts0TqJ

Wine.com Experiences: Experience wine edu-tainment as you taste wines and talk to top winemakers and wine-loving celebrities, chefs and critics. Buy the wines ahead of time to get the full tasting experience. www.wine.com/content/landing/virtual-tastings?s

California Zinfandel Trail: ZAP, the ZInfandel Advocate and Producers association, has just launched a California zin-centric trail website with wine-tasting itineraries that include a Bay Area urban wine crawl and a Gold Country weekend jaunt, plus links to virtual winery experiences. Details: https://zinfandeltrail.com

The post Summer season wine tasting experiences to get pleasure from in Sonoma, Napa, Livermore and extra – Marin Unbiased Journal appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Residents in several Bay Area counties fled their homes on Monday under mandatory evacuation orders as inland temperatures rose above 100 degrees and firefighters battled a string of fast-spreading forest fires sparked by thunderstorms – with the risk of more the way.

The National Weather Service was issuing red flag warnings across Northern California by Monday evening as extreme weather conditions increased the risk of wildfires across the area. A heat warning should remain in effect until Wednesday.

Elsewhere in the state, temperatures reached even more astonishing numbers – in Death Valley temperatures hit 130 degrees on Sunday, possibly the hottest global temperature ever recorded, according to the National Weather Service.

The chief of California’s primary power grid manager warned that rolling blackouts were imminent on Monday, but later said they were not needed. Network operators blamed several factors for the power shortage, most important of which was the extreme and widespread nature of the heat wave, which forces seething households to turn up energy-consuming air conditioning systems.

“We will see more thunderstorms across the region,” said Brian Garcia, a meteorologist for the agency’s Bay Area unit. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw more forest fires, but it all depends on where lightning strikes.”

This video was captured by CHP Golden Gate Air Operations at 6:36 a.m. near Lake Hennessey and St. Helena. A spokesman said emergency calls reporting a fire came almost 10 minutes after that video was recorded. Courtesy of Golden Gate CHP. Video: San Francisco Chronicle

Governor Gavin Newsom said Monday that tormenting temperatures across California have put “tremendous pressure” on firefighters as the state fights at least 15 fires.

However, the governor said firefighters are confident they can tackle smaller fires quickly, while containing some larger fires, such as the River Fire near Monterey, could take longer.

Napa County officials ordered evacuations Monday due to the LNU Lightning Complex fires – a series of more than 60 lightning-induced fires that began Monday. Most were less than an acre in size, but two were large and not contained: the Hennessey and Gamble Fires. In total, the complex had burned more than 3,100 hectares by Monday evening, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Hennessey Fire burned 2,500 acres in hilly terrain about 25 miles northeast of Santa Rosa. The Gamble Fire burned about 600 acres north of Lake Berryessa.

Evacuation orders were also for the Marsh Fire in Alameda County, which burned 1,775 acres by Monday night, and the Deer Zone Fires in eastern Contra Costa County near Brentwood, which burned more than 1,160 acres on Monday evening.

Smoke rises from the #MarshFire burning in the area of ​​the Calaveras and Welch Creek streets in #Sunol. The fire burned 1,775 acres and is 0% contained @sfchronicle pic.twitter.com/qfCAN8NNuP

– Jessica Christian (@jachristian) August 17, 2020

In the Marsh Fire, a combination of four bursts of vegetation that began Sunday, residents of about 10 houses on Welch Creek Road near Sunol, about 10 miles south of Pleasanton, were ordered to vacate their homes. No injuries were reported.

Mike Cerny, 74, has lived in one of these 10 houses with his wife for 40 years. On Sunday evening, Cerny watched fire engines park in the driveways of his home and those of his neighbors. Before they were forced to evacuate on Monday afternoon, Cerny said he could see the flames of at least two fires from all the windows of the house.

They grabbed their photos and other irreplaceable valuables and left behind the house Cerny had built, including his wife’s antique Barbie doll collection.

“We could see the flames over the ridge, the smoke,” he said from a parking lot by Jack in the Box, eating his first meal of the day, a Sourdough Jack sandwich, and his first coffee in 24 hours. “I don’t think we were hit as far as what could happen.”

The Deer Zone Fires also broke out Sunday night, and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies evacuated residents along the streets of Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory, southeast of Brentwood and north of Livermore.

The Red Cross placed evacuees from Deer Zone Fires in nearby hotel rooms on Monday, according to a supervisor for Brentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The fire damage along Marsh Creek Road in Alameda County.Sarah Ravani / The Chronicle

Over 20 years and numerous fires, Clint C., 49, and Kirsten C., 45, a couple who live in a RV park on Marsh Creek Road, said they were evacuated only four times, including Sunday night. About a dozen fire engines were on the road while the police drove up and down with sirens, honked their horns and ordered residents to flee.

“You get scared and you get excited,” said Clint. “It was stressful.”

“We were scared this time,” said Kirsten. “We thought something was going to get to our house. This fire is not funny. “

They packed up their two cats and their dog and drove to Clint’s mother-in-law’s house in San Ramon, where they spent the night.

“It was a nightmare to get the pets out,” said Clint.

Much further south, in Monterey County, the fast-growing River Fire east of Salinas hit 2,800 acres on Monday, according to Cal Fire. Five houses were destroyed, 1,500 other buildings threatened and four firefighters suffered heat-related injuries while fighting the fire.