By Liz Bernardo Photography by Nash Bernardo Last Thursday, February 18, 2016, Rich and Leslie Frank, proprietors of Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga, hosted a Trade and Media Dinner to celebrate a great start to Premiere Napa Valley 2016. The day also coincided with National Drink Wine Day, which is celebrated annually to spread the love and health benefits of wine across America. Entering the winery’s fermentation room, we were greeted with a fireball contact juggling performer and a very impressive acrobatic dancer. We enjoyed the magical performance while sipping on the winery’s 2012 Blanc de Blanc and 2012 Brut Rose wines. We also...

The second annual Yountville Live, the country’s ultimate and intimate food, wine and music celebration takes place in Yountville, California, the culinary capital of the Napa Valley from March 31 – April 3, 2016, featuring a star-studded line-up of rock-star chefs, the finest Napa Valley wines, and chart-topping musical acts to offer special up close and personal, semi-acoustic sets by The Goo Goo Dolls, American Idol Winner Kris Allen, Mayer Hawthorne, and Plain White T’s with emerging artist performances sprinkled throughout the weekend. Dozens of the valley’s celebrated vintners, including Trinchero Family Estates, Jessup Cellars,...

By Tamara Gorman Photography by Rey Del Fierro When the sun comes up on a sleepy little town, down around San Francisco, and the folks are risin’ for another day…   Another day of unforgettable music, fantastic food and world-class wine as the first ever Sonoma Music Festival –formerly known as the B.R. Cohn Charity Fall Music Festival –  rocked downtown Sonoma for three incredible, star-filled days. You may recognize the name B.R. Cohn for their great wines and out-of-this-world olive oil, but B. R. Cohn is also known for his connection to rock and roll, catapulting The Doobie Brothers to fame as their manager for most of the...

K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION, a beautifully appointed Tasting Room and retail shop from former Dean & DeLuca Wine Director and industry insider Kerrin Laz, is opening in Yountville, CA. One of Napa Valley’s most beloved wine personalities and trusted consultants, Kerrin is making her collection of more than 500 wine labels – including some of the most coveted and hard-to-come-by bottles and her favorite undiscovered gems – available to the public for tastings and for purchase at the new shop. With a prime location on Washington Street in downtown Yountville, just steps away from Napa Valley hot spots like Ad Hoc by Thomas Keller, Redd by...

Foreign Cinema will host Stephen Singer as guest sommelier on Thursday, April 16, 2015 to showcase wines from Baker Lane Vineyards  located in the beautiful hidden valley on the Sonoma Coast. Throughout the evening, Singer will interact with guests and provide tasting notes as well as pairing suggestions. The following wines may be purchased at special prices by the flight or bottle: 2007 Estate Syrah 2010 Estate Syrah 2012 Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 Sonoma Coast Cuvée Syrah 2014 Estate Viognier 2014 Rosé All Baker Lane Vineyards wines are made from grapes grown on RoadsEnd Farm in Sebastopol, located in west Sonoma County.  With a commitment...

By Eileen Solis Rogers Photography by Christian Thomas Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa hosted its seventh annual Midsummer Medieval Festival on Saturday, June 21st. I had the privilege of being whisked back over the centuries into the Middle Ages for an evening of Medieval activities including a full-contact Jousting Tournament and a Royal Feast, all while enjoying their finely-crafted Italian-style wines throughout the evening! The perpetual charm of Castello’s castle grounds is the perfect setting for this event.  All guests, including myself, donned Medieval outfits with representations from the nobles, the peasants,...

By Tamara Gorman Strasser Photography by Rey Del Fierro If you build it, they will come. What an appealing concept – create a music festival in wine country where guests can go wine-tasting and sample some of the region’s best restaurants in between musical acts. Last year’s inaugural BottleRock Napa Valley with its amazing lineup was an artistic success, but a financial disaster. Then Napa entrepreneur David Graham and Latitude 38 Entertainment intervened to rescue the event. The result was this year’s successful reboot with notable headliners such as The Cure, Outkast, Weezer, Eric Church, Sublime with Rome, and Heart. The...

By Genevieve Dee Photography by Kanoa Utler Imagine a valley of vineyards for miles on end, with the ice capped Andes mountains towering in the background, its glacial melt irrigating the land below. Imagine the sky, vast and blue, with the sun shining 300 days a year. This is Mendoza, Argentina. It is an area that produces 80% of the country’s top wine, an area perfect for growing Malbec .This is the home of Argento Wines. At a private wine dinner at upscale SoMa restaurant AQ, Head Winemaker Silvia Corti introduced different wines from the Argento Winery. These wines were paired with a special meal prepared by Executive Chef and Owner,...

By Anthony Rogers With blue skies overhead and a lovely glass of their extraordinary sparkling wine in hand, our gracious hosts at Mumm Napa knew exactly how to treat their guests. Our Mumm Napa Experience began with light breakfast and mimosas at Flute Bar + Lounge, Mumm Napa’s pop-up located at America’s Cup Park in San Francisco (Piers 27/29) after which we were transported to the picturesque Napa Valley. As soon as we entered the property we were welcomed with open arms and enjoyed a comforting sense of being at home. Mumm’s warm greetings set the stage for a magnificent and fascinating time touring the winery’s expansive estate....

Images by Tubay Yabut Photography 1313 Main, Napa’s premium “Northside” wine bar, lounge, and now restaurant, is making use of the new Coravin system to offer rare and exclusive tasting flights of wine. Having been one of the first few testers for the revolutionary wine access technology, 1313 has taken the concept of “access” to previously unknown heights. As a result of this game-changing new technology, 1313 is able to feature four new ultra-premium wine flights, including the “Flight of Your Life” that includes the 1978 Chateau Petrus First Growth, 2010 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Echezeaux...

The first weekend in October celebrate Vintage 2013 with 37 Amador Vintners Association’s member wineries!  A two day celebration of the harvest season – Saturday & Sunday, October 5th and 6th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. BIG CRUSH is a grand time for visitor’s to the region to view the grape harvest in action. Scenes of teeming vineyards, tractors, and bustling crush activity are accompanied by non-stop & creative food & wine pairings, music, and entertainment are presented in concert with the harvest. Tickets are good for wine tasting, food and all activities – $40 pp. in advance for the weekend. Sunday only...

GEV was very fortunate to take part in two divinely joyous ceremonies last week. Our first stop was a blessing of the first fruits of the harvest at Grgich Hills Estate; this custom can be traced back to Old Testament times and it’s a three decades-long tradition for them. The winery has held a blessing of the grapes every year since the winery was founded in 1977 by Mike Grgich and Austin Hills. This year the winery is also celebrating the 90th birthday of Mike Grgich. Attendees enjoyed a glass of Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc paired with cheese during this age-old celebration of the start of the harvest and, afterwards, gleefully stomped grapes...

The 15th Annual “A Wine & Food Affair” in Northern Sonoma County calls for a weekend of Tasting Along the Wine Road. Throughout the weekend, guests will have the opportunity to visit the 107 participating wineries stretching across Sonoma County’s Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys, sampling wine and food pairings along the way. Attendees have the option to purchase tickets for one or both days of the event, enjoying Sonoma County’s finest at their own pace. Participating wineries will each prepare their favorite recipe from the “Tasting Along the Wine Road” cookbook for guests to sample throughout the event. Guests will...

Meet the pretty little Mondavis (Angelina, Alycia, Riana and Gigi) from the Napa Valley coven; Their Zinfandel Dark Matter label is sexy, mysterious and totally to die for just like them! Visit their website at http://www.darkmatterwines.com/   All Rights Reserved © 2013 GEV Magazine Photography by Vincent Gotti Lighting Specialist Carl Simpson Creative Director Nicanor Gutierrez HMUA Jessie Olmedo Produced by Kaye Cloutman Special thanks to their parents Marc and Janice Mondavi for opening up their gorgeous home to the...

Napa Valley visitors looking for an easy, affordable first-class wine tasting experience now have a great option.  The new Napa Valley Wine Trolley takes visitors on a full day tour that allows guests to take in the gorgeous scenery, aromas, and tastes of world class vineyards from a fun and unique perspective.  The Napa Valley Wine Trolley is a motorized, replica of a classic San Francisco cable car.  While everything on the outside appears vintage and takes you back to a by-gone-era, the ride is smooth and comfortable thanks to modern automotive technology. The Napa Valley Wine Trolley picks up passengers daily at the Oxbow Public Market...

DAVID ARTHUR VINEYARDS of St. Helena CA will host a 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Celebration on June 22, 2013 as a member of Team Fox, benefiting The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). David Arthur Vineyards aims to raise $350,000 or more to enable MJFF to continue aggressively funding research to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease. The Vineyards will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary by hosting a Gala Dinner and Celebration where all proceeds from the event will benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). David Arthur Vineyards will also be donating a portion...

  Celebrate Cinco De Mayo early at the Centre du Vin French Bistro at the Ledson Hotel (www.ledsonhotel.com) with a live performance from Luna Itzel. Friday, May 3 the very talented Luna Itzel will be performing contemporary Mexican music at two dinner shows: 6pm – 7:30pm and 8pm – 9:30pm. Dinner reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (707) 996-9779. Luna Itzel has the most beautiful and expressive voice on Mexico’s contemporary music scene. Fourteen years of a dynamic career and seven albums have allowed her to interpret a variety of musical styles. For Itzel, the traditional Mexican music is the best route to share what...

“I get asked all the time how much Syrah is in our Pinot Noir,” said Eric Hickey, President and Winemaker at Laetitia Vineyard & Winery on California’s Central Coast. “Yes, our Pinots have a purplish hue to them.  But no, we don’t put Syrah in our Pinot.” The real reason behind the dark robe on Laetitia Pinot Noir is anthocyanin, a compound that develops in the skins of fruit under certain levels of stress and sun exposure, producing a rich blue pigmentation. “Being so cool and coastal, we do very aggressive leafing, even compared to our neighbors in Edna Valley and Santa Maria,” said Hickey of Laetitia’s estate vineyard, situated...

Beginning April 1, 2013 a new exhibit of original wine paintings by Penelope Moore will be on display throughout the tasting room at Beaulieu Vineyard.  Each piece of artwork will be paired with a specially selected bottle of wine. Rather than traditional “gallery style” price tags, guests will have the opportunity to bid on each art and wine pairing from April 1st through April 14th.  Guests are invited to bid in person at the winery anytime during the two week period and join the closing celebration for live music and afternoon hor d’oeuvres on April 14th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  Tickets are $15 (complimentary to club members)....

By Kaye Cloutman Main photos courtesy of Rocco Ceselin When you finally have an opportunity to visit the winery of a brand you’ve loved and served to guests over the years, the feeling you’ll get upon entering its doors is beyond invaluable. Grgich Hills Estate has been one of my go-to wines for some time now, especially when I’m not very familiar with a restaurant’s menu. Their wines pair easily and beautifully with any dish and I am never disappointed because from whites to reds, Grgich Hills Estate’s wines are clean, natural and have great acidity that makes your mouth water, which is why it works well with food. The wine has also...

Featured icon image courtesy of Vicki Strickland Perfectly situated under the face of the Stag’s Leap Palisades lays Robinson Family Vineyards hillside property. On the 78 acres you will find the highly visible outcropping of the Stag’s Leap cliffs. The hills are covered with aging oak trees, 7 acres of hillside vineyard, and their grandmother’s charming hand built log cabin. At the rear of Grandma’s house, dug into the mountain slope is the small boutique winery housing their estate grown wines, which consist of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and malbec. Their vineyard is located in an ideal setting....

Michael has been very busy navigating wine country these days. With the early bloom of the mustard fields and the sweet pinkish blush of the cherry trees, Napa has been one busy Winter for tourists and visitors. Today, we showcase three of his recently visited spots in the valley. Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley The setting is reminiscent of a home or a private club, framing a highly edited collection of furnishings and artwork. The furnishings, ranging from 16th century to mid-twentieth century, are paired with contemporary works crafted by today’s top designers. The collections of art on display include Napa Valley favorites, the best in the...

Memorable moments from wilderness regions, sacred sites and diverse cultures all over the world captured by photographer Jeffrey A. Davis will be displayed in Serenity, Wonder, and Spirit, a new exhibit opening March 9 at the Fine Art Photography Gallery at Mumm Napa winery in Rutherford. The exhibit runs through January 5, 2014. From the awe and wonder of the Northern Lights to the quiet, raw expression of the first rays of morning light touching down on a lone iceberg, the images included in Serenity, Wonder, and Spirit share compelling stories and cherished moments from Davis’ travels to Norway, Japan, Tibet, Iceland, Namibia, Tanzania,...

In a nod to its rich history and to celebrate the reprise of the classic American tale, Madrona Manor invites guests to travel back in time to The Jazz Age at its first ever “Great Gatsby Soiree” on Sunday, May 5 from 2:00-5:00pm. While film buffs and culture hounds alike eagerly await the release of Baz Luhrmann’s exciting cinematic version of The Great Gatsby (opening May 10) they can revel at this elegant Victorian mansion, which has played host to more than a few such parties. Madrona Manor will fete the film’s release with a ’20s-style lawn party replete with Gatsby-inspired food and drink, accompanied by swinging live...

Volker Eisele Family Estate creates enticing wines from the Chiles Valley appellation of the Napa Valley. Organically farmed for over thirty-five years, the Estate produces wines of uncommon balance and finesse. All fruit for the four limited production wines is grown in our Chiles Valley vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its elegance, depth and complexity. Terzetto is a unique proprietary blend of co-fermented Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, while Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, combined in the Bordeaux style, create the luscious Gemini. “…unmistakable elegance and impeccable balance.” — Robert Parker...

General Manager Don Shindle of The Westin Verasa Napa, located on the bank of the Napa River and just a short stroll from the heart of Napa’s vibrant downtown, is pleased to announce the property’s newest offering, Somm Sisters Soiree.  A culinary, viticulture and relaxation inspired weekend getaway created to celebrate women, Somm Sisters Soiree Getaway will take place on Thursday through Saturday, March 7 through 9.  The month of March is Women’s History Month in the U.S. and International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. “The Westin Verasa Napa is very proud to present this exciting line up of weekend activities to...

By Rely Pio Roda GEV Magazine  joined the second-generation vintners of participating wineries of NG: The Next Generation in Wine for their 6th Annual Trade Tasting held yesterday at the Farmstead Restaurant in St. Helena, California in conjunction with the 2013 Premiere Napa Valley Week. The Next Generation in Wine or NG was created in 2006 to bring together the next generation of Napa Valley family wineries and vineyards.  NG, originally 6 and now 18 wineries, has a non-profit status, an elected board, and a unified focus with collaborative wine marketing and wine education. Among the wineries seen pouring at the event were the following:...

“Part of the joy of owning a winery in the Napa Valley is the sheer joy of farming. Sometimes we forget that wine is at its essence merely a crop — subject to the surprises of Mother Nature. Tending to this crop makes us even more aware of the great potential of a patch of ground. We may have started with grapes in mind, but that has led us down a path to olive groves and winter gardens and summer vegetable patches and bees and myriad of other gifts”. “Kelly Fleming Winery extends across a 300-acre property which is tucked into a ravine called Simmons Canyon. Today 12 acres are planted in 4×6 and 5×8...

Kenzo Estate is unusual in Napa Valley for the vast expanse of wilderness it encompasses, but it is unique and extraordinary for the owner’s desire to share his appreciation with guests. Draped along the summit that defines the eastern boundary of Napa Valley, Kenzo Estate is the custodian of watersheds originating on the property and draining East, West and South. Protected within this preserve are rain and spring-fed reservoirs, vernal pools, streams, and diverse forests of conifer, oak and manzanita. Wild boar, coyote, mountain lion, deer, turkey and bobcat are frequently observed while guests and workers come and go. Here is the...

Images by Tubay Yabut Photography Margrit Mondavi, vice president of cultural affairs for Robert Mondavi Winery, has pursued a life-long interest in uniting wine with fine arts, music and culinary artistry. With the enthusiastic support of her late husband, Robert Mondavi, she created a showplace for painters, sculptors, photographers, jazz and classical musicians and the great chefs and winemakers of the world. An accomplished linguist, Margrit serves as an ambassador for the winery to a wide range of international audiences. Recently, Mrs. Mondavi was presented with the prestigious Tiffany Sterling Silver Monteith Wine Bowl Trophy in...