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...

Images by VCrown Photography What do William Shakespeare, Alexander Dumas, Emilio Salgari, Fiódor Dostoyevski, Daniel Defoe and Philip II all have in common? Their acute and judgmental palates have all been won over by Fondillon wine. A special blend of wine produced in Alicante, Fondillon is fashioned in an oxidized style from the best overripe Monastrell grapes which are unfortified, naturally sweet and give it a certain distinct reddish color. Fondillon is typically bottled after an extended period of time (minimum of 10 years). It is superb and best to pair with blue cheese or chocolates. Experience an intoxicating and beautiful...

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...

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...

The Celani Family traces its roots back to the town of Ferentino near Rome—and they are deep roots. For generations the Celanis have celebrated life among family, friends, good food, and great wine. In this spirit Vicki and Tom Celani founded their own vineyard in the Vaca Mountain Range of California with one mission, and one mission only, to produce the finest wines in the Napa Valley. In doing so, they vowed to respect the gifts of nature without any compromise in quality – This is the virtue and value of their wine. Visit their website www.celaniwines.com Click on images to...

February 1st & 2nd from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Visitors will enjoy complimentary wine tasting of their newly released wines in the Charles Krug Tasting Room. Peter Mondavi Jr. will be on hand Friday, February 1st from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm to welcome guests and sign bottles. The Family Reserve Tasting will be available for a fee of $25.00. If you are looking for truly spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the tasting for you! Construction of the new Hospitality Center is under way and they will be celebrating the grand opening in just eight months. Charles Krug Winery will bid a fine farewell to the old Tasting Room and welcome in the new...

VIADER is a leading first growth Napa Valley winery estate established in 1986 by Delia Viader, and recognized around the world for consistently producing high quality red wines. They are located 1200 feet above the Napa Valley floor just northeast of St. Helena on the steep, rocky slopes of Howell Mountain. Today, VIADER is a thriving multi-generational family business complete with a small bonded winery, underground caves, and a Hospitality Center which offers tours and tastings by appointment, and a sophisticated wine and food pairing Culinary Program. Since the inaugural vintage in 1989, VIADER Proprietary Cabernet Blend has featured...

Marston Family Vineyard is a hidden gem on the most southern slopes of Spring Mountain above the Napa Valley. A cool afternoon breeze passes through the vineyard permitting the fruit to ripen slowly and uniformly. Visit them at www.marstonfamilyvineyard.com Mike Johnson (aka wine707) is a chauffeur with a camera who drives for Napa Valley Tours and Transportation, a full service transportation company located right in the heart of downtown Napa, celebrating their 15th year in business. You can reach him at 707.251.9463 or chauffeur@NVTT.net. Follow more of his wine country travels at...