Hey San Francisco! Want to help fight breast cancer by drinking half priced wines by the glass with a chance to score 2 Warriors basketball tickets? I figured you would...
Come join Miner Family Vineyards at Press Club tomorrow night to help raise money for breast cancer awareness. My good friends at Miner have been working VERY hard to pull this special event together so be sure to not miss out on all the fun. Enjoy top-tier wines and cheese pairings from 6-9pm, including the heavy-hitting Oracle red wine and the small production Rosella's and Garys' Pinots.
There are a lot of events in Napa Valley but there is only one that you really can't miss and that is Taste of Howell Mountain. I just found out that tickets are still available so I am telling all of you so you can swipe one up ASAP. This year's event is June 20 at Charles Krug, which is a great valley floor winery in St. Helena that is easily accessible of HWY 29. Festivities start at 2 and the party lasts well into the night. Tickets in advance are $95 and $125 at the door. Let me stress that this event includes some of the BIGGEST and BEST Zins, Cabs and Merlots in the valley and the world so if you are serious about your reds you MUST do yourself a favor and buy your ticket here.
Ever wonder who loves Miner Family Tempranillo as much as you do? Looking for the latest and greatest Oregon Pinot? Check out Bottlenotes, an online wine community where novice to advanced wine enthusiasts can go to learn about, share, explore and buy boutique and estate wines from around the world, hand-picked by Bottlenotes wine experts and tailored to individuals’ personal tastes.
Well, Dear Reader, I have expanded my wings! Not only do I get to write on my own blog, now I contribute to one of my favorite winery's blog, Flora Fever! Flora Springs is a family-owned and operated winery in the heart of Napa Valley that has been crafting fine wines for over 30 years. Flora Springs' Trilogy is my favorite Meritage and I was thrilled at the opportunity to write about. Check out my posting and the gang at Flora Springs here or copy this link in your browser: http://www.florasprings.com/blog/
Attention San Francisco: Come over to Press Club at the 4 Seasons Hotel ASAP!
I've made some great friends since I started working at Duckhorn this summer. My time is winding down and so is my friend Jen's so we decided to a tasting with our other partner in crime, Matt, before our last day. Jen used to run the wine club at Kellogg and has recently graduated. Matt is a semi-retired investment banker from San Francisco that is trying to learn the ins and outs of the wine business so he can pursue his own label one day. They are both very knowledgeable about wines and the perfect pair to do tastings with.
We decided to start at Pride Mountain Vineyards and work our way down Spring Mountain and hit the mom and pop wineries. Pride was a home run and I would have to say that it's a must if you are ever in Napa Valley. 
Pride is ran by the Pride family. They purchased the land in 1989 and had their first vintage in 1991. Jim Pride (who sadly passed in 2004) started the Pride Institute, a dental practice management company. While Jim focused on his business his wife Carolyn managed the operations at the winery.
The Viognier and Cabernet are not to be missed even though I don't think you can go wrong with any of their wines. Pride is appointment only so be sure to call ahead (707) 963-4949 and it's worth the drive.
While Drew was in town, we picked up a copy of the Judgement of Paris. This is the story of the famous blind tasting conducted just outside of Paris between French and Californian wines judged by George Taber and leading industry professionals. California's victory put Napa Valley wines on the map and brought some passionate vintners some well deserved respect. One of the wineries that competed in this tasting was Chateau Montelena. On my day off, we hopped in the car and drove 10 minutes to Calistoga to see it in person and learn more of its dynamic history that began in 1882.
For instance, did you know that there is a gorgeous man-made pond dedicated to a past owner's wife named Jade that descended from China? Did you know that they remodeled the winery into their home and the home was later remodeled back into the winery and tasting room?
Bottle Shock just released in town and is an exaggerated tale of the Judgment of Paris that depicts Napa Valley in the 70's as a hippie culture where vintners surf in the afternoon. Trust me, this was not the case back then. However, it is a reminder of how far California wines have come and how they have paved the way for more emerging wines from regions in other countries, such as New Zealand and Chile.
Drew and I decided to go to the Napa County Fair yesterday after spending a day poolside at Meadowood. I haven't been to the Napa County Fair since I was a kid. My good friend Tish and I were in 4H together and raised livestock and sold them at the livestock auction each year. Don't laugh. It paid for my first year of college. 4H breeds livestock but they breed entrepreneurs, too.
The fair was awesome. Corndogs. People watching. The Gravitron and Tilt a Whirl. It's great to feel like a kid again.
Before we dove into the fair we decided to exercise the luxury of some wine tasting along the way. I have to be honest, I am milking my free tastings this summer. Why not? I'm industry and it's like living in NYC and not going to all the great restaurants for free. There is NO way I am not riding this one out. On top it all, I have learned a TON about wine and have started a decent cellar.
One of the most anticipated events of the summer has been the opening of Flora Springs Highway 29 tasting room leading into St. Helena. 
This tasting room has gorgeous views from both floors and you can even spot the winery that is tucked back on Zinfandel Lane just north. The event was heavily attended by respected vintners, trade and, most importantly, family and good friends. After all, what good is a party without the ones you love?
The treat of the night was their 25th anniversary Cabernet that they poured on the second floor with a chocolate pairing. Those on the first floor enjoyed their Rosato and Pinot Grigio. Coupled with all of these delicious wines was a great selection of small bites, including spicy noodles, bacon wrapped figs and miniature carnitos tacos. Just take my word and make Flora Springs a stop on your next trip to Napa Valley. Come see how they share their passion for family and wine.
It's a rough job but someone's gotta do it.
Next stop was Heitz.
This is another winery that I knew for it's Cabernet but they surprised me too. I am trying really hard to build a comprehensive cellar. Not one just filled with cabs. And it's been tough because I love cabs. Anyway, I really went outside of my comfort zone and left this winery, that is known for cabs, and managed to take a port and their Chardonnay. Told you it was outside of my comfort zone. But their port wasn't too sweet and their chardonnay wasn't buttery and that's why I went for it. The nice man that shared the wines with me told me to serve the port with stinky cheese. I told him that would not be a problem...
By the way, Heitz has a free tasting which is rare around Napa Valley.
Ok, now for Frank Family Vineyards. This place has crazy buzz. I mean EVERYONE is talking about them so I had to check it out. Frank Family was started by Rich Frank, an old long-time Disney executive. He became interested in wines and met Koerner Rombauer who taught him the business. Rambauer is another one on the list but haven't made it there yet. He's done well by establishing a brand and a very well known Chardonnay.
Next stop? Josheph Phelps. I have been a longtime fan of Phelps and often used to purchase his wines when I lived in the mid west and east coast. Especially if I could expense it with my old corporate Amex that I miss so much. Walking up to the winery, Mr. Phelps greeted us and asked about my sister and her recent wedding. It was a nice chat and then we began our tasting.
Now it's off to Plumpjack. Plumpjack is a group that has a collection of lifestyle businesses in food, wine and hospitality. My kind of company. I wanted to scope them out because I am interested in learning more about potential opportunities within the company and I thought I should do a little homework. After all, my day of wine tasting was work and research for jobs and the blog...right?
Being the food enthusiast that I am, I double booked myself on one of America's favorite holidays for gluttony. First stop was a visit to the Garvey's house for their annual fiesta that they throw at their gorgeous home just a stones throw from their lovely winery, Flora Springs. I am grateful to have known the Garvey's since I was a kid. However, our relationship doubled when my best friend from childhood married their son. Lindsay (pictured with me above) and I have been best friends since birth. In fact, this blog was her idea. So when she invited me over for this culinary delight I accepted in a spilt-second.
Thanks to my childhood friends, Lindsay and Sean, I was able to score a last minute pass to the sold out event. Wineries from all over the valley pour while an all-star restaurant line-up showcase their best bites.
The wine auction upsets locals. It's a long day, hot, attended by pretentious tourists and the streets are a parking lot. All of our friends were there and my step dad (above) poured his coveted Zinfandel and Cabernet wines. More DUIs are handed out before dark than anywhere else on the planet. That's why I high tailed it to the city for the weekend after Thursday's event.
Unlike everyone else, I was into it. I showed up hungry, thirsty, camera ready and very excited. 
That's right folks, a castle in Napa Valley. Not only that, a twenty-first century castle made of thirteenth century materials imported from Europe. Oh, and on top of that, it's over 120,000 square feet. Wait, there's more! An acre and a half of it is underground. A man's dream or a man's ego? A question worth exploring...
V. Sattui is a a great rags to riches story from the Napa Valley. This man has made his millions with his retail only vineyard that sits on HWY 29 just before you enter St. Helena. It's famous for picnicking, weddings and gorgeous views of the valley floor and surrounding hillsides. This place is constantly packed. Cars overflow from the parking lot and park along the highway and stretch limos pull in by the dozens. It's been the go-to spot since 1985. Not bad. Chaaa-Chiiing.
Over the last 10 years, Sattui has shifted his focus to his bold new addition to the valley, Castello di Amorosa. Once again, my pictures do no justice here. If you would like to see better shots, click here.
When you pull up to the castle, there is no landscaping. Zero. On top of that, the castle is surrounded by young vines. I think this castle will be a sight to truly see in the years to come when both the construction and the land mold and age together. Everything was just a little too fresh and new. However, it was beautiful and it had incredible views of the valley and nearby vineyards (or competitors in his mind). Our tour guide told us that Sattui made sure that his castle was built higher than Sterling Vineyard on the opposing mountain for bragging rights. He also made sure he had the most square footage in the valley. He's in 1st place and the Culinary Institute of America is now in 2nd. Our tour guide also made references to Aaaarrrrrnnnold (as in Schwarzenegger...), the 49er football team and more celebs that have graced the grounds. He spoke of Sattui himself as if he were a Greek God and the whole time I wondered when the tasting would start...
Egos and dreams aside, Castello di Amorosa is worth the visit. But, make sure to make a reservation. The King likes to know who he will be expecting.
