100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 69 Hall in St. Helena, California

Blog 69 Hall in St. Helena, California



Renovations are done at Hall in St. Helena, California. While I love the Rutherford Property for a private formal tasting, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at Hall in St. Helena.





It is a more casual atmosphere with outdoor tables where you can “order from the tasting menu” if you are a member. I was able to have the wines that I wanted and boy did I pick my favorites. I bee lined to the Kathryn Hall 96 point Cabernet Sauvignon. Why not? My taste buds thanked me for it. Prior to this wine being rated, it has always been one of my faves.







The service is outstanding at Hall. They have the outdoor patio, an intimate indoor seating area in a separate room, and the regular stand-up tasting room that is connected to their gift shop. Outside in the parking area and patio area, you will find red art.









There are several very large roses in the garden area and some abstract pieces all over the property. The indoor area has some black and white pictures on the wall and other art around the tasting room for your viewing pleasure. Art, wine and great service can only make you want to visit Hall more than once.



Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 68 Chateau Montelena

Blog 68 Chateau Montelena





Chateau Montelena Winery is famous for winning the Judgment of Paris Tasting in 1976 with their 1973 Chardonnay. One of my favorite wine movies is Bottleshock, which tells the story of Jim and Bo Barrett. Be sure to watch it, you will like it.



The winery and property at Chateau Montelena are incredible. The building is beautiful and yes, it is the one that they used in the movie. Some of the filming took place on the property located in Calistoga, California in North Napa Valley.





The tasting rooms were crowded. I made my way to the library room and tried some wines there without feeling crowded. If I would have had to try their wines in the regular room, it would have been difficult with their popularity.



They also poured me a 1991 Calistoga Cuvee but no 1973 Chardonnay. However, they did keep a bottle of the famous wine under glass that they showed on display with all of the correspondence in a book from the Paris Tasting.





My favorite wines there were the 2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley at $50.00 and their 2006Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley at $45.00.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 67 Blackstone Winery

Blog 67 Blackstone Winery



I visited the Sonoma Valley Blackstone Winery location in Kenwood, California. They make handcrafted wines with flavor and a balanced structure. I was able to try some limited releases with my favorite being the 2007 Merlot Sonoma Valley which sells for $70.00. Their wines mostly range from $11.00 a bottle to about $36.00 a bottle with the Merlot at $70.00 being their most expensive wine on the menu.

The tasting room was about to close but they accepted me with open arms and were not in a hurry to push me out the door. They also spent time with me explaining the medals that their wines have won. It was a pleasurable time.

When you are in the area, be sure to drop by and try some wine for a great experience without feeling rushed.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 66 Kunde Family Estate

Blog 66 Kunde Family Estate



Kunde Family Estate is located in Kenwood, California in the Sonoma Valley Region. The Kunde Family owns over 1850 acres of land with 700 acres planted to over twenty varieties of grapes for winemaking on property in their winemaking facility. You can visit the winery for a wine tasting but be sure not to miss out on taking the tour of the property to see the wine caves.



During prohibition, the winemaking did not stop at this winery; they continued to make sacramental wines. However, at the start of World War II they had to stop making wine to fight in the war. In the 1960’s they expanded the vineyards and focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In 2004, they celebrated their 100th harvest.

Family owned for five generations, their wines are made from 100% estate grown grapes and they improve environmental practices by using sustainable farming methods. My favorite Kunde wine is the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Be sure to view their video:



Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 65 Benziger Family Winery

Blog 65 Benziger Family Winery

Located way up in the Sonoma Mountain, Benziger is a family owned and operated winery with 85 acres of certified Biodynamic land. The family has a research and teaching center for the cultivation of grapes to bring more site-specific vineyard character. Their experience is shared throughout Sonoma Valley. They were the first vineyard in Sonoma to attain the Biodynamic certification by Demeter which took place in 2000. Biodynamics is the highest form of organic farming.

Visit the winery in the hills, take a vineyard tram and see their wine caves. You will enjoy the property and the open-air tram ride. Then, be sure to stop at their tasting rooms and gift shop. My favorite menu is the single vineyard tasting menu. They offer Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and some estate blends that are worth not missing. They were sold out of their Zinfandel which is my favorite choice on the menu.

2006 Estate Zinfandel “Joaquin’s Inferno”

A taste will reveal red ripe raspberry and dark cherry with a nose of earthiness, coffee, spice, pepper and chocolate truffles. Soft, silky and smooth with a great finish! Out, how can that be?

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 64 Cuvaison Estate Wines

Blog 64 Cuvaison Estate Wines

Cuvaison Estate Wines can offer you two completely different experiences providing two different locations to try their wines. Cuvaison is located in South Napa Valley in the Carneros region or in North Napa Valley in the Calistoga region.



The Carneros terrace, tasting rooms and vineyard is the newest and most modern in the valley. Open air with a beautiful, breathtaking view of the Carneros region, you want to take your time when you visit to really relax and take in the beauty. You can sit down in comfort at either the indoor tables, outdoor tables or the couches in a separate room overlooking the valley. The Carneros staff will bring you one wine at a time allowing you to take your time to enjoy your visit. They feel that you should not rush a tasting and it should be savored in an open surrounding.



The Calistoga tasting experience is completely different. It offers a mountain view with shaded picnic grounds giving you a classic tasting environment. Newly remodeled and worth visiting, I would not leave out either experience.

Cuvaison wines consist of: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, a dessert wine and a true Meritage. While they are all my favorites, the 2008 Mariafeld Pinot Noir took my breath away.

According to the Web site description on the Mariafeld:

The name refers to a Swiss clone of Pinot Noir that is prized for its deep color and denser tannin structure. The 2008 is richly colored and rife with black plum, black cherry and black berry fruit notes. Spice notes and a hint of wild thyme and truffle offer intrigue to this earthy Pinot. Multi-layered and fruit forward this vibrant wine shimmers with crisp acidity and a long finish. This is a Club Exclusive. Thank goodness I have been a member of their wine club for years!

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 63 Modonna Estate

Blog 63 Modonna Estate

Modonna Estate is located in the Carneros Region of Napa Valley California. They are the third oldest winemaking family in Napa Valley. Since 1922, the Bartolucci family has been making wine. Modonna is dry farmed and certified organic producing wines with varietal character. Estate bottled wines you will find if you decide to visit the tasting room: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Barbera and Muscat Canelli. Prices range between $20 and $60 with the Pinot Noir Reserve at $60.



You should try a Pinot Noir from the Carneros region. If you are out this way and able to visit this tasting room, you will enjoy the hospitality that Madonna Estate has to offer.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 62 Savor Sonoma

Blog 62 Savor Sonoma

Sonoma Valley offered a 20th annual food and wine experience on March 20th and 21st with twenty-two local participating wineries present from throughout Sonoma with barrel tasting and food pairings from local chefs and restaurants.

Wineries that participated:

Audelssa Estate Winery, Benziger Family Winery, Chateau St. Jean, Deerfield Ranch Winery, Enkidu Wines, Eric Ross Winery, Family Wineries of Kenwood, Imagery Estate Winery, Kenwood Vineyards, Kunde Family Estate, Landmark Vineyards, Ledson Winery & Vineyards, Little Vineyards, Loxton Cellars, Mayo Family Winery, Muscardini Cellars, Paradise Ridge Winery, St. Francis Winery, Ty Caton Vineyards, VJB Vineyards & Cellars, Valley of the Moon Winery and Wellington Vineyards.

Put on by the Heart Of Sonoma Valley Association found at:

www.HeartOfSonomaValley.com

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 61 Peju

Blog 61 Peju

Peju is family owned and operated. They are dedicated to organic and sustainable farming practices. Their gardens, art exhibits, kitchen and award winning wines and friendly staff are why you want to visit.



Your pleasant and pleasing experience begins when you get out of your car; enjoy the garden and artwork prior to walking into the gift shop and tasting area at Peju located in Rutherford, Napa Valley California. Easy to get to and open until 6:00 pm makes it a favorite last stop on your wine tasting ventures and one you will never want to miss. The staff is knowledgeable, all of their wine is tasty and they have some wine blends that you cannot get anywhere on the planet. I listed two of my favorite wines from Peju that are fun, light, bright and unique.

Provence

Winemaker Notes: A proprietary red and white blend of finished Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel with Chardonnay and French Colombard from Napa and Mendocino counties. Goes great with Barbequed and spicy foods - Serve Chilled!

Sensory Description: Aromatic notes of bright cherry and raspberry tartlets, with a slight touch of cranberry and pretty floral notes. It displays flavors of fresh ripe red fruit with a hint of strawberry rhubarb pie.

Carnivale



Winemaker Notes: This French Colombard is sourced from an old head-trained vineyard in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County. The vineyard is situated in a cool growing area, allowing the fruit to hang on the vine for a long period of time to reach optimal ripeness. The French Colombard is often some of the last fruit that we harvest in late October, and typically displays floral aromatics, mixed with fresh fruit, crisp acidity and a light, refreshing finish.

Sensory Description: Aromas of white peach, apricot and nectarine with a hint of white floral notes. Intense, yet delicate flavors of honeysuckle, pineapple juice and fresh, juicy stone fruit please the palate. Carnival has sweet beginnings with a dry finish. The Carnival pairs beautifully with spicy dishes such as Thai food as well as fruit and cheese. Serve very chilled.

Great experience! Great wine!

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 60 Rombauer Vineyards

Blog 60 Rombauer Vineyards

On a tree covered knoll, overlooking Napa Valley in St. Helena sits Rombauer Vineyards, with over one mile of caves set into the hillside. Rombauer was founded in 1982 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer. You may know the Rombauer family by Koerner’s great aunt, Irma Rombauer, who wrote the book “The Joy of Cooking” which they sell in their wine tasting room.

Although Rombauer can be hard to find from the road, they are always packed in the tasting room. The tasting is $10 per person and consists of their current release wines. We tried the 2008 Carneros Chardonnay, 2006 Carneros Merlot, 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2007 Fiddletown Zinfandel.

If you do decide to visit for a tasting, call for the best times to visit when it is not so crowded. Be sure to take some time to walk the gardens and take on the view of the mountainside. My favorite wines from Rambauer are always the Zins!

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 59 Charles Krug

Blog 59 Charles Krug

In 1861, Charles Krug became Napa Valley’s first winery. Now owned and operated by the Peter Mondavi family for three generations. This winery is located in St. Helena, California. They own eleven Napa Valley vineyard estates that are utilized to make up their wine selections. Family tradition is the foundation of their winemaking and grape growing.

We tasted several wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a Zinfandel Port. I enjoyed the 2005 Family Reserve Generations from Napa Valley. This wine is a tribute to family tradition and commitment to quality. Generations was blended with 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Syrah and aged for 22 months in French oak barrels. Aromas of espresso and nutmeg, and red fruit flavors of black cherry, blueberry jam with a classic finish. 3,280 cases were produced. The price of this wine is $51.00.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 58 Twomey Cellars

Blog 58 Twomey Cellars

Twomey is an exceptionally handcrafted wine from the family of Silver Oak Cellars. While we were tasting at Silver Oak, we received a private tour through their time capsule which contained pictures of Silver Oak from the beginning of their existence all the way to where they are now. They have pictures of their logo concept, the fire, and their new facilities. Once we finished the time capsule tour, they let us taste some of their sister property wines.

Twomey Cellars was founded in 1999 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. Twomey Cellars produces Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. We were able to taste the 2005 Twomey Merlot. The Twomey Merlot contains 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. A deep garnet color with a nose of black cherry, blackberry, essence, wild game and freshly ground black pepper. The Merlot is a full-bodied red with velvety fine-grained tannins and a long finish. One of my favorite Merlot’s to date. Handcrafted with perfection.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 57 Silver Oak Cellars

Blog 57 Silver Oak Cellars

Silver Oak Cellars is located in Oakville, California in the Napa Valley area. Their facility burned down several years ago and they have been through a lot rebuilding their facilities in their Napa location. The last time I visited them, they were located in a trailer that sat on their lot. This time, I was able to enjoy one of the most luscious experiences that I have yet had California wine tasting. They appreciate their customers and the make sure that your experience is one that you will not forget.



Their recent release of the 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Silver Oak is priced at $100. The wine contains 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. This wine was aged in 100% American oak barrel for about 25 months and another 20 months in bottle prior to release. This 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark garnet color and a complex nose of boysenberry, truffles, wild game, soy and black pepper. It is soft and silky on the mouthfeel with light to medium tannins.



We also tasted the 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine had a dark garnet color and a nose of black cherry, clove, cinnamon, lavender and licorice with velvety tannin and a smooth finish.

Silver Oak is always a pleasure to visit and one of my favorite wineries. Now with their new facilities in Napa, I will be sure not to miss them on any visit to the area.



Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 56 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Blog 56 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is most known for winning the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 with their Cabernet Sauvignon. They are located in the famous Stags Leap District in Napa, California. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars offers a Napa Valley Collection Tasting Flight for $15 per person.



They offer a 2007 Sauvignon Blanc with flavors and aromas including grapefruit and lemonlime, peach and nectarine, tropical notes of guava and mango with a hint of fresh-cut grass.

The 2007 Karia Chardonnay made with about 15-20% oak with apple, white peach and orange blossom with subtle layers of roasted almond and vanilla cream.
The 2006 Merlot is aromatic with fruit notes of cherry, pomegranate, plum and strawberry laced with spicy accents of vanilla and cinnamon.



My favorite was the 2006 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has aromas and flavors of black fruit such as blackberry, currant and plum with layers of nutmeg, rosemary and a warm pie crust.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 55 Clos Du Val

Blog 55 Clos Du Val

Clos Du Val is a winery that is well known for being seen in some famous movies such as Forgetting Sara Marshall. The label is distinctive with Clos Du Val being represented by the goddesses of Splendor, Mirth and Good Cheer. These “Three Graces,” daughters of Zues, were known in ancient Greece for gracing Olympian parties with dancing and singing.

Located on the famous Silverado trail in Napa, California, Clos Du Val offers daily wine tastings. Started in 1972, Goelet and Portet founded Clos Du Val. Their 1972 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the six original wines picked for the famous Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. Ten years later, that same vintage took first place in the rematch.

Clos Du Val owns 150 acres in the Stags Leap District which is known for world class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They also own 180 acres in the Carneros District which is famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Planting grapes in these two districts give their wines a regional character that adds to their classic style of winemaking.



My favorite wine from Clos Du Val was the recently released 2008 Carneros Pinot Noir. This wine started with a ruby color and aromatic spices with raspberry, cherry, red currant, and pomegranate. 14 months in French Oak with 5,000 cases produced all going for $30 a bottle.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 54 Gateway to California Wine Country

Blog 54 Gateway to California Wine Country

San Francisco is the gateway to Sonoma and Napa Valley. I enjoy getting to these areas by flying into San Francisco as opposed to Oakland. Renting a car is a great idea because you can stop in many places on your way to the wine country. First, I drive through the city and enjoy the view of the houses and hills that are so unique to San Fran.

I drive down the “crookedest” street in the world, Lombard St. After going down it three times, I head down to the Fisherman’s Wharf and take a stroll along the shops. I stop at Ghirardelli Square and purchase some Ghirardelli chocolate while I walk into some of the art shops. I enjoy looking at the Leroy Neiman paintings. I even purchased a few. There are also some other great artists that I adore such as Thomas Arvid. They have many original paintings there.

Then, it is off to the Golden Gate Bridge. While I drive over the bridge, I am sure to take a peek of Alcatraz. Alcatraz is an old prison that sits in the middle of the water. You can also take a tour there and see Al Capone’s cell. It is no longer used as a prison but is a tourist destination.

There are some very cute towns on the way to Napa if you take any of the exits and head towards the water. Sausalito is one of the most picturesque places to stop and capture a view of the waterfront. There are many small restaurants and shops in a row that you can stroll by.

Then, you have to decide; is it Sonoma or is it Napa. Take your pick and head on your way through to wine country. Although I stay on the Napa side, I always visit both. There are over 500 wineries to choose from just in these two areas. Create your wine schedule and start your tasting journey.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 53 More Smart Wine Tour Tips

Blog 53 More Smart Wine Tour Tips

It is all about the planning. You may have already scheduled a Wine Train or Balloon Ride. You have eaten at the best restaurants, had a picnic and even scheduled some tastings or tours. You have gone to your favorite wineries off the beaten path. Everything has been scheduled. You are even eating water crackers and drinking water in between wineries. You are only tasting the wines that you like and spitting the wines that you do not. What else can you do to make your wine experience great?

How about a limo tour for one of your days? You can create your own plan and use their driving expertise or you can ask them to schedule something for you. Limo drivers can be great tour guides. One thing to look out for is when a limo driver takes you only to wineries that they want you to go too. Do not let them change the itinerary that you have. You are in charge.

Look online at places that you like and call them up. Ask questions. Check out how much they charge for tastings or tours and decide using that information. This will help you decide along with your budget what you can afford to do.

You can also rent bikes and tour the wine country by bike. You are exercising, enjoying the scenery and really taking in the great weather that wine country has to offer. Check what the local weather will be and have an alternate plan if that falls through.

How about a hike? There are hiking trails and other adventures that you can do in groups or privately. It can be a lot of fun when you are really taking in the nature that surrounds you. Make sure that you are able to withstand the hiking trails and that you do not have any health problems that will interfere with your experience and success.

You can try different lodging as you go about your wine tours. You can stay in Napa one day and then Yountville, and then Calistoga. You can then go to the Sonoma side and work your way up too or just stay in the same hotel and drive to where you will be tasting for the day. When I go, I like to stay in one hotel and just work my way around the entire valley by car coming back to my familiar surroundings.
Make your experience your own and schedule what you think is fun.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 52 Smart Wine Tour Tips

Blog 52 Smart Wine Tour Tips
You have decided to spend a day touring wine country but someone has informed you that it might not be as easy as you think. How do you make your day great? What can you do to create a memorable experience?

I suggest planning out your day prior to going on the wine tour. There are many people that just get in their car and go from one winery to the next. The only problem is that you need to get back and you may miss your favorites or ones that you have not been to before that are off the beaten path.

Each year when I head out to wine country, I plan out my entire itinerary. I call in advance to get any tours or tastings in to make sure that there is availability. It took me five years to get into Far Niente Winery. I finally had to beg them and I set up a tour for eight people well in advance. It was worth the trip. Some wineries you can get into with no problem and other wineries request that you ask in advance for your tasting. Caymus Winery will only take a few people at a time for their tasting and they do it at certain times; again, well worth the wait. Opus also works this way; however, you can go in their tasting room and pay for a tasting separately without a tour. Caymus and Far Niente are both gated and will not even let you on their grounds without an appointment.

Don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver if you are going to be drinking wine. Don’t speed in wine country. If you can, try to start your day early in the morning when it is best to have a tasting. Plan your tours with food in between the wineries that you will taste at. Drink water and water crackers in between each winery if you are actually drinking any of the wines.

Spit the wines that you do not like. You don’t have to empty your glass with each wine. Only drink the ones that you want to enjoy. There are plenty of wines to taste. Pace yourself when you taste and only try the ones that you really want to try.

Take time to eat a nice lunch by either packing a picnic lunch or sitting at a great restaurant that the area has to offer. For instance, in Napa Valley, I always eat at Rutherford Grill or Don Giovanni’s with some of my best memories made there. Food is an important part of my day and I want to make sure that I eat and taste in comfort.
More on how to pick your favorites…coming soon.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!

Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 51 Visit to the Napa Valley

Blog 51 Visit to the Napa Valley
100 Wine Blogs is going to the Napa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). When people think of Napa Valley, they may not realize that there are 15 sub AVA’s in Napa County. Napa is actually a city in the Napa Valley area. Napa Valley consists of the 15 sub AVA’s listed below. Calistoga being the most recent sub AVA added in December of 2009, which took them 6 years to become an AVA. There are over 300 wineries just in these areas alone.
American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) of Napa Valley
• Atlas Peak AVA
• Calistoga AVA
• Chiles Valley AVA
• Diamond Mountain District AVA
• Howell Mountain AVA
• Los Carneros AVA
• Mt. Veeder AVA
• Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA
• Oakville AVA
• Rutherford AVA
• Spring Mountain District AVA
• St. Helena AVA
• Stags Leap District AVA
• Wild Horse Valley AVA
• Yountville AVA
100 Wine Blogs will be visiting the Napa Valley area during the Mustard Festival season. Some of the events taking place while we are there is “The Marketplace” consisting of many wineries from the local area getting together along with sponsors to celebrate some of the gourmet food, treats and wine that Napa Valley has to offer. This takes place along the Riverfront in Downtown Napa on March 13 – 14, 2010.

On March 20, 2010, we will visit “A Taste of Yountville” which will include gourmet restaurant fare, olive oils, vinegars, mustards, fine wines, and micro-brews all from the Yountville area.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 50 Hot-Air Balloon Ride in Wine Country

Blog 50 Hot-Air Balloon Ride in Wine Country

I made it to my 50th Wine Blog! I wanted to celebrate by taking you on a flight in a balloon high above the Napa Valley in California’s Wine Country. Napa Valley’s Hot-Air Balloon flight path is the busiest that the world has to offer.

With the Wine Country weather in northern California, flights can take place year round. If the weather does not permit, you can opt to cancel your reservation or to lift off from an alternate location outside of the Napa Valley area where the weather may cooperate.

There are many balloon companies to choose from. Pick the one that you feel comfortable with and that has the options that you desire. Many will offer pick up and drop off from your hotel. Most offer a pre-boarding breakfast and when the flight is finished you will be awarded a certificate, with champagne and a brunch or lunch served to you. The whole experience can last up to five hours.

The flight itself takes one to two hours depending upon the weather conditions, but the experience is priceless. You can take pictures or video while in the air. You may want to dress in layers because the temperature will get hotter in the balloon and you can take off or put on whatever you want while on your flight. The balloons may fit about two to ten people depending on the company that you pick and the packages that they offer.

Float several thousand feet into the sky and enjoy your experience with a spectacular way to view the Napa Valley vineyards.

Let’s celebrate! 50 Wine Blogs! Wish me luck on getting through the next 50 blogs!

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica

100 Wine Blogs, 100 Days Blog 49 Grape Varietals of Imagery Estate Winery

Blog 49 Grape Varietals of Imagery Estate Winery

Many grape growers throughout California plant new grape varietals to challenge their passion. Imagery Estate Winery is a very unique winery found in the Sonoma region. Their wine labels are each a different painting commissioned especially for their bottles. They also have an art museum located in their tasting room that you can view as you taste their artful wines, and of course, a gift shop.They combined creative art with creative winemaking to stand alone in the wine industry in California.

Imagery creates and blends their wines by combining nontraditional grape varietals to create unique selections of wines not made by other winemakers in the area. They have a White Burgundy that I like that is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Menuier; a light, fruity white with the body of a Chardonnay. A fun blend is the WOW Oui consisting of Sauvignon Blanc with a splash of Muscat.

Imagery also produces single varietals by using some grapes that are almost nonexistent in California or rarely produced as a single varietal. Some of these are: Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Lagrein, Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc and Muscato di Canelli. These are only some of the single varietals that they offer. Imagery Eastate Winery challenges you to broaden your palate. Stop by for a visit while you are in Sonoma and be sure to visit their other property nearby, Benziger.

Although they might not be picked first to play baseball on the playground, they don’t seem to mind. Imagery Estate Winery will be creating their own game and eventually, everyone will want to be playing on their team. If not, they are content sitting on the bench drinking in their creative art and having fun, while watching the others play hard.

Be on the lookout for their new 2009 White Burgundy. You will be able to hear and watch their label. The label will consist of sheet music from a song composed and performed by Richard Derwingson. They filmed the video of him playing the song on his piano. After 26 years of sitting the bench, Imagery has decided to create their own game. Let’s see who wants to play.

Tell me what you think! I want to hear from you! Give me your thoughts!
Bon Vin!
Veronica