ZD Wines Brings a Personal Touch to Hospitality Offerings

March 26, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – A visit to ZD Wines is now even more memorable as they continue to elevate guest experiences in celebration of their 50th harvest anniversary. ZD Wines has appointed two new positions at the winery to complete visitors’ needs, from the moment a guest seeks information prior to their visit, top-notch hospitality when tasting at their Rutherford winery, and continued engagement with the ZD team after. Additionally, they improved their tours and tastings with the introduction of savory food pairings.

The winery has appointed Leah Zanetell as their new Guest Services & Sales Coordinator. Zanetell, formerly Sales & Marketing Associate, has been part of the ZD Wines team for more than six years. In her new role, she can guide guests prior to, during, and after their visit, offering individualized recommendations on the tasting experiences, as well as provide personal support on future wine purchases.

“Sharing world class wines with exemplary hospitality is always our goal, and this new position means we are able to offer guests an even more personal experience, from the time they inquire about a tour or tasting reservation to when they return home,” said Brett deLeuze, second generation founding family and president of ZD Wines. “Through the renovation of our Vineyard View Tasting Room we created a tasting experience bringing ZD’s cellar and spectacular views of Rutherford into our visitors’ experience. That was just the first step in our ongoing goal of elevating our guest experience. We now provide even more reasons for our fans to spend some time here in Rutherford.”

To expand upon guest experience even further, ZD Wines launched a new website that provides visitors with comprehensive, current information ranging from ways to visit and experience ZD, to wine purchases, to the deLeuze family’s sustainable farming, and more. Recognizing her work on the winery’s elegant new website, Brianna Brockmeyer has been promoted to Marketing & Web Specialist. She joined ZD Wines in 2016 as the Marketing Coordinator, and will lead ongoing website optimization and take on additional marketing responsibilities in her new role.

“From the winemaking to vineyard management, hospitality to sales and marketing, the ZD Wines team is an incredibly dedicated and passionate team. Leah and Brianna are creative, enthusiastic, and strong contributors – I’m proud to congratulate them on their well-deserved promotions,” deLeuze continued.

Adding another dimension to the tasting options are new food pairing offerings, now available to supplement the Vineyard View Tasting, the ZD Experience Tour & Tasting, and Abacus Experience Tour & Tasting. Customized to complement ZD Wines, the pairings include a savory selection of salmon or duck rillettes, local artisanal cheeses, a sampling of custom Kollar Chocolates, or a food pairing trio complimenting ZD Chardonnay, ZD Pinot Noir, and ZD Cabernet Sauvignon, utilizing seasonal ingredients prepared by a local chef.

Founded in 1969, ZD Wines crafts award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with two small-production wines under the “Rosa Lee” label, named after the founding matriarch who passed away in 2018. ZD is also known for Abacus, a solera-style blend of Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Abacus XXI, which includes 27 vintages of the winery’s 100% Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, is available now.

ZD Wines is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 8383 Silverado Trail in Rutherford. Reservations are required for all tours, and highly recommended for the Vineyard View Tasting. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 487-7757 or emailing experiences@zdwines.com.

About ZD Wines
ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze family, who is dedicated to producing world-class wines, farming organically and giving back to the community. Located in the Rutherford region of the Napa Valley, the winery and hospitality center offer panoramic valley views of premium Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and the Mayacamas mountain range to the west. The deLeuze family produces wines from their certified organic vineyards in the Rutherford and Carneros regions, as well as organic vineyards in Napa, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Sonoma. With innovative winemaking practices, they produce wines of quality, consistency, and style. ZD Wines is currently celebrating 50 years of winemaking and can be found online at ZDWines.com and @ZDWines on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Miner Family Winery Celebrates the Completion of Interior Tasting Room Upgrades

March 5, 2020 by evebushman

OAKVILLE, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Miner Family Winery, a family-owned winery known for its flagship Bordeaux-style blend, The Oracle, is thrilled to announce the completion of their new wine tasting spaces. Brought to life with the help of Kristin Martin Design and General Contractor, Andy Isdahl, the new space was designed with intimate tasting experiences in mind to create enjoyable, comfortable and memorable experiences.

Noting on the new interior space, vintner Dave Miner said, “The new design is a true reflection of our personality as a company and a culture. It’s fun, casual and relaxed, but still incredibly classy. It evokes who we are and embraces two of my passions: world-class wine and jazz guitars.”

The second and third floor wine tasting spaces display family, vineyard and property photos as well as encased Benedetto jazz guitars. In addition, the third floor tasting room lounge has been named the Benedetto Lounge in tribute to Benedetto Guitars, of which Dave Miner is part-owner.

Each wine at Miner is crafted in a style to encapsulate the distinctive elements and the indelible fingerprints of their respective vineyards. We have sought and secured a number of California’s finest vineyard sites, but only those allowing complete farming control. It is this level of detail and control that ensures our wines consistency and quality.

Miner Family Winery offers a variety of experiences to suit every visitor. Our Walk-In Bar Tasting ($35 per person) doesn’t require an appointment and features a selection of our current wines. During our Private Tour and Tasting ($60 per person), guests visit our caves and production facility while learning the history of the winery. Guests have a dedicated host during this experience along with a private tasting space. Additional tastings, including our Oracle Blending Seminar and our Sommelier Experience, are available by appointment.

About Miner Family Winery: Miner Family Winery is a dynamic family owned winery tucked into the eastern hills of Oakville within the heart of Napa Valley. Founded in 1998 by Dave & Emily Miner, Miner is defined by a sensational portfolio of wines characterized by and committed to individualistic style and quality. https://minerwines.com/

Discovering Folded Hills Winery – Plus Winemaker Angela Osborne

February 28, 2020 by evebushman

Once again the #LAWineWriters met up at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood to have a wine paired luncheon. This time organizer and fellow writer Cori Solomon invited us to taste through some new Rhone wines – Grenache predominant – from a winery in the Santa Ynez AVA: Folded Hills Winery Farmstead Ranch.

We were greeted by the owner, Kim Busch, and general manager Tymari Lore on the patio of the restaurant. There were no less than nine wines for us to try, along with a six course meal created by Chef Ben Diaz. (See photos here.)

What we learned about the winery:

The vineyards are situated further south than any other vineyards in the Santa Ynez AVA and provide for cooler climate wines.
The winemaker, Angela Osborne, is also known for her A Tribute to Grace wines.
Their wine club is called “The Fold” and is very event-centered.
If you like French Rhônes, many of which are lower in alcohol than the American version, know that the Folded Hills wines we tried ranged from low to mid-range at 12.10% alcohol to 14.5%, with most hovering at about 13%.
They launched in April 2017 and you can taste the wines in their Montecito tasting room or at the estate in Gaviota.
This is a small production winery, with 5,500-6,500 case production, and they tend to “sell out fast.” Owner Kim Busch added, “Yes we do sell out of most our wines, all but 2 of which are purposely higher production.”
If you visit the winery you will not only see vineyards but also fruit trees and farm animals.

According to their brochure the wines “have no residual sugar and one gram or less of carbs, no commercial additives, minimal sulfur, only native yeast, are grown organically following the biodynamic calendar, made from grapes that are 95% estate grown, hand harvested using sustainable practices in the vineyard, are vegan, and crafted consciously to be lower in alcohol…” as well as being family owned.

Below are my tasting notes on the wines and food pairings:

ONE

Beet Tartare: Yuzu, hazelnut chimichurri, radish, nasturtium, country bread.

2018 Lilly Rose Grenache: 100% Folded Hills Grenache. Salmon in color, aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit, apple, lemon, graphite. Loved the beets and the Rose cooled down the heat of this dish.

TWO

The Nomad Flatbread: Salmon belly, crème fraiche, escabeche, radish, chervil.

2018 August White: 68% Folded Hills Grenache Blanc, 32% Area 51 Roussanne. White flowers, pears in light syrup, concrete, mild acidity. I loved the salmon – and had seconds – with this white Rhone.

THREE

Apple and Brie Flatbread: Granny Smith, picked red onion, triple crème brie, prosciutto, heirloom tomato velouté.

2018 Estate White Santa Ynez Valley: 50% Grenache Blanc, 25% Marsanne, 25% Clarette Blanche. Apple, peach, butter, toasted oak, crisp and clean mouthfeel, and my favorite white in the tasting. Loved the apple notes in the wine with the apples in the flatbread.

FOUR

Mary’s Free-Range Chicken Wings: Thai passion fruit chili, petite frisee, Heirloom radish, cilantro.

2017 August Red: 67% Grenache, 33% Syrah. Very perfumy aromatics, velvety red fruit, black cherries, big and tannic – especially when compared to the other red wines. My fellow writers oohed and awed over the pairing; it was quite nice with the spices on the chicken.

FIVE

Yellowfin Tuna: bubu arare, porcini crema, truffle ponzu, maitake.

2017 Cluster Grenache: Whole cluster Grenache, 100% Folded Hills. Cherry cola, green peppercorn and a nice easy drinker.

2017 Estate Grenache: 100% Folded Hills Grenache. Cherry liqueur, brambles, minty and dry.

2017 Grant Grenache: 92% Grenache, 8% Syrah. Raspberry, bright, oak and tannic.

All were really nice with the tuna, and as it was served cold it was a perfect picnic as we were outdoors on a cool day with low alcohol wines. These last two Grenache were my favorites of the reds.

SIX

Charred Te Mana Lamb: honey nut squash, baby kale, pine nut relish, au poivre.

Twice Fried Brussels Sprouts: Balsamic, parmigiano reggiano, togarashi, shaved bonito.

2017 Stolpman Syrah Ballard Canyon: 100% Stolpman Syrah. Strawberry, richly oaked, cola, tart.

2016 G.S.M.: 80% Folded Hills Vineyard, 20% Thompson Vineyard. 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre. Red berries, ash, long finish.

Both wines were very nice with the lamb and Brussels Sprouts, if I could have eaten more I would have!

https://foldedhills.com/

https://www.facebook.com/foldedhills/

https://napavalleygrille.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NapaValleyGrilleWestwood/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

JEFF RUNQUIST WINS “WINERY OF THE YEAR” IN 2019 FOUR TIMES OVER

February 27, 2020 by evebushman

PLYMOUTH, CA – Jeff Runquist Wines has been awarded 2019 “Winery of the Year” at Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition, the California State Fair, Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition and by Robert Whitley’s “Wine Talk.”

This was Runquist’s third year in a row winning “Winery of the Year” at Berger’s competition and the fourth time in the last five years he has received this distinction. Runquist earned the David Stevens Memorial Trophy at the competition, awarded to him for the feat of earning 10 awards of gold or above from his 35 entries. Jeff Runquist Wines was also their Red Sweepstakes Winner, with the 2017 “R” Petite Sirah, Enver Salman Vineyard, Clarksburg garnering Best of Class Triple Gold.

“Jeff Runquist Wines has almost single-handedly added luster to the red wines of the Sierra Foothills and mid-eastern California,” states Berger.

Robert Whitley also recognized Jeff Runquist Wines as “Winery of the Year” in his syndicated “Wine Talk” column.

“Over the course of the past year, I have tasted thousands of wines, judged multiple wine competitions and traveled thousands of miles to evaluate wines from Bordeaux to the Napa Valley… [Jeff Runquist Wines] rose up and smacked me between the eyes in 2019,” said Whitley.

Jeff Runquist Wines was named “Winery of the Year—Domestic” at the Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition in San Diego. He entered 29 wines there and medaled with 28. That total included four platinum and 15 gold awards, with 19 of their 29 wines earning gold or better.

In addition, he was Winery of the Year for the second year in a row at the 2019 California State Fair, from this year’s field of 2,811 entrants.

Jeff Runquist is a small producer of single vineyard designated red table wines with the motto, “Come taste the diversity and drink the glass less traveled.” His winery and tasting room are located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills, in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley.

Runquist produces 25 different red varietals in small lots, each from a single vineyard. His wines are fruit forward with emphasis on the terroir of the vineyard of origin and smooth, elegant tannins. The four principle wines that his winery tries to have on hand year round are Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Petit Verdot. Beyond that, anything goes – as long as the grape comes from California and has the ideal match of soil climate to personality. Sometimes this leads Runquist to varietals many may not have heard of, such as Tannat, Carignane and Charbono.

This insatiable curiosity combined with his four decades of experience helps take Runquist’s wines to the next level, but he also attributes his success to his unique partnerships with his growers. Depending upon the varietal, Runquist teams with sixteen different growers from different parts of Northern and Central California, pairing the particular grape varietal with a specific vineyard site. The growers share his passion and know the value of harvesting grapes at their peak of flavor, color and character. All but four of his wines carry a vineyard designation and the name of the grower and a close relationship with growers and a respect for their fruit is revealed in every bottle of Runquist wine.

One great way to get to know Runquist’s wines is at his elegant Tasting Room in quaint Plymouth, California, open seven days a week from 11:00am to 5:00pm. No two (or three, or four) tasting room experiences are ever the same, as Jeff Runquist Wines produces more than two dozen exciting and different varietals. The staff is savvy about the geography and history of each grape, curating a voyage through Runquist’s universe of wines.

Oenophiles who stop by the Tasting Room on March 7 or 8 can enjoy the “Behind the Cellar Door” event, when 43 Amador County wineries, including Jeff Runquist Wines, will be opening their cellar doors for a weekend of education, food, and award-winning wine. For details about this event, visit BCDAmador.com.

Learn more about Jeff Runquist Wines at www.jeffrunquistwines.com.

NAPA’S NEWEST TASTING ROOM, WALT NAPA OXBOW, LAUNCHES FRESH, FOCUSED FOOD AND WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

February 24, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CA – WALT Wines, a leading luxury Pinot Noir producer owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, has announced a new food and wine experience at their newly opened tasting room in the Oxbow District of downtown Napa. The tasting incorporates perfectly paired bites from Michelin-rated Chef Ken Frank of La Toque restaurant in Napa Valley alongside single vineyard Pinot Noir wines from WALT. The WALT Napa Oxbow tasting room opened this past Fall.

“I’ve known Chef Ken Frank for over a decade,” says WALT Wines General Manger, Jeff Zappelli. “When we sat down and to pair our wines with his dish selections, it was thrilling. Each of the wines has a distinct flavor profile, so to have Ken complement those profiles with food selections is a wonderful way to highlight the focus of this experience.”

ROOT 101 will offer guests an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the intricates of wine and food pairings with exceptional quality at all touchpoints. Guests will enjoy the pairings with a personal wine educator in a private glass studio room, adorned with art from the Hall’s private collection. The Root 101 tasting is offered by reservation only at WALT Napa Oxbow daily at 11am and 1pm for $60 ($40 for wine club members) and reservations can be made by going ONLINE or by calling 707-933-4440.

“Food and wine pairing has always been central to the experience at La Toque,” says Chef Ken Frank. “High quality Pinot Noir wines really reflect the nuances from the sites where they are grown and that’s what makes doing the ROOT 101 so much fun for us. This experience provides a great selection of prestigious vineyards from all the sweet spots up and down the West Coast.”

The newly renovated 1,500 square foot indoor tasting room space features a trapezoidal tasting bar designed by Jarrod Denton of Signum Architecture. Comprised of an Italian-porcelain countertop, bar is illuminated with gold LED globes suspended above guests while they taste.

In addition to the ROOT 101 Experience, guests joining the WALT Napa Oxbow have three tasting offerings to consider including:

CURRENT RELEASE TASTING, $30pp

(Complimentary for Wine Club Members) Guests will explore five current releases including single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines spanning 1,000 Miles of Pinot Noir, a concept designed to educate Pinot fans with vineyard sourcing and terroir.

PORTFOLIO TASTING, $30pp

(Complimentary for Wine Club Members) Guests will have access to taste from each of the three award winning HALL Family Wine bottlings; including WALT Pinot Noir, HALL Cabernet Sauvignon and BACA Zinfandel wines in a tasting that highlights current releases for each varietal and background about the Hall family.

WINE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING, $50pp

($30 for Wine Club Members) Guests will indulge in the decadent world of wine and chocolate through a tasting experience that explores the senses through taste and aromatics. The experience includes six Pinot Noir wines paired with Kollar Chocolates, a leading luxury chocolatier based in Yountville, CA.

WALT produces single vineyard Pinot Noir wines from appellations stretching from as far north as the Willamette Valley in Oregon, through Anderson Valley, the Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and the Sta. Rita Hills of the Santa Barbara County. WALT specializes in premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from vineyards spanning 1,000 miles, a mile marking distance that coined the brand’s popular 1,000 Miles of Pinot concept.

For more information, please visit www.waltwines.com, follow on social @waltwines, or by calling 707-933-4440

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WALT: 1,000 Miles of Pinot

WALT specializes in premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from the most coveted vineyards along the Pacific Coast, spanning 1,000 miles from the Willamette Valley to the Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County. Led by Winemaker Megan Gunderson Paredes, WALT represents wines of a place – these special sites where thoughtful viticulture enables winemakers to create expressive wines that reflect the signature personality of each site. WALT farms three estate vineyards and partners with meticulous growers who aspire to share standards of quality. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, WALT honors Kathryn’s parents, Bob and Dolores Walt, who were grape growers in Mendocino County since 1972 and nurtured Kathryn’s passion for vineyards and wine. Guests can visit WALT at three tasting room locations including at the Sonoma Plaza located in Sonoma, CA, Healdsburg, CA and in the Oxbow district located in downtown Napa, CA. All three Tasting Rooms are open to the public. For more information, please visit www.waltwines.com or call (707) 933-4440. @waltwines #1000milesofpinot.

Visit Napa Valley’s Welcome Center to Relocate to First Street Napa

February 19, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Visit Napa Valley’s official Napa Valley Welcome Center will open in First Street Napa in the Fall of 2020. Buildout is underway on the new 2,550 square-foot visitor center that will be located adjacent to Makers Market and across from the Mayacamas Downtown tasting room.

“The diversity of shops, restaurants and amenities make First Street Napa a must-visit stop for any Napa Valley trip. Now, with the addition of the Napa Valley Welcome Center, it will become an even more natural starting place to explore all the region has to offer,” said Todd Zapolski, principal and managing member, First Street Napa. “Visit Napa Valley has created this exceptional asset for tourists and business travelers, and we look forward to working with them to warmly welcome visitors.”

Since first opening at the Napa Riverfront in 2011, the Napa Valley Welcome Center, which is managed by Visit Napa Valley, has welcomed more than one million visitors. More than 80 volunteers and five staff members collectively speak more than ten languages and provide local expertise, as well as complimentary concierge services, maps, magazines, and other collateral materials. The Mercantile retail shop features locally crafted gift items as well unique home décor.

“We’re excited to have the Napa Valley Welcome Center be an integral part of First Street Napa – making this valuable resource more accessible for both visitors and local residents,” said Linsey Gallagher, president and CEO, Visit Napa Valley. “The Welcome Center is often the first stop for many visitors who are either unfamiliar with the Napa Valley or for those seeking new and unique experiences. It’s also extremely beneficial for locals who are planning itineraries for visiting friends or family, or just wishing to explore their own backyard.”

The Napa Valley Welcome Center, which is open daily, 360 days a year, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., also offers a public restroom and is pet friendly. With the move will come improvements to the Center’s offerings designed to inform and motivate visitors to explore all parts of Napa Valley. Given that the Welcome Center is a resource for travelers and locals alike, new experiential, education and technology-driven offerings are intended to enhance the region’s position as both an attractive travel destination and a dynamic place to live and work for all who visit the Napa Valley Welcome Center. During Cabernet Season, which takes place November through April, wine tastings are offered Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring select wineries from the Napa Valley. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the featured wines, meet the wine educators, and learn more about the winery.

“The opportunity to engage and communicate directly with more visitors was the ultimate factor for our Visit Napa Valley board in making the decision to relocate,” said Gallagher. She added, “We gave this a lot of thought and we are confident this is the right move, to the right location, at the right time, and it will pay off by getting more people to explore all regions of the Napa Valley.”

Located between Franklin and Coombs on the north side of 1st Street, First Street Napa is home to Archer Hotel Napa, Brown Estate Wines, Charlie Palmer Steak Napa, Compass Realty, Compline wine bar + restaurant, CYCLESOCIETY, Eiko’s Sushi, John Anthony Family of Wines, Kalifornia Jean Bar, lululemon, Macbella, Makers Market, Mayacamas Downtown, Mecox, Napastäk Napa Valley, Napa Valley Jewelers, Overland, Silicon Valley Bank, Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, State & First by Maris Collective, Tommy Bahama and Toy B Ville.

About First Street Napa
First Street Napa is a 325,000-square-foot mixed-use development located in the heart of Downtown Napa. Spanning three city blocks, First Street Napa features fashion and specialty retailers, innovative restaurants and wine bars, creative office space, and Archer Hotel Napa, the tallest building in Napa Valley with 183 guestrooms and 39 balcony-clad suites. Catering to the local Napa community and visitors alike, First Street Napa invites people to shop, dine, relax, work, and indulge in an environment complete with exceptional landscaping, living walls, seating areas, amenities, and locally curated art and design. First Street Napa’s retail, agrarian landscaping, approachable dining, and wine country charm make this destination unmistakably Napa. For more information, please visit FirstStreetNapa.com, or follow @FirstStreetNapa.

About Visit Napa Valley
Visit Napa Valley is the official destination management organization for the Napa Valley, with a mission to promote, protect and enhance the region’s position as an attractive travel destination and enhance its public image as a dynamic place to visit, live and work. The Napa Valley, conveniently located just an hour from the San Francisco Bay Area, consists of the following distinctive towns, including, from north to south, Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford/Oakville, Yountville, the city of Napa, American Canyon, and the outdoor recreation area of Lake Berryessa. For additional information on the Napa Valley, or to plan your Napa Valley experience, please explore VisitNapaValley.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @VisitNapaValley.

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Association announces a full-year Wine Trail Pass

February 9, 2020 by evebushman

Santa Clara Valley – The Santa Clara Valley association that represents the winery members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, announced they discontinued their Spring and Fall Passport and have replaced it with a year-long Wine Trail Pass.

Young woman is drinking a glass of wine on a wine tasting together with friends

“Introducing a full-year Wine Trail Pass is something we’ve been wanting to do for some time.” said Stacy Giannini, Director of Marketing for the association. “We started with single weekend Passports when we had 20+ wineries. When we grew to 30+, we introduced the month-long Spring and Fall Passports. Both months were successful, but expecting visitors to wine taste 3-4 wineries every weekend including a few weekdays for a full month is a bit overwhelming for any wine lover. With a full year Wine Trail Pass, you’ll now have time to plan out your visits that work for your schedule.”

Whether you’re an avid wine lover, need a gift for friends, family, a high-end client or an employee is deserving recognition, the annual Wine Trail Pass is perfect purchase. Come out and discover new wines in a wine region that is older than the more popular California regions – and just came home with 106 medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition including 3 awarded Best of Class!

For more details, click “take a peek” in the link below to view the Trail Pass, list of participating wineries and the region map: http://www.santaclarawines.com/wine_trail_pass.html

Here’s a run-down of how the year-long Wine Trail Pass works:

Wine taste in 34 tasting rooms any day of the week/weekend that the wineries are open
One Pass per person, one visit per Pass for three 1 oz. tastings
One full year to visit
Sold online $75 (+$4 fee) or can be in any of the participating wineries listed on santaclarawines.com
Wineries located in Saratoga, Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy and Hollister
Three Trail Days (Feb 1, Aug 1, Nov 7^th) celebrated in each territory shown in Wine Trail Pass .

To learn more about the winery members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, visit www.santaclarawines.com.

About the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley An association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California. With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is home to 100 year-old wineries to long-established family operations and those that are in relatively smaller tasting rooms. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.

Single Bottle Post: Knights Bridge 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

December 27, 2019 by evebushman

In my recent trip to Napa Valley, while visiting Calistoga and one winery in particular, Knights Bridge, we were gifted a bottle of Cab at the end of our visit. I tucked it into our suitcase, with a few others, and felt that since it was a gift I should do one of my one-bottle posts in return. Below are my tasting notes, and below that is the blurb I wrote about their tasting room, the only tasting room housed in a former bank with the only bank vault turned wine vault.

Knights Bridge 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

320 cases

14.3% alcohol

Color: Opaque, the blackest of black cherries.

Aroma: Sweet plum, black cherry, mellowed balance of spice and tannin, milk chocolate, cigar and oak.

Flavor: Balanced and lingering flavors of ripe blue and black fruit, spice rack, with a slightly sweet finish.

Note on the bottle: I’m a sucker for a weighted bottle with a deep punt. It makes it nicer to pour from, and to me, it heightens awareness to the quality of the wine.

Conclusion: At about $100 a bottle, which is the standard rate for a Napa Valley Cab, I’d definitely pay for it to have it again. The balance and length, along with the dark fruit and spice, were exceptional.

From my article in SCV Elite Magazine:

Knights Bridge Vault

Also a winery I had learned about from WineLA.com, Knights Bridge was one I wanted to visit. Happy to find them in Calistoga, in the historic Calistoga National Bank building, where we enjoyed conversing with Kerry Andrews all about Calistoga and all they have to offer in a small-town feel. We viewed the only wine vault (former bank vault) in Napa, enjoyed cheese and charcuterie while tasting through their exceptional wines: 2018 Knights Bridge Sauvignon Blanc, Fairview; 2015 Pont de Chevalier Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard; 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Vineyard; 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dr. Crane Vineyard and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon Vineyard. We enjoyed them all, especially the Cabs.

Book online: https://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/Visit-Us-Events/Private-Tastings-in-The-Vault

About (Excerpted From Facebook)

Knights Bridge was founded by a close circle of friends who celebrate a shared passion for wine and food, a love of farming and respect for nature.

The wines of Knights Bridge offer an opportunity to taste not only our unique estate wines, but also wines from some of California’s most prestigious vineyards. Knights Bridge searches California for exceptional sources of fruit from properties with a strong sense of place and the potential for producing extraordinary wines. Many of these celebrated properties have a long history of incredible vintages to their credit.

Founding Date: 2006

Estate Wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard Designate Wines: Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville), Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena), Berisini Vineyards Chardonnay (Carneros), Alder Springs Chardonnay (Mendocino)

https://www.instagram.com/knightsbridgewinery/

https://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/

Solvang Announces Plans for Annual ‘Solvang Julefest’ From November 30, 2019 through January 3, 2020

November 17, 2019 by evebushman

SOLVANG, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The City of Solvang has officially announced preliminary plans and dates for this year’s celebration of Solvang Julefest (http://www.SolvangJulefest.org; pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays”. The 2019 holiday season event, which will begin on Saturday, November 30, 2019 and run through Friday, January 3, 2020, will entail multiple holiday happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast destination of Solvang, most recently named by Country Living as one of the USA’s “Best Christmas Towns”.

“We can’t wait to share with our locals and visitors, all of the magic and history that this town holds. It’s always festive here, but even more so during the holiday season, and the Julefest events are an ideal way to explore all that Solvang has to offer – both the old, and the new,” said Solvang Mayor Ryan Toussaint.

The 2019 edition of Solvang Julefest will once again feature the event’s crowd-pleasing components, like the interactive Nisse Adventure experience, evening Candlelight Tours – with a VIP-level option – and free visits with Santa in Solvang Park, as well as the annual Tree Lighting event, Skål Wine and Stein Stroll, and Julefest Parade, all with deliberate enhancements to heighten holiday spirits.

“We are honored that the Solvang City Council has decided to place their faith in us to steward such a joyous event forward through 2019. We are working diligently to ensure the Danish culture, heritage, and traditions are maintained and cultivated, while elevating Julefest to new and exciting heights,” commented Scott Shuemake, President of IDK Events, producers of the 2019 Solvang Julefest.

New to this year’s Solvang Julefest is the celebration of Saint Lucia Day on December 13; a Christmas Drone Show on December 21, the only Southern California holiday drone show of its kind; a daytime countdown to the Danish New Year with a simulcast of the party happening in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, on December 31; and additions to Santa visits in Solvang Park. Accompanying the traditionally-free photos with Santa, will be a photo opportunity in the Solvang Park Gazebo: a photographic setting for capturing “holiday moments”. Also in Solvang Park, a new play area in the form of “Santa’s Lade” (Santa’s Barn), a children’s winter wonderland featuring snow and live animals.

Shuemake continued, “We’re taking this very festive opportunity to re-emphasize Solvang Julefest as a holiday event. We’re keeping the aspects that everyone looks forward to, just sprinkling in some added seasonal charm.”

Solvang, known for its Danish-American roots, architecture and design details, pastries, bakeries and plentiful wine tasting rooms, also boasts dozens upon dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Carefully-curated indie book stores, high-end stationers, children’s shops and spice merchants sit alongside foodie havens offering up everything from Persian cuisine to ramen noodles, Greek bites to Italian standbys, iconic Danish dishes to elevated new-Californian fare and Michelin-honored tasting menus, to heritage grain sourdough loaves or Spanish cheeses, to small-batch, locally-roasted coffee, to speakeasy tiki cocktails and craft beer dens, forming an indulgent holiday shopping – and playing – scene.

Dog-friendly and ideal for kids, Solvang Julefest promotes family fun and adventure through traditional holiday-favorite activities, with the addition of more-adult, wine country entertainment. Bolstering this year’s late-night appeal, are plans to keep the holiday gift shopping opportunities flowing into the evening with extended hours at Solvang merchants; sips and nibbles in some of the town’s most popular retail spots for added shopping and strolling cheer; and live music and entertainment in select bars and wine tasting venues.

Shuemake concluded, “We’re in the business of making memories through experiences. We take that job very seriously, and Solvang Julefest will be no different.”

The preliminary schedule of this year’s Solvang Julefest events is listed here; further updates to the 2019 Julefest schedule and event announcements will be made over the course of the next month.

The 2019 Solvang Julefest is produced by the City of Solvang (http://www.CityofSolvang.com) in partnership with Northern California-based IDK Events (http://www.idkevents.com). All Solvang Julefest events are open to the public with either free or paid admission. More information is available at http://www.SolvangJulefest.org, with direct links to ticketing for the paid portions of the holiday happenings. Event updates will also be posted to the Solvang Julefest Instagram and Facebook accounts: @SolvangJulefest and facebook.com/solvangjulefestival.

About the City of Solvang:
Known as the “Danish Capital of America”, the City of Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Founded by a group of Danish-Americans in 1911 and later incorporated in 1985, Solvang is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark in Southern California. Sleek, Scandinavian design meets Old World charm in Solvang’s numerous interior courtyards, cozy communal spaces and open-air venues, where vacation itineraries for all, unfold. The walkable town offers plentiful free parking options for locals and day-trippers, and nearly 20 lodging options for staycation-ers, weekenders and mid-week travelers, at all vacation budget levels. For more information, including lists of events and things to do, where to eat and drink, and places to stay, visit http://www.VisitSYV.com/discover-syv/Solvang.

Taste of Sta. Rita Hills and Moretti Wines is Moving to Los Olivos

November 10, 2019 by evebushman

We have watched Los Olivos change and grow over the years and what we see happening there is very exciting. There are some top-notched producers that have recently opted to open tasting rooms there. The wineries and Chamber of Commerce actively promote the area and sponsor many wonderful events throughout the year. And of course there are delicious restaurants and lovely stores to break up your wine tasting time there. As many of you are aware, we made the decision to move to Los Olivos because the wine tasting traffic in Lompoc has dramatically decreased. We were one of the early tasting rooms in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto and championed it for years…we still do. So this was not an easy decision. But due to many factors out of our control, it cannot compete with other wine tasting areas like beautiful Los Olivos.

Our wineries and concept will stay the same. At least initially, we will not be allowed to serve food except breadsticks. We are still in the process of jumping through some very strict permitting hoops to feature food as we always have. We are also under a permit there that restricts our customers to 21 years and older. (We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers who normally bring their children.) However there will be a table outside for anyone under 21.

We will be open Thursday – Sunday, 11-5, as we are now. We may add Mondays in the future and will let everyone know.

Taste of Sta. Rita Hills and Moretti Wines
2923 Grand Ave.
Los Olivos, CA
93441New phone number: 805-688-1900

We look forward to seeing you at our new location, Antonio and Jeni