Top Tables
JoLe Restaurant (pronounced Joe-Lee), recently opened in Calistoga in the same location of the acclaimed Catahoula and later Stomp. JoLe is the inspiration of husband and wife team Matthew and Sonjia Spector, serving contemporary American dishes made with all-natural, locally sourced organic ingredients. The menu reflects the “farm to table” concept that seems to be popping up in almost every upscale gastronomic destination these days. I must say, however, that JoLe’s execution of the philosophy is nothing short of magnificent. The menu features a revolving variety of interesting soups, salads, noodles, grains, seafood, meat entrees and desserts. Sonjia is the resident pastry chef whose sweet creations are nostalgic with a modern twist, while Matthew uses his years of experience to serve up an ever-changing variety of mouthwatering dishes. A new wine bar with comfortable stools welcomes guests to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or beer. The wine list includes a selection of California wines with a focus on small producers, but also lists labels from around the globe. A nice variety of microbrews are available as well. Just like the menu, the beverage choices change often, allowing patrons to find new discoveries each time they visit. Matt and Sonjia have garnered the praise of several food critics including Michael Bauer of the San Francisco Chronicle saying “the flavors are upbeat and modern, better than many similar small restaurants I’ve gone to in New York or San Francisco.” JoLe is located at 1457 Lincoln Avenue, inside the Mount View Hotel. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations can be made at www.JoleRestaurant.com, at www.OpenTable.com or call (707) 942-5938.
Hip Sips
It’s about more than swirling and sipping at Peju. This landmark boutique winery offers up a sensory experience, from art exhibits (artists rotate every few months) to music (don’t be surprised when your wine educator breaks out in song – guitar and all) to, oh yeah, great wine! Peju specializes in Bordeaux varietals. Its flagship wine, the H.B. Cabernet (named after winery founder Tony Peju’s wife, Herta Behensky), is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Peju Winery has created a microcosmic province – a multi-sensory experience, where the fragrance of rose and wine mingle, where art and agriculture meet and where trickling fountains echo the sound of great wine pouring inside. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. [8466 Highway 29, Rutherford; (707) 963-3600; www.peju.com].

Warehouse Wines
These days, you don’t need a winery to make great wine. In fact, some of the most interesting varietals are being produced in warehouses. Throw away any romantic notion you have about wineries because these less than bucolic settings can deliver. At $100,000 per acre, many aspiring winemakers cannot afford to start a winery so, these caverns of corrugated steel are the perfect alternative. Among these are Adam and Dianne Lee, who produce the Novy label along with Siduri brand. The Lees rent a 16,000-square-foot warehouse in north Santa Rosa and have a small tasting room in the front. Despite their unconventional approach, they have received more than a few 90-plus scores from critic Robert Parker. Rather than aspiring to own an extravagant winery, the Lees hope to build a bigger, better warehouse. Warehouse wineries are a growing niche among America’s most passionate winemakers, determined entrepreneurs who insist on owning their own labels despite having fewer resources than convention might dictate. These warehouses, located far from vineyards, are often in obscure pockets of cities and not easy to find. And yet these buildings, some with 30-foot ceilings, have enabled winemakers short on investment capital to defy the system and plunge into the wine biz anyway. Making wine without much overhead isn’t the only benefit of being a warehouse vintner. The warehouse district dress code and lifestyle also has its appeal, especially to those fond of jeans, Nikes and iPods. Find Siduri at 980 Airway Court, Santa Rosa www.siduri.com; (707) 578-3882].
Winery Buzz
Tours at Del Dotto Vineyards are amazingly fun. The vineyard has two locations, each with caves and tour guides that make your experience memorable. The tour, which includes cheese and chocolate, is centered around the barrels in which you actually get to taste each type of red wine available right out of the barrels. In addition, people can enjoy Andrea Bocelli music piped through the caves – and then rock out with The Doors and Santana after 4 p.m. Del Dotto Caves Historic Winery and Tasting Room is located at 1055 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, (707) 963-2134; Del Dotto Estate Winery and Caves is found at 1445 Highway 29, St. Helena, (707) 963-2134; www.deldottovineyards.com.