2006-10-13
Hot Spot Looking for a cool, under-the-radar location where you can hang out, socialize and sip really intense wines? Find it at Elizabeth Spencer Wines, Napa Valley’s newest undiscovered hot spot. Elizabeth Spencer is the ultimate creation of a hip husband and wife team based in St. Helena. Their wine styles are dramatic and expressive, passionately hand-crafted in uncommonly small lots, then aged in rich, 60-gallon French oak barrels. Elizabeth Spencer’s 2002 Cabernet is easily one of the best I’ve ever tasted; elegant on the palate, with powerful flavors of ripe cherry and blackberry that linger long after the smooth tannin finish. If you are a serious Cabernet collector, you will not find a better wine for your dollar anywhere in the Napa Valley. Elizabeth Spencer is uniquely situated in the former 1872 Rutherford postal building. Their tasting room is a thought-provoking marriage of old and new with modern flourishes tastefully integrated into the integrity of this historic Wine Country property. Believe me when I tell you, this is your rare opportunity to discover an exceptional, off-the-radar winery before everyone else does. Elizabeth Spencer’s tasting room is open daily until 6 p.m. and no appointment is required. Tastings for four or more are conducted in the garden with advanced appointment. Elizabeth Spencer Wines is conveniently located in the heart of Napa Valley at 1165 Rutherford Road, directly across the street from Rutherford Grill [(707) 963-6067; www.elizabethspencerwines.com].
Phenomenal Prosperity Benessere, Italian for “well-being” or “prosperity,” is an enchanting family winery tranquilly set away from the clamor and congestion of Highway 29. Benessere Vineyard is comprised of 34 scenic acres and flanks the picturesque Napa River. Entering the creekside property along the proverbial tree-lined country road is like seeing Napa Valley as it was 30-years ago. Peaceful, idyllic views of majestic California oaks and rolling vineyards, Benessere is everything Wine Country brochures promote but rarely deliver. But what about the wines? Since 1995, Benessere has created a grand portrfolio of superb, Italian-style wines that have gained critical acclaim amongst prominent wine experts and Italian varietal enthusiasts worldwide. My favorite is the 2003 Benessere Phenomenon, an inspired Tuscan-style wine blended with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot; perfect for relaxed sipping in the backyard while noshing on artisan cheeses, salami, and hearth-baked focaccia bread. Simply gorgeous. Be certain to refer to the map on page 40 of Wine Country This Week, as this working winery is definitely off the beaten path. Benessere Vineyards is found at 1010 Big Tree Road, St. Helena; (707) 963-5853; www.benesserevineyards.com.
Big Deal During the Harvest season stay at the new Vino Bello Resort in Napa Valley. Reserve your getaway during the week and receive special low rates. Spacious condo style suites start at only $159 per night. Plus inquire about lower seasonal rates mid-week. Surrounded by views of the Napa Valley vineyards, Vino Bello features rich Tuscan decor, large spa tubs and access to luxurious pool area. Reserve your room for this harvest season now by calling 1-800-434-6835.
Hot Tickets Harvest is the most colorful time of year, and along with the delicious treats of the season, comes the festivities. One of my favorites happens October 20 - 22 during the Paso Robles annual Harvest Wine Tour. Paso Robles is the fastest growing wine region in California and Harvest Wine Tour weekend is your opportunity to experience why this area is quickly gaining acclaim on the national and international wine fronts. During the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Tour, winemakers open their doors and invite you to join them in celebrating the vintage with a host of activites throughout the region. Join friends and family for a sunset hayride through the vineyards after an afternoon spent stomping grapes in traditional fashion. Or enjoy a winemaker dinner, dance, barrel samples or winery tour. The Harvest Wine Tour offers these and many more experiences at more than 85 wineries throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. For a complete list of 2006 activities, and visit www.pasowine.com. FYI: More than 40 varieties of premium wine grapes are grown in Paso Robles Wine Country, with over 170 wineries producing fine wine. To highlight the distinctive qualities of the region, Harvest Wine Tour has created an educational seminar titled Study in Place: Paso Robles. This is your opportunity to learn how Paso Robles wines are taken from vineyard to glass. Scheduled for the morning of Friday, October 20, this event makes the perfect start for your Harvest Wine Tour weekend.
Party Italian-Style! One might mistake Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery for Little Italy on Sunday, October 22nd, as the winery launches its Second Annual Italian Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The historic winery pulls out all the stops this year with non-stop activities designed for everyone in the family. Included in this fun, all day fete will be live music, cooking demonstrations, a pasta sauce tasting and guess that varietal contests, wine tasting, pizza by the slice, bocce ball, an all-day grape stomping competition, gourmet food products, and much more. To attend this no-charge event, simply head over to Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, 389 Fourth Street East, Sonoma; (707) 933-3230; www.sebastiani.com. Gallery Buzz Mumm Napa is one of California’s top sparkling wine producers and one of the most popular destinations for Wine Country visitors. For more than 20 years, Mumm Napa sparkling wines have set the standard for California méthode traditionelle, emphasizing the exceptional qualities of Napa Valley fruit along with the unique casual elegance of Napa Valley style. Mumm Napa is also noted for its commitment to fine art photography, and exhibits the works of many renowned photographers in its expansive galleries. Until March 11, 2007, the winery will showcase its latest exhibition with an impressive and rare fine art photography display on California’s John Muir Trail, featuring notable works by Ansel Adams and other leading landscape photographers. The exhibit will be comprised of nearly 100 images, including almost 30 Ansel Adams originals and over a dozen of his rare vintage prints. Other highlighted photographers include; Galen Rowell, William Neill, Charles Cramer, and Heidi Vetter with photos spanning the 20th century. This is a very unusual opportunity to see Ansel Adams vintage prints on display along with the works of such a notable group of landscape photographers all focused on one captivating, remote geographic region. There is no charge to view the exhibit. Mumm Napa is located in the Napa Valley at 8445 Silverado Trail. Visitor center and fine art photography gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For additional information on visiting the winery and its exhibits, call (707) 967-7700 or access the Mumm Napa website at www.mummnapa.com.
Best Bet Enjoy “Insider’s Access” on your next trip to Wine Country when you purchase a COPIA Wine Country Passport. Visit select Wine Country destinations throughout Napa and Sonoma Valleys and recieve over $500 of Passport values for only $10. As part of the program, Passport holders are entitled to fabulous wine flights, special discounts at wineries, and valuable giveaways from Wine Country partners. In addition, you’ll also enjoy exciting experiences from COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts (all included with your Passport purchase). Passports are valid from through April 30, 2007. To purchase, call 1-800-512-6742, or visit www.copia.org.
On the Radar
- Enjoy four days of outrageous fun and exploration of Monterey County’s Wine Country at the 10th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend. Scheduled for November 9-12, the highlights of the weekend include a Vintners’ Reserve Reception at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, wine and food integration seminars, open houses at the wineries, guided Wine Country tours, winemaker dinners, a silent auction and the Grand Finale at Pebble Beach. Tickets begin at $40 per person. To participate, call (831) 375-9400 or visit www.montereywines.com.
E-mail content considerations to jeff@fyiwinecountry.com
Jeff can be heard promoting Wine Country every Thursday on KRML 1410, in Carmel, at 5:30 p.m., or online at www.krmlradio.com
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