12/28 HEATHER MURAN, SAN LUIS OBISPO WINE COUNTRY ASSOCIATION

HEATHER MURAN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SAN LUIS OBISPO WINE COUNTRY ASSOCIATION – CHATS ABOUT HAPPENINGS IN THE REGION

The wineries of SLO Wine Country boast an average distance of just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in prevailing marine conditions that are among the most pronounced of any wine region in California.

Collectively, these growing conditions forge a unifying wine quality that is native to SLO Wine Country: The reliable cooling effect of the nearby Pacific Ocean ensures a long growing season, enabling the grapes to achieve physiological ripeness and natural balance. Cool-climate varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir excel in the heart of SLO Wine Country, and even the warmest areas benefit from considerable marine influence.   The ocean proximity also exerts a moderating effect on the climate, minimizing temperature swings so that growing conditions are rarely hot or cold. The result is an extraordinarily steady growing season that fosters balanced ripening and consistent quality from vintage to vintage. The imprint of the ocean is also evident in SLO Wine Country's uncommonly complex soils, which are frequently riddled with ancient sea fossils. Soil variation enables the winegrower to mix and match varietals to specific soil profiles, or to add more "colors" to the palette of a single varietal, heightening overall quality and complexity.

SLOWINE.COM

12/21 JUSTIN WYLIE, VA PIANO VINEYARDS, TIMOTHY MILOS, HIDDEN RIDGE VINEYARD

JUSTIN WYLIE - OWNER/WINEMAKER, VA PIANO VINEYARDS

Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano. He who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far. This old Italian saying sums up Va Piano Vineyards approach to winemaking, and to life.

The inspiration for a Tuscan-themed winery and tasting room came about after owner/winemaker Justin Wylie spent his senior year at Gonzaga University studying in Florence, Italy. He fell in love with the art, rustic architecture, culture, history, and warm hospitality he encountered there. Upon his return to the Walla Walla Valley (Justin is a fourth-generation native), his passion for wine making (and wine!) soon matched his passion for Tuscany and the seeds for Va Piano Vineyards were planted.

The Va Piano Vineyards winery and tasting room share a custom built 7,500 square foot facility built in Tuscan style: timber beamed ceilings, wrought iron railings, clay tile roof, traditional earthen stucco, eight-foot-tall distressed alder doors, and tumbled granite door and window accents create a timeless impression of quality. Va Piano Vineyards is inspired by Tuscany, but the wine is quintessential Walla Walla. Take your time, enjoy yourself, and participate fully in the beautiful journey.

WWW.VAPIANOVINEYARDS.COM


TIMOTHY MILOS – WINEMAKER, HIDDEN RIDGE VINEYARD

THE HISTORY OF HIDDEN RIDGE VINEYARD:
Surrounded by gnarled oak and Manzanita forests on the south and western slopes of Spring Mountain in the Mayacamas mountain range, Hidden Ridge Vineyard is so remote it can be reached only by heavy-duty four-wheel-drive vehicles, by foot, or by helicopter. The 55-acre vineyard was developed and planted by husband and wife team Casidy Ward and Lynn Hofacket to grow stellar mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Made by winemaking team Marco DiGiulio and Timothy Milos at Bin to Bottle in Napa, efforts in the vineyard and the cellar have produced a $40 Cabernet Sauvignon that sings loudly—yodels, even—of its mountainous origins on slopes as steep as 55%.

When Oklahoma natives and entrepreneurs Casidy Ward and Lynn Hofacket purchased the Hidden Ridge Vineyard property in 1991, they envisioned the former site of a private hunting club as the perfect location for a home in the country, truly away from it all. What they didn’t realize, however, was just how difficult it would be to develop such a rural property for residential use. Ultimately, it proved a better home for grapes than for people, and they found that their Cabernet Sauvignon thrived on the otherwise inhospitable mountain slopes at elevations ranging from 900 to 1700 feet.  After six years of developing and planting the vineyard themselves, Hofacket and Ward began selling fruit in 2000, though due to the vineyard’s remote location in Sonoma County, and just outside coveted AVA status, winemakers in the Napa Valley could only take limited amounts of fruit. The couple decided to build the vineyard’s reputation by bottling some of the wine for themselves, and Hidden Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was born, beginning with a small, “experimental” batch in 2001. Production is now up to 5000 cases, with Ward and Hofacket keeping most of the fruit for the Hidden Ridge Vineyard label.

The soils of Hidden Ridge are Sonoma Volcanic Shales (volcanic basalt) and sandy clay loam, with an average depth of about 20 to 25 feet before hitting the bedrock; this is a very well-drained vineyard. These soils contribute to the tannin structure of the fruit. The vineyard is planted to 54 acres of Cabernet clones 337, 4, 7, 169, and one acre of Petit Verdot. The vineyard is divided into 21 blocks in three areas, which carry the names of each section’s geological description: Ancient Slide, Twin Cinder Cone, and Uplifted River Bed. Hofacket designed the terraces with inside and outside rows for maximum density (1,000 vines planted per acre). The terraces have less than 5% grade each, and follow the natural shape of the mountain for optimum sun orientation. Temperatures range from 55-degrees at night to 85-degrees during the day.

WWW.HIDDENRIDGEVINEYARD.COM

12/14 JACOB BECKETT, CHRONIC CELLARS, SHANE SOLDINGER, SILVER TRIDENT WINERY

JACOB BECKETT – PROPRIETOR / SALES & MARKETING, CHRONIC CELLARS

OUR STORY
The concept of Chronic Cellars came about in the midst of harvest in 2004. We had used the term “The Chronic” to describe likable objects before, but we had never considered it a suitable descriptor for wine. We sat alongside the crush pad one evening in our wine stained clothes and wet boots laughing about the idea of a wine that targeted a casual lifestyle.

Jake and I were raised in the heart of Paso Robles wine country.  Wine and the art of wine making have been a part of our lives since the early 80's.  After graduating from college we both returned to Paso Robles and joined the team at Peachy Canyon Winery.  After a decade each of immersing ourselves in all aspects of the wine industry we decided to do our own project.  We wanted to try something new and put the tools we have gathered to work on our dream.  We had a vision and a desire to make our statement in the wine industry that we could not deny.  After four years we took our first step toward Chronic Cellars.

From dream to reality, our first wines went public in 2008.

Founded by brothers Jake and Josh Beckett in 2008, Chronic Cellars is recognized as a counter-culture brand that produces exceptional wines, most notably red blends such as the Zinfandel based Purple Paradise and the Syrah based Sofa King Bueno. This edgy, up-and-coming brand has posted strong growth through its tasting room, wine club and wholesale channels, despite having limited distribution and availability to this point. Chronic Cellars has garnered a cult-like reputation among consumers seeking memorable and distinctively different wines and has established itself as a leader in the next generation of wines targeting millennial consumers.

CONNOISSEURS CLUB
Here’s the deal. Joining our club means that you will receive two shipments per year of delicious Chronic Cellars Wines. Each shipment will contain SIX bottles of wine that are chosen by the winemaker. Club members will receive a 30% discount on each shipment, and 30% off on all other orders of Chronic Cellars wines and labeled Merchandise! Now that’s not a bad deal. Welcome to the CLUB.

WWW.CHRONICCELLARS.COM


SHANE SOLDINGER – VP OF SALES, SILVER TRIDENT WINERY

HOSPITALITY:
Open seven days noon to 7:00 p.m.; reservations requested only for groups larger than six; tasting includes a minimum of four wines; cost per person is $25.00. Upstairs loft room available for special events.

WINE CLUB:
The Flagship Club offers members guaranteed allocations of the winery’s limited-release wines as well as complimentary tastings at the winery’s Tasting Home, as well as invitations to members-only special events and release parties. Most unusual member benefit is 15% discount on all Ralph Lauren Home purchases at the Tasting Home.

UNIQUE:
Silver Trident Tasting Home offers the wine country visitor something that’s truly never been done before. Elevating the traditional tasting room to a new level of luxury, the Tasting Home is furnished with Ralph Lauren Home products in the manner of a tasteful and elegant residential estate. Guests may enjoy the distinguished Silver Trident wines as they browse through the Home. The Tasting Home consists of a living room, dining room and library showcasing the furniture, floor coverings, lighting and tabletop accents from the Ralph Lauren Home collection. Everything from the chandeliers overhead to the carpets underfoot, from teak, silver and leather serving trays to crystal wine goblets - as well as the wines - is available for purchase. Alongside the wide range of Ralph Lauren Home products is a thoughtfully curated collection of antiques, books and artwork sourced from around the world.

THE NAME:
The winery’s name is a tribute to the owners’ long-standing affiliation with cruise ships. Bob Binder is the founder of Silver Trident Winery and also the co-founder of Oceania Cruises, a luxury cruise line which has partnered on projects with The Wine Spectator, Lalique, Bon Appétit Magazine and Ralph Lauren Home. The Culinary Director for Oceania Cruises is Jacques Pépin; the line is regarded as serving the finest cuisine at sea. The winery’s co-founder is Swiss-born Walter Jost, an accomplished advertising and media executive.


BIO:
Shane was bit by the ‘vino bug’ at an early age and claims that he was weaned on wine by his oenophile parents as a kid growing up in Chicago. After completing his second tax season as a young CPA in the ‘Windy City’, Shane moved to the Napa Valley to follow his passions and begin a career in the wine industry. An opportunity to work the 2000 harvest at Cosentino Winery eventually grew into a GM position. In 2011 Shane earned his sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers while working at Oenotri in Napa, recognized as one of the best Italian restaurants in the country by Food & Wine magazine. While there, Shane created one of the first successful restaurant based Direct to Consumer wine programs in the country, and in 2013 he became the Director of Sales and Marketing for Crocker & Starr Wines, one of the finest Cabernet Franc producers in the world. Shane is the newest member of The Silver Trident Winery team, joining Bob, Walter and Kari as the Vice President of Sales.

In addition to his passion for all things wine, Shane is an accomplished musician and songwriter. He has traveled the country with a rock n roll band, licensed songs for film and has shared the stage with some of the music industry’s top songwriters and performers. You can find Shane at The Silver Trident Home in Yountville, playing locally with his band, The Silverado Pickups, and enjoying Northern California with his family and their dog, Keith Richards.

WWW.SILVERTRIDENTWINERY.COM

12/07 ELLIOT STERN, OAKVILLE EAST, MICHAEL PATLAND, PATLAND ESTATE VINEYARDS

ELLIOT STERN - FOUNDER AND OWNER, OAKVILLE EAST

The story begins thousands of years ago, when a single mountain within the Vaca Range split in two and collapsed, resulting in a rubble field of volcanic core stones that face the setting sun. This event created what is now the eastern border of the Oakville AVA, and is a site that is exposed to constant and intense daily sunshine. This results in grapes that possess extremely ripe tannins, contributing to the unique elegance and approachability of our wines. Because of the ‘magic’ of this place and to ensure we produce wines reflective of the site, every step in the winemakng and viticulture process is first class.

Our exceptional team is made up of two accomplished winemakers: Sara Gott, internationally acclaimed for her success at Joseph Phelps and her brilliant stint at Quintessa, is our head winemaker. We were thrilled to have Marie-Laure Ammons join Oakville East to assist Sara in 2009. After working in France at Domaine Lejeune in Pommard, Chateau de Pressac Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Dulong Negociant in Bordeaux, Marie-Laure arrived in California in 1998. She also works with Philippe Melka and brings a remarkable French point of view to our winemaking and blending. Oakville East’s multi-vineyard Oakville locations surround some of California’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines, including Joseph Phelps Backus, Dalle Valle and Sir Peter Michael vines, and are perched above Rudd, Gargiulo and Screaming Eagle.

ABOUT ELLIOT:
A third generation wine industry veteran, Elliot has senior management experience that dates back to GM of Sam’s Wine & Spirits in Chicago, VP of Sales and Marketing at Wilson Daniels and founding Partner and COO of the Sorting Table, a luxury wine sales and marketing company. Later, he conceived and directed the founding of Yao Ming Family Wines. As an educator in the Wine Studies Program offered by the Culinary Institute of America in St Helena, he teaches students on the business of wine and offers consulting services in the wine industry. Currently, as Chief Sales officer of Clos Pegase, founder and CEO of LAKEGIRLwines and founder and partner in TreVigne LLC., importers he still finds a moment here and there to hit a few golf balls. At Oakville East, the family business where he is the Chief of Everything, dreams of passing his one-of-a-kind luxury wine on to the next generation of Sterns looks promising.

WWW.OAKVILLEEAST.COM


SOMMELIER MICHAEL PATLAND - DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, PATLAND ESTATE VINEYARDS

THE BEGINNING
Twenty-five years ago, when Henry and Olga first came to Napa as a young couple, it was no different. They could not escape the lure of this charming land, and so they returned, year after year. The welcoming atmosphere, the wonderful wine, the laughter, and the beautiful scenery just kept bringing them back.

On one occasion, they visited a small wine cellar, where the owner himself was pouring wine for the visitors; no other employees in sight. The wines they tasted were excellent, and so the little vineyard became a must for the pair on each of their visits. Little by little, they saw the transformation the winery underwent, from a small, dark cellar to a magnificent estate--a heaven for wine enthusiasts and art lovers. That winery became an inspiration for them. Motivated by what they saw, they began looking for a way to turn their dream of winemaking into a reality. After several years of searching, they finally found the gem they were looking for; a place that spoke directly to their hearts: The beautiful and serene Terra Del Cuore, which translates from Italian as “Land of the Heart."

Once the idea of winemaking truly took root, the next step was to decide on what wines to create. The Patlands, always being fans of the traditional, heavy and full bodied Napa style red wines, decided to create exceptional, distinctive red wines they themselves would enjoy.

THE ESTATE: Terra Del Cuore - Land of the Heart
“Terra del Cuore” is Italian for “Land of the Heart,” signifying a place where one’s deepest longings lie. In Napa, it is the titel given to a trio of Tuscan-style houses that sit high above the valley in one of the finest meetings of nature and man’s artistry in all of California.  It begins with the surrounding rugged mountain landscape, whose rocky peaks rise like the walls of Incan fortresses, swathed in chaparral, oaks, manzanitas and succulents. The view is one of Wine Country’s grandest, sweeping miles across southern Napa Valley to San Pablo Bay and Mt. Diablo.

The property’s landscaping is archetypically Mediterranean, with olive trees, cypresses, oleander and other flowering bushes, fruit trees, flowerbeds and grape vines growing profusely around the houses and on the terraces that bracket them. Fountains, sculptures and amphorae are everywhere, placed with casual, but knowing, flair.  The main house, built of massive stones and stucco, is festooned with vines that blaze in fall. Its flagstone deck surrounds a small pool and spa, and the adjoining patio has a large stone fireplace, grill, refrigerator and an extensive food prep area. Two arbors shelter a dining table and bar tables.

Terra del Cuore’s first guesthouse has a deck overlooking the valley and a trellised patio edged by vines, flowers, a fountain and hand-laid rock walls. It also has rustic Italian scenes painted on its outer walls. The second guesthouse, built atop a three-car garage, is close to a bocce court and spaces built along nearby walking paths for sitting and sipping wine.

Other delightful touches include red grape vines that seem to grow everywhere, next to the houses and on terraced slopes, as well as a small outdoor chapel, located next to a vegetable and fruit garden. Hillside trails that loop the property branch out in all directions, with signs indicating the distance in miles to such places as New York City and Bordeaux. (At one point on the trails, a telescope that looks exactly like the ones you find at panoramic overlooks has been set up to take advantage of the valley view.)

THE WINERY: The Caves at Soda Canyon
Four Families Committed to Winemaking Excellence. After moving around several custom crush facilities since 2007, Patland Estate Vineyards has finally found a permanent home at The Caves at Soda Canyon.  In January 2013, the Patland family decided to become a partner of The Caves at Soda Canyon, a cooperative Cave Winery where they knew they could produce world-class Napa Valley wines.

The Caves at Soda Canyon were founded by the owners of its winery partners: Henry and Olga Paltand of Patland Estate Vineyards. Ryan and Crystal Waugh of Waugh Cellars. The four Buoncristiani brothers of Buoncristiani Family Winery. Randy and Krys Wulff of Lobo Wines. Today The Caves are quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in Napa Valley for wine lovers who are looking for quality wine, quality people and quality experiences.

All four families who call The Caves at Soda Canyon their home are first generation winemakers and their stories will inspire all who visit. A commitment to family first will be noticed almost immediately. This philosophy is the core of an unwavering commitment to quality winemaking.

WWW.PATLANDVINEYARDS.COM

11/30 GARY PISONI, PISONI VINEYARDS, RICHIE ALLEN, ROMBAUER VINEYARDS

GARY PISONI – PISONI VINEYARDS

A special place, Pisoni Vineyards expresses the land and climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands and the spirit of the Pisoni Family. The site is a source of exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. First planted by Gary Pisoni in 1982, Pisoni Vineyards consists of small vineyard blocks arranged on and around the ridges of the mountainous landscape. Ranging in size from one-half to seventeen acres, the vineyard blocks perch at an altitude of 1,300 feet in the granite-laced mountains of the coastal Santa Lucia Range. Inspired by the Burgundy tradition of having several wineries source fruit from the same vineyard, Gary Pisoni has formed relationships with some of the most prestigious Pinot Noir producers in California. With agreements based on handshake alone, these wineries are guaranteed specific rows and blocks each year. They purchase grapes at a per-acre price rather than a per-ton price, which maintains the focus on quality and not yields. In addition to supplying fruit to artisan producers of vineyard-designated wines, the Pisoni Family retains a portion of the vineyard for the production of Pisoni Estate wine.

THE PRACTICE
Vineyard management is meticulous. Under Mark Pisoni's leadership, a long-time permanent crew of 18 skilled individuals perform all the work by hand. Every decision implements sustainable farming practices and long-term considerations. This commitment, combined with the rocky soils and cold Monterey Bay weather, produce serious and compelling wines.

THE FAMILY
In 1952 Jane and Eddie Pisoni began farming vegetables in the fertile Salinas Valley. A celery-crop profit in 1979 provided the down payment for the Santa Lucia Highlands property that became Pisoni Vineyards. Their love for the land provided the place where their son Gary could realize his dreams. Gary developed a love of wine while attending college. He started collecting fine French and German wines, and he made his first wine in his garage in 1978 at the age of twenty-five. In 1982, Gary broke ground and planted the first vines at Pisoni Vineyards. He was up against many obstacles, including not having a water source at the time.

Mark Pisoni, the vineyard manager, completed a B.S. in Agricultural Economics at the University of California, Davis, and an M.S. in Farm Business Management at Cornell University. He oversees the meticulous care of both Pisoni Vineyards and Pisoni Farms.  Jeff Pisoni is the winemaker. He earned a B.S. in Enology at California State University, Fresno, and got hands-on experience at premium wineries before becoming the Pisoni Estate and Lucia winemaker in 2002.

THE WINE
The Pisoni Family produces one wine each year under the label bearing its name: Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir. Although actual quantities vary with fruit yields, typical production is a mere 500 cases annually. Often noted for their deep color and intensity, wines from Pisoni Vineyards offer complex flavors and layers of undulating texture. The rocky mountain soil and the long, cool growing season provide the fundamental character of the wine, and the tannin and acid structure contribute to the age-worthiness.

LUCIA
Lucia vineyard designated Santa Lucia Highlands AVA wines. Lucia is the sister label of the Pisoni Estate wines. Whereas Pisoni Estate is committed to a single expression of the Pisoni Vineyards, Lucia represents the collection of vineyards that the Pisoni Family farms: Pisoni Vineyards, Soberanes Vineyard and Garys' Vineyard (the latter two farmed in partnership with Gary Franscioni).

The wines of Lucia are vineyard designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah from these vineyards and eponymous Santa Lucia Highlands AVA cuvées with varying percentages of each vineyard blended together. Lucia wines are made alongside the Pisoni Estate wines using the same exacting standards for quality. They are sold via mailing list and high-end restaurants and retailers. If you are on the mailing list for Pisoni Estate wines, you will automatically have the opportunity to purchase the Lucia offerings.

WWW.PISONIVINEYARDS.COM


RICHIE ALLEN - DIRECTOR OF VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING, ROMBAUER VINEYARDS

HISTORY
When founders Koerner and Joan Rombauer moved their two children, two horses and five dogs to Napa Valley in 1972, they arrived armed with an appreciation for the intimate relationship between food and wine. Their appreciation stemmed from Koerner’s great aunt Irma Rombauer having authored internationally renowned cookbook the Joy of Cooking and his ancestors originating from the winegrowing region of Rheingau, Germany, where wine is considered an essential complement to a meal.

Appreciation bred passion, and Rombauer Vineyards was established in 1980. Thirty-five years later, the winery remains owned and operated by first- and second-generation members of the family.

ABOUT RICHIE ALLEN
Richie Allen was raised in Melbourne, Australia, in a leafy suburb about 40 minutes east of Australia’s famous Yarra Valley wine region.

Influenced greatly by his parents’ keen interest, Richie grew up with a greater appreciation of wine than the average young Australian male. Upon graduation from high school in 1996, Richie chose to explore his knowledge in an alternate area of interest: molecular biology. Always the model student, he graduated at the top of his class. He was not, however, convinced with the path he was laying down for himself.

Richie embarked on a four-month rock climbing holiday to the United States to clear his thoughts. It was on this adventure that fate came knocking in the form of an invitation to a day of wine tasting. Richie was so taken and inspired by the Californian wines he tasted that day that it was suddenly clear to him what he needed to do.

He promptly returned to Australia and spent the next few years engrossed in winemaking studies at Australia’s prestigious The University of Adelaide. After graduating in 2003, he set about gaining as much practical winery experience as possible from top Australian and New Zealand producers including Penfolds, Oakridge, Church Road and Vavasour.

He eventually found himself back in California, on the doorstep of Rombauer Vineyards to undertake cellar work for a single harvest. However, Richie’s enthusiasm, vast and growing knowledge, and attention to detail were keenly identified, and he was asked to continue on at Rombauer to see this potential expertly developed and nurtured. He became Assistant Winemaker in 2005, then was promoted to Head Winemaker in 2008.

Having worked his way from the ground up, Richie assumed the position of Rombauer’s Director of Viticulture and Winemaking in 2013. In this role, Richie strives to achieve consistency of style and continual improvement in viticultural and winemaking techniques by melding both traditional and modern approaches.

Away from the winery, you’re likely to find Richie pursuing his passion for photography and filmmaking. He lives in Napa with his wife, Nat, and their daughter, Violet, who is the frequent target of his lens.

WWW.ROMBAUER.COM

11/23 SEQUOIA GROVE’S SENIOR WINE EDUCATOR DEAN BUSQUAERT, ROBIN KELLEY O'CONNOR

SEQUOIA GROVE’S SENIOR WINE EDUCATOR DEAN BUSQUAERT OFFERS SOME THANKSGIVING WINE PAIRING TIPS 

According to a recent Nielsen study 50% of Americans over 21 are likely to drink wine for Thanksgiving, yet it’s hard to a meal more challenging for wine pairings due to the diversity of flavors as well as the sugar content in many of the dishes.

Dean currently works at Napa Valley’s Sequoia Grove, where he teaches guests how to pair Cabernet to food in an educational experience called “A Taste for Cabernet.” Some of the pairing tips Dean can discuss include:
• Have red and white wines on hand for a variety of different dishes
• Pair acid-driven white wines with sweeter dishes due to the wine’s lower tannin level and naturally smoother profile
• If you’re drinking a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, add acidity and salt to foods to soften Cabernet Sauvignon’s robust texture

Dean is extremely personable, eloquent, and great for radio. He has over 20 years’ experience in Napa Valley food and wine education, is a Certified Specialist of Wine, and has worked with wineries such as Sequoia Grove, Robert Mondavi Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, and Beringer Vineyards.

ABOUT SEQUOIA GROVE:
Sequoia Grove is a family-owned winery founded in 1979 in a 110-year old barn beneath a grove of Sequoia trees in Rutherford, Napa Valley. It is here where we’ve honed our craft of creating world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and other Napa Valley wines that emphasize elegance, finesse, structure and balance.  Our consistent philosophy of making wines with varietal character that are reflective of the land helped establish Sequoia Grove as one of the premier Cabernet Sauvignon producers in Napa Valley.  Our 24-acre Estate Vineyard and 50-acre Tonella Ranch Vineyard are both located in the heart of Rutherford, where the superb climate and gravelly-loam soils impart distinct flavor in the Bordeaux varieties.

WWW.SEQUOIAGROVE.COM


ROBIN KELLEY O'CONNOR - WINE SPECIALIST, BLOGGER AND SOMMELIER – HOLIDAY WINE TREND

A leading wine educator, international wine judge, wine writer, and sommelier, Robin Kelley O’Connor is a leading wine expert. His thirty years of experience, authority and passion enable  captivating  seminars, dinner events and wine education and allows him to offer an unparalleled suite of services to corporations and individuals from around the world.

Robin serves as a guest wine instructor and examiner for the Intensive Sommelier Training program at the International Culinary Center. ICC is one of the leading culinary educational institutions in the U.S., with campuses in New York and Napa Valley. It is a world class institution dedicated to the culinary arts and vinous education.

Mr. O’Connor was previously Lead Specialist & Head of Wine, Americas for Christie’s Auction House. He is a Christie’s trained charity auctioneer. Prior to Christie’s, he was Director of Sales and Education for Manhattan wine and spirits retailer Sherry-Lehmann, winner of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2010 Wine Retailer of the Year Award. Preceding Sherry-Lehmann, he was Trade Liaison and director of trade and consumer education in the Americas for the Bordeaux Wine Bureau (Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux) for 20 years. He remains intimately involved with the Bordeaux wine community and was the first American to be certified as an International Bordeaux Wine Educator.

Robin also has worked with Italian Wine Merchants (IWM), where he was the Director of Education, resident Bordeaux expert, weekly contributor to the IWM blog and "Expert Picks," as well as a member of the editorial team for the daily IWM e-Newsletter.

Robin holds Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Certified Wine Educator (CWE) certifications from the Society of Wine Educators and passed the Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier exam. O'Connor served as president of the Society of Wine Educators from 2003-2007, is on the board of directors of the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Wine & Food and has been a regular panelist at the Food and Wine Magazine Classic in Aspen for over 25 years. He speaks annually at  Pebble Beach Food and Wine, the premiere epicurean lifestyle event on the West Coast.
As a popular wine educator and spokesperson, he has conducted over 2,500 seminars; written for the Trenton Times, Santé Magazine, Wine & Spirit; and served as senior editor for Kevin Zraly’s Complete Wine Course 25th Anniversary Edition. For over a year during 2008-2009 he traveled around the world with Kevin visiting over 20 Countries, 80 wine regions, 500 appellations and tasted more than 7,000 wines.

Among his many professional honors, Mr. O’Connor bears the distinction of induction into the wine world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc- des Graves et de Sauternes-Barsac, the Jurade de Saint-Emilion and Les Hospitaliers de Pomerol.

WWW.RKOVINE.COM  
WWW.ITALIANWINEMERCHANTS.COM

11/16 BOB CABRAL, THREE STICKS WINES, LARRY VAN AALST, THE SONOMA WINE REPORT

BOB CABRAL – DIRECTOR OF WINE MAKING, THREE STICKS WINES – HOLIDAY GIFT PACKAGES

There is very good reason Bob Cabral’s name is synonymous with great Pinot Noir. With decades of experience in Sonoma County, Bob’s passion, experience and following for his work with the varietal is second to none. From 1998 to 2014 Bob was winemaker for Williams Selyem. There, he led the winery into a new era, overseeing an expansion of new vineyard sources and bottlings for the brand, along with the construction of a state-of the art winery.

Bob’s interest in wine and farming began in childhood helping his grandfather make wine in a barn. Growing up pruning grapes, irrigating vineyards and harvesting grapes became routine on his family’s 70-acre ranch near Escalon, CA. A fourth generation farmer and grape grower from the great San Joaquin Valley, he took all he learned at the family farm and applied it to his degrees at Fresno State University.

While in college, his passion for Pinot Noir became evident as he spent every spare dime, and a good chunk of his student loans, on buying wines from all over the world—mostly Burgundy and Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs. After graduating in the mid-1980s, Bob knew that Sonoma County was where he could best hone his skills and make wines to rival the best in the world. He spent 11 vintages in various winemaking positions—associate winemaker at DeLoach Vineyards, custom crush winemaker at Kunde Family Estate, winemaker at Alderbrook Vineyards and winemaker at Hartford Court Winery—before taking his seminal position at Williams Selyem.

Bob’s winemaking philosophy has remained constant throughout his career—to source and farm the best fruit possible, with minimal intervention in the cellar. He was awarded the 2011 Wine Star Award from the Wine Enthusiast as “Winemaker of the Year.” He joined Three Sticks in 2015, with fervent enthusiasm. Bob lives in the Russian River Valley where and is a devoted husband and father to his wife and daughter.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THREE STICKS' GIFTS
We are pleased to offer you a selection of curated gift packages to celebrate the holidays. Reward your co-workers, thank your clients, surprise loved ones and simplify your gift list with Three Sticks wines. From single bottles to large formats, find the perfect complement for every recipient on your list. Each gift set arrives elegantly wrapped with a personalized holiday card from you. Place your order by December 4th to ensure your gift arrives on time!
• Magnum Gifts | Limited Availability
• Single Bottle Gifts | Three Options Available
• Two Bottle Gifts | Give the Gift of Durellhree Bottle Gifts | Pinot or Mixed Sets
• 2008-2013 Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir Vertical Only 3 available!

WWW.THREESTICKSWINES.COM


LARRY VAN AALST – HOST OF THE SONOMA WINE REPORT – FALL WINE TRENDS AND HAPPENINGS IN SONOMA

LARRY HOSTS A WEEKLY PROGRAM ON CRN AND ALSO IS AN EXPERT ON WINE WHO IS SOUGHT AFTER FOR EVENTS, TASTES AND MAJOR SOMMELIER EVENTS IN THE SAN FRANCISCO AREA. HE COMMENTS ON THE INDUSTRY AND HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT WINE.

11/09 WES HAGEN, J. WILKES WINES, LISA RIGISICH, 7TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PINOT DAYS, THE SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER

WES HAGEN - CONSULTING WINEMAKER, BRAND AMBASSADOR, WINE LECTURER & HISTORIAN, J. WILKES WINES

Welcome to J. Wilkes. We are dedicated to producing only small lots of handcrafted wines from the Santa Maria Valley while maintaining the natural delicacy of the grapes. Over the past two decades, J. Wilkes wines have been made by sourcing high quality fruit from Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Vineyards. We hope you enjoy the wines, and welcome your comments.

OUR STORY
Jeff was committed to promoting the Santa Maria Valley; a place he considered home and cared about deeply. By offering a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc under the J. Wilkes imprimatur of quality, we hope to introduce a new generation of wine drinkers to wines of typicity from a venerated appellation.

We hope these wines serve not only as ambassadors of an iconic growing region, but also as an introduction to three varietals that merit much pursuit and discovery.

The J. Wilkes brand was established in 2001 by Jefferson Wilkes, a widely respected wine industry veteran who loved the community of Santa Maria and sailing the Pacific Coast.  Since Jeff’s passing, the J. Wilkes brand has carried forth with a simple mission: to deliver wines of varietal character, at affordable prices, that highlight the virtues of the Santa Maria Valley appellation.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY
When one considers that Santa Maria Valley shares the same latitude (34 54N) as Charlotte, North Carolina and the North coast of Morocco, one begins to wonder how it is that such a place can produce wines of such delicate aromatics and liveliness as does Santa Maria Valley. After all, the very home of Pinot Noir, at least according to purists, is the damp, cool Burgundy region of France.

One need only turn to the East-West transverse valley that runs through Santa Maria Valley. This transverse valley acts as a funnel, channeling in cool maritime influences and depositing them throughout the wide valley that is Santa Maria. Ocean temperatures just off the coast of Santa Maria are typically about 15 degrees C (55 to 59 F). The Coriolis effect, an upwelling of deeper, colder waters, further cools the ocean breezes coming in off the coast of the Pacific and into the Santa Maria Valley. The cool winds coming in from the Northwest, coupled with the Coriolis effect, serve to push cold ocean water the surface. The transverse valley then allows these cold water winds to funnel into the Santa Maria Valley, cooling it substantially.

If the Santa Maria Valley was not situated at this southerly latitude, it would not be warm enough to ripen grape varietals to full maturity. It is, therefore, this singular combination of elements that allows Santa Maria Valley to produce wines of such distinction and typicity.

The number of days between bloom and harvest is approximately 125, on average. Though day time temperatures rarely exceed 75 degrees F, the long growing season provides substantial heat units throughout the year to fully ripen Pinot Noir, and other varietals that do very well in the Santa Maria Valley. Maritime fog usually cools the grapes in the evening, until approximately 10:00 am. When the sun breaks, the grapes receive substantial heat units to ripen, but it is never so warm in Santa Maria Valley that the grapes begin to “shut down” from excessive heat. These mild temperatures, coupled with a long growing season, allow for grapes that possess great aromatics, distinction, a lively fruit component and balanced acid levels.

Yields in Santa Maria tend to be average to low, due to excessively cool spring temperatures. Poor set on the vines often results from days that do not warm much past 65 degrees F. Pollination can be adversely affected by these cool temperatures. But, the strain of poor pollination on the vine, ironically, results in smaller clusters with intensely flavored berries. These small berries usually provide for greater color and complexity in the resulting wines.

The average annual rainfall in Santa Maria is approximately 14 inches. The rainy season begins in mid-November and continues until the beginning of May, when it lessens considerably to only about .2 inches of rain a month is the very first days of Spring.

The Santa Maria Valley appellation is the third oldest appellation in the United States and was established the same year as the Napa Valley AVA distinction; 1981.

JWILKES.COM


LISA RIGISICH – PRODUCER, PINOT DAYS - 7TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PINOT DAYS – NOVEMBER 21ST @ THE SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER  

We were just a normal couple, software engineer meets English teacher, who loved pinot noir and its ability to stimulate and stun not just one’s palate, but one’s mind. When we moved to California and saw Cab events and Zin events and Rhone events...but nothing for pinot, we wondered why. Pinot was like the poor, ignored, red-headed stepchild, but the shame was this stepchild was the gifted, prodigy kid that everyone wants to have over. So eleven years ago we thought, "Hey, let's create Pinot Days." Our thinking was this: You don’t just drink pinot, you study it. You live its story.

OUR MISSION: As a non-profit, the Pinot Days mission is to educate those who wish to learn more about pinot noir, from seed, to vineyard, to winemaker, to winery, to bottle, to table. This has been our purpose from our inception, one which we fulfilled from our first year, and one which we continue to fulfill in novel and innovative ways. How do we educate? The Pinot Days festivals bring winemakers and attendees together, creating a venue for communication between the two and enabling attendees to learn, both intellectually and aesthetically. As those in the wine industry well know, those who pursue pinot noir don’t follow it simply to drink it; they want to understand it on various levels. It is a notoriously difficult and expensive grape to grow, drawing the most skilled and knowledgeable winemakers, and offering the broadest stylistic and regional range of all the grape varieties. Thus it presents itself as a compelling avocation and area of study.

Increasingly, it's the genuinely boutique producers who come and pour at our events. They're the ones who don't have a marketing department to promote them, the ones who want wine lovers to discover who they are and what they craft. They're the real deal, the visionaries. It's Peter Cargasacchi who will show up with vineyard dirt on his knees because that's where he spent his morning. Or Rickey Trombetta (Trombetta Family) who will tear up when you mention a great pinot vintage. Or Kathleen Inman who, I’ve heard, refers to her grape clusters by name. “Hand-crafted” is a literal term with these folks, and you can taste the difference. You’ll hear it in their stories. And you are going to want to hear more than they have time to tell you, and taste more than you can in an afternoon.

OUR HISTORY: In 2004, pinot noir was an after-thought in the California wine world which, from our perspective, was a shame. We sought to rectify this by producing an event dedicated to exposing those who would listen to pinot noir, educating them about the industry as a whole. 100 wineries exhibited at the first Pinot Days in 2005, and fewer than 1,000 people attended. The event, however, rapidly became a linchpin of the industry, connecting producers with prospective customers via education. We also became the leading voice of the industry, providing access to “insider” views into wineries and winemaking, giving exposure to new producers, assessing wines and answering questions on influential internet wine boards (Robert Parker, Wine Spectator, Wineberserkers), serving as panelists and guest speakers at wine events and wine-related productions (plays, movies), producing industry-focused newsletters, emceeing pinot noir-focused dinners and pairings, and taking part in radio (KGO, KABC) and television (ABC) interviews wherein pinot noir and its production was the topic. The public, clamoring for information, began to turn Pinot Days as their source of information related to pinot noir. Along with other influences, Pinot Days’ various efforts translated into an incredible increase in interest in pinot noir. Pinot Noir’s market share increased from less than 1% of the total grapes crushed to over 4% from 2004 to 2010. Pinot Days was a chief contributor to ushering new wine aficionados to the variety’s doorstep. Pinot Days also grew considerably. Again, in 2004, 100 exhibitors and 1,000 attended the Grand Festival in San Francisco. In 2010, 220 producers and 3,500 attended the Grand Festival. And in response to popular demand, we have ventured beyond California, producing 4 festivals annually. It's nice to see pinot getting the groupie following it deserves!

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PINOT DAYS - NOVEMBER 21ST, 2015 

Where - Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
When - Saturday, November 21st, 2015.
Trade Tasting: Noon-2pm.
VIP Tasting: Noon - 5pm.
Public Tasting: 2-5pm.
Price: $75 - Grand Festival. $120 VIP Tasting and Seminar. - See more at:

Pinot Days Southern California is our fastest growing event, and it makes sense! People who enjoy blue skies and an easy, breezy lifestyle gravitate to pinot noir because it is easy to pair, easy to drink, and fascinating to talk about. Couple that with the area's innovative food, and you have a fantastic coupling of place with pinot. Enjoy Winemaker Pinot Pairings at restaurants and wine venues around town in the days preceding our Grand Festival, which is back on the West Side at the Skirball Cultural Center. Meet our winemakers, hear their stories and enjoy the most diverse, lovely wines on the planet....

WWW.PINOTDAYS.COM

11/02 BARBARA SATTERFIELD, STA. RITA HILLS WINEGROWERS ALLIANCE, ORANGE COAST MAGAZINE'S ANNUAL WINE AFFAIR, CHARLES SMITH, CHARLES SMITH WINES

BARBARA SATTERFIELD FROM STA. RITA HILLS WINEGROWERS ALLIANCE TALKS ABOUT THE UPCOMING ORANGE COAST MAGAZINE'S ANNUAL WINE AFFAIR IN COSTA MESA

ORANGE COAST MAGAZINE'S ANNUAL WINE AFFAIR

Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PST)

EVENT: Orange Coast magazine's Annual Wine Affair featuring specialty and reserve wines from Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance and tastings from select restaurant partners.

VENUE: Be amongst the first to experience Sub-Zero Wolf's expansive new showroom!

EATS: Enjoy a special afternoon of wine and food pairings from some of our favorite restaurant partner and continue your evening at one of our partner restaurants.

Participating Wineries: Fiddlehead Cellars, Hitching Post Wines, Ken Brown, Kessler-Haak, Lafond, Montemar, Pali Wine Company, Rozak, Wan Fiore, Zotovich

Participating Restaurant Partners: Mastro's Steakhouse, SkyLoft, El Torito Grill, O.C. Donut Bar, Sadie Rose Baking Company. More to be announced!

ABOUT STA. RITAL HILLS: The Sta. Rita Hills American Viticulture Appellation is located on California’s Central Coast in Santa Barbara County. The Pacific Ocean’s marine layer and afternoon ocean breezes traverse the coastal valley corridors between the Purisima Hills and the Santa Rosa Hills, creating the perfect environment for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other cool climate wine grape varieties.

ABOUT THE STA. RITA HILLS WINEGROWERS ALLIANCE: The Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance was formed in 1997 to unify growers and winemakers in the Western Santa Ynez Valley for the purpose of developing their own American Viticulture Area and to promote this unique wine growing region.

The Sta. Rita Hills AVA status was granted in 2001 by the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Regulation Division. The mission of the Alliance is to support the viticulture and enological business interests of its 47 Members, as they relate to grapes and wine from our AVA.

WWW.STARITAHILLS.COM


CHARLES SMITH – OWNER AND WINEMAKER, CHARLES SMITH WINES - WINE ENTHUSIAST’S “WINE MAKER OF THE YEAR”

Charles is an all American success story. He is a former rock band tour manager that was able to turn a passion into a reality taking his brand from selling 330 cases in 2001 to more than 650,000 cases in 15 years.  He now reaches almost 55,000 people a day or 20 million people a year with his wine.  Charles Smith Wines is now the largest winemaker-owned winery in Washington State and third largest winery overall in Washington state with 44 wines that are sold in all 50 states. Most timely, he just opened Jet City – the largest urban winery on the west coast – that is a complement to his winery in Walla Walla and he is rolling out his fall release wines this month.  Additionally, he has been able to create an iconic brand that stands out from the rest.

Charles is the owner and winemaker of K Vintners, Charles Smith Wines, ViNO, Secco Italian Bubbles, SIXTO, Wines of Substance and one-half of Charles & Charles which are sold in all 50 states and 23 countries.

WWW.CHARLESSMITHWINES.COM

10/26 CHRISTOPHER SILA, ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS, MARC MONDAVI, CHARLES KRUG

CHRISTOPHER SILVA - CEO AT ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS

For more than four decades, the wines of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards have reflected the finest mountain and valley vineyards in Sonoma County. Our founder, Joe Martin, fell in love with Sonoma Valley and established St. Francis Vineyard in 1971, planting 22 acres of Chardonnay and the first 60 acres of Merlot in Sonoma Valley. After achieving great success as a grower, Joe opened his own winery in 1979 with his business partner Lloyd Canton. Our first winemaker, Tom Mackey, joined St. Francis in 1983 and was renowned for elevating both the quality and style of Sonoma Merlot as an ultra-premium, stand-alone varietal. He also cultivated an in-depth understanding of every Sonoma appellation, enabling us to acquire and develop new vineyards and expand our wine portfolio.

In 1988 St. Francis partnered with the Kopf family, long admired for their historic family legacy in the wine and spirits industry and a commitment to quality. That legacy began in 1933 upon the repeal of prohibition when Rudy Kopf founded the wine and spirits department of Macy’s Department Store in New York, turning it into what was then one of the finest wine and spirits retailers in the country. He later established his own wine and spirits company, now owned by his three daughters.

Today, a new generation of winemakers, Katie Madigan and Chris Louton, continues our long tradition of luscious, elegant, fruit-driven wines from Sonoma County grapes.  We farm more than 400 acres of Certified Sustainable estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley and Russian River Valley, each with varying compositions of loam, clay and volcanic soils. We also nurture long-term relationships with top Sonoma County grape growers, giving the Winery access to some of the region's most coveted old vines Zinfandel and other varietals from acclaimed vineyards.

St. Francis is a Certified Sustainable, family-owned Winery, and we have worked throughout our 42-year history to preserve Sonoma County’s natural resources. The state-of-the art Winery we built in 1999 includes a 457-kilowatt solar energy system, and we have been recognized for our work to conserve nearby creeks and waterways. Preserving Sonoma County for future generations is very much a part of who we are, what we do, and how we run our business.

Our commitment to showcase the best of Sonoma extends to our Tasting Room, which pairs our award-winning wines with the most breathtaking view in Sonoma Valley, and to our ZAGAT-recommended Wine & Food Pairing, which has earned worldwide praise from legions of fans and was voted "#1 in America" in 2013 by Open Table diners. In 2012 we planted a 2-acre Estate Garden, giving our chef access to fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs grown steps away from our kitchen, and giving our guests an unforgettable, farm-to-table Wine & Food Pairing experience in the heart of Sonoma Valley.

BIO:
A fifth-generation Sonoma County native, Christopher Silva is firmly rooted in Sonoma County agriculture. He was raised in a family of Petaluma dairy farmers, and nine years after graduating from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, he retired from practicing law to join St. Francis Winery. At the age of 38, he became President & CEO of St. Francis in 2003. He understands firsthand that a farmer’s footprint and intimate knowledge of the soil, microclimates and terroir of the region are the most important ingredients for healthy vines.

As President & CEO of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Chris has a specific focus: crafting world class Sonoma wine. St. Francis is best known for luscious, elegant, fruit driven Sonoma County Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and “Old Vines” Zinfandel. Widely awarded as a quality leader, St. Francis is committed to being the premier producer of handcrafted Sonoma wines in each of its categories.  Additionally, St. Francis was named “#1 Restaurant in America” by OpenTable  in 2013 in recognition of its farm to table wine and food pairings offered on site to Winery visitors each day.

Under Chris’ leadership, St. Francis has also been recognized for its many green practices. A 457-kilowatt Solar Energy System, installed in 2004, provides up to 40% of the Winery’s energy from the sun. St. Francis has taken aggressive steps in water and creek conservation, recycling, eco-friendly packaging, and created an on-site sustainable vegetable garden to support its culinary programs. St. Francis is Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

Chris served on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sonoma County and is now on the Dean’s National Advisory Board of the UNLV Harrah College of Hotel Administration. In 2011 he was honored by UNLV as the “Food & Beverage Industry Executive of the Year” and was named “2011 Healthy Business Leader” by the Northern California Center for Well Being in recognition of his workforce wellness initiatives at St. Francis. North Bay Business Journal has repeatedly named St. Francis Winery & Vineyards one of the "Best Places to Work" in NorCal.

WWW.STFRANCISWINERY.COM


MARC MONDAVI – CHARLES KRUG

HISTORY
Now under the guidance of Peter Mondavi Sr., the Charles Krug Winery honors its roots while forging ahead to the future. From the Wild West to the twenty-first century, relatively crude beginnings gave way to the finest form of winemaking.

Founded in 1861 by Charles Krug, the 27-year old Prussian immigrant came to America with little besides willpower and a willingness to work hard to build the cornerstone of the first winery in the Napa Valley. He became the major local winery figure of his era, greatly influencing Napa Valley's development as a world-renown wine producing region.

His leadership was said to be inspirational and his ideas innovative. Charles Krug introduced the cider press for winemaking, the first of which is still on display at the winery. He carefully selected rootstocks, varietals and vineyard sites - a novel concept in late 19th century America.

After his death in 1892, James Moffitt held the winery in proprietorship through Prohibition. By 1943, he found a pioneering spirit in Cesare Mondavi, an Italian immigrant with a passion for wine, and sold the winery to his family for $75,000.

At 60 years old, Cesare Mondavi spearheaded a dramatic renaissance in the decade that followed. Wine historian Charles Sullivan writes in his book, Napa Wine, “By the early 1950s it was irrefutable that the Valley's Big Four had been augmented by one - the Charles Krug Winery”.

Cesare died in 1959 leaving Rosa as President with sons Robert as General Manager and Peter as Vice President. In 1966, Robert moved south to Oakville and began construction of his own winery. Upon Rosa's death in 1976, Peter became President of the winery.

Peter's industry innovations from his studies at Stanford and Berkeley included revolutionary research on cold fermentation, enabling the production of exceptionally crisp, fruity white wines. His pioneering efforts to plant vineyards in the Carneros region with chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, cold sterile filtration techniques and aging wine in small French oak barrels contributed to his being named one of the twelve “Living Legends” in 1999 by the Napa Valley Vintners Association.

Above all else, Charles Krug Winery is a family winery. Peter Sr. and his sons Marc and Peter Jr. continue their dedication to producing the finest Bordeaux style wines in the Napa Valley. To achieve this, they initiated a nine-year, $22 million investment program completed in 2010. Over 400 of the winery's 850 prime acres in Napa Valley have been re-planted and state-of-the-art winemaking equipment is now in use.

BIO
Marc Mondavi is the eldest son of Peter and Blanche Mondavi and grandson of Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, the Napa Valley pioneers who purchased the historic Charles Krug Winery in 1943. As co-proprietor with his brother Peter Jr., he works closely with their father, Peter Sr. on issues of strategic importance, including stewardship of all the winery's brands.

Marc was born in 1954 and raised on the winery property. He caught the family winemaking bug early in life, holding his first official winery position at age 10. For Marc, growing up on the Charles Krug property meant summers running around the winery, climbing in empty tanks, packing gift boxes and working in the vineyards. But it wasn’t until he became a teenager and started tasting wines with his father that Marc knew he was destined for the family wine business.

Marc studied viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis, and marketing at California State University, Sacramento. He returned to the winery in 1978 after his studies, at which time he immersed himself in every aspect of winery operations. He worked with his father to further his knowledge of winemaking, and applied the expertise he had acquired at U.C. Davis to the winery's numerous vineyard holdings. During the mid-70s, Marc experimented with canopy management in the vineyards which greatly reduced losses from mildew and facilitated grape ripening.

Marc continues to spend much of his time in the vineyards, where he works with his brother Peter Jr. to oversee the family’s $25.6 million investment in their 850 acres of Napa Valley vineyard land with mostly noble Bordeaux varietals. “What we are looking for with the replants is more flavor and aromatics,” he said. “Most of the vineyards that were replanted are 32 to 36 years old and the new grape varieties are selectively tailored to the different soil profiles.” On the subject of maintaining their independence, Marc is adamant: “Family ownership gives us a different perspective on the winery. We are not corporate employers; we are the owners and have a hand in anything that impacts the final product.” Marc takes that philosophy on the road where his busy travel schedule combines winemaker dinners, sales meetings with the distributor network and chain meetings around the country.

He is a trustee and past secretary of the California Winery Workers' Pension Plan, a $300 million-plus pension fund, where he oversees investments. He also serves as Vice President of the Boone & Crockett Club, the oldest conservation group in America, started by Teddy Roosevelt in 1887. He is active in The Wine and Food Society of San Francisco and The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. He has served on the boards of the Wine Institute, the California Wine Commission, as past president of the Winery Employers Association and logistics chairman for the Napa Valley Wine Auction in 1988 and 1989.

WWW.CHARLESKRUG.COM

10/19 JEAN-FRANÇOIS PELLET, PEPPER BRIDGE WINERY, AMAVI CELLARS, LARRY VAN AALST, THE SONOMA WINE REPORT

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PELLET, PARTNER / WINEMAKER - PEPPER BRIDGE WINERY / AMAVI CELLARS - PEPPER BRIDGE WINERY NAMED TO WINE & SPIRITS MAGAZINE TOP 100 WINERIES LIST 

San Francisco Tasting on October 20 Showcases  - Five Walla Walla Valley Wineries as Part of Premier Line-up

October 14, 2015 (Walla Walla, WA) – Wine & Spirits magazine honors Pepper Bridge Winery, listing it among the top 100 wineries as part of the publication’s annual list. Critics look for consistency across a range of bottlings and consider wineries that make three or more wines each year to determine the annual list. Pepper Bridge was honored for its 2011 and 2012 vintages.

“At 170 acres, one of Walla Walla’s largest and most important vineyards serves a winery of the same name,” quoted the magazine’s critics. “Pepper Bridge’s intensely structured cabernet-based bottlings excelled in the warm 2012 vintage.”

Pepper Bridge along with four Walla Walla wineries: àMaurice Cellars, L’Ecole No. 41, Reynvaan and Spring Valley Vineyard will be part of a special Top 100 tasting in San Francisco on October 20 at City View at METREON. The entire award list can be viewed at Wine & Spirits Top 100 Tasting.
 “Receiving this honor from one of the top wine publications in the nation is a great accolade for our winemaking team,” said Jean-François Pellet, winemaker. The two vintages were very different as 2011 was a cool year while 2012 proved to be warm and dry. Both vintages added fruit from Octave, a vineyard plot on the SeVein Ridge parcel partly owned by Pellet. Pellet believes it’s a strong Cabernet site, with a strong wind influence that helps create small berries, dark fruit and lots of structure in the wines.

Pellet has been making wine for Pepper Bridge Winery for 16 years. Born and raised in Switzerland, he is a third-generation wine grower. He’s worked in Switzerland, Germany and the Napa Valley before coming to Walla Walla in 1999. In 2001, Pellet helped launch Amavi Cellars, a sister winery allowing him to expand his winemaking talents into Sémillon, rosé of Cabernet Franc and Syrah, working primarily with the Les Collines vineyard. A partner in both wineries, his passion is crafting wines from the estate vineyards of Pepper Bridge and Amavi Cellars.

ABOUT PEPPER BRIDGE WINERY - Pepper Bridge Winery represents the pioneering spirit of the Walla Walla Valley. Owned and operated by three families, the McKibbens, the Goffs and the Pellets, the winery is a leader in quality winemaking, innovative technology and vineyard development. Pepper Bridge Winery produces Bordeaux-style wines using traditional winemaking techniques, French oak and estate fruit from the Walla Walla Valley. Pepper Bridge wines are collectibles that showcase complexity, structure and balance. Combining old-world philosophy with modern innovation, the winery has become an industry leader. For more information visit www.pepperbridge.com 

ABOUT AMAVI CELLARS - Amavi Cellars signifies love (amor) and life (vita) through our wines, which are 100% estate, 100% Certified Sustainable,  and 100% Walla Walla Valley.  Located in the heart of Walla Walla wine country, our winery & tasting room offer sweeping views of surrounding Pepper Bridge Vineyard as well as the beautiful Blue Mountains. Dedicated stewards of the land, we are committed to making a positive impact both within our estate vineyards and within our community.

ABOUT JEAN-FRANÇOIS PELLET - Born and raised in Switzerland, Winemaker Jean-François Pellet is a third-generation wine grower. Working alongside his father, who has managed the same vineyard for 30 years, Jean-François always knew what he wanted to do with his life: make world-class wine.

Jean-François supplemented his experience by earning degrees in both enology and viticulture. As part of his studies, he interned in Switzerland, Germany and the Napa Valley. After graduating, he managed vineyards and made wine in Switzerland and Spain. Along with making wine in Spain, he was responsible for managing 500 acres of vineyards, designing a new winery and developing a market for the product.

His experience and reputation for meticulous winemaking brought him to the attention of Heitz Cellars in the Napa Valley, where he worked for four years. Pepper Bridge Winery then recruited him, so he moved to the Walla Walla Valley to become that winery's creative force. His success at Pepper Bridge (where he is still the winemaker, as well) allowed him the opportunity to join the Amavi partnership and to apply his winemaking skills to different grape varietals, particularly Syrah and Semillon. In addition to being winemaker, Jean-François plays a key role in the management of the winery's estate vineyards. He is also a founding member and current vice-president of the Walla Walla Valley's sustainable agriculture organization, VINEA.


LARRY VAN AALST – HOST OF THE SONOMA WINE REPORT – WINE TRENDS AND HAPPENINGS IN SONOMA

LARRY HOSTS A WEEKLY PROGRAM ON CRN AND ALSO IS AN EXPERT ON WINE WHO IS SOUGHT AFTER FOR EVENTS, TASTES AND MAJOR SOMMELIER EVENTS IN THE SAN FRANCISCO AREA. HE COMMENTS ON THE INDUSTRY AND HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT WINE.

10/12 HEATHER MURAN, SAN LUIS OBISPO WINE COUNTRY ASSOCIATION, JACKY YOUNG, YOUNG INGLEWOOD VINEYARDS

HEATHER MURAN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SAN LUIS OBISPO WINE COUNTRY ASSOCIATION – CHATS ABOUT HAPPENINGS IN THE REGION

The wineries of SLO Wine Country boast an average distance of just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in prevailing marine conditions that are among the most pronounced of any wine region in California.

Collectively, these growing conditions forge a unifying wine quality that is native to SLO Wine Country: The reliable cooling effect of the nearby Pacific Ocean ensures a long growing season, enabling the grapes to achieve physiological ripeness and natural balance. Cool-climate varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir excel in the heart of SLO Wine Country, and even the warmest areas benefit from considerable marine influence.   The ocean proximity also exerts a moderating effect on the climate, minimizing temperature swings so that growing conditions are rarely hot or cold. The result is an extraordinarily steady growing season that fosters balanced ripening and consistent quality from vintage to vintage. The imprint of the ocean is also evident in SLO Wine Country's uncommonly complex soils, which are frequently riddled with ancient sea fossils. Soil variation enables the winegrower to mix and match varietals to specific soil profiles, or to add more "colors" to the palette of a single varietal, heightening overall quality and complexity.

SLOWINE.COM

JACKY YOUNG – WINEMAKER, YOUNG INGLEWOOD VINEYARDS

Jacky is Scott's mom and together they do the winemaking - although Scott does more of the day to day. The family lives onsite at the winery and oversee all grape growing and winemaking. The estate is set on 20 acres of which about 16 are undervine - planted to all four of the classic red Bordeaux varietals plus a small plot of Aligote, that just bore fruit for the first time this year.  Their 800 case  portfolio ranges in price from $25 for their Vin de Rose - a Rose made predominantly from Malbec - to $90 for their flagship Estate Cab. They also make a Right Bank Blend red wine and small wine club only bottlings (ie 50 cases each) of the other red Bordeaux varietals grown at their estate. They also produce two Chardonnays from off the property; one from Napa Valley, one from the Sonoma Coast.  Their wines are sold via the winery, wine club and website and through distribution in select markets nationally - including of course California.  The winery is open by appt only for in depth private tours and tastings. The price is $40 per person.

ABOUT US
Young Inglewood Vineyards is the result of a family's love for wine and for each other. At Young Inglewood, Jacky and Jim, Mary and Scott Young, father, mother, son, and daughter, work together to create wines inspired by our early love for French wine, but made in the Napa Valley - unmistakably grown from our historic St Helena vineyard. Balance is our guiding principle: balance in the way we grow our vines; the balance of tastes and sensations in our wines; and balance in the way we live and work.

JACKY AND JIM YOUNG
A love of wine and travel to the world's great wine regions have been a constant throughout Jacky and Jim's marriage. It was natural to them to pass that on to son Scott, Young Inglewood's winemaker, and to daughter Mary. Along the way the family got to know St Helena and the fine estate that is now Young Inglewood. Jacky and Jim devote all their time to the estate's management. Jacky can also often be found working and tasting side by side with Scott to help set the unique Young Inglewood estate style.

SCOTT YOUNG
Scott is Young Inglewood's winegrower and winemaker. Starting in 2007, when he moved to Young Inglewood to oversee the estate farming, Scott has produced a vintage every year, making 2015 his ninth vintage at Young Inglewood. Every season is different. Scott's philosophy is to seek out what is special to each, and make wine that accurately reflects it - to make wine "with the vintage." Each year, Scott relishes the hundreds of winegrowing and winemaking decisions necessary to achieve that goal and make not only wines we are proud to share, but wines that truly speak for the vintage, our family, and our vineyard.

WWW.YOUNGINGLEWOOD.COM

10/05 GERRET & TATIANA COPELAND, BOUCHAINE, IAN BLACKBURN, LEARNABOUTWINES.COM, 7TH ANNUAL STARS OF CABERNET

GERRET & TATIANA COPELAND – PROPRIETORS, BOUCHAINE 

Bouchaine is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Carneros District - a winery that began making wine long before the region earned its reputation for producing the great Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of Carneros today. The land was first owned by a Missouri native with the rather remarkable name of Boon Fly.  Fly grew grapes and fruit trees on the property in the late 1880s.  In 1927, an Italian winemaker named Johnny Garetto purchased the parcel that is today's Bouchaine.  Beringer bought the estate from Garetto in 1961 and used it as a storage and blending facility until 1981, when a partnership that included the current owners, Gerret and Tatiana Copeland, purchased the winery and surrounding land.  At the time, only a few winemaking pioneers realized the potential for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Carneros.  And by appearance, this run-down Carneros property hardly inspired optimism.

OWNERSHIP
While Bouchaine’s first vintage premiered over 30 years ago, the inspiration and vision took root long before. For owners Gerret and Tatiana Copeland, Bouchaine Vineyards is the perfect manifestation of their shared vision of a classic California winery. A vision built on equal parts love of wine, inspiration and adventure.

GERRET COPELAND - PROPRIETOR & CHAIRMAN
For Gerret, a love of wine and the journey that leads to the next great bottle is in his blood. Gerret’s father, Lammot du Pont Copeland, was the 11th president of the DuPont Company. Perhaps more influential to his son’s passion for wine, he was also a founder of the Wilmington, Delaware, chapter of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. His mother, Pamela Copeland, a noted horticulturist, enjoyed fine wine as well and was the first woman in the U.S. invited to join the Chevaliers du Tastevin. Today, Gerret continues his parents’ legacy in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
Gerret’s wine education began early. His parents adopted the uniquely French tradition of diluting a half-glass of wine with water for their children at dinnertime. As the proportion of water decreased, Gerret's appreciation grew. Gerret and his wife, Tatiana, along with a group of partners, purchased and began renovating the oldest winery in the Carneros region. They gave a nod to his family's old world heritage by naming it Château Bouchaine.  A decade later, Gerret and Tatiana bought out the original partners and became sole proprietors of the winery and renamed it Bouchaine Vineyards. The Copelands and their new Bouchaine team revamped and rebuilt every aspect of both the winery and the vineyards.

Gerret’s passion for wine is matched by his passion for the environment.  After a career in finance, during which he developed a successful New York Stock Exchange brokerage firm, he helped establish the Brandywine Conservancy in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.  The Conservancy continues to protect the Brandywine River Valley from pollution and over-development.  He is also active with Longwood Gardens (world famous gardens in Pennsylvania), The Mount Cuba Center for Piedmont Flora (his childhood home, and now a major horticultural center in Delaware), and is the Chairman of the The Delaware Art Museum (founded by his grandmother). Gerret Copeland’s palate and his joie de vivre are complemented by his passion for beauty, his dedication to the environment, and his love of wine.  For him, Bouchaine is the ultimate adventure.

TATIANA COPELAND - PROPRIETOR & PRESIDENT
For Tatiana Copeland, the spirit of discovery and commitment to creating a unique and exceptional experience at Bouchaine is simply the natural extension of her roots. Heir to a truly remarkable legacy, Tatiana’s family tree includes such luminaries as her great uncle, composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, and her grandmother, the first woman to drive a car through Moscow’s Red Square. A true polyglot, Tatiana fluently speaks Russian, French, Spanish, German and English.
While her heritage reaches back over 1,000 years in Russia, Tatiana’s personal story began in Dresden, Germany, where she was born. After living in Denmark for several years, the family emigrated to Argentina where she would spend most of her childhood.  she says, recalling family gatherings.  The family then moved to California where Tatiana enrolled at UCLA and quickly began what would become a remarkable academic and professional career. At UCLA, she would make Phi Beta Kappa before graduating summa cum laude, ranking first in her class of 500. She then went on to earn her M.B.A. at the University of California at Berkeley.

At a time when women in business were rare, Tatiana went to work for Price Waterhouse before putting her multi-cultural perspective, extensive linguistic skills, and strategic business thinking to use at the DuPont Company's European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Soon after she returned to DuPont in Delaware, she met her future husband, Gerret Copeland. They quickly discovered a shared appreciation of beauty, a love of fine wine and food, and a strong commitment to philanthropy.
Tatiana has made it her personal challenge to use her business know-how, leadership skills and community standing to help benefit the world of music, arts and culture. She serves on the board of The Grand Opera House (Wilmington's historic opera house) and as Chairman of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. She donated a sculpture garden to the Delaware Art Museum and underwrote the new student center at the Delaware College of Art & Design. Her efforts in helping to recreate the “Kalmar Nyckel” (a full-size replica of the ship which brought the first Swedish settlers to America in the 1600s) resulted in her effigy being immortalized with a life-size carving at the ship's bow.  She also loves to look out for the underdog – literally.  After Hurricane Katrina, Tatiana helped rescue 150 dogs abandoned in New Orleans.

Both Tatiana and Gerret are deeply committed to the arts and have recently established a unique model of community philanthropy for the long-term stabilization of arts and culture in their home state of Delaware. In appreciation of this, they were awarded the "Order of the First State," the highest honor for meritorious service which can be granted by Governor Jack Markell. Today, Tatiana continues to exercise her business acumen. She directs the winery's marketing and finances, leaving the wines themselves in the hands of her husband and the winemaking team. Her pencil is at its sharpest when she is balancing beauty and the bottom-line at Bouchaine.

WWW.BOUCHAINE.COM


IAN BLACKBURN – FOUNDER, LEARNABOUTWINES.COM - UPCOMING EVENTS

7TH ANNUAL STARS OF CABERNET ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Upcoming wine tasting event showcases prestigious collectable wines from California and Washington; over 150 wines from 40 top Cabernet producers on Wednesday, November 18th, 2015 at PENINSULA Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills, California (September 25, 2015) – wineLA has exceeded annual expectations and has procured the best ever - STARS of Cabernet gathering.  

It's back and better than ever! Over 40 top Cabernet brands featured including wineries from Napa Valley: Duckhorn, Alpha Omega, Paradigm, Michael Mondavi, Hendry, Raymond, Cairdean Estate, Acumen, St. Supery Estate, Tierra Roja, The Debate by Jean Hoefliger, Oakville East, Coquerel Family, ZD, Parry Cellars, Mario Bazan, Signorello Estate, Frank Family, Oakville Ranch, Ackerman Family, Priest Ranch, Bougetz, Salvestrin, Cain, Patland, Krupp Brothers, Round Pond Estate, Heitz Cellar, Broman Cellars, and Modus Operandi Wineries.  Paso Robles: Justin, Eberle, DAOU, and Calcareous!  and from Walla Walla in Washington: Long Shadows, Sleight of Hand Cellars, Va Piano, John Bookwalter and other parts of California: Jordan (Sonoma), Hawk & Horse (Lake County), Westerly Wines (Happy Canyon), and Hidden Ridge (Sonoma)!

Meet the winemakers, executives or winery owners in this intimate tasting featuring over 100 wines. STARS of Cabernet features not only the best in Cabernet but a ratio of one winery to four guests - unmatched in the wine event universe.

Included in the “General Admission Ticket" are unlimited wine tasting, tray passed hors d’oeuvres, and an elegant assortment of breads, cheeses, and chocolate. Wine aficionados can choose from 2 VIP tickets, a $200 VIP ticket ($250 at the door) which includes a “Master Class with Jean Hoefliger" or a $250 VIP ticket ($300 at the door) that includes a "Master Class with 100-Point Collectable Producer - Lawrence Fairchild." Both include the special VIP tasting w/dinner and a VIP Gift Bag from the event sponsors and partners.

Guests will also have a chance to bid on an array of extraordinary auction items:  wine, dinners, collectables and trips ranging in value from $100 to $10,000. One hundred percent of the silent auction proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation, a Los-Angeles based 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting innovative groundbreaking research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS.  We have raised over $300,000 and want to make this our largest contribution yet!

STARS of Cabernet begins at 7:00 p.m. for general admission ticket holders and 6:00 p.m. for VIP attendees.

WWW.STARSOFCABERNET.COM 

ABOUT WINELA
wineLA is focused on enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is the second phase of what the organization started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com - America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation.

To accomplish its' mission, wineLA recognizes that wine must be placed in rhythm with fashion, music, food, geography, centers of interest, and architecture. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. wineLA is leaving a footprint of wine lifestyle by celebrating people, places, and passion.

WWW.WINELA.COM 

ABOUT IAN BLACKBURN:
Master of Wine Student and innovative wine industry spokesperson, Ian Blackburn drinks wine for a living. Since it was established in 1995, Ian Blackburn has worked on building Learn About Wineinto the leading source for wine education and events in Southern California. LearnAboutWine was the first business of its kind: a wine education and event website dedicated to the education, service, and enjoyment of wine.

Today LearnAboutWine has developed into Southern California’s premier company for wine education and events. Ian continues to innovate and focus on demystifying wine for everyone from the casual drinker to the potential collector. LearnAboutWine events include the wildly successful, monthly “TASTE” Series, a large-scale wine social; “PALATE BUILDER” Sensory evaluation class, VINTAGE – High end collectables tastings and LAW SCHOOL – the four week credential program that concludes with the BAR exam (Beverage Aptitude Review). Over 30,000 students in Southern California have participated in LearnAboutWine’s core class “Wine Camp,” an introduction into wine, and it is considered one of the top introduction courses in the region.

With a database of over 18,000 subscribers, Ian’s following and notoriety has grown with the popularity of wine. He has taught classes at Cordon Bleu, Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA, The Learning Annex, and other prestigious universities. LearnAboutWine maintains an active calendar of classes and events offered to the public, but thrive as a source of private and corporate events. Ian’s clients range from small social clubs and church organizations, to Fortune Five Hundred companies like Amgen, Pfizer, Disney, Nestle, Deloitte, Latham Watkins, Ernest and Young, Bank of America/US Trust/Countrywide, Paul Hastings, Quinn Emanuel and KPMG.

Ian’s passion for wine and entertaining makes him one of the top spokespersons in the United States; he was trained as an educational Ambassador for the Napa Valley Vintners and the Region of Champagne, France. Ian’s expertise and entertaining ways can be heard regularly on Los Angeles radio airwaves likeKCRW, KLOS, KROQ, INDIE 103.1, 98.7 and Ian even appeared as an expert on ABC’s “The Bachelor.” Creating wine lifestyle events in order to get more people involved in the enjoyment and appreciation of wine is Ian’s forte. Commissioned by Wiley Publications to write The Pleasure of Wine in 2004, Ian is currently studying for his Masters of Wine and working on his second book at his home office in Downtown Los Angeles.

09/28 DAVID HUNT, HUNT CELLARS, SAM LANDO, LANDO WINES, RAISE THE ROOF

DAVID HUNT – OWNER & WINEMAKER, HUNT CELLARS

Our Story
It started over 20 years ago as a fantasy: living on a lush beautiful vineyard, producing your own style of favorite premium varietal wines that are well received and appreciated by those who have discovered the wines and shared them amongst friends.

Now, drive along the scenic Highway 46 West, about three miles west of the 101 Fwy at Oakdale Road, you will find this dream has become reality for David Hunt, Winemaker and owner of Hunt Cellars, a winery committed to producing “Memorable Wines”. We believe that great wines leave indelible impressions when poured with wonderful meals and great friends and scintillating conversations. Hunt Cellars was founded on the philosophy of producing wines that you will look forward to simply sipping by a cozy fireplace or pairing with your favorite meals to enhance that special event or moment in time.

How It Began
When The Hunt Family decided to pursue their dream they were uncertain where they would choose to build their vineyard. The Hunts spent exhaustive days and weekends traveling to various premium wine regions from Oregon, Washington, and throughout the State of California. They finally narrowed their decision down to the Central coast to San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles was selected because of its rich diversity in soils, superb growing climate and unique styles of wine making along with the spirit of graciousness and traditional American values.

Eventually after looking at numerous parcels of vineyard potential property, they settled on uniquely beautiful property containing over 550 acres on Highway 41 in Creston. This unique property met their criteria in topography, soil composition and unparralled beauty. Within the 550 acres there are four terrior’s with varying elevations containing soil composites that mirror the great wine regions of the world. They were convinced that they could grow wonderful exciting intense fruit here on this property.

Destiny Hunt
The Hunt Family decided to name their vineyard, “Destiny Vineyards,” in honor of their new baby girl they named Destiny who was born in 1996. Just ask Destiny who has the best wines today and she will certainly tell you.

Destiny Vineyard’s first planting consisted of: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Cab Franc, Viognier and Zinfandel. The Hunts decided to build a tasting room for their premium wines, which opened in October of 1999.

In 1997 they began producing their first releases of memorable wines… Experience has taught Hunts that in order to make great wines you must simply have the best fruit. At Hunt Cellars, we believe passion, hard work and never giving up until we have put together all the components and structure that will give our wine the varietal character, flavor and velvet finish that will become a trademark of our wines.

View of Destiny Vineyards
As you enter The Hunt Cellars Tasting room, the fun wine experience begins, as you are greeted with either live music or our white grand player piano, which can play any song. Stroll up to our Cabernet Bar, where our warm and friendly staff are eager to lead you through a light hearted and fun sampling of our wines. You may also choose to sip your wines on our spacious 1200 foot veranda, smoke your favorite cigar under our pavilion or simply stroll through our lush inviting landscaped lawns. We want you and your guest to simply have a wonderful time at Hunt Cellars and bring your friends and family back on your next visit to the Paso Robles Wine Country.

How Hunt Cellars Wines Differ from Others
There are many different wineries in the Paso Robles area; few compare to the quality of Hunt Cellars. Hunt uses only the best and rarest mountain grown fruit to produce the best harvest of grapes. Their vineyard’s location has been specifically chosen for its composition and diversity – every step of the production process is designed so Hunt Cellars produces the highest caliber of wine for you to enjoy.

HUNTCELLARS.COM


SAM LANDO - LANDO WINES – TALKS ABOUT AN UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENT THAT WILL SUPPORT THE LAKE COUNTY FIRE VICTIMS

RAISE THE ROOF - SONOMA WINE COUNTRY CARES 
Fundraising event to support the Lake County Fire victims

Saturday, October 3
4pm - 8pm
Sonoma Jet Center - 6000 Flightline Dr, Santa Rosa

Join us for a special evening of wine tasting presented by local vintners, succulent bites presented by local restaurants and chefs, and a special silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind wine lots and chef/restaurant experiences. Enjoy an evening with new and old friends while donating to this important cause.

Net proceeds of the ticket and silent auction proceeds from this event will be contributed to the Redwood Credit Union Lake County Fire Relief Fund.

Featured Chefs and Restaurants:
Valette Restaurant - Dustin Valette
Zazu Farm + Kitchen - Duskie Estes and John Stewart
Guy Fieri
The Battery - Nicolai Lipscomb
Costeaux French Bakery
El Sombrero
Rosso Pizzeria + Wine Bar
Catelli's Restaurant

Participating Wineries:
Arista Winery
Bruliam Wines
Bucher Winery
Colby Red
Davis Family Winery
Donelan Wines
Hirsch Vineyards
Holdredge Wines
Joseph Swan Vineyards
Kanzler Vineyards
Kistler Vineyards
Kokumi Winery
Lando Wines
Limerick Lane Cellars
Lombardi Wines
Mauritson Winery
Ramey Wine Cellars
Rochioli Winery
Smith-Story Wine Cellars
Williams Selyem

Participating Brewery/Beer Vendors
Bear Republic
Eagle Distributing

RAISETHEROOF2015.BROWNPAPERTICKETS.COM

ABOUT SAM AND LANDO WINES:
Sam Lando started his career working for some of the large global wine producers, and soon identified his true love of working with and enjoying Pinot Noir.

While his emphasis was sales and marketing, he realized early on the need to understand as much as possible about differing winemaking and viticulture techniques. After working with and becoming friends with some of the best new world wine producers, it was a natural evolution to begin hobby winemaking.

After working for five years with Kosta Browne Winery, he departed at the end of 2012. His work with dear friends was a deeply rewarding experience...personally and professionally. They worked (and played) so well together because of a love and passion for what they did. In addition to their shared affliction for Pinot, they enjoyed the company of great people and food.

In the middle of the 2012 vintage, Sam and his wife Jennifer decided to make the leap and takethe winemaking hobby to the next level. They borrowed against their savings and began building the foundation to develop a small Pinot Noir focused winery. The goal is to make intense, yet elegant and balanced wines from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations. We push ourselves to make great wines that we enjoy drinking and take great pride in sharing with our dear friends.
Thanks for taking the time to learn about us and we hope to share our Pinot’s with you soon.

WWW.LANDOWINES.COM