The 2015 Blanc de Blancs from Frank Family Vineyards is a delightfully delicious sparkling wine. Made in the style of the Champagne method, it has everything a good sparkling wine needs: festive bubbles, lots of flavor and great finesse and quality.

One always needs a bottle of bubbles on hand for special celebrations, and this 2015 Carneros Blanc de Blancs ($55) fits the bill. What would life be without a glass of sparkling wine?
Frank Family Vineyards has a beautiful tasting room in the winery’s original yellow artisan house. It has been voted “Best Napa Winery” by the Bay Area A-List eight years in a row.
On your next trip to Napa, don’t miss this one. Their motto is “Great Wine Happens Every Day”, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Frank Family Vineyards, 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga. 707-942-0859.

Brewed coffee

Steeped Coffee, a Santa Cruz-based coffee bag maker, is teaming up with Emmy Award-winning chef Nick Stellino to launch its Nick Stellino Fair Trade Certified Italian Coffee, an organic medium/dark roast blend.
“This coffee is taken sip by sip and savored with a smile on your face,” says Stellino. Steeped Coffee’s handy little bags of great tasting coffee are perfect for travel, camping trips and more. I use these at home when I want a quick, hearty brew. All you need is a cup and hot water to pour over the bag. Here is! You have an excellent cup of fresh coffee! steepedcoffee.com.

La Selva Beach Spice Company

We have a spice company right on our doorstep, La Selva Beach Spice Company. I recently purchased a large bag of turmeric powder and noticed it was locally packaged. The company also packages pure ancient Himalayan sea salt, ginger powder, chili flakes, peppercorns and other types of seasonings. This family business claims to use “all natural ingredients, no gross stuff”. Good to know, and spicy news, indeed!
La Selva Beach Spice Company, 453 McQuaide Drive, Watsonville. 831-724-4500; laselvabeachspice.com.

Fredericksburg, Texas would be worth a visit just to take in the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country in the spring and soak up its German heritage. But the main draw of the city, about 70 miles from Austin or San Antonio, is its reputation as the epicenter of the Texas wine scene.

With over 100 wineries, it would be impossible to visit them all in one trip, but here are a few to set you off on a memorable odyssey through a booming wine region.

Kalasi Cellars

At this 16-acre winery, guests are greeted by Dalai the Lama. That’s the first clue that this isn’t your ordinary vineyard. At nearly 6 feet tall and 300 pounds, he might look a bit intimidating, but as long as you don’t mess around with the adorable Southdown Babydoll Sheep, you should get along just fine.

Another conversation starter is the yellow and red auto-rickshaw parked outside the tasting room, a nod to Nikhila Narra Davis’ Indian heritage. She owns the winery with her husband Greg Davis, who is often spotted driving around the property in the three-wheeled vehicle emblazoned with the Kalasi elephant logo.

Inside the tasting room, wine lovers sip iconic dry reds while munching on Indian snacks. Some play it safe by selecting Malbec and Merlot, while adventurous drinkers choose the Reincarnation collection which features less familiar varietals and uncommon winemaking techniques.

The 2017 Re d’Italia reserve is a must. A triumvirate of Italian grape varieties, including the obscure Teroldego, blend together like the three tenors of an Italian opera. Lively notes of blackberry and plum mingle with hints of clove and anise.

The Davises are happy to answer any questions you have about wines, but don’t ask about terroir, a term that refers to how a region’s climate gives grapes their character. Winemakers are far too polite to roll their eyes, but they don’t care much about what they say is a romanticized concept.

“It’s a fancy word often used in marketing, but ultimately it’s following good practices in the vineyard that makes good wine,” Nikhila said.

That’s why Kalasi wines are 100% estate grown, meaning all grapes are grown on their own vineyard in the high plains of Texas. This gives winemakers more control over practices, such as pruning and harvesting, that affect the quality of the final product. (1-830-992-3037, kalasicellars.com.)

Auguste Wine

Augusta Vin’s Grand Tour begins with an outdoor ride through sprawling, verdant vineyards, where 10 sun-kissed, mostly French varietals of grapes hang gracefully from leafy vines under clear blue skies.

Guests eventually arrive at the production facility, where tour guide and sommelier Molly Galbraith explains the winemaking process. She breaks down the science behind fermentation and visitors learn how aging in oak barrels imparts complex, layered flavors.

Galbraith says the region is experiencing an exciting wine renaissance. “It’s the Wild West of wine. We’ve got a lot of real maverick winemakers here who are trying really cool, funky, forward-thinking things, and they’re recognized internationally.”

Speaking of recognition, Augusta Vin’s 2017 Petite Sirah and 2017 Tannat both won gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Tannat is Texas in a glass. The punchy, tannin-rich grape historically grown in southwestern France is unknown to many Americans, but in Texas it can be found in nearly every tasting room as it thrives in the warm climate. When you dig into a big plate of Texas barbecue, tannat is your friend.

The best part of the visit is the tasting on the mezzanine overlooking the production area. Start with a glass of sparkling rosé rosé with white peach undertones, and move on to gorgeous dry reds. You can keep this lovely engraved tasting glass as a souvenir. (1-830-307-1007, augustavin.com.)

Wild Seed Farms

From the patio of Wildseed’s tasting room, a couple sampled the popular Albarino, a crisp white with notes of honeydew and lemongrass, while admiring a vast carpet of fragrant bluebonnets stretching almost to the horizon .

The 200-acre wildflower farm, considered the largest in the country, now grows grapes alongside the flowers. The wine portfolio is modest but growing. This year, the farm will plant 12 acres of Malbec, Grenache and two Cabernet clones.

In the meantime, red wine lovers can savor the 2019 High Plains Tempranillo, the best-selling red. Due to its leathery notes, some call it a “bottled cowboy”, but the full-bodied wine is balanced by dark fruit.

Here you can drink in the fleeting glory of spring in the Hill Country. A mile-long trail takes hikers through fields of brilliant wildflowers. Butterfly gardens and ponds teeming with koi carp the color of a Texas sunset entice visitors to linger in this enchanting garden, where the wonders of nature and the lure of wine intersect. (1-830-990-6684, wildseedfarms.com.)

Tracey Teo is an Indiana-based travel writer.

Fredericksburg, TX

Getting There : Nonstop flights from Minneapolis to San Antonio and Austin. Fredericksburg is a 1-2 hour drive from either airport.

Where to stay: Blacksmith Quarters on Barons Creek offers luxurious and unique cottages in downtown Fredericksburg (1-830-998-1981, vacasa.com/usa/Blacksmith-Quarters).

Where to eat: Eaker Barbecue serves traditional Texas barbecue with a Korean twist (1-830-992-3650, eakerbarbecue.com).

Tourist information : More information, including wine tours, is available at Visit Fredericksburg (1-830-997-6523, visitfredericksburgtx.com).

When we think of high-quality wine produced in the United States, we think first of California. However, Arizona vineyards are gaining in prestige and more and more wineries continue to enter the market, producing unique, high quality wine. The warm climate and high altitude provide a good environment for growing grapes. With low temperatures in the 40s and 50s and high temperatures in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit), the climate is similar to wine regions like Spain, Italy and southern France. As California becomes increasingly impacted by climate change, Arizona will gain prominence in the domestic wine market.

Tasting rooms are springing up in Old Town Scottsdale, where you can start exploring these wonderful Arizona wines. You can taste a flight or choose a drink while discovering the grape varieties and wineries. Bring home a bottle or two or join a wine club to keep the good flavors coming.

1. Merkin Vineyards

Maynard James Keenan of the rock band Tool moved to Jerome, Arizona in 1995 and decided to settle there. He discovered that the area was perfect for growing grapes and making wine. He now owns Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards with his wife, Jennifer. The vineyards cover 110 acres in Wilcox, in the southeast corner of Arizona, and near Jerome, north of Phoenix. They ship wine across the United States and you can taste and buy it in Jerome and Old Town Scottsdale.

The Old Town Restaurant is located just off the Scottsdale waterfront on Stetson Drive. Merkin Vineyards strives to provide a complete Arizona experience with its wine paired with local foods. They rely on Mother Nature to provide the perfect combination of fresh ingredients. They grow most of the menu ingredients in their gardens and orchards in the Verde Valley. What they cannot grow themselves, they buy from local farmers.

The menu ranges from small plates and charcuterie boards to pastas and pizzas. My favorites are the lasagna cupcake and the mango chutney burrata. Nothing pairs better with a good red wine than a warm brownie with peanut butter ganache and Merkin ice cream.

The Caduceus and Merkin brands offered included six varieties of white, three rosé and ten red wines. You can choose a flight and enjoy a nice sample or order a glass or bottle of your favorite. My standard choice is the Merkin Tarzan Red, a delicious blend of 65% Tempranillo and 35% Garnacha. Merkin’s friendly staff are always ready to help you decide.

The dark wood interior gives the impression of being in an elegant wine cellar. The U-shaped bar offers plenty of seating to chat with the bartender. Two large rectangular tables welcome a group of wine lovers. When the weather is warm, the large windows along Stetson Drive make little four-tops the perfect spot.

2. Arizona Bastion

Arizona Stronghold is another vineyard that takes advantage of the terrain in Wilcox, Arizona. They believe that the “wild and fierce” land of the high country here creates an ideal environment for the production of a multitude of delicious wines. They also include grapes from all over the region in making their high quality wine. Grapes need to be tough to survive in the desert, and Arizona Stronghold thinks that adds to their unique flavor.

The tasting room is a small storefront on Marshall Way. The patio, with its handful of tables and vertical heat lamps, is a great place to spend a warm evening watching people go by. You can also perch on benches around tables inside while admiring a vineyard mural on dark red walls.

Choose a white or red wine flight consisting of six 1.5-ounce pours for $15 and compare the different varietals. I enjoyed the Provisioner red wine enough to bring home a bottle. They call their supplier “wine for the people” and believe they capture the soul of Arizona, reminiscent of the frontier-era small town general store. You can take a cheese or charcuterie board to allow you to continue enjoying the wine.

Pro tip: Watch this video for an overview of what Provisioner wine offers.

3. Arid

The name Laughed at comes from the Latin word for “dry”. Located in the dry, high-altitude part of southeastern Arizona, this family business has converted a 28,000 square foot apple warehouse into one of the largest wineries in the state. They combine grapes grown on their 40-acre vineyard with grapes from other vineyards in Arizona, New Mexico and California. They have strived to use organic and sustainable practices wherever possible, including drip irrigation.

The Aridus Tasting Room sits among the Main Street art galleries. Chandeliers above the bar, jazz music in the background, lighted tables and flowers give the room a sophisticated and elegant vibe. You can perch at one of the four intimate high tables spread between the walls lined with wine bottles. A space behind the bar with a long table is suitable for large gatherings.

Our server had spent many years working in the California wine country and was very knowledgeable about the art of wine making in both states. My husband and I enjoyed the red wine sampler which was four 2oz pours for $20. Each wine had a rich flavor and it was hard to pick a favourite. When I made the reservation I was able to request a charcuterie board and it was ready when we arrived.

By joining the wine club, you can receive eight bottles of their latest spring and fall vintages. You can choose a mixture of red and white wines or only red wines. The wine club also includes discounts and free wine tastings.

4. Carlson Creek

The Carlson family planted their first 7 acres of grapes in 2009. Their vineyards gradually grew to 280 acres near Wilcox, Arizona. The elevation of 4,200 feet offers warm days and cool nights similar to southern France and Argentina. As they grew, the family added more varietals and then a winery and tasting room. They often sell their grapes to 10 other wineries and craft 11 varietals themselves.

You can now taste their local wine in a tasting room along Marshall Way that feels like you’re in the middle of the vineyards. The long bar rests on wine barrels on a wooden plank floor. A pewter ceiling reflects light onto sofas and high tables, perfect for chatting wine with friends.

You can choose the five-sample tasting for $12 or choose a full glass of your favorite. For an additional fee, you can even take home your glass as a souvenir. A wonderful $15 cheese platter with artisan cheese, meat, olives and nuts helps keep your palate fresh.

Carlson Creek also hosts wine tasting classes and wine pairing events. You can join the Wine Society and receive 12 bottles of a blend of red, white and rosé wines or your choice of varietals. You can also enjoy free tastings and a discount on other purchases.

Pro tip: The space is a converted art gallery and you can always find beautiful artwork for sale on the walls.

5. LDV Vineyard

When LDV owners Curt Dunham and Peggy Fiandaca decided to start a winery, they found the perfect conditions in the southeast corner of Arizona near the Chiricahua Mountains. Their desired conditions included a mountainous environment, crystal clear water, good drainage, volcanic soil, and land that had never experienced commercial agriculture. This transformed them from ardent wine collectors into enthusiastic winemakers.

The LDV Tasting Room is just a few feet from the South Bridge on Scottsdale’s waterfront. The large patio is surrounded by a fence made of whole barrels and barrel staves – perfect for a chilly day or warm evening. Three different wine flights are offered for $15 each and they include three varietals, which change periodically. A full glass or bottle is also available for sale.

LDV offers the Sky Islander Wine Club which offers three tiers of benefits along with special events listed on their website. Check out their short blog posts, including a short video, with monthly wine tips, including what wine to pair with Girl Scout cookies and how to prepare for a party.

6. Salvatore Vineyards

Named after the grandfather of their winemaker Jason Domanico, Salvatore Vineyards focuses on meticulously crafted wines in small batches. The Domanico family originated from Sicily and Calabria, Italy. The logo on the wine bottles combines elements of the crests of these two areas. Passion Cellars, the winery, was created to capitalize on the expansion of winemaking in Arizona. The vineyard focuses on fruity white wines and complex red wines. They are setting aside their best grapes to age longer for a reserve run under the Salvatore label.

You can find the Tasting Room across from the Bronze Horse Fountain near the Scottsdale waterfront. A long bar allows you to contemplate the rows of wine bottles while chatting with your server. There are also a handful of small tables under the beautiful, colorful art that adorns the walls. Various flavors of oil and vinegar are also on sale.

A visit to Scottsdale is the perfect time to sample Arizona’s growing wine scene. The Old Town Tasting Rooms provide a wonderful experience where you can begin your learning about the wonderful varietals of Arizona. You’ll probably be tempted to join one of the wine clubs to bring these flavors to friends back home.

The program offers courses and certifications for wine beginners, connoisseurs and service professionals

– The Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) program in Paso Robles, which has already helped hundreds of Paso Robles wine industry professionals earn their certifications, returns with in-person classes this spring at Broken Earth Winery, including the WSET Level 3 award in Wines, one of the most rigorous and respected wine certifications in the industry.

The internationally recognized program is the only fully approved resident WSET program in Paso Robles. A satellite of The Wine House, the program offers courses and certifications for wine beginners, connoisseurs, service professionals and advanced wine students. The program is considered one of the most prestigious wine industry qualifications in the world.

Course Levels 1, 2 and 3 will be offered this year: The WSET Level 1 Introductory Wine Course is a six-hour course that establishes a solid foundation of wine education, culminating in a certification exam. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wine delves deep into a wider world of wine through blind tasting, winemaking, culture and a wide range of appellations, while the Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits covers major wine regions of the world in more depth and includes a more detailed study of viticulture and winemaking.

“I am very excited to once again help wine professionals and wine enthusiasts in the Paso Robles/SLO area advance their wine education with local, in-person access to the WSET program and certifications, as well as ‘to the wide range of wines from around the world that are part of every course,’ said Melanie Webber, who leads and teaches the Paso Robles program.

Webber has been teaching wine certification in Paso for three years, helping industry professionals become certified, including winery owners, winemakers, chefs, tasting room managers and staff, as well as those who are reorienting their career towards wine. She holds the Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, as well as French Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar certifications from The Wine Scholar Guild. She is certified by WSET’s rigorous Educator Training Program to teach WSET L1, L2 and L3. She has also taught the French Wine Scholar and Diploma WSET courses in Los Angeles.

“WSET’s world-class certifications program is excellent and rigorous, but Melanie makes learning accessible, fun and engaging, while ensuring deep understanding. Melanie’s courses are essential learning for anyone serious about developing their wine education,” said Neeta Mittal, founder and owner of LXV Wine in Paso Robles.

Paso Robles WSET In-Person Classes:

WSET Level One Award in Wines – Tuesday March 29 – Link to register here.

A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a career in wine or with an interest in wine, it explores the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell and taste, while teaching the basic skills to accurately describe wines and create wine pairings, as well as wine service and etiquette. A suggested prerequisite for WSET L2, it includes a printed study guide, a 10-wine tasting, food pairing exercises, and an exam fee. Successful applicants receive a certificate and a pin for the internationally recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.

WSET Level Two in Wines Awards – Monday/Tuesday March 14-15 and Exam March 28 – Link to register here.

Designed as vocational product knowledge training for those employed in the beverage industry, the qualification is suitable wherever a good level of product knowledge is required to underpin professional skills and competence. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course is also suitable for those who are not employed in the beverage industry but want a serious education in wine and want to expand their knowledge in a structured way. The course includes tastings of over 30 wines.

WSET Level Three Award in Wines May 2, 3, 16, 17, 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Exam on June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Link to register here or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

An advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for serious wine lovers.
For those wishing to delve deeply into the world of wines, Level 3 provides a detailed understanding of viticulture and winemaking. Open to students who hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, or who can demonstrate intermediate level knowledge by completing equivalent training courses, or who have sufficient experience in the wine business. The course covers the wines of the world in depth (over 35 hours) and tastings of over 70 wines. This qualification has a minimum requirement of 84 hours of study time, including 30 hours of classroom time.

Related

March 4, 2022 – From the Ser Tasting Room and Cat and Cloud’s terrace, the view of the ocean was magnificent, as stray slivers of sunlight made their way to the water through a thin veil of overcast sky. A perfect day for wine tasting in the charming town of Aptos offered 14 stops with 18 wineries that showed the region’s depth and breadth in Burgundy varietals, with a few surprises.

It also proved that you can very quickly spend an entire afternoon exploring all the nifty shops and tasting rooms in this very compact but diverse city. Who among us hasn’t bought something from Magnolia or Warmth? Or Caroline’s thrift store? It had been so long since I had shopped in person, I had forgotten the thrill of touching an exotic fabric, instead of trusting a questionably generated online review with suspicious spelling. Add a few ounces of alcohol and the urge to make an acquisition is irresistible.

My friend Connie could have opted for the indigo cashmere scarf, but the matching hat perched above on the mannequin was more practical. With a splash of Twelve Stones Pinot Noir in the glasses of the crowd gathered at Magnolia, she modeled several others, but the vote was the blue and white boater. Group shopping may be a bit too much of an incentive to spend money, but it’s a bit like walking the runway at a fashion show.

Magnolia Gifts & Gallery has such a compelling collection of candles that we couldn’t help but get sucked into that olfactory rat hole, though the hash, leather and black currant scented numbers may have left too much of a lasting impression. Warmth & Co is no less inviting, where irresistibly soft bathrobes, socks, linens and sleepwear encourage blissful sleep. There is something about the caterpillar.

But back to wine. We started at the Sante Arcangeli Tasting Room, where Alex Baker and his father, Chris, prepared the Aptos Vineyard range. The 2020 DaLarDi Pinot Noir rosé was well received and the 2018 DaLarDi Pinot Noir and Lester Vineyard Syrah, all made by John Benedetti, were highly appreciated.

On the lighter and brighter side, the 2019 Integrato Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from John Benedetti of Sante Arcangeli, delivered skill and articulation. They positively soared. The Chardonnay is all wildflowers, with a touch of honey, Meyer lemon, nectarine and quince. Pinot’s delicious strawberry and rhubarb flavors are downright cheerful. Benedetti shared that he finds Chardonnay difficult to make sometimes — a few hits, a few misses — but really likes this one.

Next, we drove to Ser, where we feasted on Arroyo Seco’s magnificent 2019 Vermentino, while admiring the brilliant metallic foil-accented paintings by local artist Hannah Baldrige. Primarily ocean scenes, with skies ranging from soothing to eerie, these come to life as light hits the fine lines of silver, gold and copper, creating bursts of drama.

Without a doubt, Pinot Noir was the star of this wine walk, and I could easily name a dozen that were stellar or approaching that designation.

Top of the list would be the 2018 Twelve Stones Pinot Noir, made by Peter Kirchner (Coastal Range Vineyards) from fruit grown in Affie and Karen Munshi’s Scotts Valley estate, a wine that’s seriously eye-catching, d especially since it was made of 100% new French oak (François Frères). The Pommard and the 777 on this site make a strong impression. The 2019, made from 75% new barrels, was extremely spicy and a little more racy, but the wood was much more important. It takes time. This is a label to watch out for.

The 2018 Domaine La Vida Bella Pinot Noir was an all-time favorite in my group, for its finesse, fine aging and perfect balance, a deliciously seductive wine that invites contemplation. The same goes for the 2018 Charmant Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, named by Connie as a wine you want to spend the last half of the evening with, rather than something you gloat over while cooking dinner. We place Lester’s Domingo Pinot Noir 2018 in the latter category, with its accessible, expansive dark fruit and just-right acidity.

Winemaker Brandon Armitage knows how to capture the essential energy of Pinot Noir in a way that delivers a wild, raw taste. Although served a little too hot, a crime against this varietal, the 2019 Meadowridge Vineyard Pinot Noir was impressive, with its core of sweet red plum jam woven with pomegranate, red cherry and a decided touch of cinnamon, nutmeg and five Asian spices.

Served at the right temperature, the Big Basin Vineyards 2019 Coastview Vineyard Pinot Noir was like a hawk soaring from the glass and hovering over your tongue, landing gracefully and coating it with delicious bursts of red currant and cranberry- raspberry. Its energy is unmistakable: it is the Pinot Noir that catches your attention. The racy acid sends it flying high long after the satisfying finale is no longer a memory. A masterfully orchestrated wine.

The chardonnay is understated in this AVA, as the pinot noir often overshadows its more subtle nuances. Although there were few, those we tried were beautiful, delicate and charming, including the 2019 Charmant from Tondré Grapefields (SLH), the aforementioned 2019 Integrato from Benedetti (all SLH fruits) and the Stellar Big Basin Howard Family Chardonnay 2019. Vineyard, close to perfection in its weight, juiciness and exceptional balance of fruit and oak.

For those with a preference for weight and weight, there were a few fair Syrahs: looking at you, Lester Vineyards. And Big Basin Vineyards’ 2018 Wirz Vineyard Carignane which is such a fun blend of sweet fruit and vegetal undertones, creating a cooking wine that’s broadly appealing to vegetable stews and bean dishes. My group universally adored the striking 2018 Left Bend Cabernet Franc from Camel Hill Vineyard on Bear Creek Road, with its essence of red fruits, cedar and satiny tannins.

Although it was impossible to get to all of the stops unless you did a hard march and didn’t linger to chat with the people at the winery or the winemaking legend, Tom Stutz, or s’ stopping to listen to the music of guitarist Ed Lane, who was playing in front of Cantine, the overall impression was of excellent, high quality wines with an appealing breadth of expression.

The Santa Cruz Mountains have it all, and Aptos is definitely a worthy destination for tourist money. But where do you stay if you are visiting and want to spend the night here?

Which brings us to that all-important question: why hasn’t anyone restored the Bayview Hotel yet?

The Central Coast’s Pali Wine Co. establishes a second location in San Diego and opens another tasting room and restaurant in Hillcrest where it will replace Oscar Wilde’s Irish pub on University Avenue. The space consists of a 2,000 square foot restaurant matched with an equally sized patio and is slated to open in early 2023 after a renovation.

Comprised of three wine brands: Pali, which focuses on premium pinot noir and chardonnay, tower 23 single varietal wines, and Neighborhood, which focuses on wine blends, the Lompoc-based winery operates a handful of outposts across the state, including in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Anaheim. Since 2016, Pali Wine Co. has run a satellite spot on India Street in Little Italy that includes a tasting bar, rooftop lounge, and front and back patios.

Executive chef Travis Clifford (Market, Fernside) tells Eater that the restaurant component of the Hillcrest location will be more comprehensive, with improved dishes and expanded offerings. In Little Italy, Clifford’s current seasonal menu includes wine-friendly plates like cumin-roasted carrots with miso and apple butter, bacon-wrapped dates and braised Spanish meatballs. Both locations will offer weekend brunch.

Mike Spilky of Location Matters, who negotiated the lease for tenant and landlord, says the University Avenue space was particularly coveted because it has scarce on-site parking.

ST. HELENA, California – February 17, 2022 – Chappellet vineyard announced today that Oscar Riveiro Woolsey has been named the winery’s new Director of Client Services. In this role, Riveiro Woolsey will lead Chappellet’s 15-person hospitality team and report directly to General Manager David Francke. As Director of Guest Services, Riveiro Woolsey will oversee all guest services at Chappellet, including its wine club, events program, concierge services and the winery’s famous tasting room on Pritchard. Hill.

Riveiro Woolsey, who was born in Spain, holds a degree in modern languages ​​from the University of Roehampton, London, and is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, with conversation skills in French and in Italian. He also holds an associate’s degree in wine marketing and sales from Napa Valley College. He began his career as a section manager for the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey group in London, England, before becoming general manager of the Villa Virginia hotel in the Maipo Valley of Chile, where he developed a program of very successful strategic alliance with Concha. y Toro, and has organized luxury wine and food tours in the region. Following his passion for wine, Riveiro Woolsey moved to Napa Valley in 2007, where he brought his experience in luxury goods and hospitality to the wine industry as a hospitality manager for Ehlers Estate, Retail Sales Manager for Luna Vineyard and most recently as Direct to Consumer Manager for all PlumpJack Group wine operations.

In discussing his new role at Chappellet, Riveiro Woolsey cites his belief in the importance of building long-term relationships and developing unforgettable wine experiences that create a deeper connection to the heritage of over 50 years. from Chappellet on Pritchard Hill. “Chappellet is an institution,” said Riveiro Woolsey. “As a multi-generational family winery, Chappellet embodies everything I love about wine. The family is passionately committed to the environment and cares deeply about the land they have stewarded for over half a century. Because the land defines the greatest wines, it is their intimate connection with their famous Pritchard Hill vineyard that has established the wines of Chappellet as world references.

“The future of Chappellet, and wineries like ours, depends on building meaningful and lasting relationships with our customers,” said Managing Director David Francke. “It requires having a customer-centric culture that cultivates and values ​​those relationships. As with our viticulture and winemaking programs, we are always striving to evolve, improve and raise the bar to new heights. Oscar is an accomplished leader, strategic thinker and ambassador, with a wealth of experience in luxury goods, hospitality, events and fine wines. When I think of what Oscar will bring to our customer service program, I remember a quote from Vince Lombardi that Donn Chappellet loved. “Perfection is not attainable, but if we pursue perfection, we can catch excellence.”

About Chappellet

In 1967, on the advice of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, the Chappellet family moved to the steep slopes of Pritchard Hill© and founded Chappellet, becoming Napa Valley’s second post-prohibition winery. As pioneers in planting vineyards at high altitudes, Chappellet has been recognized for crafting benchmark wines with an emphasis on mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, while establishing Pritchard Hill as one of the great wine regions of the world. In 2017, Chappellet celebrated its 50^and birthday as

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Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary events:

monday 14 february

Valentine’s Day Dinner (Dine-In and To-Go)

From sparkling candlelit dinners to fun and tasty nights out on the town, check out our guide to Valentine’s Day restaurants; or find pre-order and take-out options with steaks, chocolate, bubbles and romance in our guide to take-out restaurants for Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is trash at Angel Share

Downtown Charity Bar angel sharing, 924 Congress, will host “Valentine’s Day is Trash”, an anti-Valentine’s Day celebration. Come sip $6 Rum Old Fashioneds and Negronis, plus all kinds of Drink Yo Feelings cocktails. All of the February charities are animal-focused in honor of our Queen Betty White, so everyone can find a little heart there.

Galentine Festival in Julep

Julep1919 Washington, joins forces with his friends at Saint-Germain to organize a Galentine’s Day Flower Wreath Class from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy a welcome glass of champagne, St. German or Four Roses cocktail and dessert bar, plus a making lesson of flower crowns for $20 per person. [email protected] to reserve a spot.

Valentine’s Day BOGO Kolache at Kolache Factory

Kolache plant will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a “Buy one and get one free” offer, valid on all kolache (except Polish varieties and specialties), including kolache of the month February – Crème de strawberry or cherry hazelnut drizzled with Nutella.

From Tuesday 15 February

EatDrinkHTX to benefit the Houston Food Bank

The Cleverley Stone Foundation’s Houston Food Bank’s Newest Benefit Event, EatDrinkHTX, will take place from Tuesday February 15 to Monday February 28. Similar to Houston Restaurant Weeks but with a lower price tag, the two-week fundraiser will focus on the casual and fast-casual restaurant category. So far, the list of participating restaurants includes NoPo Cafe, KP’s Kitchen, Ciro’s Italian Grill, Osso & Kristalla, Thai Cottage, Rim Tannon, Fadi’s Mediterranean, Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co., Saigon Hustle, Sunday Press and more. Special prix fixe menus are $15 for lunch and brunch (of which $1 is donated) and between $20 and $25 for dinner (of which $2 and $3 are donated). Proceeds will go to the Houston Food Bank and the Star of Hope Mission.

Thursday February 17

Blind Wine Tasting with Black Door Wine Club

In honor of National Drinking Wine Day, Black Gate Wine Clubhoused inside The tasting room at 818 Town and Country, will host a blind wine tasting at 6 p.m. . E-mail [email protected] for reservations.

Sunday February 20

Beer and Steak at Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Urban Harvest will host its first old-fashioned fundraiser for steak, Beer & Steakat Saint Arnold Brewery, Lyon 2000, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Chefs Graham Laborde (Winnie’s) and Jess Timmons will keep the menu simple and traditional: sliced ​​beef, jus and The Bread Man to soak it all up. The beer will be supplied by the Saint Arnold Brewing Company and will include a special strawberry brew from local Urban Harvest supplier Atkinson Farms. Tickets are $150 per person while supplies last, including a souvenir apron and beer glass, unlimited food, and open taps. All proceeds benefit Urban Harvest.

New and current promotions

Black History Month Specials at Dessert Gallery

Dessert Gallery3600 Kirby, launched a new line of cookies in honor of Black Houstonians, with ten percent of the proceeds going to The Theater Ensemble, the Houston theater created to preserve African-American artistic expression while illuminating a diverse audience. Local honorees include Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, “Great Day Houston” host Deborah Duncan, Reverend and civil rights activist Bill Lawson and Olympian Simone Biles.

Crawfish season

Bobcat Teddy Cooler2803 White Oak, will be hosting Bagzz of Bugzz for mudbug boils every Thursday through Sunday during crawfish season.

Live Oak Bar & Grill10444 Hempstead, will offer crawfish at market price from Friday to Sunday.

Get real Louisiana-style mudbugs at Orleans seafood cuisine20940 Katy Freeway, for $9.99 a pound.

Celebrating over Richmond1613 Richmond, brings back the mudbugs, starting Saturday, Feb. 19 and every Saturday (by the pound) and Sunday ($35 all you can eat while supplies last) during the season.

Astrology Series at Sprinkles

To start 2022, Asparagus has teamed up with the astrology app Sanctuary for a cosmic cupcake collaboration. Throughout the year, Sprinkles will unveil a new cupcake for each zodiac sign, with Sanctuary as the expert astrology guide; kicking things off with the Aquarius cupcake, a caramel cupcake filled with miso caramel and finished with cream cheese frosting. The cupcakes will be available for a limited time at each bakery for local delivery and pickup.

Virginia and wine have a long history, dating back to the pre-Nation days of Thomas Jefferson and others. Only recently, however, has the Commonwealth once again become famous for wine, beginning to attract tourists in the same way as places like Sonoma and the Texas hill country To do.

No, Virginia doesn’t boast sheer numbers of wineries like states like Washington and California do, but it’s home to a rapidly growing scene. And with 8 AVAs and over 250 wineries, the scene is both respectable and varied. In short, Virginia should be a state you now associate with quality wine, whether it’s a Bordeaux-style red blend or a compelling white like Petit Manseng.

One of the best reasons to check out Virginia wine right now because it’s still figuring out what it is. Quality has been in vogue here for several years now, but as the winemakers still have a good grasp of the climate and soil types, there are many interesting experiments underway. This results in a one-of-a-kind tasting experience for consumers. Better you can say you did it before the fame set in, which is almost surely on the way.

It’s a scenic atmosphere, with varied terrain and welcoming labels eager to show off and show you what they’ve been up to. America’s oldest grape variety, Norton, was born here and turns out to be more than just a breakfast juice grape. There are great versions of old vintages like Chardonnay and Merlot as well as distinctive versions of lesser-known wines like Viognier or Petit Verdot. As a business group, Virginia wine said, the scene is located halfway between California and Europe and epitomizes this place – “like perfect spoken French with a slight southern streak.”

Here are the wineries and tasting rooms you should frequent in Virginia, play a few places to eat and stay if you decide to extend your visit. If you can’t get there in person, look for these names at your local bottle store or see if they can ship directly to your home country.

King Family Vineyards

Located in the Monticello AVA near Charlottesville (and Jefferson’s former haunt), King Family Vineyards was first planted in 1998. Since then, the label has become known for its lovely Cab Franc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot and even some sparkling wines. Increasingly, the cellar is producing inventive nuggets in small cuvées, such as a recent skin-fermented Viognier with lots of structure. A number of tasting options are available, including a foray into the estate’s rows of vines and production facility.

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Michael Shaps Vineyard

Michael Shaps is one of those names on the contemporary Virginia wine tour that everyone in the area knows. He is one of the most decorated winemakers in the state and was trained in Burgundy, where he continues to run a twin winery. In its Virginia outpost, you’ll find elegant blends and memorable versions of varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, Roussanne, Tannat, and more, including some dessert wines. There are two places in Charlottesville where visitors can take home his local work, as well as some of the wines he made overseas or enjoyed and imported.

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First mountain vineyards

Located in Madison, Virginia, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Early Mountain Vineyards offers a great insight into the Virginia wine scene. In addition to its own esteemed line of wines, the brand, launched by former America Online executives, offers a Best in State program that showcases wineries and producers from across the Commonwealth. Visitors will be amazed by the ambiance in addition to the wines, as the tasting room is one of the most welcoming in the country. Look for large quantities of wines like Chardonnay, Cab Franc and Rosé.

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868 Estate vineyards

Located in the Northern Virginia town of Purcellville, 868 Estate Vineyards is part of the Loudoun County Wine Trail. The decade-old project is set in 120 acres of biodiverse forests, vineyards, orchards and gardens. The estate offers a host of bites to pair with the wines, from snacks and flatbreads to weekend starters. Look for the Italian-style dessert wine called Passito, as well as Chardonnays made from both steel and wood, and fairly rare wines like Chambourcin, a Franco-American hybrid.

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skylight survey

Cool kids drink Lightwell Survey wines and it’s really no wonder. It all takes place in an old mill in Waynesboro, where clever blends and unique offerings like rosé wine made from grapes like Vidal Blanc and Blaufränkisch and others are poured. Tastings are intimate, allowing you to get a sense of the unique blends and understand the label’s rather daring approach. It’s at stops like this that you likely witness the future of Virginia’s wine scene, poured right into your glass.

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Beyond wine

Charlottesville is a great option for a long weekend in wine country, as more than 40 labels operate in and around the city. You can stay at a working vineyard in places like Tight Where Meriwether Sources, which even has its own brewery. There are pastoral joys around every corner in this part of Virginia, home to a thriving orchard and farming scene.

For food, eat in the heart of the Monticello wine route in Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards. In town, there is no shortage of good options, trattorias like Tavola at Feast! for great lunch options. Locals love southern cuisine at whiskey jar and as well as the aptly named Local, with an ever-changing menu. Skip to Tillman’s for a good old-fashioned wine and cheese pairing. Start the day off right with a good breakfast at blue moon dinner.

Editors’ Recommendations