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Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Soup with Bacon & Scallions
Chef Cary Delbridge, Brix Restaurant

Grilled Filet Mignon, Red Wine Mushroom Sauce
Chef Kevin Miller, The Vintage Estate
Chef Brandon Rosen, Redd

Potatoes Gratin Dauphinoise
Chef Ian deRouin, Bistro Jeanty

Lemon Thyme Roasted Root Vegetables
Chef Victor Scargle, Lucy at the Bardessono

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cream
Chef Perry Hoffman, etoile, Domaine Chandon

Freshly Baked Rolls
Chef Douglas Gregory, Bouchon  Bakery

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Grow, Feast Upon and Gift More Truffles!

something for everyone…

2015

Napa Truffle Festival

Grand and Epicurean Truffle Weekend Packages Now Available

Whether you’re growing, preparing, consuming or gifting,
the fifth annual Napa Truffle Festival offers something truffle for everyone!

CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE
..
truffle cultivation seminars • cooking demos • truffle orchard tour • dog training demos
exclusive winery lunches • wild mushroom forage • Truffles & Wine Dinner
and one big Marketplace!
..
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
..
Gift yourself, and the foodies in your life, a very special truffle weekend with a
Grand or Epicurean Truffle Weekend Package.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Friday, January 16

Scientic Grower Truffle Cultivation Seminar with truffle orchard tour and dog training demo

Designed for current and prospective truffle growers, this in-depth seminar provides a detailed technical overview of the science and methodology, as well as the economics involved in truffle cultivation. Presented by American Truffle Company’s Chief Scientist Dr. Paul Thomas and Managing Director Robert Chang, you will learn about the myriad of scientific factors one must consider to successfully grow truffles.

Dogs sniff things out! There is no better machine to sniff out mature truffles than the highly sensitive nose and the extreme mobility of a properly trained dog. Just like rigorous science is required for successful truffle cultivation, a scientific approach is key to effective truffle dog training. In the Friday seminar, ATC’s Master Dog Trainer Alana McGee will cover the science of canine truffle scent location and its practical implementation. On Saturday, Alana will demonstrate the main principles at Robert Sinskey Vineyard’s Truffle Orchard.

Includes: Scientific Grower Truffle Cultivation Seminar and buffet lunch on Friday, plus truffle orchard tour and dog training demonstration on Saturday. Winery Truffle Lunch at Peju Province Winery on Saturday available à la carte.

Saturday, January 17

All About Truffles

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery

Come learn all about truffles—the cuisine, the sex and the science! In this exciting, comprehensive primer about all things truffle, you will get tips on cooking with truffles from our Michelin star host chef Ken Frank who will discuss how to handle fresh truffles in the kitchen, as well as common myths and misconceptions about the various truffle species and “products.” You’ll also get a glimpse into the science of truffles with world-renowned truffle scientist Dr. Paul Thomas and truffle expert Robert Chang; plus why science plays a key role in how truffles are grown and harvested.

To round out the truffle day, our Master Dog Trainer Alana McGee will guide you through the fascinating and fun world of training dogs to harvest truffles, complete with a demonstration at a real truffle orchard, located at Robert Sinskey Vineyards.

You will be transported directly from the Westin to the fabulous Winery Truffle Lunch at Peju Province Winery, then on to the truffle orchard tour before returning to the Westin.

The complete day’s package includes: Continental Breakfast, All About Truffles Seminar, Truffle Orchard Tour and Dog Training Demonstration, and Winery Truffle Lunch & Wine Pairing at Peju Province Winery.

Take Your Truffled French Fries With a Grain of Salt

“Winter months are becoming milder and summer truffle fruiting seasons wider, so some species are moving northwards, and prices are likely to increase, ” explains Dr. Paul Thomas, Chief Scientist at the American Truffle Company and Director at Mycorrhiza Systems, England…As quoted in the HuffPo article by Maya Albanese.
Read the article…

.
Festival Packages/Tickets
Purchase your choices à la carte.

Grand Truffle Package
January 16-19
ultimate all-inclusive package
(does not include accommodations)
..
Epicurean Truffle Package
January 16 -19
includes all but the Truffles & Wine Dinner

Wild Mushroom Forage

Included in Grand or Epicurean Truffle Packages  (or sign up for waiting list)

SEMINARS

Scientific Grower Seminar
Friday, January 16
includes buffet lunch
and Saturday truffle orchard tour

All About Truffles
Saturday, January 17
truffle cuisine, myths and dogs
includes continental breakfast
(lunch optional)

Winery Truffle Lunches
Saturday, January 17
Peju Province Winery
tour, tasting and lunch

Sunday, January 18
St. Supéry Estate

Vineyards & Winery
cooking demo, tour, tasting and lunch

Truffles & Wine Dinner
.
Saturday, January 17
La Toque
multi-course dinner paired with wines
.
prepared by Michelin star chefs

and one big…
Marketplace
Monday, January 19
Oxbow Public Market
.showcasing local wines, artisan vendors
and specialty food products
.
à la carte truffle menus, wines, cooking demos
and a chance to win a black diamond (truffle)!
.
FREE ADMISSION

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Westin Verasa Napa Preferred Rates now available.

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A lot of us are trying to simplify; we don’t need more stuff. Happily, more and more people are gifting enlightening and inspirational experiences instead.

Lucky recipients of gifts from Yountville, Napa Valley, could reign over a winery for a day and depart with wine that they create; be surprised with their own restaurant for a night and its star-studded chef; dip into an cosseting wine-themed spa experience; drift away in a hot air balloon for two with views all the way to San Francisco Bay; or immerse themselves in chocolate alongside their own personal chocolate chef.

Here are some suggestions for stimulating experiences (and a few other inspiring goodies) from Wine Country, that your readers might enjoy giving, or receiving. Please let me know if I can get you images or more information on any of these gift ideas, all of which are sure to sparkle under the holiday tree.

What would life be without chocolate ornaments?
$75 
Dip into an exclusive chocolate workshop at artisanal Kollar Chocolates where you will hand-roll dark chocolate truffles or fashion chocolate ornaments alongside Chef Kollar himself.

No time to make your own? These are better than a chocolate Santa!
$30-$35
Kollar’s Rocher Christmas Tree (toasted slivered almonds covered in chocolate) is trimmed with crispy pearls and makes a sweet addition to a Holiday tablescape. The Cocoa Pod Reindeer Sled is a whimsical chocolate decoration with rocher antlers and chocolate-covered orange peel runners. www.kollarchocolates.com

One picture tells all: so much wine, so little time!
$250-$1,450
Wine lovers will relish this refreshing alternative to the usual wine gift – a cool giclee print on canvas or metal from an original oil painting by Napa Valley artist Gail Chandler. www.gallery1870.com

Redd Napa Valley restaurant is all yours
$12,300 (+ beverages)
A six-year Michelin-starred chef will cook dinner for you and your special someone when you buy out his Yountville restaurant for a night. Acclaimed Chef Richard Reddington creates an unforgettable food and wine experience. Image the look on your gift recipient’s face! www.reddnapavalley.com 

The Scents of Napa Valley
Environmentally friendly Turkish hamam towels
$18.95-$69.95
Traditional towels called peshtamals are woven on hand-looms and traditionally used in Turkish baths. These uniquely soft-and-cosseting towels come in a rainbow of colors and patterns in sizes from hand towels to Harem towels, 33″x61″, which can be used as a bath towel, tablecloth, throw or even a wrap. They take up less space the regular towels, dry quickly, and are a natural alternative to ordinary towels in bathrooms, pools, spas, beaches, the gym and for baby. A great stocking stuffer.

Wine Barrel Sink Vanities Turn Wine into Water!
$2000-$2500 + shipping
Washing up never had it so good. Choice of four vanity styles wrought in natural materials and real oak wine barrels, with basins of porcelain, stone or glass.
http://www.vmarketplace.com/gifts

Napa Valley Aloft –Your Own Private Balloon
From $440 for two (or $1100 in your own private basket for two)
The gift of romance for your someone special or for cherished friends: experience luxurious solitude as you float across the beautiful landscape of Napa Valley’s wine country. Check-in starts with pastries from Yountville’s noted Bouchon Bakery, followed by a bottle of Domaine Chandon sparkling in your basket to toast whatever special occasion you wish to celebrate, or simply celebrate life itself! The experience ends with a sit down brunch. www.Nvaloft.com

Goodies from Chef Thomas Keller’s Finesse, The Store
Salted Caramel Butter and Nottellem
$12-$14
Made by Bouchon Bakery’s pastry team in Yountville, one spread is a seamless marriage of sweet and salty used to sandwich caramel macarrons. The other is a play on traditional Italian cocoa-hazelnut spreads, elevated with Gianduja, a sweet Italian chocolate enhanced with hazelnut paste. Enjoy it on pumpernickel toast, layer a cake, fill a cupcake or fold into a crepe with fresh strawberries.

Elysian Fields Farm Sheepskin Rug
$300 – $600
These luxurious sheepskin rugs are made with the same holistic philosophy as Elysian Fields Farm’s renowned Pure Bred Lamb, found on the menu at Chef Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry restaurant. The rugs have been tanned, preserving the wool and leaving it soft and dense. www.store.tkrg.com

Copper culinary trinkets from Hestan Vineyards
$325-400
The owner of Hestan Vineyards is also the CEO of one of the world’s largest cookware producers, including the artisanal Ruffoni copper cookware in Milan. As is befitting of an international culinary destination, Hestan showcases the largest selection of the Ruffoni copper in the US. The gorgeous copper and porcelain Fondue Set is easily packable ($325). A vintage-style casserole from Ruffoni’s Historia Decor line can be used in the oven but also makes a stunning presentation piece. http://www.hestan.com/

Bell Wine Cellars-Be a Winemaker Day
$200 per person 
Study a comparative tasting of varietals and explore clonal variation, then it is your turn to blend and create your own private reserve. Cab, petite sirah, chardonnay, a meritage? Take home a bottle of your own wine for sipping or cellaring. http://www.bellwine.com/page-333376/Visit.html

Spa Villagio’s Spa Day Your Way Package
$250
This gift indulges the recipient with their heart’s desire: a 100-minute body treatment of choice in a private spa suite with a complimentary hour of relaxation time and enjoyment of all luxurious suite-level amenities –fireplace, infinity soaking tub, Mediterranean steam shower, flat screen television with Bose sound system, plus a luxurious tranquility soak and spa refreshment platter, all in the heart of Napa Valley.http://villagio.com/spavillagio/spa-packages-and-specials/

You can have it all at Hotel Yountville
$3,200 for two
Two night accommodations in the Hotel’s Yountville Suite, with a private hot air balloon ride, private wine tasting at Alpha Omega Winery, and breakfast in our gourmet restaurant Hopper Creek Kitchen. www.hotelyountville.com

Girard Winery Sumptuous Dean & Deluca Food and Wine Pairing
$120 for 2
A decadent, five course food and wine pairing gift for someone special, featuring dishes from Dean & Deluca ranging from Fresh Tomato Salad and Crab Cakes to Beef Tenderloin Crostini and artisan chocolates all artfully paired with Girard’s renowned wines.
www.girardwinery.com

Cosentino Winery “Poet’s Essentials Package”
$115 for 2
This gift includes a private tasting for two in the Poet’s Loft including a selection of small production wines alongside wine country accompaniments, plus a bottle of Cosentino’s flagship red wine, The Poet, to take home, and a tour of the winery’s estate-grown Merlot and Cabernet vineyards. www.cosentinowinery.com

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Karen Gartner, Event Coordinator and Audrey Hardy-Lenhart prepare for Holiday Wreaths for Charity. Photo courtesy of Castello Di Amorosa.

The holiday season is a magical time, and spending an afternoon in a 13th century inspired Tuscan castle and winery in the heart of Napa Valley can make for a truly magical winter food and wine pairing adventure. Add live holiday music, Italian breads fresh from the oven in the courtyard, a display of holiday wreaths made by local charities, and even Scrooge would turn his “bah humbug” into a “Buon Natale!” All of this wine country holiday cheer will be taking place on Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for Castello di Amorosa’s Holiday Wreaths for Charity. The Castello will be hosting nine Napa Valley charities, and guests can help to spread the spirit of the season by donating to these worthy organizations while enjoying the festivities of the day.

The Castello is located at 4045 N. St. Helena Highway in Calistoga (94515).

“It is rewarding to contribute to local charities that provide essential community service,” said Georg Salzner, President of Castello di Amorosa. “We are looking forward to a festive day filled with giving, great food and enticing music.”

Non-profit organizations from throughout the Napa Valley will display hand-made holiday wreaths in the Castello’s Courtyard. General admission is $20 per person and includes an educational wine tasting of the Castello’s Italian-style wines; educational tours of the Castello, including the wine fermentation rooms, cellars and caves, are $35 per person and also includes an educational wine tasting from the barrel followed by a wine tasting in an underground tasting room. All of the proceeds from the wreath raffle will be donated to these local charities.  Holiday Wreaths for Charity is open to the general public.

Live music will fill the Castello throughout the day, including music from Mr. B, Chris Pucci, Cory Davis and the Holly & Ivy Carolers.

While attending the event, guests are encouraged to learn how wine is made and paired with food and donate to the charities, which include:

• American Red Cross of Napa County
• Boys and Girls Club of St. Helena
• Boys and Girls Club of Calistoga
• Molly’s Angels
• Salvador Elementary School
• Red Cross of Napa Valley
• Land Trust of Napa County
• Calistoga Elementary School
• The Castello Cares.

About Castello di Amorosa:

Following fourteen years of construction, Dario Sattui opened Castello di Amorosa in April of 2007.  Situated in the hills above Calistoga, Castello di Amorosa – a family-owned business – produces world-class wines including popular white and red wines as well as proprietary Italian-inspired blends, including Il Barone, La Castellana and Il Passito. Wines are sold only at the winery.  The castle winery was made with brick, wood and iron imported from Europe and combined with over 8,000 tons of local, Napa Valley stone.  Today, Castello di Amorosa, a popular Napa Valley destination, offers a variety of wine tasting and winery tours in a unique Tuscan castle setting.

For more information, please visit our website: www.castellodiamorosa.com.

For the history of Castello di Amorosa: www.blognapavalley.com.

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Photographer Vincent Gotti
Lighting director Scott Nobles
Makeup Josette Vigil-Jelveh
Hair Alisher Akhunzhanov
Jewelry Stylist Sandra Badani de Cartagena

Three years; it may seem like a long time for some but I feel that it happened in a blink of an eye. When GEV started, it was mostly out of a state of desperation – a desire to prove something. The main objective was genuine but the foundation was shallow – a little rough around the edges, to tell you the truth, but time allowed us to improve and better ourselves and yet we’re still a work in progress. To be the platform I really envisioned the magazine to be is to be the voice of unsung heroes, gifted artists and small business owners who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to showcase their accomplishments. I found joy revealing those hidden gems by providing them a place of encouraging, nurturing recognition.

As we approach the holidays, we are able to reflect on and celebrate the little milestones we’ve achieved through the years – but we’re really just starting. Moving forward we aim to work with people who both inspire us and the loyal readers we’ve gained along the way. I must add that I’m slowly beginning to understand what our role should be in society. We’d like to be successful but in such a way that we maintain our integrity and values of our moral obligation. We’d be grateful to have an immense impact sans the frenzy. In a world filled with media-glorified personalities and celebrity adulation, my goal is to stay true to who we are and be consistent in celebrating the human spirit.  If you know anyone who is making a difference in your community and deserves to have their stories told, please nominate this individual and send us an email.

The one thing I am most thankful for this season is the family I’ve made with the people who’ve contributed to the magazine. It goes without saying that this passion project wouldn’t have survived this far without the dedication and countless hours to make GEV possible. Thank you for your continued faith in our journey. You make it happen.

Kaye Cloutman
kaye@gevmag.com
Follow me on twitter.com/Cloutwoman
Be a fan at facebook.com/GEVMagazine
Follow the magazine at twitter.com/GEVMagazine

 READ THE FALL ISSUES NOW

GEV Fall Fashion Issue 13.0
Sue Wong

Behind the Sue Wong label, fashion designer Sue Wong shares what inspires her creativity, how her journey began as an artist and where she wants to sail into the sunset.

GEV Fall Wine & Food Issue 13.0
Gerardo Sainato

Chef Gerardo Sainato brings an authentic Italian culinary background to the V. Sattui Winery’s deli offerings, which include perennial favorites such as the fresh House Made Mozzarella which is pulled several times daily, a Broccoli Almond Salad, Pesto Pasta and seasonally-inspired soups and salads.

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V. Sattui Winery will host a new series of wine and cheese classes with Napa Valley chef, Andy Wild, and V. Sattui Cheesemonger Keith Idle. Since the winery reopened in 1976, one of the features of V. Sattui is its impressive cheese case filled with 200 cheeses from around the world.

“People love our cheese selection, and they love our wine,” says V. Sattui President, Tom Davies. “We want to make the world of cheese just as fun and approachable as our wines. We also want people to experience how the right pairing can elevate the flavor of both the cheese and the wine, and take it over the top.”

Chef Wild has worked in several Napa Valley restaurants and is currently a culinary consultant, caterer, and teaches weekend cooking classes at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. His experience with food and wine combined with his entertaining style make for a fun 2-hour class that will inspire and educate guests.

Keith Idle has been the cheesemonger at V. Sattui for 30 years and is very knowledgeable about artisan cheeses from around the world and the techniques used to make them. This culinary “dream team” will lead 20 students in each class through some delicious discoveries.

Classic Wine and Cheese Couplings
Sunday, January 18, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Sonny and Cher, Brad and Angie… they go together like creamy cheese with a glass of bubbles! Or a pungent blue soothed by a sip of V. Sattui Late Harvest Riesling. Celebrate delicious pairings with your someone special at V. Sattui Winery. Share them with your favorite person on Valentine’s Day, or with a group of friends while watching the Academy Awards.

Fondue You Can Do!
Sunday, February 15. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Learn to melt your Valentine’s heart with a cheesy fondue paired with V. Sattui wine. Chef Andy Wild leads this interactive session where you’ll learn how to make a fondue that is the right texture and has interesting, cheesy flavors. You’ll also learn what wines pair best with fondue and meld into a fun, social gathering with friends, or bring two people closer together over a fondue pot.

Grown Up Grilled Cheese and Wines that Play Nicely with Them
Proposed Date: Sunday, March 15 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

You loved it as a kid, and even now, a grilled cheese sandwich can really hit the spot! Learn how to take this classic comfort food to a new level with interesting cheeses you may not have tried, artisan breads, and specialty condiments. Pair your creation with a V. Sattui wine, and you’ve just upgraded the “lowly” grilled cheese to meal worth sharing with friends.

About V. Sattui Winery

V. Sattui Winery is a family-owned property located in the heart of Napa Valley, which was founded in 1885 and makes more than 60 different wines with dozens of 90+ point rated wines among its current vintages. It is a stunning, must-see Napa Valley destination for picnics, weddings and events, offering an impressively robust Cheese Shop with more than 200 selections, an excellent Deli directed by Chef Gerardo Sainato, and a Salumeria directed by Stefano Masanti. The sprawling estate includes two-dozen picnic tables nestled beneath ancient Valley Oak trees and tri-level terraces that overlook beautifully manicured gardens and vineyards.

V. Sattui Director of Winemaking Brooks Painter was recognized as “Winemaker of the Year” at the San Francisco International Wine Competition in June of 2013, and in 2014 V. Sattui was named “Winery of the Year” for the third year in a row at the Winemaker Challenge. This marked the tenth time in the last decade that the Winery has been given that honor at a major national competition. In addition, V. Sattui garnered “Best Winery in the Bay Area” for the third year in a row in the San Francisco Bay Guardian 2014 “Reader’s Poll.”

V. Sattui wines are sustainably farmed (some from its own organic vineyard) and are sold exclusively from the winery, direct to consumer. V. Sattui Winery is located on a 38-acre vineyard in the center of the Napa Valley, along Highway 29 (at White Lane) in St. Helena. The winery welcomes visitors daily for wine tastings between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily (9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the winter months), as well as barbeque on weekends in the warmer months of the year. Information for V. Sattui Winery is available on the website www.vsattui.com or 707-963-7774

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Photo by Auey Santos

As some of the Napa Valley’s finest eateries re-vamp in January 2015, Napa Valley Restaurant Month has moved to February, and with it comes an incredible selection of special culinary offerings that reflect the season and only happen once a year. Come sip, sup and savor the valley’s finest cuisine and wines throughout February 2015.

• Chef Tyler Rodde of acclaimed Oenotri offers a tour of Italy each week featuring a three-course dinner highlighting a specific Italian region. Each dinner will include a salad, pasta and dessert for $39 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

• The Boonfly Café at the Carneros Inn features a three-course dinner for $29 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, featuring cuisine that is based on the agricultural heritage of the region.
• The Thomas at Fagiani’s offers Michelin-starred chef Brad Farmerie‘s three-course dinner for $35 per person with an optional “$20.15” beverage pairing, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

• Chef Victor Scargle of Lucy Restaurant & Bar at Bardessono offers a two-course lunch for $25 per person with an optional wine pairing, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Lucy Restaurant & Bar features fresh, innovative garden-inspired cuisine that embodies the Bardessono modern aesthetic and eco-spirit. Offer available Monday through Saturday.

• In the same spirit of late night dining in France, Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro offers a “Late Night Dine & Drink,” featuring three classic dishes appropriately paired with beverages each night between 9 and 11 p.m. Offers include Croque Madame & White Apron Ale for $20 per person, Duck Confit & Vin de Carafe for $25 per person, and Steak Frites & Vin de Carafe for $40 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity

• For those who cannot wait until February, the city of St. Helena offers a Napa Valley Restaurant Month preview night on January 24, 2015 with  “Celebrate St. Helena…A Restaurant Roulette.” Guests will enjoy a sparkling wine reception at Caldwell Snyder Gallery and at the end of the reception, will participate in a drawing to discover the restaurant where they will dine that evening.  After-parties follow at Caldwell Snyder Gallery and Goose & Gander restaurant. Participating restaurants include Archetype, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, Tra Vigne, Press, The Culinary Institute of America’s Conservatory, Market, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, Goose & Gander, Cook St Helena, La Condesa, The Grill at Meadowood and Farmer & The Fox.

• Michelin star Chef Robert Curry of the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil offers a two-course prix fixe lunch menu for $29 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, Monday through Friday.

• Renowned Chef Larry Forgione’s Conservatory Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone offers a “Freshly Foraged 4-Course Dinner” for $47 per person, with an additional $20 per person wine pairing, exclusive of tax and gratuity designed by Master Sommelier Robert Bath.

• The Grill at Meadowood Napa Valley offers a two-course lunch for $30 per person, or a three-course dinner for $50 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Both are available with a wine pairing option.

• At Solbar at Solage, Michelin star Chef Brandon Sharp will feature weekday specials Sunday through Thursday. Offers change daily and include 50 percent off Club Solage member wines, oysters shucked to order, a lounge menu by the bocce courts and Chef’s special fried chicken.

• During the month of February 2015 Hotel d’Amici Ristorante will offer its special Thursday night Menu Fisso nightly. Every week will focus on a different Italian region and the four-course meal includes antipasti, primi, secondi and dolce for $38 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

• The Napa River Inn offers a “Dinner is on us!” package, which includes $100 dining credit at nearby restaurants for each night’s stay.

• Villagio Inn & Spa offers a “Winterscape in Yountville” package, which includes two nights accommodations for two, “Chef’s Choice” lunch for two at Michael Chiarello’s Bottega Napa Valley, one autographed copy of one of Michael Chiarello cookbooks, two 50-minute wellness massages at Spa Villagio, daily Champagne breakfast and Afternoon Tea service, and a welcome bottle of wine. Rates start at $799 per night, exclusive of tax. Some restrictions apply.

• St. Helena’s Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer offers a Max and Relax two-night experience and balance package for $859 per night, exclusive of tax, with a two-night minimum stay.

• The Mount View Hotel & Spa in Calistoga offers a “Stay, Wine & Dine” package, which includes an overnight stay and a four-course pre fixe menu at Barolo Italian restaurant. Rates start at $249 per night, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

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With performances by multi-platinum-selling musicians, food by celebrity chefs and local stars, and the finest Napa Valley wines, the 2015 Yountville Live event offers the ultimate Wine Country experience March 19-22 in Yountville, the heart of the Napa Valley.

Long considered the culinary and viticulture heart of Napa Valley, the Town of Yountville is the ideal venue for what is billed as the ultimate luxury get-away event. With its world-class restaurants and lodging, and many of the valley’s most celebrated wineries, Yountville combines a small-town ambiance with a sophisticated lifestyle rooted in food, wine, arts, unrivaled scenery and access to outdoor pursuits.

“Yountville is home to this event because it’s the perfect showcase for this unsurpassed offering of food, wine and musical talent,” said Cindy Saucerman, President and CEO of the Yountville Chamber of Commerce. “We are already known as the heart of the Napa Valley, where small-town ambiance meets sophisticated Wine Country lifestyle, so it makes perfect sense that our town would host this intimate and world-class food, wine and music experience.”

Yountville Live provides a limited number of attendees unparalleled access to top recording artists, winemakers, and world- renowned chefs during a four-day event consisting of private and exclusive acoustic concerts, wine tastings, sumptuous meals, and private winery tours. The Napa Valley’s finest resorts and intimate inns are host to attendees who enjoy a total immersion in music, wine and food – not to mention Yountville’s spectacular Wine Country setting and breathtaking scenery. No other public show offers the access and intimacy afforded attendees by Yountville Live.

FOOD. Yountville Live features numerous local, national and celebrity executive chefs. Attendees enjoy world class foods, exclusive cooking demonstrations, a variety of local artisan foods and farm fresh products throughout the weekend.

WINE. Yountville Live breaks out into different tracks over the course of the weekend, providing smaller, more intimate tasting events for guests. Several events are hosted at wineries that are among the Napa Valley’s most notable and feature acoustic performances, tastings and food-and-wine pairings.

MUSIC. Yountville Live features intimate performances by multi-platinum and up-and-coming musicians, with a special focus on emerging talent. The small performing venues make it possible for guests to make personal connections and share memorable experiences with the artists in a social environment.

For information about Yountville Live and lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment options, visit the website for the event at www.yountvillelive.com.

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American Canyon:

• April 8: Jamieson Ranch & Vineyards

• April 11: Urban Art at the future Napa Valley Ruins & Gardens

Napa:

• April 1 – 30: Napa Valley Wine Train Station

• April 4: Gordon Huether Hay Barn Fabrication Studio and Gallery

• April 5: The Art of Life presented by Festival del Sole and The Hess Collection

Yountville:

• April 8: Napa Valley Museum: Art, Antique & Collectible Appraisal Day

• April 9: Jessup Cellars

• April 10 and 11: Art, Sip and Stroll

Oakville:

• April 6 – 10: Robert Mondavi Winery 

Rutherford:

• April 19: Sullivan Vineyards

St. Helena:

• April 13 – 19: HALL Wines

• April 18: Markham Vineyards – iPhonic Art: Astonishing iPhotography

• April 18: Culinary Institute of America at Greystone (CIA)

Calistoga:

• April 25: Carlo Marchiori Art Studio

• April 25: Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

• April 25 and 26: Napa County Fairgrounds

Napa:

• The Meritage Resort offers the “Art of Relaxation” package, which includes overnight accommodations in a guest room or suite, a bottle of sparkling wine, easels with paints and paintbrushes to use in the resort’s hillside vineyard, and two 50-minute spa treatments.  The package is available through April 30, 2015 and starts at $718, for a two-night minimum, or $359 per night.

• Senza presents an “Arts at Senza” overnight package, which includes the opportunity to view Senza’s new art collection, curated by owners Craig and Kathryn Hall, overnight accommodations in one of the hotel’s new luxury suites, a bottle of HALL wine and a complimentary wine tasting for two at HALL Wines. The minimum two-night package is available Sunday through Thursday only through April 30, 2015 and is $349 per night.

Yountville:

• Bardessono features overnight accommodations in a luxury suite, a private tour of the hotel’s rotating artwork and sculpture on display, an “art-inspired” appetizer and two beverages at Lucy Restaurant & Bar, and a map of the Yountville Art Walk. The starting rate for this package, which is available through May 1, 2015, is $685 per night.

St. Helena:

• Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer offers a “Paint ‘n Sip” hotel package, featuring an overnight stay in a deluxe room, a welcome bottle of wine, easels, brushes, and paints set up in view of the Mayacamas Mountains and the vineyards. The package starts at $350 per night and includes a VIP wine tasting at HALL Wines.

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Yountville Live is pleased to announce that individual event tickets to attend this inaugural music, wine, and food festival are now on sale. The four-day wine country gala will be held March 19 – 22, 2015 in various locations throughout the town of Yountville, offering guests unmatched access to nationally recognized recording artists, celebrated chefs, and top winemakers.

Presented by Volvo Cars of North America, Yountville Live brings together the sophisticated worlds of premium musical entertainment, culinary excellence and award-winning wine, while highlighting the talent and bounty of Yountville through concerts, wine tastings, exclusive dinners, elegant parties, private winery tours, and more. This one-of-a-kind festival features live performances by platinum-selling artists such as Colbie Caillat and Aimee Mann; signature dishes from some of Napa Valley’s premiere chefs and restaurants including Chef Michael Chiarello (Bottega Ristorante) and Chef Richard Reddington (Redd and Redd Wood) and more; and the winemaking talents of over 30 local wineries. Yountville Live is indeed the paramount epicurean and entertainment event.

For full lineup of events and to purchase tickets (individual and multi-day passes), please visit www.yountvillelive.com. Follow them onFacebook, @YountvilleLive, #yountvillelive Presented by Volvo Cars of North America, Yountville Live brings together the sophisticated worlds of premium musical entertainment, culinary excellence and award-winning wine, while highlighting the talent and bounty of Yountville through concerts, wine tastings, exclusive dinners, elegant parties, private winery tours, and more. This one-of-a-kind festival features live performances by platinum-selling artists such as Colbie Caillat and Aimee Mann; signature dishes from some of Napa Valley’s premiere chefs and restaurants including Chef Michael Chiarello (Bottega Ristorante) and Chef Richard Reddington (Redd and Redd Wood) and more; and the winemaking talents of over 30 local wineries. Yountville Live is indeed the paramount epicurean and entertainment event.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

VIP Welcome Reception | 4-6 p.m.
Location: Brix Restaurant & Gardens
$175 per person

The Welcome Reception at Brix Restaurant & Gardens will set the tone for this luxurious weekend, pairing contemporary French-inspired California cuisine from Chef Cary Delbridge with a comprehensive collection of the Valley’s finest wine growers and producers, including Kelleher Family Vineyards, Swanson Vineyards, Groth Vineyards & Winery, Piña Napa Valley, and more. The VIP Welcome Reception is topped off with an intimate, acoustic performance by Platinum-selling recording artist, Blue October.

Eight @ Eight Dinners | 8-11 p.m.
$425 per person

Each Eight @ Eight dinners will be the ultimate sensory experience, featuring an exquisite coursed dinner paired with a premier appellation winery. Guests will also enjoy an once-in-a-lifetime performance by an artist at the head of the table during the dinner. Eight @ Eight dinners include:

• Bottega Ristorante, Chiarello Wines and Jillette Johnson
• Lucy at Bardessono, Hestan Vineyards and Lee DeWyze
• Hurley’s, Hill Family Estate and Vicci Martinez
• Jessup Cellars, Michelin rated Chef Perry Hoffman and Jon McLaughlin
• Ma(i)sonry featuring Bouchon, Blackbird Vineyards and Eoin Harrington
• Hope & Grace Wines, Brix Restaurant and Christian Burghardt
• Priest Ranch featuring Scott Innes
• Cosentino Winery, Mustard’s Grill and Special Guest

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015

Afternoon of Music, Wine & Food | 12-5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Yountville
$250 per person

The Afternoon of Music, Wine & Food will feature intimate venues throughout downtown Yountville featuring acoustic performances by today’s hottest emerging artists. Each performance will be complimented by food and wine tastings from celebrated chefs and winemakers for a lively afternoon of the very best entertainment and epicurean experiences Napa has to offer. Access to the Afternoon of Music, Wine & Food events include:

The Vintage Barrel Room Stage
Music by Alpha Rev
Demonstrations by Chef Michael Chiarello, Chef Chris Kollar, and Chef Brian Bistrong
Wines by Chiarello Family Vineyards and more

Jessup Cellars “NoYo Stage”
Music by Scars on 45
Food by Chef Visconte
Wines by Jessup Cellars

Generations Room Stage
Music by Noah Gundersen
Food by Special Guest Chef
Wines by Special Guest Winery

After-Hours VIP Party | 10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Location: Bottega Ristorante
$200 per person

Meet & mingle with the weekend’s performing artists, chefs, and winemakers at the After-Hours VIP Party hosted by Bottega Ristorante. This swanky, party environment will include late night bites, craft cocktails from Bulleit Bourbon, Tanqueray Gin, Ketel One Vodka, and Don Julio Tequila, and a live musical performance by a surprise guest.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Taste of Yountville | 12-5 p.m.
Location: Yountville Community Center
$20 – $85 per person

The 22nd Annual Taste of Yountville will feature amazing wines and epicurean fare from the Yountville community. Guests will have the opportunity to experience everything that makes the Town of Yountville the “Culinary Capital of Napa Valley.” Join us for a day of world class food, wine and entertainment as well as an opportunity to win fabulous prizes at the end of the day!

Premium Tasting Passbook includes: Unique tasting experiences at all participating restaurants and wine tasting rooms throughout Yountville; a tasting bracelet which allows access to the Grand Tasting Pavilion; a tasting glass; and, a Passport to enter the end-of-day drawing.
$85 (adults 21 and over).

Tasting bracelet includes: Access to the Grand Tasting Pavilion, featuring several fine food purveyors and dozens of wineries; entertainment; and a tasting glass.
$40 (adults 21 and over)
$20 (under age 21).

Main Stage Performance | 8-11 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Theater
Price: $85 – $95 per person

Main Stage Performances by platinum recording artists O.A.R. and Aimee Mann at Yountville’s Lincoln Theater.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Gospel Brunch | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Yountville Park
Price: $175 per person

The Gospel Brunch will feature a soulful brunch buffet of craft foods inspired for a passion for open-fire cooking provided by Chef Morgan Robinson of Smoke, and a champagne bar featuring Domaine Chandon. This incredible brunch is complimented by a lively performance by Atlanta based roots-rock’n’soul artists Larkin Poe.

Main Stage Performance | 8-11 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Theater
Price: $85 – $95 per person

Main Stage Performances by platinum recording artists Colbie Caillat and Matt Nathanson at Yountville’s Lincoln Theater.

ACCESS
In addition to the above individual event tickets, there are also several levels of access available for this exclusive event, including elite All-Access 4-day passes, VIP 3-day passes, and Music passes.

All-Access Pass | Thursday, March 19 – Sunday, March 22
Price: $1500 

All-Access Pass holders will gain access to the following key special events and parties: All-Access Welcome Reception, Eight @ Eight Dinner, Afternoon of Music, Wine & Food, Exclusive Late Night VIP Party, Taste of Yountville – Grand Tasting Passbook, Main Stage Performances on Saturday & Sunday, and the Gospel Brunch. All-Access passes will include: preferred seating at the Afternoon Music Events & Main Stage Performances, and preferred entry lines to events (Afternoon Music, Lincoln Theatre & Taste).

VIP Pass | Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22
Price: $900 

VIP Pass holders will gain access to the following key special events and parties: Afternoon of Music, Wine & Food, Exclusive Late Night VIP Party, Taste of Yountville – Grand Tasting Passbook, and Main Stage Performances on Saturday & Sunday. VIP passes will include: preferred seating at the Main Stage Performances, and preferred entry lines to events (Afternoon Music & Lincoln Theatre)

Music Pass | Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22
Price: $450 

Music Pass holders will gain access to the following Yountville Live music events: Afternoon of Music, Food & Wine events, and access to Main Stage Performances at the Lincoln Theater on Saturday and Sunday.

Participating restaurants (to date)
Bouchon (Chef de Cuisine Ross Melling), Bistro Jeanty (Philippe Jeanty), Bottega (Chef Michael Chiarello), Hurley’s Restaurant (Chef Bob Hurley), Lucy at Bardessono (Chef Victor Scargle), Redd and Redd Wood (Chef Richard Reddington), Mustards Grill (Chef Cindy Pawlcyn), Smoke (Chef Morgan Robinson), and more.

Yountville, taste life here
Considered the culinary heart of Napa Valley, Yountville is the ultimate luxury get-away. With its world-class restaurants and accommodations, and many of the Valley’s most celebrated wineries, Yountville marries a breath-taking setting and small-town ambiance with a sophisticated Wine Country lifestyle.

The small town of Yountville was the site of Napa Valley’s first planted grapevines. The walkable village amid the vines with gorgeous mountain views offers luxe lodging from cozy to indulgent, the only hot air ballooning launch in Napa Valley, five sites on the National Register of Historic Places, unique shopping, golf, art galleries and performing arts, plus a constellation of Michelin stars and renowned restaurants. An ideal base for wine lovers, Yountville’s microclimate pedigree has its own American Viticultural Area (AVA) and offers unparalleled wineries and producers.

Located 55 miles north of San Francisco, visitors may arrive via scenic Highway 29, Napa County Airport, Sacramento (SMF), Oakland (OAK) or San Francisco (SFO) international airports.

For information about Yountville lodging, dining, shopping, and activities, visit www.yountville.com.

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An up close and personal courtyard performance at the Tuscan-inspired Castello di Amorosa. (Photographer: Paul E. Richardson)

Napa Valley Festival del Sole, one of America’s premier summer destination events, presents its landmark Tenth Season, July 17-26, 2015, featuring more than 60 cultural adventures for every interest and budget. The ten-day festival artfully blends the world’s finest classical, jazz, opera, theater and dance artists with curated culinary, wine and fitness pursuits, staged in Napa Valley’s most iconic settings.

Napa Valley Festival del Sole 2015 Highlights

• Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and pianist/composer Jake Heggie open the season with a courtyard recital at the Tuscan-inspired Castello di Amorosa.
• The first annual 5K & 10K Sun Run benefitting Napa County arts education programs
• The Russian National Orchestra performs Beethoven’s immortal Symphony No. 9, conducted by Kristjan Järvi, plus works by Dvorak, Getty, Offenbach, Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky.

• Natalia Osipova, Principal of The Royal Ballet, and Ivan Vasiliev, American Ballet Theatre Principal, perform their acclaimed contemporary program Solo for Two.
• The Annual Festival Gala at Meadowood Napa Valley supports the festival’s innovative programming and arts education with an evening of music and glamour reminiscent of a nightclub during Hollywood’s Golden Era.
• Two performances by internationally acclaimed baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky, including the show-stopping Moscow Nights, an evening of Romantic classical favorites interwoven with popular music.

• Three admission-free Bouchaine Young Artist Series concerts showcasing the stars of tomorrow at Jarvis Conservatory.
• An evening of jazz in the Castello di Amorosa courtyard.
• Taste of Napa, a festival signature event, introduces an exciting new culinary competition to complement tastings from 70 wineries, restaurants and food artisans.

• The annual admission-free Community Concert presents the musical storybook Angel Heart, starring Lisa Delan, Frederica von Stade and Matt Haimovitz.
• A celebrity cast takes the stage at Lincoln Theater during Festival Live, an entertaining live script reading of much-loved and classic film scenes.
• Appearances by opera sensations Kelley O’Connor, Amber Wagner, John Tessier and Brandon Cedel, conductors Constantine Orbelian and Kristjan Järvi, cellist Nina Kotova, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, Volti, Uccello and many more.
• Superstar violinist Midori brings the 2015 season to a jubilant close with the beloved Mendelssohn Violin Concerto.

Some of the most recognized artists appear at beautiful Napa Valley properties like the sweeping lawns at Far Niente. (Photographer: Paul E. Richardson)

Exquisite winery properties, including Alpha Omega, open their doors to great performances and dining experiences. Photographer: Drew Altizer (Photographer: Drew Altizer)

Exclusive venues, including Opus One, are hosts to great performances and exquisite epicurean experiences. (Photographer: Susana Bates for Drew Altizer Photography)

Taste Napa Valley is an opportunity to experience the very best of Napa Valley’s world renowned wines paired with creations from the best restaurants in the region. Credit: Susana Bates for Drew Altizer Photography

Festival del Sole 2015 event hosts include Aloft, Bouchaine Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, Calistoga Ranch, Castello di Amorosa, Charles Krug Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Darioush, Far Niente, HALL St. Helena, Harvest Table by Charlie Palmer, The Hess Collection, Jarvis Conservatory, Lincoln Theater, Martin Estate, Meadowood Napa Valley, Meritage Resort & Spa, Merryvale Vineyards, Mont La Salle Chapel, Odette Estate, Opus One, Provenance Vineyards, Quintessa, Seven Stones Winery, Solage Calistoga, Spring Mountain Vineyard, St. Supery, Tamber Bey Vineyards, V. Sattui, and Weill Hall at Green Music Center.

Free Performance Pass: Attend any of the four admission-free concerts during Festival del Sole 2015.  This season’s free performances include the Community Concert: Angel Heart and the popular Bouchaine Young Artist Series at Jarvis Conservatory. Reservations required.

Concert Pass:  Watch the world’s leading artists perform in intimate and unique Napa Valley settings such as Castello di Amorosa, Lincoln Theater and Mont La Salle Chapel.  The 2015 festival concert lineup features international-quality opera, classical, jazz, dance and theater performances. Concert Passes start at just $39.

A nonprofit organization governed by a board of prominent vintners and local leaders, the festival is dedicated to enriching the region’s cultural and economic vitality, and to supporting numerous educational initiatives – from nurturing young talent through its Bouchaine Young Artists Series, to presenting free community concerts, to awarding major grants to local schools and arts organizations.

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By Annabelle Marceno Pericin

It’s almost here! GEV’s Spring Issue 15 featuring cover girls Amelia & Dalia Ceja in partnership with Bloomingdales San Francisco. The spread will also feature the Mexican couture designs of Ana Cecilia Ortega. Check out behind the scenes of GEV’s cover shoot of this charismatic mother and daughter tandem directed by Vincent Gotti and the entire GEV creative team. Experience the creative process of what goes into an editorial photo shoot and keep your eyes peeled for our Spring Issue coming in a few weeks!

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In 1980 “The Great Chicago Showdown” brought together 221 of the best Chardonnays from around the world.  Chardonnays from France, California, New York and even Bulgaria were collected for a historic first, the largest blind tasting of that time of one single varietal. The first vintage that Miljenko “Mike” Grgich crafted at Grgich Hills, his 1977 Chardonnay, emerged triumphant with a first place ribbon and the Chicago Tribune called it “The best Chardonnay in the world”!  With this win so close on the heels of the famous 1976 Paris Tasting, where the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that Mike made took first place over some of the best French white Burgundies and American Chardonnays, he soon became affectionately known as the “King of Chardonnay.”

In 2015, Grgich Hills Estate will celebrate the 35th anniversary of this historic tasting and its legacy in Chardonnay with vintner dinners across the country, a photo contest, a new mobile application launch and much more, all culminating into two festive gala dinners. The first will be in Chicago on May 7, 2015 and the second in the Napa Valley at the winery on May 16, 2015.  Mike Grgich believes this is a significant event not just for Chicago and Grgich Hills but for all of America since it proves that “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”

Grgich Hills will launch “The Great Chicago Chardonnay Showdown” celebration starting on January 15, 2015. “This is a great opportunity for our winery not only to celebrate my father’s many accomplishments but also Chardonnay, a varietal that is enjoyed and loved by so many people,” says Violet Grgich.  As Mike explains, “There is no scientific formula for making great wines.  You make wines with your heart. You pour your love into them and nurture them like children, and transmit to them the richness of your spirit.”  That philosophy is the very heartbeat of Grgich Hills Estate.

The winery is partnering with publications such as Robb Report, Chicago Tribune, Saveur Magazine, Modern Luxury Publication Group, and Food & Wine Magazine to unveil this great celebration. In addition, Grgich Hills will launch the “Taste the Legacy Photo Contest,” where consumers are encouraged to engage with the winery via social media and upload their best photos while enjoying Grgich Hills Estate wines. Each month will feature a different theme with the chance for consumers to win prizes on a monthly basis. The Grand Prize winner will win the ultimate grand prize – a trip to the beautiful Napa Valley for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Grgich Hills Estate winery and a private dinner with Mike and Violet Grgich.

This year we are celebrating the 35th anniversary of this historic tasting with events around the country, including a gala at the winery.

May 16, 2015  Great Chicago Chardonnay Showdown Gala Celebration

Join Miljenko “Mike” Grgich and daughter Violet Grgich for this festive gala celebrating Grgich Hills Chardonnay and this historic event with an unforgettable evening of wine, food and friends.

• Grgich Hills Estate, Rutherford, CA.
• Multi-course dinner paired with current and vintage Grgich Hills Estate wines.
• Caterer: Cindy Pawlcyn’s Mustards Grill
• Entertainment by Ever Music, a local Swing Jazz band with special guest performer, Tony Butala, founding member of The Lettermen.

6:30 – 7:30 Reception

7:30 Dinner

•  Attire:   Jackets and Cocktail attire: fedoras, bow ties and pearls encouraged

Taste the Legacy, and join Grgich Hills Estate for this wonderful celebration!

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Read Issue 15!

Spring is always a time for new beginnings and I have to admit that in this issue more than any other, the pleasure of blossoming in the company of so many women powerhouses in various industries has truly given the GEV team a sense of significance. Fresh from the 8th Annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine, my spirit is renewed. The matchless tandem of Food & Wine Magazine publisher Christina Grdovic and Editor in chief Dana Cowin spearheaded a movement in the culinary world where women are deservingly celebrated as the kitchen champions that they truly are.

How fabulous it was, to be able to interact with Michelin star chef Dominique Crenn & Food & Wine Best New Chef Stephanie Izard, along with revered female chefs from all over the country including Alex Guarnaschelli, Gabi Quinonez, Laura Werlin, Brooke Williamson, Angela Tamura, Elizabeth Falkner, Anita Lo, Jenn Louis, Cindy Pawlcyn, Yulanda Santos, Antonia Lofaso, Elizabeth Blau, Lissa Doumani and Liza Shaw. Despite their celebrity stature, these women bring comfort back with their food not only because they are masters behind the stove, but because their persona and passions nurture the soul as well.

I would be remiss to not mention how the ladies have played a huge role in the oenophiles’ realm too, especially in the world-class region of the Napa Valley. In this issue, mother and daughter tandem Amelia and Dalia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards show us why we should be getting more excited about the combination of wine, women and diverse ethnicity. Mixed together, this could actually be a perfect combination for future generations to toast, and their refreshingly fun, delicious and approachable style make drinking every glass feel almost like having a fiesta in your mouth.

There’s something sincerely exceptional when women combine forces and we at GEV intuitively know this magic from experience. You see, it is a constant challenge for us to provide a platform which upholds and promotes gender equality but make no mistake – our publication will always be a level playing field for both sexes. I guess we lucked out too because it really helps that the men we work with continue to support and believe in us as well.

Connect with me!
kaye@gevmag.com

Follow me on twitter.com/Cloutwoman instagram.com/cloutwoman #GoProFoodie
Be a fan at facebook.com/GEVMagazine
Follow the magazine at twitter.com/GEVMagazine
Join us at instagram.com/GEVMagazine

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Silver Trident Winery furnished with Ralph Lauren Home presents a Springtime Pinot Pop Up Dinner on May 30 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. This festive evening is the release celebration for the winery’’s 2013 Benevolent Dictator, a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and will take place at The Silver Trident Tasting Home, furnished with Ralph Lauren Home, located at 6495 Washington Street in Yountville (94599).

Executive Chef Curtis DiFede has created a stunning four course dinner paired with four of the winery’s wines. Cost is $195 per person and $145 for a Silver Trident Flagship member. There is limited seating and RSVPs are required, by contacting 707/945-0311 or TastingRoom@SilverTridentWinery.com.

Chef Curtis Di Fede’s career has ranged widely through the global food and wine community. He has worked with leading chefs throughout the western United States, London and Paris. In 2010 he opened his southern Italian restaurant, Oenotri, in the Napa Valley, which received numerous accolades including being called “arguably the best new Italian restaurant in the United States” by Food & Wine Magazine. In 2013 Di Fede became one of only eleven individuals in America to be certified as a Master Olive Oil Taster by the Organizzazione Nazionale Assaggiatori Olio Di Oliva.

“”We are delighted to celebrate our “Benevolent Dictator,” a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir”,” explains founder/proprietor Bob Binder. ““This event launches a series of Pop Up dinners we will be offering throughout the summer and fall which will present our wines in context with fabulous food,” he adds. “We are eager for guests to experience our very stylish setting—courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home—and to demonstrate the epicurean dimension of the winery”,” he said.

The feast will consist of:

Hors d’oeuvres

Selection of Cured Meats, Artisan Cheeses & Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Cruditeì with Silver Trident 2014 ‘Apollo’s Folly’ Rose of Pinot Noir and 2012 ‘Playing With Fire’ Napa Valley Red Blend.

First course

Smoked Trout with Avocado, Blue Lake Beans and Citrus Vinaigrette with Silver Trident 2014 ‘Symphony #9′ Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Second Course

Lamb tartare with Shaved Turnips, Roasted Cauliflower and Spring Onion with Silver Trident 2010 ’27 Fathoms’ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Third Course

Roasted Duck Breast with Farro, Maitake Mushroom and Rocket with Silver Trident 2013 ‘Benevolent Dictator,’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Fourth Course 

Chocolate tarts with Manzanillo Olive Oil Whipped Cream with Silver Trident 2012 ’27 Fathoms’ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

L-R: Shane Soldinger, Kari Auringer, Susan DeSmet, Walter Jost, and Bob Binder

The Tasting Home is open from noon until 7:00 p.m. seven days a week. Reservations are not needed except for groups of 6 or more.

The Tasting Home is furnished with Ralph Lauren Home furnishings, 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. There is also an intimate and inviting upstairs loft room available for private events by appointment, with capacity for 20 guests.

Silver Trident Winery is a Napa Valley boutique winery producing only 1,800 cases per year. Current releases include 2014 Apollo’s Folly (Sonoma Coast Rosé, $28), 2014 Symphony No. 9 (Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, $28), 2012 Playing With Fire, (Napa Valley Red Blend, $45), 2013 Benevolent Dictator (Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, $55) and 2010 Twenty Seven Fathoms (Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $90). The winery’s name is a tribute to the owners’ long-standing affiliation with cruise ships. The Tasting Home offers The Flagship Club, which guarantees its members a number of attractive benefits.

For more information: www.SilverTridentWinery.com.

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Jessup Cellars’ Third Annual Dress to the Vines weekend returns June 25th through June 27th with a sweeping look at wine country fashion from a local to national to international perspective. The weekend also celebrates the winery’s third installment of its 2015 TasteMaker Series with The History of Fashion is Now and the opening of resident artist and curator Cynthia Carey’s Fashion is Art III exhibition. Jessup Cellars is located at 674o Washington Street in the Napa Valley’s quaint town of Yountville. The weekend’s full schedule and details follow.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Bardessono’s Hotel & Spa Dive Bar Featuring Swimwear by Mia Marcelle

Poolside @ Bardessono 6:00pm – 8:30pm | 8:30pm to late @ LUCY

The weekend kicks-off on Thursday, June 25th with Jessup Cellars’ Sip into Something Comfortable tasting at Bardessono’s Dive Bar celebration. The evening heats up the start of summer with smooth summer DJ beats on the rooftop pool deck, and after the bikini fashion show with Mia Marcelle Swimwear, Jessup Cellars will showcase it’s favorite summer wines. Lucy’s Craftologists will also cool off guests with bubbles by Domaine Chandon, plus refreshing cocktails made with Patron Tequila and Chopin spirits.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Dress to the K-Nines Fundraiser

11am to 5pm @ Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery

Guests who bring their decked out pooch(es) to Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery for a Social Media Photo Shoot will receive a complimentary tasting, with 10% of wine purchases supporting Napa Humane. The day also promotes Napa Humane’s Walk for Animals 2015 on Sunday, August 2nd from 7:30am to Noon. One hundred percent of the event’s proceeds benefit Napa Valley’s pets and their people.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Designer Roxi Suger & AngelRox Trunk Show

Noon to 4:00pm @ Jessup Cellars Patio

AngelRox designer Roxi Suger embraces Jessup Cellars’ Sip into Something Comfortable theme with her American collection of elegant, versatile designs crafted from sumptuous plant based bamboo and organic cotton knits that gently shape and comfort the body. Both ancient and thoroughly modern in its well-studied appeal, the collection was founded by designer Roxi Suger. Angelrox is a family run business supported by a talented staff that handcrafts each piece with joy in an historic textile mill in downtown Biddeford, Maine.

The collection is sold in more than 200 fine locations across the country and works for angels of all ages and sizes with designs that transition from day to evening, from active to formal. Like Jessup Cellars, AngelRox is deeply committed to charity, supporting both local and national causes. Roxi will personally attend Dressed to the Vines and present her collection from Noon to 4pm on Jessup Cellars’ patio. She’ll have a full range of goodies from the collection available for angels to feel, try and buy if so inspired while sipping Jessup Cellars’ summer wines. Come twirl and swirl in comfort and joy!

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SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Tastemakers: The History of Fashion is Now & Cynthia Carey’s “Fashion is Art III” Exhibition Opening

Tickets: General $35 | Members $25

7pm to 10pm @ Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery

TasteMakers | Designers | Artists | Boutiques | Signature Wines

Jessup Cellars presents its third installment of the 2015 TasteMaker Series with The History of Fashion is Now featuring fashion maven Dorothy Torresi of Centro39, a destination boutique for Italian design. Centro39 features the most beautiful seasonal pieces from emerging and established Italian designers. Dorothy will be joined by fashion industry veteran Bonnie Lloyd to explore the history of style versus fashion and how looks from the past 70 years are in the mix for today. And with the help of local stylist Brooke Lawson, they will also share summer looks sourced from some of the Napa Valley’s hottest fashion boutiques.

The evening then shifts to resident artist and curator Cynthia Carey’s opening of her Fashion is Art III exhibition. Created in multiple mediums, the beauty of fashion inspires each of these original pieces. The evening includes TasteMaker Forum, meet-and-greet, delicious wine and artisan nosh.

About The TasteMaker Series

The TasteMaker Series presents thought leadership forums staged in the Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery in Napa Valley’s village of Yountville, just a block north of the famed The French Laundry. Each event is integrated with the launch of a thematic art exhibition, bringing together Jessup Cellars wines, food, art and people into fully realized sensory forums.

Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery is located at 6740 Washington St., Yountville, California. To learn more about Jessup Cellars and the TasteMaker Speaker Series visit Jessup Cellars or call 707.944.8523.

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Taste of Napa, the signature culinary event of the landmark Tenth Season of Napa Valley Festival del Sole, will be held July 18 at 500 First Street from 11am 2:30pm. This opportunity to taste the very best of the Napa Valley all in one convenient and central location features 80 wineries, restaurants, craft breweries and artisan food producers. Ticket holders can watch top chefs from Napa & San Francisco battle it out in the “Town & Country Cookoff,” and the Reserve Tasting Lounge offers the chance to taste some of the Napa Valley’s most highly sought-after after wines.

Highlighting the day will be the inaugural “Town & Country Cookoff” featuring Chefs Mark Dommen – One Market, Esteban Escobar – Town Hall, Lucas Knox – Burritt Room + Tavern from San Francisco versus Napa Valley’s own Chef Chad Hendrickson – Hess Winery, Nick Ritchie – Atlas Social and April Cordsen – Morimoto Napa competing in an Appetizer, Main Course and Dessert culinary clash. KGO-TV meteorologist and wine aficionado, Spencer Christian will emcee the event in the Kitchen Theatre and provide ongoing commentary.

The competing chefs will participate in public, 20-minute rounds using 10 ingredients known in advance, plus a surprise addition, for each course. Culinary author and Emmy Award winner Susie Heller, Top Chef Tiffany Derry and San Francisco Chronicle’s Kitty Morgan will provide a cumulative score to determine the winning team.

More than 50 wineries and 30 restaurants and food artisans will come together to offer the discerning gastronome the very best the region’s artisans have to offer. Among the many distinguished wineries participating are Acacia Vineyard, Bouchaine Vineyards, Etude Wines, HALL Wines, Silver Oak Cellars and St. Supéry Vineyards and Winery. Culinary purveyors include Cate & Co. Bake Shop, Kara’s Cupcakes, Kollar Chocolates, Skyhill Farms, Angèle Restaurant & Bar, Evangeline, Harvest Table by Charlie Palmer and Solbar.

The Reserve Lounge offers an unprecedented list of fine wines for the connoisseur-at-heart from such exclusive labels as Quintessa, Caymus, Cardinale, Darioush, Blackbird and more. Executive Chefs Scott Pikey of Mayacama and Britny Sundin of Signorello Estate will provide a meticulously designed bounty of delectables that pair perfectly with these sought-after wines.

The day’s events will be accompanied by live music in the amphitheater with Morris LeGrand, wine country guitarist. Union Bank is the presenting sponsor for Taste Napa, Eurostampa is the Main Tasting Floor sponsor and Mayacama is the Reserve Tasting sponsor.

Passes for Taste of Napa are $75 per person. Tickets for the Reserve Lounge that also include full access to the full event are available for $139 per person. For more information or to purchase passes, visit www.tasteofnapa.org or phone the box office at 888.337.6272.

About Napa Valley Festival del Sole

A celebration of the art of life, Festival del Sole has put Napa Valley on the map as one of the world’s leading cultural destinations. The 10-day summer festival blends exceptional music, theater and dance with the region’s fine wine and cuisine. Each July, the festival presents exclusive engagements by renowned artists and emerging talent from around the globe, gastronomic adventures at stunning wineries, resorts and estates, free community concerts, yoga in the vineyards and, new this year, a 5K and 10K run benefitting Napa County youth arts education programs.

A nonprofit organization governed by a board of prominent vintners and local leaders, the festival is dedicated to enriching the region’s cultural and economic vitality, and to supporting numerous educational initiatives – from nurturing young talent through its Bouchaine Young Artists Series, to presenting free community concerts, to awarding major grants to local schools and arts organizations.

Festival del Sole is produced by Napa Valley Festival Association in partnership with IMG Artists. The festival’s landmark Tenth Season takes place July 17-26, 2015. www.festivaldelsole.org 

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By Kathryn Holland Besser
Photography by M. Woolsey

On a warm afternoon in late June, we received an intimate look inside the newly remodeled Visitor Center at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards in Sonoma. While their wines are authentic California, their culture is a charismatic blend of vibrant Spanish tradition and understated Sonoma County gracefulness. Led by Gloria’s son, Pedro Ferrer, and his serene and gracious wife, Begoña, the tour covered the evolution of Gloria Ferrer in California. Along the way, guests sipped Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blanc, made from 100% Chardonnay and a truly delightful 2004 Carneros, which is half Pinot Noir, half Chardonnay grapes. Made exclusively from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and taking anywhere from three to ten years to make, both sparkling wines were crisp with light fruit and a long finish. They were a perfect accompaniment to the lively stories that unfolded.

According to Pedro, the original building was created in the Catalan style but was rather dark and heavy. Today, the new Visitor Center is light, airy and reminiscent of modern Barcelona, where the Ferrers live. It is full of history, both near and far, providing fascinating insights into a unique dynasty, led by the indomitable Gloria Ferrer.

Begoña Ferrer shared the charming story of her Mother-in-Law’s famous glassware collection. Gloria began collecting cava (champagne) glasses around the time of her marriage to Jose Ferrer. In Gloria’s recounting, her passion for collecting began rather innocently, “It was in Venice, in 1956, that my uncle gave me the idea while sitting at the dinner table in the Piazza San Marco. My father quietly got up and went into an antique shop near the Cathedral and returned with a beautiful red Murano crystal glass with a golden dauphine in the stem. He gave me the glass and a kiss. The collection had begun.”

Currently, there are over 2,000 pieces, predominantly housed in Spain and varying in age and color. Some are engraved and cut; some are painted or enameled. The stemware ranges from simple to ornate, from transparent to opaque, from molded to blown and from antique to modern, all stemming from Gloria’s belief that a collection should be a little bit of everything. It is estimated that the oldest vessel dates back to Ancient Syria (B.C.E.). Although Gloria particularly favors glasses with braided stems or those with a teardrop of air at the base, one of her most prized pieces is a humble glass commemorating the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. It came to Gloria as a gift from Pedro and Begoña’s son, who insisted upon using his own money to purchase an offering for his grandmother’s collection. Filled with pride on her grandson’s thoughtful gesture, Gloria declared it to be one of her all-time favorite acquisitions.

The renovation of the Visitor’s Center allowed Gloria Ferrer winery to triple the glassware collection on display in the Tour Alcove Room; the collection housed in Sonoma now numbers more than 100. As Gloria is still actively browsing antique shops all over the world, it is likely the Sonoma assemblage will continue to grow.

The aptly named Vista Room, which is adjacent to the main Tasting room, features sweeping views of the Carneros winegrowing appellation and a long table to feast on a brand new tasting menu. A glass of Gloria Ferrer sparkling or estate varietal wine may be paired with savory and sweet local artisan delicacies including a local cheese plate (featuring Cow Girl Creamery Mt. Tam Triple Cream, Redwood Hill Terra Goat Cheese, Cypress Grove Purple Haze Goat Cheese, Marcona almonds, Early Girl Tomato Jam, seasonal fruit and water crackers), a Spanish cheese plate (featuring Montcerda, a creamy cows’ milk cheese, Manchego, a 12-month aged sheep’s milk cheese, Idiazabal, a subtly smoked sheep’s milk cheese aged 8 months, quince paste, Marcona almonds, seasonal fruit and water crackers), a charcuterie plate (Serrano ham, chorizo, fennel salami, Gloria Ferrer Estate Grown olive oil, whole grain mustard, caper berries and water crackers), truffle potato chips, olives and house-made spicy almonds (Gloria’s Almonds). For wine club members, a complimentary food-wine pairing is offered once a year.

The Gloria Ferrer Visitors Center is open daily from 10 pm to 5 pm, with wine service until 4:45 pm. or more information visit them online at www.gloriaferrer.com or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/gloriaferrervineyards.

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HALL St. Helena has announced the date for its annual Kathryn Hall Release Party releasing the 2012 vintage of its flagship Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The event will take place on Saturday, September 12 and will include a unique Vertical Tasting prior to the event hosted by award winning winemaker, Steve Leveque.

“2012 is one of the most exciting vintages this Valley has seen in a decade,” says vintner, Kathryn Walt Hall. “We are thrilled with how Steve and his winemaking team have consistently crafted this wine each year, maximizing each vintage to produce the best possible result. This is truly the best fruit Napa has to offer.”

Bringing together winemakers, wine-lovers, fans and foodies alike, guests will be invited to enjoy a sun-filled afternoon outdoors to sip on the newly released 2012 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was recently rated 97+ pts by Robert Parker.

In addition to the main event, a rare Vertical Tasting hosted by Steve Leveque will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the historic Bergfeld building. The experience will include a tasting flight of Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon (vintages 2007 – 2012).

Country music entertainment will be provided by country band Twain Diddy and guests will be served farm-to-table bites, western style by Feast Catering. Additionally, Kathryn Walt Hall will be available during the event to sign bottles. The Kathryn Hall Release Party takes place on The Great Lawn in St. Helena located at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains facing HALL’s Bergfeld Estate vineyard.

WHO:             HALL St. Helena

WHAT:          Ultimate Harvest Party Shindig: It’s Kathryn Hall Y’ALL
                           2012 Kathryn Hall Release Party

WHEN:          Saturday, September 12, 2015           
                           10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m (Vertical Tasting hosted by Steve Leveque)
                          11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PST (Main Event)                              

WHERE:       HALL St. Helena
401 St. Helena Hwy. South
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-2626

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/1LiII7v. Prices for the Main Event are $75 for Early Bunny (purchased before Aug. 17) and $90 thereafter including at the door the day of the party. Ticket price for the Vertical Tasting is $200 and includes admission to the Main Event.

For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com or follow our social channels @hallwines and #kathrynhall.

ABOUT HALL

HALL produces critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two tasting room and winery locations in Napa Valley. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, its vineyard collection features five Certified Organic estates producing classic Bordeaux varietals. Each vintage, Director of Winemaking Steve Leveque crafts 16 distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley. HALL’s highly rated wines include the 2008 “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon that earned #2 of the “Top 100” Wines in Wine Spectator and its 2010 ‘Exzellenz’ was awarded 100 points by Robert Parker, Wine Advocate. Since the first vintage in 2002, over 85 HALL wines have been rated 94 points and above. HALL employs high-density plantings and small vine viticulture combined with two cutting-edge, gravity-flow wineries to produce the highest quality wines. In addition, the HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and modern tasting room in 2014, making HALL pioneers in the use of green buildings for the wine industry. Each of HALL’s state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and tasting rooms combine modern art and architecture matched with spectacular settings. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.

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