Solbar

I promise you, they don't pay me to advertise for them..... BUT..... the Solbar in Calistoga is so good I can't seem to stay away! I know, I really do go in for the thin crust Maitake mushroom and 10-hour onion pizza, but I also try something new each time too! This time we tried a goat cheese and artichoke (confit) wrap that was amazing..... Oh, and we decided to end the meal with the Solbar's donut holes.... with coffee of course! actually, I slipped a bit of Fernet in - helps with digestion! I promise you will not be disappointed in anything that comes out of that kitchen.... Hi and thanks to all of you at the Solbar! Bradley Wasserman, Restaurant Manager and Sommelier is always there with a smile and a warm hello as well as Marcus and Adrienne.... can't forget to mention The sous chef's, Zach and Gustavo and Executive Chef Brandon Sharp..... Make the Solbar a definate stop on your journey to North Napa (Calistoga).
Thanks again for such great food and exceptional service!
www.solagecalistoga.com

Terra Valentine

I realize that I am writing this after Valentines day, BUT.... Terra Valentine celebrates Valentine's day all year long! Terra Valentine's wines are based on romance and love and isn't that what February 14th is known for? Heidi Hufnagel, pictured to the left in Terra Valentine's tasting room, was such a joy to speak to! She told us of the long history that Terra Valentine has and the amazing wines that they make! We tasted a beautiful Viognier, a Sangiovese Super Tuscan blend called Amore and some pretty fantastic Spring Mountain Cabernet's. I vowed I wasn't going to buy anymore Cabernet's BUT..... and there always is a but..... I couldn't help it! They offer large format bottles also... Its not just about a sit down tasting its about an experience and Heidi and the folks at Terra Valentine want you to enjoy them, there beautiful grounds and their wines your way! If your on Spring Mountain call them... they would love to see you!

www.terravalentine.com

Charbay Distillery and Winery

Words can't describe the feeling you have as you drive up the winding road that leads up Spring Mountain. Amidst the fog there are tall trees and big rocks covered by moss and very few cars. As we pulled into the long drive that leads you to Charbay, the intercom answered with "come on in, if there is a white dog by your car when you park, just don't let him into it!" There was a little white dog (Snifter) and he did try to get into the car..... Charbay is owned by 12th Generation Master Distiller, Miles Karakasevic (try saying that 5 times!). His son, Marko is the 13th Generation of Master Distillers, pictured above pointing out a small version of the distillation process. We were so lucky to be in the middle of the tasting with Mark Raymond, Charbay's Retail Sales Manager, when Marko walked in. Mark had his hands full with Fran (Baldacci Family Vineyards), Manette (Cork distributor), Cathy (wine and spirits taste tester) and myself. We had all kinds of questions for him and Marko walked in just in time to tell us all about the amazing beginnings of Charbay..... It is an absolute must see and experience that I dare you partake in! How does one become a master distiller? Check out Charbay and they will be happy to share some of their secrets with you! From Tequila to Grappa to Apertif's to beautiful wine.... Charbay has it all!

www.charbay.com

Nickel & Nickel

When one drives onto the grounds at Nickel & Nickel you feel as though you are traveling back in time. It is a must to have an appointment before you arrive. The gates swing open, you park and walk into an old Victorian Farmhouse. We were greeted by Brendan Roane who had, prior to working in the valley, visited from the East Coast so many times, he decided to move here. Brendan began our tour with a taste of Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. Here we sit, Fran, my friend and co-worker at Baldacci, Cathy, myself, our new friends from Oklahoma and Brendan, enjoying the conversation. Very peaceful and serene....

That's what you get at Nickel & Nickel - a very comfortable setting and a warm feeling (along with great wine!)

As we toured the grounds and learned the history of the winery, we all got to know a little more about each other. Pictured above are Bill and Sandy Brazil who own SophaBella's in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Homemade italian food... If your passing thru be sure to look them up! www.sophabellasrestaurant.com

As we walked the grounds, Brendan talked about all of the many Cabernet's that they produce from single vineyard lots and the French Oak that they only use twice to get the quality that we have come to love from them. We looked at soil samples from the areas surrounding us and walked down stairs to an underground "cave" where all of their wine is in barrel's aging for its alloted time (pictured above - Fran and Cathy in the "cave"). At the end of the tour we were back in the Victorian Farmhouse with 4 very different Cabernet Sauvignon's to taste. We tasted from Rutherford, Oakville and Howell Mountain. All with their own uniqueness and amazing qualities that come from each district. Nickel & Nickel is an amazing place to visit....

www.nickelandnickel.com

The Rutherford Grille

No trip is ever complete without a quick stop into the Rutherford Grill! If you want to taste the best French Dip you've ever had, go there! Cathy and I were hungry after the first part of the day and we were headed to Nickel & Nickel so we decided we'd stop and share a sandwich. The best part about the Rutherford Grill, and there are alot of great parts to it, is that as busy as it always is, I don't think I've ever waited more than 15 mins. for a table. This time we sat at the bar, ordered the artery clogging Blue Cheese Potato Chips and the French Dip. Hmmmmmm Hmmmm Good... We had great conversation and a great Bartender to go along with the experience...
What more can I say?! Visit them.... No Reservations required, the food is always great AND you never pay a corkage fee!
www.hillstone.com

Alpha Omega

The last time I was at Alpha Omega they were doing a complete remodel on the place.... The wine was spectacular and the people were incredible. Cathy and I decided to make a quick trip in, making sure ONLY the surroundings had changed. I wasn't suprised when, infact, that WAS the only change! We were greeted by Jackie Henkelman, Empress of Hospitality as we walked in. Jackie does more there than just greet guests and pour wine, she also helps with the gardens, which look like they are going to be amazing after all the rain ends! We tasted a Chardonnay, that is so wonderful I think that Rombauer has a lot more competition than they want to believe.... Anna Martin is Alpha Omega's shipping coordinator (pictured above also) and came out to say hi and join our discussion about the tasty Paella that Jackie makes. Which, I might add, Alpha Omega's Rose' would be perfect with! Cathy will make it this weekend... Ill let you know how it was and if we should hand out the recipe! I love this place! There tasting room is amazing, the grounds are spectacular and you can picnic there with the sound of the huge fountains by your side.... If you want more infomation, please go to their website at www.aowinery.com.
Drop in anytime... if you are a party of 6 or more, give them a call - they are above and beyond! Rick Patton is Alpha Omega's tasting room manager and will always greet you with a smile and a hand shake...

From Old World Castle to Italian Varietals

I will tell you more than one time there is certainly more to this valley than one can imagine! After we left the Castle (Castello di Amorosa) in Calistoga we made our way down a Big Tree Road in St. Helena and found ourselves at Benessere Winery. The tasting room was full when we walked in and Eric, Benessere's do it all guy, greeted us with amazing enthusiasm. Benessere has an incredible history also. John Benish purchased the property in 1994 from the man we all know as, Two-Buck-Chuck.... Charles Shaw. The name says it all: Benessere - "well-being and prosperity" isn't that what we all want... drink some Napa wines and your luck is sure to improve... The only varietal not grown on their property is their Pinot Grigio. The other varietals, from Sangiovese to Muscat are all grown in small lots on the property... Even varietals I'd never heard of: Aglianico and Sagrantino. Hmmmmmmm Delicioso! Eric is a sommelier and with prior notice will sit you down to some sensory tasting of food and wine in the house. Prior appointment is suggested but not necessary... Go see them! Our newest friends, pictured above (Erik and Tamara) from a little south of Napa did and we all left very happy! Thanks Eric!

www.benesserevineyards.com

Until next time!

Jessica

www.mypamperedtraveler.com