Rutherford AVA - Napa - Pestoni Family Winery

This winery doesn’t just have a history, it has a proud heritage. In 1882 Albino Pestoni emigrated to Bell Canyon Napa from a small Swiss Village close to the Italian Border. Rather than being intimidated by his grape growing competition, Albino thrived and began growing grapes and producing wine that people traveled from as far as San Francisco to enjoy.

Fast forward a couple of generations, and meet Bob-the rebel. Bob rebelled by not going into the winemaking business straightaway. Instead he and his brother Marvin started Upper Valley Disposal Service. Because of his roots from generations of farming, and his emphasis on recycling in his disposal business, in the late 1970s Bob started doing something that no one was doing at the time - composting. Bob started composting all the leftovers from winemaking (pomace, grape skin, pulp, seeds and stems) long before composting regained it’s popularity.

Bob earned his way into National Geographic Magazine in 1993 with his approach towards sustainable farming, a standard he still holds. It is awe-inspiring to see the mountains of compost on the Pestoni Estate. 

If sustainability is important to you, not just in the wines you drink but in the direction our society is heading, then check out Pestoni on your next trip to Napa. Family, culture, nature, and respect for our planet are the themes here, and you’ll enjoy them along-side some magnificent (sustainably grown!) wines-definitely try the 2016 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon! – Lea Gourley

Rutherford AVA - Napa

Rutherford AVA

History

The Rutherford AVA was established in 1993, but its history in the wine world goes back much further. George Yount was an explorer and pioneer who settled here in 1838, having been granted over 11,000 acres from General Vallejo as payment for services rendered. Yount had 3 Granddaughters, and one of them married Thomas Rutherford in 1864. As a wedding gift, they received 1,040 acres at the Northern end of that land.

Yount may have been the first to plant grapes here, but it was Rutherford who invested heavily into winemaking, and from 1850-1880 he made a name for himself growing and producing high quality wines. 

After Younts death, Gustave Niebaum purchased Rutherford land and opened Inglenook-a winery with a rich history all its own. In 1900 George de Latour entered the picture and purchased land adjacent to Inglenook, and that is where Beaulieu (“Beautiful Place”) still stands today. 

Once Prohibition ended in 1933 Beaulieu began receiving attention from all over the world for his phenomenal wines, and the Rutherford AVA continues to do so today.

Climate and Soil

The elevation here ranges from 155-500 feet, significantly lower than many of the AVA’s we’ve covered so far. It’s fairly warm, though touched by morning fog. It is cooler on the Western side since it receives less afternoon sun and cool winds from the ocean. The temperatures peak in the mid 90’s during the summer months.

Unlike many of the other AVA’s we’ve covered, Rutherford AVA has good water retention. The Western soil is sedimentary, gravelly, sandy, and fairly fertile. The Eastern soil is more volcanic, deeper, and considerably more fertile.

The Grapes

The wine here is world renown. Cabernet is definitely the most planted grape, but you will also find Merlot, Cabernet-Franc, and Zinfandel. You’ll taste intense cherries, a lot of minerality, and of course-the “Rutherford Dust”. This is a quality completely unique to Rutherford wines. Winemaker Mike Smith describes it as“…a powdery ‘fine dusty tannin’ effect with hints of plump cocoa powder.’ Once you taste it you’ll know it-and be able to recognize a Rutherford wine from then on. 

Chances are good that you’ve come across some of the names that stem from this AVA, such as Beaulieu Vineyard, Bello Family Vineyards, and Caymus Vineyards. These are wines that make you want to sit around a table full of food with friends and family well into the night.  -Lea Gourley

Oakville AVA - Napa- Miner Family Winery

Miner Family Winery

If you go to Napa and you have to choose just ONE winery to visit, you should know that the Miner Family Winery has a special place in the hearts of Napa County wine lovers. Here you will experience everything that Napa represents - warm hospitality, stunning views, and fantastic wines.

The Miner Family has pulled off something very special with their wines. Producing over 20 varietals they truly capture the essence of each one. From their flagship wine The Oracle, to their 4 Pinot Noirs (sourced from Santa Lucia Highlands), to Sangiovese, Viognier, Merlot, Rosato, and so many others in between… they get it-they understand how to bring out the best qualities in each particular varietal without trying to make it something more than what it is, and without trying to change it. 

Viognier, for example, is my favorite white wine. When I sip a Miner Family Viognier I can taste the floral aspects of a California Viognier, as well as the acidity that comes from a French Viognier. It’s all there - everything that it claims to be.  And they achieve this perfect balance over and over, year after year.

The Miner Family Flagship wine is The Oracle. It’s a blend of all 5 wines in the Bordeaux family; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.  If you’ve ever wanted to be a winemaker (even for a day!), Miner offers you the opportunity to do just that. During this seminar you get to try your hand at blending your own version of The Oracle ($100 per person). You’ll taste and discuss the results, and go home with a half bottle of the current vintage of The Oracle. This is a unique and educational experience and it’s a way to really engage in the winemaking process.

Dave Miner lost his wife and co-founder Emily to lung cancer in 2011. Emily’s Cabernet was thereby introduced in 2016, and each year proceeds from her namesake wine are donated to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Emily and her love for wine and hospitality thrive on in the hearts of Dave, their beautiful children, and all of those fortunate enough to have known her. 

Dave’s involvement in philanthropy doesn’t end with cancer research. He is a big supporter in the Jazz music scene. If you love Jazz Music you’ve probably heard of Benedetto Guitars. When Dave commissioned his first Benedetto Guitar he had it finished with his own Cabernet Sauvignon. Bob Benedetto was so enchanted by this that he began creating a ‘Vinodetto’ model for Dave each year. In turn, Dave releases a ‘Benedetto Signature Cabernet’.

He’s also passionate about hockey, and since 2004 Miner has been the official wine of the NHL. Every year proceeds from designated wines are donated to various charities supported by the NHL. 

The Miner Family is in the midst of a spectacular remodel, which will include the aptly named, soon to be revealed, wine club member lounge upstairs, so be sure to include this Winery on your “must do” list next time you visit Napa Valley!  – Lea Gourley

Oakville AVA - Napa - Oakville Grocery

Oakville Grocery

So let’s say you’ve been out wine tasting in Napa all day and you’re ready for some food. You want a meal, but you don’t want to go to a fancy sit down restaurant, and you’re not exactly sure what you’re in the mood for.

Here’s what you do; head on over to Oakville Grocery right in the heart of Napa. This place was established in 1881-it’s a historical landmark, and the longest continually running grocery store in California.

This isn’t just a grocery store though. This place has a little bit of everything-all fresh and local. From artisan cheeses and olives, to freshly made sandwiches, wood fired pizzas, and a stunning array of local jams, mustards, and tapenades. You could spend hours browsing the wine selection alone.

Dandy and I split a sandwich made with smoked chicken breast, gruyere, and sweet & spicy mustard. We also had some pesto pasta, fresh garlic hummus, and a caprese salad. We ordered our food and then sat outside overlooking the stunning mountain views. I could have easily gone in and ordered a whole other meal and done it all over again.

Next to the store is a Victorian House with a rich museum, showcasing some of the tools and highlights of each Napa AVA that Jean-Charles Boisset established.  If you’re a history buff, you’ll love this.

And here’s the thing that really sets this place apart, especially for you wine lovers. You’ve heard of Opus One and Screaming Eagle Vineyards, yes? Those are some of the upper echelon wines that put Napa on the map-but their bottle prices aren’t for the faint of heart. At Oakville Grocery you can taste a sample of some of those wines. (Screaming Eagle was available for a few months and by the glass was $600…but at least you could try it without having to buy the bottle) They’ll set you back a few bucks, but you can go home and brag to your friends that you drank, literally, some of the most famous wines in the world. 

Oakville AVA - Napa - Saddleback Cellars

Saddleback Cellars

Nils Venge of Saddleback Cellars is a legend and a pioneer here in the Napa Valley. He was the first American winemaker to receive 100 points from wine critic Robert Parker for his Cabernet from Groth Vineyards in 1985. 

Nils was studying Viticulture at U.C. Davis back in the 60’s before it was really a thing. After completing a tour of duty in Vietnam, Nils returned to Napa to resume his passion for winemaking. During this time he honed his craft working for notable labels such as Charles Krug, Sterling, and of course, Groth. 

Nils spends much of his time consulting for wineries all over the Napa Valley, and he’s easily recognized with his down-to-earth cowboy style. His tasting room at Saddleback represents him and his philosophy perfectly; it’s a no-nonsense barn like structure where dogs are welcome and the country music is turned up high.

If you’re growing weary of the highfalutin tasting rooms that make up so many of the Napa wineries, throw on some boots an meander on over to Saddleback Cellars. Take a seat on a picnic bench and enjoy the views of rolling hills and grapevines while listening to Johnny Cash. 

Saddleback Cellars is award winning and legendary without all the extra noise. I highly recommend you try their 2015 Black Rock Zinfandel.  - Lea Gourley