Thursday Thread @WineWanderings on @substack, March 18. Let’s Travel @NapaValley Fall 2021 @napavintners.
Hi Subscribers and Founding Supporters! A Fall 2021 trip is planned for you! More details to come, but I hope you can join me this Thursday evening, March 18, 7-8 PM CT for this month’s “Thursday Thread.” We can share ideas and plans. I look forward to being your tour guide. Cheers! Tricia
We are thinking about one of the last 2 weeks of September. It is during "crush" season. Trucks of grapes everywhere but lots to see. What do you think?
We're thinking about 4 nights there. If we leave early from our home airports, we will have an opportunity to go to probably 1 winery and a dinner the first night. Your thoughts?
The Beckstoffers - Andy in particular- are pretty famous in Napa. Andy has lots of acreage in the To Kalon vineyard (near Mondavi). I actually don't know that vineyard, but am happy to research.
Fresh seasonal is great, like Farmstead. I have been the the French Laundry. It is an experience but pretty high $$$. We will leave a couple nights on-your-own. Do you think a small group might want to go there?
I think this one will be on the list most likely. I like to do it myself and make my own blend. I tend to put more Cab Franc in it vs. all Cabernet Sauvignon. Add a little Merlot and Petite Verdot and you have a winner. I've actually ordered my own blend 3 times and make the labels so I can give them as gifts.
And Raymond is so fun. They let you design your label in advance. And, if you love the wine, you can order a case of your blend to be sent home. And, Jean-Charles Boisset who owns them (and 1/3 of Burgundy France) has a special relationship with Baccarat Crystal and there is a Baccarat room there. Such a fun place.
I did! I went for a semester which allowed me to jump over the WSET - Level 1 and 2 - Wine and Spirits Education Trust. That semester was one of the highlights of my life after my kids and significant others.
Rombauer sounds like a good addition to the itinerary. And, maybe we can get Celia to join us for lunch or dinner again. Or, take us to to one of her clients.
Lynne, I have a few I would propose for different reasons: Raymond for the personal blending session, Ferarri Carano for the Gardens, Hall for the Art and Wine, Chapellet for the Prichard Hill view, Alpha Omega for the fountains, Schramsberg for the caves....among others. Good questions.
It is not a Zoom. I hope you can join us in this "Thread" comment format. I think LInda will be joining too. Will be fun. Have a sample itinerary to discuss. Thanks, Lisa!
We are thinking about one of the last 2 weeks of September. It is during "crush" season. Trucks of grapes everywhere but lots to see. What do you think?
Also possibly the week of October 4-8.
We're thinking about 4 nights there. If we leave early from our home airports, we will have an opportunity to go to probably 1 winery and a dinner the first night. Your thoughts?
Sounds good to me.
Sounds good.
What about Tuck Beckstoffer Dancing Hares Vineyard?
Lisa, Thanks for joining the Thursday Thread tonight. We may also think about Oct 4-8. So glad you have subscribed.
The Beckstoffers - Andy in particular- are pretty famous in Napa. Andy has lots of acreage in the To Kalon vineyard (near Mondavi). I actually don't know that vineyard, but am happy to research.
New topic. What kinds of restaurants do you like? Napa has so many fine ones.
When I think of California, I think of fresh seasonal dining. I’m curious about The French Laundry. Is it worth it?
Fresh seasonal is great, like Farmstead. I have been the the French Laundry. It is an experience but pretty high $$$. We will leave a couple nights on-your-own. Do you think a small group might want to go there?
Maybe.
Who would like to do a personal blending session and leave with their own bottle and label?
I would love to
I think this one will be on the list most likely. I like to do it myself and make my own blend. I tend to put more Cab Franc in it vs. all Cabernet Sauvignon. Add a little Merlot and Petite Verdot and you have a winner. I've actually ordered my own blend 3 times and make the labels so I can give them as gifts.
And Raymond is so fun. They let you design your label in advance. And, if you love the wine, you can order a case of your blend to be sent home. And, Jean-Charles Boisset who owns them (and 1/3 of Burgundy France) has a special relationship with Baccarat Crystal and there is a Baccarat room there. Such a fun place.
Love Baccarat crystal!
I would. Will be a good time to explore reds I like.
Linda, Thanks for being on the Thursday Thread. Loved your comments.
Yes, and you can make them either softer on tannins or bolder on spices depending what you like.
Didn’t you take a bunch of classes/get certified at CIA?
Lynne, Thanks so much for being a part of out Thursday Thread. Enjoyed your questions and comments.
I did! I went for a semester which allowed me to jump over the WSET - Level 1 and 2 - Wine and Spirits Education Trust. That semester was one of the highlights of my life after my kids and significant others.
Love their picnic mountaintop climb. Their Merlot was the best until Sideways ruined the word.
Funny you should mention that. I'm doing a story soon on Merlot, 17 years after Sideways. Gun-Bun and Shafers are my favorite Merlot's.
I’ve always loved Rombauer. And Gundlasch-Bundchu is too far, but really liked their reds.
Gun-Bun has the 5th generation running the place.
Gun-Bun is great. They were the first to produce Merlot in the area. A pioneer.
Another Rombauer fan. Yay!
LOVE the Chardonnay at Alpha Omega!
It is incredible. Sipping while looking at the fountains at sunset.
Definitely. Very relaxing.
What next?
Also the blending experience sounds like a lot of fun. And to learn a lot by knowing blending considerations.
I've never been to the Culinary Institute of America, so would enjoy that.
The CIA is always fun for lunch or dinner and shopping. Or for a class.
I've been to Napa 2 or 3 times. Most recently in August 2018.
What was your favorite place? Favorite restaurant? And, where would you like to go next?
I'm a big Rombauer Chardonnay fan, so I'm curious about them. Celia Welch is wonderful and always a favorite.
Rombauer sounds like a good addition to the itinerary. And, maybe we can get Celia to join us for lunch or dinner again. Or, take us to to one of her clients.
Hi Tricia, which wineries are you proposing to go to? Advantages?
Where would you like to go?
Lynne, I have a few I would propose for different reasons: Raymond for the personal blending session, Ferarri Carano for the Gardens, Hall for the Art and Wine, Chapellet for the Prichard Hill view, Alpha Omega for the fountains, Schramsberg for the caves....among others. Good questions.
I would love to go to Schramsberg. I love champagne
Lisa, it is probably my favorite tour in Napa. Have you been to Napa before? What else would you like to see?
I’ve never been. It’s a trip that is on my list of things to do
Great, to me it is like adult Disneyland for wine lovers.
These all sound good. I love the idea of gardens being included.
I love the idea of including gardens
Good, It sounds like Ferrari Carano is in. While we are in Sonoma, I would propose lunch on the Healdsberg square. Great tasting and shopping too.
They are beautiful Italian Gardens, lots of Cypress trees.
Let's talk about a trip to Napa Valley in September 2021!
Sounds like fun.
Hi Rob, Please send in questions. Would love to have you.
Hi Lisa, It is not a zoom. Just thread comments. See you tonight. Would love your input.
How do I get the ZOOM link or call details? Thanks, Lisa Meyer
Hi Lisa, Hope you can join us tonight.
It is not a Zoom. I hope you can join us in this "Thread" comment format. I think LInda will be joining too. Will be fun. Have a sample itinerary to discuss. Thanks, Lisa!
Who has been to Napa Valley prior to 2021?
Welcome to Thursday Thread! How many of you have been to Napa Valley? Who has never traveled there?
I have been once.
Derek, from a guys perspective, what's your favorite thing about Napa?
The scenery is gorgeous! Mountain views, vineyards, quaint towns, , etc. Just a nice place to go visit for a few days.
Thanks for participating on the Thursday Thread. So good to hear your comments.
Yes, one of my favorite places in the world. You are right about the scenery, sunrises, sunsets.FOOD!
Derek, what did you like the best? Which winery? Which sites?