Looking for something fresh and fun for your next corporate event? Ready to consider a unique location or venue, different from what you have done in the past? You may not be aware of options that could provide you with that different experience you are seeking. Consider outsourcing and partnering with specialists who have expertise and knowledge in different areas of the country.

There are endless opportunities when it comes to outsourcing your corporate events and we have suggestions for best practices in making this valuable choice for your company. When partnering with an event planning organization you are able to leave duties such as site selection, housing, registration, logistics, and event marketing to those professionals who are knowledgeable in the specific locations you are considering visiting. You will be able to try new ideas and experiences, something that will be sure to inspire your company.

Here’s what you should consider when you are looking to partner with outsourced event planners:

Experience: Look for a company that has already worked events for companies and groups similar to yours in the destination you are considering. Event management companies that specialize in companies the size of yours won’t be surprised by any change of plans or last-minute requests, because they have most likely seen it all and can handle any glitches that may occur. This will allow you to relax and focus on other tasks associated with your meeting and events.

Knowledge: When you decide to partner with a planning company that specializes in a specific area (like Grapes on the Vine Events for the California Wine Country), they have relationships with businesses in that location such as hotels, resorts, transportation, caterers, activity vendors, entertainment, etc. This spares your company staff from having to research everything on their own time. You know your company, your outsourced partner knows what the destination offers. That combined knowledge can produce a successful event for everyone in attendance.

Budget: You also want to look for professional event planners that are used to working with a broad range of budget sizes. This will ensure that they have the experience and expertise to work within your budget while still meeting the goals and objectives of your corporate event or meeting. Many event management companies will also have lots of contacts in their specialized destinations. These deep relationships can provide reduced costs and discounts which often can help offset the price of outsourcing for you all together. Also, working with an outsourced event planner allows for the management of cash flow, payments, and final statements so you aren’t bogged down in the little details.

Another key benefit of partnering with an experienced event planning company is that you will be free to continue working on future events while your outsourced team is doing most of the detail work. You and your company have the luxury of looking forward to a well-planned event without all of the extra stress!

Here’s to great wine and unique events!

Myrna

Want to go to the California Wine Country, but not sure how to plan a trip? “Pods” may be the answer.

A California Wine Country Trip is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with some of your closest friends or family members while giving you a chance to get away from the rush of daily life. How to plan it? Where to start? What to see? Where to stay? What wineries to visit? All good questions for which we have answers.

You can use an experienced meeting and event planner that specializes in taking groups to the California Wine Country. You may think that you are only a few people so how can you constitute a group. The “pod” concept may be right for you.

What is a “pod” and how does it relate to a wine country trip? You can create your own “pod” by including several friends with whom you enjoy traveling. Your “pod” will be combined with other “pods” to form a group of about 20 people. You can then take advantage of discounts offered by hotels, transportation, wineries, etc. because you are part of a larger, but still intimate group. You can “hang out” with your friends as well as meet new and interesting people who also enjoy wine.

A group may consist of all couples, all women “pods”, or “pods” for men that may want a combined golf and wine trip. As a matter of fact, we are taking a “Women and Wine” trip in May, 2016 that consists of 4 to 5 “pods” of all types of women, i.e. professionals, retired, active in the community, single, married, etc.

Your trip would include: Pick up and return to the airport, meals for the time you are in the wine country including lunches and private dinners at wineries; hotel accommodations; transportation to wineries, activities, dinners, etc., as well as visits and tastings at an interesting variety of wineries.

So why not take advantage of the knowledge and skill set that already exists without the hassle of trying to plan everything yourself. We would welcome the opportunity to work with your “pod”, and combine it with others who share your interests, enjoy wine and want to explore the beautiful California wine country in a unique and memorable manner.

Here’s to great wine and unique events!

Myrna

Late-night TV greats were probably the “founding fathers” of the “Top Ten” craze that has captivated our attention in recent years – Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Jay Leno’s lists are legendary, and these “top” lists have migrated to social media. California’s wine country is synonymous with incredible vistas, and today we would like to share the best of the best, in no particular order. Why don’t you come see for yourself and share your ranking?

Ian White, author for 7×7 Magazine and Katie Kelly Bell, writer for Forbes Lifestyle give us a few options of some of the most beautiful views in Napa Valley that are a must-see:

1.  Poetry Inn: This exquisite inn is the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity. The five luxurious rooms are well      appointed with original artwork, wood burning fireplaces, and huge balconies. These unique balconies face westward and overlook the valley, and provide private, unobstructed views and breath-taking sunsets.

2. Auberge du Soleil: A high-end resort nestled on a hill on the eastern side of the valley, this gem offers unforgettable views. There is a shaded terrace at the rear of the resort that opens up onto the valley below, and everyone is welcome to take in the view while enjoying a favorite wine or cappuccino.

3. Chappellet Winery: Located on Pritchard Hill, the view of Lake Hennessey is exquisite, and many locals claim this is the best view in the valley. This family-owned vineyard has beautiful gardens and delicious cabernet sauvignons grow on its mountain.

4. Hiking/biking gems: For the high energy thrill-seekers, the historic Oat Hill Mine Trail offers southwest views from the palisades. The Coyote Peak Trail at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has amazing east-facing views, and the Napa Solano Ridge Trail at Napa’s Skyline Park is home to sensational views of North Bay marshes and mountains.

5. Sterling Vineyards: A unique vineyard that requires an aerial tram ride to access, Sterling has long been an exceptional visit for both its wines and its views.

6. Smith-Madrone: One of the most beautiful and down-to-earth wineries in Napa Valley. It is located near the top of Spring Mountain. It is a beautiful place to explore with a number of different lookouts and vantage points. Make sure to leave some time to see all the beauty of this winery.

7. Viader: This vineyard sits across the valley from Smith-Madrone and offers a more refined experience. The tasting room of this gorgeous winery is surrounded on three sides by heavy forest and has an expansive vista that breaks through its trees.

8. Silverado Vineyards: The view is spectacular from a gracious stone deck that looks onto smaller valleys on the Northwest. Their “terrace tastings” and sunset make this location a must-visit. Though they are open to the public, there’s an exclusive feel as you wind up the hillside to the winery.

9. Cuvaison Estate Wines: Their four-year-old tasting room in Carneros features a sleek, contemporary space surrounded by breath-taking vine-covered hills.

10. The Thomas is a hot new restaurant where you can enjoy the urban view from an intimate rooftop terrace in downtown Napa.

Wherever you choose to explore in Napa Valley, you will have a magical experience. This top ten list of must-see views only scratches the surface of the numerous places to see and experience. It is a place that provides endless beauty and lasting memories. We hope that our list gives you an idea of some interesting places to visit while enjoying your adventure in Napa Valley. We would love to be a part of your experience in the wine country and look forward to making it an unforgettable trip!

Here’s to great wine and unique events!

Myrna Orphan

Summer is approaching and with its arrival, there are so many activities to enjoy in Napa Valley. You can experience them all…dine at some of the top restaurants in the country, experience wine tastings and tours, and savor the laid-back hospitality and gorgeous scenery that keeps Napa Valley at the top of must-do vacation lists.

The options are endless when it comes to summer in Napa Valley, and that is why there is an increased interest in family reunions and vacations in Napa. There is something for every one of all ages in your family. Just some of the fun activities in the region include Safari West, The Petrified Forest, The Old Grist Mill State Park, a jellybean factory tour, Jack London State Park, kayaking on the Russian River and exploring Sonoma Square.

Ian White, author for Modern Luxury’s San Francisco Magazine recommends some of the best wineries to visit with your kids including Frog’s Leap, V. Sattui Winery, Sterling Vineyards, Benziger Winery, and Castello di Amorosa. Sterling offers a gondola ride to the winery and a great view of the Napa Valley, Benziger tours its vineyard on a tractor-drawn wagon, and V. Sattui is perfect for a family picnic lunch!

The Wine Train offers family fun nights, and this unique opportunity allows parents to enjoy a gourmet 4-course dinner while a professional care provider entertains the children with games, movies, and a meal. Finally, what about a family Segway tour of Napa?

Hotels for family fun (recommended by Ian White, author and Wine Country Director for 7×7 Magazine):

• Carneros Inn has welcoming cottages and suites, a family friendly pool, bocce ball and flashlight tag on the lawn
• The Westin Verasa Napa is one block from the Oxbow Public Market and within walking distance to many restaurants. Calistoga Spa and Hot Springs has four hot springs pools—they have been catering to families for decades!
• Camping at Bothe Napa Valley State Park—pool and hiking trails for everyone!
• Some families may decide to rent a private home in the wine country; which may include a pool, tennis court or bocci court. Personal chefs are available to help with special occasion meals or just private dining in your home. It is another good option where families can spend time together while enjoying outdoor activities for all ages.

Friends and Family Events:

Grapes on the Vine Events enjoy bringing families and extended families to Napa Valley because we think it is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful countryside and spend quality time with the people you love most. Friends and family events are some of our favorite to host.  Grapes on the Vine Events work to manage every detail of your group’s California wine country trip, from the time you arrive at the airport through your departure.  We want you to simply show up, relax and enjoy your custom California wine country experience. No matter what the occasion, we can help create wine country trips with tours and activities specifically designed for your family trip. It is such a wonderful way to enjoy time with your family and create lasting memories. We look forward to introducing you and your family to the Napa Valley summertime beauty.

Here’s to great wine and unique events!

Myrna Orphan

Many participants on our wine country group trips have shown interest in understanding why some wineries use real cork and others synthetic corks in their wine bottles. In reading articles and talking with wine makers and others in the wine industry, we have pulled together some of the information we have learned.

Synthetic corks are on the rise. Technology being what it is today has created a synthetic cork called Select Bio.  Not only does this fake cork work like a real cork in that it allows very small amounts of oxygen to enter the bottle, it’s made from 100 percent recyclable materials. These synthetic corks make life a lot easier because they ensure that “cork taint” does not occur. This term refers to a wine fault characterized by a set of undesirable smells or tastes found in a bottle of wine, especially spoilage that can only be detected after bottling, aging, and opening.

Select Bio or synthetic corks look just like wood corks but make sure that you are able to enjoy a perfect wine drinking experience rather than having to worry about corks breaking and falling into your delicious wine. Corks represent the state of the art for wine closures and it really does affect your overall wine experience. The current generation of closures does not interact with the wine (at least that is what the maker of a synthetic cork, Nomacorc is saying) and allows the winemaker to select the micro-amounts of oxygen that best suit the wine. Sounds perfect right?

This by all means does not mean that natural corks will be disappearing anytime soon. Both synthetic and natural corks have their own pros and cons. The downsides to using synthetic cork are that they are difficult to compress, harder to get in the bottle, and more difficult to remove as well. The downsides to natural corks are that they easily dry out and must stay wet to protect the wine. When these natural corks dry out they become dry, brittle, and easy to break. Oxygen can enter through these cracks, and this could eventually change the chemistry of the wine. If left unnoticed, this could ruin the wine before it can even be opened.

Scientific studies have been done on both artificial and real corks. Many wine lovers like synthetic closures and others enjoy natural. It is interesting to hear different people opinions on this topic. Regardless of whether you prefer synthetic or natural cork stops, cork stoppers in general are the preferred choice. Often, consumers associate cork stoppers with the quality of wine and the act of opening a bottle of wine contributes to its special flavor. It is not just because of the celebratory sounds of a cork being pulled out of a bottle, but it is because many consumers associate cork stoppers with good or fine quality wine.

So what will you choose, synthetic or natural? Either way, we hope you always enjoy your wine and the people you with whom you share your experience.

Here’s to great wine and unique events!

Myrna Orphan

Happy Spring Everyone!

This time of year is absolutely incredible in California’s wine country. The vines are just starting to produce baby bunches of grapes that will ripen throughout the season. Dozens of varieties of fruit trees blossom and create fields of white and pink. Nature is coming to life – and you can too when you visit!

This is the perfect time of the year to visit both Napa Valley and Sonoma. Whether you’re traveling with your co-workers for a corporate retreat, attending an awards ceremony for your industry or having a weekend getaway with close friends, travel can have a lasting impact and provide the most amazing memories. May 2 through 10 is National Travel and Tourism Week.

If you’re planning a company event, keep in mind that travel builds lasting connections between individuals. It makes what could be an ordinary corporate meeting into rich, wonderful, lasting memories. By selecting a destination like Napa Valley or Sonoma, you can tap into the “Travel Effect” and create memories for your attendees. Why not give them something special to remember instead of the same old events?

California’s Wine Country can bring you that “something special” Here’s a bit of what you can expect to experience during your California travels.

The Best in Wines:

They don’t call it “Wine Country” for nothing! Napa Valley is home to over 400 wine brands – which account for 25% of California’s total wine economy. Over 95% of local wine brands are family owned and operated, meaning you’ll get the very best from generations of winemakers.

Grapes on the Vine Events bring these amazing experiences to you and your clients without any worries. Everything is taken care of including hotels and dining experiences. This is your chance to relax and enjoy an amazing experience and it is our job to make sure you do!

Best in Food:

Wine Country is well known as a culinary epicenter of the world and features cuisine from around the world. Napa Valley and Sonoma are both considered as some of the best dining experiences in the US. Combining your favorite wines with delicious food is the perfect way to spend your trip.

The Best for Everyone:

If you want to experience an amazing trip you need to pick an amazing location – Napa Valley and Sonoma are some of the most luxurious and sought after vacation places in the US.

Create the “Travel Effect” for your group this year! Whether it’s in springtime or any other season, both Napa Valley and Sonoma each have something wonderful to offer and we look forward to helping you enjoy this experience!

Here’s to great wine and unique events!

Myrna Orphan

Q1: What was the purpose of your trip to Napa Valley?

Every year our division of McKesson Corporation offered an incentive trip for our sales, client management and operations teams in a highly desirable location. The winners, along with their spouse, are invited to join our president and other executive officers on the trip.

After taking trips to traditional warm weather resorts for several years, the executive team decided to try something new and different. We considered several options and decided Napa Valley would provide a unique experience for the winners who qualified for the trip.

Q2: Tell us a little about your trip and experience.

We entertained proposals from several companies and selected Grapes on the Vine Events to plan our event. McKesson has an in-house meeting planning and event team that usually puts our trips together for us, but they were not quite as knowledgeable about Napa as Grapes on the Vine Events. It would, however, be very important that Grapes on the Vine work very closely with the McKesson Event planners who would handle a lot of the communications, travel, contracts, etc. The two teams worked really well together.

Everyone attending was met at the airport and transported to Napa where we stayed in a boutique hotel Grapes on the Vine Events found for us. We visited wineries, both large and small; had some creative exercises to help us better understand how to taste and appreciate wine; participated in dine around dinners at some of Napa’s best restaurants, and held our awards banquet at a winery with a beautiful setting of vineyards in the background and where the winery executive chef prepared an outstanding dinner pared with their wines.

Each attendee was allowed to select an activity on their “free” day. Activities included: Hot air balloon rides, biking, hiking, spa treatments, lunch and touring on the Napa wine train, more winery visits, golf, etc. This allowed each person to do something they wanted to do on their own, and still have time to explore the area. 

Q3: What was your or your group’s favorite activity during the trip?

I think visiting the wineries and learning more about wine was a hit, but the group was excited about the wide variety of options for them to participate in while there. The Hot Air Balloon ride was very popular, and those that went on the ride really raved about it—for many it was a once in a lifetime experience. It was beautiful flying over the vineyards as the sun was rising.

Q4: What does Napa Valley provide that other locations may not offer to guests?

Well, the obvious answer is delicious wine. The countryside is beautiful, and the colors in the vineyards and surrounding mountains at various times of the day are something to behold. Also, as I mentioned earlier, the variety of activities that are available appeal to everyone whether you are into wine or not.

I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention the large number of outstanding restaurants. If you are a “foodie”, Napa is a great place to visit.

Q5: How does working with a destination management company like Grapes on the Vine Events help your company throughout the planning and execution processes?

 They brought the intimate knowledge of the area such as finding the right lodging, wineries to visit, restaurants, etc. They have so many contacts for transportation, recreational entertainment, chefs, wine knowledge for wine education materials and sessions, that complimented the skill set of our in-house event team.

We held weekly conference calls and received numerous status reports from Grapes on the Vine Events that kept us abreast of everything and where we were in the budget. They also were able to provide additional suggestions and acquired items such as gifts for the attendees and welcome baskets in the rooms.

Q6: Would you select the California wine country as your destination again? 

Several of the attendees commented that it was the best trip we ever had. However, McKesson has restructured the way we award incentive trips and all divisions now attend one very large trip. It has changed the type of trips we can offer, but if we ever go back to division trips, we would certainly consider the California Wine country again.

Red wine drinkers have a common problem – stains! And, no matter how careful you are the inevitable is bound to happen… a spill. From minor to large spills, the key is to act quickly.

A recent article in Food and Wine highlights five wine removal tricks. Whether it is your favorite white shirt or living room couch, these household products will help you when it comes time to clean up a spill:

1. Salt

1. Dawn & Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Boiling Water
2. White Vinegar and Detergent
3. Bleach

Have you tried any of these? Do you have any other tips for removing red wine stains?

While exploring this topic, we came across a recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Gil Kulers. According to the article, the answer is no. Sulfur has been a part of winemaking history, dating back to Roman winemakers. It is actually a byproduct of the fermentation process – making a sulfite-free wine impossible. Winemakers can limit the amount, but it results in a lack of control over the flavor, acidity and other important elements of wine.

What do you think about the natural wine movement?

In our previous blog post, we highlighted wine vocabulary as one of the most important part of wine education and something we stress with our groups. Another key component of wine education is the ideal consumption time, or “drinking window.” When purchasing a wine (particularly if it is an expensive bottle), it’s good to know when you should drink it. But, is there truly an answer to this frequent question? Not really.

This is a question that we are asked constantly by the groups we take to the wine country. Depending on the knowledge level of group participants, we may hold a fun, hands-on wine education class at the start of the trip. We discuss the best time to drink a wine and encourage our groups to ask questions when making a purchase. The truth is – there isn’t one answer. It truly depends on the wine. Variables like the style of the wine maker and varietal all play a part in identifying the drinking window. So, before you do (or don’t) pop the cork, be sure to ask questions and learn more about the wine.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal offers several tips to help readers figure out a wine’s prime drinking time. Read the full story here.

How do you identify a wine’s drinking window?