Meditrina Concierge

Having fun with Wine? Capture the moment!

2012-01-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

          Do you have any great photos from California Wine Country? Or of you enjoying some juice from the region? If so please send them to us! We know how much fun we have enjoying the fruits of our labor...now we want to see the fun you're having!

      SUBMIT PHOTOS HERE!

         Please send us your wine related photos: enjoying a nice dinner, in a vineyard, a wall of fame, a cool bottle, at your favorite winery or just relaxing in front of a cozy fire...the possibilities are endless!

              On May 1st our panel of judges will vote, and the winning photo will be announced!

The winner will receive:

    -A catered lunch for two at a small private winery

    -Complimentary tasting passes for two- to four select wineries

    -Two bottles of wine shipped to your home or office


Guidelines:

-Please send photos to lisa@meditrinaconcierge.com no later than May 1st and mark them as: "Fun with Wine".

      -A winner will be chosen on May 1st 2012.

      -Please tell us your name, where the photo was taken, and the type of wine you were enjoying (if there is a bottle in the photo).

   -Your photo must be wine related.

     -Your photo may be used on our Facebook page and in our blog. (with full credit given to you and a link to your website if you have one) You can also post photos to our Facebook page.

     -Limit three photos per person.

   -To win you must be 21 or over and live in the US.

      So as the winter wears on try and stay warm, drink up and don't forget to grab your camera!

Contact us to book your next wine country holiday: meditrinaconcierge.com

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New Years Day Napa Valley 2012

2011-12-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

Are you spending New Years in Napa Valley? If you're not out too late, enjoying one of the many wonderful celebrations, head out and enjoy the valley. There are many restaurants, tasting rooms and wineries open on New Years Day.

Please be sure to call in advance for reservations and hours of operation. And as always, if you would like help planning the details of your next trip to wine country please give me a call 707.968.7173.

Napa Valley Restaurants

Open on New Years Day:

Alexis Baking Company: 258-1827

Angele Restaurant: 252-8115

All Seasons Bistro: 942-9111

Auberge du Soleil: 963-1211

Avia Hotel Restaurant: 224-3900

Bank Café & Bar at Westin Verasa: 257-5151

Bistro Don Giovanni: 224-3300

Bistro Jeanty: 944-0103

Boon Fly Café at at Carneros Inn: 299-4870

Bottega: 945-1050

Bounty Hunter: 226-3976

Brannans Grill: 942-2233

Brassica: 963-0700

Brix Restaurant: 944-2749

Ca’Momi Enoteca: 257-4992

Calistoga Inn & Brewery: 942-4101

Celadon: 254-9690

CIA – Greystone: 967-1010

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen: 963-1200

Cole’s Chop House: 224-6328

Compadres: 253-1111

Downtown Joes Brewery & Restaurant: 258-2337

Farm at The Carneros Inn: 299-4880

Farmstead: 963-9181

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto: 254-9700

Fume Bistro: 257-1999

Gillwoods Café-Napa: 253-0409

Gillwoods Café-St. Helena: 963-3486

Gott’s Roadside-Napa: 224-6900

Gott’s Roadside-St. Helena: 963-3486

Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn: 227-3221

Grille 29 at at Embassy Suites: 253-9540

Grill at Meadowood: 967-1216

Hydro Grill: 942-9777

Morimoto: 252-1600

Mustards Grill: 944-2424

Norman Rose Tavern: 258-1516

Pacific Blues Café: 944-4455

Redd: 944-2222

The Restaurant at Meadowood: 967-1205

Ristorante Allegria: 254-8006

Ristorante La Strada: 226-3027

Rutherford Grill: 963-1792

The Grill at Silverado Resort: 257-0200

Siena Restaurant at The Meritage Resort: 259-0633

Solbar at Solage: 967-6272

Sushi Mambo: 257-6604

Sweetie Pies Bakery: 257-7280

Tra Vigne: 963-4444

Uva Trattoria: 255-6646

Vin Eleven at Napa Valley Marriott: 253-8600

Napa Valley Wineries & Tasting Rooms

Open on New Years Day:

Alpha Omega: 963-9999

Carpe Diem Wine Bar: 224-0800

Castello di Amorosa: 967-6272

Cosentino Winery: 921-2896

Cuvaison Estate, Calistoga: 942-2461

Del Dotto, St. Helena: 603-2873

Domaine Carneros: 257-0101

Elizabeth Spencer: 963-6067

Girard: 968-9297

Hagafen Cellars: 252-0781

J.V. Wine & Spirits: 253-2624

Madonna Estate: 255-8864

Peju: 963-3600

Tamber Bey: 968-5345

V. Sattui Winery: 963-7774

V. Wine Cellars: 531-7053

Van der Heyden: 257-0130

Velo Vino: 968-0625

View our website for contact information & details: meditrinaconcierge.com

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FREE WINE!

2011-12-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

Do you have a friend heading to Napa or Sonoma Valley? I will send you a bottle of wine for every referral that becomes a client of Meditrina Concierge.

This offer is good through May 1^st 2012, so you have time.

How it works: You give me a heads up on who you have referred, once they have become a client I will send you a bottle of wine (And not Two Buck Chuck, I promise!).

Please call me with any questions you might have 707-968-7173.

Disclosure: You must be 21 or over to participate and live in the continental US.

View our website for services and information: meditrinaconcierge.com

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What is Meditrina Concierge?

2011-11-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

I have been getting a lot of questions about how Meditrina Concierge* works. (*See where our name comes from at the end of the blog.) I don't want this update to come across as an advertisement, although it will, I just want to offer the details on the services I provide.

What is Meditrina Concierge?

We are personalized concierge service in the heart of Napa Valley. We work with our clients on an individual basis to create customized itineraries and unforgettable memories. Our clientele ranges from first time visitors, to veterans who make the annual harvest pilgrimage. We aim to create ideal vacations by assisting with as little or as much of the planning as you like, accommodations, reservations, winery access and transportation are just a few of the details we take care of.

Why should I use a concierge service to plan my vacation?

Working with a concierge isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone who enjoys arranging every detail and spending hours online, this service may not be for you. Or if you have a list of favorite places and you stick to the script every time, this probably isn't your cup of tea. I am here to make your life easy so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the wine. Whether you want to have every detail of your holiday planned, or your just looking to have a few loose ends tied up, I am here to help you!

No one is coming to Napa Valley to have a bad time, I am just here to help you have a better time.

Is Meditrina Concierge for me?

If you’re unsure about using a concierge to arrange your vacation, all you have to do is call: 707-968-7113. My name is Lisa and I am happy to chat about your upcoming trip, answer any questions and talk about what services I provide. There is no fee for calling, and we offer complementary consultations.

How does the service work?

Once you have made the decision to work with me you can relax knowing no detail will be overlooked. Meditrina Concierge charges $75 per hour of planning service- a weekend trip can take from 1-3 hours of planning. Your itinerary begins taking shape once you have answered a few questions, and we have a foundation to work from. Again, consultations are always complementary, but we do require a deposit equal to 50% of the projected planning time prior to the reservations being made. The remaining fee is due once the final itinerary has been set.

You’re coming to wine country to have a great time, and I know that! So, regardless of working with Meditrina, I want you to have the best experience possible in this beautiful place I now call home.

*Fact of the day:

Where does the name Meditrina come from?

Pronounced: Med-a-ter-ina

Meditrina is the Roman goddess of wine and Daughter of Apollo. She was the deity in charge of wine, longevity and health. Every Oct. 11 in honor of the new vintage, a festival called Meditrinalia was celebrated. When the season's harvest was in and its first wines made, revelers would mix new wine with old, drink a copious amounts and pour a little onto the earth for the gods and goddesses.

Contact us to book your next wine country itinerary: meditrinaconcierge.com

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Thanksgiving Napa Valley 2011

2011-11-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Coming to Napa Valley for Thanksgiving? Wondering where to go and what to do? Wonder no more! There are many restaurants, shops and wineries open on Thanksgiving Day. Don't fret...your wine and foodie needs will be well met if you're adventuring to Napa Valley for the Thanksgiving Holiday!

Please be sure to call in advance for reservations and hours of operation. And as always, if you would like help planning the details of your next trip to wine country give me a call anytime 707.968.7173.

Napa Valley Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day:

All Seasons Bistro: 942-9111

Alexis Baking Company: 258-1827

Auberge du Soleil: 963-1211

Avia Kitchen: 224-3900

Bardessono: 204-6000

Bistro Jeanty: 944-0103

Boon Fly Café: 299-4870

Brannan’s Grill: 942-2233

Brix Restaurant: 944-2749

Calistoga Inn: 942-4101

Celadon: 254-9690

Cuvee: 224-2330

Downtown Joe’s: 258-2337

Etoile Restaurant: 944-2892

Farm Restaurant: 299-4880

Fish Story: 251-5651

Great American Grill: 252-0444

Grille 29: 253-9540

Hurley’s Restaurant: 944-2345

Hydro Grill: 942-9777

La Toque: 257-5157

The Grill & Restaurant: 963-3646

Ristorante Allegria: 254-8006

The Grill/Royal Oak: 257-0200

Siena Restaurant: 251-1900

Silverado Brewing Company: 967-9876

Solbar at Solage: 226-0850

Sweetie Pies: 257-7280

Taste of the Himalayas: 255-4310

Uva Trattoria: 255-6646

Vin Eleven: 253-8600

Napa Valley Wine Train: 253-2111

Napa Wineries Open on Thanksgiving Day:

Castello di Amorosa: 967-6272

Ceja Vineyards: 255-3954

Cosentino: 921-2896

Elizabeth Spencer: 963-6067

Del Dotto: 963-2134

Girard Winery: 968-9297

Hagafen Cellars: 252-0781

Van der Heyden Vineyards: 257-0130

V. Sattui Winery: 963-7774

V Wine Cellars: 531-7053

Napa Valley Grocery Stores Open Thanksgiving Day:

Cal Mart Groceries/Deli: 942-6271

Dean & DeLuca: 967-9980

J.V Wine & Spirits: 253-2624

Lucky’s (Trancas): 255-7767

Nob Hill Foods: 224-8583

Raley’s: 224-7897

Safeway (Clay St.): 252-4122

Safeway (St. Helena): 968-3620

Vallerga’s Grocery: 253-8780

View our website for contact information & details: meditrinaconcierge.com

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Napa With Kids!

2011-11-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Are you a parent who thinks bringing children to wine country is a recipe for disaster? Do you have visions of hauling an unhappy child from tasting room to tasting room, broken glasses and interrupted conversations? Do you dream of relaxing in wine country knowing your children are having a good time and being well taken care of?

Imagine receiving a massage, sampling great wines or having a romantic dinner and being able to relax. Do you think coming to Napa is just for adults? Well it’s not! While you enjoy your time in wine country your children can too!

Meditrina Concierge works with the top child care providers in Napa Valley. We arrange day and evening, partial or around the clock care, it’s all up to you. And with a background in early childhood education I understand the importance of safety, education and fun. So rest easy knowing the kids are safe and having as much fun as you are!

Below I have created a sample itinerary (keep in mind there are many more activities available). Each itinerary is created uniquely for you. We work with you every step of the way to ensure your child has the best experience possible.

Please review the sample itinerary below:

9:00am: The day starts with your children being picked up by their care provider after breakfast at your hotel, vacation home or resort. They are in for a day filled with fun and adventure.

10:00am: After a short ride into the hills of the Mayacamas Mountains they stumble upon Safari West! A tour guide takes them, and their care provider, on an educational two tour throughout the property. They can have lunch at Safari West or…

1:00pm: They drive back to the valley floor where they enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the local parks, followed by a little playtime.

2:30pm: A trip to “Old Faithful Geyser”-Calistga, where they get to see one of nature’s mysterious attractions.

3:30pm: An adventure to the top of Napa Valley on the Sterling Winery Tram followed by a walking tour and a light snack before heading back down.

5:00pm: The care provider can either spend the rest of the evening with the children, take them to dinner and get them settled for the evening, or bring them back anytime you like.

Depending on your needs Meditrina Concierge can arrange: daylong group field-trips with multiple care providers, private experiences with a single care provider, in home care and evening and event care. (Two or more care providers are required for groups of four or larger.)

Now it’s time for you to you to sit back, relax and let the stress melt away knowing your children are receiving the the best care possible.

To contact Meditrina Concierge about booking your itinerary call 707.968.7173.

Contact us to book your next wine country itinerary: meditrinaconcierge.com

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Calistoga Wine Tasting: Venge Vineyards

2011-11-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Adding to the mélange of rich history in the region, Venge Vineyards continues hold the bar high. Hidden in plain view, they offer a relaxing experience while showcasing sexy wines! Nestled into a picturesque nook off of the Silverado Trail*, this piece of Napa Valley heaven is home to Venge Vineyards.

View from the Veranda

The day of our tasting we were scheduled with Matt, the tasting room manager, he was very knowledgeable and facilitating. We knew where the winery was so we didn’t need directions, but if you don’t know you'll want to check a map before hand. The winery and farm house are visible just over the vines, set about ¾ mile off the trail, but you wouldn’t know it unless you knew to look.

Venge Vineyard- Winery and Farm House

Once on the property we headed past the winery and up to the Farm House. Which is just that, a house! It has a full kitchen, living room, large dining area and a beautiful veranda. The weather was still warm so we opted to sit outdoors, and the view was stunning! The property is west facing and backs up to the Palisade Mountains; there are scenic views across the valley floor to the Mayacamas and up to the vineyards on Spring Mountain.

The Veranda at Venge Vineyard

Tasting Overview:

The Standouts-

2010 Spettro Proprietary White: $26 a bottle-This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc. On the nose, I found pink grapefuit and honedew melon blending with aromas of white peach and allspice. The palate holds a rich texture accompanied by notes of pippin apple, key lime, cooked plantain and summer breeze (wait is summer breeze a flavor?) No, but you get the picture, this is a great front porch sipping wine.

2009 Muhlner Steps Vineyard Syrah: $45 a bottle- The nose took me back to memories of my mom roasting coffee beans. A rich espresso was followed by compact boysenberry and a hint of toasted caramel. On the palate I found great earthy qualities that paired nicely with black cherry, baking coco and fig. A long finish, young tannin and good acidity say this wine will be drinking well for years. I look forward to opening this bottle with a fennel encrusted pork loin and seeing how it has developed over time.

2009 Scout's Honor Proprietary Red: $38 a bottle-A unique blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Syrah intersect to create a diverse and concentrated wine. On the nose raspberry and herbaceous scents fuse with anise and damp earth. The Zinfandel makes itself known on the palate, showing off it’s salacious side early; cherry bubble gum (ya, I know just go with it…it’s my palate not yours!) and ripe red berries give way to currant, a hint of coconut and woody flavors (yes woody as in what it would taste like if you chewed on a stick, this is not a bad thing). The balance between the bold and the beautiful isn’t quite there yet, but if you can get your paws on this you shouldn't think twice

2009 Bone Ash Cabernet Sauvignon: $76 a bottle-This was the show stopper! The nose opens with ripe fig, plum and crushed clove with a hint of licorice. On the palate lots of dark fruit is followed by burnt marshmallow, dried tobacco and a hint of truffle. The complex and persistent flavors intertwine with youthful yet firm tannins, letting you know it will be drinking well for many years to come.

With our last glass of wine in hand Matt took us on a tour of the winery, it was the beginning of harvest and the smells and sounds were crush as usual. After a quick tour, and running into Kirk who was burning the late afternoon harvest oil, we headed back to the farm house.

Venge Vineyards is available by appointment only, and if you can get one do it! The experience is welcoming and relaxing, and the wines are unparalleled! The style by which Kirk makes his wines is one-of-a-kind.

Venge Vineyards

4708 Silverado Trl

Calistoga, CA 94515-9796

(707) 942-9100

vengevineyards.com‎

Lisa's fun fact of the day :)

*The Silverado Trail got it's name for being the main route wagons traveled carrying silver from the mine town of Silverado. Although the town and success of the mine were short lived, the name stuck when Oat Hill Mine in Calistoga began mining quicksilver (also known as mercury or cinnabar). Quicksilver was used in the gold mines of California to separate the gold from the sand or ore in which it was found.

Contact us to book your next wine country itinerary: meditrinaconcierge.com

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Calistoga Wine Tasting: Jericho Canyon Vineyards

2011-11-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

Although off the beaten path, Jericho Canyon is no “diamond in the rough”, this place is stunning! If you're looking for a winery with a storied past, wonderful service, views to die for and outstanding Cabs; then you need make an appointment to visit Phil at Jericho Canyon.

As you turn off of Highway 29 onto the Old Toll Road you are welcomed by picturesque views of the sheer cliff faces of the Palisade Mountains. It is about a mile back on a straight, but narrow road. You know you've gone too far if you hit the "Hair Pin Turn", as our host advised us beforehand.

Phil, the resident host at Jericho Canyon, greeted us at the copper bar with glasses of Sauvignon Blanc. We tasted the 2009 at $28 a bottle, and were much impressed by the tropical flavors and good balance it offered, perfect for the weather that day! After the greeting we went on a tour of the vineyard, which was a steep incline, but the views were worth it. We were literally at the base of Mount Saint Helena with breathtaking views of the property and surrounding valley floor vineyards.

Once we got settled into our glasses of Sauvignon Blanc atop the hill, we were given a wonderful history of the property. With stories of prohibition vineyards, cattle ranches and celebrities who have lived on the property; the historical vibe was confirmed. After a few photos we headed down the hill.

Once in the winery we were lead through the immaculate caves to a beautifully set oak table where the tasting was held.

Tasting Overview:

2006 Jericho Canyon Creek: $45 a bottle-Visions of Christmas morning flooded my head, figs, brown sugar, spice, oak and great tannins! (I guess tannins are not part of Christmas morning but that's okay.)

2007 Jericho Canyon Creek Cabernet: $45 a bottle- Although very similar in flavor and structure the 2007 showed it's true colors. It was a fun experience to try both vintages side by side. I can't wait to open a bottle of the 2007 in a year from now.

2006 Jericho Canyon Estate Cabernet: $80 a bottle-The wine comes from grapes further up the terraced hillside and offers a rich velvety tannic structure- boysenberry, back cherry, currants and a hint of minerality intersect with a good balance of alcohol and acidity. One thing the Estate Cabernet showed is that Jericho Canyon wines are age worthy.

This was one of the best tasting experiences I have had in a long time. I highly recommend visiting Jericho Canyon, if you can get an appointment.

Jericho Canyon Vineyard
707-331-9076

3322 Old Lawly Toll Road

Calistoga, CA 94515

jerichocanyonvineyard.com

FUN (but useless) FACT OF THE DAY:

Mount Saint Helena was originally named Mount Mayacamas, but the name was changed after a Russian survey party ascended the peak in 1841 and left a copper plate on the summit inscribed with the date of their visit. Mount Saint Helena is composed of uplifted 2.4-million-year-old volcanic rocks from the Clear Lake volcanic field. This volcanic activity is the source of the Old Faithful Geyser and surrounding hot springs.

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Calistoga Wine Tasting: Breakfast at Café Sarafornia

2011-11-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Day two of our "Calistoga Wine Tasting Adventure" started off at the local breakfast joint, Café Sarafornia. If you spend more than a few days up-valley you're likely to swing by this classic café to fuel up before a day of tasting. Located on the main street in Calistoga*, you rarely wait more than 15 minutes for a table, even with a line out the door.

Eclectic décor graces the walls of this classic diner, small tables and a few booths cover nearly every inch of the floor space. If you’re fearful of small spaces or in the mood for a romantic brunch you’re at the wrong place. Offering the American artery clogging staples, as well as a few specialty items, this is a great spot if you’re looking for a quick bite.

They have many options, but a few of our favorites are the huevos rancheros, Brannan benedict and Mexican omelet. They also have the best freshly squeezed orange juice ever, which is great in their mimosas. This is my favorite place if I'm in a rush, you don't have to wait for an hour or more. However, if you need to be coddled or expect quality service you may have to look elsewhere.

After breakfast we started our day of tasting! Check out our next update to see where we headed.

FUN (BUT USELESS) FACT OF THE DAY:
*One of California history's greatest characters gave Calistoga its name, or so the story goes. Sam Brannan, who once owned most of the town, was asked what he planned to do with his northern Napa property. He intended to make it the Saratoga Springs of California, but with his diction slurred by alcohol Brannan replied, "I'm going to make it the Calistoga of Sarafornia!"

Contact us to book your wine country itinerary: meditrinaconcierge.com

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Thanksgiving in Napa Valley

2011-10-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

   Thanksgiving is a perfect time to celebrate with a loved one, especially if your family isn't nearby. Christmas is coming and you'll be hearing about all the family milestones very soon. So what better time to take a romantic trip to wine country and unwind.

    Say yes to a relaxing Thanksgiving vacation! World class restaurants, amazing wine, spa services...what better way to give thanks to the one you love?

    The ladies at Meditrina Concierge will arrange as little, or as much of your wine country holiday as you like. Whether you want to stay in and enjoy a private meal together or dine at one of the best restaurants in Napa valley, do you want to book private tastings at exclusive wineries or hire in room spa services? We can make it happen!

What else is happening in Napa Valley over Thanksgiving? Let us tell you!

Napa Wine Train:
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Lunch or Dinner on the Historic Napa Wine Train

Lunch: 10:50 am-3:00 pm
$99-$139 per person

Dinner: 4:20 pm - 8:30 pm
$99-$139 per person

étoile Restaurant:
Enjoy a romantic Thanksgiving Dinner at one of top rated restaurants in Napa Valley

Seating is from 12:00 pm until 7:30 pm
$75-per person includes a three-course tasting menu paired with Chandon sparkling and still wines

Plus many more restaurants serving up classic Thanksgiving meals!

Get ready for Christmas with:

White Barn Winter Fair-St. Helena: November 25 - 26
The White Barn will hold its Winter Arts Fair to present artwork by a variety of talented local artisans and craftsmen. The event will benefit Arts Council Napa Valley. A special preview night will include wine, a winter soup, dessert and light music for a $15 suggested donation. Wine Reception Benefit / $15 November 26 & 27, 11am-4pm

Annual Festival of Lights-Yountville: November 25
Get ready for the holiday season at the Annual Festival of Lights. Enjoy gourmet food & wine, holiday entertainment, carriage rides, late night shopping & a visit with Santa! The whole celebration culminating with the lighting of the town at 5:30 p.m. From 2p.m. - 6 p.m.

Plus many more fun events to get ready for the holiday season!

So why sit at home, when you can give thanks to the one you love with a romantic Thanksgiving Holiday!

Contact us to book your wine country itinerary: meditrinaconcierge.com

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Calistoga Wine Tasting: Summers Estate Wines

2011-10-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Summers Winery is located on Tubbs Lane, north of Calistoga, next door to the Old Faithful Geyser. The day we stopped by they were in the middle of crushing, we were visiting with our scientist friend who was enthralled by the process.

Upon arrival our host, Graham, took us out to the crush-pad and explained production to our friend. We sampled some of the Merlot grapes and then headed back inside. (I love the smell of harvest!) Once inside we began our tasting, and enjoyed the view of the surrounding vineyards and Palisades (the range of “mountains” bordering the eastern side of Napa Valley).

Tasting Overview:

The standouts-

2008 Reserve Chardonnay: This 100% Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown in Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. It is fermented and aged on the lees for ten months, giving it that creamy mouth feel Chardonnay lovers crave. The creamyness was balanced nicely by rich flavors of baked pear, meyer lemon and a hint of allspice.

2008 Estate Charbono: I was looking forward to sampling this rare varietal. Only 80 acres remain in California with nearly half of them planted in Calistoga. The history behind this grape is an interesting one*. This being my first time trying Charbono I had no idea what to look for or expect, but I was pleased with what I found in this dark, inky wine. Aromas of blackberry and earthy chocolate mingled with flavors of blackcurrant, fig and ripe plum. The Charbono was great that day, but the acidity and sticky tannin say it will hold up for a few years in the bottle.

2007 Petite Syrah: Being one of my favorite varietals, I quite enjoyed the Petite Syrah. Just as I expected it was dense, dark and full of flavor. A complex effusive aroma mingled ripe figs, dried tobacco and damp earth, big ripe flavors of boysenberry, currant and cedar were found in this medium bodied but well balanced wine.

After trying the Knights Valley Cabernet we headed out to the courtyard where there were some tables and a bocce court. Our friend (the scientist) was obsessing over the geyser and kept asking Graham.

“How often does it go off, is it big, is it three times bigger than the flag pole, when was the last time it went off?”

We were all a little over the geyser.....

Grahams reply was-

“Dude, I am pouring wine here, I’m not on Geyser patrol!”

With our friend not relenting we decided to head out to the courtyard. It’s a nicely landscaped lawn with tables and chairs flanked by a bocce court on the north side. We played a game while we waited for the much anticipated explosion of water.

Thankfully for us it erupted pretty quickly, taking on the resemblance of a broken sprinkler head. We headed back to the tasting room, purchased a bottle of Petit Syrah and thanked our host for his hospitality.

Summers Winery offers a relaxed, laid back atmosphere; and some really great wines I will certainly be going back for. The tasting fee is $10 per person and they are open 10:00-5:30 most of the year. They also have a “petting vineyard” and a picnic area for guests.

"Petting Vineyard" at Summers Winery

Summers Estate Wines
1171 Tubbs Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515
Tel: 707-942-5508

summerswinery.com

FUN (BUT USELESS) FACT OF THE DAY:

It is originally thought that Italian immigrants brought the Charbono grape to the US in the late 1800s under the pseudonym, Barbera. Similarly, in the 1930s the grape was mistaken for a Pinot Noir and wrongly mixed into bottles by the Parducci winery. Finally, in the late 1930s Dr Harold Olmo, a UC Davis geneticist, cleared the confusion, establishing that the Barbera was actually the Charbono. Recently, professor Carole Meredith of UC Davis, determined-through DNA testing-that the Charbono Grape of California is equivalent to the French variety, Corbeau, associated with the Savoie region of France.

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Calistoga Wine Tasting: Bennett Lane Winery

2011-10-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

Bennett Lane Winery is a few minutes north of Calistoga on Hwy 128. A little off the beaten path, the winery is easily found once you're in the neighborhood. Priding themselves on being "The friendliest tasting room in the Napa Valley", Bennett Lane is open to the public seven days a week.

The tasting room is newly remolded and excitedly decorated, your senses will certainly be awakened by the time you sample the first wine. As we bellied up the marble bar we were greeted by our host, hailing from Healdsburg, he was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.

Tasting Overview:

2009 Maximus White Feasting Wine: A blend of 87 % Sauvignon Blanc, 11% Chardonnay and 2% Muscat, it offered crisp clean flavors. Passion fruit and sweetsop were followed by hints of green apple and citrus. It’s the perfect front porch wine.

2007 Reserve Chardonnay: Made using 30% Malolactic Fermentation it offered just the right amount of butter. I found it to be fruit forward and fairly well balanced.

2006 Maxiums: A red blend consisting of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah, and 5% Malbec. This wine offered black and red fruit both on the nose and the palate; as well as hints of tobacco and dark chocolate. The acidity and velvety tannin make this wine very food pairable.

2006 Napa Cabernet: Although we tried the 2006 Reserve Cabernet, I took this one home. Both wines offered complexity, balance and bold flavors. I just enjoyed the tannin on the Napa Cabernet a little more; it was a little softer yet carried through until the end. I am looking forward to laying this wine down for a year or two and seeing how it develops as the fruit falls away and the structure changes. Based on the acidity, it’s probably best enjoyed within the next 3 years.

All in all it was a nice time. The Bennett Lane experience is a modern one, from the décor to the iPads*, this isn’t your grandfathers wine tasting. (They even have their own racing team.)

Private tours and tasting offered by appointment

Bennett Lane

3340 State Highway 128
Calistoga, California 94515

(707) 942-6684

www.bennettlane.com/

FUN (BUT USELESS) FACT OF THE DAY:
* Ever wonder where the name iPod and iPad came from?
The name iPod was proposed by Vinnie Chieco, a freelance copywriter, who (with others) was called by Apple to figure out how to introduce the new player to the public. After Chieco saw a prototype, he thought of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey and the phrase "Open the pod bay door, Hal!", which refers to the white EVA Pods of the Discovery One spaceship.

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Calistoga Wine Tasting: The Adventure Begins!

2011-10-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Being a Calistoga resident is certainly one of my favorite things in life! World class spas, beautiful hiking trails and amazing restaurants are all a hop, skip or a bike ride away...and so are some amazing wineries. This weekend I was thoroughly impressed by what I found in my own backyard.

The weekend started out with some lovely libations at my favorite (and only) brewery in town , The Calistoga Inn. They have a killer Oktoberfest on right now; they rotate their beers seasonally so you always have something new to look forward to. This is a great place if your looking for a lively evening or a romantic meal, they have a little something for everyone, and they really are an Inn!

Outside Calistoga Inn on Lincoln Ave

The night went longer than planned, so the next morning I wasn't exactly in the mood for a day of wine tasting. However, the incentive of one of my favorite BBQ spots had me heading out the door in no time. And a little "Hair of the Dog"* never hurt anyone...right? After I thoroughly enjoyed one of the amazing Trip Tip Sandwiches at Busters BBQ (mild sauce please) I was rearin' to go! And off we went to our first winery....

Your know your at Busters when you see the smoking grill!

FUN (BUT USELESS) FACT OF THE DAY:
*'The hair of the dog that bit you', is an old wives' tale that the hair of a dog that bites someone could be used as an antidote against the bad effects of the bite. (In relation to the consumption of alcohol I have yet to see positive results.)

Follow the blog to see how we spent the weekend.

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Welcome to Meditrina Concierge

2011-10-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you for checking out our blog.

What we do:

We are your full service hosts to the Napa Valley and beyond. Whether you are a wine country connoisseur, or this is your first trip to the region, planning in advance is the most important step. Why waste hours online reading questionable recommendations, when you can let a professional do the planning for you?

http://meditrinaconcierge.com/

If you’re looking to have a full itinerary set for a long holiday, or just to spend a day in Napa, Meditrina Concierge will create a trip that fits your individual needs. Sit back, relax and enjoy the wine. All the while knowing the reservations have been made.

Who we are:

We are two fun loving ladies who like to play as hard as we work. One being a sailor and the other the daughter of a winemaker; you have your work cut out for you if your hanging out with us! We are extremely detail oriented and we know the valley well. If you're looking to book a trip to the valley let us plan your itinerary for you.

Our Blog:

Your hosts at Meditrina Concierge have their fingers on the pulse of Napa Valley. Our blog will continually be updated with all of the latest happenings. And who better to find out what's hot in the valley than from the people who live here. Stay in touch to hear about the latest harvest news, restaurant openings, great new wines and hidden gems. -From Calistoga to the Carneros we've got the bases covered.

Our Name:

     Our name comes from the Roman goddess of wine, Meditrina. She was the deity in charge of wine, longevity and health... so concerned with our well-being that some say the word "medicine" came from her name.

   A celebration called Meditrinalia was held every October 11th in honor of the new vintage. When the season's harvest was in and its first wines were made, the tradition is to mix new wine with old, and gluttonously consume large amounts of wine and pour a little onto the earth for the gods and goddesses.

   Being two lovely ladies who like to have fun we found the name a proper fit to our lifestyle!

---So follow us, get tips and live vicariously while we show you Napa Valley.

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