Jeff and I just returned from another wonderful trip to Napa Valley. After 30+ visits, the Napa Valley is starting to feel like "home" to me. You know that you are somewhere familiar when you arrive into a city, stop at the grocery store and see a good friend (Hi, David Stevens).
750 Wines in St. Helena is always a must visit! The wines there are all from boutique - you have to know someone to find these kind of wineries. Make an appointment first either by calling directly 707-963-0750 or monica@750wines.com. The owners, David and Monica Stevens know the Valley like no one else. Any question, they have the answer and when Monica adds her Napa concierge service to the mix, you can't loose. David and Monica hosted their first annual Pink and White Party honoring wonderful winemaker friends of theirs. The theme, pink and white was in honor of rose wines and whites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. We saw some old friends and got to meet new friends. So happy to meet Fran and Larry from Reed's - a women's clothing store in St. Helena that I have admired for years. Hi Fran! We saw Sandy from Arns Winery (love Arns wines) and Monica and David introduced us to a slew of wonderfully respected wine makers. EVERYONE was so friendly. LOVE Amy Cohen and Adrianne Brounstein who own A + A Kitchens. A + A Kitchens rents out space to chefs and people like my amazing sister-in-law Shelley who creates incredible memories in a jar such as pinot jelly and a variety of mustards. These make great gifts or party favors - so ask me for details.
As a foodie, I must share my newest restaurant find - Carpe Diem. Steve, the owner showcases small plates with an American twist. The wines on their winelist are interesting and reasonably priced. EVERYTHING we tried was delicious. Jeff's favorite was the Tiger Prawn Flatbread. The Cabernet Braised Short Rib Sliders were fantastic as was the Quack 'n Cheese (duck confit, caramelized onion) mac and cheese.
More about food...we went to La Toque (had a perfect meal) and were honored to connect up with Scott Tracy, the well respected, incredibly insightful sommelier at La Toque. Scott shared that he is now making his own wines so please check out Poem Cellars or contact Scott at scott@poemcellars.com. Check out his newest release, Engaged!
Hats off to our new winery favorite - Scott Harvey Winery. 707-968-9575 or www.scottharveywines.com. With 5 different types of Zinfandel, a Riesling and Barolo...this winery is a find - and Jana and Scott, the owners are really nice people to boot.
Thanks for reading this (long) blog. If you have any questions...contact me at mari.marks@protravelinc.com.
We love 750 and some of our very favorite wines have come from and/or been recomended by David and Monica. Worth the time!!! Mari is the best at finding the right people and making every trip worth the time and money. If quality is important to you she will make it happen. We have so little time to vacation so when we do we want every minute to count.Thanks Mari!
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