Napa Valley trip-May, 2010

Napa Trip-May 17th 2010

Day One-Monday
Amazing! Cold and Rain….lots of rain….in Napa….yes rain.

Somehow I’ve managed to pick the worst week of weather this year to be in wine country (although even lousy weather in wine country is better then great weather at home!) Of course, the AirTran flight was 2 hours late due to the great weather in SF.

Checked in and had dinner at one my big favorites, Mustards Grill.

I enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich plus some onion straws making it a great roadside meal. Barnett Vineyards Cabernet complimented the dish.

Premiere Napa Valley trip, February, 2010

PREMIERE NAPA VALLEY TRIP
February 17th, 2010

Day One-Wednesday Feb 16th.

Heading through San Francisco for the Premiere Napa Valley auction event which takes place Saturday and offers a multitude of parties for media and trade on the two days before.

But first, two interviews today, both in Napa. Tor Kenward owner of Tor Kenward Family Wines and Linda Neal owner of Tierra Roja, a 4 acre, 250 case property located on Silverado Trail.

TIARRA ROJA VINEYARD-Interview with Linda Neal-owner.
Tiarra Roja will be making their first appearance at the Premiere event this year. I met Linda via the Napa Valley Vintners, the source of many leads.

Ray from ALPHA OMEGA/NAPA VALLEY NOVEMBER, 2009

Day One-November 7th

Arrived early after a very pleasant flight….in stark contrast to the United flight from last June which was a disaster from the beginning….but I digress.

Met with Alpha Omega National Sales Manager, Chelsea Bellows at the house where I will be staying during my visit this week. Chelsea is an amazing person….perfect for Alpha Omega as she has boundless enthusiasium along with a great attitude. We were very lucky to meet her!

June 2009 visit & barrel auction

WINE COUNTRY VISIT JUNE 2009

This visit included several interviews for the podcast plus press passes to “Taste Napa Valley Barrel Auction”.  I recorded brief interviews with over 20 winemakers, attendees and vendors at the auction.  We arrived in San Francisco in Sunday, May 30th and Returned Sunday June 7th.

Rubicon Estate tasting-  Excellent tasting featuring Blancaneaux, 2000 and 2005 Rubicon.
2005 took the win.  Classy and fun, purchased RC x2 bottles.  As usual the hospitality was fantastic!