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[red_med]CANVAS EDUCATION DAY—MAY 10, 2011[/red_med]
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[blue_med]BLACK CORDON VINEYARDS[/blue_med]
We arrived at our first stop and beautiful property of Black Cordon Vineyards. While initially observing the breathtaking views of the valley from their estate, you knew you had arrived at a special place. The proprietors David and Karen Dunphy, greeted us – as they would all visitors – under the oak trees and ready to share with us their wonderful wines made by one of the finest and most respected winemakers, Paul Hobbs. While sipping on a single-vineyard Chardonnay, we were introduced to David and Karen and learned about their story of setting up a home and winemaking in Napa Valley. We then made the short trek to the upper vineyard where we learned more about their wines and vineyards while enjoying a lovely Black Cordon Cabernet. If you have clients that would like to picnic or enjoy a lovely summer evening sipping wine and relaxing (bring your own snacks), they can do that on blankets already stretched out in the vineyards and with a gorgeous view too!
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[blue_med]JARVIS WINERY[/blue_med]
Our second stop of the day was at the door to Jarvis winery caves. Now this is spectacular in that the entire tour and tasting is done in the caves (they do not have a separate tasting room building like most wineries). We were taken underground and our guide gave us a tour to remember. This unique and intimate tour consisted of the massive caves, natural water elements, and a very special meeting of Mr. William Jarvis. He made it a point to greet us which was a real surprise. He does that for almost all visitors. What a treat! Our tour ended in one of the caves with a tasting of their wonderful wines made only from grapes that they grow on the property.
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[blue_med]ELKHORN PEAK CELLARS[/blue_med]
We proceeded down the back roads of the southern end of Napa Valley, landing at the original Old Polson Ranch in Jamieson Canyon which is now Elkhorn Peak Cellars. The owner/grower, Ken Nerlove, met us upon arrival and educated us on the vineyards and his Custom Crush style of making wine. Since Ken has been growing grapes in this area for 30 years he is extremely knowledgeable on what it takes to be successful in the wine industry. With the San Francisco Bay bringing in the early morning fog and cooler temperatures, the area is perfect for their 20 acres of premium Pinot Noir wines. Additionally, they have a nice Chardonnay and light and crisp Rose made from Pinot Noir grapes. We enjoyed a nice lunch on Ken’s backyard deck – compliments of Pica Pica restaurant in the Oxbow Market – paired with Elkhorn Peak wines. What a wonderful and relaxing time!
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[blue_med]JOHN ANTHONY TASTING LOUNGE[/blue_med]
Okay! Anyone want to taste wine until 2:00 am? Well, you can do that at John Anthony’s tasting lounge seven days a week from 10:00 am. They are located downtown Napa, next door to AVIA hotel and across from some of the best food in town. We were treated to a nice welcome and able to taste many of their wines. They have a huge assortment of wines from a couple Sauvignon Blancs, Syrah, Cabernet, and a Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc. It was worth the short visit on our way to our final stop of the day.
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[blue_med]BOUNTY HUNTER[/blue_med]
What is Bounty Hunter – a restaurant, a tasting room, a retail shop? YES! We were pleasantly surprised to a sit-down tasting of their own Bounty Hunter wines and some awesome Barbecue – ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and their famous coleslaw. Even though they don’t take reservations, I think we all agreed we would return to Bounty Hunter at any time. You must go to this place just to see the different wines they offer in their retail shop. Bounty Hunter is well-known for their wine clubs too! We may have had one of the all around best educations here – and the fact that we ate all the Lava Cake too!