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NVLife_Feb_2014

JANUARY / F E B R UARY 2 0 1 4 63 T here is always something new going on in Napa Valley. It keeps us all intrigued and on the lookout for the creativity and excitement of new experiences. Still actively working at the winery, Peter Mondavi, at ninety-nine years old, is a leader and a charmer. His Charles Krug Winery doesn’t slow down, either. The winery is a registered National Historic Landmark built in 1872 and was the first in Napa Valley. It is still a leader in style with its extraordinary redesigned Redwood Cellar Tasting Room and Hospitality Center, just completed November 18. Transformed by architect Howard Backen, the renovation honors the winery’s noble heritage with historic reclaimed heart redwood and stone walls, yet is dramatically modern and inviting. Charles Krug is one of only two wineries “grandfathered in” to hold weddings, and their sprawling lawn and new Center make for an intriguing mix of the old and the new. Kathryn and Craig Hall’s sense of style and avid art collection guided the aesthetic for their dramatic new Hospitality Center. With floor-to-ceiling, multiple-story glass windows, the Visitor Center inspires a sense of place as it surveys the changing seasons of Napa Valley. Their state-of-the-art kitchen lends itself to a spectacular range of event opportunities both intimate and large. As Kathryn explains, “The Visitor Center has been a labor of love for many years now, and it is such a dream come true for Craig and me to see it completed… celebrating inspiring art, a commitment to the environment and a focus on state-of-the-art winemaking.” The Halls selected St. Helenabased architect Alison Maloney and designer Jarrod Denton, who explains, “In designing the Visitor Center at HALL St. Helena, we were inspired to create a building that invokes a sensory experience.” Interior Designer Nicole Hollis’ approach was “to understand the winery as a balance between history and innovation… I tried to push the envelope for a Napa winery; an all-red bathroom and a custom 43-foot-long manmade ‘log table’ are two exciting examples of this.” On a smaller scale, Odette Estate is the first new winery in more than ten years to come to Stags Leap, and it brings a breath of fresh air to the historic region. Still under construction (although their delightful tasting room is open), it offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to see the property develop. Stage one consisted of a major retrofit of the caves and the current hospitality center coming together “gopher style.” This stage one is set to be completed in January 2014. It offers an electric vehicle charging station, solar panels and offices created from recycled shipping containers and a living roof of indigenous plants. The new hospitality center will begin construction next month and will be completed in the summer of 2014. Amidst all of this, Odette is offering wines with the Odette label, PlumpJack and CADE, and their new Adaptation line. Bill Foley has made his presence known in both Napa and Sonoma by purchasing a number of esteemed wineries. He has now fulfilled his dream of opening a winery bearing his and his wife Carol’s name, and the relatively new Foley Johnson is a winery to be watched as it goes through construction. They have completed the tasting room remodel and are now working on the winery itself. In addition to wine from the Foley Johnson estate they also will have the “Handmade” line of wines with small-lot bottlings from some of the renowned winemakers in the Foley Family Wines group. It presents a fun experience with an enjoyable variety. From the ground up, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is constructing a dramatic new Visitor Center which will have sweeping views of its historic estate vineyards. Now owned by Antinori and Michelle Wine Estates, they are preserving the legacy of this great winery. Of note, wine from the original wine maker, Warren Winiarski, now holds a place of honor at the Smithsonian Institution as a result of winning first prize at the famous 1976 Paris Tasting. The new owners selected Barcelona-based designer Javier Barba, who designed and oversaw the original building and the 34,000-sq.- ft. caves. Using plenty of glass in the design for natural light, the space is bright and natural. “More important,” Barba said, “it also allows you to witness the changes the seasons and climate have on our vines in a way that has never been seen before. Partnering on the project is architect Dan MacDonald, and together they are creating a customer tasting experience that matches the world-class wines being produced. One more intriguing tidbit, this one about food: I’m excited about Tarla’s new Napa bar and grill with the hip name Napkins. It’s a great casual place for locals and tourists alike. There is a kids’ menu, and as a breakfast fan I’m happy to say they will have a terrific brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. They’ll also be a great hangout for a late night bite. And throughout the day and evening the pricing will be $25 or less. E njoy exploring! Colby Smith is the Founder and Executive Director of CANVAS (Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley & Sonoma). Her passion is customer service and strengthening the hospitality relationships and education in Wine Country. The Hospitable Place by Colby Smith It’s INTRIGUING in the Napa Valley


NVLife_Feb_2014
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