DRIVER Napa Valley Locals Know The Best Spots My name is Kent Higginbotham, and I’ve watched Napa grow from 9,000 to 80,000. I have great love for what this valley was and has become. Living here my whole life, I’ve worked in every part of the industry, and now plan visits to wine country, and drive the roads less traveled every day. With this column, I’ll be sharing with you what these years and miles have taught me. Growing up in Napa Valley has afforded me the blessing of lifelong connections with industry pioneers and insiders. This network, never used for freebies or discounts, allows me to create unique, personal and cutting edge guest experiences. Most locals have these relationships, and many are happy to share, so don’t be afraid to make friends and ask! For example, I was working at a winery when an unsuspecting group from North Carolina came in for a simple tasting. By the end of their experience, we were friends, and now we’re lifelong friends. So not only did they get the “pleasure” of my company and a tasting, they now have a link to ever-growing and changing insider tips, which continue to lead them to new finds, favorites and friends. On the other hand, longer ago than I care to remember, I became friends with a neighborly gentleman by the name of Russ Weis. While our friendship started in Napa, it traveled to Val d’Isere, France; where he skied, and I snowplowed, and beer was the drink of the day. He is now the GM of Silverado Vineyards, which is one my top picks in all of Napa Valley. I bring visitors to Silverado Vineyards, Russ takes especially good care of them, making a personal visit when available, and I get to introduce them to THE MAN at Silverado. Who knew that a Napa neighbor would become such a wonderful ally? Russ’s insider tip is to schedule a picnic up at Chappellet I also cherish my friendship with the beautiful girls of Peju Province Winery: Herta, Lisa (left) and Ariana (right). I’ve known the “ladies Peju” for many years now, and while our friendship means a great deal to me, so does the fact that they are the proprietors of one of the coolest stops in Napa Valley. When we met I wasn’t a concierge/driver, but now that I am, I can count on these friends to take amazing care of my clients, and know whomever I bring will be treated like insiders and friends. Again, a little friendliness has turned into a fantastic partnership and led to many happy visitors and I imagine, some nice sales for Peju. The insider tip from Herta is Oakville Ranch. From Ariana (right) is Viader. A couple of Lisa’s (left) are Fontanella and Zahtila. The point here, if it wasn’t already clear, is that the wine industry is a small, friendly circle and getting to know people within it will open new and fantastic doors that you’ll never find if you don’t get beyond a smile. For those of you on the shy side, feel free to contact me and we’ll book a tour and make some new friends together. Cheers to that! Have more questions? Contact Kent via mischievousink on facebook or kent@squirelivery.com 6 INK Silverado Vineyards Image by Peter Bowers
NVLife_MayJune_2013
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