OPEN MAP HERE downtown napa news + map Chasing moments... On an unlikely corner, on the edge of downtown, there sits a greenhouse. That serves food. And wine. And makes wine on the premises. Really, really good wine. And grows its own food. And has live music. And is owned and operated by two close friends. And will soon brew beer. And be a full-fledged restaurant. To describe the St. Clair Brown winery, one can’t help but think in bullet points, you see, because when sitting with Laina Brown and Elaine St. Clair at their Vallejo Street winery/tasting room/snackery, so much becomes apparent so quickly. So many strengths, so many pleasantly unusual surprises, so much fun to talk about, almost as much fun as being there. Being there has a second meaning at St. Clair Brown. It’s more of a Zen “being there.” As in being in the moment and enjoying that moment. And those moments come easy and quick, made of enjoying an atmosphere that is easy on the eyes, with splashes of white and yellow chamomile in stark contrast to the electric green and shocking red of the chard. Moments made by finding yourself grinning along with Laina Brown’s infectious smile, or laughing along with Elaine Brown and her easy way of putting one at ease. And they are moments, aided by Elaine’s very strong stable of wine offerings and Chef Norma Witt’s food pairing vision of small plates and bites. From the Pinot Grigio, with both a clean feel and flavors, and a pleasantly surprising hint of creaminess, through to the perfect example of what a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon should look, smell and taste like; from the broad-shouldered Zin to the Rosé of Syrah (made from dedicated grapes, not the more common use of wine press “runoff”), the wines, great on their own, become even greater when paired with Chef Witt’s offering of meyer lemon roasted almonds, organic chickpea and peanut hummus on Model Bakery bread, and local cheese drizzled with Napa Valley citrus honey. Much more is on the menu as well as on the horizon for this winery team that follows a manifesto (check the website for it!) based on the elegance of simply beautiful moments. So go visit the “greenhouse on the corner” and start creating your own St. Clair Brown moments. 850 Vallejo St, Napa, CA 707.255.5591, stclairbrownwinery.com ...at the St Clair Brown urban winery by DAVE ROBERTSON photos by Kari Ruel
NVLife_MayJune_2014
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