OPEN MAP HERE downtown napa news + map 1313 Main returns with annual fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Colleen Harmon Over twenty-three years ago, Al Jabarin came here on vacation from bustling New York City and fell in love with the beauty, tranquility and charm of Napa. He described sitting on the corner of First and Main, enjoying a cup of coffee, and not seeing a single car drive by or person walk by for two or three minutes. “That was magical. I really love this place. I’m blessed to be here.” Some people, however, think it is Napa that is blessed to have Al. Al’s online retail wine shop has been promoting hundreds of wine brands from the Valley for more than twenty years, at first via winezone.com and now through CalWine.com, the success of which provided him the opportunity to open a storefront downtown tasting room—1313 Main. With over seventy wines by the glass and over 1,300 bottles in stock to choose from, there’s always something unique for every wine lover at 1313. For those looking for something a little harder, 1313 will soon be offering spirits tastings in their exquisite “Cru Room.” Their current beer list will also be expanding with the addition of their new on-site brewery. Al has a philosophy that “Where you belong, you will want to give back,” and give back he does. Every week 1313 Main plays host to local wineries during Winemaker Wednesdays, creating an opportunity for patrons to intimately connect with winemakers and/or winery owners in downtown Napa. On Thursdays this hot spot hosts local live music, a great venue for artists in our community. On Friday and Saturday nights they turn up the tempo with “Bubbles ’n Beats,” providing a much-needed opportunity to dust off your dancing shoes. Al feels that “As a business owner here it is my job to bring locals together around a cause.” Over the years, 1313 Main has joined forces with groups supporting local charities including Napa Valley Film Festival, BottleRock, Festival Del Sole, and Napa Valley Opera House, to name a few. However, there are none closer to his heart than Queen of the Valley Cancer and Wellness Center. Last October Al raised $10,000 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month for this cause. “Out of the kindness and generosity of his heart he looked and found a local organization to affiliate himself with and raised money for Breast Cancer. We are thrilled to have his support,” said Helen Patterson, Director of Corporate Relations for Queen of the Valley Foundation. The funds designated to the Queen’s Women’s Imaging Center sponsor women with breast cancer to participate in the Cancer Wellness Program. This 12-week program is designed to complement cancer therapy by strengthening the body, enriching the mind and nurturing hope and courage. Patients can be referred from local hospitals regardless of economic level due to the financial support of our community. To donate directly visit http://bit.ly/QueenDonate. This year Al will once again show his dedication to supporting this local cause. He’ll be donating a portion of the sales from his latest vintage of Cru 32, dedicating one day in October for fundraising, giving Winemaker Wednesdays that female touch, and giving the proceeds of an eBay auction for the giant pink brassiere which will proudly hang on the company logo outside during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, he has committed to the Foundation that every year, as long as he owns the company, he will participate until there is a cure. Al’s latest venture, Lulu’s Kitchen, will provide small, sumptuous bites and decadent desserts and opened August 30 within 1313 Main. 1313 Main owner Al Jabarin (left) and Napa Mayor Jill Techel at last year’s fundraiser.
NVLife_SeptOct_2013
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