Books on Wine

Books on Wine

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Reception: 5:30 p.m.
Program: 6:00 p.m.
in the Napa Valley Wine Library Wing
At Saint Helena Public Library


Distinguished journalist and author Frances Dinkelspiel discusses wine fraud and greed as she brings us up to date on Mark Anderson, her miscreant subject of Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession, and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California. Frances's research was done in part with the Napa Valley Wine Library Collection.

As Chris Howell of Cain Vineyard and Winery has put it, “Wine and fraud have been together since the beginning.” Convicted arsonist Anderson died last March after nearly $250M in inventory had gone up in flames in his wine storage facility on Mare Island. Collectors, wine shops and wineries lost entire vintages and libraries in the safekeeping of Anderson, including wine from Frances’s own family cherished for over a century. Please join us for a stirring presentation of a dark, tantalizing dimension of the business of making wine.

With wines from three wineries featured in Frances’s book: Long Meadow Ranch, Saintsbury and Viader; and a book signing with the author after her talk.

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Books on Wine

Books on Wine

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Reception: 5:30 p.m.
Program: 6:00 p.m.
in the Napa Valley Wine Library Wing
At Saint Helena Public Library


Both a photographer and journalist, Randy has been chronicling the vinous action of the Lodi AVA and the 7 AVA’s within it since 2010 for the Lodi Winegrape Commission. (These AVA’s date from 2005.) Randy’s subject is germane to Napa Valley, given its many Lodi connections and years of sourcing Lodi fruit for its winemaking.

(Nearly 1/5 of all California winegrapes come from the Lodi AVA.)

Louis M Martini first bought Lodi fruit in 1906. Bob and Peter Mondavi moved from Minnesota to Lodi with their parents and sisters in 1921 to grow winegrapes. Turley Wine Cellars was founded in Saint Helena in 1993 and began making old vine wines from Lodi in 1996.

With wines from Lodi poured by their winemakers Melinda Kearney of Lorenza Wines and Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars and Sandlands
and a book signing with the author after his talk.

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Wine Seminar

2023 | 32nd Annual Wine Seminar
“Cabernet from Napa Valley’s Mountainsides, East and West”

Rescheduled from May due to weather:

Saturday, October 28

Mayacamas Vineyards
Transportation via California Wine Tours

32nd Annual Seminar | 2023
Schedule
Saturday, October 28

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Registration at Redwood Park-and-Ride, Napa

9:45 a.m.
First motor coach departure (limit 25)
10:00 a.m.
Second motor coach departure (limit 25)

10:30 a.m.
Seminar in the Winery Library at Mayacamas Vineyards
Moderator; Tegan Passalacqua, Director of Winemaking, Turley Wine Cellars and Sandlands Vineyards

Panelists, Eastside:
Alex Kongsgaard, Winemaker, Kongsgaard, Atlas Peak
Allison Tauziet, Director of Winemaking, Colgin Cellars, Pritchard Hill
Mike Dunn, Winemaker, Dunn Vineyards, Howell Mountain

Panelists, Westside:
Graham Wehmeier, Winemaker, Diamond Creek Vineyards, Diamond Mountain
Lisa Togni, Winemaker, Philip Togni Vineyard, Spring Mountain
Braiden Albrecht, Winemaker, Mayacamas Vineyards, Mount Veeder

Panelists will each pour a 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

12:30 p.m.
Live-Fire Lunch, family style, at Mayacamas Vineyards Hospitality Center
Al fresco seasonal fare by Chef Kevin O’Connor

1:45 - 2:00 p.m.
Motor coach return to Redwood Park-and-Ride, Napa

Registration
CLOSED

For Waitlist Information please contact:
Diana H Stockton –
editor@napawinelibrary.com

For registration questions and assistance:
Rick Brennan –
rick@napawinelibrary.com

On a wonderfully clear and bright fall Saturday in the matchless setting of the Winery Library and Hospitality Center of Mayacamas Vineyards & Winery, our panel of six winemakers moderated by Tegan Passalacqua presented a memorable history and tasting of their Cabernet sestet.

We heard from bedrock to our wineglass the choices made that brought the 2019 into being. Everyone felt very lucky to have taken part in what proved to be a spectacular 32nd Annual Wine Seminar.

Special thanks go to Napa Valley Vintners for their support of the program (wineglasses, water tumblers and event how-to’s) and event host Mayacamas Vineyards & Winery.

Panelists from the Eastside were:
Alex Kongsgaard, Kongsgaard
on Atlas Peak
Allison Tauziet, Colgin Cellars
onPritchard Hill
Graham Wehmeier, Diamond Creek,
Diamond Mountain

From the Westside:
Mike Dunn, Dunn Vineyards,
on Howell Mountain
Lisa Togni, Philip Togni Vineyard
on Spring Mountain
Braiden Albrecht, Mayacamas Vineyards
on Mount Veeder
  
Moderated by fellow winemaker and NVWLA Board Member Tegan Passalacqua

Chef Kevin O’Connor’s palate- and appetite-pleasing lunch al fresco perfectly matched our seminar wines and additional magnums from Mayacamas.

Mayacamas has a long history with our organization. Artist and letterpress printer Jim Beard, a founder of the Wine Library, designed the wine label for owner Bob Travers. Bob had taken several of the Wine Library’s wine education classes with Jim. He was also a good friend of Gunther Detert, a past president of the Wine Library, and joined him as technical advisor on the newly formed Book Committee in 1974. Bob and Gunther directed the growth of the Napa Valley Wine Library Collection at the St Helena Public Library (SHPL) for 20 years, until Gunther’s death. Please see our Summer 2012 NVWL REPORT for our interview with Bob’s son Chris Travers, then manager and associate winemaker at Mayacamas. More recently, Mayacamas winemaker Braiden Albrecht’s mother, Lynne, retired this year as Technical Services Director at SHPL . Lynne was also responsible for the Napa Valley Wine Library Collection. We shall miss her knowledgeable and ever-enthusiastic help.

Program support provided in part by a grant from
the Bruce and Rosemary Cakebread Fund
by Napa Valley Community Foundation

Other

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Frog’s Leap Winery
Vineyard House, Rutherford

“The Art of Eating: the Life of MFK Fisher”

a documentary film by Gregory Bezat

6:00 p.m. Reception
6:30 Panel discussion
7:15 Break
7:30 Film Screening

A founder of Napa Valley Wine Library, Mary Frances, as MFK was known, was an active faculty member of the Wine Library’s wine education classes and helped establish the Napa Valley Library Collection of wine-related materials at St. Helena Public Library.

Panelists were filmmaker Greg Bezat; Mary Frances’s daughter Kennedy Golden; food and wine writer, editor, author, and symposia founder Antonia Allegra; food and wine writer and editor Jerry DiVecchio. Q&A’s from both panel and audience were astutely moderated by distinguished wine writer, editor and author Bob Thompson.

Frog’s Leap Winery provided a matchless setting for the al fresco evening paired with wood-fired pizza, popcorn, a fresh fruit punch, and Frog’s Leap wines. The beauty of the surrounding gardens and wafts of fermenting Sauvignon Blanc created a brimming basket of Napa Valley hospitality. THANK YOU, Tori and John!

L to R: Antonia Allegra, Diana H Stockton, Kennedy Golden, Tori and John Willians, Greg Bezat, and Jerry DiVecchio; not pictured, Bob Thompson; photo Tim Carl Photography

Grand Tasting
Thank You

59th Annual
Grand Tasting | 2023

“A Vintner’s Choice”

Books on Wine

Reception with Karen MacNeil
in celebration of her third Edition of The Wine Bible


Thursday, February 16, 2023
At The Reserve Napa Valley

5:30 p.m. Reception

6:00 p.m. Program, Interview and Q&A’s


On a mild winter’s evening, in celebration of the third edition of The Wine Bible’s publication, author Karen MacNeil was in conversation with Kelli White, Director of Education for the Wine Center at Meadowood. In the Hospitality Barn of The Reserve Napa Valley, a firelit reception with Champagne and The Reserve wines preceded Karen’s storytelling in response to Kelli’s adroit questioning of Karen about her career and the new edition. Book sales and signing with the author concluded a most memorable evening with these two distinguished wine mavens.

As a benefit of membership, there is no charge for the evening but seating is extremely limited and an RSVP is required to reserve your place on a first come, first served basis.

Other

Reception to honor Stephen J. Krebs
Professor Emeritus of Viticulture at Napa Valley College


Thursday, December 1, 2022
At Saint Helena Public Library

5:30 p.m. Reception

6:00 p.m. Program, Interview and Q&A’s


Our program is in celebration of Dr. Krebs’ career at Napa College and his recent gift of his personal library, the Krebs Collection, to the Napa Valley Wine Library Collection at Saint Helena Public Library.

At the college, Dr. Krebs taught classes in grape growing, winemaking and wine marketing and sales for over 25 years. During his tenure, enrollments from less than 50 reached over 1,000 students each year; acres of vineyard were planted on college land and a fully bonded winery was built in order to better teach the skills of growing, producing and selling wine. As Steve (as he is better known) put it, “It’s not everyone who has a classroom in a vineyard.”

The program includes tours of the Krebs Collection in the California Room and an interview of Steve by Tegan Passalacqua, director of winemaking for Turley Wine Cellars, owner and winemaker for his own Sandlands Vineyard, and one of Steve’s former students.

Stephen J. Krebs, Professor Emeritus of Viticulture at Napa Valley College
Stephen J. Krebs, Professor Emeritus of Viticulture at Napa Valley College
Books on Wine

Books on Wine

Thursday, November 3, 2022
At Saint Helena Public Library

5:30 p.m. Reception in the Courtyard

6:00 p.m. Program in the Napa Valley Wine Library Wing


Tor Kenward, TOR Wines owner and author of Reflections of a Vintner: Stories and Seasonal Wisdom from a Lifetime in Napa Valley

In his Reflections, Tor writes of an ever-developing vinous and culinary education, innumerable friendships begun, and a bird’s eye view of Napa Valley as it grows from less than 50 wineries in the 1970’s to nearly 1,000 today. Tor had spent nearly 30 years at Beringer when he and his wife Susan founded TOR Wines in 2001.

At our reception, TOR wines will join Barney’s Backyard to savor along with cheese and crudité. Tor was a great friend of Barney Rhodes (the first president of NVWLA and its vineyard’s namesake) so it will be a most felicitous pouring. Tor said he is really looking forward to seeing friends and neighbors and having lots of Q&As.

Tor Kenward
Reflections of a Vintner
Reflections of a Vintner
Reflections of a Vintner
Visual Oral Histories

Visual Oral History: Winemaking Pioneer Zelma Long

Thursday, September 15, 2022
6:30 p.m. *Reception
Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville

*Robert Mondavi wine, cheese & charcuterie


Zelma is one of California’s trailblazing female winemakers! As a student at UC Davis in 1970, Mike Grgich convinced her to put her studies on hold and join him at Robert Mondavi Winery. Her career led to executive positions at Simi Winery and French-owned Domaine Chandon.

Having traveled the world with Chandon, other international opportunities arose in Bordeaux, Israel, and Germany. In 1997, she and her husband Phillip Freese co-founded Vilafonté Winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa. However, Zelma is proud to call Sonoma County home.

Zelma’s extensive list of honors and awards include entry into the James Beard Hall of Fame, the Culinary Institute of America; Vintner’s Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Award for Innovation in Winemaking by Wine Business Monthly.

Don’t miss Zelma’s tales of breaking barriers and seeking adventure! She will be on hand for a Q&A following the presentation of her Visual Oral History.

Sept 2011  Making a vintage at Chateau Arsac, in Margeaux. Bordeaux
President of Simi
At Vilafonte
With Mike Grgich
Grand Tasting
Thank You

58th Annual
Grand Tasting | 2022

“Exploring the Napa Valley:
Varieties that Define and Refine”

Wine Seminar

2022 | 31st Annual Wine Seminar

Thursday, April 21, 2022
5:00 p.m. – Reception
5:30 p.m. – Program

Live and streamed at
Frog’s Leap Winery
8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford


“A Mentor and his Students: Six Winemakers Share Their Experiences with Warren Winiarski While at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars”

Moderator: Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars and Sandlands

Keynote speaker and Mentee: Abe Schoener of Scholium Project speaks to the ancient Greek tradition of teacher and student

Mentor Warren Winiarski expounds on the necessity and responsibility of mentoring

Mentee Panelists:
John Williams of Frog’s Leap Winery | frogsleap.com
John Kongsgaard of Kongsgaard | kongsgaardwine.com
Nicki Pruss of Nicolette Christopher | nicolettechristopher.com
Françoise Peschon of Drinkward Peschon | drinkwardpeschon.com and Heimark Vineyard | heimarkvineyard.com
Michael Silacci of Opus One | opusonewinery.com

All are honored to share their mentee experiences with Warren and as mentors in their own careers and each has been invited to pour one wine.

  • Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2020 Napa Valley Arcadia Vineyard Chardonnay
  • Frog’s Leap Winery 2019 Napa Valley Shale and Stone Chardonnay
  • Kongsgaard 2019 Napa Valley The Judge Chardonnay
  • Nicolette Christopher 2016 Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Araujo Estate 2005 Napa Valley Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Opus One 2010 Napa Valley “Opus One”

Books on Wine

Books on Wine Evening

Thursday, October 21, 2021

5:30 p.m. - Reception
6:00 p.m. - Author’s Talk and Book Signing
In the Wine Library Wing of the
George & Elsie Wood Public Library
1492 Library Lane
Saint Helena 

Program hours are subject to change in observation of Covid-19 restrictions at Saint Helena Public Library. Event must conclude by 7:30 p.m.


James O. Gump, Professor Emeritus and author of
Maestro: André Tchelistcheff and the Rebirth of Napa Valley

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History Professor Emeritus, James O. Gump of University of San Diego, has been coming to the Napa Valley since the 1980’s. He and his wife were drawn to its beauty as well as its wines and would regularly travel up from San Diego. As Dr. Gump drew near retirement he resolved to research and write a life of André Tchelistcheff, a man he had heard of for almost 40 years. André was easily the most influential force in wine not only here but throughout the state and our country, yet he had had no definitive biography.

For our program, Dr. Gump provided an excellent overview of his research and writing. The uncertain weather had turned dry and mild and a Courtyard reception before his talk was enhanced by a Beaulieu Vineyard 2018 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon given by Beaulieu for the occasion. Heidi Barrett’s 2020 La Sirena Rosato and a Grgich Hills 2018 Napa Valley Estate Chardonnay gave amiable company. All these wines had close ties to André.

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These wines had close ties to André

Other

Dinner and a Movie Under the Stars

Thursday, September 16, 2021
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mount View Hotel & Spa
1457 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga 


with Special Guests Heidi & Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena

NVWLA logo

Evening’s Menu
Dinner and a Movie Fundraiser

Mount View Hotel | Amaro Italian Kitchen
Thursday, September 16, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All proceeds benefit the Napa Valley Wine Library

Each served course will be paired with Chateau Montelena wines
chosen by Heidi & Bo Barrett especially for this evening.


WELCOME
Cheese and Antipasti Platters

APPETIZER
- Choice of -
Heirloom Tomato Salad
fresh burrata, basil, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt
- or -
Local Cantaloupe
prosciutto di parma, arugula, aged balsamic

ENTRÉE
- Choice of -
Mary's Half Chicken Piccata
mashed potatoes, greens, lemon and capers
or
Roasted Eggplant
fresh ricotta, chef's marinara, balsamic reduction
or
Italian Braised Beef
risotto, carrots, roasted tomato sauce

DESSERT
Chocolate Ricotta Cake

The purpose of the Napa Valley Wine Library is to preserve and disseminate information regarding viticulture, enology and wine lore, particularly as it pertains to the Napa Valley.

A fun evening with great food, delicious Chateau Montelena Wines, and a showing of the film Bottle Shock, a 2008 American comedy-drama based on the 1976 wine competition termed the “Judgment of Paris”, when California wines defeated the French in a blind taste test.

Enjoy the entire event outdoors at the Mount View Hotel patio and Moonshine Theater.

Mount View Hotel Moonshine Theater
Bottle Shock
Chateau Montelena Wines
NVWLA
Perspectives

PERSPECTIVES:

Wednesday, August 18, 2021
6:00 p.m. PDT

Online via StreamYard


Napa Valley Wine Library Association
Presents

Marc and Angelina Mondavi discuss the 75th Anniversary of CK Mondavi and Family
 

In 1946, CK Mondavi, a new line of affordable, everyday wines was released, the first wines to have the Mondavi name on the label. During this Perspectives event Marc Mondavi and his daughter Angelina will share details of CK Mondavi & Family’s 75 years in the wine industry. The 3rd and 4th generation Mondavis look forward to continuing the family legacy well into the 21st century.

Our Recorded Virtual PERSPECTIVES
60 minutes

Marc Mondavi
Angelina Mondavi
Where it all began
CK Mondavi 75th Celebration
Visual Oral Histories

Visual Oral Histories, Past and Present

Thursday, July 22, 2021
6:30 p.m.

Online via StreamYard


Napa Valley Wine Library Association
Presents

Guest: Former St. Supéry CEO, Michaela Rodeno
 

For decades the Napa Valley Wine Library had collected oral histories; the transcriptions and recordings of which are housed within the wine library. Two years ago we began recording new versions on video, which we call Visual Oral Histories.

Join us and guest Michaela Rodeno, owner of Villa Ragazzi winery, and former senior executive of St. Supery and Domaine Chandon, as we share excerpts from her Visual Oral History. We will also share portions of visual oral histories featuring George Hendry of Hendry Ranch Wines, and Dr. Richard Peterson, a Napa Valley winemaster, innovator and author.

During the presentation you’ll learn how you can access past oral histories and our recent Visual Oral Histories from the Napa Valley Wine Library as we continue to fulfill our mission to disseminate, preserve and share information regarding viticulture, enology and wine lore as it pertains to Napa Valley.

Our Recorded Visual Oral Histories Past and Present
40 minutes

Michaela Rodeno, owner of Villa Ragazzi winery
George Hendry of Hendry Ranch Wines
Dr. Richard Peterson, a Napa Valley winemaster
NVWLA
Perspectives

PERSPECTIVES:

Thursday, June 17, 2021
6:30 p.m.

Online via StreamYard


Napa Valley Wine Library Association
Presents

Two Visions. Varied Experiences. Truly Inspiring.

A conversation with Cathy Corison, Corison and Colleen FitzGerald of Pine Ridge Vineyards

Colleen FitzGerald is ten years into her career in the wine industry. She has been inspired by the innovation and determination of Cathy Corison, whose journey began nearly 45 years ago.

Colleen earned her BS in biochemistry from Cal Poly in 2012 and began working for Pine Ridge as a harvest intern in 2013. She became its enologist in 2015 as well as assistant winemaker in 2018. In 2020, Pine Ridge launched its first new label in 25 years, a sparkling version of their proprietary Chenin Blanc+Viognier blend guided by Colleen.

After graduating from Pomona College, Cathy earned an MS in enology from UC Davis in 1978 while working in the tasting room of Sterling Vineyards. She then interned with Freemark Abbey, going on to become winemaker at Yverdon in 1979. In 1980, Cathy was hired by Chappellet Winery as winemaker before founding Corison Winery in 1987.

This Perspectives event provides a rare opportunity for Colleen and others to learn and be inspired by Cathy's experience and the hurdles she’s had to overcome.

Our Recorded Virtual PERSPECTIVES
57 minutes

Colleen FitzGerald of Pine Ridge Vineyards
Cathy Corison of Corison Winery
Wine Seminar

2021 | 30th Annual Wine Seminar

Saturday, May 15, 2021
10:00 a.m.

Via ZoomLogo


“Napa Valley’s Old Vines and the Wines They Give Us”

Our online moderator, Tegan Passalacqua, is not only winemaker for Turley Wine Cellars and the magnums of Barney’s Backyard Petite Syrah bottled exclusively for NVWLA; Tegan is also co-owner and winemaker for Sandlands and a founder of Historic Vineyard Society, committed to preserving the old vine vineyards of California.

Tegan had moderated our 29th Annual Wine Seminar in 2019, “A History of Italian Vines and Wines in Napa Valley,” and readily accepted our invitation to moderate an Old Vines and Wines seminar in 2020. That live program was postponed, changed to virtual, and began with alacrity on May 15.

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Kelli White, sommelier, author, and currently Director of Education for the Pacific Union Company, provided a swift but riveting historical overview of winegrowing in Napa Valley. Tegan then introduced our panelists and their wines. Tegan also presented an Old Vine Wine he had made for Turley.

Tegan and Kelli are joined by:

Bob Biale, Founding Owner
Robert Biale Vineyards | www.biale.com

Rosemary Cakebread, Owner and Winemaker
Gallica | gallicawine.com

Michael Hirby, Winemaker and Proprietor
Relic Wine Cellars | www.relicwines.com

Morgan Twain-Peterson MW, Winemaker and Owner
Bedrock Wine Company | bedrockwineco.com
 

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Tasting kits were available the previous afternoon for pick up in Saint Helena. Tegan said it was so enjoyable catching up with colleagues as he handed out the kits, it quite made his day.

The program lasted almost two hours, and never lacked for candor, information, rapport, reflection, and a true appreciation for the winegrowing community of Napa Valley.

To all those who so generously took part with their time, wine, other supplies, and expertise, our profound thanks.

Our Recorded Virtual 30th Annual Wine Seminar
1 hr, 48 min.

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Top: Bob Biale, Robert Biale Vineyard; Morgan Twain-Peterson MW, Bedrock Wine Company
Middle: Tegan Passalacqua, Turley Wine Cellars
Bottom: Rosemary Cakebread, Gallica; Michael Hirby, Relic Wine Cellars

Wine List


Bedrock Wine Company
Morgan Twain-Peterson MW, Winemaker
*2019 Oakville Farmhouse Red Wine
175 cases
14.2% ABV

Gallica
Rosemary Cakebread, Winemaker
2016 Saint Helena Petite Sirah
60 cases
14.2% ABV

Relic Wine Cellars
Michael Hirby, Winemaker
The Archive
2019 Calistoga Alfred Frediani Vineyard Carignane – Old Vines
99 cases
14.1% ABV

Robert Biale Vineyards
Tres Goetting, Winemaker
*2018 Oak Knoll Aldo’s Vineyard Zinfandel
320 cases
14.8% ABV
 
Turley Wine Cellars
Tegan Passalacqua, Winemaker
*2018 Saint Helena Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel
650 cases
15.9% ABV

* Wines made from vineyards registered with the Historical Vineyard Society

Books on Wine

Books on Wine Evening

Thursday, August 13, 2020
5:30 p.m. - Virtual Program

Via ZoomLogo


Women Winemakers: Personal Odysseys

Evening’s Schedule

Kelli is happy to direct questions via the Chat feature from the audience throughout the program

5:30 pm PDT

Welcome
Diana H Stockton, Events Manager, NVWLA

5:35

Introduction
Kelli A White, our Host and Director of Education for the Pacific Union Company

Kelli introduces the program, our authors and each of our winemakers;

We then hear from:

Celia Welch, owner and winemaker, Corra Wines
2019 Rogue Valley “Tail Feathers”

Pam Starr, owner and winemaker, Crocker & Starr
2016 Napa Valley AVA Napa Valley Red Blend of Cabernet Franc

Sally Johnson-Blum, Pride Mountain Vineyards
2017 Napa and Sonoma Counties Cabernet Sauvignon

Cathy Corison, Corison
2017 Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon

Sandi Belcher of Arns, owner and winemaker, ARNS
2013 Melanson Vineyard Napa Valley Syrah

6:05

Lucia A and John C Gilbert, Authors
Women Winemakers:Personal Odysseys
and brief Q & A with Kelli

6:30

Moderated discussion among all the presenters on the issues raised by the book as our five wines are shared and enjoyed

7:00 or later

Concluding remarks

Wine List

We suggest the wines all be opened before the start of our program at 5:30 pm. Pour a taste of each or have a dump bucket at the ready to pour one at a time.  After each of the winemakers is introduced at the start there will be more time to enjoy their wines during our panel discussion at 6:30.

Celia Welch
Corra Wines

2019 Rogue Valley, Oregon “Tail Feathers”
40% Muscat, 35% Riesling, 25% Viognier
alcohol 12.5%
300 cases

Pam Starr
Crocker & Starr

2016 Napa Valley “AVA Napa Valley Red Blend of Cabernet Franc” 
60% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot, 6% Malbec
alcohol 14.4%
899 cases

Sally Johnson Blum
Pride Mountain Vineyards

2017 Napa and Sonoma Counties Cabernet Sauvignon
53% Napa, 47% Sonoma Fruit
92.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2.5% Merlot
alcohol 14.4%
5,848 cases

Cathy Corison
Corison

2017 Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
alcohol 14.2%
2,200 cases

Sandi Belcher
ARNS

2013 Melanson Vineyard, Napa Valley Syrah
100% Syrah
alcohol 15%
200 cases

Books on Wine Virtual event
Featuring Women Winemakers: Personal Odysseys
Thursday, August 13, 2020
5:30 pm PDT via Zoom

With five stellar winemakers

THANK YOU authors, winemakers and host.
The evening’s presentations, Q&A’s, and sense of camaraderie could not have been improved upon.

And Zoom’s transmission was terrific.

Thank you Acme Fine Wines, Napa Bookmine, ARNS, Corison, Corra, Crocker & Starr, and Pride, Brennan Solutions, Brian Nash Design, and Paladin Wine for your support and expertise.

The wines we tasted were:

Corra label

Celia Welch, Corra Wines
2019 Rogue Valley, Oregon “Tail Feathers”
Celia grew up in Medford, OR and knows fresh, crisp and delicious

Crocker & Star label

Pam Starr, Crocker & Starr
2016 Napa Valley “AVA Napa Valley Red Blend of Cabernet Franc”
Vines from the 1870’s inspired Pam's first 100 cases, and continue to

Pride label

Sally Johnson-Blum, Pride Mountain Vineyards
2017 Napa and Sonoma Counties Cabernet Sauvignon
Sally loves how this vintage catches the voluptuousness of the mid-palate

Corison label

Cathy Corison, Corison
2017 Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
This is the 34th year for this belovèd label begun by Cathy

Arns label

Sandi Belcher, ARNS
2013 Melanson Vineyard, Napa Valley Syrah
In bottle it needs to taste just like it did in the vineyard

Sandi Belcher (ARNS)
Sally Johnson-Blum (Pride Mountain)
Pam Starr (Crocker & Starr)
Celia Welch (Corra and Consulting)
Cathy Corison (Corison)
Authors Lucia Albino Gilbert and John C Gilbert, Professors Emeriti, Santa Clara University

Together the Professors Gilbert have also developed the website Women Winemakers of California and Beyond which is a wonderful reference work kept meticulously updated.

Books on Wine

Books on Wine Evening

Thursday, March 5, 2020
6.00 p.m. - Refreshments and Winery Tours
7:00 p.m. - Program
In the Tasting Room
and Hospitality Center of
Trinchero Napa Valley
3070 North Saint Helena Highway
Saint Helena  


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Heather Sandy Hebert, author of
The New Architecture of Wine: 25 Spectacular California Wineries
with Bob Torres, Principal & Vice Chairman, Trinchero Napa Valley and Erin Martin of Erin Martin Design.

Twelve of the 25 wineries in Heather’s new book are in Napa Valley, including Trinchero Napa Valley. Each was built or, in the case of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, renovated in the last ten years.

Please join us to hear from Bob what Trinchero Napa Valley envisioned for its new winery campus, how Erin interpreted the interiors, and from Heather the how and why of choosing wineries for her book.

Celebrate the sophisticated blend of agriculture and style that defines California wine country.”

As wine tourism has increased, California vintners have embraced the call to create splendid spaces where visitors can taste their unique varieties and enjoy conversation about wine.

Please join us in the Tasting Room of Trinchero Napa Valley at 6:00 pm for a glass of wine and a chance to tour the adjacent winery with Bob Torres. The Hospitality Center next door opens at 6:30 pm with wine and small bites to be followed by the evening’s program at 7:00 pm.

Copies of Heather’s book will be on sale for signing with the author.

Books on Wine

Books on Wine Evening

Thursday, January 30, 2020
6:30 p.m. - Refreshments
7:00 p.m. - Program
In the Wine Library Wing of the
George & Elsie Wood Public Library
1492 Library Lane
Saint Helena 


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Jullianne Ballou
Warren Winiarski Wine Writer Collection Fellow,
UC Davis Library

Jullianne is here to discuss year one of her inaugural two-year Wine Writer Fellowship at UC Davis Library where she is engaged in active research to document the influence of wine writers on the kinds, styles and qualities of wine in the United States since Prohibition and to develop and provide content and access for the materials at UC Davis Library. Our Napa Valley Wine Library Collection has played a prominent role in her research. Selections from its archives will also be on exhibit

Books on Wine

Books on Wine Evening

Thursday, November 14, 2019
5.30 p.m. - Appetizers & Refreshments
6:30 p.m. - Program
At the main house of historic
Glendale Ranch
750 Conn Valley Road
Saint Helena


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Alexandria Brown and her just published
Hidden History of Napa Valley

"Napa Valley is known for its wine and winemakers, but just beneath the fertile soil lies another, more complex version of its history. Uncover the story of Napa’s first Chinatown—once home to nearly five hundred immigrants—that dwindled to fewer than seventeen residents before the last buildings were razed in the early twentieth century. Meet the small but determined group of African American farmers and barbers who called Napa home and the indomitable May Howard, a successful businesswoman and brothel owner. Learn about the Bracero Program that kept many of Napa’s wineries, including Krug, Beaulieu and Stag’s Leap, thriving during World War II. Join author Alexandria Brown as she explores these lesser-known stories of the ordinary people who helped shape modern-day wine country.”

Copies of the book available for sale

Other

Hands-On Vine Care
with David Heil

Saturday, September 7, 2019
10:00 a.m. to Noon

Saint Helena Library, Saint Helena


“How to Tell If It’s Ripe!”

Session begins by Barney’s Backyard at the Saint Helena Public Library and then moves into vineyards adjacent.

We’ll be covering veraison, sugar levels, crop estimates and other essentials at harvest time.

Wine Seminar, Grand Tasting
Thank You

Wine Weekend | 2019

29th Annual Wine Seminar
“Because it Looked like Home—A History of Italian Vines and Wines in Napa Valley”

57th Annual Grand Tasting
Vintner’s Choice: “Discovering Wine Styles of Napa Valley”

Books on Wine

Books on Wine reception

Wednesday, November 7, 2018
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
200 Taplin Road
Saint Helena, CA


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Please join us for a celebration of The Best We Can Be: The Life and Wisdom of Joseph Phelps with members of the Phelps family at the winery.

This wonderful book of Joe's memoirs has been published by Val de Grace Books, Inc., Napa
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We interviewed Joe for our Summer 2005 REPORT; his granddaughter Allie just poured for Phelps at our 2018 Annual Tasting.

Joseph Phelps Vineyard wines and small bites from the winery’s in-house chef will be served and the Phelps family will join us for reminiscences and Q&A’s at 6:00 pm

Please note: Joe’s book, The Best We Can Be: The Life and Wisdom of Joseph Phelps, is only available at the winery. There is a special price for all NVWLA members at this event.

Wine Seminar, Grand Tasting
Thank You

Wine Weekend | 2018

28th Annual Wine Seminar
“Napa Valley, Alta California and the Wine Legacy of New Spain”

56th Annual Grand Tasting
Vintner’s Choice: “Designated Vineyard Wines of Napa Valley”

Books on Wine

Books on Wine reception

Wednesday, March 13, 2018
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Napa Valley Wine Library Wing of
the George and Elsie Wood Public Library
1492 Library Lane
Saint Helena, CA


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Bianca Bosker, author of the recently published Cork Dork will discuss and sign copies of her book.

Professional journalist and amateur drinker Bianca Bosker didn't know much about wine—until she discovered an alternate universe where taste reigns supreme, a world of elite sommeliers who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of flavor.

She has written about food, wine, architecture, and technology for The New Yorker online, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Food & Wine, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and The New Republic, among other publications.

Refreshments will be served

Co-sponsored with the George and Elsie Wood Public Library

This event is free of charge
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Panel Discussion

Friday, September 29th, 2017
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Napa Valley Museum
55 Presidential Circle
Yountville, CA
707 944-0500


Napa Valley Museum will host a panel discussion relating to the Smithsonian “Bittersweet Harvest” exhibition and "Braceros: The Napa Valley story,” featuring L. Stephen Velasquez of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, author Mireya Loza, Rosaura Segura and Dr. Sandra Nichols from Napa Valley College, detailing the impact and legacy of the Braceros program both in Napa Valley and nationwide. Free to the Public.
Other
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Wednesday, September 19th, 2017
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Napa Valley Wine Library Wing of
the George and Elsie Wood Public Library
1492 Library Lane
Saint Helena, CA

Author Talk

St. Helena Local Marcus Marquez
Presented by Napa Valley Wine Library Association & Friends & Foundation, St. Helena Public Library
Come and meet Marcus Marquez and discover his new book, a perfect read for locals looking to further explore their hometown.

Marcus Marquez is General Manager of Brasswood Estate and co-creator of Goose & Gander. He has co-created Michelin recommended restaurants, an award-winning winery, and launched and represented wine brands.

Refreshments will be served.

SH Public Library Friends & Foundation

© Napa Valley Wine Library Association
All rights reserved
info@napawinelibrary.com
P.O. Box 328
St. Helena, CA 94574

Events Information:
Diana H Stockton
Editor and Events Manager
editor@napawinelibrary.com

Membership information:
Rick Brennan
Accounts Manager
info@napawinelibrary.com

The Napa Valley Wine Library Collection
is housed at the St. Helena Public Library.
For information please be in touch with Cecila Raffo,
Circulation Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator,
Saint Helena Public Library
cecilia@shpl.org

“The purpose of the Napa Valley Wine Library Association is to collect and share the stories of the wines and vines of Napa Valley and in Wine Country Around the World.”

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and all proceeds benefit the NVWL Collection and our public programs

Updated - 4/16/24