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
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
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
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.
Reception to honor Stephen J. Krebs
Professor Emeritus of Viticulture at Napa Valley College
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.
Books on Wine
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.
Visual Oral History: Winemaking Pioneer Zelma Long
*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.
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”
31st Annual Wine Seminar
1 hour 40 minutes
Books on Wine Evening
Thursday, October 21, 2021
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
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.
These wines had close ties to André
Dinner and a Movie Under the Stars
with Special Guests Heidi & Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena
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.
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
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
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
2021 | 30th Annual Wine Seminar
Saturday, May 15, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Via 
“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.
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
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.
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 Evening
Thursday, August 13, 2020
5:30 p.m. - Virtual Program
Via
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:
Celia Welch, Corra Wines
2019 Rogue Valley, Oregon “Tail Feathers”
Celia grew up in Medford, OR and knows fresh, crisp and delicious
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
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
Cathy Corison, Corison
2017 Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
This is the 34th year for this belovèd label begun by Cathy
Sandi Belcher, ARNS
2013 Melanson Vineyard, Napa Valley Syrah
In bottle it needs to taste just like it did in the vineyard
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 Evening
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 Evening
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 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
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
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.
Books on Wine reception
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
200 Taplin Road
Saint Helena, CA
This wonderful book of Joe's memoirs has been published by Val de Grace Books, Inc., Napa
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.
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
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
Panel Discussion
Friday, September 29th, 2017
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Napa Valley Museum
55 Presidential Circle
Yountville, CA
707 944-0500
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
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.
© 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