Our first Vino Voyages in October was a RESOUNDING success.
We had an amazing group of people from all over the country join us for a beautiful weekend in Napa. The food was incredible, the wine divine and a fun time was had by ALL.
Some maybe even a little too much.
We are planning another Vino Voyages in 2016 but want to hear where YOU would be interested in going.
Ideas have been streaming into our office, with everywhere from Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara. Email our office at alyce(at)lesliesbrocco(dot)com with the subject Vino Voyages 2016 to submit your ideas.
Wherever we end up this year you know the experience will be amazing, so stay tuned for more information and get ready to join me for another Vino Voyage!
If you missed last year’s trip, take a look at their 5-star experience below , in addition to some testimonials from our incredibly happy voyagers.
Wine country LESLIE STYLE!
Vino Voyages Fall 2015 – Harvest Extravaganza
October 18,19,20
Day 1
12:30-1:30pm — Check into the hotel and enjoy a sparkling wine reception poolside
The Mount View Hotel and Spa is a 100 year-old historic hotel that is newly-renovated with a chic pool area and boutique spa. Each room has been lovingly restored and individually decorated maintaining the historic feel. There are suites and private cottages available, too.
1:30-2:00 pm — Transportation provided to Cairdean Estate.
Cairdean Estate is one of Napa Valley’s hottest new properties. Not only are they crafting wines of substance and style, but their winery features Butterscots Bakery & Deli, The Farmer & The Fox, a Michelin Bib Gourmad-winning gastropub, and Redolent Mercantile, in addition to their spectacular tasting room.
2:30-5:00pm — Old World & New World – Part 1
During this fast-paced tasting class, I will be showcasing wines from around the globe. From Oregon to Burgundy, California to Bordeaux and Spain to Chile, the delicious wines will be paired with small bites.
5:00-6:00 pm — Wander the grounds of Cairdean with a stop to shop at Redolent Mercantile or sample more wines at the tasting salon.
6:30pm — Dinner at The Farmer and the Fox
The Farmer & The Fox at Cairdean Estate is a European-style gastropub. Sourcing the best quality produce and ingredients from local farms and producers, it’s seasonal menu is a creative and locally-inspired ode to the classics dishes of Scottish and English pubs. The chef and I will be selecting both the food and the wines for this incredible meal.
Day 2
Breakfast in your room
9:30 – 12:00pm — Private visit to Schramsberg Winery
One of the country’s top sparkling wine producers, our special tour begins in the caves where we will learn about the history and the process of making Schramsberg’s famous bubbly. Following the tour, winemaker and owner, Hugh Davies will join us to lead a tasting through a selection of sparkling and still wines. Wines to be included: some very special 50th anniversary late disgorged offerings, as well as J. Schram, Reserve and J. Davies Cab.
1:00- 3:30pm — Private visit and lunch at Duckhorn Vineyards
From the cool caves of Calistoga, we head to a classic Californian winery, Duckhorn, for a casual lunch and tasting in the garden. The private tasting will feature single-vineyard and library wines from each of their California wineries (Duckhorn Vineyards, Goldeneye, Migration, Paraduxx, Decoy), in addition to some of the foundational portfolio wines. The vineyard will be abuzz with harvest and we’ll definitely have a winemaker stop by and say hello.
3:30-8:00pm — Take the afternoon off to explore the quaint town of Calistoga. Take a spa treatment at the Mount View Hotel or enjoy the luxury of resting poolside.
8pm: Private dinner at JoLé
JoLé is a Contemporary American Restaurant owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Matt and Sonjia Spector, chef and pastry chef, respectively. Matt and Sonjia use organic, locally farmed ingredients as much as possible. The wine list is eclectic and ever-evolving, consisting of many of the area’s boutique producers and cocktails focus on the classics, made with small batch, top shelf liquors.
Day 3
Breakfast in room
10am – 2pm: Visit and lunch at the historic Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena is one of California’s historic properties and was made famous in 1976 when it’s Chardonnay bested France’s top whites to win the Paris tasting. This event put California wine on the world stage and was depicted in the movie Bottle Shock. We will take a tour of the gorgeous grounds then have a Chardonnay vertical tasting, vintages 2006-2011, in the winery. We have the rare opportunity to lunch on Jade Lake in front of the Chateau, under the Chinese Pavilion on the private island.
Pricing:
Includes all meals (breakfast, lunches and dinners), hotel room (there is a slight surcharge for suites and private cottages or single rooms), all wine tastings, and transportation to and from class and the wineries. Spa appointments are at your discretion and cost.