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Wed, Aug 01 2018 – 8:01 AM
Judy Stein, Napa Valley Specialist and President of Stein Collective, an Ovation Vacation Travel Agency, said it can be hard to find unique vineyards for her guests to see when they are in Napa. "Most vineyards tend to have a biscuit cutter feel and make you come and go," she said. "Finally, however, it's starting to change."
The Favorites of Wine Lovers in a New Modern Space
The Prisoner Wine Co, a label that is a favorite of wine collectors, is the newest of the group and is expected to open a new winery in September at Sainte Helena. San Francisco architect Matt Hollis designed the contemporary 40,000-square-foot building to have an industrial aesthetic, with high ceilings and a mix of wood and wood recovered in its construction.
In addition to a large tasting room, the building has an area called The Makery, which has five studios where local artisans from various creative areas will serve residences for three months and interact with guests. The first batch of artisans includes a soap maker, a confectioner and a ceramist.
There is also an external element: the garden grows herbs that will be used in the dishes served in the cellar and the terrace has a fireplace and wood. a wood-fired oven that cooks pizzas, smoked meats and seasonal vegetables like old peppers.
Chrissy Wittmann, one of the Prisoner's two winemakers (Niki Williams is the other), says that guests will be encouraged to linger. "The idea is that you should come here and stay for a few hours," she said. "We want to be a place where you spend time and make memories." Tasting is free, but tastings are by appointment and start at US $ 40 per person
Pairing of products and wines in a mid-century atmosphere
Another inventive space, Ashes and Diamonds, has opened last November. a 10-minute drive north of the city of Napa. Kashy Khaledi, the owner and founder, said that he wanted a building that was a nod to the area in the 1950s before it was invaded by tour buses. He hired American architect Barbara Bestor for the job, and the mid-century building, flooded with light, has a zigzag roof and portholes.
Tastings of ashes and diamonds can be paired with vegetables like feta fruit salad or pistachio and lime oil, and staff can arrange a picnic on the ground. The winery also hosts monthly concerts and speaker series. In June, for example, actress and singer Jena Malone, with her buddy Lem Jay Ignacio, will play their album "I'm Okay." The wine tasting starts at $ 40 US.
Vintage Art Deco Design Meets Modern Wine
Tank Garage Winery, on the outskirts of Calistoga, is located in a 1930's gas station adorned with vintage gas pumps. The Art Deco building has a rolled glass door entrance and an indoor 1930s Indian motorcycle that belonged to the owner of the original gas station, with a 1970s pinball machine.
The chemistry flasks of the 1960s serve as carafes, behind the long tasting counter, there is a talk-easy style bar with velvet booths and wallpaper, and pictures of the Napa Valley at the same time. time of prohibition. Local singers perform at the cellar every Friday night, and there is no charge for them to play. Wine tastings start at $ 25 US per person
The history of winemaking meets the modern and elegant design
Promontory, in Oakville, owned by Will Harlan, son of the famous winemaker Bill Harlan, is part from this new wave of vineyards, too. Its concrete, steel and glass building, designed by American architect Howard Backen, is perched on a hill overlooking the Napa Valley.
Visitors, who must make an appointment, are greeted by a private host who will lead them by an older tasting and a current vintage. All tastings take place in small rooms scattered throughout the building, and Harlan said that it is unlikely that guests will see other visitors during their stay at the Promontory. The entire year, which lasts about 90 minutes, costs $ 200 per person
. On the anniversary of the devastating fires of the Napa Valley approaching in October, Ms. Stein said that these vineyards are invigorating a basic tourist destination with new energy. "Whether it's for the first time or a return visit, people need a reason to rejoice in going to Napa, and these unusual vineyards are definitely an incentive," she said. .
As for the remaining 400 to 500 Napa wineries, Clay Gregory, president of Visit Napa Valley, the official marketing organization for the destination, said they were all open. "Our tourism activities have been very busy in recent months, and we want to look beyond the fires and celebrate what is a fantastic Napa place," he said.
NYTIMES
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