Parable Wines: Dedicated to Crafting World-Class Wine

Trey Eppright’s passion for wine began at the age of 15, sparked by a single sip of Champagne that set him on a journey from Texas to Napa Valley. Trey and family founded Parable Wines in 2021, a family endeavor rooted in curiosity, heritage, and craftsmanship.

Trey discovered the former Dutch Henry Estate, a 10.6-acre pristine property that had been ravaged by the 2020 Glass Fire. The estate features a subterranean wine cave and a completely remodeled residence, offering both history and promise. While Parable’s wines are currently produced at Arrow & Branch, plans for a dedicated winery facility have been approved—an exciting next step toward fully realizing their vision.

As described on the Parable Wines website, “Each bottle of Parable wine uncorks a tale of heritage and character. We celebrate the symbols and stories that inspire our craft, honoring the origins of each wine with reverence and warmth.” This philosophy was evident throughout our visit.

On a sun-splashed day overlooking the vineyard, we enjoyed an intimate and informative tasting of five exceptional Parable wines, guided by Trey and Brindley.

The tasting began with the 2022 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. The Ritchie Vineyard is widely regarded as one of California’s Grand Cru vineyards, and this wine showcased remarkable purity and elegance.

Next was the 2022 Larry Hyde & Sons Chardonnay, sourced from Los Carneros. This wine beautifully balanced Old World refinement with New World vibrancy.

The third Chardonnay was the A18 Antica Vineyard Chardonnay, grown at 1,400 feet above the Napa Valley floor. Its rugged, elevated site is reminiscent of Chianti Classico, lending the wine structure and distinctive character.

The first red was the 2021 Vangone Parable Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from a compelling site situated on two rocky plateaus at 1,672 feet in the Vaca Mountain Range.

The tasting concluded with the 2021 Parable Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard. The vineyard’s history is as impressive as the wine itself. William Bowers Bourn, credited with building Greystone Cellars—now home to the Culinary Institute of America—purchased the property in 1872 as a family estate. The 13-acre vineyard, all but one acre planted, was acquired by Beckstoffer in 2010 and continues to produce wines of exceptional pedigree.

In summary, all of the wines were outstanding. We were particularly taken with the Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay and the Beckstoffer Bourn Cabernet Sauvignon, and happily brought a bottle of each back to Danville to share with our wine friends.

The Parable Wines story is just beginning, and it will be a pleasure to follow their passionate pursuit of perfection as they continue crafting truly world-class wines.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit:

https://www.parablewines.com/experience

2021 Silver Oak Napa Valley Release Day

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Silver Oak’s 2021 Napa Valley Release Day, a highly anticipated celebration marking the debut of its newest Napa Valley vintage. This beloved tradition takes place on the first Saturday in February for the Napa Valley release and the first Saturday in August for the Alexander Valley vintage.

Silver Oak began this tradition in the 1980s, and it has since become a sold-out signature event for loyal patrons. The day features an unforgettable lineup of renowned local chefs, live music, photo booths, and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy the newest Silver Oak vintage in the stunning setting of their iconic winery.

The 2021 Silver Oak Napa Valley is composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Aged for 24 months in 50% new American oak barrels, this full-bodied yet elegant wine delivered layers of depth and balance—bringing, as many attendees described, “smiles of joy” throughout the event.

This year’s culinary program was equally impressive, featuring three exceptional chefs whose résumés are far too extensive to fully capture here. Silver Oak Executive Chef Preeti Mistry, Chef Kim Alter of Nightbird in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, and Chef Dominica Rice-Cisneros of Bombera in Oakland showcased their talents by creating inspired dishes that paired flawlessly with this world-class wine.

In every sense, it was a day of great wine, extraordinary food, and shared celebration. We already look forward to attending future release events—because, as Silver Oak so perfectly puts it, “Life is a Cabernet.”

For more information or to plan a visit to the winery, http://www.silveroak.com

 

Beaulieu Vineyard: “Quel Beau Lieu!”

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Beaulieu Vineyard, ideally situated in the heart of the Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley. Founded in 1900 by Georges and Fernande de Latour, the winery’s name was inspired by Fernande’s first glimpse of the property—“Quel beau lieu!”—French for “What a beautiful place.” The name has proven timeless.

From the beginning, the de Latours were visionaries. They imported phylloxera-resistant vine rootstocks, helping to establish healthier, more resilient vineyards in Napa Valley. During Prohibition, Beaulieu Vineyard was one of the few wineries permitted to continue operating, producing sacramental wine while many others were forced to close.

A defining moment came in 1938 with the arrival of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff. His pioneering work—introducing small French oak barrels, malolactic fermentation, and cold fermentation—not only elevated Beaulieu Vineyard but also transformed the trajectory of California winemaking as a whole.

Today, Beaulieu Vineyard produces several tiers of wine, with its crown jewel remaining the iconic Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet.

In 2016, Beaulieu Vineyard was acquired by Treasury Wine Estates. Most recently, in March 2025, Nate Weis—formerly the renowned winemaker at Silver Oak—was appointed Senior Winemaker and General Manager. Under his leadership, Beaulieu Vineyard is undergoing a significant modernization and renovation, while remaining open to visitors throughout the process.

Our tasting experience was expertly guided by Jamie, an energetic and knowledgeable host. We enjoyed the Cabernet Clone Expression Tasting, which included:

• 2021 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 169 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2022 Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2021 Cabernet Franc

Each wine was exceptional, showcasing nuance, balance, and the distinctive character of Rutherford terroir.

The undeniable highlight was the 2022 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which fully lived up to its legendary reputation for depth, elegance, and excellence.

Beaulieu Vineyard is truly a “must-do” Napa Valley experience. We look forward to returning once the renovations are completed in July 2026.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit: www.bvwines.com

Lewis Cellars: Celebrating 30 Years of Winemaking Excellence

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting the spectacular new Lewis Cellars estate and tasting room, beautifully positioned along the iconic Silverado Trail in the heart of Napa Valley.

Lewis Cellars was acquired in 2021 by The Wonderful Company—owned by Stewart and Lynda Resnick, who also steward the acclaimed JUSTIN and Landmark Vineyards. Under their ownership, the property has been elevated with stunning design and an enhanced hospitality experience, while preserving the legacy of its founders.

Our visit began in their elegant, light-filled tasting room, where floor-to-ceiling views spill out over the Napa Valley. Thomas, our professional and exceptionally knowledgeable host, guided us through a thoughtfully curated wine and food pairing experience.

We opened with the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, a bright, refreshing wine that immediately soothed the senses—and impressed us enough to take a bottle home.

Next came the 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay, beautifully paired with a gougère topped with Egg Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. This was followed by the 2023 Russian River Chardonnay, served with a California salmon rillettes on toasted brioche with citrus and cilantro bud. While both Chardonnays were excellent, the Napa Valley Chardonnay especially captured our attention.

The red wines showcased the power and finesse for which Lewis Cellars is known.

The 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon—a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.7% Cabernet Franc, 3.8% Merlot, and 2.5% Petite Sirah—was served alongside an arancini with foraged mushroom, soubise, and onion blossom.

The 2022 Big Blend, composed of 48% Syrah, 21% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petite Sirah, was paired with a rich Schmitz Ranch beef roll with oxtail and Cabernet jus.

We especially loved the 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet and brought two bottles back to Danville to share with friends.

In conclusion, Lewis Cellars is unquestionably a “must-do” for your Napa Valley bucket list—an elevated experience that showcases the artistry, history, and hospitality of a truly exceptional winery.

For more information or to reserve a tasting, visit 

https://lewiscellars.com/about

Robert Biale Vineyards: The Legend of Black Chicken Zinfandel

Tucked away in Napa Valley’s scenic Oak Knoll District, Robert Biale Vineyards has long been a pilgrimage site for lovers of Zinfandel. Known for its iconic Black Chicken Zinfandel, this storied estate blends family history, craftsmanship, and a dash of old Napa charm.

The winery’s roots stretch back to 1991, when Robert Biale, together with Dave Pramuk, Al Perry, and his father Aldo Biale, founded what would become one of Napa’s most beloved Zinfandel producers. Today, Robert continues to lead as Owner, President, and Vineyard Operations Manager, honoring the traditions that began generations earlier.

The vineyard’s location in the Oak Knoll District provides ideal conditions for Zinfandel—gravelly soils, warm afternoons, and cool evening breezes that invite old-world winemaking methods to shine. Under the direction of Winemaker David Natali, the portfolio now includes 20 beautifully crafted wines, with Black Chicken Zinfandel serving as the standard-bearer for the varietal.

The “Black Chicken” name itself has become Napa folklore. In the 1940s, a resourceful 14-year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother make ends meet by selling produce, eggs, and a little something extra—his family’s homemade Zinfandel. To keep curious neighbors and local authorities at bay, Aldo used the party-line telephone system’s secret code: ordering “a Black Chicken” meant a jug of bootleg wine was on its way.

During our visit, we were warmly welcomed by Alina, our knowledgeable host, who guided us through a relaxed tasting on the sunlit patio overlooking rows of vines painted in autumn’s golden hues.

We began with a side-by-side tasting of the 2022 and 2023 Black Chicken Napa Valley Zinfandel, each showcasing the rich fruit and lively spice that define this signature wine. Both vintages were so irresistible that we left with a bottle of each to share with friends back home in Danville.

Our tasting continued with an impressive lineup:

• 2023 Aldo Napa Valley Zinfandel
• 2023 Varozza St. Helena Zinfandel
• 2023 Bedrock Sonoma Valley Zinfandel
• 2023 Royal Punishers Napa Valley Petite Sirah

Each wine expressed a distinct personality while staying true to the vineyard’s elegant, fruit-forward style. The finale—a luscious Petite Sirah dessert wine—was nothing short of sensational and quickly earned a place in our collection.

From its humble beginnings to its modern-day acclaim, Robert Biale Vineyards embodies the spirit of Napa: passion, authenticity, and a deep respect for tradition. A visit here isn’t just a tasting—it’s an experience steeped in history and flavor.

For more information or to reserve a tasting, visit:

👉 www.biale.com

Las Vegas: The Venetian Hotel and The Sphere

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting dazzling Las Vegas — truly the “City That Never Sleeps.”

We stayed at the elegant Venetian Hotel, conveniently located within easy walking distance of the spectacular Sphere. After a short flight from Oakland Airport, a limousine whisked us to the Venetian, where we checked into a fabulous suite with sweeping views of the Vegas skyline.

Our visit began with a delightful brunch at Chef Thomas Keller’s acclaimed Bouchon, one of our all-time favorites. Located inside the Venetian, Bouchon serves both brunch and dinner daily, and once again, Chef Keller’s classic French cuisine did not disappoint.

On a perfect sunny Las Vegas morning, we enjoyed cocktails, delicious food, and impeccable service on the restaurant’s charming patio. The croque madame, quiche, and frites were outstanding, and we especially loved the warm muffins and decadent desserts.

After a short rest, we made our way to the Sphere for a spectacular Eagles concert, celebrating 53 years of legendary music. The band opened with Hotel California and performed for over two mesmerizing hours — a truly unforgettable experience enhanced by the Sphere’s breathtaking sound and visual effects.

The following day, we returned to the Sphere for the classic Wizard of Oz show, another sensational performance that brought new magic to this timeless story.

That evening, we dined at Smith & Wollensky, one of America’s premier steakhouses. Founded in 1977 by Alan Stillman in New York City, the restaurant now boasts many locations across the U.S. and abroad. Interestingly, its famous name was chosen at random from the New York phone book! The Las Vegas location, set in the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes, lived up to its stellar reputation with outstanding steaks and service.

To end the evening, we enjoyed a soothing gondola ride through the Venetian’s pristine waterways — a peaceful and romantic way to conclude a wonderful trip.

In conclusion, the Sphere is an absolute “must-do” — a world-class entertainment venue that deserves a spot on every Las Vegas bucket list.

For more information, visit:

👉 https://www.thesphere.com

Spanish Wine Luncheon at Ken Behring’s Table

Recently, wine appreciators Tony Giovanzana, Mike L. McColgan, David Behring, Jeff Behring, and Steve Carlson gathered for another memorable luncheon at Blackhawk Country Club, seated at founder Ken Behring’s favorite table in the Lakeside main dining room.

This time, organizer Tony Giovanzana invited Michelle Morey, Wine Manager at Draeger’s Market. Michelle has revitalized the store’s Saturday Wine and Cheese Tastings, which she successfully relaunched a year ago after a pandemic pause. The tastings—once a beloved pre-Covid tradition—are now more popular than ever as Draeger’s celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Michelle brings a wealth of wine knowledge and extensive experience from her years in high-end restaurants. Her husband, Steve Morey, is also a master sommelier—making them a true power duo in the world of wine.

For this special luncheon, themed “Wines of Spain,” Michelle and Tony curated eight outstanding selections from Draeger’s extensive international collection. The wines were artfully paired with a four-course menu created by Chef Joseph Salazar and served with professionalism by Kevin.

The meal began with Croquetas de Jamón Serrano—serrano ham, manchego, and pimentos de la vera aioli—paired with Riola 2022 and Riola 2020.

The second course featured Olive-Crusted Bacalao, beautifully matched with “Com Tu” Clos Mogador Montsant 2019.

Next came Cordero a la Riojana—seared lamb with white bean and chistorra purée, garlic chips, and Tempranillo jus—paired with Gran Reserva Riola 2018 and Imperial Gran Reserva Riola.

The fourth course, Braised Cap de Ruc à la Doñana, presented tender beef cheek with black garlic, red wine jus, salsify, and charred spring onion confit. This course was paired with Clos Martinet 2021 and Clos Mogador Priorat 2019.

To conclude, Terra de Santiago—an orange blossom crème—was perfectly complemented by Jorge Ordóñez Málaga Victoria.

It was another delightful afternoon of fine food, friendship, and Spanish wines, all enjoyed at Ken Behring’s table overlooking the beautiful 18th green at Blackhawk Country Club. The group looks forward to gathering again in March 2026 for their next luncheon celebration.

Draeger’s Market 100th Anniversary Wine Tasting

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Draeger’s 100th Anniversary Wine Tasting, hosted by Wine Manager Michelle and her knowledgeable assistant, Ryan, at the beautiful Draeger’s Cooking School in Blackhawk.

For the past year, Draeger’s has delighted guests every Saturday with complimentary wine and cheese tastings at the wine bar, featuring selections from around the world. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., loyal patrons have gathered to sip thoughtfully chosen wines and champagnes, paired perfectly with cheeses from Draeger’s renowned wine and cheese department. To make the experience even better, guests enjoy exclusive discounts on their favorite bottles.

In celebration of Draeger’s centennial milestone, the anniversary tasting was elevated to an elegant, invitation-only affair. Michelle and Ryan curated a star-studded lineup of exquisite wines and artisanal cheeses, creating a memorable day  that showcased Draeger’s legacy of quality and hospitality.

A heartfelt thank you to Draeger’s Market for marking 100 years of excellence with such a special celebration.

If you haven’t yet experienced the Saturday tastings, we highly recommend stopping by. It’s the perfect way to enrich your shopping trip—and perhaps discover a new favorite wine. We look forward to raising a glass with you soon!