Wheeler Farms Winery: Napa Excellence Since 1871

Recently, we were recommended to visit Wheeler Farms by James from Theorum Winery on Diamond Peak. We were not disappointed.

Wheeler Farms has a rich history that started in 1871 by Charles Wheeler.  In 2014, Bart and Daphne Araujo led a group that purchased this historic property and continued the tradition of making world class wines. The property includes beautiful gardens, a fruit tree orchard, olive trees, edible gardens, chickens and bees. The winery on the property includes the most advanced technology for winemaking for Wheeler as well as other wine brands.

Our host today was Patrick whose passion and knowledge of wine made for a very special wine tasting experience.  We enjoyed a great pairing of food that was paired perfectly with renown winemaker Nigel Kinsman’s heavenly creations. 

We began with the 2019 J.H Wheeler Cabernet Franc Rose that was crisp, refreshing and perfectly paired with a Salmon and Ocean Trout Rillette, served on house made crackers

Next, was the JH Wheeler 2020’Sauvignon Blanc. It had fresh aromas of lemon, lime and apricot and was paired with shrimp salad with cucumber, nectarine, pickled red onion and tarragon.

We then enjoyed the 2018 JH Wheeler Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a blend of 90%Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. It was paired with crispy duck confit with flageolets and huckleberry jus.

Finally, we tasted the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from the famed Beckstoffer George’s III Vineyard.  The wine was ‘sensational‘ and perfectly paired with prime beef sirloin with roasted garlic pomme purée and caramelized onion.

In conclusion, we would highly recommend you add this winery to your ‘must do’ Napa Valley bucket list. The tasting room is stunning and the ambience brings a wonderful relaxed feeling.  We look forward to returning soon.

For more information and to make a reservation, go to:

https://www.wheelerfarmswine.com/

Ritz Carleton San Francisco : Jean-Charles Boisset (JCB) Tasting Lounge

Recently, we enjoyed an elegant wine tasting at renown wine owner Jean-Charles Boisset’s new San Francisco tasting lounge at the iconic Ritz Carleton Hotel in San Francisco.

 

We know JC as we are members of his Raymond Vineyards located in Napa. His flamboyant personality is reflected in this newly opened and opulent decorated tasting lounge.

 

Our host today was Kelly.  Her vibrant personality and impressive wine knowledge captured the beauty of all these great wines.

 

We began with a Surrealist Brut Rose that was perfectly chilled and served from the ‘Passion Collection’ of JCB and Baccarat designed elegant stemware.

 

These unique wine glasses can also be purchased and would make a very ‘special gift’ to any ‘lover’ of fine wine.

 

We then had the 2016 number 3 Pinot Noir from Russian River and JC’s Burgundy grapes. This unique blend was also served at JC’s wedding to Gina Gallo. Gina is from another powerful wine family, Gallo Wine.  

 

We then enjoyed the Number 1 and 10 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley that were big, bold beautiful bottles of carefully crafted wine.

 

To complete this ‘exceptional’ wine experience, we tasted the 2016 Surrealist Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a perfect 80/20 blend of Cabernet and Petite Verdot grapes.

 

This wine also received a ‘100’ point rating from renown wine critic Jeb Dunnuck and was a ‘great ending’ to a fabulous wine experience in the ‘city by the bay’.

 

After our tasting, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the Pallete Tea House located in the center of Ghirardelli Square.

 

This modern decorated San Francisco restaurant features a variety of dim sum specialities.

 

We especially enjoyed the Honey Walnut Prawns, Fried Noodles and Chicken Wings. It is a ‘must do’ foodie experience and we look forward to returning soon.

Reservations are recommended and seating is available inside or outside.

 

For more information and to make a reservation at the JCB tasting lounge go to:

https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/san-francisco/dining/the-jcb-tasting-lounge

 

 

Pebble Beach: Tiger Woods Design Peter Hay Short Course

Recently, we had the pleasure of playing the redesigned Peter Hay short course at Pebble Beach. “The Hay” is a ‘must do’ experience.

Professional golfer Peter Hay’s vision of a fun short course for families, kids and golfers of all skills has become reality with the redesign of this course by Tiger Woods. 

It is an affordable way to experience Pebble Beach complete with a copy hole of famous number 7.   

Green fees are only $65 with kids under 12 playing for free and $5 for youth on course members. There is also a putting course that is no charge for everyone. It is also 50% off to replay it.

After you are done, lunch at the famous 19th hole “Tap Room”featuring Kobe burgers the coconut cake is highly recommended. 

For the avid golfer, you can complete this special golfing experience by playing nearby Pacific Grove known as “The Poor Man's Pebble Beach“ with many fabulous ocean view holes for $45.

For more information and to make a tee time go to:

https://www.pebblebeach.com/golf/the-hay/