Heidi Barrett:The First Lady of California Wine

We recently had the privilege of sampling wines crafted by the renowned Napa Valley winemaker, Heidi Barrett. Known as the First Lady of Wine, Heidi has made a significant impact on the California wine industry, producing some of the region's most sought-after cult wines. Her impressive career has seen her work with prestigious wineries such as Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle Vineyards, Paradigm Winery, and Amuse Bouche, earning her numerous accolades, including five perfect 100-point scores from wine expert Robert Parker.

In addition to her winemaking prowess, Heidi is also an avid scuba diver, painter, and helicopter pilot, adding to her allure as a multifaceted and talented individual.

Under the guidance of our knowledgeable host, David Schulze, we were treated to a tasting of Heidi's own label, La Sirena, which translates to "The Mermaid." The 2022 Moscato Azul and Rosato were both exceptional, showcasing Heidi's signature touch of elegance and finesse.

The 2020 Aviatrix Grenache, a unique collaboration between Heidi and her daughters, proved to be a bold and courageous expression of winemaking artistry, breaking through societal barriers with its strength and innovation.

We also had the pleasure of sampling the 100% 2019 Malbec and the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, both of which were outstanding examples of Heidi's winemaking expertise.

The highlight of the tasting was undoubtedly the 2019 Studio Series, a flawless blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) Syrah (35%) Petite Sirah (3%) Cab Franc(2%} presented in a stunning bottle adorned with a beautiful flower arrangement painted by Heidi.

We would highly recommend adding La Sirena to your Napa ‘must do’ list. We took a few bottles home to share with our wine friends.

For more information and to schedule a tasting go to:

https://www.lasirenawine.com/

Sicilian Italian Restaurant Opens in the Heart of Danville: Isola Osteria

Angelo Dalo, the owner, is thrilled to open Islola Osteria in the heart of Danville. Happy Hour is from 4 to 5:30 Tuesday through Sunday, and dinner is served from 5-9. Lunch and brunch service are planned for the near future.

According to the website, Angelo aimed to create a place that captures the spirit of a Sicilian family gathering, where laughter is abundant, glasses are raised, and memories are made.

The restaurant exudes warmth and hospitality from the moment you walk in. During our visit for happy hour, we enjoyed a wide selection of drinks, beer, and Italian and California wines. The outdoor seating area is spacious, with heaters, an outdoor bar, and live music. The dinner menu features a variety of Sicilian dishes, including the fresh catch of the day prepared Sicilian style.

The happy hour menu offered a fantastic selection of Sicilian specials, including Arancini rice balls, prosciutto, mozzarella, and tomato basil sauce, as well as Zuppe di cozze mussels in a garlic, white wine, and tomato basil sauce with garlic crostina. The Bruschetto Tonno Connetellni, featuring Sicilian tuna, connetellini beans, and aioli, was also excellent. We highly recommend this fantastic addition to your Danville dining scene.

For more information and to make a reservation, please visit https://isolaosteria.com/

Silver Oak: 2019 Napa Cabernet Release Party

The 2019 Silver Oak Napa Cabernet Release Day was a delightful event held at their impressive facility in Oakville. This annual tradition featured two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each offering a fantastic experience for patrons.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a glass of Twomey Sauvignon Blanc, served in a special commemorative glass. The event was filled with a variety of food bites, music, photo booths, and tasting stations, all overseen by Silver Oak CEO David Duncan, ensuring a memorable celebration of their iconic wine.

The highlight of the day was the release of the 2019 Napa Cabernet, which continued Silver Oak's legacy of excellence spanning over 50 years. The wine was paired with delectable food bites prepared by renowned chefs, including Elliot Bell, former Executive Sous Chef at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry and now owner of St. Helena’s Charlie's, and Rogelio Garcia, the Executive Chef of Michelin-starred Auro and Truss restaurant and bar at Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley. The Silver Oak Culinary team and vendors like Journeyman Meat Company and Caviar Company also contributed to the day's culinary delights.

The 2019 Silver Oak Napa Cabernet Release Day left all attendees thoroughly impressed and satisfied, capturing the essence of Silver Oak's rich history and commitment to quality. It was an event that truly celebrated the winery's legacy and dedication to excellence.

For more information and to purchase wine or make a tasting appointment go to:

https://silveroak.com/