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