Girls trip to the Napa Valley to celebrate my good friend Laura's 40th birthday. What was to be a fun trip turned into a once in a lifetime experience when the owners of Claggett/Rey Gallery in Vail, CO offered to show us the VIP treatment. Slifer Designs and Claggett/Rey Gallery have had a long relationship. We love the artwork they represent, and I think they are fans of our design work. We work with many of the same clients. When Bill Rey heard the "Slifer Girls" and two of his long time employees were heading to Napa Valley he made sure it was a trip none of us would forget.
Wednesday
We arrive! On the way into town stop at Dean & Delucca for a quick bite then let the wine tasting begin.
Silver Oak Cellars for a VIP tour and tasting. Silver Oak is known for making some of the worlds best renowned Cabernet Sauvignon. Silver Oak Cellars was founded by Ray Duncan in 1972. Mr. Duncan is also a founding partner of Claggett/Rey Galleries. We were lucky to arrive at the winery in time to see the bottling process taking place. We toured the Duncan Family's private wine cellar and also their extensive art collection. What a privilege! We then tasted four wines from their vineyards in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley. Delicious!
We found our way to our lovely accommodations at the Twomey guesthouse. This is a private home located on the grounds of Twomey Cellars. Twomey is the sister winery of Silver Oak. Little known fact: Twomey is Ray Duncan's middle name.
Dinner at La Condesa Mexican food in St. Helena www.lacondesanapavalley.com. If you go, the quinoa stuffed Chile rellenos are a must. They are also know for their extensive tequila selections, but we did not partake. This trip was all about wine.
Thursday – Day of Bubbles
11am, The morning Schramsberg tour www.schramsberg.com… of the caves etc. The caves are incredible. Miles and miles of natural caves where they store and age the wine.
Next stop was Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga. www.frankfamilyvineyards.com. This came highly recommended to us by a Napa insider, “ Dennis will take awesome care of you (Big guy 6’6” 350 lbs) Mayor of Napa. Know s everyone. You’ll be wasted and stay all afternoon .” All true and we bought a few cases as well. Dennis told us their Port is a favorite of a few Hollywood celebrities and it was delicious.
Headed home happy to taste the Twomey selection our hosts left for us as well as a plate of magnificent cheeses.
Dinner at Redwood in Yountville. Casual atmosphere, excellent food, adorable town. www.redd-wood.com
Friday
Cade Winery www.cadewinery.com Drove up the famous Silverado Trail high in the hills. Modern architecture, breathtaking views.
Sinskey winery www.robertsinskey.com/ Thank goodness for the delicious food pairings they offer with their tasting. They have an open kitchen where they prepare all of their food. Allow some time to walk through their gardens – the flowers and herbs are spectacular.
Failla Winery – Small winery. Excellent Pinot Noir.
Dinner at Morimoto www.morimotonapa.com/ in Napa . The famous chef did not disappoint us. Creative food…we had dumplings with bacon foam! The sushi and sashimi were fabulous.
Susan Ferrari
Vice President, Retail Operations