5 Things to Do This June in Wine Country
Author:Annette HanamiSummer is upon us, providing perfect weather to go outside, explore wine regions, discover hidden gems and treasures and celebrate our icons.
Explore Expressive Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley
Russian River Valley produces some of the most terroir-driven pinot noir in California, exemplified by Martinelli’s single-vineyard wines from Bondi, Lolita, Moonshine and Zio Tony Ranches.
Martinelli is one of 30 wineries participating in the inaugural Passport to Pinot barrel tasting this weekend, June 9 -10, sponsored by the Russian River Valley Winegrowers. Each producer will feature unique wines with Martinelli pouring a vertical of the Bondi Home Ranch Pinot Noir paired with local artisanal cheeses. $65 pp for both days or $40 for Sunday only. Various locations. Russian River Valley Passport to Pinot, June 9 and 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be plenty of small bites during the event but if you’re hungry, head to Graton for fabulously fresh salads and sandwiches at Willow Wood Café or its slightly swankier sister Underwood Bistro across the street. Willow Wood Café, 9020 Graton Road, Graton.
Courtesy of Robert Mondavi
Toast Napa Valley Legend Robert Mondavi
Join throngs of passionate family, friends and colleagues of the late Robert Mondavi as they celebrate his 99th birthday, and his legacy to the Napa Valley, on Friday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the iconic Cliff May-designed winery in Oakville. The festive day of live music, educational activities, complimentary glass of Fume Blanc and hors d’oeuvres will culminate in a toast by Director of Winemaking Genevieve Janssens at 5 p.m. with live streaming on the winery’s Facebook page for those who can’t make it. Robert Mondavi, 7801 St. Helena Highway, Oakville.
While you’re there, check out the current plein air art exhibit of Yarrow Earth Hock in the art gallery.
Snag Flea Market to Fabulous Finds at La Boheme in St. Helena
La Boheme, a uniquely Napa Valley-style brocante, opens Friday, June 15 in St. Helena. Curated by Kellie Lind, the shop will offer a constantly-changing collection of new, vintage and gently used furnishings, décor, relics, art, jewelry, clothing, soaps and lotions and more that are bound to delight locals as well as visitors. The eclectic and global offerings range from country French furniture to hand-carved African ceremonial chairs to Chinese panels to Persian rugs to steam punk antique thermos jars.
La Boheme will also be offering free monthly classes on re-purposing, decorating, home organization and more.
Net proceeds go to Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services. La Boheme; open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays until 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1428 Main Street, St. Helena
Wilson Winery
Taste Heritage in a Bottle in Dry Creek Valley
Beginning in 1995, the rarest and most expressive zinfandel vines throughout California were collected by UC Davis researchers and planted in a one-acre plot in Oakville called the Heritage Vineyard. Each year since 1997, a single wine has been made from the 90 unique zinfandel selections by different winemakers. Celebrate America’s own iconic grape at the release party of the 2010 Heritage Zin at Wilson Winery in Dry Creek Valley on Saturday, June 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $40 per person. 1960 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg.
Wilson Winery
Dry Creek Valley, just minutes away from Healdsburg Plaza, is renowned for old vine zinfandel. While you’re there, plan to visit some of the other great zin producers by checking out wineroad.com.
Scale the Hidden Napa Valley with the Napa Land Trust
Open fields, cool canyons, majestic waterfalls and panoramic views reward the serious hiker to Maggie’s Peak on the private Archer Daniels Preserve in the Napa Valley Sunday, June 24, starting at 9 a.m. The escorted hike is offered by the Napa Land Trust as part of its educational outreach to conserve the farmland, water resources and wildlife corridors of the Napa Valley. This hike is free to the public, but many more spectacular hikes available to members. Registration closes June 21.
