The Agenda: This Winter in Wine Country

Author:Annette Hanami

Single Thread: Singular Destination

Farm-to-table meets Healdsburg sophistication at the most talked about restaurant all year, Single Thread.  Kyle and Katina Connaughton’s ingredient- and source-driven restaurant honors artisans at every level, in the field, the kitchen or the shop, which is reflected in the Avroko-designed 52-seat space where the attention to detail is exceptional.

Having lived in Japan for many years, the Connaughtons bring a touch of Japanese hospitality, flavors and craftsmanship to Single Thread, such as an inn above the restaurant which recalls the Ryokan, Japanese ingredients and preparations and handmade ceramics by 8^th generation potters from Iga. But it’s not Japanese cuisine said Chef Connaughton, rather “contemporary California.” Visit the website to reserve dinner and rooms. 131 North Street, Healdsburg

Traditional Home’s Napa Valley Showhouse is a Must-See Modern Farmhouse

The fifth annual Traditional Home Napa Valley Showhouse takes place in the heart of the vineyards at the home of Lisa Peju, co-owner of Liana Estates. Over a dozen talented designers from around the country infused Peju’s modern farmhouse with a fresh new look inspired by its Wine Country setting. The Showhouse will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for holiday weekends) through January 8, 2017. Booking includes a complementary “Brise” tasting at Liana Estates in Carneros coinciding with the tour and with advance reservation. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Napa Valley Film Festival taking place November 8-12, 2017. 1127 Orchard Avenue, Napa.

Explore Russian River Valley at the New La Crema Estate

 

The new home for La Crema wines, the ca. 1900 barn and former home of Saralee and Richard Kunde was extensively renovated by SF architect BraytonHughes Design into a modern destination for food and wine experiences.

 

The bottom two levels of the four-story barn were reconfigured to create a variety of spaces for guests to explore La Crema’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, in flights at the main bar or on the patio, or in private tastings. Consider an appellation tasting from Oregon’s Willamette to California’s Monterey regions, a single-vineyard flight, a Nine Barrel tasting of their rarest wines, or hop on a golf cart for a vineyard tour. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 3575 Slusser Rd, Windsor

A New Look for Pine Ridge Vineyards with Cellar 47 

Already a popular location for its events, Pine Ridge recently re-designed its caves so guests can linger. Designed by SF architect Michael Guthrie & Co., the new Cellar 47, named after the 47 acres of estate vineyards Pine Ridge owns in Stags Leap district, is a cool new VIP lounge with cushy leather seating, warm Persian-style rugs and stylish chandeliers shaped like grapevine roots.

The space is complemented by an adjacent alcove used for seated tastings with modern, free-edge slab tables that can also be combined for larger parties and private event dinners up to 30 people. Book the Savor Pine Ridge tasting of distinctive appellation wines paired with delicious bites ($125 pp). 5901 Silverado Trail, Napa.

Restoration of a Hidden Gem at Stags’ Leap Winery

Also in Stags Leap district, Stags’ Leap Winery recently completed a 5-year restoration of its 125-year old Manor House. Originally built by Horace and Minnie Chase in the late 1800s, Stags’ Leap Winery is located off the beaten track, hidden in the verdant foothills of the dramatic palisades.

The Chases designed the estate for lavish parties for the Metropolitan set and it’s still just as inviting with new wine tasting programs. Open to the public with advance reservation. 6150 Silverado Trail, Napa

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