Spas & Swirl's Wine Tasting- a perfect pairing

A spa day and wine tasting as bridal shower? Sounds like my kind of bride. Swirl Events just held a wine tasting for these ladies. Looks like they're having fun!

Microterroir - Best Expression of a Wine or Marketing Gimmick

I recently received the Microterroir Carmenere 2005 from Casa Silva in the mail. Between my love of Carmenere from Colchagua, Chile and my curiosity into the concept of "microterroir," I immediately had to try it. The concept of microterroir basically implies that the winery has idetified small areas within a vineyard that are especially suited to specific grape varietals. Casa Silva approached this concept in an incredibly scientific manner. I can't say whether or not their hypotheses on Carmenere in the Los Lingues vineyard were correct or whether the labeling is particularly novel marketing of a vineyard re-mapping and improvement project. I can say that the wine was exactly what I long for in a quality Carmenere. I let the wine open up for half an hour (the winery suggests an hour of decanting but I wasn't that patient. Who is?). The Carmenere was rich and plush with a nice tannic backbone and acidity to keep it from being "flabby" (flabby being one of those wine words that seems so odd yet so aptly describes that sensation). It's a wine best enjoyed on its own and will most likely provoke you to drink too much of it.

Napa Valley Itinerary - Must See's Part I

Planning a trip to Napa? This series of posts provides an itinerary with a

bit of everything; big corporate winery, small family, luxe, the downhome - plus, great food.

A cramped six-hour flight to San Francisco and an hour and a half drive later, and you’re transported to arguably the most gorgeous wine country in the country, Napa Valley. Other appellations vie for other “Most” superlatives, but Napa personifies the wine country image floating through your head when you daydream about retiring on a little parcel of (super pricey) land in California wine country while tending your own vines. Here’s a wine country itinerary guaranteed to give you a taste of all aspects of Napa.

Start the day with Staglin Family Vineyard, a small, family winery that makes you want to renounce your own kin and beg for adoption. Staglin is one of the valley's most prestigious properties, with amazingly warm hospitality and incredible wines. The tour and tasting are pricey ($50, by appointment only) but worth it for the quality of wines tasted and luxe experience. You’re welcomed with glasses of 2007 Salus Estate Chardonnay. Next, try the 2008 Staglin Estate Chardonnay ($75) and a series of cellar worthy Cabernet Sauvignons, the varietal for which Staglin is known. Take your time on the outdoor verandah overlooking the vines – yes, it’s that stereotypically Napa – but in the best way possible.

If you need another reason to drink their wine, know they’ve raised $725 million to support charities. Consider that $50 tasting fee well spent.

Swirl’s Wine Pick: 2006 Staglin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($175). Cellar it for 10 years.

Napa Valley Itinerary - Must See's Part II

Next stop on the itinerary (see earlier post for the start):


Drive North to Calistoga for seasonally inspired lunch at the Michelin Guide starred Solbar, the restaurant at the hotel/spa, Solage. If you’re lucky enough to be there when tomatoes are in season, get them. And don’t miss the fish tacos either.



Move down the valley to Titus, another family run winery of the downhome, authentic variety. It prides itself on being the Napa Valley the way it used to be, i.e., generations of families growing and making terrific wines at reasonable prices. Walk through the Titus brothers’ ranch home to get to picnic tables to taste through wines (free, tastings by appointment only) made by winemaker Phillip Titus, who also runs winemaking at Chappellet. The wines here are a veritable bargain considering the price of the highly awarded wines Phillip Titus crafts for Chappellet.


Swirl’s Wine Picks: Titus is known for their full-bodied, well balanced reds, but we couldn’t resist picking up a bottle of the 2009 Titus Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($20) in addition to the 2007 Titus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($41).

Napa Valley Itinerary Must See's Part III

Your Personal Napa Valley Wine Country Itinerary of Must See's continued:

Cap off a day of tastings in wine country with Silverado Vineyards' “Fridays on the Terrace” ($35, 5:30-8:00). It’s fitting this winery is owned by Disney; the views from the terrace are so darn perfect it seems as if someone painted an idealized, technicolor version of wine country with rolling green hills and a red-orange sun setting behind them. It’s hard for the wine and seasonal paired bites to compete with the setting, but it does.

Swirl’s Wine Pick: If you can get past the fact they’re partyly owned by a corporate behemoth, sit back and watch the sunset with a glass of Silverado Vineyards 2006 Estate Sangiovese ($28) in hand.

Soak up the wine with dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni, longstanding Valley go-to for big groups. Try any of the pasta dishes.

Last pieces of advice – hydrate early and often. And designate a driver. We want to see you Swirl-ing away again.