Dinner is Served: A Delicious Way to Support Napa Valley Opera House

February 14th, 2011

Looking at the Napa Valley Opera House, it’s amazing to think it’s been seven years since the renovations were completed. The main stage opened up after 89 years of waiting to present performances once again. Last year, the Opera House celebrated 130 years. The first show performed at the Napa Valley Opera House was in 1880 when Gilbert and Sullivan graced the stage. The Opera House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provides a variety of performances to audiences searching for an intimate and unforgettable venue. The Opera House also supports and encourages artistic experiences in the Napa Valley community through programs that grant free tickets, provide artist workshops for children, and discounted or free access to the Opera House for other Napa Valley nonprofits.

napa valley opera house Dinner is Served: A Delicious Way to Support Napa Valley Opera House

Napa Valley Opera House

The Napa Valley community appreciates their piece of history. Since the beginning of the 21st Century, Dinner is Served has been one of the ways the Napa Valley community joins together to help support its Opera House, a nonprofit organization. For one night, Thursday, February 24, 2011, the 11th Annual Dinner is Served invites locals and visitors to Napa Valley to dine in one of over 45 select Napa Valley restaurants at special discounted rates which includes a donation to Napa Valley Opera House. Reservations must be made in advance and the list of restaurants still accepting reservations is quickly dwindling. This year’s list of participating restaurants includes Auberge du Soleil Restaurant, Etoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon, La Toque at The Westin Verasa Napa, The Restaurant at Meadowood, Morimoto Napa, and many more. Click here to view the full list.

dinner is served logo Dinner is Served: A Delicious Way to Support Napa Valley Opera House

Join the enthusiastic collection of diners who have already booked every reservation available at over half of the participating Napa Valley restaurants. For a truly memorable experience, gather a group of friends to share this special evening. Contact Napa Wine Tours for private chauffeured transportation and enjoy some of the best Napa Valley cuisine while dining to support a Napa landmark.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events, Napa Valley restaurants | Comments

Valentine’s Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

January 10th, 2011

Napa Valley is known across the world for its wines but it has more to offer. Napa Valley offers romance. With wineries ranging from small, family-owned boutique wineries to incredible architectural feats and lodging ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts, Napa Valley offers a myriad of choices to fulfill anyone’s romantic dreams. If you’re considering spending time during Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day weekend in Napa, here are some romantic ideas to help get the planning started.

WINERIES

Cakebread Cellars
For an incomparable Valentine’s Day experience Cakebread Cellars presents a special cooking class on Saturday, February 12, 2011 that will titillate your taste buds. The Way to Someone’s Heart begins with the preparation of four luscious foods; white truffle popcorn, smoked salmon croquet monsieur, Dungeness crab soufflĂ©s, and horseradish–crusted filet mignon. For dessert you’ll learn the art of truffle making. After your cooking adventure, you’ll enjoy the delicious rewards paired with Cakebread Cellars wines.

Raymond Vineyards
Raymond Vineyards offers two romantic options on February 12, 2011 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Cab, Coals, & Chocolate invites you to treat yourself and your special someone to a 3 hour tasting and chocolate-making adventure. Learn the secrets to making hand rolled truffles while sipping Raymond Vineyards current and library Cabernets by the fireplace. A Valentine’s Dinner to Remember takes place in the enchanting barrel room. Each course will be paired perfectly with Raymond Vineyards wines and features 2009 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, 2006 Rutherford Merlot, Library Cabernet, and 2006 Eloquence.

hall wines entrance Valentines Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

Hall Wines Entrance

Hall Wines
During Valentine’s Day weekend February 12 & 13, 2011, Hall wines invites you and your valentine to Hall St. Helena for a decadent tasting of chocolate-inspired cuisine paired with Hall Wines Estate Cabernets. Along with an intimate tasting room decorated with a deep shade of wood and rich red splashes of color, Hall Wines St. Helena displays sculptures throughout the property and art in the tasting room.

grgich hills estate Valentines Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

Grgich Hills Estate in Napa Valley

Grgich Hills Estate
On February 12, 2011 the legendary Grgich Hills Estate hosts an unforgettable, intimate Valentine’s Day dinner featuring multiple courses paired with Grgich Hills Estate red and white wines.

Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards offers a unique and beautiful experience. The beauty of the natural surroundings allows visitors to immediately feel relaxed. The wonderfully Greek inspired architecture of the winery offers an unforgettable view from the terrace. Ride the aerial tram and snuggle close as it glides over Napa Valley.

RESTAURANTS

Auberge du Soleil Restaurant
The view of the sunset from the Auberge du Soleil Restaurant is stunning. With or without the cooperation of Mother Nature, the ambiance for dinner lends itself to romance. Combine attentive, knowledgeable servers with delicious cuisine and an exceptional wine list, and you have a dinning experience to remember.

bardessono Valentines Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

Bardessono Restaurant

Bardessono Restaurant
The elegant, warm, and inviting Bardessono Restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to create beautifully plated courses that taste superb.

Etoile Restaurant
Domaine Chandon’s Etoile Restaurant presents a special Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu. The five course menu includes Dungeness Crab, Hawaiian Onaga, Veal Osso Bucco, and much more. Guests may also choose an additional wine pairing.

La Toque
With the lights dimmed just enough to create a romantic ambiance, La Toque offers an exceptional, memorable dining experience. Guests can create a multi-course dinner from a list of menu options or indulge in the Chef’s Tasting Menu or the Vegetable Tasting Menu. Wine pairings can be added to each menu. La Toque is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Napa at Westin Verasa.

meadowood restaurant Valentines Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

The Restaurant at Meadowood

The Restaurant at Meadowood
The sophisticated elegance of The Restaurant is evident from the dĂ©cor to the plating of each course. Valentine’s Day is the perfect reason to escape and be pampered at this 3 star Michelin restaurant.

Napa Valley inspires relaxation, fun, and the desire to display your love by enjoying something special in Northern California Wine Country. Increase the romance even more by contacting Napa Wine Tours for private chauffeured transportation wherever you decide to treat yourself and your valentine in Napa Valley.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events, Napa Valley Wineries, Napa Valley restaurants | Comments

Castello di Amorosa: New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

December 16th, 2010

Last week we offered an idea for spending New Year’s Eve in Napa Valley by dining at Domaine Chandon’s Etoile Restaurant and enjoying the Carnival celebration. Another Napa winery offering a celebration for its wine club members and their guests is Castello di Amorosa.

castello di amorosa at night Castello di Amorosa: New Years Eve Masquerade Ball

Castello di Amorosa Under A Night Sky

Castello di Amorosa, commonly referred to as “The Castle,” is the perfect venue for a Masquerade Ball. Built as a 13th century-style Tuscan castle, the winery at Castello di Amorosa features a drawbridge, a moat, a chapel, a torture chamber, a Great Hall that can accommodate 140 – 220 people, and so much more.

Masquerade Balls were especially celebrated in Venice, Italy during the Venetian Carnival dating back to the Middle Ages. Guests are encouraged to celebrate the spirit of the Masquerade Ball by wearing formal attire and a mask. A prize will go to the winner of “Best Mask.”

The New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at Castello di Amorosa begins with a VIP Tasting of Castello di Amorosa wines that are only available at the winery and through the winery’s website. Following the tasting, guests will be seated to begin enjoying dinner. This romantic, candlelit, 5-course dinner will be perfectly paired with Castello di Amorosa Italian style wines.

venetian mask2 Castello di Amorosa: New Years Eve Masquerade Ball

A Venetian Mask

After dinner the dancing begins and peaks at midnight. Guests will celebrate the New Year with a Sparkling Wine toast underneath falling balloons.

The holidays are the perfect time to treat yourself and your friends and family to special celebrations in Napa Valley. Make sure to travel safely by contacting Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured transportation so that you can enjoy your holiday in Napa to the fullest!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events, Napa Valley Wineries | Comments

New Year’s Eve at Domaine Chandon’s Etoile Restaurant

December 9th, 2010
etoile brut1 New Years Eve at Domaine Chandons Etoile Restaurant

Etoile Brut will be Paired with the First Course

People across the globe will be celebrating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Friends and family will gather for special events ranging from a romantic evening for two with a bottle of sparkling wine to gatherings numbering in hundreds of thousands of revelers. Amazing fireworks will light up the sky over Sydney Harbour in Australia, the beach of Copacabana in Brazil, in France’s Paris, at Singapore’s Marina Bay, and in the United States at New York’s Times Square.

In Napa Valley, Domaine Chandon’s Etoile restaurant will host a special five course menu and a Carnival celebration. Tickets are available to attend both events or, if you prefer, just one event.

The New Year’s Eve Menu at Etoile begins with Dungeness Crab Salad served with heirloom apple, garden radish, and Meyer lemon custard. The elegant, complex Etoile Brut, recipient of 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, will be the first perfectly paired sparkling wine of the evening.

etoile carnival New Years Eve at Domaine Chandons Etoile Restaurant

Chandon Extra-Dry Riche, Gold Medal and Best of Class winner at the 2004 California State Fair Wine Competition, will be paired with the next course – a deep, rich Roasted Chestnut Soup served with pate foie blonde, spiced chutney, and black truffle.

Two still wines from Newton Vineyard will be paired with the next two courses on Executive Chef Perry Hoffman’s special menu. Newton Vineyard Unfiltered Chardonnay, 2006 will be served with Seared Dayboat Scallop. Newton Vineyard, The Puzzle, 2004 will be served with Roasted Prime New York.

etoile rose1 New Years Eve at Domaine Chandons Etoile Restaurant

Etoile Rose will be Paired with Dessert

For dessert, a unique, creamy, decadent Valrhona Chocolate Pate served with licorice root ice cream and cranberries will be paired with the bold, elegant, Etoile Rose, recipient of 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and 90 points from Wine Spectator.

After dinner, the Carnival begins! Choose between music performed by a live band or DJ Dukes. Guests will receive a formal portrait, party favors, and a sparkling midnight toast. Click here to find out how to purchase tickets.

As you make your plans in anticipation of beginning 2011, remember to create a memorable celebration by contacting Napa Wine Tours for all your transportation needs. Your private chauffeur will safely take you and your guests where you want to be for a safe, joyful New Year’s Eve adventure in Napa Valley.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events, Napa Valley Wineries | Comments

Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner at Bardessono in Napa Valley

December 2nd, 2010

Soon people all over the world will be celebrating the holidays with a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner. In Australia, where Christmas dinner is celebrated in the heat of the Summer Holiday for students, families gather indoors and out for barbeques and picnics in backyards, parks, and on beaches. Adults in Denmark enjoy their Christmas Eve dinners with hot glogg – hot wine brought to a boil with raisins, nuts, and spices. No matter where we are or where we’re from, Christmas dinner in Napa Valley is a time for family and friends to get together and share a delicious meal.

bardessono entrance Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner at Bardessono in Napa Valley

Entrance to Bardessono in Napa Valley

Bardessono in Napa Valley invites you, your friends, and family to share Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner with a special menu created by Bardessono Executive Chef Sean O’Toole. In keeping with Bardessono restaurant’s commitment to using fresh local ingredients, Chef O’Toole has created a multi-course menu incorporating ingredients from local farms.

For the first course, guests can choose between Maine Lobster Cappuccino or Hill Family Farm Sunchoke Soup. This is the first of many difficult choices from this exciting menu! The Maine Lobster Cappuccino, served with chestnut, candy cap mushrooms, and Meyer lemon, tastes like a classic lobster bisque and is topped with froth. The Sunchoke, with its delicate flavor similar to a cross between jicama and water chestnuts, combines deliciously with croutons and the aromatic black trumpet mushrooms.

bardessono chef otoole Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner at Bardessono in Napa Valley

Bardessono Executive Chef O'Toole

Two salads will be served family style: Winter Salad of Hale Farm apples, avocado, candied walnuts, and black truffle vinaigrette; and Star Route Farm Beet Salad of pistachios, sylvetta (wild, organic arugula), burrata cheese made of Mozzarella and cream, and sherry vinegar.

The next course presents a difficult choice between four delicious entrees – especially if you enjoy steak, fish, and chicken, equally. A Marin Sun Farm Beef Roasted Rib Eye will be served with beef jus and one of my favorite things – carmelized shallots. The choices for fish include two different truffle sauces. A Truffled Lobster Sauce will accompany the Bodega Bay Halibut and a Spicy Truffle Vinaigrette will compliment an Atlantic Stripped Bass. If you prefer chicken, a Roasted Breast and Lemon Glazed Thigh of Clucky Plucky Chicken will also be served.

The final challenge, one that I’m sure anyone will be up for, will be deciding which scrumptious dessert to choose. There will be Desantis Farm lemon pudding, Satsuma Mandarin consumme citrus salad, and the traditional French Buche de Noel. Click here to view the complete menu including more accompaniments to be served family style.

bardessono restaurant Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner at Bardessono in Napa Valley

Inside the Restaurant at Bardessono

Treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable Christmas feast in the luxury and safety of a private Napa Wine Tours vehicle. Your private chauffeur will pick you up from a location most convenient for you and will make sure you arrive on time for your special dinner reservation.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events | Comments

Napa Valley Rutherford Appellation Wineries Passport Weekend

November 23rd, 2010

As a Northern California Wine Country resident, I’ve spent more than one afternoon exploring the wineries in Napa Valley. With 15 subappellations and approximately 400 wineries, Napa Valley proprietors and winemakers have earned a global reputation for world-class wines.

rutherford appellation wineries logo Napa Valley Rutherford Appellation Wineries Passport Weekend

One of the easiest, most enjoyable ways to sample Napa Valley wines from wineries in a single appellation is to make sure you don’t miss this year’s Rutherford Appellation Wineries Passport Weekend. On Saturday, December 4th and Sunday, December 5th, Passport ticket holders will be able to meet winemakers, experience barrel and tank tastings, food and wine pairings, entertainment, special discounts, and more.

Although the Rutherford appellation is most well-known for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel; visitors will find more delicious varietals to taste. Proceeds from Passport Weekend will benefit a Napa Valley charity.

This year, 17 Rutherford wineries will participate in Passport Weekend. Click here to view the full list of participating wineries. The list includes Alpha Omega, Hall Winery, Mumm Napa Valley, Peju Province Winery, and Rubicon Estate.

Alpha Omega, a boutique winery earning awards for its impressive wines, will be sharing barrel tastings of its flagship ERA 2008 wine. Visitors to Alpha Omega should take the opportunity to purchase futures of this outstanding flagship wine at the special Passport Weekend discounted price. Alpha Omega will also be offering a southern style Brunswick stew paired with Alpha Omega Chardonnay Unoaked 2009.

Passport ticket holders interested in tasting both a white and red varietal created by Hall Winery are invited to Rutherford Grange for a tasting of Hall Winery 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Hall Winery 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet. The outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet received 94 points from Wine Spectator. Hall Winery will be serving Cannellini bean soup with a tasty twist – pumpernickel croutons and sun chokes.

Mumm Napa Valley will also be offering Passport guests a specially made soup to pair with their award-winning sparkling wines. The chanterelle, hazelnut soup is certain to be perfect with Mumm Napa Valley 2001 DVX. Guests will also taste Mumm Reserve Brut. Both sparkling wines will be available for purchase at a discounted rate available to Passport Guests.

Peju tower Napa Valley Rutherford Appellation Wineries Passport Weekend

The Tower at Peju Province Winery

Peju Province Winery will be serving Wild Boar Chili paired with their current 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a future sampling of the Cabernet Sauvignon straight from the barrel. Peju’s chef will also prepare a White Bean Chowder paired with a Peju Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

rubicon estate1 Napa Valley Rutherford Appellation Wineries Passport Weekend

Francis Ford Coppola's Rubicon Estate

Francis Ford Coppola’s Rubicon Estate invites visitors to a barrel tasting of CASK Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 CASK Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Captain’s Reserve Pinot Noir, and 2007 Captain’s Reserve Zinfandel.

The Rutherford appellation’s fun, friendly hospitality, award-winning wines, and sumptuous local cuisine are all available to Rutherford Appellation Wineries Passport Weekend ticket holders! Make your visit to this beautiful Napa Valley appellation safe and unforgettable by contacting Napa Wine Tours for your private, chauffeured transportation.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events, Napa Valley Wineries | Comments

12 Days of Christmas at Meadowood Napa Valley

November 22nd, 2010

Even though I’ve listened to the Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas for years, I’ve never been able to remember all the gifts. If the gifts were 12 evenings of menus created by highly respected and talented chefs, combined with wines from some of the most distinguished Napa vintners, hosted by a beautiful resort in Napa Valley, I’d definitely remember.

meadowood christmas logo 12 Days of Christmas at Meadowood Napa Valley

Beginning December 3 until December 18, 2010 The 12 Days of Christmas at Meadowood Napa Valley presents 12 unforgettable dining experiences. Renowned chefs have worked with owners and winemakers from award-winning Napa Valley wineries to bring these special feasts to fruition.

The first dinner features a unique menu that showcases the fusion style of cooking that could only be created by world-renowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. With restaurants located world-wide, including the new Morimoto Napa in Napa Valley, the award-winning Chef Morimoto teams with Staglin Family Vineyard for this special evening. With their motto, “Great wines for great causes,” Staglin Family Vineyard has earned multiple awards and high points for their wines while benefiting charities with $725 million since 1985.

meadowood 12 Days of Christmas at Meadowood Napa Valley

Meadowood Napa Valley

Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas at Meadowood presents a chef described by critics as “innovative, adventurous, brilliant, insanely gifted” – he is Chef Ludo Lefebvre. Before appearing on shows including Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef America, Chef Lefebvre received many esteemed awards. Chef Lefebrvre’s LudoBites encompasses all the words that have been used to describe him. LudoBites is Chef Lefebrvre’s restaurant that instead of operating from a fixed address, rotates through different locations. LudoBites has been hosted inside an art gallery, a diner, a bakery, and a restaurant in Sherman Oaks. With an ever-changing menu, guests enjoy the unique delicious dishes created by Chef Lefebrvre. Accompanying Chef Lefebvre will be Koerner Rombauer and KR Rombauer of the award-winning family-run Rombauer Vineyards. Rombauer Vineyards has earned a reputation for being consistently outstanding whether referring to their wines or their tasting room hospitality.

The list of amazing chefs includes Chef Mathias Dahlgren, owner and Executive Chef of Matsalen and Matbaren in Stockholm, Sweden and four-time winner of The Swedish Chef of the Year; Chef Michel Mina, owner of over 16 critically acclaimed restaurants; Chef Roland Passot, multiple award-winning chef and owner of multiple Bay Area restaurants including San Francisco’s Michelin Star winning La Folie; and more. The list of vintners includes those from Trefethen Family Vineyards, Duckhorn Vineyards, Silver Oak, and more. Click here to view all participating chefs and vintners.

meadowood chef kostow 12 Days of Christmas at Meadowood Napa Valley

Meadowood Executive Chef Kostow

The last dinner ends with the culinary talents of Meadowood’s own Executive Chef, Christopher Kostow who along with earning a pair of Michelin stars, and the elusive four stars from the San Francisco Chronicle, was named one of the Best New Chefs 2009 by Food & Wine magazine. Chef Kostow will host the evening with assistance from the organically farmed, award-winning Dana Estates.

The 12 Days of Christmas at Meadowood Napa Valley offers a special opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with an unforgettable experience. Contact Napa Wine Tours for private, professional, chauffeured transportation.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events | Comments

Silverado Resort and Spa’s Thanksgiving Buffet

November 18th, 2010

I love the delicious foods that accompany Thanksgiving. Last week, I wrote about some of the incredible options for a three-course dinner at Domaine Chandon’s Etoile Restaurant. This week, I’d like to share Silverado Resort and Spa’s Thanksgiving Buffet menu. Guests can choose between a late lunch at 1:30 p.m. or an early dinner at 4:30 p.m. The Grand Ballroom will be elegantly decorated with a buffet featuring all the decadent choices. Executive Chef, Jeffrey Jake, has created a menu that combines tradition with gourmet ingredients to create a special, sumptuous experience.

silverado resort and spa entrance Silverado Resort and Spas Thanksgiving Buffet

Silverado Resort and Spa

Chef Jake’s Wild Mushroom Stuffing includes Thyme, Sourdough, Cornbread, and rich, tender, flaky crumbs of Brioche. For sweet potato fans, there will be Roasted Sweet Potato Gratin with Maple Syrup and Toasted Pecans. Butter Whipped Potatoes will be prepared using ingredients from the organic Straus Family Creamery. Natural and organic honey from Marshall’s Farm will be skillfully applied to create a Honey Brined Petaluma Turkey Breast served with a Confit of Turkey Leg.

The Thanksgiving Buffet menu also includes entrees of Herb Roasted Prime Rib with Horseradish and Red Wine Sauce, and Lock Duarte Salmon served with Swiss Chard and a tangy, sweet Yuzu Vinaigrette.

executive chef jeffrey jake Silverado Resort and Spas Thanksgiving Buffet
Executive Chef Jeffrey Jake

Appetizing appetizers include an Artisan Cheese Platter, Maki Sushi, an Orecchiette Pasta Salad featuring Bellwether Farms Ricotta, and more.

Three salads will be prepared each with a different flavor. The Salad of Baby Red Beets will be made with the delicate, mildly flavored Mache gourmet salad green served with potato and horseradish vinaigrette. A sweet salad of Little Gem Lettuce with Asian Pear, Pomegranate, and Marcona Almonds will also be served. A salad combining Butter Lettuce, Toasted Walnuts, Currants, and Crispy Bacon will be topped with a Blue Cheese Dressing. Click here to full the view menu including soup, vegetables, and desserts.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday in the most memorable way by contacting Napa Wine Tours. Your private chauffeur will take care of the driving so you can relax and fully cherish a special Silverado Resort and Spa Thanksgiving menu created by an exceptional chef. Napa Wine Tours can also provide private transportation for a day exploring Napa Valley wineries with your friends and family. Our Wine Tour Specialists can assist you in creating the perfect wine tour in beautiful Napa Valley.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events | Comments

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Napa at Etoile Restaurant

November 11th, 2010

Inspired by past experiences where everything seemed joyous and effortless, I agreed to host Thanksgiving dinner last year. When the big day came I was tired and nervous. As my guests arrived I became lost in the fun of spending time with family and friends. By the end of the evening I was reminded that what was important was spending time with my favorite people. I spent the next couple of days washing dishes and enjoying leftovers. When the euphoria and tryptophan wore off, I was left thinking, “That was fun but I wish there was an easier way to do this.”

etoile evening Celebrating Thanksgiving in Napa at Etoile Restaurant

Etoile Restaurant in the Evening by SF Eater.com

Celebrate Thanksgiving Holiday in Napa Valley at Domaine Chandon’s Etoile Restaurant. Etoile hosts a Thanksgiving menu where you can choose to include a wine pairing. You won’t have to clean your house or spend time after your meal washing dishes. All you’ll have to do is bring your appetite to a restaurant that received a Michelin Star and sip on Domaine Chandon award-winning sparkling and still wines.

etoille oysters Celebrating Thanksgiving in Napa at Etoile Restaurant

Oysters at Etoile Restaurant

The Thanksgiving menu at Etoile begins with Oyster and Caviar service. The first course is a pairing of Roasted Chestnut Soup and Domaine Chandon Extra-Dry Riche. The Chandon Extra-Dry Riche won a Gold Medal and Best of Class at the 2004 California State Fair Wine Competition and was featured in Gourmet Magazine, also in 2004, as one of ten “Everyday Wine” recommendations.

Another course to look forward to is Braised Snake River Farms Pork served with Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir Brut. Snake River Farms is family-owned and is dedicated to providing the highest quality meats. The Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir Brut was described by Wine Enthusiast as rich, complex, and robust while receiving 93 points and the Editor’s Choice award in 2007.

One course that should especially peak your curiosity is Pan Roasted John Dory. I hadn’t heard of this deep-sea fish until I watched episodes of Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. John Dory is rarely imported to the United States and has been described as mildly-flavored, tender, and delicate. It will be accompanied by Domaine Chandon Carneros Chardonnay 2007.

domaine chandon one glass Celebrating Thanksgiving in Napa at Etoile Restaurant

Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir Brut

Another course served with one of Domaine Chandon’s award-winning wines is Liberty Farms Duck Breast served with large, sweet Medjool Dates, Pumpkin Puree, and deliciously aromatic Black Trumpet Mushrooms. Perfectly paired with this course is Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Noir 2007. This wine was awarded 90 points by Wine Spectator this year.

A Thanksgiving celebration just isn’t the same without turkey. Etoile’s menu includes Roasted Diestel Farms Turkey Breast with Potato Puree, Pancetta Stuffing, and Cranberry. Sonoma’s Diestel Farms is sustainably farmed and its turkeys are range grown and humanely raised. The versatile, flavorful Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Meunier is paired with this course. Click here to view the full menu including desserts!

Make this Thanksgiving Holiday unforgettable and effortless by allowing Etoile Restaurant to take care of the cooking and cleaning, and by contacting Napa Wine Tours to take care of the driving. We have a variety of vehicles for you to choose from to fit your private group of friends and family.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events | Comments

An Evening With Tim McGraw & Friends: Honoring Those Who Make a Difference

November 4th, 2010

I received a text from one of my best friends who lives far from Napa Valley – her father has a brain tumor and his surgery is scheduled within the next couple of weeks. When I talked to her on the phone, I could tell she had already begun to educate herself about her father’s condition. I immediately went to my computer and typed in the words to lead me to the Tug McGraw Foundation. I forwarded the link to my friend and continued to explore the website. I found help and inspiration for patients and caregivers.

tug mcgraw foundation logo An Evening With Tim McGraw & Friends: Honoring Those Who Make a Difference

Along with maintaining a website and providing other services, programs and events; the Tug McGraw Foundation presents an annual event to honor the people and organizations working to improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions such as brain tumors, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury. This year, the highlight of this special event, Tim McGraw & Friends: Honoring Those Who Make a Difference, takes place at Lincoln Theater Napa Valley featuring a performance by award-winning musician Tim McGraw.

The evening begins with a food and wine reception. Delectable cuisine created by Chef Michael Chiarello will be served with Napa Valley world-class wines from Silver Oak Cellars, Colgin Cellars, Cosentino Winery, Gargiulo Vineyards, and 750 Wines.

Tim McGraw – winner of multiple awards including Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, American Music Awards -will take the stage along with special guests including the Warren Brothers, and Napa Valley’s very own – The Silverado Pickups.

tim mcgraw and friends An Evening With Tim McGraw & Friends: Honoring Those Who Make a Difference

This event helps the Tug McGraw Foundation benefit The Pathway Program which provides support for veterans in California, the Tug McGraw Foundation’s Brain Complex and Brain Food Garden located in Yountville, The Collegiate Athlete Pre-Medical Experience (CAPE) program at Duke University, and other foundation programs promoting awareness.

Gather with friends and family to celebrate and support the dedication of people living in Napa Valley and all across the nation. As always, make sure to enjoy your evening safely in the care of a professional, reliable, designated driver by contacting Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured transportation.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Napa Valley Events | Comments

« Older Entries