Many wineries in the Napa Valley embrace wine and art but in name and in venue, Clos Pegase Winery in Calistoga embodies the concept, which was recently recognized by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWC) international jury in Bordeaux last week. GWC is a consortium of official civic and trade organizations representing the great wine regions who believe that regional culture is an integral part of the wine experience. Current members include Napa Valley/San Francisco, Bordeaux, Porto, Bilbao/Rioja, Cape Town South Africa, Mainz/Rheinhessen in Germany, Mendoza Argentina and Florence …

 It is said that in 1867, founder Samuel Brannan was to proclaim that the town previously called Hot Springs or Agua Caliente would be known as the “Saratoga of California” for its mineral rich hot springs.  But under the influence of medicinal waters, he reportedly burst out instead the infamous words, “Calistoga of Sarafornia,” which in some ways characterizes the colorfulness of Calistoga today.  Calistoga is so unlike the Napa Valley that the world thinks of – it does not have the big city feel of Napa, the sophistication of Yountville, …

There are few opportunities for the home chef to learn the culinary art of smoking, curing and salting meats, a craft practiced around the world for centuries to preserve, flavor and economically utilize all parts of an animal. Taylor Boetticher of Fatted Calf Charcuterie teaches enthusiasts what the various charcuterie are including salami, sausages and pate, and how to make them from butchering, preparing and cooking the dishes. Classes also include butchery and roasting of flavorful cuts of meat, such as porchetta.
Boetticher introduced these classes this past summer, offering courses from …

Cakebread Cellars commitment to food extends beyond its wines.  As part of Cakebread’s community outreach, Culinary Director Brian Streeter visits the Mount George elementary school in Napa once a month during the school year to educate the children about where their food comes from, to gain confidence with cooking and to experience international cuisines.  For example, a recent class centered around the different flatbreads of the world.  Chef Streeter has only two rules that he gives the children at the outset of each class.  “You cannot say yuck,” in part …

Cakebread Culinary Director Brian Streeter

Cakebread Cellars is serious about food. Based in Rutherford, Cakebread’s tradition of food and wine has been at the core of the winery’s hospitality program from the beginning, influenced by founder Dolores Cakebread’s formal culinary background and love of gardening. For over twenty years, Cakebread has maintained a culinary staff providing consumer education and catering for winery events and for the trade. Today, the culinary programs, spear-headed by Culinary Director Brian Streeter, range from 1 ½ hour food and wine pairing courses to a four-day exclusive workshop …