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Napa Valley- The Valhalla for Wine, Lifestyle and Characters

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Written by:

Joe Becerra

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The Wine Doctor Speaks

doctor-wineMany people know me as “The Wine Doctor.” But what fewer people know is that I recently released a new, comic, wine mystery novel Pinot Envy, recently published by Bancroft Press. It’s a fun, smart, easy reading whodunit based in Napa Valley’s Carneros and San Francisco. Pinot Envy follows the quirky, charming, loveable wine guru, Woody Robins, as he fumbles his way through trying to recover a stolen, rare, priceless, large bottle of red Burgundy that once belonged to the French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, for a wealthy grape grower. Full of colorful characters, deceit, blackmail, intrigue, dealings with the mob and murder, this enjoyable, first book in the series showcases northern California in all its beauty.

So why base the story in Napa and San Fran you ask? Very simply, they’re both “must-see” destinations in the world. I mean, who hasn’t heard of world-famous Napa Valley? For wine and its lifestyle, it truly is Valhalla. Acres and acres of pristine, grape-growing real estate (some of the most expensive on earth), amazing showcase wineries, phenomenal eateries and gorgeous scenery abound. Oh, and let’s not forget about the wine…some of the best on the planet! Juicy Cabernet, luscious Chardonnay, elusive Pinot, quintessential Zin and many more thrive in this vinous wonderland.

What can I say about San Francisco, the “city by the bay”? It’s the gateway to wine country, with phenomenal vistas, renown attractions like Fisherman’s Warf, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. It’s possesses tons of character and charm a-go-go, and has been portrayed in more major motion pictures and TV shows than Lindsay Lohan has had arrests. Quite simply, one of the top cities in the entire world!

For a wine guy with “taste”, like my protagonist Woody, it was simply a “no-brainer” locating him here. The venue was made for him. But wait, there’s more. It’s also about the people. Folks in these parts are very special. They’re not your usual, run-of-the-mill inhabitants. There’s just something about the “terroir”, ocean and mountains that renders a certain west coast mystique affecting the population. Perhaps there’s something in the water that makes people here so unusually different. You just gotta love ‘em! Extremely colorful, interesting, off-the-wall, adventure-minded, and creative, they possess that magical, “joie de vivre”. I knew the characters I created, and particularly Woody, would fit right in. He’s one of your own. From his unconventional dress, way of doing things, offbeat approach to life, wit, and of course, taste in wine, there could be no other place.

So pick up a copy of “Pinot Envy” and experience Napa and San Francisco the way it was meant to… through the eyes of a bon-vivant, devil-may-care wine dude and a glass of your favorite vino. Word has it that the novel would make a great motion picture. Another “Sideways”, if you will! And look for Woody’s next adventure in California wine country in “Mortal Zin”. Soon to be published! Cheers.

Edward Finstein will be touring the Bay Area and Napa Valley California promoting his new novel Pinot Envy. If you are in the area, stop by at one of his events. For more information on Finstein please visit our Website or like his Facebook page for more on his book tour information.

Thursday, September 12, 2013
Oakland Public Library Mystery on the Vine: 6-8pm
LOCATION: 495 Jefferson Street I San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (510) 238-3134
Come and meet Edward “Doc” Feinstein, internationally renowned wine expert. Doc will discuss his recently published mystery novel, “Pinot Envy”. He will also talk about recent trends in the wine industry and answer your questions about all things wine-related. As an expert on rare wines, he has traveled the world to judge wines and appraise rare bottles, so he has fascinating tales to tell.

Friday, September 13, 2013
Wine & Mystery Reception, Argonaut Hotel, 5-7 pm
LOCATION: 495 Jefferson Street I San Francisco, CA 94109
Where: The Argonaut Hotel Ballroom Foyer
Phone: 415 345 5552
Please join the Wine Doctor Edward Finstein, international wine expert and author of the newly released mystery novel PINOT ENVY, set in Napa Valley, for a special wine hour, filled with insider tips, wine trends, and fascinating anecdotes from the author’s hunt for the rarest vintages in California and beyond. A selection of wine and cheeses will be served.

Saturday, September 14, 2013
Vintner’s Collective Special Event, Napa, 1-3 pm
LOCATION: Vintner’s Collective, 1245 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559 (Downtown Napa)
Phone: 707-255-7150
A Special Pinot Mystery Wine Tasting Event with The Wine Doctor, Edward Finstein
Join international wine celebrity and author Edward Finstein for a sneak peak of his recently released mystery novel PINOT ENVY, set in Napa Valley, while you enjoy a selection of 4 different Pinots from high end boutique producers, paired with artisanal cheeses. Get the inside scoop on what’s new in the world of wine as plenty of fascinating anecdotes from Edward Finstein’s hunt for the rarest vintages in California and beyond.

Details: Vintner’s Collective introduction; Ed Finstein introduction, short reading of PINOT ENVY (10-15 min) with focus on Napa setting and wine; followed by social hour and mingling with wine doctor; book signing and sales hosted by Copperfields Books
Admission Price: $15

  • Joe Becerra

    Joe Becerra has been traveling to wine country and enjoying wine since 1965. He is a retired educator, and now have the time the opportunity to share his wine travel experiences through this Website.

1 thought on “Napa Valley- The Valhalla for Wine, Lifestyle and Characters”

  1. The address given for the Oakland Museum is incorrect. Call the phone number listed for the correct address.

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