For the wine tourist, there are a plethora of wine country activities and events taking place in August and we list here the most interesting of these happenings.
Robert Mondavi Winery Garden Table Events
These classes are a special way for wine country visitors to experience the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery. The classes are held every Saturday in August from 4-8 pm and include time to pick fresh produce in the winery’s beautiful kitchen garden, cooking instructions from winery chef Jeff Mosher, and a delicious meal, overlooking the vineyards, paired with Robert Mondavi Winery wines. Cost is $150 per person and includes a bound book with a selection of garden-fresh recipes from Chef Jeff Mosher. Classes are limited to ten participants. More information can be found at the Robert Mondavi Website.
Morimoto Napa Open at Riverfront in Napa
The Riverfront complex in downtown Napa opened last year, but somewhat piecemeal, and is now more alive with more businesses. The biggest attraction to open so far is the Morimoto Restaurant. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto brings his talents, along with those of executive chef Jeffrey Lunak, to this beautiful 80-seat dining room. We shot this view of the kitchen as the chefs prepared for opening night. In addition to the main dining room there is a private dining area that seats up to 70 and a patio area that seats 40.
Peju’s New Art Collection
On August 1st Peju will kick off a new art collection of glass, paint and geometrics by artists Terri Albanese, Paul Tapia and Phillip Dizick. The exhibit will run through October 25th. The official kick-off on August 1st is from 1 to 4 pm and guests are invited to mingle with the featured artists and enjoy wine and appetizers at the Peju winery.
Swanson’s Vineyards
Swanson’s Vineyards recently opened its Sip Shoppe adjoining the winery’s tasting room. The Sip Shoppe is the brainchild of Alexis Swanson Traina, the winery’s Creative Director. The Sip Shoppe presents wines in unusual glassware, including glass “Dixie” cups, mini-Riedel Os and colored cut-crystal. Alexis suggests that it is a “candy store for adults,” given its artful mix of wines, delicious food complements and carefully curated gifts. Swanson Vineyards is secluded, located at 1271 Manley Lane in Rutherford in the Napa Valley.
Family Wine Makers Event in San Francisco
Most of the wineries in the Napa Valley are family-owned and many will be pouring their wines at the annual Family Wine Makers in San Francisco at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavillion on August 22nd, from 3 to 6 pm. Early bird registration is $45 by August 1st, and $55 from August 2nd to the 21st. Complete ticket and event information
