Napa Valley News

Calistoga’s new logo and slogan

We just learned that the Napa Valley Tourism Improvement District Committee and the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce have collaborated on adapting a brand new logo and slogan for Calistoga. What do think about this?

I am not worried in the least that Calistoga is going to change. The logo and motto may be new, but Calistoga remains very much like it was the first time we visited in the mid 1960’s. We like Calistoga the way it is now. We travel up and down the Valley, but most often we hang out in Calistoga for these reasons. Primarily, it is more laid back, less chic and swanky than the rest of the Napa Valley. Lodging and restaurants are overall less expensive. Although the logo is very fancy and the motto “Make Napa Valley Yours” is inviting, I’m almost sure that Calistoga will remain the same good old-fashioned town, and be a constant reminder of what the Napa Valley was like before it became a popular wine country destination. I sure hope so!

Here is a very short video showing you our favorite spots in Calistoga.

Napa Valley Harvest Begins

Can you believe that the very first grapes are being harvested as of August 1st? These are Pinot Noir grapes used for sparkling wines. The winery harvesting is Mumm Napa and others are sure to follow soon. Word has it that, as of the beginning of August, the grapes are ripening one week to 10 days earlier than the norm. If warm weather continues, this could be one of the earliest harvests on record. Get your cameras ready and head to the Napa Valley and witness one of the most spectacular moments in the year of the grape.

Pinot Noir for sparkling wine

Family Winemakers’ Tasting at Fort Mason offering 20% discount

This is one of my favorites of the large wine tasting events open to the public. You get a chance to meet many winemakers and wine owners, and the event seems to be more civilized than some of the other ones that we attend. Patrons seem to be more serious about discovering new wines and less about seeing how fast and hard they can toss down a taste of wine. The cost of the tickets varies but if you put in the access code “wine10,” you will get a 20% discount off the ticket price. The event takes place August 17th-18th at the Fort Mason Center. Check the Family Winemakers’ Website for ticket information.

Meritage Resort Update

The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa has just opened a brand new deck in its hillside vineyards. The deck and pre-function area are designed for events of up to 200 ranging from destination weddings to corporate/group wine receptions without ever having to leave the resort. Check it out at the Meritage Resort Website