Napa Valley Life Magazine - Summer 2026

With Merrill, the bull always has your back.

We’re bullish on your future. When we work together, you get personalized guidance, insights and financial planning — all designed to connect your life with your finances and to help make the path toward your goals even clearer. Let’s have a conversation.

The Gonzales Group

Eric F. Gonzales

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Senior Vice President

Senior Resident Director-Wealth Management Advisor

707.254.4606

eric_gonzales@ml.com fa.ml.com/gonzales_group

Exquisite Care, Elevated Living

Discreet, personalized support designed to honor your independence.

You deserve a lifestyle that feels effortless, elevated, and entirely your own. At Calligraphy Napa Valley, Assisted Living is thoughtfully reimagined to provide just the right level of support, delivered with grace, discretion, and respect for your individuality.

Here, care blends seamlessly into daily life. Whether it is a gentle reminder, a helping hand, or personalized wellness support, our highly trained professionals are always there, quietly ensuring your comfort and confidence while preserving your independence and privacy.

Every detail, from refined residences and exceptional dining to enriching experiences and holistic wellness, is designed to help you live fully, beautifully, and on your terms.

Discover a community where care is felt, not seen, and every day is elevated by thoughtful attention and timeless hospitality.

CHIEF

Derek Wright PRESIDENT

Kevin Evans

VICE

Nicole Branning

INTERIM EDITOR

Kevin Evans

COPY EDITOR

Charleen Earley

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ronald Abella

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Argen Rodrigo

ADVERTISING SALES

Doris Hobbs doris.hobbs@napavalleylife.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Fran Miller

Layne Randolph

Jillian Dara

Melissa Vogt

Laurie Jo Miller Farr

Karen Crouse

Frank Family Vineyards

NAPA SCENE

Fork2Film Festival

This year's 3rd annual FORK2FILM Festival presented by the Cameo Cinema took place March 19 - 22, 2026. The four-day celebration highlighted the finest culinary, wine, and agriculture films from around the world, bringing together audiences, filmmakers, chefs, winemakers, and special guests to experience the power of community, connection, and the culinary arts. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.cameocinemafoundation.org

13th Annual Food and Wine Pairing Appellation

St. Helena (bASH)

Appellation St. Helena celebrated their 13th Annual bASH, on March 28, 2026 at The Culinary Institute of America, Greystone. This premier wine and food pairing competition featured 22 Appellation St Helena winery wines paired with creative bites from teams of CIA students. Over 200 attendees and three professional judges voted for their favorites. The evening celebrated the rich heritage and quality of the St. Helena AVA wines while giving the CIA students the challenge to craft pairing bites. Proceeds support ASH and CIA.

Napa Valley Wine Library

Napa Valley Wine Library’s 62nd Annual Grand Tasting on Sunday, April 26 was hosted by Louis M Martini Winery in its stately Martini Park. In 1963, Library founders MFK Fisher, UC Davis professor Maynard Amerine, graphic designer/printer James E Beard, and writer Francis L Gould sought to establish a resource to find out about wine in Napa Valley and the world that continues today.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.nvwla.com

Wine Marathon Napa

The inaugural Wine Marathon Napa debuted May 9 as an exclusive 13.1-mile half marathon through premier vineyards from Quintessa Winery to Yountville. Limited to 300 runners, the event seamlessly blended endurance, wellness, and wine culture along a scenic pointto-point route featuring immersive winery activations. The celebration continued at the post-race Wine Village, which featured curated tastings and local food, transforming the athletic achievement into a vibrant community festival. Founded by Napa wine leaders, the successful race established itself as a distinctive destination event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.thewinemarathon.com

BottleRock Napa Valley 2026

BottleRock Napa Valley rocked the house over the Memorial Day weekend (May 22-24). The festival lineup featured over 75 musical acts, including headline artists like Foo Fighters, Paris Jackson, Backstreet Boys, and Lorde.

BottleRock Napa Valley also kept the fans delighted with its highly entertaining Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage, showcasing a unique mashup of cooking demonstrations with renowned chefs such as Emeril & EJ Lagasse, José Andrés, Curtis Stone, Andrew Zimmern, and Masaharu Morimoto, and celebrities Chelsea Handler, Phil Rosenthal, Vanessa Hudgens, and John Stamos. The festival showcased many of Napa Valley’s top wines, brews, and culinary fare.

BY KEVIN EVANS & JANNA WALDINGER FOR MORE INFORMATION www.bottlerocknapavalley.com

NV Summer Calendar of Events

The Napa Valley scene of upcomng Parties, Concerts, Celebrations and Events

For up-to-date calendar listings visit napavalleylife.com and click on EVENTS at the top of the page

June 2026 (multiple nights)

BLUE NOTE NAPA SUMMER

SESSIONS & CONCERTS

Enjoy an unforgettable summer of live music at Blue Note Napa, featuring an exciting lineup of headliners including Brit Floyd and Dave Koz. Set against the backdrop of Napa Valley, this concert series brings worldclass performances, vibrant energy, and an intimate venue experience perfect for music lovers. Guests can expect multiple nights of exceptional entertainment, food, and wine in a dynamic setting. For tickets and schedule details, Info: www.bluenotejazz.com/napa

June 5th

AUCTION NAPA VALLEY

Join one of Napa Valley’s most iconic philanthropic events, Auction Napa Valley, a celebration of wine, cuisine, and community giving. Held in the heart of wine country, this signature experience brings together worldclass vintners, chefs, and collectors for an unforgettable day of live auction lots, exceptional tastings, and entertainment—all in support of local nonprofits and community programs.

Info: www.napavintners.com

June 10–13, 2026

NAPA VALLEY JAZZ GETAWAY

Experience Napa’s signature jazz and R&B festival, featuring top artists and unforgettable live performances throughout the weekend at The Meritage Resort & Spa. Guests can enjoy an elevated atmosphere of music, wine, and entertainment in the heart of Napa Valley, making it a perfect summer escape for music lovers.

Info: www.napavalleymusicfestivals.com

June 13 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

INSPIRED BY THE LAND — ART IN THE PARKS

Experience an interactive art event set within the natural beauty of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. This immersive program features hands-on workshops and curated exhibits that celebrate creativity inspired by the land. Guests of all ages are invited to explore, create, and connect through art in an outdoor setting that highlights the beauty of Napa Valley’s landscape. Info: www.napavalleyevents.com

June 20 5:30 PM

BLACK FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE (GRAND TASTING)

Celebrate an elevated evening of food, wine, and culture at the Black Food & Wine Experience Grand Tasting. Held at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia, this signature event brings together exceptional culinary talent, curated wine tastings, and live music for an unforgettable experience. Guests are invited to savor bold flavors, connect with chefs and winemakers, and enjoy an

atmosphere of celebration and community. Info: www.blackfoodandwineexperience.com

July 4–19

FESTIVAL

NAPA VALLEY — 20TH ANNIVERSARY SUMMER SEASON

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Festival Napa Valley with a spectacular summer season featuring world-class music, culinary experiences, fine wine, and cultural performances across Napa Valley. This milestone celebration brings together renowned artists and chefs for an unforgettable series of events in iconic vineyard and performance settings, highlighting the very best of arts and culture in wine country.

Info: www.festivalnapavalley.org

July 11 11:00 AM–3:00 PM TASTE OF NAPA

Enjoy one of Festival Napa Valley’s signature tasting experiences at The Meritage Resort & Spa. Taste of Napa brings together premier wineries, celebrated chefs, and local culinary

artisans for an elevated afternoon of wine, food, and live entertainment. Guests can stroll, sip, and savor their way through Napa Valley’s finest offerings in a lively yet relaxed festival atmosphere.

Info: www.festivalnapavalley.org

July 25th 6PM PEAK SEASON SUPPER SERIES, SUMMER AT CLIF FAMILY

Introducing Peak Season Suppers — a once-a-season, Saturday night dinner series celebrating the very best of our Napa Valley Organic Farm and local purveyors. Each menu is crafted by Executive Chef Magnus Young and the Clif Family Culinary Team, who build every dish around the farm’s peak seasonal ingredients. Paired with Laura Barrett’s organically farmed wines, these dinners offer a deeply rooted experience of Napa Valley through the seasons. $125 per person, Members $100 per person, Includes 4 Courses and Wine Pairings.

Info: www.cliffamily.com

SUMMER EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Napa Valley Turns Up the Volume Close to Home

BY JANETTE

Summer in Napa Valley is when the valley comes alive with entertainment. Long evenings, warm days, and a packed calendar of concerts, festivals, and community gatherings make this one of the best times for locals to get out and enjoy everything happening right in our own backyard. From major headline events to laid-back neighborhood favorites, summer offers endless ways to reconnect with the place we call home.

The season’s biggest kickoff is BottleRock Napa Valley, when downtown Napa transforms into a high-energy celebration of music, food, and wine. While visitors travel from around the world to attend, locals know it’s also a chance to experience world-class entertainment just minutes from home—and to show off Napa Valley hospitality at its best. For those looking for a more intimate experience, or wanting to keep the music going after the main stage lights go down, BottleRock After Dark brings late-night performances to venues

throughout downtown Napa, offering fans a chance to catch standout acts in smaller settings.

Summer also brings events rooted in giving back. Auction Napa Valley, hosted by Napa Valley Vintners, continues the valley’s tradition of generosity, supporting important community health and wellness initiatives throughout Napa County. It’s one of many reminders that celebration and philanthropy go hand in hand here.

The 9th Annual Black Food & Wine Experience kicks off June 18–21, in the heart of Napa Valley. Come for the curated foodie vibes, soulful sips, and culture-rich experiences you won’t forget.

By July, Festival Napa Valley takes center stage with a season of performances spanning classical music, jazz, opera, and contemporary artists. Hosted at wineries and scenic venues across the valley, it’s an opportunity for residents to experience exceptional arts programming without ever leaving home. Signature events like

Taste of Napa pair live performances with outstanding local food and wine.

For jazz fans, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway offers smooth summer sounds, while Broadway & Vine brings a theatrical flair to Wine Country.

Napa Valley’s entertainment scene continues to expand as well. In American Canyon, Ruins Napa Valley has added new energy to the local music scene with EDM, hip-hop, and live performances that broaden the valley’s cultural mix.

Live Music, Local Style

Some of the best summer nights in Napa Valley happen on a smaller scale— meeting friends for a glass of wine, hearing live music, and soaking in the summer air. Across the valley, restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms host concerts, acoustic sets, and sunset sessions that make it easy for locals to turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.

JaM Cellars Ballroom and Quilt & Co keep downtown Napa buzzing with a steady lineup of live entertainment, while favorite gathering spots like Clif Family Winery, Merryvale Vineyards, and V. Sattui Winery often pair music with wine, food, and an easygoing summer atmosphere. Whether it’s a spontaneous stop after work or a planned night out, these events offer locals a chance to enjoy Napa Valley the way only residents can.

Tasting rooms, bars, and restaurants throughout the valley’s five towns also add to the rhythm of summer with walkable

nights filled with live music, patio dining, and late-evening energy.

Community Favorites All Season Long

One of summer’s best traditions is how each of Napa Valley’s towns puts its own spin on the live music season. These weekly and biweekly concert series are free, easygoing, and full of local charm—where neighbors gather with lawn chairs, picnic dinners, and friends, while vendors pour local wine and beer. It’s summer in Napa Valley at its most authentic.

Calistoga Concerts in the Park brings Thursday nights to life from June through August at Pioneer Park, where locals spread out on the lawn and enjoy warm evenings under the trees.

St. Helena Summer Concert Series fills Lyman Park on Wednesday nights

throughout the summer, offering a midweek reason to linger downtown a little longer.

Yountville Sundays in the Park takes over Veterans Memorial Park every other Sunday from June through September, with rotating bands, food trucks, and a festive small-town atmosphere.

Napa Friday Nights in the Park lights up every Friday in July at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Napa, where live music along the Napa River creates one of the city’s signature summer scenes.

These hometown concert series are a reminder that some of the best summer moments don’t need tickets or travel plans— just a blanket, a few friends, and a warm Napa Valley evening.

Keep updated on all the summer happenings throughout Napa Valley at visitnapavalley.com/events.

George & Kin’s

George & Kin’s is an exciting new restaurant in Napa, building on the legacy of the former Heritage Eats space. Named for the owner’s great aunt and uncle, the concept blends Japanese American heritage with comforting all day diner classics rooted in family tradition and warmth. Located at 3824 Bel Aire Plaza, Napa, CA 94558, the welcoming spot promises nostalgic flavors and a heartfelt community dining experience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.georgeandkins.com

Kindled & Grounded

Kindled & Grounded is a unique and inviting creative café experience in downtown Napa at 1407 2nd Street, Napa, CA 94559. This vibrant space blends specialty coffee with hands-on activities like candle-making and slime creation, making it perfect for date nights, girls’ outings, or a fun break from wine tastings. Guests can enjoy delicious drinks, pour custom scented candles, and connect in a social, playful atmosphere.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.kindledgrounded.com

Brandlin Estate Wine & Food Tasting Experience

The Brandlin Estate Wine & Food Tasting Experience showcases wines born on the rugged slopes of Mount Veeder, where Brandlin Estate crafts wines with structure, intensity, and a true sense of place. This immersive experience features a curated tasting of five estate-grown wines— including Zinfandel from century-old vines and the estate’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon. Seated and guided, guests explore mountain terroir and small-lot winemaking. For an added dimension, seasonal bites paired to enhance the wines are available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.brandlinestate.com

A Cheese Lover’s Playground at V. Sattui

At the reimagined Mercato del Gusto at V. Sattui Winery, cheese lovers have a new reason to linger. Guided by acclaimed cheesemonger James Ayers, the ever-evolving counter showcases nearly 300 cheeses on any given day. In March alone, the cheese shop sold 270 different selections! Guests can explore, sample, and build custom cheese and charcuterie platters available for easy pickup—perfect for locals and nearby businesses hosting meetings or guests. Stop by to taste something new and meet the Mercato team.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.vsattui.com

Priest Ranch

Priest Ranch, a family-owned Napa Valley wine brand, brings its estate-driven wines and culinary expertise to the East Bay through a collaboration with The Hideout Kitchen in Lafayette. The partnership debuts The Storyteller Room, presented by Priest Ranch, a private hospitality space showcasing Napa Valley terroir through thoughtfully paired wines and seasonal cuisine. Guests can enjoy intimate food and wine experiences inspired by the brand’s diverse estate soils and elevations.

www.priestranch.com

La Sirena

La Sirena, the personal brand of world-renowned winemaker Heidi Barrett, has opened the doors to their first-ever tasting room in Calistoga. The whimsical and colorful tasting space offers an inviting place for guests to taste some of Napa Valley's finest wines while also enjoying panoramic vineyard views + bold and vibrant paintings, ceramics and jewelry made by Barrett herself. Guests can reserve tasting experiences including the Signature Tasting, Artisan Tasting or Connoisseur’s Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting. 810 Foothilll Blvd.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.lasirenawine.com

The FRANK FAMILY WELCOME

At this Calistoga winery favorite, hospitality is part of the DNA

 BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF TUBAY YABUT PHOTOGRAPHY

To arrive at Frank Family Vineyards is to quickly sense that the experience carries a different energy. Yes, the wines are celebrated and regularly appear on restaurant lists and collectors’ shelves across the country. Yet what keeps guests returning is something less measurable and far more memorable: a sense of genuine welcome that is palpable the minute you step onto the property.

That atmosphere comes directly from the top. Founders Rich and Leslie Frank are deeply involved in the daily life of the winery. On any given afternoon, the couple might be spotted strolling through the gardens, chatting with visitors at a tasting table, or sharing a glass with longtime wine club members. Their presence sets the tone. Frank Family feels personal because it is.

A Place to Settle In

The Calistoga property sits just off Larkmead Lane beneath towering elm trees that cast generous shade across the grounds. Picnic tables dot the landscape. Lawns stretch wide enough for relaxed afternoons with a glass in hand. The pace is unhurried, encouraging visitors to settle in and stay awhile.

At the center of the property stands the winery’s pale yellow 1930s Craftsman home, long the heart of the tasting program. Inside, several distinct tasting rooms invite guests to explore the winery’s wines in comfortable, intimate settings. Sunlit porches open onto gardens. Cozy interior spaces offer quiet corners for guided tastings.

Much of the atmosphere reflects Rich’s earlier career in entertainment. Years spent at Disney instilled a deep

understanding of how environments shape experiences. The goal at Frank Family was never to create a transactional tasting room. Instead, the Franks envisioned a place where visitors would feel like invited guests.

That philosophy carries through the entire hospitality program, led by a seasoned team of wine educators. Among the most recognizable faces is hospitality leader Liam Gearity, whose engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of the wines make him a favorite among repeat visitors.

The Winston Hill Library Tasting

One of the most compelling tasting experiences centers on Winston Hill, the Franks’ estate vineyard in Rutherford. The site stretches across 107 acres along the

Vaca Mountain range, with roughly 35 acres planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon. Southwest exposure provides long hours of sunlight during the growing season, while cool evening breezes from the mountains help preserve balance in the fruit.

The Winston Hill Library Tasting celebrates both the vineyard’s heritage and its expressive range. At this exciting experience, new to the tasting repertoire, guests explore a curated selection of single-vineyard wines, each paired with an assortment of local meats and cheeses in an unhurried, convivial setting that embodies the winery’s spirit of welcome. The experience culminates with pours from the library—older-vintage Cabernets that offer a rare window into how Winston Hill’s wines evolve and deepen over time.

The Miller House Elevated Experience

Hospitality at Frank Family has also expanded in recent years with the opening

of the Miller House, a beautiful Backen and Backen–designed venue that honors Leslie’s maiden name. Completed in March 2023, the building stands just beyond the main Craftsman house overlooking the winery’s members lawn. Designed with clean lines and warm textures, the space reflects Leslie’s refined aesthetic and serves as the setting for the winery’s most elevated tasting experiences and events.

Guests seated inside the Miller House move through a thoughtfully composed selection of current-release sparkling wines and still vineyard-designated bottlings, each paired with locally sourced cheeses and charcuterie. Led by the winery’s most seasoned wine educators, the experience brings together Frank Family’s finest wines, careful culinary curation, and the warm, attentive hospitality that has become the hallmark of the estate.

Beyond the Tasting Room

Even with these elevated offerings, Frank Family maintains an easygoing atmosphere that appeals to both seasoned collectors and first-time visitors. Part of the charm lies in the unexpected touches that appear throughout the year and which are available to the general public. Summer movie nights transform the winery lawn into an outdoor theater, blending Hollywood nostalgia with Napa Valley hospitality. One upcoming screening features the romantic comedy Pretty Woman—a film Rich helped bring to the screen during his studio years.

Another highly anticipated event is the winery’s annual Chardonnay and Lobster Dinner, scheduled this year for August 15. The gathering draws locals, wine club members, and visiting enthusiasts for a festive evening celebrating two Napa Valley favorites: vibrant Chardonnay and fresh seafood.

Throughout these events, Rich and Leslie remain ever-present hosts, mingling easily with guests and sharing stories from both their Hollywood past and their Napa Valley present. That personal connection resonates deeply with visitors and fans. The Franks did not simply build a winery. They built a place where relationships matter as much as the wines themselves.

Roots in Rutherford

The story began more than three decades ago, when Rich first arrived in Napa Valley searching for a weekend retreat from the intensity of Hollywood. At the time, he served as president of The Walt

Disney Studios during a transformative era for one of the world’s most legendary entertainment companies. Blockbuster films, ambitious productions, and a fast-paced corporate world defined his professional life. Napa Valley offered a different kind of inspiration.

Rich purchased a Tudor-style home on Winston Hill in the Rutherford appellation, initially viewing the vineyard-covered property as a peaceful escape rather than a business opportunity. But Napa Valley has a way of pulling people deeper into its orbit. Wineries soon began calling with offers to buy the grapes growing around his home, revealing the remarkable vineyard potential of the land. Curiosity turned into fascination, and before long, he entertained the idea of making wine himself.

The winery launched in 1992, and its growth since then has been steady and impressive. Today Frank Family stewards roughly 380 acres of prime Napa Valley vineyard land crafting wines that have become a benchmark for excellence in the region. Their portfolio ranges from highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to méthode champenoise sparkling wines that pay homage to the property’s original sparkling wine heritage; it was formerly the historic home of Hanns

Kornell Champagne Cellars. Behind the wines stands longtime winemaker Todd Graff, whose career with Frank Family spans nearly three decades. Graff’s global winemaking experience—from Germany to New Zealand to Portugal—shaped a philosophy focused on site expression and balance. At Frank Family, his role has been instrumental in building a reputation for consistent quality and stylistic clarity.

A Winery That Keeps You Coming Back

The formula works. Frank Family has been named “Best Winery” by the Best of Napa County Awards for two consecutive years, and its Cabernet and Chardonnay consistently rank among the most popular wines in the luxury wine category. Still, awards tell only part of the story. A walk across the lawn on a sunny afternoon reveals the real measure of the winery’s success: groups of friends laughing around picnic tables and couples sharing a bottle under the trees. Often, Rich and Leslie are right there among them. That warmth becomes the defining memory of the visit, and the reason so many return again and again.

INCREASED ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES WHOLE PERSON CARE, CLOSE TO HOME

Leaders Circle Donors

E. Richard Jones Family Foundation

Steve and Cathy Fink

Priscilla and Keith Geeslin

Trinchero Family Estates

Dalla Valle Vineyards

Delta Dental

The Estate of W. Sloan Upton and Priscilla Upton

Stacy Jacobs

Pete and Leslie Richmond

William and Andrea Phelps Family Fund

Daphne and Bart Araujo

The Estate of Dan Lynch

The Manifold Fund

Frank Naeymi-Rad and Theresa A. Kepic

Elizabeth Y. Nickel

Claire and Steven Stull

Derek and Cathy Stein EXPANDED PRIMARY AND DENTAL CARE

Valerie and Jeff Gargiulo

Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi

Cliff Lede

Mary Miner

Cameron and Linda Myhrvold

Yucca and Gary Rieschel

The Seventh Annual PHILANTHROPY ISSUE

In Napa, generosity flows like our finest vintages — enriching lives, strengthening community, and leaving a legacy as enduring as the vines.

PROFILES BY JILLIAN DARA

V. SATTUI WINERY

AUDRIE WALSH Winemaker

According to Audrie Walsh, it’s the Bill Nye generation’s responsibility to make science as exciting for today’s kids as it was for them. For Walsh, the natural starting point is “to inspire young minds to look beyond a screen and engage with the world around them” and that’s exactly why she created JumpStart Science Club. Operated entirely by local, volunteer moms, the nonprofit club works to make science education accessible to the entire community with a mission to spark big curiosity in little scientists. The club invites professional scientists, engineers and explorers to share their work firsthand with children through individual sessions focused on a specific area, from rocks and fossils to rockets and stars, with hands-on activities and storytelling that bring each subject to life.

“We believe the best learning happens through direct experience,” says Walsh. “By giving kids and their families a true introduction to science, we help them recognize the wonder in their everyday surroundings and the possibilities that exist within them,” she says. “Together, we are not just teaching science, we are teaching kids how to think like scientists with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore.”

As a winemaker with a bachelor’s degree in biological science and master's degree in oenology, Walsh spends her days surrounded by science, yet, she traces her inspiration for JumpStart even further back to growing up in Southern California where she was surrounded by engineers working on the local weapons base and encouraged to join STEM programs. “Growing up, I had many opportunities to meet scientists and engage with that community, and I realized my own children were not experiencing the same level of exposure.” When her daughter was two, Walsh created small clubs for her and her friends that met regularly; the clubs began with guitar, then chess and eventually science after she realized how quickly the kids were grasping surprisingly complex ideas. “Early childhood STEM education is still rare, and Napa did not have a program dedicated to connecting young children directly with working scientists,” says Walsh. JumpStart creates that connection by opening a dialogue between working scientists and young learners. “I often hear from parents that their children have become more inquisitive and observant in their daily lives after joining the club,” says Walsh on the impact of her work thus far. “There’s a noticeable confidence that comes from being encouraged to ask questions, speak directly with experts, and explore tools like microscopes on their own.”

ALL 4 SENIORS

COLLEEN KABEARY Founder

“Idon’t consider myself a philanthropist,” says Colleen Kabeary. Rather, she offers, “I just consider myself someone who has a passion to help people in my local community.” This passion was ignited more than three decades ago when Kabeary began a 20-year tenure as an executive director for assisted living communities; she fell in love with seniors and their family members as well as the rewarding feeling of helping them.

In 2023, Kabeary was approached by her longtime friend, Bob Nations, who is board president of Share the Care. He asked her to join their board and she jumped at the opportunity to help seniors in even more ways. Since then, she’s joined the Napa County Continuum of Care; the Napa County Commission on Aging; and founded All 4 Seniors.

“The world of senior living is complicated; there are many options but without experience in the senior living field or personal knowledge, it is overwhelming to make a decision as to where to go,” says Kabeary as to why she identified the need for All 4 Seniors in Napa Valley. “Being a local and having firsthand knowledge of the leadership teams, the front-line staff and the types of care provided in these communities is not found online,” she says. “It comes with being in and out of these communities on a regular basis… That’s what I do.”

At All 4 Seniors, Kabeary spends her days identifying the immediate and future needs of long-term care for senior citizens. It all begins with a phone call or website request to learn about the “whatifs” and when the time is right, Kabeary helps filter out senior communities that meet the needs and wants of the individual, schedule tours and guide them through the decision-making process. “I think every placement that I help with, helps my community,” says Kabeary. “One person at a time. One family in crisis, one senior at ease with being prepared for their future.”

OLE HEALTH FOUNDATION

RICK JONES Treasurer

In 1986, the OLE Health Foundation was established to raise money to support OLE Health, which provides comprehensive primary care services including medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, optometry, care coordination and enrollment services to everyone in the community. Today, OLE Health is the largest primary care provider in Napa County serving nearly 40,000 patients with bilingual, culturally competent care at five health centers from American Canyon to Calistoga plus mobile medicine and a weekly clinic at the South Napa Homeless Shelter.

Current treasurer Rick Jones has been a part of the team since the early

years when he moved to Napa Valley in the early ‘90s. “My first exposure to OLE was through John Shafer who launched the foundation; he was passionate about OLE and the idea that everyone deserved quality healthcare regardless of their ability to pay—and his enthusiasm was contagious,” says Jones on his early involvement. He swiftly discovered that the organization’s work was, and still is, a necessity in the Valley. “Many of our farmworkers and workers in our restaurants and hotels are struggling to afford the costs of living and raising a family in Napa,” he says. “Their continued presence in our community is essential to all of us who can afford to live and work here.”

Jones first served on the board chair of OLE Health and the OLE Health Foundation and now he’s championed a capital campaign to build a new health center in Calistoga which will be named after him: Rick Jones Up Valley Health

Center. “As a resident of Calistoga, I have been aware for over 10 years that our current clinic in Calistoga is too small to meet the needs of Up Valley,” he shares. After working closely with the OLE leadership team for the better part of a decade, Jones was pleased to finally find what will become their new 11,000-square-foot health center on Lincoln Avenue and has raised the funds to build it over the next 18 months.

Further, to continue to meet the critical primary care needs for Up Valley communities, Jones is leading fundraising efforts to expand OLE’s St. Helena clinic. “Both clinics will more than double medical, dental and behavioral health services making access to quality healthcare close to home for everyone who lives and works Up Valley,” says Jones. The OLE Foundation will kick off fundraiser efforts for St. Helena’s clinic expansion at this year’s Vida OLE! fundraiser on September 19.

NAPA SCHOOL OF MUSIC

RALF LINDNER

Owner & Executive Director

For the last 21 years, the Napa School of Music has acted as not only a place for students to learn music, but as a confidence-building community. “Music education is about so much more than just learning to play an instrument,” says Ralf Lindner. “It gives kids confidence, creativity, discipline, and a place where they can belong.”

With a mission to inspire, educate, and empower individuals of all ages to explore the world of music and unlock their full creative potential, the Napa School of Music has provided thousands of lessons to families in the Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties; they currently have 600 active student enrollments. “I’m especially proud of this,” says Lindner. “It speaks to the trust our community has in us and the strong relationships we’ve built

ALAINA’S VOICE FOUNDATION

ARIK HOUSLEY

Co-founder and Father

When Arik Housley and his wife, Hannah, lost their daughter Alaina in a mass shooting in November 2018, the couple recalled immediately being embraced by the community with love and kindness. This is when Housley recognized a gap in the market to give back the same support they received to other victims of tragedy.

“Victims of violence [need] timely therapy,” says Housley. Alaina’s Voice Foundation was born as their way to give back.

One of the foundation’s main priorities is Bridge Therapy where team members “look to bridge the gap for someone to get the services they need with their provider,” explains Housley. One of his favorite stories on how Alaina’s Voice Foundation has impacted the community comes from a patient who was a veteran with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He was

with our students and families.”

A particularly unique offering at the Napa School of Music is their Garage Band program, designed to combine private instruction with a group experience to accelerate learning in a creative way. The incentive is a chance to play with other musicians in bands, perform regularly, and learn teamwork through music.

“Over the years, we’ve had so many kids come through Garage Band who were shy, unsure, or had never played with other musicians before,” says Lindner. “Watching them form bands, write songs,

released from the VA and didn’t have access to therapy. Housley flagged his suicidal sounding message on social media and directly put him in touch with one of the board members, who immediately got him an appointment. “Now, he is in a place where he is inspired to find ways to support other veterans on their journey,” shares Housley. Housley recently spearheaded the Hopeful Cities project for Napa where Alaina’s Voice Foundation was the lead organization to coordinate many of the other non-profits involved. Thanks to Housley’s efforts, Napa is now the first city on the west coast to be recognized as a Hopeful City; he’s committed to keep the momentum to get the rest of the municipalities onboard to make Napa Valley the first Hopeful Valley. “Hopelessness and helplessness are the two key drivers for violence and suicide,” says Housley. Napa as a Hopeful City will provide resources for people to get their hope score, to have access to curriculum to build hope in the workplace, with teens, vets and the elderly. “We will all have highs and lows, it is how you decide to recover that defines you,” says Housley.

Though Alaina’s Voice Foundation has never had an active fundraising campaign,

perform on stage, and support each other has been incredible.”

The Garage Band concerts have become community events where families, friends, and local supporters come together to support these young musicians. “Music gives so many kids a place where they can succeed, express themselves, and be part of something,” says Lindner. “Napa Valley needs places where kids can be creative, feel supported, and grow into confident young people, and we’re really proud to be one of those places.”

they’re launching their first opportunity to ensure they can continue to offer mental health support and services to individuals in need at no cost. With no staff and no brick-and-mortar location, 100 percent of the money raised through Alaina’s Voice Foundation directly supports the community.

NAPA HUMANE

LISA ALEXANDER

Program Operations Director

As an animal lover who has always sought to help people and create positive change, Lisa Alexander, program operations director at Napa Humane says she feels “incredibly lucky to do this work.” Helping individuals feel more confident and capable of caring for their animals as well as helping people keep their pets during challenging times, is especially important to Alexander. “We often see pet owners who are overwhelmed by a medical issue and unsure how to

manage it, and without support, they may feel like surrendering their pet is their only option,” says Alexander.

The Napa Valley is an incredibly compassionate community, continues Alexander. However, as with many places around the nation and the world, barriers exist to make it difficult for people to access affordable veterinary care. Since Napa Humane focuses on prevention, they ensure families can access early care, stay connected to resources, and keep their pets healthy and at home.

“Community support plays a huge role in making that possible,” explains Alexander. “Whether through spreading awareness, participating in programs, or

supporting our work, every contribution helps us reach more pets, support more families, and keep more animals where they belong—at home.”

Beyond direct services, Napa Humane also invests in the future of animal care by supporting some of the community’s most vulnerable pet owners. They host internships for local high school students interested in veterinary medicine and partner with RVT programs, while their veterinarian supports the local shelter with medical expertise. Across all programs, their goal is the same: to support families, strengthen the humananimal bond, and prevent problems before they become crises.

NAPA HUMANE

WENDI PISCIA

Executive Director

Growing up, Wendi Piscia’s father worked as the director of parks and recreation for the City of Napa. While he didn’t specifically work in a nonprofit role, it was still a position rooted in community service that inspired her philanthropic path. “He created spaces and opportunities that brought people together, from summer camps and swim lessons to the first skate park in Napa on Pearl Street,” says Piscia. “Watching him showed me that philanthropy is not just about giving money—it is about dedicating your time, energy, and talent to making your community a better place to live.”

Today, Piscia is the executive director at Napa Humane where she spends her days promoting the welfare of companion animals through protection, advocacy, education and prevention. At their clinic on California Boulevard, weeks consist of spay and neuter surgeries (averaging about 18 animals each

WINE COUNTRY SENIOR CARE

KATIE HOLMAN Owner and Founder

Katie Holman lives by two missions: her company mission to enable older adults to maintain an independent lifestyle in their own homes with connection and purpose; and a personal mission to be the go-to organization for mature workers looking for fulfilling professional opportunities. “Ninety percent of older adults want to age at home and at least two thirds of them will need some help to do so safely,” says Holman on the motivation to launch the franchise called Seniors Helping Seniors last year. “There’s a widespread need for supportive in-home care.”

Seniors Helping Seniors’ model focuses on hiring caregivers over the age of 50 years old to help seniors in need of assistance in their day-to-day life at home. “It is the most reliable and relatable care service available, and offers the impactful secondary benefit of providing

day) from Monday through Friday; Tuesday wellness appointments for a dozen pets to help families stay on top of routine care and three hour drop-in vaccination clinics on Fridays where her team typically serves more than 60 pets.

Outside of the clinic, the work continues in the evenings and on weekends with dog training classes like Puppy Preschool, Teen Manners, and Leash Monsters, giving pet owners the tools they need for lifelong success with their animals. “Every part of our day is designed to support the humananimal bond and prevent problems before they begin,” says Piscia.

This year, Napa Humane expands their prevention-focused services with their “Power of Prevention,” championing a goal is to fund 246 days of spay and neuter surgery, which represents a full year of impact in preventing unwanted litters and reducing the number of animals entering the shelter system. “We are the only organization in the county offering year-round, low-cost, accessible spay and neuter services,” says Piscia. “This is the most effective way to reduce overpopulation and prevent animals from entering the shelter system.”

meaningful work opportunities to older workers,” says Holman.

Holman identified the need for Seniors Helping Seniors as even though, she says, Napa Valley is fortunate to have various for profit and non-profit organizations that support seniors, there was still something missing. “What didn't exist was the peer care model, which improves quality of life by reducing loneliness, increasing social interaction, and enhancing emotional well-being through shared experiences,” explains Holman. “This model promotes independence, provides practical coping strategies for age-related challenges, and offers crucial mental health support that reduces anxiety and depression among seniors.”

Now, Holman spends her days matching active, older adults with seniors based on not only the care services required, but also shared interests, common life experiences and logistical details like location and schedule. “Our goal is always the organic opportunity for connection between our caregivers and clients,” says Holman. Last year, Holman and her team hired over 50 local seniors and this year, they’re already pummeling toward 100 hires.

RIDE NAPA VALLEY

REBECCA KOTCH

Co-Founder & Event Director Rock the Ride

In its ninth year, Rock the Ride is a fundraising bike ride and walk for national and local nonprofit organizations working to end gun violence. The day of activity, including a 5.5 mile family-friendly bike ride, 15 or 25 mile scenic bike ride, 3 mile walk or run, and brunch in the park are punctuated by “Voices of Change” guest speakers, which in 2025 included congresswoman and gun violence survivor Gabby Giffords.

“It was extraordinary,” says Kotch. “Her story—the physical and mental

comeback, the sheer force of will—is remarkable on its own, but what moved me most was seeing her now at the helm of a powerful national organization, channeling that experience into the fight to end gun violence.”

Having Giffords attend and speak at Rock the Ride is something Kotch says felt like a full-circle moment as her presence reminded everyone in the community why they keep showing up. Kotch started the event after a series of local gun violence; first the tragedy at The Pathway Home and then the Borderline mass shooting.

“Each tragedy reinforced why Napa Valley—and communities like it—needs an ongoing, action-oriented platform; one that turns grief into empowerment, and empowerment into change,” says Kotch. After a bike ride with the local congressman and sheriff, the trio knew

they had to do something to bring the community together to help people heal, but also to take an actionable stance.

Today, the mission is simple:

“Community and action equals change,” says Kotch. “We offer a platform for people to come together, to learn, to be inspired, and ultimately to make a difference in this collective fight.” As a fully volunteer organization, Kotch and her team plan, coordinate and execute the event from the ground up—and this year, a number that once felt far away is within reach.

“We are close to $1 million raised for local and national nonprofits,” she says.

“We're grassroots by nature (tickets start at just $35) so our sponsors are absolutely critical to getting us there. If you believe in this work, that's the most direct way to help us hit that milestone; we're almost there.”

REBELLIUM WINES

BLAKE BARRIOS Founder

After years of connecting with people through art and music, Napa native Blake Barrios realized how creativity “could do more than exist as expression, it could create impact.” That realization led him to volunteering with Napa River Ecology Center, where he mentors youth in the Teen Wild program, and to ultimately founding Rebellium in 2017, a fine wine brand that combines his original artwork and philanthropic efforts under one platform. “Creativity should have purpose,” says Barrios. “Through Rebellium, a bottle of wine becomes more than something you drink, it becomes a piece of art with purpose [where] each release tells a story while directly supporting charitable efforts.”

Alongside meaningful collaborations with Thomas Buck and Sire Wines, Barrios acknowledges a defining milestone in his work thus far: raising over $100,000 for CureDuchenne, a nonprofit organization that leads research, patient care and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe muscle-wasting condition. “That number represents more than funding, it’s real momentum toward a cure,” says Barrios.

When he’s not volunteering, Barrios spends most of his days creating and building partnerships, developing new Rebellium releases that feature handpainted artwork using DecoColor oil paints and structuring high-impact auction lots that focus on singular experiences to keep growing the sum of money for donations to CureDuchenne. “Being based in Napa allows me to collaborate at a high level while channeling that energy into meaningful impact,” says Barrios.

BLUE DIAMOND JEWELER

ALTAF AMLANI Owner

Inspired by his parents’ lifelong philanthropic ventures, Altaf Amlani runs Blue Diamond Jewelers with giving back as a core value. Having grown up in Uganda and Kenya, Amlani witnessed firsthand the challenges many underserved communities face. His mother was an educator who instilled in him the belief that education can be a powerful equalizer in a world often shaped by disparities in wealth, status, and race. “She opened a school where families contributed whatever they could, and her compassion left a lasting impact,” says Amlani. His father spent four years of his life at an orphanage and went on to support an Indian orphanage for over 60 years.

Amlani continues to support global organizations but also locally. “Napa Valley has a sense of luxury and the finer things in life. It is a place to wine and dine, and by adding the shine, we can appropriate a part of the proceeds to support others in need,” says Amlani.

Amlani’s first aspiration is to change 1,000 lives through the NIA Children’s Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides food supplies and educational materials to schools in Africa’s poorest neighborhoods. To realize this goal, Blue Diamond Jeweler launched a new initiative to support one child for an entire year for every engagement ring sold. “This uplifts the child out of being in harm's way in an impoverished slum into a world of possibility,” says Amlani. “At the same time, with direct participation with each client as to how funds are sent to the school, it educates and inspires clients’ awareness of the value of giving back.”

Blue Diamond Jeweler is also committed to supporting local charities through donation of items to auction. “We like to host monthly enjoyable and entertaining charity events at our First Street location, where proceeds are given to the charity we host,” says Amlani. Past charities have included The Ed Foundation in Santa Monica and Napa’s Mentis, a nonprofit foundation that provides bi-lingual affordable mental health services.

THE FUN CART

BHARTI MISTRY JINDAL Owner

Supporting her local community was something that Bharti Mistry Jindal first prioritized in her teenage years. “I’ve always wanted to help others,” she recalls. Jindal’s early volunteer work began in public and private hospitals before she sought various opportunities to give back from assisting at women’s and children’s homeless shelters to helping with home placements for high risk youth.

“I have always enjoyed doing more and advocating for something when I know it means so much to me, my family and my community,” she says.

Most recently, Jindal spent three years as the board of directors for Partners in Education in Palo Alto where she worked to raise money for the city’s Unified School District students to support their educational experience beyond what

NAPA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

JENNIFER STEWART Executive Director

As a fifth-generation Napa Valley resident, Jennifer Stewart considers her work at the Napa Valley Education Foundation as continuity for the next generation and for her future grandchildren. “Opportunity is not always evenly distributed,” says Stewart, emphasizing how many young people would thrive if they had access to the arts, career exploration, or hands-on learning experiences. “We exist to help close that gap.”

At the Napa Valley Education Foundation, which serves more than 10,000 youth across the Valley by investing in programs to support their future education, Stewart empowers the next generation to broaden their horizons and deepen their skills to step confidently into the future as healthy, capable and successful members of the community. Much of this work focuses on partnering with schools, supporting programs in the music and the arts, leading career exploration initiatives, working directly

was possible with public funding. This includes raising money to source music teachers, art teachers, classroom aides and mental health counselors to ensure all students in the district experience an enriched and fulfilling education. “Throughout the school year parents get various opportunities in all the schools to see students perform and share their skills,” says Jindal. “Our mentors do such an outstanding job teaching the students, that the level of performance surpasses our expectations.”

One of the most rewarding components of her work at Partners in Education is seeing how many students continued advancing their skills through art classes, jazz band and theater in high school. The kids’ commitment to the arts is a direct result from their early exposure at Partners in Education as Jindal says “things don’t just happen,” rather kids need a place where their creativity is nurtured and supported so they have the chance to learn their interests outside basic education.

with students and securing funding to support school-based mental health programming. “We also spend a great deal of time connecting people, whether that means engaging mentors, building partnerships, or aligning resources with what schools are asking for,” says Stewart.

“At its core, our work is about helping every student feel that there is a place for them and something that sparks their interest, whether it is during the school day or beyond.”

This year, Stewart is focused on building out the programming for the Foundation’s new Discovery Campus. The team is working to transform the former Oxbow School into a community space for extended learning with high-interest programs such as culinary, robotics, art, music and podcasting. “We want it to be a place where young people can try things they have never tried before,” says Stewart. “A place where they can discover what excites them.”

NAPA COMMUNITIES FIREWISE FOUNDATION

JOSEPH NORDLINGER

Vice President

After the 2017 fires in Napa Valley, Joseph Nordlinger recognized a clear need for a new comprehensive approach to solve the challenges of wildfire resilience throughout the county. He set out to reorganize Napa Firewise to more effectively drive that effort by recruiting new board members and championing a new vision to act as a shared services platform to benefit the existing Fire Safe Councils along with any newly established councils. “We have largely realized this goal on behalf of the

county’s residents,” says Nordlinger who quickly secured funding for a Countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and began handling the entire portfolio of projects on behalf of their Fire Safe Councils and agency partners.

Today, Napa Communities Firewise Foundation’s mission is to reduce the risk and impacts of wildfires through fire fuel reduction and community education in Napa County. They achieve this by working with Fire Safe Councils through local, state and federal grants as well as spreading community awareness about defensible space, home hardening, and fire preparedness. Also, “we focus relentlessly on ensuring that completed projects become actionable intelligence as data layers which can be utilized by firefighters,” explains Nordlinger. “And we monitor and measure our progress so that it can be quantified in terms which will improve insurance outcomes for Napa County residents.”

Last summer, during the Pickett Fire that burned near Calistoga, there were crop losses but no structure losses, which Nordlinger credits to the pre-fire projects of fuel reduction and maintained fire lines completed by Napa Firewise and their agency partners at Land Trust of Napa County and the Resource Conservation District.

Another recent milestone at Napa Firewise was the completion of their 5000th acre of Forest Health and Hazardous Fuel mitigation work. They have also enrolled nearly 200 landowners in their first year of operating out Valley Stewards Initiative, which Nordlinger explains, “works to capture strategic resilience attributes on private properties like roads, areas of fuel reduction and water storage which can be useful for firefighters during containment operations.”

KASCADIA WINE MERCHANTS

VJ GANDHI Founder & CEO

At Kascadia Wine Merchants, VJ Gandhi is on a mission to build a wine portfolio that connects people through exceptional wines—all while actively investing in the people and initiatives that sustain and elevate the region. “Wine, for us, is more than a product,” says Gandhi. “It is a bridge that brings people together, nurtures relationships, and builds community.”

Based in San Francisco, Kascadia Wine Merchants is as committed to intentional sourcing of Napa Valley wines as they are to supporting the region’s local nonprofits and community-driven initiatives that work with such causes to promote education, inclusivity, sustainability, and shared experiences. Gandhi says their role helps to “preserve and strengthen the cultural fabric that defines Napa Valley—helping to ensure its legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Kascadia Wine Merchants also contributes annual donations to food banks, including Second Harvest, which works to ensure that local communities across the U.S. have access to food and essential resources.

“True hospitality reaches far beyond the table,” says Gandhi, who says that the company will extend themselves wherever they are needed within their community to make a meaningful difference. In fact, in 2026, Gandhi is focused on amplifying impact by expanding partnerships with schools, community-based initiatives, and nonprofit organizations that create opportunities for youth and underrepresented communities.

Outside of the conventional giveback component, Gandhi is also focused on spreading the significance of thoughtful hosting, which she says can create both awareness and lasting impact. “Wine is not just something we consume, but something that facilitates conversation, belonging, and human connection,” says Gandhi—and in an increasingly disconnected world, opening a bottle of wine is something we can use to reconnect. To support this, Kascadia Wine Merchants will continue to grow their national presence and wine club while hosting more curated gatherings to bring people together in intentional and inspiring ways.

SANTA CRUZ

California’s Classic Coastal Getaway

Some places feel instantly familiar, even on a first visit. Santa Cruz is one of them. Once the ocean comes into view, the air shifts. Salt hangs lightly over the shoreline, surfers dot the waves, and beach cruisers glide along West Cliff Drive. The vibe carries an unmistakable California ease. It’s part surf town, part college hangout, part enduring counterculture enclave.

Between the beach culture, vintage attractions, and youthful sports energy, Santa Cruz manages to balance nostalgia with a vibrant present. And for a weekend escape from Napa Valley, the town offers just the right mix of sand, sunshine, and oldschool California personality.

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Santa Cruz has long embraced its free-spirited side. Tie-dye still appears in shop windows and street musicians play guitars along Pacific Avenue. The scent of sunscreen and kettle corn drifts across the sand. The entire scene, no matter the season, has the easygoing feel of a classic California summer. You can imagine that this is the kind of place The Beach Boys sang about.

The Iconic Boardwalk

At the center of it all sits the beloved Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the vintage seaside amusement park that has defined this stretch of coast for more than a century. The Boardwalk remains one of the last great classic oceanfront amusement parks in the United States. Stepping onto the wooden planks is like entering a living postcard of California beach culture.

The star attraction, of course, is the legendary Giant Dipper. Built in 1924, the towering wooden coaster still sends riders clattering along its white lattice track with the same thrilling energy it did generations ago. Nearby, arcade games blink with neon lights, carousel music drifts through the air, and families line up for saltwater taffy at Marini's Candies, the beloved confectioner that has been crafting sweets along the Boardwalk since 1915. The charm lies in the timelessness. Few coastal towns preserve their vintage seaside identity as effortlessly as Santa Cruz does.

And yet Santa Cruz isn’t frozen in nostalgia. The town carries a lively, youthful energy fueled in part by University of California, Santa Cruz, whose forested

hilltop campus sits just above town. The result is a culture that blends surf heritage, environmental consciousness, and laid-back creativity into something uniquely Northern Californian.

NBA Action

Sports fans will find another unexpected draw just a few minutes away at Kaiser Permanente Arena, home of the Santa Cruz Warriors. The team competes in the NBA G League as the development affiliate of the Golden State Warriors. Unlike the packed arenas of the NBA, G League games place fans astonishingly close to the action. The atmosphere often feels closer to a highschool gym than a professional stadium, except the athletes flying down the court are elite prospects—many of whom will eventually appear on NBA rosters. Watching future stars refine their game just a few feet away is exhilarating.

Between the beach culture, vintage attractions, and youthful sports energy, Santa Cruz manages to balance nostalgia with a vibrant present. And for a weekend escape from Napa Valley, the town offers just the right mix of sand, sunshine, and old-school California personality.

WHERE TO STAY

Dream Inn

If La Bahia represents Santa Cruz’s luxe side, Dream Inn captures the town’s playful surf culture in full color. Directly on Cowell’s Beach, it holds a special place in local surfing lore. The hotel occupies the site where legendary wetsuit pioneer Jack O'Neill once operated his original surf shop. Today the property remains Santa Cruz’s quintessential beachfront hotel, placing guests just steps from the sand. The hotel’s design embraces its surf heritage wholeheartedly. Ocean blues dominate the palette, surfboards decorate walls, and murals celebrate the coastal lifestyle. The effect is intentionally retro in the best possible way, evoking the carefree California beach vacations many travelers remember from decades past.

Each of the 165 mid-century-inspired guest rooms includes a furnished oceanfacing balcony or patio—perfect for watching surfers carve across the waves at Cowell’s Beach. The outdoor pool, positioned just above the sand, offers another vantage point for soaking in Monterey Bay views while relaxing beside a fire pit. Guests can rent cruiser bikes for a ride along the waterfront path, take surf or paddleboard lessons nearby, or kayak in Monterey Bay alongside harbor seals and sea lions.

Dining takes place at the hotel’s lively on-site venue, Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, where the menu highlights locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and purveyors. Produce from Mariquita Farm in Watsonville frequently appears on the menu, alongside fresh seafood and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Nearly every table enjoys

an ocean view, making breakfast, lunch, or dinner feel like a continuation of the beach experience just outside the door. For an early start, guests can grab coffee from the hotel’s lobby café featuring beans from Santa Cruz favorite Verve Coffee Roasters.

La Bahia Hotel & Spa

Santa Cruz’s newest luxury address delivers a striking contrast to the town’s vintage seaside personality. The newly reimagined property channels golden-age elegance while introducing a thoroughly modern level of luxury. Spanish-inspired architecture, arched corridors, and oceanfacing terraces make for a refined coastal atmosphere just steps from the bustle of the Boardwalk. A full-service spa, tranquil courtyard spaces, and a rooftop pool provide visitors with all they need for the region’s most luxurious stay.

Dining is equally compelling at the hotel’s signature restaurant High Tide, where seasonal California cuisine draws inspiration from the surrounding coastline. You’ll find fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and thoughtful wine selections. The more casual Low Tide is where you’ll dawdle in the morning over cups of local Cat & Cloud coffee.

The Santa Cruz Weekend

A weekend in Santa Cruz might include mornings with coffee and a walk along West Cliff Drive as waves roll steadily toward the shore. Watch the surfers paddle out at Steamer Lane while seabirds circle above the cliffs. In the afternoon, browses the downtown surf shops, wander the Santa Cruz Wharf, or spend a few hours along the Boardwalk where the smell of caramel apples floats through the air as the Giant Dipper rattles past overhead.

Evenings bring glowing sunsets across Monterey Bay, best enjoyed from an oceanview table or a La Bahia terrace. The light fades slowly across the water as surfers catch their final waves of the day. Santa Cruz’s charm comes from authenticity. Surf culture, vintage amusements, youthful creativity, and coastal beauty all share the same stretch of shoreline. For Napa Valley travelers seeking a weekend escape, Santa Cruz offers something increasingly rare along the California coast: a beach town that still feels wonderfully, unmistakably itself.

IN NAPA VALLEY, WINE COUNTRY LIVING INCLUDES DOGS

Everyone (and their dog) is welcome.

Something many people miss about wine country is that, at its core, it has always been agricultural land. Naturally, when a region has its roots in agriculture, it tends to be more relaxed. But when wine regions become popular or world-renowned, like Napa Valley, they may

evolve into a more sophisticated, elevated form. Still, that farm-country soul is there. That's why dogs in wine country feel so natural together. Long before tasting salons and architectural showpieces, it was farmland, working land shaped by animals, earth, and sky. Step just beyond the sleek

interior and glass walls of modern wineries, and you’re still in it. That’s the part that feels real. And increasingly, it’s the part that wineries are letting back in.

For years, dog-friendly has meant exactly that: friendly enough, a place to sit, maybe a water bowl, nothing more. But

in a region rooted in agriculture, it doesn’t take much to make space for humans’ best friends. In recent years, more wineries have begun accepting dogs, especially on outdoor patios. Others have taken up the mantle of dog-celebrators, offering something that goes beyond the ordinary to something more thoughtful. In some places, it’s a tasting alongside yours, in others, it’s a treat. Or, it may be a gesture that says they’re not just tolerated, they’re considered.

Although welcoming, there are still boundaries, even at the most dog-centric places. Most wineries allow dogs outdoors but require them to be leashed and wellbehaved. But within those parameters, something larger has shifted.

The question is no longer, "Can I bring my dog?” It’s “what happens when I do?”

One of the top contenders for Dog Winery Extraordinaire is Yountville’s Silver Trident Winery (https://silvertridentwinery. com/visit/). Their approach is pretty radical: dogs are not just allowed; they are part of the tasting. In the very homey Ralph Lauren Home Collection-styled tasting room, you and your dog can enjoy tailored tastings at the same time.

While folks enjoy the innovative Potato Chip Pairing ($65 per person), with five types of artisanal chips and paired wines, their pets enjoy their own plated tasting. The Puppy Pairing ($20 per pet guest) includes four gourmet doggie treats: a wine bottle-shaped peanut butter and rye cookie, a Blueberry Grrr-Nola bone-shaped biscuit, a wine glass-shaped peanut butter and rice cookie, and a “Nuggets the Squirrel” peanut butter and oats treat, plus some takeaway swag: Silver Trident travel water bowl.

The Puppy Pairings experience is an add-on and offered alongside the Potato Chip Extravaganza tasting.

Frenchie Winery:

Devoted to One Beloved Pet

Here, the concept is pushed further—less about accommodation, more about identity. Your dog isn’t just welcome; it’s part of the narrative the winery is telling. The Frenchie Winery (https://raymondvineyards.com/ frenchie-winery) was the vision of Frenchborn Jean-Charles Boisset of The Boisset Collection. It was named after his French bulldog, Frenchie, and the influence is more than symbolic. The entire space is built around the idea of canine companionship, with Frenchie-inspired design elements, dog-centric touches, and even private dog

play areas paired with a “Frenchie Cam” that allows owners to keep an eye on their pets during tastings. Frenchie is so central to the winery that his face is on the wine label—the ultimate accolade. Try the Journey of the Senses Vineyard, Garden, and Winery Tour ($175/per person) while the pup plays.

V. Sattui Winery: Plenty of Room to Stretch

Of course, not every winery needs a dog tasting menu or a branded canine experience. What V. Sattui represents is something different: the Great Outdoors.

It’s not curated or styled, it’s just lots of space, movement, and a setting where dogs naturally fit into the rhythm of the day.

As one of the oldest and most iconic wineries in Napa Valley, V. Sattui’s vast property offers loads of space for canine companions to lounge, plus its picnic tastings are the ideal setup for a day in the sun with your family pet (outdoor tastings start at $55/per person and are free for pets).

V. Sattui is always on the dog owners’ list of dog-friendly Napa Valley wineries. Its expansive grounds are almost entirely petfriendly, and you will see more dogs here than at any other winery in the valley. Add

weekend food trucks, and no wonder it’s a winner. (https://www.vsattui.com/)

Bouchaine: Lounging in the Garden

Bouchaine Winery has the advantage of being slightly remote with San Pablo Bay breezes and a cool enough climate to craft exquisite Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Its Terrace Tasting ($75/per person) boasts 270-degree vineyard views and five estate-grown and small-production Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. It’s comfortable and sophisticated, but Bouchaine has made space for dogs. They have a specially designated Garden at Bouchaine, a more casual space where well-behaved canine companions can curl at guests’ feet while their pet parents sip away. (Garden Wine Tasting $45 per person)

At places like V. Sattui Winery and Bouchaine Vineyards, dogs are more than allowed – they are welcomed into the experience to lounge on lawns, join picnics,

and move easily through spaces that already feel lived-in.

And that matters, because while the rise of dog-focused experiences is notable, the bigger point is that this is a region where dogs have always belonged. Open spaces, long afternoons, and vineyard views that invite lingering make for an environment that naturally accommodates dogs.

These experiences point to a broader acceptance that dogs make sense in wine country. The goal isn’t to build dog-centric wineries, but to remove the barriers that once separated the tasting experience from everyday life.

Some Napa hotels have upped their game, too, choosing to celebrate the inclusion of dogs in travelers’ plans.

Yountville’s North Block Hotel (https:// northblockyountville.com) not only accepts canines, but it also makes them feel wanted from the moment they arrive, with a welcome package, often including a set of

treats, toys, and, for their use while on-site, an in-room water bowl and dog bed.

Bardessono Hotel & Spa: Designed with Your Pet in Mind

Bardessono Hotel & Spa (https://www. bardessono.com) may be the pre-eminent dog luxury hotel in Napa. From its dogspecific menu to a Yappy Hour and a Cabernet Canine Package, there’s no doubt your pup has been thoughtfully considered and welcomed. The Cabernet Canine Package gifts a bottle of local Cabernet Sauvignon to pet parents, along with a complimentary invite to Yappy Hour with their dog friends. During the stay, when dining at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Lucy Restaurant and Bar, pups enjoy a complimentary menu item from the Barkessono menu.

Wine Country Living with Our Dogs

Wine tasting, at its best, is about more than sipping wine. It’s about the connection between people and places. And our pets can deepen that connection by slowing the pace and softening the formality. Plainly put, they make us feel at home.

But the bigger point is that they are a reality. For many travelers, visiting Napa Valley isn’t a huge shift from everyday life; it’s an extension of it. And increasingly, that life includes a dog. The wine country places that recognize this are simply adjusting to match how people want to experience it.

INK GRADE

Howell Mountain, Precisely Defined

Ink Grade Winery occupies a rare position on Howell Mountain: a single, continuous estate with both historical depth and modern clarity of purpose.

The property dates to 1873, when pioneer Theron Ink first planted vines. Today, the estate spans roughly 800 acres, with 200 under vine farmed organically and biodynamically for more than 35 years—the largest biodynamically farmed vineyard in Napa County. Steep terraces climb to 2,200 feet, rooted in iron-rich volcanic soils. Farming here is physical, demanding, and dictated by the land.

Under CEO and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy’s leadership, Ink Grade has a clear mandate: preserve the integrity of the site and present the resulting wines without excess. Winemaker Matt Taylor, who trained with Rod Berglund, Jacques Seysses, and at Eisele Vineyard, translates that vision into wines of structure and restraint, prioritizing site expression.

Having worked across five of Napa Valley’s mountain AVAs, Taylor points to Howell Mountain as singular in its aromatic profile. “Howell Mountain has always been distinct to me in its ability to remain extremely floral while retaining more earthy and herbal notes intertwined with its fruit,” he says. “I’m always astonished at how, when wines are fermented without commercial yeasts, one can pick up on notes of redwoods, bay laurel, manzanita and madrone blossoms and the pine sap that permeate these hillsides.”

The portfolio centers on four singleparcel red wines, each bottled independently because of how distinctly they show in the cellar. Buddha’s Belly, a Cabernet Sauvignon block at 1,400–1,600 feet, develops slowly, retaining natural acidity for a focused, linear wine. Prophet’s Water, planted higher on red volcanic soils, brings tannin and aromatic intensity with structure inherent to the site. Third Circle, grown on decomposed volcanic ash and gravelly loam, emphasizes darker fruit and layered complexity. At the uppermost elevations, Lost Clouds, a 100 percent Merlot, is lighter in frame, shaped by altitude and exposure.   Guests visits are appointment at a historic vineyard location in St. Helena called The Home Ranch, where private guided tastings connect each wine to its parcel. The “Study of Mountain Terroir” is a seated exploration of the

core portfolio, linking vineyard conditions directly to what’s in the glass. The most immersive option, “The Road to Ink Grade,” takes guests up the rugged estate vineyards, where the slopes and elevation illustrate the challenges of mountain farming, before returning to the tasting room to experience the wines in context.

Appointments are limited and groups remain small, allowing time to engage and ask questions. Every element, from vineyard to glass, reflects Taylor’s philosophy of presence, patience, and listening to what the land will give. Clearly, Ink Grade is more than a collection of mountain wines. It’s a disciplined, site-driven expression of Howell Mountain, where every tasting is an invitation to experience the land’s raw power and elegance firsthand.

SMALL butMIGHTY

Fortunati Wines Always Make an Impression

The name says it all. Winemaker Gary Luchtel has been called "Lucky" since his days in San Francisco commercial real estate — a nickname that stuck, and eventually inspired the Italian word for fortunate: Fortunati. With wife Ellen, a first-generation American of Italian and German heritage, Gary traded Bay Area offices for vine rows in Napa's Oak Knoll District, turning a shared wine obsession into something extraordinary.

The journey started modestly: college dates where Gary would hide wines in brown, wine shop paper bags and quiz Ellen on the varietal, and adventurous summers tasting through European wine country backroads on a student budget. Experimenting as a home winemaker in the 90’s, by 1999, Gary was making wine commercially in Napa. By 2008, Fortunati Vineyards was bonded. By 2012, a wine subscription program had launched and fully allocated within four years.

"I drink and enjoy a lot of diverse styles of wines," says Gary. “A winemaker’s dream is to produce different varietals. Since I work on my own brand, I can create what I

want. It’s fun! I really respect the vineyards. My style is pure, rich, and well-balanced — drinkable now, but the ageability is there too."

That freedom shows in the portfolio. Fortunati produces an unusually diverse range: whites include estate Viognier and Rosé, Chardonnay, and Reserve Chardonnay. Reds showcase estate Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, plus, the Bordeaux blend, Zinfandel from Rockpile, Pinot Noir and a Reserve Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara's Santa Rita Hills, and their flagship Signature and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Each is produced in tiny lots of 100 to 250 cases with a few offering 400 cases, sold privately, directly to wine consumers, none distributed through traditional retail channels.

Fans and critics have noticed. Fortunati wines have become the kind of "find" that guests bring to dinner parties or give as gifts precisely because they feel like it’s a secret. Wine critic Lisa PerrottiBrown MW (founder of The Wine Independent

and former lead critic at Robert Parker's Wine Advocate) recently awarded the 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon a remarkable 96 points, along with 94 for the Chardonnay and Syrah, 93 each for Cabernet Franc, and Viognier, the last of which ranks among the highest scores she has given for that varietal.

"We just love the wine,” says wine subscriber John Sullivan. “Gary is a special winemaker. His willingness to experiment to this degree is not common in Napa. Just try the Viognier and you will see what we mean."

Behind the wines is a true partnership. Gary walks the vineyards, tending 20-yearold vines and guiding each vintage. Ellen drives sales, marketing, and the subscriber experience, ensuring that members can customize their shipments by selecting from small lots. In the boutique tasting space amongst the vines, visitors experience Fortunati’s welcoming atmosphere firsthand and a brand that has long flown quietly under the radar.

As Ellen puts it, Fortunati is "tiny." But with 500+ awards and scores which rival Napa's most celebrated names, tiny has never tasted so good.

MT. VEEDER, PERSONALLY

Inside Fontanella Family Winery

Awinding ascent up Partrick Road delivers you to one of Napa Valley’s most compelling vantage points: Fontanella Family Winery. Oak branches arch overhead as the road climbs toward Mt. Veeder, an appellation revered for its structured, mountaingrown Cabernet Sauvignon. Downtown Napa sits just 10 minutes away, yet the atmosphere here feels entirely removed. It’s defined by open skies, steep vineyard rows, and a sense of personal welcome that large-scale tasting rooms are rarely able to replicate.

Family owned and operated by Karen and Jeff Fontanella, the winery reflects pedigree and perseverance. Jeff’s winemaking trajectory began at University of California, Davis, where an early course in enology redirected him from medical school toward the cellar. He honed his craft at Opus One and ZD Wines. Karen, an attorney by training, became both life partner and business partner after the two met—memorably—at a Jimmy Buffett concert, where Jeff arrived bearing a magnum of Chardonnay. Today, their sons Drew and John represent the next chapter: Drew, a high school senior headed to study business in college, and John, currently studying viticulture at UC Davis, both plan to one day contribute to the family estate.

In 2005, the couple purchased a 26-acre Mt. Veeder property and began building what would become a resilient mountain estate. A 6.0 earthquake and the Partrick/Nuns fire tested that resolve, yet the winery emerged intact, adopting the word “unbreakable” as both philosophy and promise. Subsequent expansion, including the acquisition of an adjacent 55 acres and new hillside plantings, cemented their long-term commitment to estate-driven Cabernet Sauvignon.

For visitors, however, the story unfolds glass by glass, and barrel by barrel. Every Fontanella tasting experience includes a visit to the barrel room for a sample drawn

directly from the barrel—an insider’s preview that underscores the winery’s small-production focus.

The Fontanella Journey Tasting is the cornerstone experience. Guests are guided through four current releases while overlooking the estate vineyards that produced them. The experience includes a curated cheese plate.

Weekday travelers can opt for the Golden Mornings Journey Tasting, offered Monday through Thursday at a preferred rate. Morning light across Mt. Veeder carries a particular clarity, and the early time slots provide an especially serene introduction to the property.

For collectors and Cabernet devotees, the Reserve Tour & Tasting elevates the

experience further. This curated exploration highlights the flagship Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Per Sempre, a multi-vintage, solera-style Cabernet that reflects both innovation and patience.

“At Fontanella, hospitality is deeply personal,” says Karen.  (Winery dogs Hobie and Trigger often greet guests, while Santo the cat patrols with proprietary confidence.) “Jeff and I want guests to feel like they’ve stepped into our lives for a moment, experiencing the warmth of our family, the passion behind our wines, and the unmistakable character of Mt. Veeder that shapes everything we do.”

CONN CREEK WINERY Finds a New Home

BY FRAN MILLER

There’s a certain kind of Napa Valley story that doesn’t get told often enough. It’s not the triumphant grand opening, or the renovation reveal, but the more compelling story of a winery that simply refuses to stop being great. Conn Creek Winery is telling that story right now.

Founded in 1973 by Bill and Kathy Collins on the banks of the winding Conn Creek in Rutherford, this winery was among the pioneering handful that put Napa Valley on the world’s wine map. When their 1974 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon dropped jaws across the country, Robert Parker called it “one of the great classics of the seventies.” That’s the kind of origin story that refuses to fade.

So when the winery facility on the Silverado Trail closed its doors, loyal fans held their breath. But here’s what they discovered: Conn Creek didn’t disappear. It evolved.

Enter The Yount Room. Located at Yountville Station, at 6505 Washington Street—the storied Yountville Depot building in the heart of downtown Yountville—this intimate tasting destination is where Conn Creek has planted its new flag. And the setting suits the brand perfectly. It has historic bones, a sense of occasion, and the kind of atmosphere where great wine gets

the attention it deserves.

The wines themselves? As good as they’ve ever been. Conn Creek’s enduring genius lies with its current winemaker, the respected Jean Hoefliger, but also in its sourcing strategy. They draw Cabernet Sauvignon from nearly all of Napa Valley’s distinct subappellations, essentially treating the entire valley as their winemaker’s spice rack. The flagship Anthology Cabernet Sauvignon — named for a collection of stories — weaves

together fruit from up to 16 AVAs into a single, deeply layered wine. It is, in every sense, the autobiography of a valley, written one vintage at a time.

Beyond the Anthology, the AVA Series offers something rare: the chance to taste 100% single-appellation Cabernets side by side, from Calistoga to Carneros. It’s less a tasting and more a masterclass in Napa terroir, and the kind of experience that reframes everything you thought you knew about the valley. Come in a casual wine lover; leave a convert.

The Yount Room operates as a collective space, home to a curated group of standout brands, but the Conn Creek experience holds its own. Walk in without a reservation or plan your visit in advance; either way, you’ll find wines poured with the kind of knowledge and warmth that comes from people who genuinely believe in what’s in the glass.

The address has changed. The building is different. But what matters — the winemaking philosophy, the commitment to Bordeaux-styled excellence, the halfcentury of earned credibility — has moved right along with it, fully intact.

Conn Creek is still here. Still pouring. Still exceptional.

BATTUELLO VINEYARDS

Five Generations, One Family, Endless Dedication

BY FRAN MILLER

The Battuello family has been rooted in Napa Valley since 1909, long before the region became shorthand for luxury wine. Matteo Battuello and his wife Serafina arrived from Northern Italy in 1906 and settled in St. Helena a few years later, planting their first vineyards alongside prunes and walnuts. They farmed with a quiet, generational patience, the kind shaped not by ambition, but by necessity and time.

The property sits within one of the narrowest stretches of the valley, where the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges draw to within a mile of each other. The soils here are fractured and stony, a shifting mosaic of rock and sediment that demands attention. It is exacting ground. The vines respond accordingly.

As Napa evolved, land values climbed, estates multiplied, and tasting rooms began to define the valley’s rhythm. The Battuellos remained focused on farming. Over time, their fruit found its way to some of Napa’s most respected producers, a quiet endorsement built vintage by vintage. When the family began bottling under their own label, it felt less like expansion and more like completion.

Today, the estate spans 82 acres, anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon and supported by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Valdiguié. The wines are composed rather than opulent, structured and finely etched, allowing site to lead. They open deliberately and hold their line.

Valdiguié offers a counterpoint. While Cabernet Sauvignon defines the estate, this historic variety has remained part of the vineyard since the 1930s. Once widely planted across Napa, it gradually receded as the valley shifted toward Cabernet. The Battuellos chose to hold on. What remains is not driven by market demand, but by continuity. The wine is lifted, bright, and quietly reminiscent of an earlier Napa.

More than a century on, the estate

remains firmly in family hands. Craig and Dave Battuello live and work on the same land first farmed by Matteo and Serafina. Dave grew up alongside his grandfather Dominic, learning the vineyard through repetition and observation rather than instruction. That imprint is still evident in the way he farms today, measured, attentive, and deeply tied to place.

The vineyard sets the rhythm. Seasons define the pace. A fifth generation is already moving through the rows, learning in the same way, by doing.

“This isn’t a business to us. It’s where we live, where we raised our kids, where my grandfather worked the same rows I work today. That means something," saids Dave Battuello.

Visits are by appointment and remain intentionally understated. There is no formal tasting room, no designed experience. Just the vineyard, the cellar, and the family. Time passes differently here. It feels less like a visit, and more like being let in.

REBORN FROM THE ASHES

Signorello Estate Returns with a Vision for the Ages

BY FRAN MILLER

There are wineries, and then there are estates, places where soil, family, and obsession converge into something irreplaceable. Signorello Estate, which has presided over the Silverado Trail since 1977, has always been the latter. After seven years away, it is back, and better and bolder than ever.

Founded by Ray Signorello Sr. and his son Ray Jr., the estate occupies a singular

position in Napa Valley: it is one of the valley's only true monopoles, a single-owner, single-vineyard property where every bottle tells one uninterrupted story. No purchased fruit. No blended narratives. Just 60 hillside acres and a family's uncompromising commitment to place.

Then came October 2017. The wildfires that swept through Napa spared the vines but took nearly everything else. Gone were

the winery, the caves, the residence. For many, it would have been the end. For Ray Signorello Jr., it became a calling. What emerged is extraordinary. Completed in 2024 after a $40 million reconstruction, the new Signorello Estate winery is among the most advanced and sustainable facilities in all of Napa Valley. It runs entirely on solar power, is built to be fireproof, and operates largely off the grid.

It’s designed not just for today's vintages, but for generations of wine yet to come.

The soul of Signorello has always been the land. The estate's 30 planted acres are farmed sustainably, organically, and regeneratively, guided by acclaimed viticulturalist Steve Matthiasson, with a focus on soil health and biodiversity. Signorello is Napa Green certified and moving toward full organic certification — a reflection of the same long-view thinking that shapes every wine they make.

And what wines they are. Signorello produces just three estate wines, roughly 4,000 to 5,000 cases per year. Hope's Cuvée

Chardonnay, rich and layered, is sourced from the second-oldest Chardonnay vines in Napa Valley, planted in 1980. Padrone Cabernet Sauvignon, the estate's flagship, is a structured Bordeaux-style red and a tribute to Ray Sr.'s founding vision. Signori Cabernet Sauvignon draws from select vineyard blocks for a more refined expression of the estate's hillside terroir. All three are crafted to age. Winemaker Michael Costley leads day-to-day production, with legendary consulting winemaker Celia Welch lending her expertise to the program.

Guests can experience it all through the estate's signature Legacy Tasting, a

90-minute journey that begins with a cart ride through the property, continues into the winery and underground wine caves, includes a barrel tasting alongside Ray's private wine cellar, and concludes with a seated tasting of all three estate wines in the hospitality space.

"What we hope people feel when they arrive is a sense of both continuity and transformation, says Steve Seaholm, Director of Hospitality and Consumer Sales. “For longtime supporters, we hope it feels like a return, familiar, but elevated. For new visitors, it's about that moment of surprise, when they realize this isn't just a rebuild, it's a completely new chapter."

Signorello Estate has always been rare. Now, it is ready to be discovered again.

Oakville Grocery and Williams Sonoma Bring Wine Country to Your Kitchen

The New Collaboration Carries Napa's Flavors to Kitchens Across the Country

FRAN MILLER

There has never been a better time to be a fan of Oakville Grocery. The 145-year-old Napa Valley institution (part corner store, part wine merchant, and entirely beloved) is marking a new chapter with a collaboration that may carry its flavors furthest of all: a partnership with Williams Sonoma, one of America's most iconic culinary retailers.

The Oakville Grocery has stood at the same crossroads of Highway 29 and the Oakville Cross Road since 1874. It's the longest continually operating grocery store in California and the general store that served the valley's earliest pioneering vintners. It survived a devastating fire, phylloxera, Prohibition, and every turn of the twentieth century, each chapter mirroring

the valley's own story. When Jean-Charles Boisset purchased the Grocery in 2018, he deepened its commitment to sustainable, locally sourced products such as artisan cheeses, wines from every Napa AVA, and a wood-fired pizza program. The store is full of items from the farmers, makers, and small-batch producers whose work defines what Northern California food culture

actually tastes like. (A full directory of Oakville's local partners can be found at oakvillegrocery.com/artisans-purveyors.)

And now, the Oakville Grocery for Williams Sonoma Collection brings a curated range of gourmet food and pantry staples to Williams Sonoma locations nationwide and online at williams-sonoma. com. The line celebrates the flavors of both Napa and Sonoma Valleys — golden olive oils, vibrant tapenades, slow-simmered braising sauces, and thoughtfully crafted condiments built around ingredients like cabernet, mustard, lemon, olives, fennel, rosemary, garlic, and spring onions. Each item is designed to elevate everyday cooking and make entertaining feel effortless.

"Our passion for Northern California's Wine Country extends far beyond our Sonoma roots, making this partnership with Oakville Grocery — our neighbors in Napa Valley — a natural fit," said Felix Carbullido, President of Williams Sonoma. "Together, we are bringing the distinct flavors and rich culinary traditions of the region to customers across the country and celebrating the ingredients that define both Napa and Sonoma as world-class food destinations."

For Boisset, the partnership reflects something deeper than a product launch. "The Williams Sonoma–Oakville Grocery collaboration celebrates two of Northern California's most iconic institutions in the world of food and wine," he said. "We share a deep passion for quality, heritage, and the essential role of food and wine in uniting people across the table. With Williams

Sonoma, Oakville Grocery celebrates the Napa Valley lifestyle and the artisans, purveyors, farmers, and producers that create Northern California's identity."

The collaboration is a natural extension of what Oakville Grocery has always done well, which includes wine curation. As one of the valley's most respected wine merchants, the store has long been a destination for both serious collectors and casual enthusiasts. It's a place where the selection is rooted in the valley, chosen with care, and backed by staff who know their appellations. But what many visitors don't realize until they arrive is just how extraordinary that selection truly is. The Oakville Wine Merchant offers wines by the

ounce, glass, or bottle from producers that are nearly impossible to visit by appointment — the kind of once-in-a-lifetime pours that serious wine lovers travel the valley hoping to find.

Locals know how to time Oakville just right, and you’ll want to take note. By late afternoon, when the sun starts to dip behind the western hills and the light softens across the valley, the outdoor bar is where you want to be. Settle in with a glass, order something from the kitchen, and leave the traffic to others. Witness the communal nature during Locals Nights, when the store belongs almost entirely to the community. Additional programming includes Winemaker Wednesdays that bring the valley's producers into direct conversation with guests, pairing wines with the stories behind them in the way that only a place like Oakville can pull off naturally. These evenings are a reminder that Oakville Grocery has always been more than a place to shop. It is a place to belong.

The Oakville Grocery for Williams Sonoma Collection is available now at all Williams Sonoma stores, online at williams-sonoma.com, and at the Oakville Grocery store in Oakville, California, where a curated assortment is on hand. You can also order at shop.oakvillegrocery.com

SAUVIGNON BLANC

Bright, Balanced, Built for Food

 BY FRAN MILLER

Sauvignon Blanc has a way of waking up the palate. Its zesty acidity, bright citrus, and signature herbaceous notes make it one of the most food-friendly wines around, whether served as an aperitif, alongside a light lunch, or paired with a full dinner. While many people first encounter it on a warm afternoon or with a plate of seafood, the grape’s versatility stretches well beyond a single season. From steely, mineral-driven bottlings to riper, tropical-fruit expressions, Sauvignon Blanc adapts to a wide array of dishes, making it a year-round choice.

Across the wine world, Sauvignon Blanc can appear lean and mineral, lush and tropical, or layered with subtle oak influence. That stylistic range is exactly what makes it such a valuable partner at the table. Whether paired with seafood, vegetables, poultry, or richer dishes, Sauvignon Blanc offers structure and freshness that complement food rather than compete with it.

A Brief History of Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc originated in the vineyards of the Loire Valley in France, where it produces some of the world’s most recognized expressions, including wines from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. These wines established the grape’s reputation for brisk acidity, citrus-driven aromas, and a distinctive mineral edge. The grape also plays an important role in the white wines of Bordeaux, where it is often blended with Sémillon to bring aromatic lift and freshness to richer, more textured wines. Over time, Sauvignon Blanc spread well beyond France, finding an enthusiastic following in California. The state’s diverse climates allow the grape to express dramatically different personalities, from crisp coastal wines to fruit-forward examples grown in warmer inland regions.

Understanding the Styles of Sauvignon Blanc

Although the grape variety remains the same, climate and winemaking choices can produce dramatically different wines. Recognizing these styles helps make food pairing intuitive.

Crisp, Mineral-Driven

Sauvignon Blanc

One classic expression is the crisp, mineral-driven style often associated with the Loire Valley. These wines tend to show flavors of lemon zest, lime, and green apple, sometimes accompanied by a flinty or chalky minerality. Their brisk acidity makes them natural companions for delicate foods where freshness is key.

Fresh oysters, chilled shellfish, and goat cheese all work beautifully with this style. The wine’s acidity mirrors the brightness of citrus-based vinaigrettes and balances the richness of seafood. Simple preparations such as grilled white fish with lemon and herbs highlight the wine’s precision and freshness.

Herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc

Another familiar expression highlights Sauvignon Blanc’s herbaceous side. Certain growing conditions allow the grape to develop aromas that recall freshly cut grass, green bell pepper, tomato leaf, or lemongrass. These savory notes come from naturally occurring compounds in the grape and contribute to the variety’s distinctive aromatic character.

Those green, aromatic elements often pair exceptionally well with dishes that incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables. Herb-roasted chicken, asparagus, grilled zucchini, or pasta tossed with pesto all echo the wine’s lively, garden-like freshness. In these pairings, the wine and the food reinforce each other’s flavors rather than competing.

Fruit-Forward Sauvignon Blanc

In warmer climates, Sauvignon Blanc frequently takes on a riper and more fruitforward profile. Grapefruit, passionfruit, guava, pineapple, and melon may appear on the palate while the wine retains its refreshing acidity. These wines often feel slightly rounder in texture and can handle a broader range of flavors.

Dishes that incorporate citrus, tropical fruit, or mild spice tend to work particularly well. Shrimp ceviche, grilled fish with fruit salsas, and Vietnamese dishes flavored with lime and fresh herbs all highlight the wine’s vibrant fruit and lively acidity. Fish tacos with avocado crema or citrus-marinated shrimp also complement the wine’s expressive character.

Barrel-Influenced Sauvignon Blanc (Fumé Blanc)

A final category introduces another layer of complexity: Sauvignon Blanc that sees some influence from oak barrels. In California, this style was first dubbed Fumé Blanc by Robert Mondavi. It is not as popular as it once was, but several wineries continue to make their own version. Barrel fermentation or aging adds texture and subtle notes of toasted almond, vanilla, or

gentle smoke while preserving the grape’s natural acidity.

These richer expressions can stand comfortably beside heartier dishes such as roasted chicken with herbs, seared scallops, lobster with butter, or creamy seafood pasta. The added body allows the wine to complement richer flavors that might overwhelm lighter styles.

Why Sauvignon Blanc Works So Well With Food

Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with so many foods largely because of its natural balance. The grape’s bright acidity refreshes the palate between bites, while its aromatic intensity holds its own beside herbs, citrus, and spice. At the same time, moderate alcohol levels keep the wine lively rather than heavy. Because of this balance, Sauvignon Blanc often moves comfortably across multiple courses, and its versatility extends throughout the year. Lighter expressions shine beside spring vegetables and seafood, while richer or oak-influenced styles complement roasted poultry and comforting dishes during cooler months. For cooks and wine lovers alike, the varietal creates wines capable of adapting to many ingredients and cuisines making it one of the most reliable and adaptable companions at the table.

BEHIND THE VINE SAUVIGNON BLANC

St. Supéry, Rutherford Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Founded in 1982, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery is a sauvignon blanc leader in Napa Valley, crafting four distinctly different bottlings of this variety. One of the rare 100% estategrown wineries in Napa Valley with both Napa Green Vineyard and Winery certifications, St. Supéry acquired its Rutherford Estate Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard in 2023. The wineryexclusive sauvignon blanc produced from this organically farmed vineyard is distinctive with a charming sense of place and character. The wine is bright and refreshing with complex aromatics of lime, grapefruit, citrus blossom, stone fruit and a savory thread of salty caper and wet stone. It is richly layered with pleasing acid structure and balance filling the senses with Kaffir lime, lemon zest, passionfruit and orange blossom honey. A perfect wine to share and pair with a broad range of dishes this summer.

$45 www.stsupery.com

2023 Trilogy

Stretchers & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc, Sentivo Vineyards

The Stretchers & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc from Sentivo Vineyards is a vibrant, refreshing expression of Northern California (Chalk Hill). Bright notes of citrus, crisp green apple, and hints of tropical fruit are balanced by lively acidity, making it both approachable and beautifully layered. Crafted with intention, this wine is part of the Stretchers & Ladders collection—an initiative dedicated to honoring and supporting first responders. A Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and with 15% of every sale giving back, each bottle supports those who serve our communities in critical moments, reflecting a deeper purpose in every pour.

$50 www.sentivovineyards.com

The 2023 Trilogy marks a defining moment for Flora Springs, opening a new chapter while honoring more than four decades of heritage. One of Napa Valley’s original proprietary red blends, it unites Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot in a seamless expression of balance and intent. The vintage reveals layers of blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum, with notes of graphite, cedar, and subtle spice. Polished tannins carry a long, elegant finish. Awarded 96 points from Decanter and 95 points from James Suckling, it debuts new packaging under Gina Gallo-Boisset, signaling a vision that is both grounded and forward-looking.

$100 www.florasprings.com

THE BIATTA FAMILY & Lasagna con Amore

FRAN MILLER

On February 28, 2020, chef Massimo Biatta stepped off a plane at San Francisco International Airport with his wife Sonia Giovanazzi, their two sons Lorenzo and Giacomo, a handful of suitcases, and a dream that felt within reach. This was going to be the place where they finally opened an authentic Italian bistrot— the land of wine, sun, and extraordinary produce. Three days later, the world went into lockdown.

Another family might have booked the next flight home. But the Biattas started cooking. Refusing to let uncertainty define them, Chef Massimo and Sonia channeled every ounce of their energy into something their new community desperately needed: comfort, warmth, and a table that felt like home. In the small Solano County town of Benicia, they co-founded Amore Bistrot, built entirely from scratch, and infused from day one with the belief that food, at its best, is medicine for the soul.

The bistrot thrived. For three years, guests crossed the threshold and were transported, not to a restaurant, but to a Sunday lunch in northern Italy, the kind where nobody is in a hurry and the ragù has been simmering since morning. Chef Massimo’s cooking is rooted in the memory of his mother’s kitchen: a matriarchal household where recipes were never written  BY

down, only felt. “She cooked by instinct,” he says. “Love went onto the plate before the ingredients did.” It is a philosophy he has carried from Milan to London to California, and one that guests at Amore Bistrot recognized immediately.

A New Chapter in Wine Country

After three successful years, life presented another turning point. Rather than stay still, the family reinvented themselves once more. The result is Lasagna con Amore, now based in Napa.

It’s a boutique Italian catering experience and sparkling and unique food trailer that brings the full warmth of their hospitality directly to the people of wine country.

Today, Lasagna con Amore is a fixture at wineries across Solano, Napa, and Sonoma counties, and a sought-after presence at weddings, baby showers, milestone birthdays, and private celebrations. An outpouring of glowing feedback across Google and Yelp has helped put the beloved food trailer firmly on the Napa Valley map. Guests consistently praise the authenticity, warmth, and care that goes into each menu

Says Sonia, “That moment when a guest tastes something and their face changes; when a single bite takes them all the way back to childhood, to a grandmother’s kitchen, to a trip to Italy they never forgot. That is why we cook."

item. Every dish is prepared by hand using fresh ingredients alongside products imported directly from Italy, staying faithful to the traditions Massimo has carried his entire life.

More Than a Meal

For many Americans, a plate of Lasagna con Amore is an act of rediscovery — a reconnection with Italian roots, with grandparents’ kitchens, with the aromas of a holiday table long past. For others, it is a delicious first encounter with the Italy they have always wanted to visit. In either case, the experience is the same: a small, deliberate journey around a shared table.

The family is already building on that vision. Coming soon: a series of elegant popup experiences featuring themed Italian carts — intimate mobile stations where fresh specialties are prepared live, in front of guests, turning an ordinary moment into something genuinely memorable. Corporate breakfasts, business lunches, and private events will never look quite the same.

For the Biattas, every plate that leaves their hands carries the same message it always has, from a pandemic-era bistrot in Benicia to the sun-drenched vineyards of Napa Valley: food is not just cooking. It is experience. It is memory. It is love — and this is only the beginning.

Says Sonia, “That moment when a guest tastes something and their face changes; when a single bite takes them all the way back to childhood, to a grandmother’s kitchen, to a trip to Italy they never forgot. That is why we cook.”

www.lasagnaconamore.com

This live-work-play community will feature pickleball courts, an Event Center, parks, an Organic Farm and Golf Course in addition to miles of hiking and biking trails.

Tour the 7 elegant model homes, tailored to your modern lifestyle. The tour begins at the Visitors Center, located at 200 Mount Royal Rd. in Vacaville. Follow @LagoonValley on social for the latest news & updates. Lagoon-Valley.com

The SHORT LIST

Karen Crouse

My wine toolbox. My utility drawer. My laundry room. One of the questions I get asked most often is, “What’s in yours?”

I soon realized people were asking for more than a list. They wanted to know what I actually use and what I had already tested and vetted. That is what started my What’s in My... series.

In each one, I share my short list so you can skip the trial and error. I do the comparing, testing, and editing down, then pass along the tried-and-true picks that earn a place in my home.

I’m starting with one of my essentials: What’s on my bar cart?

A bar cart is a little like a front porch. It tells you what kind of welcome is waiting. Mine changes with the seasons, just like the table, the menu, and the flowers. In spring and summer, there is cut citrus, rosemary tips, clear glass, and something cold ready to pour. In fall and winter, I bring in amber bottles, orange peel, and a little spice for holiday gatherings.

I keep a few staples on it year-round: small-batch bitters, a long-handled bar spoon, lemons and limes, rosemary sprigs, good cocktail napkins, and a simple decanter for wine, water, or a batched cocktail. Nothing on it is there by accident. When the basics are within reach, the cart works the way a good kitchen does. The opener is nearby. The garnish is fresh. Everything is where it should be. A good cart lets you stay with your guests, not leave the room to open drawers or wipe down a bottle before you can hand someone a drink.

That is at the heart of What’s in My...: I open drawers, carts, shelves, and everyday spaces, then share the tools, staples, and resources I find most useful. To see what’s on my bar cart, find Cart Confidential on the facing page, with even more on my website. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.karencrousenapavalley.com

WHAT’S ON MY BAR CART

Easy entertaining starts here. In The Short List, I share why a well-stocked bar cart is one of my essentials. Here are the practical details: the bottles, mixers, tools, and fresh garnishes I keep close at hand so I’m ready to pour a drink and welcome friends. A good cart does not need to be crowded. A few dependable spirits, fresh citrus, good bitters, a jigger, shaker tins, and plenty of ice give you the

makings of a well-made drink without a last-minute scramble. These are the tried-and-true essentials I use most, whether I’m mixing something crisp for a summer evening or setting out the cart before friends arrive.

Cheers!

THE FOUNDATIONS

• Vodka

• Gin

• Bourbon or rye

• Sweet vermouth

• Dry vermouth

• Aperitif or amaro

• Orange or cherry liqueur

THE ESSENTIALS

• Tonic water

• Soda water

• Cocktail cherries

• Aromatic bitters

• Orange bitters

• Fresh citrus

• Simple syrup or honey syrup

THE TOOLS

• Shaker tins, Boston set

• Jigger

• Mixing glass

• Hawthorne strainer

• Fine mesh strainer

• Bar spoon

• Muddler

• Hand citrus press

• Zester

• Large ice tray for 2-inch cubes

• Lewis bag and mallet

• Bitters bottles with dasher tops

• Speed pourers

• Ice bucket with tongs

• Small cutting board

• Paring knife

• Bar towels

• Microfiber cloth

MILLER

FNapa Valley Realtor DEBORAH HANSON

Finds Her Calling

or more than two decades, Deborah Hanson carried a quiet dream. Real estate had long fascinated her—the architecture, the stories behind homes, and the deeply personal moment when someone finds the place they truly want to live. She bought the books, studied the industry, and imagined the day she might finally pursue it professionally.

Life, as it often does, moved quickly. Family responsibilities, business ventures, and everyday commitments kept that dream waiting in the wings. Then came 2020.

During the unexpected stillness of the pandemic, Hanson revisited the goal she had held for more than 20 years. With renewed focus, she immersed herself in coursework and earned her real estate license. What had once been a long-held aspiration quickly became a thriving second career built on relationships, local knowledge, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping others find their place in Napa Valley.

Today Hanson works with Realty ONE Group Fox, guiding buyers and sellers across Napa County and neighboring communities including Sonoma, Fairfield, Dixon, and Vacaville. Her approach reflects a philosophy rooted in service and communication.

“Helping people achieve their real estate dreams is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do,” she says. “Every situation is unique, and with the right due diligence and open communication, I strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.”

That mindset resonates with clients. Many describe Hanson as both meticulous and deeply invested in the outcome of each transaction. One recent client summarized the experience this way: “Deborah was professional, consistent, and a go-getter

in the sale of our home. She made herself available whenever we needed her and guided us through every step.”

Hanson’s life in Napa Valley extends far beyond real estate, giving her a genuine understanding of the lifestyle her clients seek. She and her husband operate a small vineyard producing Destiny Family Wines, along with Destiny Wine Tours and the Napa Valley Cocktail Company, a mobile bar service. These ventures keep her closely connected to the hospitality and wine communities that define the region.

That background also informs her perspective on property. Hanson brings an eye for design, staging, and potential, skills that help clients envision what a home can become. According to her website, she combines local expertise with insights from

hospitality and design to create a smooth and rewarding experience for buyers and sellers alike.

Family remains the foundation of it all. Hanson and her husband have two married children and four grandchildren who bring constant joy and perspective. Those relationships shape the way she approaches her work: every home represents someone’s future gathering place, investment, and personal story.

For Hanson, becoming a realtor was never simply about selling houses. It was about building connections, guiding people through meaningful transitions, and sharing the lifestyle that makes Napa Valley such a special place to live. After 20 years of waiting for the right moment, the dream finally arrived, right on time.

AT THE TABLE

How Family Conversations Shape the Future

BY FRAN MILLER

Napa Valley summers seems to bring families back to the table. As the sun drops behind the Mayacamas, long tables fill beneath oak trees and vineyard trellises. Plates pass from hand to hand, glasses of local wine are poured, and conversation stretches into the night. For many families, these gatherings are rare moments when several generations find themselves together in one place.

Children weave between chairs while grandparents linger over stories. Adult siblings reconnect after months of busy schedules. New partners join the circle. Babies arrive in arms. With every passing year, the family grows and changes. And when everyone gathers, something interesting happens. Families begin to see themselves more clearly.

Who naturally takes the lead in organizing the next outing? Who makes sure everyone feels included? Who asks thoughtful questions about the family’s history—or its future? And who seems unsure where they fit in?

These moments often reveal the underlying dynamics of a family. For families who share a business, vineyard, ranch, or significant assets, those dynamics matter more than many people realize. Over time, decisions need to be made about leadership, stewardship, and the role each generation hopes to play. Yet many families avoid these conversations, assuming they will resolve themselves.

In Danielle Louton’s work advising multi-generational families, she often sees that the healthiest families approach these topics intentionally. “They create space to talk about values, expectations, and the future,” says Louton. “Not just the day-to-day demands of life and work. These conversations don’t always need to

Who makes sure everyone feels included? Who asks thoughtful questions about the family’s history—or its future? And who seems unsure where they fit in?

be formal. For some families, they begin casually—during a backyard barbecue, a walk through the vineyard, or a long dinner where stories about how the family’s business or land was built.”

She explains that over time, some families create more structured opportunities for dialogue: an annual retreat, a family meeting,

or even a family council where decisions about the future can be discussed openly. The goal is not control. It is clarity and connection. “Many families find that simple traditions strengthen those bonds,” adds Louton. “Asking each generation to share stories about the family’s history. Inviting younger members to talk about their hopes for the future. Creating opportunities to work together on shared projects, whether that’s philanthropy, stewardship of land, or planning the next gathering. These moments help each generation understand both the responsibility and opportunity that comes with being part of something larger than themselves.”

Summer reunions can provide a reminder that families are living systems. They grow, evolve, and sometimes struggle. When families invest in their relationships with the same care they give their businesses or vineyards, something remarkable happens. Those long tables beneath the Napa sky become more than gatherings. They become the place where a family’s story, and its future begin to take shape.

Danielle Louton is a partner at Summit Trail Advisors, where she works with enterprising families on long-term wealth organization, governance, and multi-generational planning. Contact her at 260-615-3662, 415-604-5232, or email: danielle.louton@SummitTrail.com

Summit Trail Advisors, LLC (“STA”) is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where STA and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Paid advertisement by Summit Trail Advisors, LLC.

RICHARD STARKS

A Lifetime Forged in Metal

For more than 65 years, Richard Starks has been captivated by metal — the sounds, the sparks, the heat, and even the smells.

“Watching the molten puddle while I form a new weld is hypnotic,” he says. Using TIG welding exclusively, Starks shapes stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum into forms that are precise, expressive, and deeply physical.

Starks began creating larger welded sculptures in 1998, and after retiring from teaching in 2005, he dedicated himself fully to sculpture. Eleven semesters of advanced sculpture and public art classes at San Jose State University followed, refining his approach to scale, material, and form. The result is work that feels intentional and cohesive, with surfaces so carefully sanded and finished they appear carved from a single, solid piece of metal.

Public art has become a significant part of Starks’s practice. His sculptures have been exhibited for nearly two decades in outdoor and indoor settings throughout California, including long-running installations in Los Altos, Cloverdale, Orinda, and Yountville, as well as exhibitions at Filoli Gardens, the Ruth Bancroft Gardens Sculpture Show, and San Jose State University galleries. Festivals and shows ranging from Sausalito to Saratoga to the

SEMA Show in Las Vegas have further expanded the reach of his work.

Yountville, in particular, holds special meaning. “I thank the town of Yountville for allowing me to be part of their Art Walk program,” Starks says. “While wandering through the town, a visitor will see all types of sculptures placed along the walkways. I have been lucky to be a participant in this program for over 10 years.” The accessibility of the program matters to him as well. “The sculptures are not only on display,” he notes, “but are available for purchase,” reinforcing the connection between artist, community, and collector.

Starks’s relationship with form began long before public exhibitions. As a child, he spent hours doodling, carving shapes in dirt or sand, and even sculpting watermelon and cheese before drawing the results. Drafting and drawing classes later provided the technical framework to support that early curiosity. Today, most of his sculptures originate from imagined shapes first explored in his mind and sketchbook.

A 35-year career teaching industrial arts in the East Side Union High School District further sharpened his technical skill and patience. Teaching metals, wood, drafting, electronics, and art reinforced the fundamentals that continue to guide his studio practice.

When asked which piece is his favorite, Starks always gives the same answer: “The one I’m working on right now.” It’s a fitting response for an artist whose work reflects both lifelong discipline and ongoing curiosity.

Looking beyond individual installations, Starks credits the broader region for its support. “The entire Napa Valley area has an appreciation for all types of artwork,” he says. “The Napa Valley community is a perfect setting for displaying and promoting the arts.”

In steel shaped by fire and imagination, Richard Starks continues to build forms meant not just to be seen, but experienced.

B

U Y I N G O R

S E L L I N G A H O M E ?

L E T ' S W O R K T O G E T H E R !

B u y i n g o r s e l l i n g a h o m e s h o u l d n ’ t f e e l o v e r w h e l m i n g a n d w i t h

t h e r i g h t r e a l e s t a t e p a r t n e r , i t d o e s n ’ t h a v e t o b e . W i t h o v e r 2 0

y e a r s o f p r o v e n e x p e r i e n c e , I b r i n g t h e i n s i g h t , s t r a t e g y , a n d s t e a d y

g u i d a n c e y o u n e e d t o n a v i g a t e e v e r y s t e p w i t h c o n f i d e n c e a n d

a c h i e v e t h e b e s t p o s s i b l e r e s u l t .

K A T R I N A K L A M

E X P R E A L T Y O F S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A

N T A C T :

Three Locations, One Standard at Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Café

At Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Cafe, the idea is simple and tightly edited: pastry and coffee, done properly. With locations on Brown Street in Napa, in American Canyon, and a third in Green Valley, the café has built a steady following among locals and visitors looking for something reliable to start the day.

Owner Jay Magsano didn’t approach the business as a broad, all-day café. The concept came from a more personal place. “Le Paris was born out of a deep passion for food, hospitality, and creating meaningful experiences,” he says. “This wasn’t just a business—it truly felt like a calling.” His goal was to create a space where people could come in, enjoy what they ordered, and feel taken care of without unnecessary complexity. “We visualize you taking your

first bite and going off into your happy place”, he continues. “We think about what kinds of memories you have while eating your favorite dessert or pastry and get to work making it happen with our finest ingredients.”

The menu reflects that whimsy. The pastry case is focused on French standards—croissants, pain au chocolat, almond croissants, fruit tarts, and macarons. Croissants are beautifully laminated, with defined layers and delicious fillings. Alongside the classics, Magsano introduces occasional variations that reflect his Filipino background, including ube (purple yam).

“We stay rooted in tradition while remaining flexible,” he explains. “It’s about finding that balance.”

Coffee is treated with the same reverence: correct extraction, proper milk texture, and consistency from cup to cup. It’s never an

afterthought. Espresso is dialed in daily, forming the base for a short list of drinks that cover the essentials—cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, and iced options.

Ingredient sourcing is handled with a clear standard. “If it’s not something we would serve to our own family, it doesn’t belong in our café,” Magsano says. The emphasis is on quality and reliability, which helps maintain consistency across all three locations.

Running a café in Napa Valley has brought a mix of expected and unexpected clientele. While the region is known for wine, Le Paris sees steady traffic in the earlier part of the day—before tastings and reservations begin. “We’ve had guests come from all over,” Magsano notes. The café has also become a regular stop for drivers and transportation services moving visitors through the valley, a role that places it into the daily routine of many itineraries.

There is also a strong connection with the Filipino community, particularly through the inclusion of familiar flavors like ube in the pastry lineup. That detail, while subtle, carries weight for guests who recognize it. For Magsano, the measure of success is practical. “We want every guest to feel welcomed, valued, and cared for,” he says. “If they leave with a sense of comfort and the desire to come back, then we’ve done our job.”

BODYGLAM'S SUMMER RESET

Detox, Sculpt, Renew

BY FRAN MILLER

Summer arrives in Napa Valley with long and luminous days, vineyards that are lush and thriving, and life that moves outdoors. The season naturally invites confidence in how we feel, how we move, and how we care for our bodies. At BodyGlam Studio, founder Anya Tatarenko embraces this moment with a reset designed to detoxify, sculpt, and help clients look and feel their best during the valley's most vibrant months.

Summer has a way of raising the stakes. Heat, travel, celebrations, and long sun-filled days can show up as puffiness, sluggish circulation, and skin that feels congested or dehydrated. The season offers the ideal moment to reset. At BodyGlam, that process begins with one of the studio's most soughtafter treatments: lymphatic drainage.

The lymphatic system functions as the body's natural filtration network, moving lymph fluid through vessels and nodes to remove toxins, excess fluid, and waste. When circulation slows — as it often does in the heat — the body can hold onto that buildup, leading to bloating, fatigue, and inflammation. Gentle lymphatic drainage

stimulates the system, encouraging fluid movement and restoring balance.

Clients often notice visible and physical benefits after treatment. Lymphatic drainage can reduce water retention and bloating, improve circulation, detoxify both face and body, and smooth the appearance of skin by minimizing puffiness and supporting healthy tissue function. The treatment also helps prepare the body for more targeted contouring work.

Once the body's detox pathways are activated, BodyGlam's Summer Reset moves into sculpting and refinement with the advanced T-Shape 2 system. This multi-technology treatment combines radiofrequency, laser therapy, and vacuum suction to address several aesthetic goals at once. The treatment helps tighten skin, improve texture, reduce localized fat, and define targeted areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, buttocks, and neck.

The two-step process — detoxification followed by contouring — is intentional. By optimizing lymphatic flow first, the body is better prepared to respond to tightening and

fat reduction treatments, allowing results to develop more efficiently and naturally over time. As Tatarenko explains, gradual improvement often delivers the most natural-looking outcome. "When you give the body time to respond, the changes feel subtle but significant — and that's exactly what clients are looking for."

BodyGlam's philosophy centers on personalized care and a holistic understanding of the body. Sessions take place in a serene studio environment where treatments are tailored to each client's goals, whether that means easing summer puffiness, refining contours, or simply feeling more energized and confident.

As Napa Valley settles into the height of its summer season, BodyGlam offers an opportunity to align with that spirit of vitality. Detoxifying the body, restoring circulation, and sculpting that can help clients move through the season feeling lighter, refreshed, and fully ready to enjoy every sun-drenched moment.