Drinks

Quilceda Creek Winery: 45 Years of Vinous Perfection

It takes passion and focus to craft some of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignon. That’s the intention of the Golitzin family of Quilceda Creek winery. At their state-of-the-art facility, just outside Seattle,…

Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata: Sicily’s New Dream Team

Everything about the Donnafugata partnership with the Dolce & Gabbana fashion house is based around the Mediterranean island of Sicily. The two powerhouses with Sicilian roots joined forces in 2019 to create an even more powerful collaboration—a wine collection designed with Dolce & Gabbana style and Donnafugata wine expertise.

The Guardsmen’s 47th Annual Wine Auction

On Saturday, February 10th, 2024, The Guardsmen hosted its 47th annual San Francisco Wine Auction at The Palace Hotel. The event welcomed 345 people for dinner, a live-lot auction, and a wine tasting…

Nearing 50, Calera Continues to Captivate

In 1975, legendary vintner and pioneer Josh Jensen founded Calera (Spanish for “lime kiln”) high in the mountains of California’s majestic Central Coast. In the nearly five decades since, Calera has helped…

Istria Undiscovered: A wonderland hidden in plain sight

At first impression, Istria’s rustic charm leads one to believe it is the quintessential diamond in the rough. A place where, after a few precise cuts are made and a healthy polish applied, the truly magnificent gem within will be realized. But first impressions invariably give way to the second, third, and fourth. When seen from the inside, one recognizes the Croation peninsula of Istria for what it truly is: a brilliant and sophisticated jewel hidden in plain sight on the Adriatic coast. It is an ancient land, rich in history, dotted with picturesque towns, and blessed with a verdant coastline bordered by the clear blue sea. 

Not Drinking? We Have the Libation You Seek

Dry January. Detox. Sober-curious. Thirsty. Whyever you choose to eschew alcohol this month (or forever), we support you. While drinking zero proof used to be a boring way to belly up to…

New Beachfront Restaurant Celeste Opens at Las Catalinas

Referred to as one of the most important and beautiful new towns in the world by renowned Notre Dame School of Architecture Professor Douglas Duany, Las Catalinas debuts the opening of the…

11 Well-Priced Haute Wines That Over Deliver

As wine prices continue to creep up the retail ladder, several high profile brands choose to keep it real with moderately priced varietals that over deliver on quality. Based on flavor and…

Opus One Premieres: Yang Bao’s Sol One

The world premiere of Yang Bao’s Sol One on November 8, 2023 marked the debut of a new collaboration between Opus One and Festival Napa Valley: Opus One Premieres. According to the composer, “Sol One”…

Whiskey & Wellness by Mead Quin

On September 29, 2023, Mead Quin, a prestigious residential interior design studio located in Emeryville, held their second annual Whiskey & Wellness gathering at Hammerling Wines in Berkeley, CA. The event aimed…

Chotto Matte Grand Opening

On Friday, October 20, Chotto Matte celebrated the opening of its San Francisco location, and the global restaurant brand’s first on the West Coast. Guests indulged in canapes and cocktails from the…

Discover Ross Ranch: The Perfect Blend

Nestled in the picturesque Knights Valley of Sonoma County lies Ross Ranch, a captivating estate that boasts not only exceptional California Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, but also a unique blend of warm hospitality.…

From Persia to LA and Napa Valley

The American dream of Darioush Khaledi I had the pleasure of meeting Darioush Khaledi when I joined the Festival Napa Valley’s board of directors in 2019. Khaledi was a festival cofounder and…