Dario Sattui expanded his European influence when he designed and built Castello di Amarosa almost 20 years ago. Every detail, nook, and cranny benefits from Dario's attention to detail. Michala Jeberg, PR & Marketing manager, provided a tour of the Castello ending at the tasting room where we met with Winemaker, Peter Velleno. Like V Sattui, Castello has a tasty Rose, the 2017 Rosato Morning Dew Ranch, but is made with Pinot Noir vs Sattui's Sangiovese. We also enjoyed the 2016 Chardonnay aged in 100% new French Oak barrel with 43% undergoing malolactic fermentation, the single Voyager Vineyard, 2014 Sangiovese dark in nature with cherry, baking spice, and dark fruit hints and the flagship, limited production 2014 Il Barone Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly sourced from Rutherford along with 7% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot for rich color. The Il Barone is flavorful, structured, and pairs well with grilled red meats. Our tasting finished with the Anderson Valley 2016 Gewurztraminer Late Harvest with notes of clove, rose petal, and honey pairing well with chocolate, baked fruits, and artisanal cheeses. Great tour and wines!

Thank you Michala and Peter for your time and hospitality. #tasteofwineandfood #ricotowaf #franktowaf #castellodiamorosa #napavalley

A slice of Tuscany in St Helena - Entering V Sattui winery is like hyperspacing to an expansive deli in Tuscany, Italy with hanging meats, cheeses, breads, and more. Vittorio and Dario's dreams of a cozy deli and winery where persons could enjoy deli delicacies and great wine were realized. We were grateful for our VIP tour where President Tom Davies shared the winery’s rich history. Based on the history and zoning of V Sattui's unique commercial / agriculture zoning, they are able to offer amazing venues above and beyond their deli and picnic grounds lead by Chef Gerardo Sainato inclduing wine events such as the Harvest Ball (9/15/2018) and weddings. Chef Sainato and his team create fresh foods daily for the Italian Marketplace and Artisan Deli. We were able to enjoy Chef's charcuterie and sandwiches/paninis over lunch - AMAZING. Tom also explained that Michelin-star chef Stefano Masanti is the founder and visionary of one of northern Italy’s most beloved restaurants, Il Cantinone spending his off season at V Sattui teaming up with Chef Sainato. Award winning winemaker Brooks Painter joined us for lunch. It is always a treat to be in the company of an experienced wine maker like Brooks who was named “Winemaker of the Year” at the 2013 San Francisco International Wine Competition, the largest, most influential international wine competition in America and again at the American Fine Wine Competition in 2015. During lunch we enjoyed the following wines selected by Brooks - 2017 Rosato di Sangiovese - a unique and great tasting Rose, 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - great with the cheeses that we had, the newly released 2016 Napa Valley Pinot Noir - perfect with the deli meats, and finished lunch with the top scoring 2013 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvingnon along with Sattui's signature gelato. I was savoring each bite and swallow.

Thank you Tom and Brooks for your time and hospitality! 
#tasteofwineandfood #ricotowaf #franktowaf  #vsattui #vsattuiwinery

Sal Ercolano, owner Seasalt Del Mar, repeats three in a row sold out wine dinners, this time with Justin / Landmark wines.  The evening started off with Justin Sauvingnon Blanc and Chef Hilario's signature Hors d'oeuvres followed by Landmark Chardonnay paired with a seafood medley.  Next came a pork belly with risotto and chutney along with Landmark Pinot Noir and then the main course veal sage with flagship 2014 Justin Isosceles, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvingnon , Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.  The meal ended with a Gruyere Souffle and Justin Justification a Merlot and Cab Franc.  Contact Seasalt to be part of the next wine dinner on July 26, featuring a Tour of France.

#tasteofwineandfood #ricotowaf #franktowaf 
#seasaltdelmar #delmar