Wine Country Agenda: Timber Cove, 1881 Napa, Coqueta NV, CA Wine Fest
Author:Annette HanamiWinemaker Dinners at Timber Cove Resort on the Sonoma Coast
Joining the Design Hotels™ portfolio this year, Timber Cove Resort is a faithful homage by LA studio The Novogratz of the original 1963 coastal architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic style. The 60s vibe is integrated in the interiors with mid-century furnishings blending with bold contemporary pieces and local artwork leading to an Outdoor Living Room and plenty of fire pits. In the guest rooms, vinyl record players transport guests to the resort’s heyday when it appealed to well-known artists and intellectuals.
Situated on a dramatic bluff on the Sonoma Coast, the property spans 25 acres and 2 miles of private oceanfront hiking trails with each of the 46 guest rooms and suites featuring a redwook deck or balcony with beautiful views. With the on-site Coast Kitchen restaurant, the resort is a true getaway. On Thursday July 11, Coast Kitchen is teaming with Anderson Valley vintner Seebass Vineyards for a food and wine pairing dinner showcasing locally-sourced ingredients: amuse of coastal bites; yellowtail with citrus broth, pickled green papaya and sea beans; Porcini Cavatelli with swiss chard, citrus miso butter, aged pork lomo and summer truffle; duck ‘two ways’ and chocolate torte. Cost is $140 pp with advance reservations. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner
The Most Stylish Wine Museum and Tasting Salon in Wine Country: 1881 Napa
After acquiring an historic 1874 Victorian in Oakville and the adjacent Oakville Grocery, California’s oldest continuously operating grocery store earlier this year, Jean-Charles Boisset has realized the pair into a one-stop introduction to Napa Valley history, terroir, food and wine. The Victorian, which had been re-imagined Howard Backen as a more open and bright space for wine tasting, is now an appealing and stylish museum 1881 Napa with early California wine ephemera as well as a detailed guide to Napa’s various microclimates.
Underneath the 48-light Baccarat crystal Zenith chandelier, wine tastings illustrate the diversity in styles in comparative flights such as “Majestic Mountains Versus Plush Valley” or tasting Cabernets from 12 of the 16 distinct subregions of Napa Valley.
Visitation to the 1881 Napa exhibit area is complementary to the public, tastings currently range from $45 to $175 pp. Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7856 St. Helena Highway at Oakville Cross Road.
Coqueta For Small Bites
Fans of San Francisco’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Coqueta SF, and of Spanish-style tapas/pinxtos dining, will be pleased to have the same flavorful, small bites and social experience in Wine Country. At Coqueta Napa Valley, owner and chef Michael Chiarello brings the authentic regional flavors of Madrid, Catalonia, Basque Country, local ingredients and the shared passion for food, wine and enjoying life, indoors and on a large patio with typical tapas bar style tables for casual gatherings. Think cocktails, local and Spanish wines, hot and cold tapas/pinxtos, cheese and charcuterie plates, as well as more substantial dishes from the wood-fired grill for sharing, such as paella, bone-in ribeye, pork shoulder or whole-roasted fish. 6525 Washington Street, Yountville
Quintessential Beachside Wine Fest at the California Wine Fest
On July 19-20, the California Wine Festival moves to The American Riviera in Santa Barbara for quintessential beachside wine tasting with 300 wineries, gourmet bites and live music. Friday night’s Champagne reception 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Chase Palm Park Carousel will be followed by a rare and reserve wines tasting ($110 pp in advance) and on Saturday, the signature Beachside Wine Festival will take place Oceanside from 12-4 p.m. ($90 pp in advance) or from 1 p.m. ($70 pp). Two-day VIP pass is $175 pp in advance including early admission on Saturday and access to the VIP pavilion. Prices rise at the door. Purchase on the website.
