Wine Country Agenda: Cakebread, Anaba Wines, Perry Lang’s
Author:Annette HanamiNapa Valley Classic Cakebread Opens a New Visitors Center With Immersive Experiences
Established over 45 years ago in Napa Valley and one of its most trusted brands, Cakebread has completed a major multi-year modernization with a 10,000 square foot renovation and 36,000 foot addition that immerses guest in the art of winemaking and food and wine pairing.
Designed by SF Studio BCV Architecture+Interiors, the center is clad is reclaimed redwood tank staves that complements the original William Turnbull-designed winery. The main reception room is bathed in light from the sky-lit cupola, floor-to-ceiling windows and barrel stave light fixtures. Restored midcentury lounge furniture imbues an arc of time along with family memorabilia in the modern setting.
Uniquely, nine new private tasting rooms were designed to provide distinct educational experiences. In the culinary wing, three tasting rooms dedicated to food and wine pairing seminars overlook citrus trees and vineyards. Cakebread’s culinary program and gardens are longstanding, with director Brian Streeter’s 30+ year tenure at Cakebread truly rare. Four tasting rooms were built directly in the cellar itself with two looking out to the fermentation room and 12 new concrete egg fermenters, connecting guests with the art of winemaking. The Lab is designed for more technical tastings and workshops, while the Tank Room can accommodate larger groups and events. BCV principal-in-charge Han Baldauf said “Cakebread’s focus on providing an immersive guest experience and connection to the winemaking process truly sets it apart. The winery has long eschewed large tasting bars for more intimate experiences, so BCV was thrilled to creat new spaces that offer an elevated and personalized visit.”
Visits to Cakebread are by appointment only. Tastings and food and wine pairings range from $25 pp to $85 pp. The library tasting ($85) may take place in the Dancing Bear tasting room at the axis of the cellar, the name taken after Cakebread’s signature Cabernet from Howell Mountain with an interesting story all its own. 8300 St. Helena Hwy Rutherford
Taste the Elements at Anaba Wines in Sonoma Valley
Wine lovers on their way to Sonoma or Napa Valley have driven by Anaba Wines at the intersection of Highways 121 and 116 a hundred times, never knowing what was behind the small tasting room set-off from the road. With the opening of their new winery and Vintners House, Wine Country visitors have a compelling reason to stop and explore Anaba’s Rhone-style wines and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines which are in fact, excellent.
Beyond the original farmhouse tasting room is the Vintners House designed by Sebastopol firm Steve Martin Associates in an agrarian style that blends in the landscape. The buildings surround a courtyard shielded from the Anabatic winds that give the winery its name, framing a truly stunning view of the valley and Sonoma Mountains. The interiors were designed by Gary Finnan’s CadenceCo that vintners John Thomas and John Michael Sweazey say mix the old world, modern Sonoma and the elements of earth, wind and sun.
In this sweeping locale in Sonoma Valley, the Sweazeys take advantage of the wind becoming in 2009, the first Northern Cal winery to utilize wind power for their operations. In addition to solar panels on the new buildings, Anaba plans to be 100% renewable energy by 2020.
Winemakers Ross Cobb and Katy Wilson bring savoir faire to the West County wines, having worked with the vineyards and wines of the far west Sonoma Coast for years with renowned wineries. Tastings range from $25 pp to $65 pp. Anaba Wines is open daily 10:30 am – 5:00 pm. 60 Bonneau Road, Sonoma
New Steakhouse in Yountville at Perry Lang’s
Housed in the former mansion of the landmarked 19th century Groezinger Wine Cellars, the new Perry Lang’s restaurant is set amidst the Estate Yountville’s Hotel Villagio and Vintage House.
The rich interiors designed by Manhattan Beach designer Theresa Fatino combines Wine Country style with a timeless New York steakhouse feel where guests can enjoy classic Dry Aged N.Y. Strip, Dry Aged Bone-in Rib Eye, Short Rib Steak, or Tomahawk Chop.
The restaurant also features a full cocktail program and Napa Valley focused wine selection. Open for dinner nightly from 5 – 11 pm. 6539 Washington Street, Yountville
