Picazzo’s management enjoyed a lovely time in the fabulous Napa and Sonoma Valley, California. The general managers enjoyed wine tastings and were educated about the unique growing area of this California region. The time together was educational and an opportunity for team building. Picazzo’s serves wonderful wines from this region and we are eager to share our journey through Napa and Sonoma’s wine tasting and tours with our extended Picazzo’s family.
Napa and Sonoma Valley’s are considered one of the premier wine regions in the world and is now considered a major enotourism destination whose purpose is tasting, consumption or the purchase of wine at or near the source.
Our group met at Gott’s Roadside. This great roadside burger restaurant is owned by none other than renownedwine maker, Joel Gott. We ate our juicy hamburgers at picnic tables and enjoyed the mild temperatures and each other’s company.
After lunch we were whisked off to Joel Gott Winery for a VIP tasting and tour of their facility in St. Helena. They are a small family winery focused on the quality wines at an excellent value. This is why Picazzo’s chose their wine to be part of our lineup. The Trinchero Family Estates partnered with Joel Gott in 2009 to increase wine distribution and allow them to focus on winemaking and innovation.
Our group stayed at the historic Sutter Home Victorian Inn with all of its nostalgic quaintness. Each room was unique and very comfortable and we all enjoyed our time with them. We were greeted with beautiful bouquets of flowers and sweet treats!
Next, we toured Trinchero Family Estates for a tour and tasting. The Trinchero Family claims to be the green pioneer in the community. They received the Green Business Award ten consecutive years for their commitment to not only their sustainable farming practices, but also through waste reduction, water conservation, recycling, solar energy and more. A method called shoot thinning reduces and nearly eliminates the need for agrichemical applications and it improves the quality of the wine produced.
We enjoyed another fabulous dinner at the Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena. This farm-to-table new American fare restaurant serves from a unique renovated barn owned by a cattle ranch and winery.
We started our next day at the exquisite Chateau at Domaine Carneros. The setting is breathtaking and resembles an Italian landscape. The tasting room grandly sits above the top of a hillside and is adorned with magnificent landscaping. Domaine Carneros is a singular winery best known as a small grower-producer of method champenoise sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, and estate vineyards.
L to R: Rick, Nancy, Chris, Sean, Heidi, Rob, Jordan and Bob
We had a delicious lunch faire at the Cloud’s Nest amongst a grand setting in their vineyard.
Napa Cellars also owned by the Trinchero Family hosted us for another VIP tasting. Their unique Oakville location is famed for its luscious Chardonnay and authentic Napa reds.
The next day we started with The Hess Collection winery for a tasting and tour. Donald Hess began collecting art in 1966 and features a wonderful museum filled with his extensive contemporary art on site. The Hess Collection is best known for its flagship Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. They are also a leader in sustainable practices and live by Hess’ philosophy to “Nurture the land/return what you take.”
Our tour was very informative both in the cellars and in the vineyard. The grounds were inviting with the many trellis and vines cooling the day from the warm temperatures. We really enjoyed the time in the cellars, cooling in their temperate controlled environment.
Picazzo’s had a fabulous time in Napa, Sonoma and St. Helena. Thank you to all that helped plan and coordinate this first class event. We had tons of fun together and learned a great deal about the industry. We tasted many decadent wines, cheeses and amazing meals. We love working for Picazzo’s Organic Italian Restaurant!
Italian Restaurant Sedona, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley & Tempe/Chandler
At Picazzo’s we are proud to mainta
in 5 acclaimed Italian restaurants in Sedona, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe/Chandler. This trip was a wonderful opportunity to meet many of the wine makers featured on our menu. From crisp Chardonnays to full-bodied Cabernets, we offer a wide selection of organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines from this region.
Visit any one of our locations today and take a tasting tour of Napa, Sonoma and St. Helena.We are quite certain you won’t be disappointed!
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