Posted in Picks, Wine & Food on Jun 26th, 2010
Port has always intrigued me, what is this wine that isn’t wine? For years, I tried it by ordering it in restaurants and friends would introduce me to a supposedly-great Port; I enjoyed it but it never rocked my world…until recently.
In February 2009, I visited Prager Portworks in Napa and wrote about the visit. I distinctly remember four remarkable points they made: 1) their Port is dry not sweet; 2) they insist it can be paired with food; 3) they named it after their daughters/nieces etc; and 4) an open bottle will be drinkable for months.
I bought 4-5 bottles and kept them in my temperature-controlled wine refrigerator. The interesting part is that I uncorked them in February ‘09 and shared them with friends for 16 months. They all held up over time except one that was not stored properly (re-corking is okay but not as safe as using a rubber enclosure.)
On June 25, 2010 Hubby & I took out an open 2004 Aria White Port to enjoy with dessert. That’s when Port rocked my world. I didn’t expect it to be very good, having been open so long, but au contraire, it was better! It was one of those rare tasting memories that will forever be seared in my brain.
So, next stop Prager Port to restock. I’m so looking forward to kicking back and spending some time with these extraordinary Port makers.
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At a recent party at Palmaz, we were talking about the Napa Valley Mustard Festival kick-off party (in photo) and someone asked, “so where are the best parties?”
My favorite has always been casual private al fresco dinners with 6-12 people at someone’s Napa, Marin or Sonoma home. We all bring food or wine to share. Sometimes they have a theme, like bring a Rosé. Other times the hosts provide sumptuous food & we open lots of wine. Surprisingly, wine is not the topic of conversation usually, of course there is some industry gossip, but mainly it’s an opportunity to escape from our careers & talk about everything else that’s important in life.
I learned a long time ago that it’s not where you go, but who you travel with; the same goes for parties, it’s the people that make it fun.
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Posted in Alana Recommends on Nov 25th, 2009
It’s like a checkbook that fits into your purse or glove box. Inside, I describe my favorite places to taste, stay, eat & shop in Napa & Sonoma. I invented the VIP Pass so you can enjoy special tours & tastings at each of my favorite places. Each VIP Pass has my review, a picture of the winery, B&B or restaurant, & a description of what you get. Each VIP Pass is worth a minimum of $40. In between the passes are Insider Tips, called A Tip of the Glass, about where the locals’ eat, where to shop, plus wine tasting & buying tips. Volume 1 has VIP Passes worth over $700 & expires Sept 2011.
List of VIP Passes in Alana’s Insider Pick’s & Tips Guide, Vol 1
- Private Tour, Wine Education & Tasting for 4 at Gustafson near Healdsburg
- Private Tour & Barrel Room Tasting for 4 at Quivira near Healdsburg
- 50% of Any Estate Tour & Tasting at Michel Schlumberger near Healdsburg
- Flight tasting for 2 and 10% off Purchases at the Wine Shop in Healdsburg
- Welcome Champagne & Chocolate Strawberries for Guests at Honor Mansion in Healdsburg
- Wine & Food Experience for 2 at Vintners Collective in Napa
- Tasting Experience for 4 at Ceja in Napa
- Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting for 4 at Casa Nuestra, SIlveradao Trail, Napa
- In-room Amenity & 10% off Spa Treatment for Guests at Napa’s White House Inn & Spa
- Walkabout with the Winemaker & Tasting for 4 at Loxton Winery in Kenwood (Sonoma)
- Wine & Cheese Tasting for 2 at Kunde in Kenwood (Sonoma)
- Free Alana’s Seasonal Tapas for Your Entire Party at Vineyards Inn Bar & Grill in Kenwood (Sonoma)
- Girl with a Glass Etched Bottle of Rose Ranch Merlot for guests at the Private Casa Verde Guest House in Kenwood (Sonoma)
- Insulated Case Box & 10% off with Vine Rover Tours (serving Snoma & Napa)
- 25% off of etched wine gifts (Celebration Line) from Etched Images in Napa
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