Wonderful wine weekend in Naples, FL

What an amazing weekend we had in Naples, FL. The weekend was absolutely fantastic. How can you beat fun, sun, boating, wine dinner and some MLB spring training?!

We were invited by some great friends to participate a wonderful wine event where our Estate Sommelier Sean Meyer led the group of 18 people through a wine education event we call, "Taste Like a Pro". Our goal is simple, provide people with a high level but fun and interactive education about wine.

After the "Taste Like a Pro" session, we all took our seats for an amazing wine dinner that included a wonderful blind tasting test for the attendees to put their education to the test! You coudld really see everyone getting excited, they learn and retained some wonderful knowledge about wine!

We had some great wines represented for the dinner! Wines from our friends at Lail Vineyards, Domaine Serene, Cardinale, Chateau Leoville Barton, Schramsberg and many others. It was truly a night to remember.

We received some incredible feed back. Truly puts a smile on our face.

The accolades keep coming in regarding the wine tasting, it has been referred to “as the most educating experience ever." Chef Ralph and his staff were very much taken back by your talent.

"We cannot thank you and Sean enough for donating your time to travel to Florida for the weekend and all of the work to put on this event. Chuck and I have conducted a few parties, benefits, etc. over the years but we think this was by far the best event we have ever held. Sean and Chef Ralph were a great team on this. The coordination and smooth execution of the entire evening was noted by all."

As we say in our world, "Destination Cellars can bring you to the world of wine or bring the world of wine to you". Give us shout when you want the world of wine in your backyard or maybe on your yacht! Contact us at (866) 920-9463 or wine@destinationcellars.com

Cheers

Fantastic...Couldn't happen to a nicer person

Alex Gambal, an American négociant based in Beaune, purchased two small parcels in Burgundy’s grand cru Bâtard-Montrachet last week. The sale was part of a multiparty transaction between Domaine Brenot of Santenay and several purchasers for an undisclosed price.

In total, Brenot sold 8.6 acres in Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay. Gambal bought two of Brenot’s four parcels of Bâtard, located in the upper portion of the grand cru, known as Les Bâtards Montrachet since an 1860 classification. The other two parcels were purchased by Boisset Family Estates.

While other Americans own parts of grands crus, this marks the first time an American, or even a non-Frenchman, has purchased land in one of the Montrachet sites, according to Gambal. “I feel so fortunate to have these vineyards and to make something great from the potential that’s there,” Gambal told Wine Spectator. “I have been working on this deal since the end of October, so I’m happy to close this chapter and get to work in the vineyard.”

No one holds a current lease on the property, allowing Gambal to begin working the vines the next day. “In Burgundy, to buy a piece of land and be able to work immediately makes it extra unique.”

In addition to 0.93 acres of Bâtard-Montrachet, the deal includes a parcel of Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignères, Chassagne-Montrachet l’Ormeau and some vineyards in Santenay, plus a house on the square in Santenay that Gambal plans to turn into a guest and rental property. The Santenay vineyards are currently under contract to others.

Gambal studied under Philippe Brenot at the enology school in Beaune from 1996 to 1997. During that time he launched his négociant business. With the new purchases, Maison Alex Gambal now owns 8.4 acres. All of the vineyards are farmed biodynamically and are in the process of attaining certification.

See you April 17th - 19th our friend! Cheers and continued success!

BackStage Pass Napa Valley - Sept. 22nd - 25th, 2011

We loved it so much, we're doing it again but this year we're planning ahead! Just follow the smell of wine and the sound of miusic!

During this perfect combination of music and wine you will have exclusive “back stage” access to meet the rock stars of the wine world. Experience some of the most sought after wines, meet some of the greatest people in the wine industry and dance all night!

Thursday, September 22nd – Sunday, September 25th, 2011

Accommodations provided by Solage Calistoga - http://www.solagecalistoga.com/

· Solage has received several prestigious awards including Travel & Leisure Magazine’s #11 rating for Resorts
· #2 rating for Spa in North America and Canada, and Conde Nast Traveller Magazine’s #1 spa rating for the U.S. and #10 spa worldwide
· Restaurant, Solbar, has a Michelin Star rating for 2010 and 2011.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd / 6:30 PM
Welcome Reception at Solage
Your “Back Stage” weekend starts at Solage where they will open the doors for us to enjoy wonderful wine reception featuring various wines from Destination Cellars winery partners throughout the Napa Valley paired the food from their Michelin Star kitchen!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd / 12:00 PM
Private tasting and lunch at Vineyard 7&8
Nestled into the Spring Mountain, Vine­yard 7&8 offers panoramic views and a diverse portfolio of stunning wines. You will be taken behind the scenes at the winery to see where and how these wines are made. Your “all-access” pass includes lunch prepared by Chef Sarah Heller, formerly of Bouchon and The French Laundry.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd/ 6:00 PM
Private tasting and dinner at Staglin Vineyards
Recently received 98 points for their 2007 Staglin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and being ranked in the “sweet sixteen wines” of the Wine Spectator Top 100, you will enjoy this private reception at the newly restored Steckter House dating back to 1868 and finally you will end up in the 24,000 square foot private caves for a magical wine dinner perfectly paired with the wines of this treasured Napa Valley estate.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th / MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON
Relax and enjoy your surroundings at Solage, perhaps a spa treatment or a bike ride throughout Calistoga!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th/Luxury Coach Departs for Hourglass at 4:30 PM
Welcome to the seventh annual “Backstage Pass” Napa Valley
· Auction to Benefit St. Helena Public Schools

WHAT IS THE BACKSTAGE PASS MAIN EVENT?
Carolyn and Jeff Smith, owners of Hourglass Wine Company, will host the seventh-annual BackStage Pass benefit party on Saturday, September 25th, 2010 with the goal of raising $500,000 for the St. Helena Unified School District. This year’s event will be combined with the St. Helena School District’s Annual Auction – Just Imagine – for the first time.

Held at the renowned Hourglass Blueline Estate Winery, Backstage Pass VI guests will enjoy a Hog Island Oyster Bar, vineyard BBQ dinner from sponsors Dean & Deluca and premium Napa Valley wines provided by Blackbird, Bressler, Duckhorn, Cliff Lede, Crocker & Starr, Hourglass, Jones Family, Lail Vineyards, Melka Wines, Pine Ridge, Realm Cellars, Rudd Winery, Shelter, Spottswoode, Switchback Ridge, Trincharo Family, Vineyard 29, 55 Degrees, 750 Wines and more – all in a picturesque vineyard setting. Community members and wine enthusiasts alike will dance the night away to Wristrocket (Jeff Smith’s band with fellow vintners) and compete in festive games of ping pong and horseshoes to support the children of St. Helena’s public schools.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH/ HOME

TOTAL COSTS…..$6,000 per couple for lodging and “Backstage Pass” access events includes transportation in Napa Valley to all scheduled experiences.

We will see you in the vineyards! Contact us at (866) 920-9463 or catherine@destinationcellars.com