Tour Vin – Venues Begin to Open in Napa Valley

Published on: May 28th, 2020

Great news – as California begins to open up, so are many venues in Napa Valley! 

Hotels, wineries and restaurants are developing creative ways to entice visitors to continue to enjoy all the wine country has to offer. That said, they are also mindful of assuring all staff and visitors are active in a healthy environment. Check out our blog to stay up to date on current happenings!

Wineries/Tasting Rooms
Though wineries may begin to offer wine tastings, as of now, they must also offer food along with the wine. Since not all wineries have an on-site kitchen, they will have to contract with a restaurant that offers catering services. Tasting rooms may open as well, but they too must offer food with a glass of wine.

Restaurants
Currently, restaurants may open following strict protocols set out by the state. These include:

• Limited capacity seating
• No walk-ins
• Reservations only
• Staff is temperature checked
• Masks are required to be worn by staff and patrons
• Tables will be thoroughly cleaned after each use
• Touchless payment technology will be implemented in many restaurants

Hotels & B&Bs
As of May 29, these venues are not yet open. The hope is that by sometime in June they will, at least, be able to take reservations. That said, some are offering discount vouchers to be used for future dates. With proper planning these prepaid vouchers will save visitors money on their next trip to Napa Valley.

Hope you all are having a good summer. Contact us for regular updates as to the latest and greatest news from Napa Valley!

Cheers!
Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Napa valley Concierge

Tour Vin – Virtual Tours

Published on: April 29th, 2020

Visiting Napa Valley right now is not in the cards, but … how about bringing Napa food and wine experiences to the comfort of your home? Many of the Napa’s wineries have created online events that can be enjoyed by you and your friends! Here are a few examples:

• Krupp Brothers Winery has scheduled four virtual wine tasting experiences in May, which will be hosted by their own wine educators. To join the online experiences, simply purchase two or three bottles of wine, or break out wines you already have. Gather your friends via Zoom and experience the tasting event together!

• Some wineries are offering online cooking classes where you can prepare fabulous foods while being instructed by a professional chef. As an example, Ackerman Family Vineyards is hosting a baking class to show participants how to bake a Meyer lemon meringue pie. All that is needed is an internet connection, a computer or tablet, and a personalized pie kit or recipe card provided by the winery.

• If you can’t visit a winery’s mountaintop estate, we know a winery that will bring the mountain to you! Acumen Winery is now hosting virtual wine tastings from their estate atop Atlas Peak. They call it “Sneak Peak” because they will take guests on a virtual tour of the vineyard property while tasting current and library releases. This special experience is available twice a week. Make sure to order the wines at least 10 days in advance of the tasting event.

Right now, we are all experiencing an unusual and difficult time, but there are ways to stay connected, as well as enjoy great food and wine. If you have any questions about these types of events, do not hesitate to contact us for more information!

Cheers, and stay safe!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Napa valley Concierge

Tour Vin – Interactive Wine Tasting on the Web

Published on: March 25th, 2020

Will social distancing prevent us from enjoying some great wines? Absolutely not! Yes, precautions must be taken to do our part in helping reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thankfully, many wineries have come up with creative ideas to support their customers thirst for wines.

Have you heard of CellarPass and CellerPassTV? Basically, wineries have partnered with these folks to create a live web show that features sommeliers, winemakers or wine educators who take on-line customers through a group tasting of two to four wines. Participants may sign up for the event, purchase specific wines that are delivered to their homes prior to the tasting, and then log in to CellarPassTV on the scheduled date for the online tour.

There’s more! As an added bonus, some of the wineries are including wines from their own library! If you are interested in participating in a live streaming tasting event, contact us and we will set you up.

Stay safe out there!

Ed Pollard 
Tour Vin
Napa Valley Concierge

Tour Vin – A Visit to CIA at Copia is a Must

Published on: February 26th, 2020

On your next trip to Napa Valley, we recommend a visit to The CIA at Copia in downtown Napa. This amazing venue, an extension of the CIA Culinary College in St. Helena, offers dining at amazing restaurants, hands-on cooking classes, special tasting events, a self-guided tour of a culinary arts museum and special space for that special party or wedding. Looking for space for a corporate event? This is the perfect place to enjoy food, wine and conversation. 

Ever hear of Guest Chef Pop-Ups? Well, listen to this: Every Monday night features a different chef offering various cuisines and guests have the opportunity to watch the chef prepare an excellent meal in the Hestan Kitchen! 

On March 23, the CIA will offer a Ramen Pop-Up, featuring guest-chef Rodrigo Vazquez. And, it’s the perfect time of year for a big bowl of Ramen. If you are in Napa on March 30, be sure to stop in and sign up for The Brazil Project Pop-Up and enjoy small bites and classic Brazilian dishes.

Perhaps you prefer a traditional restaurant setup, and here are a few to enjoy: 

• The Restaurant at CIA Copia (indoor or outdoor)
• Grove (for a relaxed outdoor space)
• Contimo Provisions (the perfect stop for a quick, fresh bite, prepared daily)

Let us know how we can help plan your next trip to the Napa Valley. Spring time in the wine country is beautiful and you shouldn’t miss out!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Napa Valley Concierge 

Tour Vin Goes Back in Time at 1881 Napa

Published on: January 28th, 2020

On Tour Vin’s most recent trip to Napa Valley, we visited an amazing history museum called 1881 Napa. Set behind the Oakville Grocery in Oakville, this unique venue includes galleries featuring depictions of Napa’s early pioneers and a collection of old wine making tools and artifacts. 

What would a wine museum be without classic Cabernet Sauvignon wines? We indulged in a tasting featuring 16 distinct AVAs, which highlighted the different and diverse terroirs!

Records on this historic site where the original Oakville Grocery building stood date back to 1874. It began as a dry goods, grocery and hardware store, and a large, two- story house stood just north of the store where the museum is now. 

In 1996, Leslie Rudd purchased the property and restored both buildings. When Leslie passed away in 2018, well-known entrepreneur Jean-Charles Boisset purchased the property and transformed both buildings to its present state. 

We must say, he did an amazing job improving the Oakville Grocery and enhancing the museum to be an attractive comfortable place where visitors can learn the history of Napa Valley. Check out our pictures and see for yourself!

We recomend you stop in, learn the history of Napa Valley and enjoy a wonderful wine tasting experience. Don’t forget – contact us to help plan your next Napa Valley vacation!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Napa Valley Concierge

Tour Vin – Wine and the Love of Art

Published on: November 27th, 2019

Napa Valley is, of course, known for its food and wine. But, did you know that art is also a huge part of the attraction to the valley? Whether strolling through Yountville or visiting Hess Winery, visitors can see how integral art is to the wine country experience.  On a regular basis, we at Tour Vin stop in to visit the Quent Cordair Fine Art gallery in downtown Napa to see the what’s new on the showroom floor!

Established in 1996, these folks showcase paintings, sculptures and drawings that  always amaze visitors. Their focus in art is to celebrate happiness and joy that complement the Napa Valley experience. Visitors can also enjoy the works of painters and sculptors from around the world, as well as emerging artists who have a story to tell. 

Taking pictures in the gallery is not allowed, so we encourage you to check out their website at www.cordair.com and visit the space on your next trip to Napa Valley. Linda will be there to greet visitors and will be more than happy to show you around!

Have a great holiday!

Ed Pollard

Tour Vin

Napa Valley Concierge

Tour Vin – Fall Festivities Abound in Napa Valley

Published on: October 31st, 2019

Over the next couple of months, Napa Valley has scheduled some incredible wine and food events that you don’t want to miss – wine release parties, winemaker dinners, farmers markets and annual events like Cabernet Season. In fact, we at Tour Vin will be in Napa in November enjoying all the valley has to offer.

Here are a few activities to consider when planning your next trip.

• November 7-10: The famous Blood, Sweat and Tears Band at the Blue Note Napa. A  wonderful music, food and wine event.

• November 9, recurring weekly on Saturdays: Calistoga Farmers’ Market. Enjoy fresh seafood, breakfast treats and locally grown produce.

• Recurring weekly on November Fridays and Saturdays: Live music at The Grove, CIA at Copia. Excellent food, wine and cocktails.

• November 13-17: Napa Valley Film Festival featuring a blend of art, film, food and wine.

• November 20-22: 2019 Napa Open Golf Tournament at the Silverado Resort and Spa.

• November 24-January 1: Holidays in Yountville. The town lights it up for visitors as they stroll through the town enjoying music, food and libations. Activities include carriage rides, movies, photos with Santa and of course Nutcracker performances.

• November 30: Napa’s Christmas Parade through downtown Napa. Santa will be there!

• December 7: The Calistoga Tractor Parade Party. Special wines and food bites will be available to purchase while enjoying this fun Christmas event.

Contact us to ensure you don’t miss out – reservations are required for some of these fabulous activities. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all – cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Napa Valley Concierge

Tour Vin – You’ve Gott to Try This

Published on: September 26th, 2019

There are so many dining establishments to enjoy in Napa Valley. But, which ones are easy to get in on short notice, offer an extensive menu with choices for everyone and fit into the family budget?

One of our choices for a quick bite in between wine tastings is Gott’s. There are even two locations in Napa Valley, one in St. Helena and the other at the Napa’s Oxbow Public Market. Our guests give this restaurant a thumbs up for convenience and affordability, as well as great food!

On our last trip, we stopped in on the Napa location and tried the vegetarian Impossible Burger. The patty is made entirely from plants, and includes American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and Gott’s secret sauce on a toasted egg bun. We wholeheartedly give it a 5-star rating!

The variety of menu options at Gott’s is amazing. Here is a sampling of their offerings:

• Eleven different burgers with your choice of beef, turkey or veggie
• Six different salad options
• Eight types of French fries to choose from
• Seafood tacos
• Sandwiches
• Hot dogs
• Soup and chili
• A variety of beverages, including wines by the glass, shakes, floats and sodas

Of course, Gott’s also has a kids menu with all kinds of goodies. If you like soft serve ice cream, there are also plenty of flavors to choose from.

Restaurants come and go in the Valley, but Gott’s is celebrating their 20^thanniversary and their longevity alone indicates just how good the eatery is. Don’t forget to stop in on your next trip to Napa Valley!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Napa Valley Concierge

Tour Vin – Culinary History in Napa

Published on: August 29th, 2019

There are many fun and interesting venues to visit in Napa Valley that do not include wineries, restaurants, golf or hot air balloon rides. We stopped by The CIA at Copia during our last visit to check out a bit of Napa Valley history and learn about its pioneers. We walked through the incredible cooking school and ate at their restaurant, and also stopped by the amazing Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum.

This one of a kind museum features culinary masterpieces and artifacts used by popular chefs from around the world. Over the years, these culinary tools were collected by CIA, some of which were used 100s of years ago. The exhibits are unique and reflect what was available to chefs to create their culinary specialties throughout the ages. Check out these photos:

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The next time you are in Napa Valley stop by CIA at Copia, roam around and check out this wonderful display of history!

Cheers!
Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Napa Valley Concierge

Tour Vin – Plan a Corporate Retreat in Napa

Published on: July 29th, 2019

Year-end is right around the corner – what better time to begin planning that corporate retreat to celebrate a successful 2019? Corporate retreats are a wonderful way to build upon team work, reward your successful sales folks, engage and learn about other businesses in your company, and, of course, set the stage for 2020. 

Napa Valley offers many venues that can support structured team building, meaningful strategy sessions, socializing and getting to know employees in other departments. Team competitions between and across various business divisions are one facet of the retreat to consider. Here are a few activities that bring all employees together in a social setting:

• Golf – Consider an early day of golf at the Silverado Resort. For those that don’t play golf, a few games of tennis will do regardless of expertise. You’ll be surprised how many will enjoy the game even with mixed skill sets.
• Bocce Ball and Cornhole – These old favorites are always fun before or during happy hour, and will definitely encourage friendly competition in your group!
• Hiking and River Kayaking – The Napa River is the perfect place to kayak with team members as they enjoy a guided tour and learn about the river and town history. Hiking is also a great first-thing-in-the-morning activity (after a good breakfast) before strategy sessions begin. The team can hike to the top of St. Helena and enjoy amazing views.

Though it is only July, planning a meaningful corporate event takes time to assure its success. Contact us so we can walk you through the process and share even more of our suggestions!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Napa Valley Concierge