Without a Care

Live in the Vineyard at Far Niente: Plain White T’s

Saturday was one for the record books. We’ve partnered with Live in the Vineyard for several years and were delighted to continue our connection with the organization this past weekend when we hosted them for a reception and special performance in the Carriage House.  

A somewhat drizzly morning cleared to blue skies just in time for a reception at the Cabernet Grill, which featured Far Niente Cabernet and Chardonnay and EnRoute Pinot Noir  from our sister winery in Russian River Valley. Bites from the kitchen satiated hungry guests (pizzas hot from the pizza oven were extremely popular) before a concert in the Carriage House.

We’ve had the privilege of hosting many talented musicians and performers over the years, and Saturday’s guest artists were no different. Plain White T’s charmed the audience with their friendliness and skill, playing well-known favorites “1, 2, 3, 4” and “Hey There Delilah” and premiering songs off their new EP. (If the song “Should’ve Gone to Bed” doesn’t make you want to move, we don’t know what will.) The band stayed long after their performance to greet guests and take photos, capping off a memorable afternoon.

Here are a few photos from the day, plus a couple that capture a surprise gift Larry Maguire received from Live in the Vineyard on Monday:

Charlie and Dirk Hampson and Karen and Larry Maguire pose on stage before the performance.

Beth Nickel welcomes the guests, along with Live in the Vineyard founders Bobbii Hach-Jacobs and Claire Parr.

Hospitality Administrator and Wine Club Liaison Donna Blevins poses with 2010 Americon Idol runner up, Crystal Bowersox, who was a guest at the concert.

Live in the Vineyard's Sean Walsh Ramm and Jamie Reynolds presented this guitar to Larry Maguire–signed by all the musicians who performed over the weekend. What a great gift!

 

Tags: Crystal Bowersox, Live in the Vineyard, Napa Cabernet, Napa Chardonnay, Napa Events, Plain White T's

A Great Start to the 2013 Vintage

A new season is upon us! The vines are emerging from their dormancy and starting to grow the young shoots that will eventually hold all of those clusters we will harvest in September. At this point in the year, a Viticulturist’s heart is filled with hope and excitement because Mother Nature has been kind so far. Bud break, the stage in grapevine development when the young shoots emerge from the dormant buds, is well under way in our Napa Chardonnay vineyards and just beginning in our Napa Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. 

Here's to the 2013 growing season!

Tags: 2013 Vintage, Aaron Fishleder, Napa Cabernet, Napa Chardonnay, Viticulture

Far Niente Gardens in Spring

It's looking a lot like spring around here, with tulips in myriad colors, azaleas just beginning to blossom and new green emerging in our ginkgoes and oaks. If you are planning to visit Far Niente in the next few weeks, you're in for a treat!

Take a look at this short video, where Proprietress Beth Nickel shares the history of the Far Niente gardens.

We hope to see you this spring! Our appointments fill up quickly, so please give us a call well in advance: (707) 944-2861. We look forward to welcoming you!

Tags: Beth Nickel, Far Niente History, Far Niente Video, Napa Cabernet, Napa Valley Winery

Tasting Notes: 1996 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet

Winekmaker Nicole Marchesi recently tasted the 1996 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon and shares how the wine has evolved over the years.  

The subtle blackberry, cassis and cedar aromas of this wine's youth have developed into a classic bottle bouquet of dried cherry and perfume. Soft and layered upon release, the texture has become even silkier with delicate tannis and mouthwatering acidity on the finish. Classically structured and ready to enjoy now!

You can acquire this wine online or by calling the winery at (707) 944-2861. For a look at the 1996 Cave Collection blend, click here, and for our introductory post on the wine, click here.

Tags: 1996 Far Niente Cabernet, Napa Cabernet, Napa Valley Wine, Nicole Marchesi, Oakville Cabernet

1996 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet: A Look at the Blend

Continuing our series on the 1996 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Winemaker Nicole Marchesi looks at the blend.

Revisiting 1996 is a glimpse back in time to a specific point in Far Niente’s history. This wine not only reflects the elegance of the vintage but gives us a chance to appreciate the evolution of our estate and winemaking styles. Our blend has changed since 1996—we tend to use less Cab Franc and Merlot nowadays—but we’ve always stayed true to our goals and house style. Being able to time travel through our Cave Collection helps to show me where we’ve been and how far we’ve come.

The 1996 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot.

To acquire the 1996 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, click here or call (707) 944-2861 for personal assistance. 

Tags: 1996 Far Niente Cabernet, Napa Cabernet, Napa Valley Wine, Nicole Marchesi, Oakville Cabernet