A Taste of Howell Mountain
There are many great events to attend in Napa Valley. Last week, I wrote about the Auction Napa Valley (more about that below), which happened in early June. This week, I want to share about the annual “Taste of Howell Mountain,” which we attended just yesterday.
One of my favorite AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in Napa Valley is Howell Mountain. It is in the Vaca Range on the east side of Napa Valley. It occupies a volcanic plateau and looks across the valley to the Mayacamas Range on the west side. The AVA itself starts at an elevation of 1400 feet and ranges up to 2000 feet. The grapes in these vineyards ripen slowly; and, because they are above the fog line, are drenched in sun for many hours of the day.
While I could go on about the wines, another notable characteristic is the generosity of the winery owners themselves. Many partake and give much to the Napa Valley Vintners Auction, and they band together for “Taste of Howell Mountain” to raise money for the Howell Mountain Elementary School.
This event is one of my favorites for many reasons. It is held annually at the Charles Krug Winery, where the space is relaxing and pleasant. The first part of the event includes tasting wines from over 40 wineries that make wine on Howell Mountain or use grapes grown there. You have almost three hours to leisurely taste as many wines as you like and enjoy bites of excellent food. There is also a silent auction of donated wines and other items and the opportunity to bid on select bottles you have tasted.
Then the action begins upstairs. Here is where the live bidding takes place for various lots donated by the vintners. The auction lots include weekends in special places, unique tastings, great dinners, and rare wine collections (a dozen magnums from Randy Dunn’s library, for example!). This year, one of the items was a day of sailing on the San Francisco Bay, in honor of the America’s Cup. It was at this event a few years ago where I got the “bug” for live bidding.
The event raises much needed money for the kids at Howell Mountain Elementary School, and it’s a great time. I look forward to it each year and have shared the day with many friends. If we see an auction lot we want to enjoy together, we all pitch in and try to become the high bidder.
I highly recommend this event for its great wine, nice people, good food, and lots of fun — all for a good cause. You can learn more here, and maybe make plans to attend next year!
Speaking of good causes, the Napa Valley Vintners Auction this year was grand success, as I mentioned last week. The event generated almost $17 million for Napa Valley charities. When I left the auction, I still had a chance at five cases of wine, and I ended up being one of the top 10 bidders on three of them. I ended up with a case of Cakebread, Spelletich, and, oh yes, Continuum! I can’t wait to enjoy them; but I must, since they won’t arrive until 2015.
Enjoy!
