Let Them Eat Cakebread!
February is a quiet time in Napa Valley, as many visitors wait until it’s warmer to visit. While it is quiet relatively speaking (there are more visitors to Napa Valley then to Disneyland), there are still many new wines to be tasted. Typically, wineries release their wines in the early spring (sometimes February) and in the fall. One typical way to release new wines to the public is via a release party. Mostly, release parties are by invitation to the wineries’ mailing lists or wine clubs, but many times you can be included if you’re aware the release party is taking place and you call ahead. Release parties are often publicized on a winery’s website.
Such was our recent visit to Cakebread Cellars for their release party. This is one of the family-owned wineries in the valley. Let me also say that still today over 95% of the wineries in Napa Valley are family-owned. Cakebread Cellars opened over 39 years ago. Jack Cakebread came to photograph the Napa Valley for a book; and, while there, his interest was piqued in owning and running a winery. And that truly was the genesis of Cakebread. This winery was also one of forerunners in wine and food pairing. Jack’s wife, Dolores, was known for her winery dinners. This many years later, Cakebread still highlights pairings and recipes on its website (www.cakebread.com) and offers cooking classes at the winery. I remember visiting Cakebread in the early 1970s, when the tasting room was a small barn-like structure. Today, it is a beautiful, modern structure; but it still has a rustic theme.
When we visited, Cakebread was releasing its 2010 Cabernet. There were four wines available to be tasted. The 2010 Cabernet was the star of the event; but they were also pouring three other wines to showcase the wines’ quality and age-ability. The others were the 2009 Dancing Bear Ranch, the 2008 Benchland Select (my favorite), and the 2005 Vine Hill Ranch. The wines were paired with great food to show off the flavors of the wine.
Release parties are a fun time in a relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend checking the events page of your favorite wineries’ websites to see what events might be happening. It could be a great opportunity for a wonderful wine experience!
Cheers!