Spring in the Vineyards

Springtime and the livin’ is easy? Not for our viticulture team. While it might seem that the vineyards are just waking up from a long period of winter dormancy, there is a tremendous number of activities happening among the vines throughout the spring season.

The tender new growth unfurling from the vines is most at risk during the frost season, which extends from March 15 through May 15. Although sunny spring days in the Napa Valley frequently register temperatures into the mid-70s F, the clear nights without cloud cover are very cold. When nighttime temperatures in the vineyards dip down to 35 degrees F, usually sometime between 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m., Viticulturist Aaron Fishleder and his team spring into action.

To read the full story, click here.

Join us for Auction Napa Valley’s 30th Anniversary and
Win a New York Experience

June 3 – 6, 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of Auction Napa Valley, an annual fundraiser that has raised $90 million to benefit healthcare, housing and youth services non profits in the Napa Valley.

Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel and Dolce have always been strong supporters of the auction, and this year we’re participating in dramatic fashion with Lot #22, “All-Access New York,” our entry in the live auction. Auction attendees and proxy bidders will have the chance to win this lot and experience four days of unprecedented access in New York City, hosted by our winery partners.

The winning bidder and five friends will enjoy an adventure that includes transportation by Flexjet on the private Challenger 300, a stay at New York’s legendary Plaza Hotel, a private concert and dinner in the home of Grammy® award-winner Joshua Bell –which was recently featured in Architectural Digest– a behind the scenes tour and a Dolce Breakfast at Tiffany’s and so much more. A trio of signed three-liter bottles and three wine club memberships for two completes the prize and will remind the recipients of their New York experience all year long.

Tickets to Auction Napa Valley are still available. Click here to attend or to find out more about becoming a proxy bidder. Read more here.

News from Our Sister Wineries:

Nickel & Nickel 2009 Futures Event–May 15

Be among the first to taste the 2009 vintage Cabernets - right out of the barrel! On Saturday, May 15, from 10am until 3pm, Nickel & Nickel will open the cellar for barrel tasting thirteen vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignons. You will have a chance to purchase Futures – wine before it’s bottled – at the lowest prices you’ll find for our 2009 vintage. Receive 30% off Futures in six-bottle boxes of all your favorite Cabernets. Bring your friends and join us for this fun, annual event. RSVP to Soraya Ekland at 707-967-9600, extension 514, or sekland@nickelandnickel.com.

2008 EnRoute Pinot Noir, Les Pommiers, Released!

Les Pommiers draws its name from the apple orchards emblematic of the Russian River Valley’s agricultural history. At once elegant and intense, EnRoute Pinot Noir, Les Pommiers, is the consummate blend of fruit from our vineyards located primarily in the Green Valley and upper Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley. Our grapes are farmed according to organic principles and minimally handled at the winery. This Pinot Noir captures the aromatics of wild raspberry, black cherry, plum and floral notes that yield to mineral, spice and toasted oak. It has a juicy, coating entry, followed by more layers of raspberry and cherry fruit and ripe, integrated tannins.

We’ve had a great response to the release of our 2008 EnRoute Pinot Noir from customers and critics alike. Read the reviews here. But there’s still time for you to secure this lovely wine for your cellar. Click here to join the EnRoute list and purchase this wine.

Winery Features:

2008 Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay, Napa Valley

The warmer days of the season create the perfect opportunity to move into light and fresh springtime menus that pair beautifully with Far Niente Chardonnay. Now is a good time to prepare for entertaining and fill your cellar, like we do, with the 2008 Far Niente Estate Chardonnay. If you’d like to join us, find the wine here.



Summer Visits to Far Niente

We are looking forward to seeing many of you this summer. Weekend tour and tasting appointments tend to book up very quickly, but we frequently have openings Monday through Thursday. Please make your reservation as soon as you know your travel plans by calling 707-944-2861.

2005 Dolce, Napa Valley

Dolce enchants with aromas of pear, peach, and orange rind, balanced by more subtle layers of honey and earthy minerality. Decadent with blue cheeses, foie gras and perfect as a dessert on its own. Share the magic with those you love most. Find Dolce here.

Solar That Floats on Water

Click here to view Far Niente’s Floatovotaic solar installation, recently featured on CBS Interactive/SmartPlanet.com.