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When Two Are Better Than One

by nptadmin on 2021-07-15 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

Touring Napa with Javier Calderon X 2

A couple of weeks ago we had the fantastic opportunity to scout several wineries with a commonality that made our hearts smile and our mouths water. In an effort to design upgraded tours for wine buyers with significant libraries we visited wineries where Phillipe Melka is their wine maker. There are no words to describe the quality and beauty of the time we spent with some of the finest in Napa. At a later time I will share details of our experience and will give you some ideas on how we can help you design a wine tour and buying experience focused on specific wine makers.

For now, I wanted to pause for a moment to talk about my husband. If you have visited us in the last three years there is a good chance he was your host and that means that you most likely experienced touring perfection. Flako, as we all know him is obsessive about delivering the very best. He simply does not miss a beat.

The title of this post may have you wondering. You see, during our time visiting partners it was not uncommon for our winery hosts to raise their eyebrows when receiving our business cards. Here is the thing, Flako and I have many things in common but one of the most peculiar is the fact that we share first and last name. Yes, when you ask you be hosted by Javier Calderon you will be given two choices. Flako or I. We are both in love with Napa, passionate about wine and deeply in love with the idea of delivering the best possible Napa wine touring experience. But this post is not about me. This post is about Flako.

For years, all of us begged Flako to leave his 9 to 5 job in finance and join us. We knew that adding him to our team would be incredibly beneficial but we had no idea to what level. Three years ago he made the switch and we cannot begin to describe how his contributions positively impact our ability to deliver memory-making tours. His ample network has given us access to some of the most exclusive wineries in Napa. You see, Flako has a long history in the area and has throughout the years loved and served his community. His Rolodex is something to behold and a testament to his tender affection to all manner of people which has given us a golden key to many beautiful wine experiences in Napa that would be otherwise beyond our reach. He is for lack of a better word magical.

So wether you tour Javier Calderon or Javier Calderon 2.0 you can rest assured we will do everything in our power to feed your sense of discovery and adventure, delight your palate and make you, at least for a moment forget about the burdens and worries of this life by taking care of absolutely every detail.

Thank you for stopping by our page and taking time to hear me blab. I am deeply proud of my husband Flako and thank God every single day for the way he makes our little company twice as good.

XOXO

Javy

Cervantes Family Vineyards – Where Conviviality, Character & Cheerfulness Will Always Fill Your Cup

by nptadmin on 2021-06-06 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

I am by no means a storyteller. The written word does not come easy to me. I hesitate, fearing that my words are too simple or scarce to describe the beauty of the places and people that have crossed my path here in Napa. But once in a while, the grandeur in beauty and hospitality offered by partner vintners forces me to find words to give you at least a glimpse of what awaits. This is the case with Cervantes Family Vineyards.

The Last Frontier – Beauty Unspoiled

Cervantes Winery is nestled in the far Eastern corner of Napa Valley, and surrounded by the Cedar Roughs Wilderness natural park; it sits on 1,100 acres of absolute serenity and prepossessing qualities right in the heart of Pope Valley (you read me right 1,100 acres! Grand does not begin to describe the place). It is certainly the road less traveled but worth every mile of uphill driving. This place is the next great AVA in the making. The terroir is delightful; endless microclimates facilitated by the rich topography and access to morning and evening dew from both the coast and nearby lake Berryessa give birth to outstanding fruit. Blue oaks, tanoaks, dogwood trees,olives and pines line the hillsides framing impeccably managed vineyards featuring the most delightful Cabernet Sauvignon vines.

More Than Just a Winery

In its nascent stage, much of the land is not yet developed offering tremendous potential for growth but also the opportunity to delight in the ruggedness and sublime beauty of the land. Don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of their beautiful Quarter horses roaming freely taking advantage of the expansiveness of the property.

This image was captured by Raphael Macek and is available for purchase in the Founder’s Store at Cervantes Family Vineyards

A Glass Filled to the Brim

At Cervantes Family Vineyards there is no stuffiness, no pretense, no showing off. What you will find instead, is sincere and generous hospitality that keeps your glass full and your soul content. A place to hang your hat where you will quickly become an honorary member of the family. This is the very essence and allure of this winery and that is why I am compelled to tell you about it.

Top-Notch Wines

As for their wines, they are nothing short of magical. Andy Erickson, working side-by-side with Xavier and Jeronimo are constantly delivering gorgeous and complex Cabernets with tremendous potential as they age. Many wine collectors around the world have made it a point to include Cervantes in their wine libraries.

In Their Own Words

Next time you are in town, let’s make time to head to Cervantes. You will not regret it.

Always looking out for your next adventure,

Javy

Gabriel-Glas The Wine Glass You Didn’t Know You Needed

by nptadmin on 2021-02-04 in Filed Under: Uncategorized, Wine Glassware

A Universal Glass Wine For Wine Experts

Glassware, particularly ad-hoc glassware is elemental to a superior wine drinking experience. Weight, balance, clarity and design make it possible to appreciate the full character of a wine. As wine professionals, we have seen and tried it all.

European Quality Glassware With Focus on Design

When we came across Gabriel-Glas we knew we had something really special before us. Gabriel-Glas is the brainchild of the well-known Swiss-German wine critic René Gabriel. While authoring the German language Wein Bibel (Wine Bible) he was seeking a glass with the ideal shape for tasting every style of wine. Not finding a glass that performed to Gabriel’s requirements, he created Gabriel-Glas, a “universal” lead-free crystal glass elegantly shaped to fully express the wine it delivers.

A Smart Solution For Limited Storage Space

Because of the universality of the design, Gabriel-Glas has proven to be perfect for us. It allows us notable flexibility without the demands of large storage spaces which come at a premium here in California. It is quite special to find a glass that is both light, and incredibly resilient. Gabriel-Glas is both dishwasher and Bar-Maid-friendly. That is an absolute game-changer when it comes to proper sanitation and efficiency.

Heirloom Craftsmanship Featured at Top Wineries & Highly Rated Restaurants

The glass that you may have experienced at our pop up events is The Gold Edition, a mouth-blown vessel lovingly crafted by master artisans. The “lighter than air” Gold Edition glass will, without a doubt, become your favorite. It is a visually astounding, well-balanced work of art. This glass feels light on the hand, sublime when touching your lips and magical when handled through the tasting experience. The clarity and consistency of the glass is something to behold. We don’t know a single sommelier or wine maker that does not give these glasses high marks.

We know that Gabriel-Glas may not be readily available in your area, we want to offer you the option to order our favorites from their collection, delivered to your front door.

Gold Edition Six Pack Stemmed Universal Glass

At barely 90 grams this is a true artisan jewel. Because of their unique design you will not need endless glasses. This is a “one for all” solution that will change your wine experience and reduce the stress and embarrassment associated to using or running out of the right glass.

Height: 9 in (230 mm)
Bowl Width: 3.75 in (95 mm)
Rim Width: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)
Weight approximately: 3 oz (90 grams)

Aqua Carafe 1000ml

A simple and versatile carafe perfect for decanting wine or offering water. This carafe is ergonomically designed, resilient and easy to wash. A classic piece made with clear and beautiful lead-free glass that displays the contents with ultimate elegance without distorting the color or density of your featured beverage.

Weight: approximately 8oz (230 grams)

Small Aqua Glass Stemless Six Pack 400ml

This gorgeous glass is perfect for water or juice. This glass looks beautiful on the table. The depth, width and design result is a pleasurable drinking experience. Dishwasher & Bar-Maid friendly.

Height: 3.25 in
Side: 1.75
to Back: 2:25 in
Weight: 1 Lb

Head to our online retail store to make your purchase or give us a call if you need a larger order.

Amizetta Estate Winery – A Place Where Friendship Grows

by nptadmin on 2019-06-24 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

As a premier provider of luxury transportation and concierge services in Napa we don’t take our responsibilities lightly. We go above and beyond by constantly scouting new wineries, tasting new vintages and finding locations so picturesque your Instagram and your heart will never be able to erase it.

Amizetta Estate is one of those places that you must add to your Napa Valley wineries bucket list. Within it, you will find superior wines, flawless hospitality but most importantly you will find committed wine professionals that want you to be family and will treat you as such.

Amizetta vineyards are planted in rugged mountainous terrain providing the grapes with unique micro climates where sun exposure, terroir and humidity come together and produce magical and memorable wines. These beautiful Napa wines are lovingly kept in their caves built within the mountain that the Clark’s call home. Amizetta has been producing wines since 1984; Over 30 years of experience truly shows in the flavors and complexities of their offering.

The Clarks infuse all that they do with Texas-sized heart and hospitality. When we include Amizetta to your wine itinerary you can rest assured you are in for something you will never forget!

Their lovely wines are only available by allocation to their members. This is definitively a relationship worth having if you are a true wine connoisseur.

Back to the Vine 2015, Bigger, Better & Love-Saturated

by nptadmin on 2015-11-20 in Filed Under: Activities in Napa

The season of giving is upon us and once again we are looking forward to hosting this year’s Back to the Vine. This annual charity event helps us raise money to donate to underprivileged children of low-income families in our very own community.

In 2014 we were able to raise money to help 300 children. This year, with your support and the generosity of Central Valley Project we would like to increase this number to 400. According to a study conducted by Bay Area economists, more than 7,000 families are employed by the vineyards in our area during peak growing season. These families are living in low-income situations, paycheck to paycheck, and many don’t qualify for government aid.

The Effects of the Drought

With the current drought wreaking havoc on the state of California, many farmworkers wages have been cut. Many employers are only paying workers the piece rate. While California is not a stranger to the impacts of drought, most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows wage loss as a result of the current drought at nearly double that of the drought in 2009.

Therefore, as we gather with family and friends this holiday season, we want to share our spirit and joy with these very families. The families who do so much and work so hard to make Napa the vivacious and wonderful community it is.

Back to the Vine 2015 will take place at the Boys & Girls Club of Napa on December 6th and kicks off at noon. During the event we will provide winter coats and early Christmas gifts to the children of vineyard, cellar, service, and farm workers in our area. In addition, Chef Gerry from Castro Catering and Alma from Picnics & Pairings will extend the good cheer by passing out a few snacks and goodies to the kids in attendance. Plus, we’re working on bringing lots more surprises to all attendees in the way of live music, DJ, and all sorts of family friendly activities.

How can you help?

Thanks to the immense generosity of Central Valley Project we do not need additional donations this year. However, we still would LOVE for you to join us for a magnificent celebration. Here are a few ways you can help make this event a successful one:

Nominate a Family

We strive to be intentional with our gift distribution. To achieve this, we donate presents based on the nominations of our friends a business partners. If you are aware of a family within your operation or community that you think should be blessed with a special holiday surprise, please do not hesitate to let us know. We would be incredibly honored to help provide them with a magical holiday experience.

Just send an email to concierge@napaprivatetours.com and include the following information:

The first and last name of a parent/guardian in the nominated family.
A contact phone number for the family.
The names, ages, clothing sizes, and genders of the children. (Don’t worry if you’re unsure about these details, we can always contact the family prior to the event to secure the necessary info.)
Any special circumstances or struggles the family is facing which you might want to mention.

Please send in your nominations no later than November 28, 2015 in order to ensure Central Valley Project has enough time to take care of the logistics.

Join Us On Location

Help us give hugs, love and good wishes by joining us on location for the event! We believe in the power of community and to make sure this event is a success we need everyone’s help. Stopping by and acting as an agent of goodwill would go a LONG way in helping us achieve this. If possible, here are a few items we would love for you to bring:

A bottle of wine to share with volunteers after the activity.
An item for a basket raffle
A bottle or two of wine for Napa Private Tours to use to facilitate blogger outreach and increased awareness of the event.
A big smile and TONS OF LOVE!

Please let us know if you would like to volunteer no later than November 27th by sending us a quick email to concierge@napaprivatetours.com.

Not able to make it but still want to help make this event a success? We would be happy to pick up your wine donation prior to the event. Just contact our team at concierge@napaprivatetours.com.

The Details

Location:

Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley

1515 Pueblo Ave.

Napa, CA 94558

Dates and Times:

December 6th, 2015

Volunteer Arrival: 10 am

Event Begins: 12 noon

Nominated Families Arrival: 1 pm