If you’ve kept up with our blog or our “Wine Time” videos, you know we’re wine lovers. We just wanted to take some time to send our thoughts to California’s wine country. I can’t imagine the heartache the people there are going through, the vintners, the workers, families displaced… the list goes on with people affected.
Having grown up in a wine-loving family, it’s always been a part of our lives. Wine is a symbol of togetherness, relaxation, family, celebration… it means so many things to so many people. We had just gotten back from a trip to California (see this post), when the wine country fires started.
While we were fortunate to have gotten to experience the area prior to the devastation, our hearts broke for everyone there as the events unfolded. We encountered some wonderful people there, and the most beautiful land we’ve seen in a long, long time.
In addition to the new people we met, we have other ties to the state, as well. Jerry’s son and his family live in the Sacramento area. We have a friend who recently moved to Monterey, a bit further down the coast. I also have a friend, from back home, who has lived in Napa for thirteen years, and has people in her life who have lost their homes.
It amazes me to see so many people helping others throughout this devastating event- first responders going above and beyond the call of duty, people opening their homes to others, wineries loaning facilities and equipment to other wineries, etc. Wine-lovers really have a sense of community, a connection.
We got an email from Castello di Amorosa, a winery we toured (thank you, Kristopher C.!), and they’re fortunate enough to still be open and working. In addition to giving $100,000, October 17 through the rest of today, October 22, they’re also donating a portion of all their sales to recovery efforts (Sattui, 2017).
At Castello di Amorosa for a guided tour and tasting
Many wine-lovers have contacted the winery to find out how they can help. Donating directly to the Napa Valley Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is one way to help. Castello di Amorosa founder, Dario Sattui, also recommended buying Napa and Sonoma wines as much as you can. In restaurants, in the grocery store- anywhere you can find them (Sattui, 2017). We did just that!
The great thing about California wines is that even though there are some that are really pricey, there are SO many under $50. Being in a small town, we’re somewhat limited with choices, though. We didn’t see any in the high range, most were in the low range- the two we found were right around $10 each, so you can help support wine country without blowing your budget.
The first one we found was a 2015 Three Thieves Pinot Grigio, a light, crisp, and fruity white from Napa and Lodi. I’m looking forward to drinking this the next time Jerry cooks us some steelhead. It would also go well with our low-glycemic zucchini pasta and shrimp.
Jerry found a display of Vampire wines from Napa, and I’ve had their Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (because… vampires, right…?!?!), so I selected a bottle of Pinot Noir, a soft red with hints of strawberry and raspberry. I’ll probably make a pot roast with rutabagas instead of potatoes- I think this will go quite nicely with it. As a matter of fact, I think this would be a great Halloween dinner!
I’m hoping to find a Stag’s Leap Cabernet next time we’re out of town- I’ve had it before, and really enjoyed it. I’m going to keep an eye out for any Napa Valley wines whenever we’re shopping. After our visit to the areas, and the fires, Jerry and I both definitely have a new, deeper appreciation for wines from the region.
If you’d like to help, you can contribute to the Napa Valley Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund mentioned above; or if you don’t want to donate money directly, as Dario Sattui mentioned, buy any Sonoma or Napa Valley wine. (Don’t forget, you can also order from Castello di Amorosa!)
While there is a plethora of them available, some of the more common ones I’ve seen about everywhere we’ve been are Beringer, Robert Mondavi, Sterling, Korbel, and Francis Ford Coppola. You can even pick up a bottle of Mondavi Woodbridge for around $7 if you’re unsure of what you’d like.
Again, our hearts go out to everyone affected- you will all remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Castello di Amorosa
Source:
Sattui, D. (2017). Email from Dario Sattui, Castello di Amorosa. October 17, 2017.
