DID SOMEONE SAY ROSÉ

June 13, 2016 janet gunn

Rosé is a signal that the most pleasant, most enjoyable & carefree time of the year has arrived... Summer. How can you resist that rose petal pink color? It's a huge part of what makes drinking it so special. Rosé is a lifestyle, It's the kind of wine that inspires you to relax, enjoy and be in the moment. Kick off your summer with a glass of Rosé and good friends and say goodbye to summer the same way.

Our dear friends we've shared amazing wines and travels with. Great friends + beautiful wines + fun vacations = Good memories and happiness to last a life time.

Cote des roses - The rose-shaped bottle was designed by a young student; Mélitine Courvoisier of the Ecole Boulle. It comes in red, rosé and white. It's suggested to present the bottle by the neck and display the bottom of the bottle so the wine reflects through the specially cut glass, it looks like you are handing them a flower - a pink rose of course. Cote des Roses is the name of the coastal area near the village of Gruissan. Whispering Angel - Chateau d'Esclans is located on an extraordinary site, on elevated land near the Gorges de Pennafort, between St. Tropez and Cannes, and has become universal in popular hot spots such as South Beach, Nantucket, and the -Hamptons...speaking of, remember when there was a rosé shortage in the Hamptons last summr...well, they're bracing for another.

Here are a few excellent suggestions from Du Vin, owned by René located in West Hollywood and Heritage Wines, owned by Jordane Andrieu located in Beverly Hills. Everything's Coming Up Roses!

Welcome to Heritage Fine Wines. Located on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills. Life is always buzzing here on Cañon, and there's no shortage of yummy food and of course great wines.

Jordane is holding his favorite Rosé - Château Vannieres 2015

Meet owner Jordane Andrieu - Born in Paris, he moved to Burgundy a few years ago to take over his father's vineyard. Jordane transformed a small domaine into a well-known organic estate in Auxey-Duresses, next to Meursault. With both an MBA and a degree in oenology, he is the current manager of Clos du Moulin aux Moines, one of the oldest vineyards in Côte d'Or. Opening Heritage in Beverly Hills inspired Jordane to create a tasting and modern retail experience by offering a curated selection of French labels ranging from modest wines to elegant and rare wines. Jordane has brought a touch of France to us here in Beverly Hills and we're loving it... Merci beaucoup.

Leoube - This bottle of Rosé - Secret de Léoube. Is wrapped in elegant script writing. I love this bottle! an instant conversation starter. * Winemaker's note: The color is clear and delicate. A blend of exotic fruits with light spice flavors. The palate is supple and elegant. Chateau Rosé De Loube - The nose fresh: a blend of exotic fruits with light spice flavors.

Heritage is a perfect venue in Beverly Hills to organize networking events, holiday or birthday parties. Every Saturday at 3pm come enjoy wine tastings inside or on the patio. You can join the wine club and once a month and learn from sommeliers who curate two delicious and original French wines - one white and one red. Jordane's childhood friend, Apollonia Poilâne, from the Poilane Bakery in St Germain-des-Prés in Paris, flies in her sourdough country loaf several times a week for The Heritage clientele. French wine, cheese and fresh French bread...let's go!

Heritage is sophisticated, quiet, and serving only fine French wines. You can order a delicious cheese board, from the Beverly Hills Cheese Shop, (a personal favorite) unwind and appreciate the little things. Awwww a little bit of Pairieee in Beverly Hills. Héritage is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, Sundays from noon to 5 pm.

Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc / South of France / One of our favorite vacation getaways.

Rosé is the official summer beverage of the Côte d'Azur. I say "Let's make it the official beverage here on the West Coast."

Here are a few excellent suggestions from Du Vin, owned by René Averseng and located in West Hollywood you'll find Du Vin, a quaint bungalow tucked away in a small vine-covered courtyard.

For thirty-six years René has offered his expertise in finding the perfect wine solution for any occasion. Averseng was born in Grasse in the south of France and raised in Avignon near the vineyards of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. René has experience as a wine steward and consultant to top restaurants and hotels in Europe. We're lucky to live in an inspiring neighborhood, Every day we are surrounded by art, boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. Du Vin and Heritage Wines are two of those special venues that offer personal hospitality and years of experience.

René's top four suggestions : Petale de Rose $14.99 / Commanderie de la Bargemone $18.99 / Chateau Barbeyrolles $26.99 / Clos Beylesse (René's personal favorite) $26.99

Pétale de Rose - The vineyards are worked by hand, using natural animal fertilizers and treating the soil with sulphur and copper only from 3 generations. There are no chemical weed killers used. You can't go wrong sipping this light Rosé.

Leoube - Cotes de Provence $19.00 / The taste is supple and expresses an elegant blend of mixed red& exotic fruits with a very pleasant level of acidity. With a delightful lively and soft finish, Léoube rosé offers a balanced and medium-bodied wine that will please everybody’s taste.

Du Vin in West Hollywood - 540 North San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood.

René & Jordane are two intelligent men with a passion for wine, who take joy in educating their customers with knowledge and to truly appreciate the experience.

"Wine is the most civilized thing in the world." --- Ernest Hemingway.

VINO & A SLICE OF HAPPINESS

December 1, 2015 janet gunn

Who doesn't love a little wine and pizza? I know most of us are cutting back on the carbs, but it sure is a hard to say "No Grazie" to Pizza and Vino. Some of the best dinners and laughs I've shared have been with pizza and wine. Here are a few red table wines that are tasty, affordable, and worth sharing.

Half cheese and half pepperoni with a 2013 Napa Valley Red - 2013 Red from Pugila - 2013 Red Cabernet

VALPOLICELLA - The most famous wine district in North-Eastern Italy's Veneto wine region. Flavors of tart cherries with a touch of toasty oak and mocha. A blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinari grapes. This was our choice for pizza night here in our kitchen. 2013 Valpolicella Brigaldara.

Red C Napa Valley-Cabernet / Sonoma County Red Wine 2013 - Ripe, round, black cherry, blackberry and herb flavors. From wine maker Jeff Morgan, crafted in the same style as his top Cabernets. Here in California we are proud of our elegant cabs. Your guest will serve you a lovely smile after you share a slice and this Fab Cab!

I-1 Italy Red Wine 2012 - Composed of Nero D'Avola and Negroamaro from Puglia. You will find aromas of macerated raspberries, dried lavender, plum tart, and toasty oak accents. Besides the visual Italian look of the bottle on your table, this wine will flow perfectly right along with your pizza.

There are amazing table wines out there to be your perfect pizza partners, It doesn't have to be pricy to be yummy. When you head to the market make your way to the Italian region, the motherland of pizza wines. Try and take a moment and read about your wines, and most of all...have fun...enjoy. Add some yummy truffle cheese, grapes, figs. and chocolate. Any way you slice it...bringing people together and sharing a few laughs creates happiness. Start your holiday season off with an attitude of giving the simple things. GRAZIE!

In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine. Robin Leach

NAPA VALLEY VINO

October 22, 2015 janet gunn

It's Harvest Time, so what better time to take off to Napa and enjoy a few days in the valley drinking beautiful wines and eating fabulous food. IVAMOS!

Our son left for Washington D.C. on a school field trip, so last minute my husband and I decided to hop in the car with our dog Buster, and our bikes and hit the road to Napa. Living in Los Angeles we have the advantage of the ocean, mountains and Napa Valley. Off we went on our road trip. Seven hours later...Vino!

We checked into Hotel Bardessono. Located in downtown Yountville, a boutique hotel with contemporary flair, and elegance. It's right in the center of town, so you are walking distance to great restaurants, shops, and a charming walking path. Step out into the crisp Napa Valley air, and in two minutes you are enjoying yummy coffee and pastries at Bouchon. Bardessono is also a national model of green building and operating practices along with open arms to your four legged friends.

There are sixty-two rooms and a gym that is open air with just the right amount of equipment. With water flowing throughout the property you are surrounded in a tranquil setting. After sun down, kickback and enjoy the warmth of the fire and a glass of vino before your dinner.

Enjoying a little fireside relaxation before our dinner at Ciccio. Bardesonno has done an amazing job with incorporating nature's elements.

Along our walk we found Ciccio. Located in the heart of Napa, Ciccio offers a simple menu of pizzas and Italian entrees baked in a beautiful wood-fire oven and ingredients right from their own garden at Altamura Ranch. Ciccio is family owned and operated by Frank & Karen Altamira. They happen to be there the night we stopped in, and we were seated next to their table (lucky us) Frank introduced himself and gave us a little history of their Ciccio, the farm and shared one of his favorite wines with us. Frank and Karen pair their wines from their vineyard with their foods. Altamura Ranch has been in their family since 1855. We had such an incredible dining experience that evening. Their was a wait list, but what's better than sitting on a front porch in Napa with a glass of wine and smelling pizza from a wood burning oven. Hermes Scarf / lululemon jacket / Borsalino Fedora / AG Jeans / TOD'S Shoes /

6770 Washington Street -The building was built as an Italian Grocery Store in 1916. Make the time to dine here, you won't be disappointed. Try the Calamari- Perrperoncini & Garlic if you like spicy - Pizza - Mushroom, Taleggio, Crispy sage - Pizza Margherita. Our meal, along with the wine from their vineyard and the conversation was a perfect evening.

MA(i)SONRY was incredibly special. My husband and I stopped by everyday, It's just one of those places where people gather and appreciate being in the moment and sharing a laugh. Here you have art, design and a wine gallery in a contemporary, stunning landscaped sculpture garden. Once belonging to Carles Rovegno - a vineyardist in the early 1900s. The house was so small it was known in Yountville as the "Chinahouse." In 1902 a local Mason, Angelo Brovelli, who was know for his stone bridges, began to build this utilitarian, craftsman-style building with functional charm. After Rovegno passed away in 1954, the historic stone property was converted to a boutique, seven-room inn known as Burgundy House Inn, until 2007. Today, the Charles Rovegno House is a blend of past, present and future. The Integrity and charm remain in tact, you can see the old-world work hand in hand with the new.

Enjoy specialty wines while surrounding yourself in an uber chic atmosphere. Nestled amongst layers of evergreen Holly Oak trees while feeling a hint of French flavor.

And yes, a big welcome committee at the entry way when the tail wagging canines stroll through the doors. /Borsalino Fedora / James Perse T / Hermes Scarf & Bracelet /

Guest come here to appreciate sipping on artisan wines from local vintners. It's an unique and relaxing way to unwind after a busy day on the Napa Valley Wine Trail.

6711 Washington Street, Yountville, CA / A great way to relax and be inspired while taking in the wine, art and the sculpture garden. Don't miss this historical building and bee spoke experience of life, art and wine.

Frank Family Vineyards - Located in the historic Larkmead winery in Calistoga (3rd oldest winery in Napa). Be sure to make a reservation for their tasting room. Frank Family is know as one of the best wineries in the country so make sure to stop by the tasting room. Everyone is so down- to-earth, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for wine making. And if you're lucky enough to time it just right you might catch Rich & Leslie Frank ( she's a dynamo) in action. After meeting them you will understand why the Frank Family has a magnetic energy blossoming around the property Frank Family Vineyards - 1091 Larkmead Lane Calistoga, CA

Be sure to take a moment and relax under the giant elm trees, that are over 100 years old and take in the beautiful vineyard views. No need for a leash here, Frank Family Vineyards love dogs. Here...Everybody's happy.

The highly regarded Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which is barrel aged in French Oak for two and a half years, is one of the most sought after wines in the valley, and their Cameros Vineyards produced some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir available.

2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Delicious / Hermes Scarf /

Another Dog Day Afternoon on the Napa Valley Trail...Nap time in Napa.

Couldn't resist bringing home 2012 Reserve Zifandel / 2012 Reserve Sangiovese / Port / Incredible wines from Frank Family. You can taste, deep, black cherry, ripe plums, leather, chocolate.. We had a great day at Frank Family Vineyard. Their staff were knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about the vineyard. Thank you for a great afternoon!

Hall Winery / 401 ST. Helena Hwy. South St. Machines hard at work- Very interesting process to watch.

During harvest time you will find beautiful pumpkins and decorations everywhere you go. Happy place in Napa Valley. / Borsalino Fedora / Hermes Scarf / AG Jeans / Chanel Flats /

BOTTEGA RISTORANTE - Chef Michael Chiarello opened his doors in 2008. Across the street from our hotel and into the heavenly aroma filled atmosphere of Italian cooking. The staff was accommodating, and what a cool and unpretentious space. You feel like you are dining in a locals-only right in Italy. Our dinner was 'Fantastico' the wine was 'Delizioso'

Heirloom tomatoes - Burata - Fresh Basil - Caviar

Spaghetti Marinara. So simple, so good.

Be sure to visit Richard Reddington's Redd Wood. A superbly stylish Italian-inspired eatery. The place was packed, so we took a seat at the bar and shard a terrific wood-fired pizza. Walking distance from Hotel Bardessono, you can enjoy wining and dining here all day long. You will see a super chic crowd and feel casual comfort at the same time. Located right next door is an amazing hotel, North Block Hotel, very modern boutique hotel mixed with old world charm. And of course...they love dogs.

Redd Wood - 6755 Washington St.

Dariush Khaledi was instilled at an early age with the winemaking craft of his father, inspired by wine culture in the literary city of Shiraz - in modern day Iran - and the ancient city of Persepolis. He became a lifelong collector, seeking out old world wines, traditions and stepping into the modern techniques. Dariush was an entrepreneur destined for his dream. In 1997, Dariush and his wife Shahpar founded Dariush, and now we get to enjoy one man's vision. Plant the seed and watch it grow...and Yes it did...

Dariush brings his amazing wine making skills and his Persian Palace to the Napa Valley. He grew up in Shiraz, one of Iran's prominent wine growing regions and some theorize it may be the origin of the Syrah/Shiraz grape.

Be sure to make a reservation for a Portfolio Tasting. The ninety minute shared tasting experience begins with a tour of the winery followed by a seated tasting in their barrel Chai, where limited release wines, are paired with artisan cheeses from all over the world. Tastings menus are prepared by Dariush and Shahpar. Bar side and table side service is available by appointment, and there are seatings every hour.

Spending the afternoon at Darioush was full of culture, history and incredible wines. Absolute must for your Napa Valley list. 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA

Located in Yountville, alongside Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery and just down the road from the French Laundry, just follow your nose and you will be lead to freshly baked croissants and coffee. First thing in the morning we walked straight to Bouchon Bakery, ordered our coffee and croissants, and gathered with the locals and visitors under the trees in the courtyard.

Riding our bikes through the vineyards was probably our favorite thing we did. It was stunning biking between the vines, it was all you could see for miles. I recommend you spend a few hours and really take in all the beauty and get a close up and personal with a few grapes. / Bianchi Bike / Nike Jacket / lululemon pant / Nike Shoes /

Early one morning we heard this loud sound and could not figure out what it was, I opened the drapes, and there was this beautiful hot air balloon on it's way up. What an incredible site at sunrise. Before long the sky was covered in hot air balloons.

A nose knows... Buster headed straight for The French Laundry. Known as the Best restaurant in the world. Closed for a remodel until later this year, a new kitchen is on it's way.

Directly across the street is a three-acre culinary garden. Home to organic vegetables, herbs, and berries. 30 percent of the vegetables grown here are served at The French Laundry...From garden to table makes for an exquisite dining experience. I can't wait to return!

Fresh strawberries from the French Laundry Garden.

6640 Washington St, Yountville.

Last stop - CAYMUS VINEYARDS - Owned by the Charles Wagner Family, since 1971. Producing their first vintage in 1972, consisting 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. Today's production is 65,000 cases. It's an incredible wine, your guest will be delighted when you share a bottle of Caymus with them.

Beautiful property inside and out. Old and New French oak barrels.

Stainless Steel Barrels, which increase the ratio of solids to liquid in fermenting wine. 8700 Conn Creek RD. Rutherford, CA.

Being in Napa feels like 'adult' camp. You have the best free time, your scheduled time is spent at tastings, eating, drinking and getting a fantastic education on vineyards and their owners. Your snack time is all about fruits and artisanal cheeses, and more wine. Your breakfast consist of crossiants and coffee from Bouchon, and your activity is bike riding through one of the most beautiful landscapes on the map. And when it's time for 'lights out' you are tucked away in your boutique hotel room... I'm pretty sure I want to go back!