Help Those Affected by the #LakeCounty Fires by partaking in a Charity Wine Auction!

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Jamie

It was just a few months ago, last fall, when a fire swept through Southern Lake County. In the fall of last year, the Valley Fire swept through southern Lake County and scorched more than 115 square miles, destroyed 1,300 homes, and claimed the lives of four people – making it the third most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Numerous businesses were damaged, forests burned, and thousands were left suddenly homeless. In response, members of the wine industry have joined hands to help rebuild Lake County and provide relief to those affected by the fire.

#LakeCountyRising presents

Valley Fire Relief
Charity Wine Auction

Sunday, March 20, 2016
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Vintner’s Hall of Fame at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
2555 Main Street, St. Helena, California 94574

This weekend, Sunday, March 20, community members will come together to help those that have been affected by the fire during this tragic event last fall during the #LakeCountyRising Charity Wine Auction.

Led by Congressmen Mike Thompson, grape-grower Andy Beckstoffer, and auctioneer Fritz Hatton.  The Charity Auction will take place in St. Helena on the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

Seating for the event is limited and advance registration is required. Tickets are $150 and may be still purchased online at www.lakecountyrising.org/charity-auction, but a few tickets are being reserved for sale at the door. “We promise not to turn any bidders away!” says Beckstoffer.

The auction has assembled a remarkable collection of lots and experiences, led by the Napa Valley Vintners, Lake County Winery Association and other wine region associations around the state.

Some items include:

*Winners of a Michelin 3-Star live auction lot will indulge in a dining experience for three couples at The Restaurant at Meadowood, Napa Valley. They will enjoy six sumptuous full tasting menus with wine pairings (inclusive of tax and service). Winners will also take home three bottles each of sought-after Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons from the renowned wineries: 2011 Harlan Estate Red Wine, 2005 Heitz Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2012 Scarecrow Wine Mt. Etain Red Blend.

 

  • A personal barrel lot by Beckstoffer Vineyards will provide a half ton of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the 2016 harvest of the Georges III Heritage Vineyard in Rutherford and includes the expertise of the winemaking team at Sinegal Estate who will custom crush, craft, barrel, age, bottle, and label the finished wine specifically for the successful bidder.

 

  • An ultimate San Francisco Giants game experience at AT&T Park has been created for another lucky live auction winner. With luxury transportation to the ball park, 12 guests will luxuriate in a private VIP Suite filled with gourmet food and Napa Valley wines, and will take home a signed baseball from Barry Bonds to remember the day.

*A silent auction item from the “Heart of the Valley,” includes dinner for four at Mustard’s Grill in Yountville and a mixed case of Napa Valley wine including: two bottles Far Niente 2013 Chardonnay; two bottles Joseph Carr Wine 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; two bottles Tom Scott Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; two bottles Grgich Hills Estate 2012 Chardonnay; two bottles The Prisoner 2014 Red Blend; one bottle Faust 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; and one bottle Silver Trident 2012 Red Blend.

 

  • From the Napa Valley’s southern end comes a silent auction item named “Distinctly Southern” and includes dinner for four at Cole’s Chop House in downtown Napa and a mixed case of Napa Valley wine, including: five bottles Arrow & Branch 2013 Sauvignon Blanc; five bottles Jamieson Ranch Vineyards 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; and two bottles Rocca Family Vineyards 2011 Red Blend.

*A “Napa Valley Cabernet Fest” is a silent auction lot which includes a mixed case (one bottle each) of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Chateau de Vie 2009 Calistoga; Cimarossa 2011 Howell Mountain; Corison Winery 2013 St. Helena; FARM Napa Valley 2013 Napa; Faust 2012 Rutherford; Reverie Vineyard & Winery 2010 Calistoga; Lamborn Family Vineyards 2011 Howell Mountain; O’Brien Estate 2012 Napa; Joseph Carr Wine 2012 Rutherford; Silver Stag Winery 2012 Napa; Tom Scott Vineyard 2012 Yountville; Rudd Oakville Estate 2011 Oakville; and a copy of the fine art photography book Perspectives Napa Valley.

And many other lots will be auctioned off during this event.

Those who would like to bid but aren’t able to attend can check the www.lakecountyrising.org/charity-auction web site after March 1 for lot descriptions and advance bidding details.

Those who aren’t able to attend but want to help can click the “Get Tickets” button, and then choose “Donation” instead of the “Live Auction” ticket to make a donation in any amount. Donations are tax-deductible.

 

 

 


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30 Years and FRESH Deals at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells!

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Jamie

I don’t know about you, but as of late, I’ve been dreaming of a getaway!  The cooler temperatures, the rainier season, and the need for some much needed pool team has me thinking of the desert.

With that being said, the beautiful Hyatt Regency Indian Wells is celebrating their 30th Anniversary in 2016 with some GREAT Deals that last throughout the year:

Skyline View of the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa opened in 1986 under the name Grand Champions Resort. In 1987 Hyatt took over management of the resort and the Grand Champions tennis stadium debuted under the passionate leadership of tennis legend Charlie Pasarell. Grand Champions, Pasarell and the then-state-of-the-art stadium played host to the prestigious BNP Paribas Tennis Open (known throughout the years as many other tournament names) until 1999 as tennis elite including Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf, Boris Becker, Andre Agassi and many others competed. In 1999 the tennis stadium moved to larger facilities though it remains an iconic aspect of the resorts identity to this day. In 2003 the resort underwent a massive renovation and expansion. In 2012 the resort was renamed Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa and continues to showcase golf courses, tennis facilities, expansive luxurious spa, villas, fine dining and much more.

To celebrate an extraordinary 30 years under the desert sun, the resort has created a calendar of events, promotions and special offers to last throughout the year! Can you spot the theme?

Wining & Dining:

Lantana Restaurant

  • A “Throwback Menu” will be offered the last Sunday of each month remembering the original Charlie’s Restaurant.
  • Sunday through Thursdays will feature a monthly special $30 bottle of wine.

Agave Sunset

  • $19.86 Date Night Special: two signature cocktails – one for you and one for him/her. (Minimum 2 guests over the age of 21 must be present). Or….
  • Two Agave Sunset Margaritas for $30 (Minimum 2 guests over the age of 21 must be present).
  • #TBT – Throwback Tuesday & Thursday: 80’s tunes and cocktails all night.

Roadrunner

  • Kids Happy Hour – smoothies and refreshing icy beverages for $3.00.

 

For the Fun of It

Cabana Rentals

  • $30 Lunch for 2 Upgrade – available will full day cabana rental (two shakes/smoothies, two sandwiches or burgers) Purchase a full day cabana rental, and receive the option to purchase the $30 lunch upgrade for two people.
  • Summer Cabana Rental Specials – prices starting at $30 (June – August).

Activities

  • Throwback Dive-in-Movie – 1980’s cult classics each Friday (June – August)
  • DesertPipe® – the coolest water ride to hit the desert! Three rides for $19.86 (June-August)

Towel Hut

  • #FamilyFun Pool Package – floatie + noodle + beach ball = $19.86

Fitness

  • Grand Champions Tennis Happy Hour – $3 tennis ball canister & $3 white wine, 5-7 pm (Mon-Thu, April-December).
  • Retro Step Class, Saturdays (March – December) Included in the resort fee, along with other movement classes.

 

 

So Serene  

Agua Serena Spa

  • Moroccan Mint Body Scrub $130. An energizing and ultra-fresh combination of rosemary, mint and sweet orange, this treatment stimulates circulation and awakens the mind.
  • Moroccan Lava Ritual (self-administered treatment) $30 Healing, purifying treatment for skin and hair using Morocco’s exclusive lava clay and a Moroccanoil hair mask.
  • Spa Healthy Hour $30 12-2pm Mon – Fri, choose two different treatment add-on’s (soak not included).
  • Ultimate Moroccanoil Pedicure $89 Unique and luxurious products exfoliate skin, preparing it for the rich hydrating effects of Moroccanoil’s Hydrating Treatment which includes a paraffin dip.
  • Moroccanoil Scalp Treatment $30 (Thursdays)
  • Merlot Mondays (available all day) – $3 glass of merlot and 30% Vino and Vinyasa classes.

Serving OneHope Merlot to raise awareness and funding for charitable organizations and social causes like END7 which provides children in need with treatment and medicine.

 

Getaways

  • Your 30th night’s stay in 2016 is $30
  • 30% off Summer Bookings – book your stay March–May for stays between June-September. (Advance Purchase – prepay non-refundable).

To take advantage of any of these specials either call Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa by phone at 760-776-1234 or visit the special anniversary website www.relaxplayindulge.com or the resort website indianwells.hyatt.com.


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The Other Side of Coachella Valley!

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was invited on a Farm Tour with the California Farm Water Coalition.  All opinions are my own.

When we think of Coachella Valley, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the Coachella Music Festival that comes every Spring.  It’s definitely what put Coachella on the map, but there’s a completely other side to the Valley that is so important: The Agricultural Side.

Coachella Valley is a huge producer, along with Imperial Valley, for a lot of the Winter Fruits and Vegetables that wind up on our table.  It is also where the majority of California Dates Come from.  They are one of the few areas within the state that are able to grow year round (expect for a few months during the summer when it’s really, really hot out.)

This past January I was invited on a farm tour of the area, and learned quite a bit in the process:

artichokes

Coachella Valley has even figured out a way to grow Artichokes in the desert!  Artichokes, mainly known for growing off coastal California areas (Castroville, anyone?) However, through trial and error, they were finally able to get them growing in the desert.

all-american-canal

Where Does Their Water Come From?

Like Imperial Valley, Coachella Valley, gets their water stream from the All American Canal, coming from the Colorado River.  What helps bring the water their way are the snow packs at the top of the Mountains, and as they melt, fill the Colorado River below.

They then regulate the water out to all the farmers within the area through their canal systems.

Date Farms:

Coachella Valley is the majority producer of Dates within the US.  For me, this was really interesting, as I had no idea, how dates were grown, so when we pulled up to a date farm, I was intrigued:

DateFarm

At first look, they look like Palm Trees, and yes, are called Date Palms.  To learn more about the process of Date Farming, check out this informative website.

To learn more about Date Farming, while in the Coachella Valley area, a stop into Shields Date Farm, is a must.  Take time to sit down to watch their video, enjoy a date shake, and take a walk in the garden (15 Dollar Fee!)

Grape-Buds

During our visit, we captured the first buds of Table Grapes, grapes that could be on your table as early as May of this year!

A Huge Concern For Coachella Valley:

One thing that weighs on the minds of those within Coachella Valley and the farmers in the area, are what will happen with the Salton Sea, a huge concern for all in the area.  With the receding water, and the health hazards that could come with it.  The sea, which lies in between Imperial Valley and Coachella Valley, over 300 miles wide, and a sea, that has water with no where to go.

salton-sea

The next time you’re in the Coachella Valley, be sure to drive by some of the Agricultural farms in the area, but be respectful of the farmers hard at work and their crops.

 

 

 

 


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