Theorem Vineyards straddles two mountain AVA’s, where the Mayacamas and the Vaca Mountains meet, is a one of a kind view of the sometimes snow-capped Mount Saint Helena. 44th highest peak in the U.S. with an elevation of 4,342 feet as part of the Mayacamas. The Wappo Indians once called this land home. The Wappo settled in Napa Valley, about 2000 BC. They revered Mount Saint Helena. Their history holds a myriad of memories in a mystical part of the valley.
The air is fresh, the sky incredibly clear. The view, one of the most breathtaking you will encounter in Napa Valley. Located just above the intersection of Petrified Forest Road and Calistoga Road is Theorem Vineyards, and one of the most breathtaking views you will encounter in Napa Valley. Theorem Vineyards grows wine from two mountain AVA’s, Diamond Mountain and Moon Mountain adding to the unique nature of their brand.
Wine Country adventures offer so many different opportunities. For me it’s all about the most unique experiences. Whether on a quiet country road or the populated busy, sometimes wrought with frustration road. The busy venues can can shake your tasting. People have less time to listen. Your leisure time often goes from relaxed to hurried. This is why I prefer the smaller, less-trafficked wineries, which are “By Appointment Only.” Here Theorem Vineyards delivers exceptionally.
There are definitely days when spontaneous tastings are fun especially in groups. But when a winery expects you, the experience is more memorable and personal.
On my search for some of the most beautiful Napa Valley destinations, traveling to family-owned, by appointment wineries are the most rewarding…both in experience and personal touch. When I search for new places to visit I take all of these things into consideration.
The most important things to consider are the forces behind the wine. Namely, the proprietor who has the vision, the grower who cares for the vines and land, and the winemaker whose job is to bring the grapes to an unadulterated finish.
Most small wineries begin their journey with enthusiasts or past-pros ready to strike out on their own. Some have a passion for wine and want to turn that passion into a business. For founders Jason and Kisha Itkin it began when they started visiting Napa Valley in 2007. Like so many others before them, they fell in love with the Valley. In 2012 they were thinking of getting a second home. A place to stay when they visited family and friends here.
At the time, the vision was not to purchase a winery. Destiny would have other ideas. They were taken to a property in disrepair, overgrown abandoned vineyards with dilapidated buildings, and two historic yet neglected properties. As they began to unravel the layers of this property they learned of its significance. This foundation is the basis of Theorem Vineyards.
Two of the most important buildings included a schoolhouse built in the 1800s and a home formerly owned by Napa Valley’s Dr. Richard Beverly Cole. The stately Victorian home had seen more dignified days. The doctor was a celebrated physician and an original bon vivant. He was one of the instigators of an idea while on the Outside Lands board to transform 1,000 acres of San Francisco land into a development known as none other than the Golden Gate Park. He was also the Surgeon General of the State of California.
Their paths crossed with a property in disrepair, with dilapidated buildings and a hodge-podge of quick fixes. But the bones were good, the size was right and there were vineyards. Initially they weren’t at all intrigued by the vineyards. They brought in two experts in the field, winemaker & vintner Thomas Rivers Brown and Josh Clark, a well respected vineyard manager. & grower. The vineyard was completely overgrown. They found Aiken Loam soil and the vines were Cabernet Sauvignon. After the evaluation the two had great news. The vines were well worth preserving. Those vines produce Theorem Vineyards flagship wine, Voire Dire (The Truth). The first vintage was aged in neutral oak so they could better evaluate the fruit. The return on their investment proved phenomenally good.
Today, the winemaking team consists of a master of 100 point wines, Thomas Rivers Brown as consulting winemaker and Kathleen Ward as assistant winemaker. Kathleen oversees the day to day in the winemaking at Theorem Vineyards. Her background as both an enologist and winemaker has made her well equipped for the task of bringing up some of the newest most delightful wine produced in recent years.
The enthusiasm she exudes says as much about her joy of the work as it does about her disposition. Sunny smile, energetic verve and a drive to succeed are just a small part of her personality. She is at home in the vineyards. Her dedication to the wine is evident. From bud break to ripening she walks the vineyards each week monitoring the progress of the fruit. Sampling fruit from every cluster in each part of the row and vine to carefully monitor the progress.
The latest vintage of Sauvignon Blanc we tasted directly from the barrel. The aromas are compelling, the acidity full of life and telling the tale of idyllic mountain growing conditions at Theorem Vineyards. The Sauvignon Blanc ferments initially in stainless steel, then is moved to the concrete egg. The egg, a two-ton cement repository imparts depth and volume as well as texture enhancing taste. It also will control the temperature which is important at this stage of winemaking.
My favorite part of the tasting, truly any tasting, is the pairing experience. It is here you get to know the depth, character and versatility of the wine. Enter Josh Mitchell, owner of Napa Valley Heritage Catering in Calistoga. He’s worked in some of the most notable restaurants in Napa Valley. The dishes he prepares are superb and the perfect fit for pairing for Theorem Vineyards wine. For guests at Theorem Vineyards, these pairing experiences create an unforgettable rendezvous of wine and food. My favorite part of the tasting, truly any tasting, is the pairing experience. Pairings included a rich lobster with a delectable sauce of creme fraiche, short ribs marinated and cooked to perfection, paired with the Voie Dire wine. Absolutely scrumptious!
For more information contact: Theorem Vineyards.com
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
Barodlino has a rich history in both wine and culture. There is no better Rosé that takes the beauty of the region and expresses it than Chiaretto Rosé.
Could it be that this region, today known as the Fastest Growing Wine Region in the United States is the world’s next Napa Valley? This is Idaho Wine Country.
The 55 judges awarded silver, gold and grand gold medals to wines from 25 countries.
At the beginning of March, in the @paysdocigpwines region of Southern France, over 1,200 #rosé wines from across the globe competed for the highly coveted @concoursmondial de Bruxelles medals. The @vinolok_global international Revelation Trophy was awarded this year to a rosé wine from #Italy – Y by 11 Minutes Rosé – produced by @pasquawines in #Veneto. Well done!
The Winners of the International Wine competition on Rosé for 2023 are in:
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is an international wine competition that takes place annually and is considered one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world. The competition is held in a different location each year, and it attracts thousands of entries from winemakers around the world. The focus of the competition is on identifying wines of high quality that are representative of their region and grape variety.
In recent years, the competition has added a separate category for rosé wines, recognizing the growing popularity and diversity of this style of wine. The competition judges rosé wines on their color, aroma, taste, and overall balance, with the aim of identifying the best examples of the style from around the world.
Winning a medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles can have a significant impact on a winery`s reputation and sales, as it is widely recognized as a mark of quality and excellence. The competition also provides an opportunity for winemakers to receive feedback from a panel of international experts, helping them to refine their techniques and improve their wines.
Winners link is: https://resultats.concoursmondial.com/en/results/2023
Congrats to all the Rose producers who participated!
#WineCompetition #winetasting #rosé #winelover #trendingwine #whattodrink #concoursmondialdebruxelles #paysdoc #montpelier #france #Veneto #winemedals #thewinesiren #wineoclock #winerating #winejudge
When great viticulture is an obsession you chose wisely and well. @vitnerd for @lecole41 on sustainability, great viticulture and award winning passion for vines.
WATCH WITH LINK IN BIO: SADIE DRURY - VINEYARD MANAGER
Sadie Drury is a Walla Walla native who has been passionate about agriculture since her first job of picking strawberries at the age of 12. In 2007, Sadie decided to combine her passion for agriculture with her love for wine by attending the Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College and pursuing a career in viticulture. In 2008, Sadie started an internship at Ciel du Cheval Vineyard where she moved up the ranks to Assistant Vineyard Manager. Sadie joined the North Slope Management team in early 2013 and took over the reins as GM later that year. She currently manages 6 vineyards including the famed Seven Hills Vineyard. Sadie is the current Chair for the Washington State Wine Commission. She is the 2019 Power’s Sabbatical Recipient, the 2020 Washington Winegrowers Erick Hanson Memorial Grower of the Year, and a 2021 Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker.
#WashingtonWine #WallaWalla #lecole #Viticulture #sustainable #Sustainability #Vine #winelover #DrinkSustainable #TheWineSiren #SevenHills #wineeducation
https://www.youtube.com/live/PiWKkhnre94
The Ritz, Paris.
A destination since 1898, the Ritz Paris is one of the most iconic hotels in Paris.
There is no better place to return with a couple of my most cherished friends and begin our dinner and catch up session with an exquisite bottle of Extra Brut
Champagne Barons de Rothschild. Made from Chardonnay 60%;Reserve wines, the majority of which
are kept in their perpetual reserve (solera) 40%,
Pinot Noir 40%,
Grands and
Premiers crus 85%
Dosage 1.5 g/L
Ageing 4 years minimum
Exquisite perlage enhanced by notes of minerality and salinity, the brioche like aromas reveal notes of pear and fig. Delightfully well balanced its arômatic finish satisfies. This beauty is cellar worthy and will reveal its riches for years to come.
The stunning facade has a place in history since 1705. Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the most famous architect of the Baroque period, drew the initial design for Louis XIV.
The luminaries who frequented the hotel were many, Marcel Proust, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Many are the writers and artists inspired by the Ritz in their work as well. Hemingway for The Sun Also Rises and F. Scott Fitzgerald for Tender is the Night. In fact, the hotel’s “Bar Hemingway” was named for the author.
For 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren a return to the Ritz is a return to the incredible history of Paris and a moment of great drinks and bites with dear friends. From the moment you cross the threshold the inviting aroma and views of luxurious surroundings envelope you.
Do you Ritz?
Photos
1. The Ritz Paris champagne. Pure deliciousness. Notes below.
2. The stage is set at your entrance. Visuals and aroma envelope your senses.
3. Cherished Parisian friends to share the experience with.
4. The stage is set at @barvendome
5. Fresh truffles with French fries
6. Probably the best steak tartare on the planet. Served mild, spicy or extra spicy . Texture and rich flavor abound.
7. Just one of the lovely cocktails served.
8. The vibe at Bar Vendome
9. The Hemingway Bar . Very few seats and always packed.
10. And the regroup at the end of the evening. This is where memories are made.
#Paris #ritzparis #TheWineSiren #champagnerothschild
From Carcassonne to Montpelier the beauty of @paysdocigpwines shines through. I`ll share more on my newest discoveries when I`m back in the US .
The bar @hotelricherdebelleval .... incredible. Have you been?!
#winetravel #winetraveler #thewinesiren #kellymitchell #wine #winelover #ginlover #barsofinstagram #beautifuldestinations #wheretofindme #france #montpellier #justdrinks #cocktailtime
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
3 Responses
Great story, Kelly! Love this luxurious Diamond Mountain property and the wines they produce (from estate vineyards on both Diamond and Moon Mountains). Well worth the visit!
Thanks Lisa! It was such a beautiful experience and the wine is breathtaking. Love this as a getaway from it all destination.
Thank you for this article!
Campos Family Vineyards