Napa is the land of artistic convergence. It is a place where you will run into winemakers, artists, musicians, writers of all genres and the occasional star or starlet. There are so many galas, parties, winery events, and more, prioritizing your time is key. Your calendar is a balancing act. A strict exercise in priority, not only of your life and time but how much your liver can take since most of the events involve some of the best wine in the region.
The acoustics in the caves were amazing. Drake’s voice literally swept us all away as we were completely silent and eagerly listening. Truly a magical moment.
During one of these event-filled weeks, I was invited to Trinchero, an exquisite winery destination just north of St. Helena in Napa Valley.The visit was to attend their hosted “Live in the Vineyard” performance and to meet a few people involved in the success of Trinchero. Live in the Vineyard is an unprecedented event of companies, the community and emerging and established musical artists coming together for one extraordinary weekend.
We’re deep in the caves of the winery, and listening to history of the Trinchero Family history in a room near the end of the cave. It’s been about an hour or two, I’ve lost track of time. The discussion is fascinating (more coming on that in a future post – stay tuned). I become aware of the time passing and I may have even fidgeted once or twice thinking we might be missing a performance. I was in a quandary, the discussion so fascinating it was difficult to peel myself away, and the possibility of missing music of these performance artists.
Hey, y’all mind if I play a song?” Drake White in the caves at Trinchero
To get to the caves you take the driveway down away from the winery, past the bocce courts and stop directly in front of the vineyard.
The walk to the Trinchero Family’s private wine cellar is about 50-75 yards. It’s sequestered off to the right. The wines held by that cellar are a spectacular array of vintages from the beginning of the Trinchero winemaking days. At the center is one huge singular piece of wood serving which highlights the iron cutout backlit signatures of cherished family members.
It is here I am standing talking to one of the most articulate wine educators and long time Trinchero VP of Communications and Trade Relations, Barry Wiss… While in the midst of this discussion, I see a group of people approach. In walks an heir to the family dynasty and Director of The Elite Collection at Trinchero & Co-Founder of Taken Wines, Carlo Trinchero. With him, musician Drake White, his wife, and a handful of others in his entourage. You can’t miss Drake. He’s got a tall round hat, beard, a bit of a drawl and he’s as magnanimous and charming as they come.
“I learned how to play guitar so I could keep people’s attention around the fire. A spark can start a fire and keep you alive and sustain you. So this is the beginning for me.” Drake White
The beginning refers to his first album, “Spark”. White has been on a journey from his native Hokes Bluff, Alabama to Nashville where he is presently living. His music is earthy, soulful with an intensity that captures his upbringing. The influences range from his grandfather’s gospel sermons to Jack Johnson and Buffalo Springfield. There is a refreshing authenticity. The title song from that album is “Heartbeat” and you can hear a rare private performance of it below. His tour begins February of 2017. The acoustics in the caves were amazing. Drake’s voice literally swept us all away as we were completely silent and eagerly listening. Truly a magical moment. Listen in:
Drake White In His Words:
TWS: You sang in a cave and serenaded a big group at Trinchero in the family library. Have you sung in a wine cave before?
Drake White: No but the shower kind of sounds like a cave.
TWS: What is the most unusual place you’ve played your music?
Drake White: A hotel elevator.
TWS: Spark is your debut album. What was the inspiration for the name of the album and what does this album mean to you?
Drake White: I’ve always been enamored by the spirit of a flame and love how a fire sustains, warms and encourages camaraderie among folks. With this being my first album, I decided to call it “spark” because it is the start of a fire that many will experience. Love, acceptance, and brotherhood for many years to come.
TWS: What is your creative process when you are songwriting?
Drake White: I love nature, travel, animals, and people. It’s the experience with these loves that inspire my songs. I like to live then come in and write about that process. I generally like to freestyle lyrics over a melody and fine tune from there.
TWS: Who are some of the musicians who inspired you to write and sing?
Drake White: The Allmans, Marshall Tucker, Willie, Roger Miller, James Taylor, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Sublime and John Prine.
TWS: What kind of impact did growing up in Alabama have on your music?
Drake White: It’s everything!! The geographical location of Hoke’s Bluff has a sound. It’s south Appalachian soul produced with tree frogs, cotton & the muddy Coosa River.
TWS: What’s the most challenging aspect of performing live for you?
Drake White: Being patient in the pocket and letting the crowd come to me. I get excited easily and have to remind myself to let it flow.
TWS: Where do you find yourself wishing you are when you are on the road?
Drake White: Traveling abroad with my wife enjoying experiences. I love the road and have so much respect for its warriors. But it does take sacrifice and dedication to man thy miles.
TWS: What do you hope people walk away with when they listen to your music?
Drake White: Faith of a good world, good people and that the struggle is real so you might as well embrace the shit!!!
TWS: If there was a younger version of you aspiring to be a musician reading this right now, what kind of advice would you give him or her?
Drake White: Enjoy yourself! You’re going to achieve whatever you set your ragged ole heart to.
TWS: Today you live in Nashville. What has this done for your music and your life?
Drake White: Freedom to create with the best in the world. The spirit of music city can be matched by no other. Diversity is king nowadays. Real is cool. Imperfection is the reality.
Tour Dates:
February 4 – Bangor, ME @ Husson University, Gracie Theatre
February 16 – Baton Rouge, LA @ Texas Club
February 17 – Katy, TX @ Mo’s Place
March 17 – Charlotte, NC @ Coyote Joe’s
March 18 – Greenville, SC @ The Blind Horse Saloon
March 23 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
March 24 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
March 25 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegen Sun, Wolf Den
April 7 – Tampa, FL @ The Dallas Bull
April 13 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
April 14 – Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
April 19 – Warrendale, PA @ Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
April 20 – Shelby Township, MI @ Coyote Joe’s
April 21 – Indianapolis, IN @ 8 Seconds Saloon
May 5 – Columbus, OH @ The Bluestone
May 31 – San Diego, CA @ Moonshine Beach
June 2 – San Bernardino, CA @ Brandin’ Iron
www.drakewhite.com
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Gondola ride on the Napa River at sunset...
##napavalley #beautifuldestinations #sunsets #sunsetlovers #winetravel #carneros #viewfrommywindow #goodvibes #relax #destinationearth #TheWineSiren
It's the people you meet who make wine so special. Here are a few who make my life a lot more fun. New friends. Old friends . And those who have been there since the beginning. In the name of great wine! To the cool kids around the world.
@vallepicciola @smstudio_pr @cellaiale @winemob @winemoments @grapevineadventures @wanderlustvino @corni.winelover @cologne_wines
#grandcru #grandcrew #winelife #tuscany #italianwine #topwines
There is nothing better than pairing a grand cru adventure with the culinary treats by 2 star @michelinguide #chef of @arnolforistorante #GaetanoTrovato, pictured near the end of this video meticulously serving up his jewel like morsels of exquisite taste @vallepicciola . Such an adventure in taste and excellence!
#grandcru #vallepicciola #wearevallepicciola @vallepicciola @cellaiale @smstudio_pr #vallepicciolawines #vallepicciolawinery #tuscanywine #sangiovese #chardonnay #tagliobordolese #vallepicciolabianco #migliore #gaetano #chianticlassico #vagliali @vagliagli_official #wine #grandcru
Nap time.
In the name of Grand Cru, I traveled to a winery called @vallepicciola located in the heart of Chianti near Siena. I came away with an unforgettable experience and a number of significant moments.
The launch of some of the most hedonistic, exquisitely made and remarkable wine I've tasted in Italy. From the lusciously decadent white, which made 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren feel like I was in the heart of Chablis to their outstanding take on a Bordeaux blend. I must say, this wine is simply divine. Pair that with a mouthwatering price point and you've got a delicious way to drink very special wine that won't bankrupt you or your friends.
Photos:
1) With Grand Cru Winemaker, Alessandro Cellai. Who inspired us all.
2) 2019 Migliore the incomparable Bordeaux blend with just 2,500 bottles, and a few large format bottles. Me? I'd like the Balthazar, please.
3) The town of Siena at sunset.
4) The incredible soil of the vineyards producing the wine of Vallepicciola. The composition of which are areas alternating with amalgams of clays, calcareous marl, bluish marl, tuff, sandstone and sand.
5) Just a portion of the winery open for tasting and experiences.
6) The stunning Grand Cru tasted.
7) The Vallepicciola gift box that needs to be on your list.
My only question to you is how quickly can you get this on your table? The race is on!
#grandcru #vallepicciola #wearevallepicciola @vallepicciola @cellaiale @smstudio_pr @winemob
#vallepicciolawines #vallepicciolawinery #tuscanywine #sangiovese #chardonnay #tagliobordolese #vallepicciolabianco #migliore #chianticlassico #vagliali @vagliagli_official
Back to Firenze!
#grandcru #vallepicciola #wearevallepicciola @vallepicciola @cellaiale @smstudio_pr @winemob
#vallepicciolawines #vallepicciolawinery #tuscanywine #sangiovese #chardonnay #tagliobordolese #vallepicciolabianco #migliore #chianticlassico #vagliali @vagliagli_official
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