Diminutive and slight, its difficult to imagine Delia Viader taking on Napa Valley with her namesake, Viader Vineyards, in the early 80’s. But take it on she did. Dominated by testosterone & tradition, Napa Valley was a man’s realm. There were few women (if any) starting up a winery and doing their own farming and winemaking. Particularly young female upstart Vintners. But this well educated (Ph.D.), single mother of four, had a mission. That mission was to provide a legacy for her children. She came armed with multiple degrees and a passion for success. She was comfortable with the challenge no matter how difficult.
"Wine is a work of art when you are able to shine a light on its best parts. The sun-drenched days, the foggy days, they’re all in the bottle. You can feel the sun, the dry volcanic rock, in the wine. It’s this part of the creative work that fascinates me."
She looked at the business of wine in the early 80’s. It was not going to be a glamorous gig. All wine growing is farming. Hard farming. Automation was still an idea for daydreamers. Everything required a hands-on approach. She asked her father if he could help support her with an investment. The response was one she dreaded. He looked at her and said, “After all the money I poured into your education? All you want to be is a farmer?” Delia had three degrees and a doctorate. Her tone was one of conviction. This was not something she did on whimsy. She had carefully researched the opportunity and what it would take to get the project off the ground. Well aware of the calculated risks and the potential she pushed hard. Dedication and optimism would carry her far, but she also had the brains. She told him she would prove the value of the investment to him. She took her ideas and developed a proposal. In the end, she knew she would get his support. But he wouldn’t gift the money to her. This would be a business transaction. She returned the investment and made good on her word. It would still take her 20 years to convince him the wine business was a good career choice but prove it she did.
"When you jump into winemaking, wine growing you become so passionately engaged in what you are doing. The creative part speaks to the nurturing part of a woman. It has never let me go. "
Finding the right property did not take long the challenges would be in the terrain. The steep hills of the 90 acres on Viader Vineyards is a challenge for anyone set on farming. It’s hilly, with a 30%+ incline. Rocky, but that’s a gift. Vines love rocks. It presented a challenge to plant and harvest. When Delia purchased the land, dynamite had to be used to excavate and prepare the land. That was the tip of the iceberg. Next, it had to be cleared and prepped for planting. She got to know every inch her 98 acres and with that a visual understanding of how the vineyards should be established.
Her convictions were not always welcome. To take advantage of the long hours of sunlight, she chose vertical planting. This plan would muster opposition from those who had worked the vineyards for years in Napa Valley. She decided to “Follow the path of the sun.” in her son, Alan Viader’s words. The entire valley was planting horizontally or terracing on hillsides. She would go vertical. Bucking convention. This was her property, her dream, her vision. They warned her of loss of soil due to erosion. She had done her homework, knew of the risks and made the decision she recognized as best for her vineyards. Delia stuck with her vision. In the long run, it paid off. “We never incurred erosion”, said Alan Viader.
“In many ways I chose wine. But wine also chose me.”
One can’t embark on an adventure of this size without getting some guidance or sage advice along the way. In the realm of winemaking, Delia Viader is a bantam fighter in size. A Goliath in fortitude. Moving barrels and doing heavy lifting was a huge feat. She relied to some degree on the workers she had access to, but most would fall on her shoulders.
The invitation to taste at Robert Mondavi’s Winery was a turning point for her. It was a mecca for those who needed advice or guidance on challenges. Delia went to the event with enthusiasm. It was a place to taste wines, share ideas, discuss and debate. She became friends with interns and the winemakers who attended. The relationship she would cherish the most was the friendship with Bob (Robert Mondavi). Known as an innovator and a source of inspiration for so many in the Valley since he started Robert Mondavi Winery in 1966.
“He was an amazing force. I was there the day he received a contraption that would save hours and hours of time racking barrels”, Delia Viader mused. She was facing a weekend of racking with one helper because that was all she could afford. She asked him if she could use it. Robert Mondavi (Bob, as he preferred to be called asked his team if they needed it for the weekend. The answer was no. He told her to take it for the weekend. This part of giving was so much of Mondavi’s legacy. “So many people related to Bob as this generous spirit. Viader said smiling, “We used to call it the ‘University of Napa Valley’ because he was so open to sharing information with any student or crazy person that wanted to know about it
On Success
I asked Delia about her success and when she first realized she was going to be successful. “I had been receiving great reviews, but somehow this was different. It was the 1997 Vintage. One of those years you would call it a big gift from God. When the wine was first being considered for Wine Spectators Top 100 list. That’s when it hit me. I’m there, almost there.” It was 2001 and her 1997 vintage of …. would be single out at California’s sole wine to make it into the top 10 of the top 100 list.
On Breaking Blends:
She put 40% of Cabernet Franc in her Cabernet Sauvignon and received immediate pushback from other winemakers in the Valley. Shocked, they asked her why she was putting that “bastard grape” in the Cabernet. She saw it completely different. Her love for Cabernet Franc came from its beautiful elegance, the aromatic fragrance, and its exquisite feminine touch. The tiny berries produced from the Cabernet Franc would be a challenge to grow and harvest. They’re fickle in their own right. The different dimensions it provided her blends were worth it. “It’s artistic. You cannot be bound by norms. What I do in the cellar is take the nicest, brightest, juiciest parts and put them in the bottle.” she explained.
What she celebrates the most about her life on the vineyard?
The ability to have her family with her… she’s built a dynasty of sorts. Her family is always supporting her. The rewards are tremendous because she sees this as a way of creating something 100% on her own. She also recognizes that this life is not for everyone including her children. To have her children decide to go into the business gave her validation that what she’s built has merit. They see that value as well.
Advice on living your best life.
“Never give up on your dream. Never be fearful, If you want it, go for it. It’s your life. No one can tell you hot to live your life. Don’t listen to the criticisms and silly double talk.” Delia Viader
Winemaker and son, Alan Viader remembers when they came to look at the future home of Viader Vineyards back in the 1980’s. They were traveling along a dirt road which was bottoming out here and there. His mother, Delia, turns to him and says, ” This is going to be a vineyard. I am going to make wine and this is going to be our legacy.” Alan recalls tasting grapes when he was eight years old in their vineyards. At 18 he was picking grape samples and tasting the nuances of the grapes. He learned to discern the different nuances from one lot to another.
Alan started managing the vineyards in 2002. He’s studied viticulture in Bordeaux France and traveled the globe to important wine regions to learn new techniques and processes of winemaking and sustainable, organic and biodynamic processes. His intimate knowledge of the vineyards has been instrumental in today’s winemaking process at Viader. Now he’s engaged full time in winemaking. His favorite part is creating wine. He’s an artisan as well, but his true art is in the winemaking.
Visit:
Viader.com https://viader.com/
1120 Deerpark Road
By Appointment
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
BBQ, Celebration, Wine, and Convenience are all necessary components of entertaining. But how do you make it even better?
Where to Stay: Napa Valley’s Meadowood Meadowood. Blissful Spa Experiences, Sublime Dining and Luxury. UPDATE: Meadowood sadly was impacted by the fires in Napa Valley
Chateau Bellefont-Belcier
Today Chinese investment has a major stake in Bordeaux St. Emilion appellation. With over 160 estates in the region owned by Chinese. Peter Kwok (head of CITIC and based in Hong Kong) is part of this influx of Chinese investors having made investments in 8 estates in the past 24 years. Chateau Bellefont-Belcier is the crown jewel, marking a prized piece of French wine heritage.
Founded by Count Belcier in the late 18th century, from a powerful Bordeaux family, the estate has all the trappings of a Grand Cru destination. Well-heeled neighbors and an indisputable pedigree in history. The vineyards are surrounded with epic neighbors including Château Pavie, Château Larcis-Ducasse and Château Tertre Roteboeuf. The south facing hillside where their grapes are grown consists of a limestone plateau, clay and limestone slopes and plots located at the foot of the hill.
For the purposes of this post I tasted three vintages by Chateau Bellefont-Belcier. Two under the previous owner prior to Kwock, and the 2018 under the management and ownership of Peter Kwock.
The 2016 was a solid presentation. 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 80% new barrels. Bright and bold black cherry, floral notes intertwined with anise and forest floor. Lovely expression.
For the 2017, sadly there was TCA in this. It doesn’t say anything about the vintage. I wasn’t able to taste.
The 2018 was the absolute hero of this vertical. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It sets the precedent for Peter Kwock’s vintages and what to expect in the future. The nose is swoon worthy. Decadent floral notes, roses, violets and spice, along with concentrated black fruit compote of blackberry and plum. The tannins are there, but as part of the ensemble adding the distinct aspect of unmistakable elegance and polish. Age worthy, delicious to enjoy now and what a treat. Bravo~!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell
Learn more: vignoblesk.com
2020 Stoller Pinot Noir Rosé
Well crafted Rosé, with thought, intent and expertise behind it creates a medley of sensations with memorable taste as its hallmark. This effort executed by the sensational winemaking team at Stoller Estate, led by 17 year vet, winemaker & VP of winemaking, Melissa Burr.
The Stoller Estate is one of the first Oregon wineries I had the pleasure of visiting. To this day, that experience leads when I think of Oregonian wine. The vineyards located are the largest adjacent single plot of 225 acres under vine. These cool climate experts have 108 sections with 10 different varieties planted with 158 acres of Pinot Noir.
It makes sense that this beautiful bottle of Rosé is part of that very block of Pinot Noir. Whole cluster ferment in steel tanks lends a compelling dimension to this fragrant example of well made Rosé. Discover the elegant aromatics of a field of warm strawberries and nectarine. Memorable notes of the juice of luscious watermelon, and the crispness of citrus with a satisfyingly long finish.
Pairings…. This wine compliments everything. I had it with margarita pizza… But it tastes great alone and with almost everything you can put in front of it. Decadently versatile!
$28
At Stollerwine.com
#Sample #TheWineSiren #NapaValley
Provence…. For all of its delights, AIX-en-Provence is a destination to be tasted. Both visually and spiritually. Quiet, peaceful. A simple tranquility penetrating your soul. Like the Mistral, once in your memory, on your lips, the essence of Provence never leaves you. It’s languid state always a backdrop for thoughts of AIX .
~ The Wine Siren
The floral scents of this rose are a pristine expression of Provence Rose. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault with the aromatics of florals, red berries, highlights the distinct freshness & minerality. The power of passion behind it, the beauty and elegance behind it make it a pleasure to sip, share and enjoy.
Grown at one of the highest elevations in the AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation, 420 meters above the sea at Mason Saint AIX. The color is distinct. This salmon hued beauty is always a treat year round.
For me, this wine is part of my summer. But it is also a part of my life. Low alcohol, easy sipping, perfect for entertaining, as an aperitif and enjoying with friends. It makes every enjoyable experience that much better. Do you AIX?
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When your breathless with excitement over summer fun, step up your wine game with a high quality luscious example of Rosé of Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley.
@sonomacutrer got off the ground in 1973 when visionary wine producer Brice Cutrer Jones, a decorated Vietnam combat fighter pilot determined he could successfully grow Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley.
Today, Mick Roeter carries the torch as Director of Winemaking.
On my lips. This expressive and voluptuous Award Winning Rosé of Pinot Noir. Not one you would dare toss an ice cube in but rather savor ever drop warm or cold. Fresh and vibrant, mouthwatering strawberry, succulent blood orange, zesty lemon all together with a long and bright finish.
Your summer is absolutely not complete with several bottles of this chilled and within reach.
After all. You deserve top Rosé don’t you?
#Sample #TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine
Eat Italian!
I loved getting back to a #NapaValley favorite. The delightful @dongiovanni_ristorante . Which I highly recommend. It’s divine to sit out under the umbrellas and next to the vineyards.
#2 perfect prepared halibut which is in season right now and not always on the menu. Pan seared to perfection and served with lightly sautéed greens.
Other dishes that are must tastes:
Mandili paper thin Handkerchief pasta tossed with Genoese basil (the real deal).
The octopus and arugula salad!
The lemon cream ravioli with bellwether ricotta. Breathtaking!
Best possible pairing with the halibut
#3 And the stage of the grapes in Napa Valley this week. Green jewels!
#4 the ever delicious @umanironchi Abruzzo VELLODORO
Terre di Chieti Pecorino IGT 100% Pecorino. Enchanting floral notes, citrus, honeysuckle perfect touch of sapidity. $16 worth every luscious penny!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine
Super excited to delve into seven sips of Tuscany. But before I do I’d love to learn more about your favorite Tuscan experiences.
Whether it’s wine, destination, an experience, town or memory.
My favorite Tuscan experience was my glorious stay at @castellobanfi_wineresort .
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell
#Wine
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2 Responses
After growing up in the Valley I finally made it up to Viader back in December, what a gorgeous slice of heaven! Great post, can’t wait to get back and try some more wines!
-Caroline
Its so so nice to see such a family dynamic here! Wonderful post