vacations for women: napa valley women of the grape and other harvests

8/8/2019 Vacations for Women: Napa Valley Women of the Grape and Other Harvests

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VACATIONS FOR WOMEN

Napa Valley Women of the Grape and Other Harvests

Saturday, April 30, 2011 – Thursday, May 5, 2011

No longer a rare vintage, women in wine are a major, award-winning force today. In the NapaValley, this accomplished audience of vintners, winemakers, and vineyard managers is joined inequal ranks by other celebrated women – organic farmers, olive oil producers, chefs,restauranteurs, and sommeliers – which brings us back to wine. You will meet members of Wine Entre Femme, pictured above (the lone gentleman is the winemaker at Dana Estatewhere the photo was taken). Founded in 2008 by Sharon Harris of Amici Cellars, Wine EntreFemme is an international circle of women in the wine industry. With a motto of Squeezing thefinest juice out of life!, they will take pleasure in sharing with us their love of the land, love of food, and love of wine.

Our tour is designed as a fun and entertaining experience, with a broad immersion into all of theabove . . . no advance degree in Enology required! We will enjoy “the pour” with some of thevalley’s leading ladies during private tastings, on winery tours and in exclusive settings. We’llsample delicious local cuisine and get first-hand introduction on the importance of organicfarming during walks in a vineyard and an olive grove.

And, we’ve made sure to balance the program, giving you ample free time for personalinterests, touring other wineries, relaxing with spa treatments, browsing the many lovelyboutiques and art galleries, renting a bike for a country ride, or even floating over the valley atsunrise in a hot air balloon.

If you enjoy good food and wine in the company of interesting women, you’ll love our tour.

This tour is limited to 16. Book early!

http://www.awayforwomen.com

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http://www.awayforwomen.com/





DAY 1 – Saturday, April 30

Arrive San FranciscoTransfer On Own to the Prescott HotelHotel Check In

Afternoon at LeisureDinner at Postrio

Plan to arrive by the afternoon, or make it along weekend and come in a day or two early toenjoy the city on your own. We’ve chosen thefour-star Prescott Hotel as the appropriatestarting point for our equally first class tour.Ideally located just off San Francisco's historicUnion Square, the Prescott is a shining star of Kimpton Hotels, a brand that was an earlypioneer of the boutique hotel concept. With a

vision as a haven of comfort, service, securityand style, plus a nice glass of wine and a goodmeal at the end of the day, the legendary

Kimpton style remains an award-winning trademark of the Prescott. The personalized service of the hotel staff and thoughtful amenities such as afternoon ice tea in the lobby, the hostedevening wine hour and the one-of-a-kind Postrio Restaurant are an everyday luxury.

The smoke-free Prescott offers comfortable guest rooms with honor bar, in-room safe, cable TV,and such extra touches as umbrellas, terrycloth robes, hair dryer, make-up mirror, iron, ironingboard, and complimentary yoga accessories to use during your stay. Wireless (WiFi) access isalso complimentary throughout the hotel.

This evening, we’ll meet in the hotel’s Lobby Living Room, a warm and inviting area with woodpaneling and a fireplace. After a glass of wine, we’ll move next door for dinner in Postrio Café,the world-famous Wolfgang Puck restaurant where we can continue to get acquainted and talkabout our exciting program in the days ahead.

DAY 2 – Sunday, May 1

Breakfast at the HotelMorning at LeisureLunch on Own

Early Afternoon Departure for NapaFun Wine PresentationDinner at a Local Restaurant


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DAY 3 – Monday, May 2

Breakfast at the HotelOptional Morning Stretch & Yoga ClassTour of Villa Ca’Toga

Schramsberg Winery Tour & TastingLunch On OwnAfternoon at LeisureDinner at a Local Restaurant

Wake up to breakfast in bed! One of the loveliest touches of staying atthe Mount View Hotel is the continental breakfast with fresh whole fruitthat is delivered to your room. Feeling stiff after a day of travel? It’stime to stretch! We have invited local yoga instructor, DoniaRobinson, to join us in leading an optional class each morning. This isfor all levels of experience. Beginners and yogis alike will enjoy takingthe time to get centered, align the body-mind-spirit through simple

postures, and end with relaxation to reenergize!

Located just a mile from our hotel is the enchanting Villa Ca’Toga, home of artist CarloMarchiori, born near Venice in 1937. Internationally known for his period-style murals for hotelsand casinos, he has created from scratch an estate based on the architectural styles of Palladio,Veronese and Venetian culture. The interior consists of seven large rooms. Each one is asurprise with a whimsical theme or classical interpretation of an ancient dream. The Main Salon(pictured here) displays Hercules and the Titans supporting trompe l’oeil Renaissance columns,arches and balconies. Outdoors, the grounds are adorned with columns, gates, a grotto, aRoman pool and sculpture courtyard. We will have exclusive access to the estate before itopens to the public later in May. On our guided tour we will find ourselves in a different world

where a sensitive artist has orchestrated art with harmony and nature.

Later this morning, Donia Robinson will rejoin the group as our escort at the SchramsbergWinery, known for its outstanding sparkling wine and illustrious place in American history. OnApril 28, 1972, the Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 1969 was served at the state dinner “Toast toPeace” hosted by President Richard Nixon for Premier Chou En-Lai in Beijing, China. This wasthe first time an American wine had been served at any White House or state event, at home or abroad. Since then, Schramsberg wines have been poured at official dinners by every AmericanPresident to such dignitaries as Queen Elizabeth II, Soviet Presidents Leonid Brezhnev andMikhail Gorbachev, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, andPope John Paul II. Our tour of the caves will be followed by a tasting of sparkling wine, theperfect light choice for early in the day.

After the tour we will return to the hotel where you are free for the afternoon. There are a varietyof cute restaurants in Calistoga for lunch, and many choices for shopping, spa treatments or visiting other wineries on your list.


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Optional Spa Package $110 – As AFW guests of the Mount View Hotel, you are entitled to aspecial discounted package that includes a 25 minute hydrotherapy mineral bath (with or without mud), and choice of a 50 minute facial or massage (please specify sports or signature).The cost is normally $160, a savings of $50. In addition, we will receive 10% off any treatmentsduring our stay. Tax and gratuity are not included. The spa is open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm andadvance reservations are highly recommended. Visit the hotel website to make your spa

appointments by phone or email. Be sure to mention Away For Women to get your discount.

After an afternoon of fun and relaxation, we’ll regroup for dinner at another local restaurantserving fresh, organic cuisine.

DAY 4 – Tuesday, May 3

Breakfast at the HotelOptional Sunrise Balloon RideOptional Morning Stretch & Yoga

Vineyard Walk & Tasting at Oakville RanchLunch in an Olive Grove at Storm Olive RanchRest of Day at LeisureFree Night for Dinner

Awake to another beautiful morning in the valley with option to join Donia’s yoga class.

Optional Hot Air Balloon and BrunchPackage $199 – For those interested in a onehour hot air balloon ride, this would be the idealday (with tomorrow as backup just in case of fog). Calistoga Balloons is the only company

that flies north in the valley and launches withinthree minutes of our hotel. As a specialpackage for AFW guests, the balloon companyis offering a deal that is less than their internetrate, and is inclusive of all taxes and gratuities.Hotel pick up time is at 6:00 am, with return tohotel at about 9:15 am. Brunch is included at

the Hydro Grill in Calistoga, within walking distance of the hotel. There is no minimum number of ladies required for the rate, however the balloon ride becomes private to us at 6 or 12 or 16passengers (based on basket size and weights). Reservations required 30 days out. Just let usknow.

At mid-morning we’ll take the Silverado Trail and head to Oakville Ranch on the east side of the valley, where the vineyards have been meticulously tended using organic and sustainablepractices. “It’s all about the land,” as Phil Coturri will tell us. Phil is the vineyard manager whowill lead us on a walk and will discuss the organic and biodynamic farming that is skillfully doneunder his management.


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At the tasting, we’ll also meet general manager Paula Kornell (pictured with Phil), who wasborn into the industry and worked on her family’s vineyard, Hans Kornell Champagne. Deeplycommitted to her community, she is the immediate past President of the Board of Directors for the Napa Valley Vintners and Auction Napa Valley—a position her father held 45 years earlier.She also sits on the board of the Oakville Wine growers and Wine Institute. She is a foundingmember of the “Lust for Life” group of women vintners who raise money for charity through treks

to places like Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro and, most recently, the Himalayas.

We continue back along the Silverado Trail, through absolutely gorgeous vistas, for the 40minute drive along Sage Canyon Road, past Lake Hennessey, and up into the Chiles Valley.Here we find the historic farm home of Bonnie Storm, located on a 130-year-old working cattleand dairy ranch. Along with Nena Talcott, their Storm Olive Ranch produces Grove 45 ExtraVirgin Olive Oil that is 100% estate produced and organically farmed. A highlight of theafternoon will be to hear the story of their friendship and how it lead to a wildly successfulbusiness partnership. After a tasting of olive oils, we’ll enjoy a home-cooked buffet lunch of grilled fish and chicken with garden vegetables grown at the ranch.

And to top it all off, we’ll be joined by Karen Cakebread who will pour the wine. A well-known

member of the Cakebread Cellars dynasty, Karen recently launched her own brand, ZiataWines, named after her mother, Mary Annunziata (pictured together). Karen is a tirelesspromoter of Napa Valley, who has also served on the Board of Directors of Napa ValleyVintners and co-chaired the annual fundraiser Auction Napa Valley in 2006. She is a foundingboard member of a charitable trust that raises money for breast cancer research by trekkingaround the world, usually accompanied by the aforementioned Paula Kornell and friends.

In mid-afternoon we will return to Calistoga where the rest of your day is free.

DAY 5 – Wednesday, May 4

Breakfast at the HotelOptional Morning Stretch & YogaTour of the Culinary Institute of AmericaChocolate TastingFree for LunchOptional Afternoon ActivitiesTwilight Tasting at Viader Winery

Our final full day in Napa begins leisurely, with breakfast, optional yoga and a fall back option for ballooning if anyone needs it. We’ll gather in late morning for a ride into St. Helena and a guidedtour at CIA. The west coast campus of the Culinary Institute of America is housed in the

grand historic landmark that was once the Christian Brothers Winery. The half-hour tour includes the Atrium, Vintners Hall of Fame and a view of the Teaching Kitchen. Both the Chef and Sommelier are women! A chocolate tasting will follow the tour. You’ll also have time tobrowse the Spice Islands Marketplace where everything and anything culinary can be found.


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From here you have the choice of returning to Calistoga with free time, or staying in St. Helenafor lunch and shopping on your own along Main Street which is full of the cutest shops andboutiques. Taxi transfers back to the hotel can be easily arranged.

Late in the afternoon we will depart for our

farewell evening at Viader Winery. A cave tour by the director of hospitality, Cante Swearingen,will be followed by a twilight tasting in the homeof winemaker Delia Viader . Born in Argentina,she spent many years in France where the styleof planting vines running directly down themountain is typical in Bordeaux, but not inCalifornia. At Viader, she pioneered this samemethod which optimizes sun exposure, vinedensity and erosion control. But it also presentsa challenge to plant on such a steep grade andrequires meticulous hand farming. Despite

receiving initial criticism, eventually Delia’svineyards on Howell Mountain were regardedas an ideal model for growing super-premiumquality grapes.

Today, the success behind Viader is a family affair, enhanced by her son, Alan, and daughter Janet (pictured here). Delia’s daughter-in-law, Mariela, is resident chef extraordinaire whopreviously worked for Thomas Keller and will create the food pairings for our tasting. Anexpansive outdoor terrace of Delia’s home overlooks the Howell Mountain estate vineyards inwhat can only be described as a suitably spectacular setting for our final night together. And asthe sun sets over the valley below, we will raise a glass of fine wine and toast the manyaccomplished women of Napa who shared their love of life with us.

DAY 6 – Thursday, May 5

Breakfast at the HotelCheck Out and DepartureReturn Transportation to the San Francisco Airport

Following breakfast, a group transfer to the airport will be scheduled in the morning based onthe majority of flight schedules. For those wishing to depart at other times, there are severallocal transportation companies that offer an airport shuttle at a very reasonable rate.

For more information, visit Calistoga Visitors


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ITINERARY• 1 night San Francisco• 4 nights Calistoga

TRAVEL OPTIONSLand only – book your air to San Francisco (airport code SFO)

Call us to book your flights separately!

COST

$2,499 per person, double occupancy

Single Supplement

$ 599 King $ 499 Queen $ 399 Special Double Queen Suite in Napa*

*Limited availability for 2 to share a double queen suite (see details on Day 2)

All gratuities included! No extra tipping.

PAYMENTS

$600 Deposit due upon booking

Balance due 90 days out (1/31/11)

INCLUDES

Boutique Accommodations• 1 night at the Pescott Hotel in San Francisco• 4 nights at the Mount View Hotel & Spa in Calistoga

• All Taxes and Hotel Fees

Superb Cuisine• 5 Breakfasts (daily)

• 1 Picnic Lunch in an Idyllic Olive Grove• 1 Dinner at Postrio Café in San Francisco• 2 Dinners at Fabulous Napa Restaurants with Local Organic Cuisine


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Private Ground Transportation in California

• Group Transfer from San Francisco to Calistoga on Sunday• All Transfers to Wineries and Group Activities in Napa

• Baggage Handling at the Hotel in Calistoga• Group Airport Transfer to SFO on Thursday Morning

Exclusive Tours and Events

• Enjoying “the Pour” with Celebrated Women of Napa Valley• Special Winery and Cave Tours

• Private Tastings of Wine, Olive Oil and Chocolate

• Art & Architecture Tour of Whimsical Villa Ca’Toga

• Twilight Tasting in the Home of a Renowned Winemaker • Guided Vineyard Walk with Accent on Organics• Tour of the Culinary Institute of America• Morning Stretch & Yoga Class• Discounted Spa Treatments in Calistoga• Driver and Guide Gratuities Included

Senior Staffing On-Site• Professional, Licensed Drivers and Guides• Tour Manager from Away For Women

QUALITY & SAFETY ASSURANCE

• 24-hour emergency hotline

• $2 million tour operator’s professional liability insurance

• AFW is a proud member of the National Tour Association

NOT INCLUDED• Air Transportation to San Francisco• Airport/Hotel Transportation in San Francisco• Other Meals and Cocktails• Personal Incidentals• Optional Activities Not Included in the Itinerary• Travel Insurance (highly recommended)• Discretionary Tips For Extra Service to the Drivers and Hotel Staff

DOCUMENTSValid Passport for Airport Security

ACTIVITY LEVELModerate, with some walking on slightly uneven ground in the vineyards


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WEATHER FOR SAN FRANCISCO

Mild and Dry Spring ClimateCloudless Days with SunshineDaytime Average: 60-65 DegreesCool, Crisp Mornings and Evenings

WEATHER FOR NAPA

Mediterranean Spring ClimateCloudless Days with SunshineDaytime Average: 68-70 DegreesCool, Crisp Mornings and EveningsFresh Scent of Wild Flowers

About Away For Women

Today’s women want more from the travel experience than the usual sights, sounds and flavorsof a destination.

We look to connect with one another in new ways, to share in the delight of cultural discovery, tointeract with women globally, and to enjoy the exclusive rewards that touring with like-mindedwomen so beautifully delivers. We think of this enriched vision of travel as:

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vacations for women: napa valley women of the grape and other harvests

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