California 2009
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In April 2009, two teams of M&R Managers traveled to Napa and Sonoma for five days of wine and food. We toured some of our favorite wineries, as well as some new estates: highlights included visits to historic vineyards like Beringer in Napa Valley and Simi and Sebastiani in Sonoma. We also met with young and up-and-coming winemakers who explained their philosophies and the new trends in the industry. For example, we learned that less oaky Chardonnays are becoming more popular, and the winemakers lighten up these wines by using stainless steel fermentation and only some barrel aging. |
| Do you know how a barrel is made? We spent an afternoon at a local cooperage where we were able to see the process of barrel making from start to finish. The trip was a learning experience for all. Some of our newer staff members viewed, for the first time, the winemaking process from the vineyard to the bottle. For our more seasoned managers, visiting properties and seeing new winemaking trends and techniques was a good refresher. | |
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Larry and John tasting at Sequoia Grove in Napa |
Marty in the barrel room at Robert Mondavi in Napa |
Mark relaxing on the Rutherford Bench in Napa |
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| Frank with the Molnar Vineyards Winemakers in Napa | Group 2 at Anchor Steam Brewery in San Francisco | Jessica and Gary at Simi in Sonoma |
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| Cleigh and Brendan posing at Beringer Vineyards in Napa | The elaborate tasting "car" at Sebastiani in Sonoma | Geoff at Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa |
