Round Pond Estate of Napa Valley invites guests to join the fight against Alzheimer’s through its Honouren wine this June as part of National Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
Created as a tribute to Round Pond Estate founder Bob MacDonnell, Honouren is a symbol of hope for a future without Alzheimer’s, according to a press release. Each bottle features the faces of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s, contributed by their families, transforming each vintage into a mosaic of memories and stories.
The 2021 Honouren Vintage, a rich and beautifully structured Cabernet Sauvignon, has received accolades from Jeb Dunnuck (94 points), Wine Advocate (92+ points), and Vinous (92 points), according to a news release. Beyond its accolades, 50% of its proceeds directly benefit Alzheimer’s research, contributing to the Estate's ongoing commitment that has already donated over $225,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
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In addition to Honouren, during June, 10% of proceeds from Round Pond's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc will also be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. This combined effort underscores the dedication to fighting a disease that affects many families nationwide.
Round Pond Estate has raised $237,500 for the fight against Alzheimer's since 2021. Their 2024 fundraising goal is $110,000. Members of the Round Pond Estate team also participate in the Napa Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s event each year, which also raises funds for Alzheimer's research.
To learn more, visit roundpond.com.
Napa Valley Vintners Rapid Care Unit opens at Queen
The Napa Valley Vintners longtime support of Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center was recently recognized and celebrated with the launch of a new rapid care unit as part of the hospital’s ongoing strategy to improve access to care in Napa Valley.
The space, referred to as the Napa Valley Vintners Rapid Care Unit, due to the association’s support of the Queen, features seven bays adjacent to the existing emergency department dedicated to the quick treatment and release of less critical patients. The rapid care unit will improve efficiency and reduce wait times for the more than 30,000 people who visit the emergency department each year, according to a news release.
“Napa Valley Vintners is honored to be a long-time supporter of the Queen of the Valley Medical Center," said Cyril Chappellet, chairman of the board of directors for the Napa Valley Vintners and CEO and chairman of Chappellet Vineyard, in the news release. “Through our ongoing fundraising efforts and commitment to care for the community, we were able to make this significant donation. We’re honored to have contributed to the opening of this rapid care unit so that more community members can be cared for quickly.”
Common medical conditions typically treated in hospital rapid care units are urgent medical conditions that require care quickly, usually within 24 hours, but are not life-threatening emergencies, such as cold and flu symptoms, sinus infections, lacerations, scrapes and burns, wound care, sprains and strains, abdominal pain and other conditions.
“This new unit will be a game changer to help patients with less acute symptoms and minor injuries like bumps and bruises and potentially broken bones,” said Queen of the Valley Foundation President/CEO Rachael Poer. “The unit will allow us to decrease overall wait times, leading to a better experience for our patients.”
Oak Knoll District to celebrate AVA anniversary on May 18
The Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley celebrates its 20th anniversary as a federally recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA) this year.
Established in 2004, Oak Knoll District has earned a well-deserved reputation for producing an array of world-class wines, thanks to its unique climate, diverse grape varietals, and rich history, according to a news release.
To commemorate this significant milestone, Oak Knoll District will host a 20th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 18, from noon to 3 p.m. at Materra Winery. Attendees can enjoy Oak Knoll District wines, live music and delicious offerings from food trucks. Tickets are $125 and available okdnapa.com.
“Being recognized as an AVA solidified Oak Knoll's identity as a distinct and special winegrowing region within Napa Valley,” said Janet Trefethen, co-founder of Trefethen Family Vineyards and one of the original members who spearheaded the effort to establish the AVA. “This designation has been instrumental in showcasing the unique qualities of our wines and allowing us to tell our story to the world.”
The Oak Knoll District lies at the southern tip of Napa Valley, where the growing season is longer and cooler than the warmer Upper Valley. This unique microclimate, influenced by the nearby San Pablo Bay, allows for warm days and cool nights, creating an extended hang time for grapes, according to a news release. This, in turn, leads to wines with exceptional balance, bright acidity, and elegant flavors.
“Oak Knoll District's cool climate naturally leads to diversity in winemaking,” explains Trefethen. "This perfect convergence of growing conditions allows us to produce not only exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot, but also a wide range of other grape varieties, each showcasing the distinctive character of this special place.
“It’s a sweet spot in the Napa Valley, fostering innovation and experimentation. In fact, it was the first place in Napa Valley to successfully grow the Italian white grape, Ribolla Gialla, a testament to our commitment to exploring unique varietals that thrive in our AVA.”
Oak Knoll District boasts a rich history dating back to 1851, making it one of Napa Valley's oldest grape-growing areas. Captain Joseph W. Osborne, a pioneer in California agriculture, planted some of the first European grape varieties in the region here, according to a news release. This legacy of innovation continues today, with Oak Knoll wineries consistently pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence. Today, Oak Knoll District is home to nearly 4,200 acres of vineyards, with over 18 different grape varieties cultivated.
HALL wines expand to Virgin Islands
HALL Napa Valley recently announced its partnership to distribute its portfolio within the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands with the Prestige Wine Group and Caribbean Wine Cellars.
“I am delighted to share our wines and extend our presence in these diverse and evolving markets,” said Kathryn Walt Hall, the vintner and proprietor behind HALL, WALT and BACA Wines, in a recent press release. “I have full confidence that Prestige Wine Group will help to fuel our international and strategic growth while making it a success.”
HALL’s expanded distribution will include select wines from its portfolio, highlighted by Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley under HALL, Pinot Noir from across select vineyards along the Pacific Coast under WALT, and other varietals as part of the offerings.
Wines included in the offerings will be HALL’s flagship and highly acclaimed Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, HALL Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, WALT Blue Jay Pinot Noir, WALT Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, and WALT Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
Future distribution plans will also include BACA wine varietals. A variety of popular restaurants and retailers will be carrying HALL and WALT wines in both the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands and include ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay, La Tapa in St. John, Hamilton’s, Too Chez and Savant all located in St. Croix. Additionally, prominent retailers that will offer select wines include Seaside Market in St Croix, Moe’s Fresh Market and Oceana Restaurant & Bistro both located in St. Thomas, with many additional locations yet to come.
“The Caribbean’s premium distributor, Prestige Wine Group, is excited to collaborate with Kathryn and the Hall family to showcase these prestigious wines in the Caribbean,” says Kimberly Follman, director of Wine at Prestige Wine Group. “We anticipate enhancing the wine culture in our markets by introducing these esteemed brands to consumers.”
For more information on HALL Napa Valley’s trade and wholesale distribution division, visit: hallwines.com/hall-distributors.
Taste of Yountville returns April 21
The Yountville Chamber of Commerce brings back Taste of Yountville on Sunday, April 21.
Taste of Yountville will be held the newly renovated Chandon from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Participating wineries include Bell Wine Cellars, Chandon, Cornerstone Cellars, Elyse Winery, Goosecross Cellars, Handwritten Wines, Hill Family Estate, Hoopes Vineyard, Hope & Grace Wines, JCB Yountville, Jessup Cellars, Priest Ranch Winery, Silver Trident Winery and Stewart Cellars.
General admission passes are $150 and include wine from 14 wineries along with bites prepared by the Chandon culinary team. VIP passes are $225 and include a ‘Meet the Makers’ reception featuring additional library wines. Only 50 VIP passes will be available.
Chandon is located at 1 California Drive in Yountville.For more information, visit yountville.com/tasteofyountville.
Share your wine news with the Napa Valley Register. Send press materials to Samie Hartley at shartley@napanews.com.