Annual Events at V. Sattui Winery in Napa Valley
Best Wine Parties at the Vineyards in St. Helena, California
Oct 12, 2009
Situated right on Highway 29 in St. Helena, California is V. Sattui Winery, a popular stop in the Napa Valley for wine tasting and tours. They offer a great selection of award-winning wines, an excellent deli, and breathtaking picnic grounds. These fine Napa Valley wines are not available in stores or restaurants as V. Sattui sells direct from the winery only. For regular visitors and wine club members, V. Sattui is also known for hosting some of the best annual events and parties in the Napa Valley.
Barrel Tasting Party at V. Sattui
Each January, V. Sattui hosts their Barrel Tasting and New Release Party. Tickets are $70 for members and $75 for non-members. This is one of their biggest and most anticipated events as the new wines from the previous harvest are beginning to mature. By tasting the wine right from the barrels, guests can formulate their own opinions on the quality and value of the specific vintage. Typically, there are around 40 or more wines available for tasting during the event, with deep discounts on available futures purchases.
For the event, V. Sattui always employs a local chef to cater the festivities, providing passed hors d'oeuvres, and several themed food stations, all paired with Sattui wines of course. In addition to the excellent food and wine included in the price of the ticket, there is a live band playing throughout the night for guests to enjoy.
Best Discounts at the Tax Relief Party
April brings the Tax Relief Party, usually the weekend just after taxes are due. This party offers the best discounts of the year, up to 30% off regular prices. This is also a great time to visit the Napa Valley as the mustard plants are starting bloom, providing some beautiful touches to the already gorgeous backdrop. As with the Barrel Tasting party, prices are $70 for members, and $75 for non-members. V. Sattui also has a local chef cater the affair, and another band on hand to entertain guests for the evening.
Any futures purchased at the Barrel Tasting Party might be on hand for sampling from the barrel, if available. Those who missed out in January still have the opportunity to purchase any available wines at pre-release prices as well.
Festa Italiana - a Mid-Summer Italian Festival
Summertime in the Napa Valley is the perfect time for a picnic. The moderate climate and late afternoon sun make July the best month for V. Sattui's Festa Italiana. 2009 marked the 15th anniversary of this lively event, which runs $65 for members and $75 for non-members.
The Festa Italiana is one of the most casual events as they transform the winery's picnic area into an lItalian summer festival. Traditional Italian cuisine is served, consisting of delicious pastas, fresh salads, and several grilled selections. Guests can enjoy socializing at the family-style tables, while being serenaded by live Italian music.
V. Sattui's Harvest Ball in September
The Harvest Ball is the most decadent event of the year. The formal event, which averages around $200 for members and $225 for non-members, is a sell-out every year. Not only do the guests fly in from all over for this one, so does the chef. V. Sattui brings in a chef from Italy each year to prepare the multi-course meal, paired with select reserve and older library wines.
2009 was the 25th anniversary of the Harvest Ball and V. Sattui brought in a Michelin starred chef for this one. Chef Stefano Masanti of Madesimo, Italy flew in to prepare the dinner, as well as help host some of the pre-event activities, including a trip to the local St. Helena Farmers' Market and a cooking demonstration at the Culinary Institute of America. Some of the pre-events are an additional cost, such as the cooking demonstration and a private tour through some of V. Sattui's vineyards in the Napa Valley. Other events are complementary for registered guests of the Harvest Ball, such as the Friday morning trip to the Farmers' Market, or mimosas and pastries on the Sunday morning following the gala.
Celebrate Crush Season at the October Crush Party
When October rolls around each year, V. Sattui has most of the wine in the tanks and in their words, "are ready to party". The crush party falls around mid-October and is $70 for members and $75 for non-member guests. As with all the parties, guests look forward to the amazing food and wines served, wonderful discounts, and the opportunity to mingle with other V. Sattui members.
What sets this party apart from the others though, is the demonstation stations and the meet and greet opportunities with the winemaker, assistant winemaker, vineyard manager, viticulturist, and even some of the grape growers. Educational sessions are provided to discuss how pH levels, sugars, and sulfurs are measured, how to judge the quality of a wine's cork, and many other elements about the art of making wine. Guests can taste wine from tanks and barrels normally reserved only for the winemaker, and even watch how they hand dip each bottle of their signature Madeira in hot sealing wax.
Of course, the highlight of this party for most is the old-fashioned grape stomp. Brave volunteers will "get their feet wet -- and grapeskins between their toes -- in a 'roll-up-your-pants, no-shoes-and-socks' grapestomp!"
V. Sattui winery announces all events to their wine club members first. For those interested in joining the wine club or signing up for their email notifications, please contact them via their website. For those traveling to Napa Valley, V. Sattui is located at 1111 White Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574 (707)-963-7774. The tasting room is open from 9am - 6pm daily (until 5pm during winter).
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