Remember that song by Carley Simon that went:
"Nobody does it better,
makes me feel sad for the rest.
Nobody does it quite as good as you,
baby you're the best!"
Well, I think we all got the original reference, but this song kept coming to my mind on Saturday night and not in the way you are now thinking...[though that would have been fun too!]
As good fortune would have it, I was a guest at the Swanson Vineyards Wine Club Event. Yes, I have been to many a "wine club" soiree, but never at Swanson.
Let me back up here a bit. If you read this blog often, you will know, I am a gigantic fan of Swanson on many levels. The first, of course, is the wine. Everything they make is delicious and year after year it consistently delivers through quite a few different varietals. [I am featuring them as a Wine of the Month, so I will not go into all details on the wine here...stay tuned for that.] Secondly, the "wine tasting", is an experience absolutely not to be missed and my very first recommendation to anyone going to Napa. My first tasting here was over 10 years ago and as you can imagine, hundreds of tastings later, it is, without a doubt, still my very favorite wine tasting in the valley. And thirdly, and what brings it all together, is the style of Swanson. From the family... to the "Salon"...to the product...to the packaging...all of it exudes an elegance with hip-ness. "The Sip Shoppe" alone should make everyone's list for "Where to Shop"! [more on that, also, to come]
So, needless to say, I had some very high expectations for the evening....
All of which were exceeded!
A feast for the senses....
Really, when I think of Heaven, I picture luscious, cushy green grass, gorgeously manicured gardens... surrounded by.... hot men[Wait!...whhhhaaaat?] Woops!
surrounded by vineyards...and a perfectly naked temperature of 80 degrees! Naked temperature = perfect temperature to be without clothing...not too hot and not too cold...just right!
My eyes have seen the glory! This place epitomizes divinity.
Add in, the woman singing opera, literally channeling the angels on high and now my ears are displaced to another universe.
Don't you just want to roll around in this grass?
The next thing I see...
Really? I'm this happy and I haven't had a morsel yet! How is this possible?
It's beauty! I'm so overwelmed by this beautiful place, food hasn't crossed my mind. [It is a rare occasion for me to make this statement!]
The beauty of where I'm standing takes my breath away. Pure awe! I could cry some serious "happy tears" with the fullness of appreciation for what I'm experiencing.
This party was for "The Curious and the Eccentric" which brought out the playfullness in everyone. I believe I might have even hugged a tree in my euphoric state[and only about 30 minutes into it].
After the spectacular "sunset over the vineyard happy hour", we were escorted to the barn, which in any other part of the country, would not suggest "poshness" in any form, but we're in Napa!
I want to live here. I want to sleep and eat and drink Swanson wine here. Well, 3 out of 4 ain't bad!
When we first arrived, an adorable french man, beret and all, was literally cranking paper through one of those old music players.
If I wasn't so distracted by everything else, I would have remembered what this was called! Any ideas?
Now, while dining, we have this French guy again. But this time accompanied by the band for some background music which makes me feel like I'm 18 again.
Without a care in the world, I'm sitting in a cafe on the Seine, sipping wine... staring at that Parisian God-like specimen, who 20 years later, still visits my dreams!
Hmmm, how do you think the meal was?
Everyone knows, food...[and wine] are my life. But you can have the same food and the same wine and change the whole experience, and the tastes will change too!
Case in point...
This night, this music, this ambiance, this place...flawless! [Okay, my "date" was my dear friend Emma...world famous photographer, the most fun girl I probably have EVER known, but girl, none the less!] So, I did "sleep" alone, but aside from that...flawless!
The food was catered from Rutherford Grill, aka "Houston's" in other places, but always a stop on every trip to Napa. Perfect!
And isn't this the cutest idea for menu presentation? So very "Swanson"!
2006 Petit Syrah, 2006 Alexis Cab and the "Angelica" (dessert wine which hasn't been made in 7 years) flowed freely for hours!
In the midst of all the wining and dining,Clark and Elizabeth delivered a very heartfelt "thank you" to the wine club loyalists who had maintained their status as "members" throughout the difficult economic times.
If you ever want to join a wine club, this must be your choice! Evenings like this happen several times a year and are basically "invitation only" for members. The Swanson style is unique and timeless. Their fantastic wines and gracious hospitality are extraordinary examples of why I love the Napa Valley.
Nobody does it better!
Wait! One more thing...
This is Alexis Swanson [and me!]
Alexis writes her own blog at http://alexisnapa.com where she shares insider tips "for the curious and the eccentric." It is her take of the best this area has to offer [and believe me, she knows!] and a delightful read for your morning coffee...or evening wine! [or lunch wine...or breakfast wine(champagne)...]
Visit Swanson Vineyards at:
1271 Manley Lane, Rutherford, CA 94573
707.967.3700
*A big, gigantic "thank you" to Emma Hopkins for her amazing photography! Visit her website at http://emmahopkins.com !
