RISING
STARS OF WINE COUNTRY
Sabor de Napa
— A Latino New Wave Gets Creative Juices Flowing for Community
Napa Wine Country turned out in full force to support the sold-out Sabor
de Napa (Flavor of Napa) event Saturday May 14th at Quintessa
Winery. This exclusive opportunity to enjoy and explore
Latino wine culture behind the landmark curved rock wall of Quintessa
benefited the Napa
Solano Health Project, which serves those who are the backbone
of our collective wine country experience. The event, like
the work of its beneficiary, was nothing less than a stellar experience.
 In the last year, the NSHP has reached well
over 3000 individuals in 65 different wineries, migrant labor camps
and vineyards, enriching their quality of life with the added value
of preventative health services. NSHP offers a multitude
of compassionate Spanish bilingual/bicultural services along with
educational outreach on several preventative health issues.
The dramatic setting, with wine barrels and
tanks towering above all heads, was the backdrop for an impressive
exhibition of featured Latino artists from all walks—musical, visual,
food and wine. The
turnout for the event expressed resounding appreciation for NSHP
and its community, and the crowd was rewarded with a relevant and rich
expression of Latino-influenced wine culture at every
turn. We also made a list of tasty wines to watch for that
we will share with you a bit later.
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Sabor de Napa is the brainchild of dynamic business leader Sandra
Gonzalez. Sandra is President and Founder of Vino
con Vida, a wine education company focused on Latino
consumers, food, chefs, wine, and culture. At her right hand
were an army of enthusiastic volunteers, like Felipe Barragan of
Calistoga’s awesome Chateau
de Vie Bed & Breakfast, and rising politicos like Nicole
Parra of the California State Assembly.
To the backdrop of spicy Latin music, Latino
food stars from around the valley dished up loads of tasty treats,
and the crowd effortlessly matched tostadas, tortas and other delectable
items to Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Merlot. The wealth of Napa Zinfandels poured
is further evidence of the success of this varietal’s exciting new
ascension in Napa. Fruity Zins were demonstrated as a perfect
complement when enjoyed with Mexican food. The spicy gazpacho
soup from Mustard’s Grill was especially successful, infused
with shrimp and avocado, a cool piquant match to the Summers
Winery Zinfandel by Winemaker Ignacio Blancas, wow!
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Violeta Barroso, the elegant winemaker from Vinos
de Mar y Sol, spoke of taking full advantage of the characteristic
forward fruit of Monterey County. Her wines offer a slightly
sweet flavor (though no residual sugar) to tame and match the character
of spicy Latin fare. Her winery is an impressive Monterey County
project, and the wines are a hit in progressive
Mexican restaurants daring to venture beyond the confines of margaritas. They
bring a perfect match of dry red wine to this popular, influential
cuisine.
Alex Sotelo displayed his mastery of photography and winemaking,
wowing the crowd with artistry in each. Winemaker for Robert
Pecota Winery, Alex poured the impressive Alex
Sotelo Cellars 2002 Dalraddly Vineyard Zinfandel, a wine
whose jubilant, rich fruit was tightly constrained by tasteful French
oak. Careful organic growing, gentle fermentation, low 14.2%
alcohol and long barrel time have resulted in a sophisticated, elegant,
Cab drinker’s Zin to make all of Napa proud.
Yes, the wines were huge stars. The winery list was a comprehensive
who’s-who of hard work, vineyard management successes and up-and-coming
Latino winery brands that are just now being uncorked. While
the names may be new to the public, they have for many years been
responsible for delivering the fruit to supply some of Napa’s best
known wines. And when it comes to making wine, these folks
clearly know where to go for the best fruit—from vineyards typically
under their supervision as well.
 Heading the group, and pouring at side-by-side tables, were Salvador
and Oscar Renteria and the Robledo Family. Rising
from field hands to foremen to founders of vineyard management
companies, these American dream stories are inspiring, and so are
their wines! Renteria
Wines demonstrate the tremendous vineyard acumen that ties
this impressive new brand with spectacular Russian River Pinot
Noir and Napa Cabernet Sauvignon fruit to produce truly great wines.
Robledo Family Winery brings
the most expansive definition to the category, with seven brothers
and two sisters further enabling the family dream. Robledo’s
Sonoma facility is North America's first tasting room and winery
established by an owner who started as a migrant vineyard
worker, and worked his way to the top of the industry. The
winery is quickly becoming known for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir
and Merlot, along with a series of unparalleled winery events featuring
the culinary talent of matriarch Maria Robledo and patriarch Reynaldo
Robledo Sr.
With artistry and charity to match, the future of Latino flavors
and people in Wine Country is ever-brighter thanks to Sabor de
Napa. If you can, be sure to catch this breakout event
next year, which will be its third. In the meantime,
some excellent wines are awaiting your attention today!
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