Here we are, mid 2007 already. There’s much to be proud of in our humble county, and I’m here to offer my own thanks and opinions about the positive contributions that various people, businesses and organizations have made to help make Napa the vibrant place it is today.
First up, I’d like to salute the venerable (by Napa standards) Rutherford Grill, a thriving restaurant going strong mid-valley. Despite the fact that it’s owned by Southern California’s Hillstone Restaurant Group, the Rutherford Grill could hardly be considered a chain—and locals and tourists flock to this place for a number of straightforward reasons: The vibe is great, the food is quite good, the location is ideal and the prices are reasonable.
Not least of the appeal is that, since opening back in 1994, the Rutherford Grill has never charged corkage. And that’s the kicker that puts this restaurant into today’s column. As some readers may know, this is a pet peeve of mine. General Manager Don Weatherell says, “It’s amazing. The no corkage stimulates our customers to order more food, drink cocktails and often purchase additional appetizers.” Weatherell relates a study done at the Grill, which found (to the surprise of many) that the average check was higher per customer without corkage. Weatherell admits, “It might be tough at first for a new restaurant to eliminate corkage, but the policy will pay off in the long term.”
There are many celebrated, Michelin-starred (congrats, La Toque!) and otherwise fine restaurants up and down Napa Valley that push the cuisine envelope and provide everyone with exemplary cuisine. But the Rutherford Grill makes my list of Napa’s best. Many locals—winemakers, winery owners and others—queue up to the Rutherford Grill, side by side with visitors, to enjoy all this restaurant has to offer, and then return home still solvent. Bravo, Rutherford Grill…and may other smart restaurateurs follow your lead.
COPIA has undergone many changes this year: consolidation, getting leaner (and some say meaner), dropping prices and selling off property. However, this institution—and it is one, despite having only been around since 2001—is the stabilizing anchor that has helped Napa prosper. It hasn’t been easy, but the soon-to-open Oxbow Market, new downtown hotels including the Westin property and now talk of the Ritz-Carlton coming to town would never have been possible if not for an important investment draw to the city. COPIA brought class and an international level of determination to Napa, and we need more of this ilk. Many locals complain (as is their right), but getting better and becoming more sophisticated isn’t a bad thing in my book. Thanks, COPIA, for the cooking classes, artistic displays, concerts, Julia’s Kitchen and the overarching themes championing food, wine and the arts.
So many wineries, so little time…
Mike (Miljenko) Grgich and his Grgich Hills Cellar is one of many Napa wineries that stand high in the pantheon. Grgich gained international fame when his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay bested the French at the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris, which catapulted California wines onto the international scene. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Grgich Hills has become a fixture on Highway 29, producing stellar wines, providing joy to thousands of visitors and even conducting its quaint annual “Blessings of the Grapes” each fall. Mike Grgich contributes to, and assists in, many philanthropic causes including the incredible Roots to Peace program.
There are so many wineries offering visitors and residents opportunities to sample wines and experience this agricultural product in varied ways, from the opulent (Opus One, Rubicon, Far Niente) to the intimate (Swanson, Hartwell), the artistic (Clos Pegasse, Hess Collection, Mumm Napa Valley) to the gorgeous (Merryvale, Domaine Chandon, Quintessa), to the just plain fun (V. Sattui, Frank Family Vineyards, Sterling). I apologize for leaving out many friends, valuable contributors and fabulous wineries—but this column is short.
Last but certainly not least, one of the best of Napa is certainly Robert Mondavi. This man’s spirit, vision, determination, business acumen, palate and his wines arguably made him the most instrumental character in Napa’s history. Recently inducted as the Valley’s first “Pioneer” into the CIA’s new Vintners Hall of Fame, Mondavi raised Napa on his back. All of us—every winery, landowner, business and restaurant—owe a tremendous debt of thanks to this man. His winery, too, ushered in a new era of “wow” factor that’s proven an incontrovertible success to the region. I cannot forget an important nod to his brilliant wife, Margrit, whose “two chickens” helped bring about a culinary revolution that knows no bounds. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Mondavi, for all you’ve done
