WorkLifeWine | NorthBay biz
NorthBay biz

WorkLifeWine

    • French Fries & Champagne

    Champagne is one of the world’s most popular drinks, but who knew it pairs so well with another popular item: French fries? According to Christine Osselin, wine quality and consultant manager at Moët & Chandon, Champagne’s acidity and bubbles are an ideal compliment to the crunchy fried potatoes.

    “I’ve been saying this for years, as have many sommeliers,” says Ray Isle, wine editor at Food & Wine. “Basically, salt and fat plus high acid and bubbles equals a great combo.” For added measure, Isle also lists potato chips and even fried pork rinds as worthy pairings for a bottle of bubbly. “But I don’t think you’re going to get the folks at Moët to suggest pairing their champagne with fried pork rinds—that’s too down-home for them, for sure.” French fries, however? Well, that just sounds perfect.

    Visit Napa Valley’s Welcome Center to Relocate to First Street Napa

    The tourism organization for the Napa Valley—Visit Napa Valley—will open its official Napa Valley Welcome Center in First Street Napa this coming autumn. Buildout is underway on the new 2,550-square-foot visitor center that will be located adjacent to Makers Market and across from the Mayacamas Downtown tasting room. “The diversity of shops, restaurants and amenities make First Street Napa a must-see stop for any Napa Valley trip,” said Todd Zapolski, principal and managing member, First Street Napa, in a prepared statement. “Visit Napa Valley has created this exceptional asset for tourists and business travelers, and we look forward to working with them to warmly welcome visitors.”

    Since first opening at the Napa Riverfront in 2011, the Napa Valley Welcome Center, which is managed by Visit Napa Valley, has welcomed more than 1 million visitors. More than 80 volunteers and five staff members collectively speak more than 10 languages and provide local expertise, complimentary concierge services, maps, magazines and other collateral materials. The Mercantile retail shop features locally-crafted gift items as well as unique home décor.

    “We’re excited to have the Napa Valley Welcome Center be an integral part of First Street Napa, making this valuable resource more accessible for both visitors and local residents,” said Linsey Gallagher, president and chief executive officer of Visit Napa Valley. “The Welcome Center is often the first stop for many visitors who are either unfamiliar with the Napa Valley, or those seeking new and unique experiences. It’s also extremely beneficial for locals who are planning itineraries for friends or family, or just wanting to explore their own backyard.”

    Napa Valley Tourism

    The Napa Valley welcomed 3.85 million visitors, who spent $2.23 billion and provided $85.1 million in tax relief to residents. This represents an increase of 5.8 percent from 2016 ($80.4 million) for government entities throughout Napa County. Nearly 70 percent of the $2.23 billion is generated from overnight hotel guests, who spent an average of $446 in Napa County per guest, per day. Taxes generated by the visitor industry include revenues from the transient occupancy tax (TOT/hotel tax), sales tax and property and transfer taxes paid on lodging facilities.

    The tourism industry is the second largest employer in Napa County (after the wine industry), supporting the livelihood of an estimated 15,872 people in the community, with a combined payroll of $492 million.

    Sonoma County: 2019 Wine Region of the Year

    Sonoma County was honored as the 2019 Wine Region of the Year at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards, presented on Jan. 27 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.  Several North Bay individuals and companies were recognized, including Francis Ford Coppola, Lifetime Achievement; the Bob and Marie Gallo Foundation, Philanthropy Award; Linda Reiff, Napa Valley Vintners for Person of the Year; Bob Torkelson, Trinchero Estates, Wine Executive of the Year; Dave Phinney – Winemaker of the Year; and Jackson Family Wine and Spain’s Familia Torres International Wineries for Climate Action, a Social Visionary Award. 

    Resilient Wine

    Firefighters in Wine Country help to save the area’s vineyards, and for Peterson Winery, giving back is a natural fit. All profits generated by its Resiliency Red Zinfandel benefit COPE, or Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies, which encourages residents, families and neighborhoods, to be ready for evacuations or other rapid action.

    Fred Peterson, the winery’s founder, should know what’s necessary in such situations. He’s been a volunteer at the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District since 1987, and a he’s a current member of the district board. A classic Zinfandel blend, Resiliency Red is a fine representation of the Dry Creek Valley terroir, and a limited supply is still available.

    Sonoma County Tourism

    Who’s visiting Sonoma County? Each year 10.8 million visitors travel to Sonoma County, spending $2.175 billion. The average overnight stay is 2.9 days, and tourism generates 22,300 jobs.

    Additionally, $194.8 million is collected in tax relief, which funds education, regional parks, affordable housing, the arts, public safety and workforce development.

    The Tourism Biz

    Here’s a quick look at tourism business stats, according to the Sonoma County Economic Development Board’s Annual Tourism Report.