Vintner Hospitality

Item Description

A Whirlwind Tour Above the Fog on Howell Mountain, for 4

--2 nights in the Clif Family guest house, (sleeps 4) on Ink Grade Road, and tour of the Cold Springs Vineyard and estate gardens

--Bocce, luncheon, tour and tasting at Arkenstone Estate Winery

--Tasting for four at Black Sears

--Tasting for four at CADE Estate Winery

--Dinner for 4 at Cook Restaurant, St. Helena

The Howell Mountain Appellation, with its rolling hills and unique microclimates, offers spectacular views and a rich tapestry of vineyards to explore. Here is your opportunity to experience much that this off-the-beaten-path destination has to offer. Discover for yourself why residents say is it’s the best place on earth, just “above the fog”.

Your home away from home for two nights will be the Clif Family Vineyards guest house on Ink Grade Road. It’s a perfect base for exploring the area and taking advantage of the great things we’ve collected for this lot. Plus, you’ll get up-close and personal tours of the vineyard and of the Clif Family organic gardens, led by the winemaker, Laura Barrett.

Head over to Arkenstone Estate Winery, high up on Howell Mountain, for a lazy game of bocce and a downhome BBQ lunch with breathtaking views over the Valley. Along with perfectly paired Arkenstone wines with your lunch, enjoy a full VIP winery cave tour and a walk through the vineyards. Be sure to dress for fun and adventure!

You’ll also enjoy a private tour and tasting at Howell Mountain's highest and most remote vineyard and winery, Black Sears. Taste organically-grown, limited-production wines handcrafted by the incomparable Thomas Rivers Brown along with your hosts, Ashley and Christopher Jambois, daughter and son-in-law of the founders of Black Sears. The varietals are 100% estate-grown Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc from a mythical vineyard at 2500 feet -- you have to see it to believe it -- be sure to wear comfy shoes.

While you’re on the roads less traveled, find your way to the top of Howell Mountain, to CADE Estate Winery. Nestled among a dramatic hillside of Manzanita trees, CADE is a unique, state-of-the-art winery, awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, and proud to be Napa Valley's first organically farmed, LEED Gold Certified Winery. You’ll revel in the architectural glory of the winery--simple, striking design that reflects a straightforward, sustainable approach to winemaking and environmental responsibility. CADE Estate Winery produces four wines, which have all received critical acclaim, worldwide – and they are yours to taste and enjoy.

On one of your evenings, come down off the mountain and into town to enjoy dinner for four at Cook, one of St.Helena’s most beloved restaurants, and rub shoulders with the locals. Chef and owner Jude Wilmoth’s fresh pastas and creative risotto dishes are the stuff of legend -- just what is called for after a day of wine tasting.

It doesn’t take much to see for yourself just how much Howell Mountain has to offer. You’ve only scratched the surface, and we promise you’ll want to come back for more.

Item Special Note

Due to the Clif Family Guest House schedule, winning bidder is asked to confirm their requested redemption dates for their stay within 30 days of auction close. Dates are by mutual availability.

Collection of California Sales Tax: Unless a valid resale permit is presented to seller prior to the sale, purchaser will be required to pay all state and local retail sales taxes applicable in the date of sale. Resale permits will be accepted only for businesses that are reasonably expected to buy and sell wine. Sales tax will be collected on the fair market value of each lot which contains tangible goods.