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Vintners Gabrielle Leonhard O’Connell & Wayne O’Connell

Single Vineyard Estate O’Connell Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

What is a Boutique Wine?

few really know what it means to produce a boutique wine or be a boutique winery. In the wine industry, a winery producing less than 10,000 cases annually is considered a boutique winery.

What is the Difference Between a Vintage and Non-Vintage Wine?

What is the Difference Between a Vintage and Non-Vintage Wine?

Knowing where a wine was grown is as important as when it was grown.  Soil conditions and weather play a big part of what makes a wine great.  Collector’s value specific vintages from different regions when a region produced exceptional wines in a particular year.

It is also a common for vintners to blend wines from different harvests together to create what is designated as a non-vintage wine.  Here is the general breakdown of single vintage vs non-vintage wines:

PINOT NOIR, AN ILL-TEMPERED GRAPE BECOMES A BEAUTIFUL WORLD CLASS WINE

The famous winemaker, André Tchelistcheff, declared that “God made Cabernet Sauvignon whereas the devil made Pinot Noir.”  This tin skinned varietals’ name is derived from the French word for pine referencing of the shape of the cluster like a pinecone and Noir meaning night or black.

FOODIE KITCHEN TECHNIQUE: Vinaigrette Emulsion

An emulsion is a viscous mixture of two ‘unfriendly’ liquids that normally cannot be unified, such as vinegar and oil. No matter how hard they are mixed, the vinegar and oil eventually separate

FOODIE KITCHEN TECHNIQUE: Vinaigrette Emulsion

An emulsion is a viscous mixture of two ‘unfriendly’ liquids that normally cannot be unified, such as vinegar and oil. No matter how hard they are mixed, the vinegar and oil eventually separate

RECHARGE WITH THE HEALING POWER OF THE BATH

A bath can support relaxing, stimulation and healing, depending on the temperature of the water. Escape for a few minutes of well-being to soak in your bathtub to relax, destress, sleep better, revitalize, gently stimulate your circulation and get your metabolism going. Bathing relieves muscle tension strengthens your immune system. Add carefully selected bath products and bring a smile of well-being to your experience.

SPRINGTIME IN THE VINEYARD: THE CYCLE OF SUSTAINABLE LIFE RENEWS

I followed the bleating sounds of to the sight of around 800 sheep running through our neighboring vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. I knew why they were there. The cover crop of brilliant yellow mustard was at its peak throughout Napa Valley, but it had made its contribution to the growing cycle and it was time to mow. The grazing flock of sleep is a natural way to accomplish this. It is a familiar sight in Napa Valley as many vineyard owners practice sustainable farming to assure highest grape quality. But this year, a special experience was in store for me.

Benefits of Lavender

Did you know Lavender has a host of benefits in skin care? To extend our offering of the beneficial lavender plant, we took the next step and expanded to a spa line.

Must Have Kitchen Tool: The Olive Oil Mister

Save time, save calories with an olive oil mister A stainless steel Olive Oil Mister is an indispensable tool in the O’Connell Family kitchen. We gently spray our GC Napa Valley olive oils instead of applying with a basting brush. Spray on sides of meat, chicken or...

Must Have Kitchen Tool: The Olive Oil Mister

Save time, save calories with an olive oil mister A stainless steel Olive Oil Mister is an indispensable tool in the O’Connell Family kitchen. We gently spray our GC Napa Valley olive oils instead of applying with a basting brush. Spray on sides of meat, chicken or...

FOODIE COOKING TIP -THE POMEGRANATE DE-SEEDING CHALLENGE

THE POMEGRANATE DESEEDING CHALLENGE When the pursuit of health collides with a stubborn fruit Our pomegranate trees accent the O’Connell Family Estate Vineyard Garden with extravagant red fruit that look like Christmas ornaments.

FOODIE COOKING TIP -THE POMEGRANATE DE-SEEDING CHALLENGE

THE POMEGRANATE DESEEDING CHALLENGE When the pursuit of health collides with a stubborn fruit Our pomegranate trees accent the O’Connell Family Estate Vineyard Garden with extravagant red fruit that look like Christmas ornaments.

Sweets to Add to Your Holiday Favorites!

Holiday Sweets It is the time of year we all love, cookie season and there are more kinds of cookies than we know what to do with, but if you are anything like us, we have our favorites, our traditions and then we try a few new ones to throw in the mix.  This year why...