Frank Family Vineyards’ 2015 Blanc de Blancs is a delightfully delicious sparkling wine. Made in the Methode Champenoise style, it has everything a fine sparkler needs—festive bubbles, lots of flavor and great finesse and quality.
One always needs a bottle of bubbles on hand for special celebrations, and this 2015 Carneros Blanc de Blancs ($55) fits the bill. What would life be without a glass of sparkling wine?
Frank Family Vineyards has a beautiful tasting room in the winery’s original yellow craftsman house. It was voted “Best Napa Winery” by the Bay Area A-List eight years in a row.
On your next trip to Napa, don’t miss this one. Their motto is “Great wine happens every day,” and I wholeheartedly agree.
Frank Family Vineyards, 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga. 707-942-0859.
Steeped Coffee
Steeped Coffee, a Santa Cruz-based coffee-bag maker, is partnering with Emmy Award-winning chef Nick Stellino to launch his Fair Trade Certified Nick Stellino Italian Coffee—an organic medium/dark roast blend.
“This coffee is to be tasted sip by sip and to be enjoyed with a smile on your face,” says Stellino. Steeped Coffee’s handy little bags of great-tasting coffee are perfect for travel, camping trips and more. I use them at home when I want a quick and hearty brew. All you need is a mug and hot water to pour over the bag. Voila! You have a terrific fresh cup of coffee! steepedcoffee.com.
La Selva Beach Spice Company
We have a spicy business right on our doorstep—the La Selva Beach Spice Company. I bought a big bag of turmeric powder recently and noticed it was packaged locally. The company also packages pure Himalayan ancient sea salt, ginger powder, chili flakes, peppercorns and other kinds of seasonings. This family-owned-and-operated business says they use “all natural ingredients—no yucky stuff.” Good to know, and spicy news, indeed!
La Selva Beach Spice Company, 453 McQuaide Drive, Watsonville. 831-724-4500; laselvabeachspice.com.
