Weekend Wine Time - July 22, 2011 - Francis Ford COPPOLA WINE

When you hear the name Francis Ford Coppola, you probably don't think "Wine".

I bet the first thing that comes to mind is Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in The Godfather.

Well, besides making movie history, the Coppola family has been making wine for several generations.

This is such an interesting story.  35 years ago Francis and his wife Eleanor began looking for a cottage in Napa Valley California to use as a weekend retreat so they can make homemade wine! 

Imagine that.  Weekend retreat to make homemade wine.  Rumor has it that he purchased his first property with the monies from The Godfather 1.

Fast forward 35 years, and two wineries later,  Mr. Coppola and family have some pretty delicious wine.

This is Francis Ford Coppola's thought on wine and the celebration of drinking it:

"I’ve often felt that modern life tends to separate all the ages too much.

In the old days, the children lived with the parents and the grandparents, and the family unit each gave one another something very valuable.

So when we began to develop the idea for this winery, we thought it should be like a resort, basically a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life."


And that's just what Francis has done.  He's created a family-like winery.  Complete with Bocce Ball, Swimming pool and cabanas, a Movie Gallery (of course), Live Music, Wine Tasting and an Italian Street Fair.

One of their most recent events at the winery is: "Tasting in the dark"

Join us for a fascinating wine tasting that explores how flavors and aromas in wine are accentuated by simply turning off the lights. Guests are blindfolded and led to our Winemaker’s Lab for the tasting, which is hosted by Hoby Wedler, a blind graduate student from UC Davis. It's a unique and unforgettable tasting experience perfect for any wine lover.

Tasting in the Dark

Reservations RequiredOffered the following dates: 7/24, 8/6, 8/27, 9/17 at 1pm
$55 per person
2 hours, including tasting of four (4) win

What a fun event that would be.

I've never been to Napa Valley, but it's definitely on my Bucket List.

Hopefully, if I ever make it there, I'll be sure to stop off and visit Mr. Coppola's Vineyard.

But in the mean time, here are two of his wines that I personally love and can be purchased locally at most Spirit Stores.

• A light, elegant white wine that balances sweet, juicy flavors with bright acidity.
• Received Gold Medal at 2009 Orange County Fair Wine Competition.

Crafted from grapes grown in two regions of Napa Valley – Yountville and Chiles Valley – our Sauvignon Blanc flaunts a fresh, vibrant style, which is accomplished by 100% stainless steel fermentation. Here, luscious tropical fruit flavors mingle with hints of pink grapefruit figs and fresh grass.

• A classic California red table wine, light and fruity, designed for everyday enjoyment.

Rosso is made from a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from climatically diverse growing regions across California. This helps us achieve more complexity and intriguing nuances. Lodi fruit in particular benefits from temperature differentials where extremely warm daytime weather is offset by cool afternoon breezes from the San Joaquin Delta.
The supple texture and rich, juicy flavors of plum, cherries, mocha, and strawberry jam make this wine a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal.


If you happen to ever be in the Napa Valley area, plan your visit to the Coppola winery.

I bet you he'll make you an offer you can't refuse.

http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/visit