Welcome to this month's Sip + Snacks Spotlight, where we explore a new standout restaurant, a rising winery, and an exceptional wine that's sure to delight your palate. Dive in and discover these local gems!
Restaurant Spotlight - Capo29
Capo29, the latest addition to St. Helena's vibrant dining scene, is making waves with its high-end Italian cuisine. This charming pop-up on Main Street is a precursor to their main restaurant, which is set to open soon in the former Golden Harvest space on Highway 29. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, Capo29 is the sister restaurant to the well-loved Capo in Santa Monica.
The pop-up offers a warm, inviting, and slightly kitschy atmosphere, complete with fun Easter egg decor throughout the space. The service is both friendly and attentive, ensuring a memorable dining experience. While the wine list might be on the pricier side, it features some hidden gems worth exploring.
The menu at Capo29 is a testament to their culinary expertise. The calamari, cooked two ways—fried and grilled—is a standout dish that shouldn't be missed. Their pastas are consistently perfectly cooked, and the lambchops are a flavorful, tender delight.
For those in the know, Capo29 offers a special coursed menu designed specifically for you and your party, making each visit unique. And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert—each option is a perfect end to an exceptional meal.
Winery Spotlight - Afterwords
Afterwords, a newly established winery in Napa, has recently released its first vintage, and it’s already garnering attention for all the right reasons. The winery is the brainchild of Anton Van de Pals and his wife, Lisa Van de Plas. Inspired by Anton's rich background in book publishing, Afterwords brings a unique narrative to the wine industry.
Originally from the Netherlands, Anton moved his book publishing company to the US and, in 2012, he and Lisa relocated to Napa. Since then, they have immersed themselves in the local wine industry, with Lisa also owning a chic clothing boutique in Downtown Napa.
Afterwords' wines are crafted by the talented winemaker Julien Fayard, and the winery currently offers a rosé, a chardonnay, a red blend, and a single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasting takes place at Julien's facility in South Napa, providing an intimate and educational experience for wine enthusiasts.
Each wine from Afterwords reflects the meticulous care and passion that Anton and Lisa have invested in their new venture. Whether you're a fan of vibrant rosés or robust Cabernets, Afterwords is a winery worth seeking out.
Wine Spotlight - 2013 He-Li-An-Thus from Futo Estate
The 2013 He-Li-An-Thus from Futo Estate is a wine that truly exemplifies excellence. FUTO Estate comprises two distinct sites: 155 acres in the western hills of Oakville and 40 acres in the eastern hills of the Stags Leap District Appellation, each with approximately 13 planted acres. The foundation of FUTO’s exceptional quality was established with the expertise of renowned figures like David Abreu, Mark Aubert, and Howard Backen. Since November 2009, Jason Exposto has led farming and winemaking, continuing the estate's pursuit of uncompromising quality.
The Oakville Estate features twenty-six vineyard blocks, planted across six different sites, with soils composed mainly of decomposed sandstone and shale from an ancient, uplifted seabed. The primary planting is Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. On the other side of the valley, the Stags Leap Estate occupies a site that was once a rock quarry. Here, old Cabernet Sauvignon vines from the mid-1980s thrive in fractured rhyolitic tuff soil, known for its excellent drainage.
The 2013 He-Li-An-Thus, rated 96 points by Wine Advocate, is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. Aged in Darnajou oak, this wine boasts a blue/purple color and a bouquet of sweet black raspberry and blueberry fruit, forest floor, and spring flowers. Elegant yet intense, it embodies the precision and purity of fruit that FUTO Estate wines are celebrated for.
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