Master Napa Valley
NVV's Professional Development Program for Advanced Level Masters of Wine (MW) and Master Sommeliers (MS) Candidates
Join the Napa Valley Vintners for a three-day immersion program into Napa Valley. The next convening of the NVV's Master Napa Valley program will be fall of 2013. This fully hosted program is designed for those MW and MS candidates who have completed their second level of the certification process, who are passionate about wine education and seek to have a more fully rounded look at this unique winegrowing region. Attendees are nominated by the Institute of Masters of Wine or the Guild of Sommeliers.
Daily activities include vintner-led tours of the valley, themed seminars, focused tastings that concentrate on seminar subject matter, one-on-one visits with winemakers, viticulturalists and vineyard managers, and of course receptions and dinners that offer a chance to relax with your hosts and other guests.
Scientists and researchers from around the world have contributed to the curriculum, written research papers on soils, geology, geography, climate, vine phenolics and all that contributes to the science behind the appellation. Winemakers, enologists and respected palates in the wine industry will lead detailed tastings, discuss industry trends and be available for in-depth analysis to assist advanced level candidates learn as much as possible about this region.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 Seminar – GEOLOGY/SOILS
Three panelists from the viticulturalist/winemaking ranks, each representing key vineyard(s) on defined geologic/soil site(s), will take us on a journey into the vineyards of Napa Valley. They will lead a discussion focused on the viticultural requirements of a geographically diverse selection of Napa Valley sites, and provide an in-depth look at some of the essential natural traits of specific vineyard locations. Highlighting selected viticultural practices, the discussion will begin to address the underlying foundations for the diversity of winemaking styles possible in Napa Valley. A selection of 6 to 8 wines will be presented for demonstration purposes.
Day 2 Seminar – VINEYARD MANAGEMENT
A panel of three experts engaged in critical aspects of vineyard management will present a selection of wines, each distinctly representative of the many stylistic choices achievable in the Napa Valley – and each style significantly influenced by a key vineyard management practice. Examples of vineyard management practices may include crop levels, canopy management, spacing, row orientation, trellis style, rootstock/clonal selection, sustainable agriculture, and other subjects. A selection of 6 to 8 wines will be presented for demonstration purposes.
Day 3 Seminar – WINEMAKING
A panel consisting of winemakers from three different NVVA members will offer a chance to really examine the challenges and opportunities for making fine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in a range of styles. Focusing on winemaking decisions in an array of different Napa Valley locations (cool vs. warm climate, bench vs. hillside), panelists will discuss and demonstrate the effects of tannin management, different regimes of maceration and fermentation, micro-oxygenation, barrel selection/aging, among a host of possibilities. A selection of 8 to 10 wines will be presented for demonstration purposes.
For additional information on this bi-annual program, please contact NVV trade relations manager Suzanne Gay at 707.968.4208.
2011 Master Napa Valley Class:
Patty Beck, Bradley Ogden At Caesars Palace, Henderson NV
Scott Cameron, The Dutch, Brooklyn, NY
Michelle Cherutti-Kowal, Freelance / Wine Educator, London, UK
Eric Crane, Empire Distributors, Inc., Atlanta, GA
Peter Csizmadia-Honigh, Institute of Masters of Wine & Bor Vilag [Wine World] - Independent Wine Commentary, London, UK
Jordan Egan, Gt Fish + Oyster, Chicago, IL
Rachel Ego, Roaring Fork Club, Eagle, CO
Thomas Gannon, Rothmann's Steakhouse, New York, NY
Fred Gerber, Cuistot Restaurant, Palm Desert, CA
Rebecca Gibb, Freelance Journalist, North Shore City, New Zealand
Jacob Gragg, Aria, Gainesville, GA
Caroline Hermann, Capital Wine School, Washington, DC
Samuel Huerta, Pappas Brothers, Hurst, TX
Natasha Hughes, Freelance Journalist, London, UK
Maximilian Kast, Fearrington House, Pittsboro, NC
Susan Keyes, Abba Restaurant, Orleans, MA
Georgi Kolev, Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, CA
Rachel Kunze, Charlie Trotter's, Chicago, IL
Annette Lacey, Sydney Wine Academy, Maroubra, NSW, Australia
Corey Ladouceur, The Spoke Club, Toronto, Canada
Rachel Macalisang, Ozumo & Sonoma Wine Garden, Long Beach, CA
Patrick Miner, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Walnut Creek, CA
Elton Nichols, The Pacific Club, Honolulu, HI
Mitch Price, The Grand Del Mar, San Diego, CA
Kami Lee Robb, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Joseph Schroeder, Two Wine Thieves, Elmhurst, IL
Claudia Schuetz, Schuetz Weinimport, Wetter, Germany
Luis Taboada, International Polo Club, Wellington, FL
Rob Van Leer, Featherstone's Grille, Woodstock, GA
