Summer in Tahoe

Liz from Squaw Valley Inn talks summer in the Sierras.

There is something magical about the month of May in Tahoe! Wedding plans can include skiing or sailing, depending on the weather, but the one thing is constant, it can be a beautiful time of year in the Sierra's. This is my one of my favorite times of year, the sun rises just a bit early and sets a bit later and the nights are cool. It is also a great time for outdoor dining and receptions on the pool deck.
As we move into summer, outdoor weddings and parties are a natural flow to the beauty of the mountains in Squaw Valley.

Check out PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn for amazing deals this summer. On Memorial Day, stay 2 nights and get the 3rd free!

Matrix on Memorial Day... Ultimat Vodka

Matrix is mixing it up on Memorial Day... celebrating on Sunday instead of Monday to be sure you have a good night's rest before going back to work! Stop by after 6pm for killer drink specials.

The Carneros Inn...Quite the Napa Hot Spot!

The Carneros Inn is THE place to be this summer...

Check out these delicious mentions: Thirsty Reader blog about their Boon Fly's Fried Chicken, 7x7 Editor and Chief, Heather Hartle's blog about her Napa Weekend, and not to mention the new Wine Spectator featuring Boon Fly Cafe, CADE and FARM. After all of this you'll need a Wellness Weekend... don't worry we've already planned one for you. Sign up today for The Carneros Inn Women's Wellness Weekend, June 12-14.

The Tessa Cuvee

The PlumpJack Group honors Tessa Thomas Newsom, who lost her fight against breast cancer in 2002, with the Tessa Cuvee. Tessa made a positive difference in the lives of all who knew her, and is greatly missed. All profits from the sale of Tessa Cuvee will be donated to the Stanford Center Patient Services, Supportive Care Program. This innovative program bridges the gap between traditional medicine and holistic healing. Tessa avidly supported this free program, which is open to all, regardless of economic status. The labels are printed and donated by Vintage 99 Label Manufacturing in Livermore, California.

Pick up a bottle of Tessa's Cuvee by visiting the PlumpJack Wine Stores or calling 415.346.9879.

And look to The Bigelow Report on 7x7.com for coverage of the 10th Annual PlumpJack/LINK Golf Classic, benefiting the Northern California Cancer Center.

The Art of Packing

Hear it from Sara, an expert traveler and PlumpJackSport General Manager.

How often do you come home from a fabulous vacation and realize you completely over-packed? That half the cloths you brought were either never worn or simply all wrong for your trip. Personally, I find that I pack much too formally for my vacations- who really wears that evening dress when going out to the local taco stand for a beer?

Well, this time I was bound to do it right! I was headed to Hawaii with my family of four; 2 pack and plays, 2 strollers and 2 car seats and the last thing I wanted to do was over pack for myself. After thumbing through last months InStyle magazine, I was inspired by their fashion pages. It was nicely done; each page was a different tropical destination and the fashions to go along with the vacation spots were all color coordinated. For example St. Tropez had all teal and white items on the entire page, nothing strayed- not even the accessories. I thought to myself “what a brilliant way to pack!”

Now for my experimental “packing by color” I started small, with black, white and tan. I know, I know- not very “Hawaii” but hang with me here. So my first stop was my closet, I pulled out everything that fell into my category of B,W &T that was Hawaii appropriate; tan shorts and white shorts, white tops and lighter weight black tops and even a few tan. I had a good base for sure! Then I went shopping at PlumpJackSport. I purchased 2 long knit black dresses and 2 short, 1 casual and 1 dressy. I got new black shorts and some new “flowy” blouses. I bought 1 pair of Haviania rubber flip flops and 1 pair of gladiators, 1 black Velvet wrap and 1 white Notice wrap.

I never strayed….. not even on the accessories. I brought 1 chunky gold and black necklace, 1 simpler one and a set of bangles, all gold. I was so excited I packed and repacked 3 times, I couldn’t believe how small my section of the suitcase was! Normally I had different shoes for every outfit. I only hoped my plan of simplicity wouldn’t leave me frustrated in Hawaii and it certainly didn’t help that my husband kept stating “that’s all your bringing?”

Well I just returned and I can safely say it worked out PERFECTLY! If I was wanted to be casual it was tan and white, dressy was white and white or black and black and I promise you, no one looked at me and thought boring duds (not even my husband who spent everyday with me). My wraps added style and my gold accessories added flair. It was simple, literally everything went together. I HIGHLY recommend this to any of you headed out on vacation this summer. Next trip for me? Napa in white, fuchsia and red and just for fun I think I will go with silver accessories this time. Happy Summer to you all!!

Are you ready for summer? Check out The Carneros Inn Women's Wellness and Weight Loss Weekend June 12-14. Need a Summer Must Have List? PlumpJackSport at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn has it.

Spa Secret... Smell the Roses

Roses are in bloom all around us. Jeannie, our Spa Director, explains below...

I know it is obvious, but roses have come back. I never used to like roses when I was young, always seeing the tight red roses from the flower shop with no smell or personality. But as I got older and started to get exposed to beautiful garden roses, my appreciation for them grew. One of my favorite things is to do on Sundays is stroll through the rose garden in Golden Gate Park. It never disappoints. Here at Carneros we have a lot of varieties of roses on property, so I just need to walk to the apple orchard down Ward’s Walk to smell all different varieties. We even use some of our roses from the property in some of our treatments.

In fact, today we just completed the training for a new treatment we are offering in the Spa, and the timing couldn’t be better. Just launching this weekend is our Jasmine and Rose Rhassoul Clay Body Wrap, 90 minutes, $225. The treatment begins with a body scrub featuring an Indian Jasmine oil and salt body scrub. Fragrant and hypnotic. A full body application of our white Nourishing Rose Rhassoul Clay follows as you are wrapped in a heated blanket for the body to open an absorb. After removing the leftover clay with hot towels, a deep-muscle massage with Moroccan Rose body oil leaves skin soft and bright. Our lead therapist trainer, Athina, said that our massage team loves this treatment and can’t wait to give the wrap to guests.

So on your way to the Spa you can stop to smell the roses and the jasmine and then bring the sweetness of summer in and on your skin for our new very special treatment.

Is the Spa calling your name? Sign up for our Women's Wellness Weekend, June 12-14. The weekend will feature Cheryl Forberg, Nutritionist for NBC's The Biggest Loser; Ines Donnelly, Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach; and of course, the gorgeous Napa Valley backdrop for your transformation.

Tis the Season for Roses... Summertime Wine

Chris from the Fillmore Street Wine Store smells the roses...

So, I've been drinking wine for about two and a half years. I mean, I drank wine before that. I considered myself a 'Cab person', someone who preferred the weightier and richer Cabernet grape to what, at the time, seemed like my only alternative, Merlot. Little did I know back then that there are literally hundreds of grapes you can make wine out of. Carmenere, Valpolicella, Grenache? Excuse me?
Oh, how the times have changed. I am embarrassed at how naive I was. To me, white wines were something to be gulped while no one was looking, not a hugely important part of the vast oenological world I have recently found them to be. Pinot Grigio, Torrontes, Alborino? Yes please, may I have another?

Well, now I've discovered roses. Yes, that's right, roses. Looking for a light, friendly bottle of wine to take on a picnic? Try a rose! Going to a rooftop party to watch a street fair? Grab a rose! They're a fun, crisp and refreshing treat, perfect for day-time drinking. And with these (intermittently) warm San Francisco days, 'tis the season! We've got about fifteen, and counting, roses at the store, and they run the gamut in terms of country of origin and tint. But I must say, I have two favorites. In the category of 'dry, minerally and French', the award goes to L'Hortus de Languedoc ($13.99). Delicious! And in the category of 'other', Chile's Montes Cherub ($14.99) was best in show for it's bright, yet reserved, fruit and nice acidity. Try it for a solid alternative to the often higher-priced domestics.

They taste great, and they don't have a chip on their shoulder for being the same color as 'the wine that shall not be named' (two words, starts with a W and ends in -fandel). Give them a try. Let me know what you think.

Stop by PlumpJack Wines on Fillmore Street and ask for Chris. He can point out his favorite roses and the best deals in the house.

Balboa Mill Valley Bartender and The Cobb...

In the April 30th edition of Commuter Times, author Jim Schock describes his "Salad Days on Miller Avenue." After meandering around the numerous restaurants in downtown Mill Valley, Schock walks in to Balboa Cafe and takes a seat at the bar. He describes his surprise as looks up to find Peter Ruero "behind the plank." Peter is well known throughout Mill Valley and is noted by Schock to be "a four-star bartender of infinite wisdom and charm and a perfect fit for the elegant but not flashy atmosphere of The Balboa."

He describes Balboa as "intimate without being claustrophobic, with snowy linen, and a gracrious and skilled wait staff." Jim Schock- we concur! Hope to have you back to Balboa and to have others stop by and meet Peter. Not only does he know his cocktails, but he makes a mean cappuccino.

Take Jim's advice and order The Cobb Salad while you are there, a nod to the classic without any funny stuff. "My heart leapt when it arrived, I ate, I rejoiced. Perfect. Four stars."

Thank you Jim! See you on Miller Avenue. On Thursday May 14, Tim Hockenberry will be playing live. Show starts at 8:30pm. And don't forget Happy Hour from 3-6pm Monday-Friday.

Friends of PlumpJack Dining at Jack Tonight

After 5 terrific years, Jack Falstaff will be closing on May 9th as the PlumpJack Group focuses on the re-concepting of 3127 Fillmore Street, the former PlumpJack Cafe location of 14 years. We are excited about returning to this historic PlumpJack location and providing our guests with an exceptional new food and wine experience in the refurbished space. Thanks to all of our Jack Falstaff friends and neighbors, and we look forward to “Eating, Drinking and Making Merry” with you in our new venture.

But as for May 8th... we hear that Jason Lewis, long-time friend, will be dining at Jack Falstaff to celebrate all that is PlumpJack.

See you there... 415.836.9239

And after the kitchen closes? We suggest MatrixFillmore.

Tales from the Tasting Room

PlumpJack Winery is always a favorite stop! Meet Melissa from the Tasting Room...

Hi, there… My name is Melissa, but everyone here knows me as Mel. I work in the tasting room at PlumpJack Winery and have been here about two years now. If you had told me even five years ago that I would be working at a winery in Napa, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Back then I had just graduated from the Culinary Institute of America (the New York campus) and had accepted a job in Texas, a little closer to my Louisiana roots. After two years there, my husband surprised me by taking a job close to San Francisco. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of amazing restaurants all over Napa and the Bay area, but after cooking long hours in hot kitchens and people’s houses, I decided that I wanted to focus on wine, and from the moment I walked through the door for my interview, I knew that PlumpJack Winery was the place for me. I mean, come on—Duran Duran’s “The Reflex” was playing!

Working at PlumpJack has been a blast. We are fortunate to have a small close-knit staff—sometimes it even feels like a second family. I truly believe that everyone here loves what they are doing, and the enthusiasm is infectious. Plus, there is always great music playing in the tasting room. I’m kind of a new wave 80s gal myself, but I’ve been know to dabble…

Being behind the bar takes me back to my bartending days, although people are generally a little less rowdy… well, except for maybe the last hours on Saturdays! I have met so many amazing people, and whenever I’m feeling a little homesick for the south, it really doesn’t seem long before another Texan appears through the door. That is one large state!

Now that it is officially May, we are all gearing up for the summer. For me, that means also getting our retail room well stocked with new t-shirts, wine gadgetry, and other fun gift ideas. We definitely have some fun new items, so if it has been awhile, stop in and check out our retail shop—how many other places can you sip wine while you shop?

So, whenever you want to taste some killer wines, talk food and music, or find the perfect PlumpJack t-shirt, come by and see me and the rest of the gang here at the winery. Make sure to say hi!

Spring in Squaw

Steve from PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn gives PlumpJack Blog Readers a taste of Spring Ski...

I’ve been enjoying North Lake Tahoe since moving here in the winter of 1994. Each season here in the mountains is glorious, but right now, Spring is where it’s at.

While the Winter brings powder and the crowds, mid week, sunny, Spring days are mighty enjoyable. On ideal days, the snow goes through a freeze and thaw cycle rendering a perfect batch of THE CORN. Follow the sun and arc big, fast turns over the fields of Squaw Valley. The sunshine is abundant; the lift lines mellow and the views of the surrounding mountains and Lake make you feel alright.

On Spring days, you can literally water ski some early morning glass on the West Shore, rail to the ski hill for some late morning/early afternoon turns and head back to the Lake for some afternoon basking in the sun. And, if it hits you just right, drop in for an early season dip into the Lake. Take your dog along, a bite to eat, something to read, some tunes or a guitar and something to sip on and you’re all set. Oh yeah, and the beach and the peaceful serenity are all yours.

Spring is also perfect for catching up with friends. A coffee in the morning at Tahoe House, breakfast at Fire Sign Café, lunch on the PlumpJack patio, or a backyard evening BBQ all make for good times. Most local bar and restaurant establishments have off season promotions as business quiets this time of year. Hotel rates are also down, the traffic is light and people are generally relaxing. So, it’s great for visitors as well.

Spring is also interesting as the trees, plants and foliage come back to life. It’s cool to watch the snow recede, listen to the birds chirp, watch the squirrel’s gramble and anticipate visits from the not so sleepy and always hungry bears. I’ve already heard reports of bears getting into houses and cars. We had one sniffing around on the back patio last week and with nothing to munch on and a few of us still milling about, the bear knelt down, got a drink from the pool and headed off into the night.

Folks hit their yards and gardens with a vengeance bringing it all back to life. Bonnie, our banquet manager here in Squaw, has been tending to a sweet, little patch in the planters on our back patio. I’m sure Chef Edge and the crew will make good use of the herbs & flowers we’ll soon see sprouting. They’ll also be great for muddling and mixing fresh cocktails for the patio and pool.

Spring is just one of the cycles of life here in the mountains. We open it back up and welcome the sunshine, the longer days and the good life. We’ve got about six weeks left before summer rolls in so it’s time to relax and take advantage of the bounty. So, get out there and soak it up!

Have fun! Steve

Get your snow days in now! Last day of skiing in Squaw is May 10th!

WineDown Wednesdays

Check out WineDown Wednesdays at MatrixFillmore. Just what you need to make it through the week...

Live Music at Balboa Mill Valley

Live music in downtown Mill Valley! Come by Balboa Cafe on May 14 and enjoy the music of Tim Hockenberry. Performance begins at 8:30.

10th Annual PlumpJack LINK/Golf Classic Battles Cancer with NCCC

On April 27, the 10th Annual PlumpJack/LINK Golf Classic raised over $200,000 for the Northern California Cancer Center. This year's tournament boasted 49'er Gold Rush Girls, a Giants Tent, a Hole-in-One contest for a SmartCar, Tommy Bahama Mai Tai's, Blue Angel Vodka, Rockstar Energy Drink, a San Francisco magazine Chipping and Putting Contest... not to mention the full day of golf at gorgeous Lake Merced Golf and Country Club. But the event didn't end on the course. The Dinner, Silent and Live Auction featured lots like a weekend away at The Orchard, a Breakfast at Tiffany's package for six with Celebration and Cocktail rings for the guests, and a week in a Tuscan Villa. Kara's Cupcakes supplied the deserts and Harris Ranch Napa Valley donated a bottle of extra virgin olive oil for each guest. PlumpJack President, Hilary Newsom Callan and her husband, Geoff Callan have both been touched by the assistance of the NCCC as family members of breast cancer survivors and victims. They began the tournament ten years ago in true PlumpJack fashion and are looking forward to many more years of success in fighting cancer. Huge thanks to all who participated and especially to the tournament's Title Sponsor, Union Bank of California, The Private Bank, for their donation of $25,000.