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Sure, there are wineries where you have a "perfect view," (the
view from the top of Opus One is a classic example), and
yes, there are wineries where you can picnic (Cuvaison comes
to mind), but there is only one winery in all of Napa Valley
where you will be serenaded by a tasting room employee as
you sip through a series of delicious wines.
Peju Province be the place; Alan Arnopole be the employee. "Employee" is
a bit restrictive because it does not connote free-spirited,
free-wheeling, fun-loving, all of which Alan is. His Peju
business card identifies him as the winery's "yodel meister," which
hints at the lunacy in his routine.
As Alan pours delicious whites and reds, he croons, raps,
yodels, and makes washboard sounds with a quarter strummed
on a tiny kitchen magnet. He'll sing in rap about the geology
of Napa Valley; or he'll yodel the names of the five grape
varieties blended into a gorgeous rose-style wine made here
called Provence ($18.50).
At one point in his "show," Alan is likely to pull out an
acoustic guitar and serenade assembled visitors. He sounds
like Ian Tyson in some songs, and does a fine impression
of Bob Dylan in others.
If you are going to take home a wine from your experience
at Peju, make it the 2001 Peju Province Napa Valley Cabernet
($38). The wine exhibits rich ripe black fruit flavors, a
hint of coffee and a long blackberry finish.
If you want to take home a souvenir of your time with Alan,
the "yodel meister," you can purchase his CD called
Starlight Tracks at the winery. Alan performs with his band,
California Zephyr. The CD costs $20.
Peju
Province is in Rutherford on Highway 29. Look for the
winery at 8466 St. Helena Highway, just north of St. Supery.
Tel: 707-963-3600. |
