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© 2009 ACMEFINEWINES.
Top valley winemakers inaugurate Acme's 'atelier'
April 17, 2009
What a line-up: Twelve of the valley’s top winemakers will gather at Acme Fine Wines when the St. Helena wine merchants host their inaugural ‘atelier,’ a first-of-its-kind winemaker event April 25.
Karen Williams and David Stevens are the hosts, sponsors and producers of this event, which is open to residents from 1-4 p.m.
Acme is at 1080 Fulton Lane. Attendance is limited; the cost is $175 per person.
Pouring from each of their portfolios will be:
- Celia Welch Masyczek, a consultant to wineries including Scarecrow, DR Stephens, Cornerstone, Hollywood & Vine, Rocca and Keever, named Food & Wine’s Winemaker of the Year 2008;
- Heidi Barrett, winemaker and owner of La Sirena and Amuse Bouche. Her clients include Paradigm, Revana, Lamborn, Kenzo, Barbour and Fantesca.
- Russell Bevan, known for his Bevan Cellars cabernet;
- Andy Erickson, winemaker at Screaming Eagle;
- Sarah Gott, winemaker for Blackbird Vineyards;
- Mark Herold, a scientist and highly-sought after consultant to wineries ranging from Joseph Phelps Vineyards to boutique wine properties like Kamen and Harris Estate Vineyards;
- Mike Hirby, who began as winemaker at Behrens and Hitchcock winery in 2000 and created his own label Relic Wines in 2001;
- Craig MacLean, a veteran Napa Valley winemaker for a host of premium wineries;
- Philippe Melka, founder of Melka wines;
- Robbie Meyer, part owner and winemaker for L’Angevin Wines;
- Dave Phinney, who began his career working in the harvest at Robert Mondavi Winery and went on to launch his Orin Swift Cellars;
- Pam Starr, co-founder and winemaker of the always sold-out Crocker & Starr wines.
- The event was inspired by discussions between Williams and Stevens about how they, as wine merchants, know these winemakers and taste their wines on a weekly basis.
“We got to thinking perhaps the media and consumer would appreciate, in a tasting setting, the pure indulgence of being in the presence of these amazing winemakers and their wines,” Williams said.
“This event gives us the opportunity to share our good fortune with others,” Stevens added.
The winemakers will be pouring a minimum of three wines from their portfolios. Masyczek will be pouring nine. Masyczek said, “I wanted to show the full expression of the fruit and wines I get to work with every day.”
Vintners associated with the wines have also been invited to attend.
Event sponsors include Riedel Crystal, Nestle Waters of North America, Panevino and Nespresso.
For a complete listing of event details, including wines that will be poured, visit www.acmefinewines.com.
The Atelier at Acme
Where? Acme Fine Wines 1080 Fulton Lane, St. Helena
When? Saturday, April 25, 1-4 p.m.
How much? $175 per person
888.963.0440
