CALISTOGA, CA—On August 3, 2011, Sterling Vineyards opened it’s doors to host an industry event that showcased not only the rich variety of local food and wine purveyors but also the unique experience that has made Sterling one of Napa’s top visitor attractions.

Sterling Vineyards is one of the area’s most outstanding architectural landmarks. A commanding complex of bright white walls and curved bell towers, the winery rises from a forested volcanic knoll three hundred feet above the Napa Valley floor just south of the spa town of Calistoga.

Of course, upon entering the Visitors Center there was latin music to set the mood.

Don’t let the intensity of his stare vex you. A moment later the band members were smiling with appreciation as the attendees expressed their approval.

Upon exiting the Visitors Center I found myself on the terrace greeted by Carol Coawette (shown below) who coordinates the wine club for Provenance Vineyards. Carol is a doll! She was pouring an absolutely wonderful 2010 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It’s not in stores yet but, until it is, you can find it at their landmark, burgundy-colored tasting room on Hwy 29 just south of St. Helena.

Alongside Carol, serving their 2006 Provenance Vineyards Rutherford Estate Cabernet, was Sean Pakenham (shown below). Sean, the Provenance visitor center manager, is a very stately guy who you’ll often find right up front greeting visitors to their tasting room.

The facility at Sterling is indeed vast. Around every corner was another taste of this or a sip of that. In the downstairs portico the staff from Compadres Rio Grille, Napa Valley’s longtime Mexican restaurant, served pork and chicken tacos. I artfully snared several. (Very tasty tacos indeed.)

Frequent visitors to Napa Valley may recall that Compadres was once nestled in a hidden corner of downtown Yountville. The pastoral setting, amid tall trees behind a welcoming green lawn, is sorely missed by many locals and repeat visitors. However, their current location in the heart of Napa (the town) has caught on. These days, the streets of Napa are revitalized and quite lively. (Note: Compadres’ award-winning margaritas are coveted.)

On the back of my car you’ll find a bumper sticker which reads “I brake for cupcakes”. So when I fell upon Kara’s Cupcakes I began to tremble with excitement. Though they now have a number of Northern California locations, I first discovered them down the road in Napa’s Oxbow Public Market.

Don’t they look like Chocolate Velvet? Well, in fact, that’s what they are.

Oh! And these Sweet Vanilla treats were heavenly too.

That’s it for this installment. The final segment, Part 3, will post very soon. Thank you for your indulgence.