Chronicles of Cork

On Thursday, June 6, 2024, my wife Elayne and I embarked on our journey to Napa to produce the Pilot episode of 'The Wandering Somm with Marcel Bregstein'. It was an unforgettable experience.

Friday at 8:00 AM, we arrived at Merryvale Vineyards. Owners Laurence and René Schlater greeted us warmly. I met their Head Winemaker, Jeff Crawford, who kindly gifted me a bottle of their sparkling Solstice and in hand had a kitchen knife and wanted me to saber a bottle as he had heard of my attempts for the Guiness World Record. After sabering and toasting by their entrance fountain, we entered their historic winery. Beautiful chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and large wooden casks lined the room, exuding a sense of history.

The winery, dating back to 1933 and originally built by Jack Riorda and partners, was initially named Sunnyhill Winery. Renamed Sunny St. Helena Winery shortly after, it saw significant milestones, including hosting Ceasare Mondavi in 1937, father of Peter and Robert Mondavi. It was here that the Mondavis began their winemaking journey, experimenting with cold fermentation for the first time. By 1986, the facility was purchased by Bill Harlan and partners.

In 1991, Jack Schlatter became a partner, expanding Merryvale's reach into European and Asian markets. I had a delightful conversation with Laurence and René Schlater, discussing their wines and tasting the 2021 Silhouette Chardonnay and Iconic 2016 Profile Cabernet Sauvignon.

We enjoyed a special lunch at Harvest Inn, featuring Merryvale wines. At our table, we were delighted to be hosted by Laurence and René Schlater.

After dessert, we hurried to our appointment at Palmaz Winery, where I interviewed Dr. Julio C. Palmaz, inventor of the coronary heart stent. Since moving to the US in 1977, Dr. Palmaz and his family purchased a historic vineyard site in Napa Valley's Southeast corridor, once home to the famous Cedar Knoll Winery founded in 1881.

After dessert, we hurried to our appointment at Palmaz Winery, where I interviewed Dr. Julio C. Palmaz, inventor of the coronary heart stent. Since moving to the US in 1977, Dr. Palmaz and his family purchased a historic vineyard site in Napa Valley's Southeast corridor, once home to the famous Cedar Knoll Winery founded in 1881.

Palmaz Winery, a stunning example of Bauhaus architecture, features an 18-story cavern carved into Mount George. Their gravity-flow winemaking process, unique globally, ensures minimal wine turbulence, preserving molecular integrity. We were greeted by Dr. Palmaz, his wife Amelia, and their children, Florencia and Christian, all showcasing their passion for winemaking and technological innovation.

As we entered this stunning property everywhere you looked was just breathtaking. We drove up to the third level to meet with the family. Amelia Palmaz (his wife), Florencia and Christian were all there to greet us. Dr. Palmaz arrived a few minutes later in his fancy four-wheeler. I was so nervous to meet him and even more anxious to interview him. He was such a lovely man, very articulate and so down to earth.

Christian Palmaz explained the advanced technology controlling their 18-story winery, emphasizing its role in enhancing wine quality without altering its essence. Florencia Palmaz passionately guided us through their innovative facilities, where rows of cylinder vats and dome ceilings displayed real-time data projections, resembling a futuristic setting.

The following morning, I drove through the vineyards in a rented Aston Martin, capturing footage for the show. Our next stop on Saturday afternoon was the reopening of Ray Signorello's winery, devastated by the 2017 fires but rebuilt to include cutting-edge safety features, solar panels, and breathtaking views over the Silverado Trail.

Ray Signorello Jr., grateful for the community's support, shared his journey of resilience and dedication to quality winemaking. I toasted Ray in front of his 240 distinguished guests after successfully sabering a bottle of Dom Perignon. Dinner was paired with some of his best vintages and we enjoyed Wagyu steak as the main course. A magical evening with a live band and dancing under the stars.

Signorello Estate is a one-of-a-kind reflection of a wholly unique Napa Valley hillside vineyard and terroir. The new winery is built inside the mountain, as Ray says “it will never burn again”. Planted and cultivated by the Signorello Family since 1977, these grapes are the foundation of their richly structured, intensely flavoured Estate wines. Ray Signorello Jr. has left no stone unturned, no philosophy unexplored, no ancient or modern viticulture and winemaking idea untried in his decades-long quest to produce the perfect Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for his customers.

Sunday was dedicated to capturing beauty shots of Napa Valley, from the iconic Napa sign to filming in the Napa Train. Driving the Aston Martin through the vineyards was a dream come true, with a drone capturing every moment at Palmaz Vineyards.

Monday was the highlight as we met Chuck Wagner, iconic wine producer of Caymus Vineyards. Chuck, a legend in Napa, graciously welcomed me to his estate, where we discussed Caymus' history since its founding in 1972. Our conversation touched on family legacy, climate change, and the future of winemaking.

Meeting Chuck was akin to meeting a hero, a moment I'll cherish forever. I also had the pleasure of meeting his son Charlie Wagner, who coincidentally oversees the Aston Martin rental company.

Napa Valley holds a special place in my heart, especially since the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Napa wines proved their greatness to the world alongside Bordeaux and Burgundy.

One my highlights during my visit to the Caymus property was tasting the new Caymus California Cabernet that was released at the LCBO.

A new addition to the renowned Wagner Family portfolio, this exciting Cabernet is a celebration of the Golden State, blending grapes from Paso Robles and Lake Monterey and San Benito counties to emulate the luxurious Napa style while showcasing the diversity and quality found in these often lesser-known vineyard areas. Look for flavours of blackberry pie, baked plum, vanilla bean, and toasted cedar.

This wine shows ripe fruit and luxurious tannins, it reveals the Caymus character, and is drinkable upon release or with age.

Caymus California Cabernet is $79.95 at LCBO.

Marcel Bregstein's education in the club management field, includes degrees in business, F&B and Catering Management, Club Operations, and Sommelier training. Since 1997, Marcel has held several positions at The Toronto Hunt, first as the F&B Manager, then Clubhouse Manager, and today serving as the Assistant General Manager. Marcel achieved his CCM designation in 2017. Marcel was inducted into the “Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne” in 2015 and was knighted by Mr. Taittinger and bestowed the title of “Chevalier.” Marcel has attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the most bottles sabered in one minute; he is currently ranked second in the world. He has raised over $500,000 for the Michael Garron Hospital and other charitable foundations. Marcel has been published in several magazines, interviewed on TV, and is currently filming a wine show set to air in 2025. Click here for a sneak peek!