Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/776532
104 / the tasting panel / january/february 2017 FESTIVALS CURATORS: WINEMAKERS, BARTENDERS & OWNERS We developed a certified "crush" on new- comers Italics Winegrowers, whose feature- length documentary Decanted premiered at the festival. Founded in Coombsville in 2012, the 73-acre estate produces fewer than 3,000 cases annually, including Bordeaux varietals and blends—Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Viognier. "When you italicize something, you emphasize it," said Mike Martin, one of the proprietors. "Our goal was to italicize the Napa experience." Martin works alongside General Manager Taylor Martin and famed Winemaker Steve Reynolds. Italics Winegrowers' 16,000-square-foot cave opened for tours and tastings last fall and by this fall the property will include a chef's commercial kitchen. SUPPORTING CAST: CRAFT SERVICES & ACCOMMODATIONS A private residence on the Italics Winegrowers property rounded out the Napa Valley Film Festival experience, where mornings began with Clover Organic Farms yogurt and each evening finished with a glass of Italics Estate 2015 Rosé. An award-winning weekend, indeed. PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN Owen Barrett and Brandon Parkhurst, of the forthcoming Gravenstein Grill in Sebastopol, toast at an industry event at Bottega Napa Valley in Yountville, as part of the Napa Valley Film Festival. Taylor Martin, GM, Italics Winegrowers. Ryan Gotti, Manager, Bottega Napa Valley, served up craft cocktails at an industry event at the Yountville establishment. Steve Reynolds, Partner & Winemaker, Italics Winegrowers. PHOTO COURTESY OF ITALICS WINEGROWERS PHOTO COURTESY OF ITALICS WINEGROWERS Kenmore Executive Chef Kari Karch prepared a spread of bananas foster waffles, bagels and lox and Mimosas for a small group at the Napa Valley Film Festival. Curtis Cameron, Executive Pastry Chef, Las Alcobas Napa Valley, at the Napa Valley Film Festival Gala at the Lincoln Theatre in Yountville. PHOTO: PATRICE WARD PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN