A Look Back at 2019!

As we close out 2019, here is a look back at a few of our favorite moments with you:

 

Thank you for sharing your photos, memories & time with us!

Fall 2019 Release in High Fidelity!

 

Did you know that going to see or simply listening to music can reduce stress and add years to your life?!

Attending music gigs is one way to relieve stress and be social. In fact, studies show that just 20 minutes can result in a 21% increase in feelings of well-being! Furthermore, the research found a direct link between live music and a lifespan increase of 9+ years.

Here at Whetstone, we support this theory, especially if it includes a glass of wine! (and we have all read about the benefits of red wine)

So if you have yet to attend one of our music events, let this be the motivator to get tickets to our annual harvest party now:

PAST PERFORMANCES @ WHETSTONE

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At Whetstone Headquarters, we've done our own research and found that listening to your favorite vinyl while sipping on aglass of Whetstone can and will increase levels of happiness! 

 

So without further ado, we present:

2017 Walala Pinot Noir

Floral nose of rose petal, plum, and anise. Full-bodied flavors of ripe bing cherry... (read more)

2016 Phoenix Ranch Syrah

Really (really) big nose full of ripe cassis, black licorice, violets and white pepper... (read more)
 

Ground shipping included for purchases of 12+ bottles now thru August 31st! 

Discount code: HIGHFIDELITY

(shipment dates are weather dependent)

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Jamey and Michelle along with our Dream Team would also like to offer some album suggestions to pair with your Whetstone experience at home:

MICHELLE'S PICK: This band takes me back to a simpler time (before kids and a winery) and so stoked I can listen to it on vinyl finally! The Very Very Best Of Crowded House’s long-awaited vinyl was released on July 12 in a glorious gatefold sleeve including notes & printed inner bagsand compiled & cut from original analogue master tapes recorded at Abbey Road Studios to Heavyweight Black vinyl LPs. 

JAMEY'S PICK: Live with me on Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones. 2016 Phoenix Ranch Syrah. The song is a gritty, stripped down, smelly version of what the Stones do best when their Delta Blues side slams into Rock n Roll. The Syrah is a racy concoction of violets and cassis and pig on the grill over a peppery fire w some tobacco tossed in for good measure; a smidge of some of my favorite flavors.

ADDIE'S PICK: To me Troubadour is a lowkey laidback album solely about livin' and lovin' which is what I am all about! It’s melodies are pretty but simple and the Tulsa Blues keep the rhythm rollin’ and rockin’! It’s the perfect soundtrack for enjoying the breeze with my husband, swayin’ in our hammock, spending time in our garden, sipping special with our chickens, playing fetch with our two golden fur babes, and cooking for our family and friends! 

ALLI'S PICK: Bon Iver's self-titled album instantly takes me back to when I first moved to Napa and began dating my husband, where we spent many late nights drinking wine and getting to know one another. It sets the perfect tone for dreaming big and drinking well. When the harvest season approaches I find myself putting it on repeat and reaching for a wine key as its moody tone and the call to get outside yourself inspires me to slow down and be present. 

JENNA'S PICK: No matter what the mood or occasion, Stevie fits the bill. ‘Don’t you worry bout a thing’ is my JAM. I have on many occasions blasted that song in my car while cruising down the highway, and you better believe I am singing along at the top of my little lungs. (You can also find me at home, having a dance party with my Weiner dog, no big deal.) This album has so many classics and many of my faves. Stressed out? Stevie. Super Happy & Dance-y?? Stevie. Feelin’ blue? Definitely Stevie.

LAUREN'S PICK: Whether savoring my cup of coffee in the early morning hours or sipping on a glass of vino whenever I feel so moved, Here Comes the Sun does the trick! Nina's sultry voice covering some of the true classics (in my humble opinion) helps me lean into the joyful soulful sweetness of the sunshine. I just can't help but sway to the rhythms and let those ivories tickle my soul. Also a perfect way to set the tone for a summer dinner soiree - paired with a bottle of Whetstone, obvi ;) 

So crack a bottle...put the needle on the record...sit back and relax!

 

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P.S. Remember, tickets are still available for our upcoming Harvest Party + stay tuned for upcoming salon sessions!

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Spring 2018 Release!

2018 is going to be a memorable year for me...

It is the 5-year anniversary of Whetstone being open at the chateau; I am officially half a century old, and my first born is heading off to college. Talk about a year of growth and change! I say -bring it!

I read somewhere that your face at 25 is the one God gave you and your face at 50 is the one you've earned. So perhaps instead of wrinkles, I should call them life lessons and experiences.
 
When I joined Jamey full time to run Whetstone Wine Cellars, I had no wine industry experience and wasn't exactly sure what my part in all of this looked like. All that changed, however, one fateful day in the winter of 2011 when I found the chateau that is now the Whetstone tasting salon.

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There isn't much separation for me between work and home life. I treat work as an extension of my home and making friends out of strangers is one of the most wonderful things about being in this business. I love to hear guests say how comfortable they feel when they walk into Whetstone, as if they'd walked into a friend’s living room.

While the path is not always straight, I believe in perseverance, grace under pressure, and providing a space where women can grow, be their best selves, and empower each other. In a male dominated industry, this is one of the many things that makes Whetstone unique. If you've been to Whetstone and met our team, you know the women I'm referring to. My vision would not be possible without the dedication and thoughtfulness they bring each day.

As for my first born, it would be selfish of me not to share him with the world. I can only hope that one day his path will lead him unexpectedly back to Napa (like it did me) and, perhaps, to run the family business.

I'm often asked about how the tasting notes for Whetstone wines come about and, as all things in the business, our dream team of women are part of the process. 

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So, without further ado...our Spring release wines:

 

2016 pleasant hill PINOT NOIR

TASTING NOTES:  Aged 16 months in 35% new French oak barrels, sur lees. Dark purple in color. Really expressive nose of dark cherry and baked blackberry pie with spicy, perfumey notes of Asian spice. Secondary wafts of rose petal, orange peel, and black tea. Velvety flavors of Bing cherry cobbler, dark cherry cola and orange peel. Mouth-watering acidity with long finish of tea, baker’s chocolate and tarragon.

2016 catie's corner VIOGNIER

TASTING NOTES: Barrel fermented in neutral French oak and aged for 16 months sur lees. Golden straw in color. Big nose full of honeysuckle, bright peach, pear liquor, and floral apricot. Background notes of bees wax, marscapone, and thyme. Mouthful of stone fruits, orange runts, and liquid minerals. Finishes long and bright with hints of mango, hazelnut, and touch of salinity.

2016 terra de promissio PINOT NOIR

TASTING NOTES: Aged for 16 months in 35% new French oak barrels, sur lees. Garnet in color. Floral rose petal, with pretty notes of wild strawberry perfume and sassafras tea. Secondary notes of Asian spice, thyme and clove. Bright, medium to full-bodied flavors of pomegranate, plum and black mission fig. Finishes long with great acidity and notes of orange pekoe tea, a hint of tobacco and fine tannins.

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All three are worthy of celebration, so SHOP NOW!

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To make celebrating easy, we're offering 
COMPLIMENTARY SHIPPING
for CASE ORDERS (12+ bottles) now thru March 31st!
 
Simply use the code: CELEBRATE 

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With that said...Let’s celebrate all the women who have earned a place at the table in the wine industry and beyond!

- Michelle Whetstone

A message of gratitude

To all our Whetstone friends & family,

There are no words to describe the love and support we have felt from you all this past week. Your emails, calls, and texts kept our spirits up as we faced uncertainty each day. 

We are grateful to be able to share that we are all safe. Our homes and the Whetstone property were spared. All fruit had been picked and put into tank or barrel before the fires started, saving our vintage as well.

Evacuations were recently lifted in our area, so we are working hard to get things back in order and settling into a new normal for now. We are happy to let you know that we are planning to reopen the tasting salon this Wednesday, October 18th. 

As we rebuild, our love and support go out to all in our community; to those who have lost so much and to those who protected us from further devastation. 

We look forward to sharing a hug and a glass of Whetstone with you soon!

Much love,
Michelle, Jamey & the girls of Whetstone

Proud to be part of something great

As we head into our 3rd year here at the chateau, I am so grateful for and proud of what we have going on a daily basis at Whetstone. You've likely had the opportunity to meet at least one of the wonderful women who work with us and take care of you whether in the tasting salon, from your inbox, or on the phone. 

It’s been said ‘it takes a village,’ but I disagree. It takes a few thoughtful, creative, and smart people who are passionate about their work and life and proud to be a part of something great. Our staff not only honors what Jamey and I have created, they make it better.

One of my favorite times of the year is the lead up to our new releases. Jamey pulls a few shiners from the winery and we all sit down as a team to taste through all the wines and write the tasting notes together. We're often asked about how the tasting notes come about and, as with all aspects of our business, the staff is part of every step. Each brings her own talents and strengths to make Whetstone who we are:

Addie started with Whetstone in the beginning of 2011 and saw us through the renovation of the chateau. Addie is my right-hand woman at the office and on business outings. She's always willing to pull up her boot straps with a smile and words of encouragement. She continues to run all things hospitality and raises the bar every day to ensure that when you stop into Whetstone it is one, if not THE, highlight of your trip. 

Addie met Lauren at one of her yoga classes in early 2014. Once you've met Lauren, you'll understand why Addie snatched her. With her whimsical style and sensibility, there was no hesitation about bringing Lauren on board. She is my go to girl when we need to get analytical. Plus, she has an intuitive spirit and contagious warmth about her that captivates guests. At the beginning of 2015 we quickly realized that we needed to add another person to the team.

Alli is all things creative and design. What a pleasure it is to have a marketing talent to work with every day. If you enjoy any of our invitations, newsletters, or product infographics (like the ones above) Alli is the one to thank. She also runs our event program and makes every guest feel right at home. Her smile and laugh are contagious. I can't even write this without a smile on my face!

Needless to say, I am proud and excited as we head into Spring. Smiles, charm, and wine await you here at the Chateau, so come visit or give us a call soon!