Read the full story, “Why I Love Rhone Valley Wines” in the weekly “Dan The Food & Wine Man” column in The Napa Valley Register published Friday, March 10, 2023.
Why I Love Rhone Valley Wines synopsis:
I reminisce about my travels in the early 1990s and how it influenced my career. Ah the Good Ol’ Days!
I came to Napa in ’92 and lucked into a job with a deep connection to the best California and French wines. Here I found my Coup de Foudre: Rhone Valley Wines. Crozes-Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Condrieu. Learning about them and the grapes used was like becoming a member of a secret club. I wanted in.
In my 20s and unattached, I took my opportunity to travel, taste, eat and learn.
My Forever memories of The Rhone Valley
Walking up the steep, terraced slopes of Cote-Rotie are adorned with the names of its prominent land owners.
Caring for the magnum of Jaboulet “La Chapelle” Hermitage 1991 gifted to me by then-owner Gerard Jaboulet. Taking it with me for over a month by foot, bike, bus, train, plane, automobile until I finally got home.
The food’s so good. Except the andouillette. Watch out for the andouillette.
On a tip from a local wine merchant, I dropped in on Monsieur I forgot in Cairanne. It was harvest time. I spent a couple of hours moving hoses and turning pumps on and off with him. That was a good day.
Taking a group to see a young, handsome, blue-eyed vintner in Gigondas and having to hear for days what I hunk he was.
Gathering the rocks that are dead-ringers for potatoes in the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
A Tasting of Rhone Valley Wines in Outer Space
Thursday, March 16, 2023.
Wine Importer Jack Edwards joined me in Outer Space Wines for a Rhone Valley Wines Tasting. We poured a selection of wines from his portfolio including St Joseph, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras and Costieres de Nime.
Dan Dawson is the owner of Outer Space Wines, a wine shop, wine bar and event space at 974 Franklin Street, Napa CA. Pay him a visit – no space suit required. Directions and hours.
Ask Dan to send you the full column if you have difficulty reading it The Napa Valley Register website.
