17th Varietal Seminar
“Napa Valley Appellations and their Cabernet Varieties”
[Page 1 of 5]
Silverado Resort
Saturday, August 11
The seminar wines tasted are in bold following the names of their providers.
Bob Pecota
Moderator Bob Pecota first came to Napa Valley in the 1970’s when Nestlé asked him to take a look around its newly acquired Beringer Brothers Winery. Bob had been a coffee buyer for Hills Brothers and become a wine nut. He came to the Valley in midOctober when, he said, “the aromas were just unbelievable: pomace spread in the fields, fermentation—it was absolutely delicious.” He went to work fulltime for Beringer in 1971 and by 1978 had his own winery, which he sold in 2006. Now, he is into new wine, new vines and a “new” career in the Valley.
Bob calls the moderate, Mediterranean climate of Napa Valley ideal for growing vinifera grapes with its average daily temperature swing of 59° to 85°. Bob noted that the intricacies of today become tomorrow’s geology, from San Pablo Bay to the Pacific.
Bob said that in 1961 the founders of the Napa Valley Wine Library wished to enrich their lives through a knowledge and use of wine. Today, he concurs with the founders that a moderate use of wine can add to our demeanor and physical wellbeing. He also noted there were about 17 members in the Napa Valley Vintners Association when he first came to the Valley. With a shake of his head Bob said there are now 285 members and a staff of twenty. He then introduced the four panelists for "In the Vineyard".