Coppola Winery Shines With Vintage Hollywood Glamour

PINIMAGEPINIMAGEPINIMAGEPINIMAGEPINIMAGEPINIMAGEPINIMAGEDear Wellness Seekers,

Coppola Winery Shines With Vintage Hollywood Glamour as an unexpected delight at the top of Alexander Valley created by Francis Ford Coppola, the famous movie Director.

Have you have the pleasure of visiting? If you have please share your comments.

Now late morning, Spanista, hubby and friends sped up US 101 to the top of Alexander Valley near Geyserville on yet another warm glorious day. I was told some interesting things about the Francis Ford Coppola Winery being unlike any other so my curiosity was piqued for yet another style of wine tasting experience to enjoy together. Spanista Self Care Philosophy favors the escape that creative storytelling provides – indulging in movies and fantasy are favored ways to be inspired, learn about ourselves and be transported into worlds unknown. To that end, Mr.Coppola talents are most admired by yours truly.

Down a winding road, set up on a hill the Estate lures you in. The immediate feeling when approaching the entrance is one of arriving at new theme park full of energy – everything was immaculate, well-groomed and new in an old Hollywood sort of architectural way. The message at Coppola Winery is – Wine, Food & Adventure!

When one reaches the top of the stairs the feeling delivers on the real thing – an amazing pool and cabines spans along the building length to the right. Bocce ball courts in the traditional Italian style are busy with serious sport competition. The pool side view is one of beautiful starlite people lounging, sitting along pool side and swimming – a Frank Sinatra & Rat Pack scene from the 60’s.

We strolled the scene to absorb the mood and found ourselves transported into another world. True to Mr. Coppola’s profession as movie Director, Producer and Screenwriter who claims Academy Awards for iconic films like The Godfather Series, Apocalypse Now and Cotton Club and many more, his vision is one that captures your imagination and great wine is just a part of the picture. Like Spanista it is clear he believes in the joyful benefits of a full sensory experience. Once we became oriented with the mood we moved into the Wonderland, past smart looking restaurants  for a reserve wine tasting experience. Moving through the multi storied building, the fantasy unfolded in museum fashion as we viewed artifacts from his famed movies like the car in Tucker and the ships in Marie Antoinette.

Alongside the museum presentation were shops offering unique, stylish themed merchandise that captivated – all one of a kind. Alas we found the Reserve Tasting Room tucked away in the back of second floor which projected a classy period saloon – the kind Frank and friends would frequent.

Luckily we found bar stools as the spot is surprisingly small for the large-scale of the property and the number of people that were arriving – families in tow. Grateful to finally be seated we were entertained by the master wine glass juggler – an art form I had never discovered until now. It was clear everything here was designed to entertain and make you smile. We enjoyed a flight of 4 wines pictured here. But while wine presentation was being set for us we were treated to a welcome aperitif – a glass of Sofia Sparkling Wine. Born from a celebration of love, Sofia wines began as a gift from a father to his daughter. This sparkling wine, is bright and effervescent reflecting the charming and stylish Sofia Rosé. A very nice way to start the experience.

While the tasting experience was enjoyable I was captivated by the bottles – every wine in the reserve tasting featured the a beautiful label  – the artistic illustrations were colorful, fresh and exciting. They were of collectible quality and clearly told a richer story than the typical label. I have seen Coppola wine in wine stores with rather basic looking labels – nothing like these. I asked our wine host and learned the artist was a dear friend of Mr. Coppola’s.  The artwork of film production designer Dean Tavoularis graces the labels of only Francis Coppola Reserve wines. Tavoularis met Francis during the making of The Godfather and the two artists have continued to collaborate over the years on a variety of creative projects, including more than a dozen films, the courtyard and fountain of Rubicon Estate in Napa Valley and the interiors and exteriors of Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Sonoma County.

Personally I loved the reserve wines! Hope you enjoy them in the pics as much as I do.

Visit francisfordcoppola.com to learn more, although one really has to visit to really benefit from visionary gift. There are many ways to participate in the adventure – the site is enjoyable to explore.

Once again we agreed: Our favorite wines here were  #1. 2011 Director’s Cut Cinema Sonoma County and #2. 2012 Director’s Cut Pinot Noir Russian River Valley. All affordable.

Spanista Learning: The powerful combination of Wine and Wonderment of Movies is an intoxicating way to spend time with those you love – sparks conversation, exchange of beloved actors and sharing of favored titles and scenes – this is an idea that could be recreated at home as a fun themed get together over the winter months.

Please visit tomorrow – Spanista Travel Diary has more to share on the next stop.

To You Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny