Yao Family Wines Winter 2017 Newsletter

   From Our Winemaker

We're welcoming the rains in Napa!

You've probably heard that Napa Valley has had a very wet winter so far, but we could certainly use every last drop of it. And though we're enjoying a nice run of sunshine right now, you may have seen pictures of flooded vineyards and wondered what affect that has on the vines and the upcoming vintage. Fortunately, vines are dormant during the winter and can take this kind of flooding for few weeks at a time with no damage.

Typically, now through February is the time for pruning vines, getting them ready for bud break and new growth in the spring. The wet weather has made it difficult to do pruning, so we're taking advantage of this dry spell to get the work done. Typically in Napa, we see bud break from late February through April, so time is still on our side.

One of the things we're most excited about this winter is the release of our very first blush wine, the 2016 Napa Crest Rose. It's a Rose made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from select lots in the Napa Valley. We only produced 168 cases, so this wine will only be available at our St. Helena Tasting Room and online at YaoFamilyWines.com. The first allocation goes to the Wine Club, so if you've been thinking of joining, click here and check it out.

Stay warm and dry! ~ Tom Hinde

Happy Chinese New Year!

January 28th marks the start of the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Fire Rooster. If you were born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982 or 1994, then according to the Chinese zodiac you are Loyal and trustworthy: people born in the Year of the Rooster are sociable, very accomplished...and usually very well-dressed! Come to our Tasting Room anytime through January and pick out one of the Lucky Red Envelopes you'll find around the room. You may win a free tasting, or discounts on wine and merchandise. We're also offering a special Chinese New Year Gift Set featuring two bottles of 2014 Napa Crest Red Wine along with a Rooster Wine Pourer for only $96.00. Click Here to order now.

We'll be celebrating Chinese New Year now through Valentines, so come by and wish us Xinnian hao!

Valentines Day Means Wine, Chocolate and Something Special...

Come to our St. Helena Tasting Room now through the end of February and try our new Wine & Chocolate Tasting Menu. We've paired four of our wines with chocolates crafted by world-renowned chocolatier Chris Kollar of Kollar Chocolates in Yountville to create a unique and delicious tasting experience.

You can also take the celebration home for your own Valentines Day Wine & Chocolate Tasting. Our Gift Set includes: 

• 2104 Villa Celste Lodi Zinfandel
• 2014 Napa Crest Red Wine
• 2014 YAO MING Napa Velley Cabernet
• 2014 YAO MING Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
• Four 4-Packs of hand-crafted Kollar Chocolates

Click here to purchase this one-of-a-kind gift set.

And Here's How You Let The Love Shine Long After Valentines Day...

Purchase one of our $5 Love Letter Hearts during your visit to the tasting room. Write your love note on it, hang it on our wall, and we'll donate your $5 to The Special Olympics.

Post a picture of your heart on any of your social media and we'll give you 5% off your purchase.

 

Houston Rockets To Retire Yao Ming's Jersey February 3rd

The Houston Rockets will retire Yao Ming's No. 11 jersey during a halftime ceremony of a game against the Chicago Bulls on February 3rd. Yao, a global ambassador of basketball who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in September, averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in eight seasons with the Rockets before his career was cut short by injuries.

To commemorate this special event, we're offering eleven bottles of the "11" YAO MING Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, autographed, numbered and dated by Yao. You can get one of these eleven limited bottles for $500.00, and proceeds will be donated to WildAid's efforts to protect endangered animals.

 

 

Recover From The Napa Valley Marathon

At Our Tasting Room March 5th

 

The Napa Valley Marathon is coming the weekend of March 5th, and we're celebrating the athletes, families and volunteers that are making it happen. We'll be featuring tasting specials all weekend long at our St. Helena Tasting Room, culminating with a "Recovery Party" after the race on Sunday, March 5th, beginning at 1pm. We'll have a Certified Massage Therapist on hand to give complimentary massages, along with high-carb & high-protein small plates, and the first tastings of our 2016 Napa Crest Rose. 

 

Mark Your Calendar for these upcoming special events and wine releases:

• March 25th: Flavor! Napa Valley Grand Tasting at Culinary Institute
• April 3rd: Final Four Viewing Party & 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Release at the Tasting Room 
• June 6th: 2014 YAO MING Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Club Release
• July 14th: Festival Napa Valley Tasting Room Reception
• July 21st Yao Family Wines Summer BBQ at the Tasting Room
• September 16th: 2014 YAO MING Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Release
• October 14th: 2015 Napa Crest Red Wine Release
• November 11th: "11/11" Party at the Tasting Room