Clark-Claudon’s WeBlog

Financial troubles have motivated some wine distributors, retailers and individuals to sell their wine inventory at extremely discounted prices.  Consequently, there are some very sweet deals out there.  This is good for wine lovers now, but it can cripple small artisan winemakers and have a negative impact on what will be available in the long term. 

 We appreciate all of our customers who have continued to support us and other artisan producers.  Together we are sustaining the art, the passion and the soul found in great wine.

Categories: Educate, Recent Postings
Tags: Artisan Winemakers, Discounted Wine, Napa Valley Cabernet

…funky barn, yummy wine, sticky fingers, hand filler, purple smiles, crooked labels, family fun, laughter, hand corking, amazing sky, vineyard beauty, new friends…

If you weren’t…you should have been there!

Next Event: October 2010

Barrel Party/2007 Release Celebration/2010 Harvest Party all rolled into one

Categories: Experience, Recent Postings
Tags: Cabernet, Experience, Napa Valley, Wine Country

My 36th Napa Valley harvest is well on its way.  Enjoy my Napa Valley Vintners Blog post about the children’s role in this amazing valley.

Categories: Engage, Recent Postings
Tags: Harvest 2009, Napa Valley Harvest, Napa Valley Vintners

2007 being bottled, every detail in the vineyard being covered, Paxton Joshua Clark is born, move to Arkenstone Winery soon under way, changes in our winemaking team & beating back the effects of the recession…never a dull moment around here!

Since wine making is about the most regulated business there is we had to send a huge packet to the TTB to prove we are who we have always been & have not become felons etc.  I have been assured that the license will be in our hot hands in time for harvest! 

In the interim; what hasn’t made the cut is being sold on the bulk wine market while used barrels & racks are going too.  Since we experienced such frost damage in 2008, the cream of what was harvested, about 20 barrels of 2008 Cab, will be moving with us to Clark-Claudon @ Arkenstone.  That translates to 500 cases.  Once we go through our evaluation process it may go down to 250!

We are so excited about this upcoming vintage.  In many ways it feels like a new beginning.  It has been 20 years since we began to develop our vineyard…I wonder what the next 20 will bring!

More about winemaker changes soon…

Categories: Recent Postings
Tags: 2009 Napa Valley Harvest, Arkenstone Winery, Cabernet, Paxton Joshua Clark

I wait way too long to blog.  Then I have more to say than anyone would want to read.  On a day as beautiful as this, I will just recommend a place to enjoy it; Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California; www.cavallopoint.com

After a recent stay, I can confidently recommend everything about this very special place.  During the day you can enjoy; Golden Gate views, luxurious rooms, relaxing porch time, beautiful hikes and a spa & healing arts center.  Then, at the end of the day, the casual elegance of Murray’s Circle, Marine County’s only Michelin rated resaturant, is perfect.  The menu is artistically crafted by Executive Chef Josheph Humphries while the wine cellar, created by Wine Director Dan O’Brien, is one of the most extensive in the country.  I am pleased to note, it includes multiple vintages of Clark-Claudon Cabernet.

Cavallo Point is also great for day trippers.  Enjoy the lively Farley’s Bar, sit on the long white porch or stay a little longer and soak in the warmth from the fire pit as you watch the evening colors change and the lights come alive in San Francisco.  Cavallo Point… Read more

Categories: Experience, Recent Postings
Tags: Cavallo Point, Dan O'Brien, destinations, Joseph Humphries, Marine County, Murray's Circle, San Francisco Bay Area