The first in the series "Preservation and a Pint" will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at Silverado Brewing Company. Organizers of the series of four events invite everyone to "come and raise a pint to the preservation issues of the day - from sustainable growth to identity, cultural resource conservation, development trends and more."

Panelists at the Feb. 18 event, titled "Got Balance" will strive to answer the questions: "What else could, and perhaps should, thrive within our viniferous rows?  More food production, heritage conservation, or the arts?" The panelists are John Ahman, cattleman; Kellie Anderson, State Parks; David Garden, The White Barn; Ted Hall, Long Meadow Ranch; Lee Hudson, Hudson Vineyards and Dave Whitmer, Napa County Ag Commissioner.

Silverado Brewing Company is located at 3020 St. Helena Highway, just north of St. Helena. Premiere Napa Valley sells out Premiere Napa Valley, the wine industry's hottest ticket for wine retailers, wholesalers, restaurateurs and media, has sold out, according to the Napa Valley Vintners. More than 500 trade and media are confirmed to attend the event, which is from Feb. 18-20.

"This event in Napa Valley is the highlight of the season. It's like homecoming week for our best customers, a time for making new and seeing long-time friends," said Jeff McBride of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and PNV 2010 chairman. "I don't know anyone who doesn't love this gathering."

But beyond the parties, the tasting and the auction that raises money for the trade association's promotion and protection endeavors of the Napa Valley appellation, are the wines. "Premiere Napa Valley is a collection of one-of-a-kind wines crafted specifically for this event -- and the wines are purchased by savvy wine sellers to offer the world's finest and most unique wines to their customers. No top wine cellar would be complete without at least a few wines from Premiere Napa Valley," said NVV Board President Bruce Cakebread of Cakebread Cellars.

Wine collectors can access the list of wine retailers and restaurants from across the country who sell these unique wines, and find out how they can purchase previous years' offerings by visiting www.napavintners.com.

Napa Zinfandel Trail formed

The Napa Zinfandel Trail, a new association of Napa Valley wineries that specialize in the production of wine from California's historic grape variety, is announcing its premiere and the debut of its Web site www.napazintrail.com.

Historically, zinfandel was one of the primary red grapes prized by early Napa Valley winemakers and today comprises just over 2 percent of the valley's overall wine production. The Napa Zinfandel Trail wineries focus on producing world-class red wines from this variety that is known for its characteristic spicy, raspberry, and blackberry flavors.

Scientific research has recently shown that zinfandel is of Croatian origin but as zinfandel migrated to California during the 19th century Gold Rush it took hold as the favored wine grape of pioneer winegrowers who loved its flavorfulness, its healthy production, and ability to adapt to the diverse regions of California. In the 1860s, Captain Joseph Osborne is credited with the first planting of zinfandel in what is today known as the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley.

By organizing, the wineries seek to educate consumers about the rich history of zinfandel in Napa Valley and guide wine adventurers to their cult-following small production wines that can be impossible to find in stores. And because the wineries are family-owned and off the beaten path, the Napa Zinfandel Trail group says it is for those wine explorers seeking to discover the less traveled roads and interact with the winemakers in their less commercial and more rural and intimate surroundings.

The Napa Zinfandel Trail association includes: Hendry Winery, Robert Biale Vineyards, Elyse Winery, Titus Vineyards, Chase Cellars, Tres Sabores, and The Terraces. For more information, maps, and appointments can be obtained by calling the wineries directly and through the association's web site, www.napazintrail.com.

'Women for WineSense' event planned

Women throughout the country with a passion or professional interest in wine will descend on the Napa Valley from Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2 to attend the third annual Women for WineSense 2010 Grand Event. Aptly titled "Sip the Wine, Share the Moment, Savor the Experience," this year's  three-day event will be hosted by Honorary Chair Margaret Duckhorn and also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the founding of Women for WineSense.

"I'm especially excited to serve as honorary chair this year, because we're honoring founders Michaela Rodeno and Julie Johnson, who are two of the wine industry's biggest trailblazers," said Duckhorn. "It's also wonderful that Women for WineSense has provided wine education and professional development opportunities for the past 20 years."

The Grand Event kicks off the weekend with a sparkling wine reception at Mumm Napa in Rutherford on Friday evening. Saturday's all-day program takes place at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena and combines exceptional educational seminars along with the Women for WineSense Awards Presentation and a Grand Tasting Event. The festivities continue on Sunday with rare, behind the scenes winery tours and tastings at select Napa and Sonoma wineries.

The 2010 Women for WineSense Grand Event Saturday educational program includes a series of seminars taught by wine industry leaders: Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, Alexandre Schmitt of Olfacto in France, wine expert Debbie Zachareas, Ann Noble from UC Davis, and Winemaker Merry Edwards, to name a few.

During lunch, Duckhorn will induct founders Julie Johnson and Michaela Rodeno into the Hall of Fame. Ann Noble of UC Davis will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the wine industry and Rising Star Awards will be given to up and coming women in the industry.  Saturday's program concludes with the Grand Tasting of distinctive wines poured by women in key leadership roles at wineries, including owners, CEOs, winemakers and vineyard managers.

Attendance is limited to 250 participants. "Early Bird Registration" pricing for the complete weekend package, including Friday's sparkling wine reception, Saturday's seminars, lunch & Grand Tasting, plus Sunday's tours is $210. Single-day pricing is available. Further information is available at www.wwsgrandevent.org.

Proceeds from event will underwrite Women for WineSense educational programs, activities and scholarships for women in viticulture, winemaking and wine education.

Marino joins V. Sattui

Nicole Marino has recently joined V. Sattui Winery as Social Media Marketing Manager.

President Tom Davies said, "Nicole will direct all of our blogging, Tweeting, Facebook interactions and other communications with our customers through these channels. Since we hosted Gary Vaynerchuk at the winery this past fall and have started to implement many of his ideas, we've seen our business grow," he added. The winery is celebrating its 125 anniversary in 2010 and Marino will also play a role in communicating that point of difference to the winery's customers.

Marino grew up in Norwood, Mass. She graduated from Curry College and spent the first years of her career in photography and marketing, most recently working for Joanne Sanders, California state senator, in Napa and Castello Di Amorosa in Calistoga. She also works as a freelance photographer and has had her work published in a number of local and national print and online publications including Vogue Magazine. She has photographed for Schramsberg, Artesa, Nickel & Nickel, and The French Laundry.