Stricker: The Last Block

The time has come when we can reveal a little secret… not everything is coming out of the ground at Stricker Mount Veeder. We decided to preserve a few rows of hillside Cabernet Sauvignon vines while the rest of the property is being replanted. Finding the right combination of clone, rootstock and site is no easy feat, and we recognized that much of the Stricker recipe had already been tested to great success.  Continue »

Stricker: Adding Bats to the Lineup

Pest control is one of the single largest challenges of organic farming. Tipping the scales in the farmer’s balance remains a daunting task, one that requires constant vigilance and dedication, as many of the most destructive diseases that can afflict a vineyard arrive by tiny, flapping wings. Various bugs with sci-fi names (and appearances) like the “blue-green sharpshooter” and “alfalfa hopper” can wreak all manner of havoc on otherwise healthy vines.  Continue »

Stricker: Farming the Hills

There’s an ancient axiom that “Bacchus loves the hills”. It certainly applies to fine winegrowing in Mediterranean climates like ours in Napa Valley, most notably Italy, southern France and Spain. Stubbornly determined vines gnarl and twist deeper with each passing vintage in their quest for water and nutrients, often surviving where little else can be cultivated. It is a well-tested belief that struggle builds character, and the results from vineyards at elevation are often extraordinary.  Continue »

Stricker: Digging the Soil Pits

A foundational early step in the Stricker Vineyard replant involves really understanding our hillside soils. To do it right, we had to break out hard hats and put the heavy equipment to work. The “soil pits” we recently dug into the slopes of Mount Veeder reveal the geological complexity of what’s underneath the surface, and ultimately what our mature vines will burrow through in their ceaseless quest for water and nutrients.  Continue »

Stricker: The Rebirth of a Mountain Vineyard

Named for the volcanic apex of Napa Valley’s southwestern flank, vines have been growing on the slopes of Mount Veeder since at least the 1860’s. Fearless vintners have carved terraces into the Mayacamas hillsides and navigated switchback trails that are still prone to washouts (as we experienced firsthand in January). It has always been proudly inaccessible, a sort of isolated mountain wilderness with its own set of rules. In 1986, when renowned architect Larry Stricker looked at 40 untamed acres stretching to 1,500 feet in elevation and envisioned the vineyard potential within, he understood he was signing up for the long haul.  Continue »

Celebrated Winemaker Andy Erickson Joins Alpha Omega as Consultant

We’re excited to announce that celebrated winemaker Andy Erickson is our new consulting winemaker! He has crafted an illustrious career since arriving in Napa Valley in 1994. Over the years, he has worked with such properties as Harlan Estate, Staglin Family Vineyards and Screaming Eagle. He and wife Annie Favia, a viticulturist, launched their own labels, Favia Wines and Leviathan, in 2001 and 2003, respectively. Andy currently consults for Dalla Valle Vineyards, Mayacamas Vineyard & Winery, Arietta, To Kalon Vineyard Company, Ellman Family Vineyards, and, more recently, Cervantes and Seven Apart.  Continue »

Our 22 Favorite Photos of 2020 Taken Inside Your Homes

As 2020 comes to a close, we share 22 of our favorite Instagram photos of 2020 taken inside your homes and wherever else you happened to shelter this year. Thank you for staying connected to us when visiting was not possible due to the times. We also selected 20 of our favorite Instagram photos taken by guests who tasted with us in 2020. Click here to check out that blog post too. We wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope to see you in person or virtually in 2021!  Continue »

Our 20 Favorite Guests Photos of 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we share 20 of our favorite Instagram photos taken at Alpha Omega during the past 12 months. We appreciate everyone who visited us during this unusual year and posted photos from their visit. We know there are many more of you who wanted to visit but could not due to the times, which is why we also selected our 22 favorite Instagram photos of 2020 taken inside the homes of Alpha Omega enthusiasts. Click here to check out that blog post too. We wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to pouring our wines for you again in 2021!  Continue »

Join Friends of Alpha Omega Collective Foundation Fundraiser for NVCF Fire Relief

We are overwhelmed with gratitude after our Alpha Omega family’s outpouring of concern and support for our Napa Valley community. Three years ago, the North Bay Fires devastated parts of our region and you were there for us. This year, after the LNU Lightning Complex fires and Glass Fire destroyed homes, hotels and wineries you asked how you can assist.  Continue »

Holiday Food and Wine Pairings from Master Sommelier Bob Bath

Whether you aim to dazzle your guests with a spectacular meal or impress your host by bringing the perfect bottle of wine, we’ve taken the guesswork out for you. Here, our Master Sommelier Bob Bath offers his holiday food and wine pairing recommendations (along with wine serving tips) that will have your friends and family raising a glass to you.  Continue »