Disney Article

You'll Never Guess Who's Making Wine!

Far from the fireworks, parades, and attractions ofDisneyland Park, a different kind of pixie dust is making magic in Northern California ... and Tinker Bell is nowhere to be seen. Here bouquet bests balloons and the grape takes center stage in a lush setting that welcomes thrill-seekers of another breed – wine enthusiasts. Though Theme Parks can't be beat, this adult playground of sorts offers another type of Disney experience as some of the Company's most illustrious have turned their talents to winemaking. Diane Disney Miller, John Lasseter, Rich Frank, and Fess Parker are among the entertainment industry's most notable vintners, so pour yourself a glass of pinot while we reveal the latest from the grapevine.


DIANE DISNEY MILLER 

Diane Disney Miller, Walt's eldest daughter, and her husband Ron loved Napa Valley so much that they purchased their first vineyard (once owned by famed candy maker Harry See!) in the 1970s, selling grapes to local vintners before building the elegant Silverado Winery in 1980. With the help of winemaker Jonathan Emmerich, they've been producing award-winning varietals ever since. In addition to Silverado, the Millers acquired six other vineyards – including Stags' Leap, Miller Ranch, Mt. George, Soda Creek Ranch, Vineburg, and Firetree – for an approximate total of 600 acres.

Named after an abandoned mining town nestled at the top of Napa Valley, the Miller's California Mission-style winery is open to the public for various tastings, tours, fine dining, and receptions. Connoisseurs can sip cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon, sangiovese, petit verdot, and merlot on a sunset-kissed terrace where the views are nothing short of a real-life fairytale.


JOHN LASSETER

When Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter and wife Nancy moved to the heart of wine country in 1992, little did they know their appreciation for French wine would escalate into a family business that, at one point, would span three generations. The Lasseters realized they needed to take their passion to the next level after being introduced to winemaking through friends Marcy and Tommy Smothers (of the "Smothers Brothers" fame), owners of Remick Ridge Vineyards.

In 2002, John and Nancy purchased the Justi Creek Vineyards, nestled on 27 acres in Sonoma Valley. They promptly began renovating the historic property to employ organic farming practices and built a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly winery in 2009. Together with master oenologist Julia Iantosca, the Lasseter Family Winery in Glen Ellen has created amoureux, chemin de fer, enjoué, paysage, rhône, syrah rose, and St. Emilion signature blends from Bordeaux and Rhône varietals that include malbec, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre.

Their old-World approach to boutique winemaking reflects the fine wines they enjoy drinking themselves – and has helped them in their quest to produce the highest quality wine possible. Starting in 2012, aficionados can attend limited tastings at the arty winery that features a stainless-steel fermentation tank turned into a luxe lounge. Lucky guests might even catch John chugging along the syrah vineyard on the Marie-E, a vintage steam train that was once owned by John's mentor, animator Ollie Johnston (one of Walt's original Nine Old Men). Another trivia tidbit for animation buffs: The winery's logo features graphics that represent each family member – a wild rose for Nancy, five grapes for each of the couple's sons, and Wally B for John, a character from his short film "The Adventures of André & Wally B."


FESS PARKER

When Disney luminary Fess Parker retired from acting, he purchased a 714-acre Los Olivos ranch in 1987 and promptly established Fess Parker's Winery & Vineyard. The spirit of the actor – who was famous for starring in Disney's "Davy Crockett" television series in the late 1950s and 1960s – lives on in the Santa Ynez Valley, where his family continues to run the now-1,500-acre vineyard and produce some of the region's finest wines. Only 35 miles north of Santa Barbara, the winery is open for public tastings and is one of the stand-out stops along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a fabled stretch that's home to many of the area's top wineries.


RICH FRANK

Former Disney executive Rich Frank and his wife Connie purchased Calistoga Winery in 1992, which now operates as Frank Family Vineyards. Built in 1884, the eastern Napa Valley winery offers visitors tastings, tours, and a chance to bask in the picnic area's aromatic ambiance. Frank Family Vineyards produces limited quantities of several unique cabernet sauvignons as well as chardonnay, zinfandel, and sangiovese, which are all available at the wine shop and select restaurants.

Another type of status comes into play for stars lured into making divine libations – the personal thrill of serving their own brand of wine to family and friends. Other Disney VIPs who can't resist the call of the grape include actor/comedian Robin Williams (the voice of Genie in "Aladdin"), owner of a 224-acre vineyard in Mount Veeder, and champion race car driver Mario Andretti ("Cars"), who operates Napa Valley's 53-acre Andretti Winery.

Can't make it to wine country? Experience the feel of Napa Valley at Wine Country Trattoria, a fine-dining restaurant located in Disney California Adventure Park. Their extensive wine list features some of the world's finest wines. Or make a reservation at the elegant Napa Rose, where expert sommeliers will help you select from an award-winning assortment of California wines ... salud!

Hidden Gem in San Diego

It was a lazy Saturday afternoon and I decided I wanted to visit some place within an hour of my home that I had never been so I enlisted the help of Google and off I went to Bernardo Winery in San Diego. Sixty minutes later, I had left the coast behind and entered  a small village of vineyards, boutique stores, cafes, a chocolatier shop, a tasting room, and even a beauty parlor. The grounds at Bernardo are beautiful. This place feels like its own city with winding streets on which you can walk, hanging plants on every corner, and friendly "neighbors" walking about. There are vintage farm tools spread around that give an authentic feel to the vineyard which was founded in 1889. 

The Barrel Room is available to rent for personal dinners or parties. The lighting added an extra special touch. You better love the smell of wine because in here, the nose is fruit forward.

One of several vineyards on the grounds. This one had an open field nearby where special events and weddings could take place.

Walking down into the village was like travelling back in time, into a world before technology and automobiles. But for all you techies out there, no need to fret, there is plenty of cell phone coverage here and yes, you can check in on Foursquare!

I walked into the tasting room and was greeted by friendly, knowledgeable people. The Chardonnay was my favorite but don't leave without trying the chocolate port, even if you're not normally a port drinker, this one is a winner! The atmosphere inside is very comfortable. I especially enjoyed the lighted wine bottles that hang from the ceilings.

One of the boutique shops that specialized in handbags. Yes, there were several I had my eye on. Just another excuse to go back.

Artistry awaits at the Glass Blowers shop just off Old Winery Road. There's so much to see and do here, I could spend an entire day!

For anyone who loves wine, shopping, or just lounging in a swing under an old oak tree, I highly recommend a visit to Bernardo Winery. And if you leave around sunset, make a plan to stop at Lake Hodges. It's a  little slice of heaven you won't want to miss. Since this day came about as a form of relaxation, and Bernardo Winery helped me achieve that, I leave you with this quote...

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance"  

Benjamin Franklin

The Balcony is now Open

Wow, my very own balcony with walls to write on and hopefully many people who stop by to view them! I came up with this idea while visiting Juliet's courtyard in Verona, Italy. In case any of you were wondering, yes, the story of the 2010 movie starring the adorable Amanda Seyfried, is based on something very real that happens just off a small cobblestone street marked Via CappeIlo 23. I was in complete awe of the hundreds of letters that adorned the walls within the courtyard. Some were hidden in nooks and crannies, others were painted on in graffiti style, a few were written on locks and secured to the iron gates. All of them hosted a special message waiting to be heard. I was fortunate enough to spend time in Club Giulietta where secretaries sit for hours at a time responding to each and every letter they receive. What I learned while I was there is that love is universal and there is a huge desire to share it. That is what I'm hoping to do here. The written word has so much power. We often overlook it's value in today's modern technology. Words are meant to be shared. When was the last time you wrote an "old-fashioned" letter to someone? I encourage you to write your own letters or notes here in my comments section, whether they be to a loved one or to yourself, whether they are about a person, a place, your favorite recipe or book, anything you love! Chances are if you love it, others will too. I'm going to start by writing out two letters from my favorite author (in this century), Nicholas Sparks. They are short but the words are powerful and leave a lasting impression. I've read all of Nicholas' books and when I started a wall of my own, similar to that in Verona, his were the first letters to adorn it.




"My dearest Allie,


The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give to you forever. I Love You. I'll be seeing you....


Noah"


Nicholas Sparks in The Notebook






"Thank you for coming into my life and giving me joy. Thank you for loving me and receiving my love in return. Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever. But most of all, Thank you for showing me that there will come a time when I can eventually let you go."


Garret Blake via Nicholas Sparks in Message in a Bottle






I read these letters almost daily. They remind me of how lucky I am to know the meaning of the word love. Yet, love comes in many forms as I hope to display here on my Balcony. There will be posts about beautiful places, delicious foods and delectable wines that pair with them, picturesque photos, and excerpts from great magazine articles, books, and classic literature. Stay tuned for the first journey as we travel throughout France and Italy for Valentine's Day!! Thanks for stopping by my balcony.


"There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met," William Butler Yeats