Children's Books About Grapes

Chateau St. Jean's Hospitality Operations Manager, Philippe Thibault, politely and very matter-of-factly, told me, "Don't wait too long before introducing your children to wine."

I thought to myself. Huh!? Kids and wine!? Isn't that a sin? My mother would NOT approve. :)

Then when I returned home from Sonoma/Napa, I started to read more and found that Europeans are far more comfortable than Americans when it comes to their children drinking wine. I kind of already knew that, but up until now, hadn't given it much thought.

So why are we, "across the pond-ers," so worried about this taboo issue, when it comes to wine. I'm not saying that children should be dining with martinis, but why not educate them so they have a healthy understanding, and an appreciation for the VINE. Hence, I brought my son a wine glass from Silver Oak in Napa, and have YET to pour him any wine. I'm still nervous about that. I did, however, notice two children's books about grapes, on a stand at Sequoia Grove in Napa, and asked Chad to snap a few pictures.

Anyway, since I review books, I may as well begin my education with these sweet, little books of grapes.

Chateau St. Jean: "Every wine has a reason to exist." -Philippe Thibault

These next few postings about my trip to Sonoma and Napa will be a little scattered, since I just arrived home and my internal clock is trying to readjust itself. That said I must point you to the wonderful world of Chateau St. Jean, where Philippe Thibault, the hospitality operations manager, took us for the wine tour of a lifetime - without even leaving the exquisite, Chateau St. Jean patio.

While overlooking the glorious vineyards, Philippe not only shared the history and authenticity of the wines we were tasting, he also provided me - a newbie - with best practices, and an overall introduction into the world of the vineyards.

This experience, and listening to Philippe, taught me that you really need to love what you do, because once you do, your job no longer becomes work. And it was clear that Philippe LOVES his job.

Walking into Chateau St.Jean was like walking into paradise. It set the stage for me as to what "real" wine tasting should include: #1) Ambiance #2) Good Company #3) And NEWS you could use about the history of wine...my personal fetish, of course.

For new wines tasters, Philippe is your best choice because while he sets a high standard for what one should know, he explains the "whys" behind the wine...which is what the vine is expecting of any taster. Make sense? "Know what you are talking about when it comes to wine, don't short change it with what you think you know."

<----The gorgeous view

(Flag photo comes courtesy of Philippe Thibault)

Amy's faves from Chateau St. Jean --->2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cépages, Sonoma County 1.5L and 2005 Late Harvest Riesling, Belle Terre Vineyard, Alexander Valley

(Featured in photo: seated -->Mark Vogler (Wine Marketer) -->Philippe and -->Moi