We are incredibly honored that all eight wines from JAQK Cellars have been acquired by and are featured in San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s current exhibit How Wine Became Modern. This exhibit is the first of its kind, looking at the world of wine and the role that architecture, design and media have played in its stunning transformation over the past three decades. The exhibit features historical artifacts, architectural models, multimedia installations, newly commissioned artworks, and even a “smell wall” to provide a richly textured experience that you won’t want to miss!

The exhibit runs from November 20, 2010 to April 17, 2011. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the Museum Store to see a collection of wine-related products created by Joel & Katie’s firm, Hatch Design, especially for the event.

Last Saturday, our very own winemaker, Craig MacLean was included in Acme Fine Wine’s 1st Annual Atelier, a tasting gallery of twelve of Napa’s top artisan winemakers.  The sold-out event gave patrons and press a rare opportunity to meet the winemakers and taste 50 of the most treasured wines from Napa Valley.

Jon Bonne, from the SF Chronicle, remarked that “It’s easier to schedule a Vanity Fair cover shoot than get a dozen of Napa Valley’s biggest stars in the same room.” NapaMan described the tasting as a privilege “of tasting 50 of Napa Valley’s most treasured wines, the rarest of rare juice. Stuff that you customarily can’t get your hands on…”

The winemakers present included, in alphabetical order, Heidi Barrett, Russell Bevan, Andy Erickson, Sarah Gott, Mark Herold, Mike Hirby, Craig MacLean, Philippe Melka, Robbie Meyer, Dave Phinney and Pam Starr.

Joel and I were on hand to help Craig with the pouring of our ‘High Roller’ Cabernet. It was exciting to introduce our flagship wine to this crowd. The Napa Valley Register named ‘High Roller’ as a standout wine from the entire event.

Our thanks to Acme’s Karen Williams and David Stevens for hosting the event.