From the Publisher...

I had heard the name Sarah Scott many times throughout my journeys around the Valley, but I had never had the privilege of meeting this incredible culinary leader until recently. What a delight. She has a quiet passion about her that is inviting, intriguing and unpretentious. We chatted, laughed and shared stories and I was awe struck by her collection of cook books. We met up again at Dr. Sam Gittings famous barn dance and I got to see a playful side to Sarah. Enjoy our conversation on page 28.

You, the readers, asked for it so we brought it back….an all new dining guide. So many new culinary wonders are emerging on the scene how can anyone keep up? Well, we’re going to try. We’re starting with downtown Napa and will be including the rest of the Valley on-going beginning in our October/November issue. Let us know your favorite eatery or new hot spot and we will include it in our new feature: Readers pick! We will only print positive comments. Send us 50 words, name and city to info@napavalleylifemagazine.com.

We are also excited to announce a new strategic partnership with the Napa Valley Conference and Visitor’s Bureau. They recently unveiled a new branding campaign – Napa Valley Legendary. Stay tune for incredible stories on the Legends of the Napa Valley. Even as locals, we sometimes forget what and/or who has made this Valley so remarkable. The NVCVB vision is not to bring more traffic to the Valley, but to bring visitors here who truly appreciate what we have to offer.

Yes, Teri and I made our trek from San Francisco to Los Angeles for the AIDS Lifecycle bike ride. Thank you to all for your support, encouragement and kind words. See our recap on page 42. We’ll keep you posted on our next crazy adventure.

While I was riding up and down the hills of Southern California, Napa Valley Life Magazine Creative Director Shauna Marshall was rubbing elbows with Pat Kuleto and Oprah at Auction Napa Valley's Taste of the Valley. See all of the great moments Napa Valley Life has had on Scene Around the Valley, pg 70. And don't forget to tune into KVON/KVYN Thursday's at 7:40am to find out What's Happening. Shauna and I have been having a blast with Kellie Fuller on our weekly radio spot on Kellie in the Morning. In the meantime, check out all the new things stirring around the Valley. Need something to do? The Old Hill Mine Road recently reopened to the public for hiking in Calistoga. We have an updated list of things to do in our calendar as well.

Enjoy the Napa Valley Life,

Your Publisher,

Kari Ruel