Destination Cellars Sends Members Back Stage at BackStage Pass

By: Destination Club News
Date: March 10, 2011

Combining the worlds of wine and music, Destination Cellars is giving members backstage access and some of the most sought after wines at this year's BackStage Pass in September. Held at the famed Hourglass Blueline Estate Winery, BackStage Pass VI is hosted by Carolyn and Jeff Smith, owners of Hourglass. The goal of the event is to raise $500,000 for the St. Helena Unified School District. Guests will enjoy a Hog Island Oyster Bar, vineyard BBQ dinner from sponsors Dean & Deluca and premium Napa Valley wines provided by Blackbird, Bressler, Duckhorn, Cliff Lede, Crocker & Starr, Hourglass, Jones Family, Lail Vineyards, Melka Wines, Pine Ridge, Realm Cellars, Rudd Winery, Shelter, Spottswoode, Switchback Ridge, Trincharo Family, Vineyard 29, 55 Degrees, 750 Wines and more, all while enjoying picturesque surroundings, music from Wristrocket, Jeff Smith's band with fellow vintners, and festive games of ping pong and horseshoes.

On September 22nd, members will be greeted at the welcome reception at Solage, Travel & Leisure's second highest rated Spa in North America and Canada. The wine reception will feature various wines from the Destination Cellars winery network in Napa Valley, paired with food from Michelin Star kitchen.

Day two begins with a private tasting and lunch at Vineyard 7 & 8, offering panoramic views and a diverse collection of wines. Guests will be taken behind the scenes at the winery to see how the wines are produced and enjoy a lunch prepared by Chef Sarah Heller, formerly of Bouchon and The French Laundry.

The newly restored Steckter House, dating back to 1868, is the destination for the private reception in the evening. Their 2007 Staglin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon recently received 98 points and was recognized as one of the "Sweet Sixteen Wines" of Wine Spectator's Top 100.

The weekend kicks off with guests exploring Solage, possibly taking in a spa treatment or bike ride through Calistoga. The luxury coach departs for Hourglass at 4:30 PM for the seventh annual BackStage Pass and auction.

Costs for the event will be $6,000 per couple, which includes lodging, transportation in Napa Valley to all scheduled experiences, and the BackStage Pass event. Destination Cellars was in attendance at last year's BackStage Pass, praising the event as "a magical weekend."

Destination Cellars is the only destination club dedicated to giving luxury travelers exemplary wine experiences. Over the years, Destination Cellars has created strategic alliances with Exclusive Resorts, Quintess, and The Markers Club, providing their custom services to club members.