Dad’s Day at Coppola’s

By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri KrasovHardly a family affair, wine tasting is being rethought, recreated, and fully revamped by one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, Francis Ford Coppola, at his own winery in Geyserville, California.
Inspired by his childhood memories of family pastime at Coney Island, Mr. Coppola decided to provide a place for all generations to enjoy wine, food, fun-and-games in his Wine Wonderland.In addition to a tasting room and a museum of both father and daughter Coppolas’ film memorabilia, there is Rustic, Francis’s Favorites restaurant; a gift shop; a swimming pool with a poolside bar, four bocce courts, a pavilion with live music, and a children’s library in a colorful teepee on premises.Open daily, the swimming pool area has changing cabins, beach umbrellas and chairs, fluffy white towels, and three to four lifeguards on duty, watching the kiddies while mom and dad are going up the tasting room list from the affordable Diamond Collection to the single vineyard Reserve and its pinnacle – Archimedes, named after the ancient geometry genius as well as after Mr. Coppola’s Uncle Archie.What a way to spend Father’s Day, keeping the family together and having age-appropriate entertainment for all the family members! That was my thought on the day my husband and I traveled to the magnificent estate for a winery production tour and tasting.
In the main building with a grand staircase and a clock tower, a dramatic catwalk leads to the production facility with the bottling line. The tour includes some appellation education, ABCs on winemaking process, and an explanation of Coppola’s labels.While Votre Sante and Director’s Cut are rather self-explanatory, as well as Sofia Wines – a loving father’s present to his daughter – sweetish Su Yuen Riesling and Syrah, good for pairing with spicy Asian cuisine, are named after a picky eater princess, whose court had to prepare multiple small tastes to her and thus started a dim sum tradition. The story is completely false, and made up by the adventurous filmmaker, but who would expect anything less from a famous storyteller?
After our tour, we tasted a newly-released 2009 Reserve Russian River Valley
Chardonnay; 2010 Sofia Rose – a fragrant summer wine; 2009 Diamond Collection Malbec, the idea of which came to Coppola while he was shooting in Argentina, and 2008 Director’s Cut Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – dark and strong, made with the property-grown fruit.
Our lunch at Rustic, on a shadowy terrace overlooking Alexander Valley, was a memorable affair, in a class of its own.Fresh sunny breeze was blowing from the blue hills on the horizon, while green vines and tea roses in full bloom right outside the terrace filled sweet California air with their warm fragrance.
The menu at Rustic consists of Francis Ford Coppola’s favorites, often named after a family member or a friend who created or perfected a recipe.First, we had a sip of Francis Coppola “Sofia” Blanc de Blanc, and tried an Italian-style beignet, called Aunt Christine’s Pettole, brought hot to the table in a paper bag.Then, a traditional Caesar salad, created at Caesar’s Grill in San Francisco in 1924Then, my favorite thin-crust Neapolitan-style Pizza Luigino with tomatoes, mozzarella, oregano, and basil.And then the main courses arrived – a smashing Chicken Mattone, fried “under a brick” to utmost crispiness on the outside and succulence on the inside, and Rack of Lamb Madame Bali – mild and tender, marinated for three days in pomegranate juice before being grilled on a traditional Argentinean parrilla. Accompanied by Francis Coppola “Reserve” Pinot Noir from Dutton Ranch, it seemed like a match made in heaven.A day at Coppola’s is a perfect holiday on its own, but paired with a holiday weekend it promises to be unforgettable.
Besides the Diamond Collection, easily found in retail, other Coppola wines are harder to get, but mostly available through the winery website, and make a wonderful gift for Father’s Day or any other occasion. It is practically impossible not to like them.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery is located at 300 Via Archimedes in Geyserville, California. Guest Services: 707-857-1471. Rustic reservations: 707-857-1485. Orders and more information: 877-590-3329 or www.FrancisCoppolaWinery.com.