Herons

at the umstead

With Morlet Family Vineyards

Sponsored by Pam & Barry Gardner, Mary & Dale Carey

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Winery

Morlet Family Vineyards

Morlet Family Vineyards is a small, boutique winery tucked away in the heart of Napa Valley. Their approach is minimalist and Old-World in style. Their cuvees are rare, cult classics in a similar vein to things like Harlan, Screaming Eagle, Sine Qua Non – you get the idea. Production is relatively miniscule with only a few hundred cases of each being made each vintage. These wines are virtually unobtainable and, unless you’ve been privileged to attend one of the White House State Dinners at which they’ve been served, you’d need to have been on their waiting list for years to then get onto their mailing list to even get a shot at them as that is the only way that they are offered. Luc Morlet believes in using the old-world principles and techniques he learned in France to make the finest expression of a cuvee possible. As Robert Parker put it, 
  
“Luc Morlet is not only a fabulous winemaking talent, he knows how to bring the French savoir faire of complexity, elegance and precision to the ripe, concentrated, intense fruit of California.” 
  
Prior to starting his eponymous label, Luc was the winemaker for the acclaimed Peter Michael Winery from the 2001 through 2005 vintages and he still holds the title of Consulting Winemaker there.
  
Beginning with the 2006 vintage, Luc & Jodie Morlet have been handcrafting vineyard designated wines and unique cuvées of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Napa Valley as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, a Proprietary white Bordeaux-style blend and a Late Harvest Sémillon from Sonoma County. Meticulously farmed vineyards and low-intervention winemaking techniques produce powerful yet refined wines. 
By taking old world principles and adapting them to California, the Morlet style results in wines which are harmonious in their intensity, richness, complexity and refinement. 
 
In August 2010, Luc and Jodie purchased a charming estate, just north of the town of St. Helena. Since then, they have been busy converting the historic stone building, built in 1880, into their family’s winery. This building was originally the Castner Winery, until its closure during Prohibition. Located in the beautiful St. Helena Appellation, the estate is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and is the exclusive fruit source for their ‘Morlet Estate’ label. 
 

Restaurant

Herons at The Umstead

One of only 62 Forbes Five Star restaurants in the world, Herons is the signature restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the intimate 98-seat dining room features a full-view kitchen, original artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows with views.

The Umstead is pleased to offer homegrown vegetables and herbs from our nearby dedicated farm. Herons has been recognized by Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, and Southern Living, in addition to receiving numerous accolades and awards including Five Stars from Forbes Travel Guide and Five Diamonds from AAA. The Culinary Team masterfully redefines American cooking by presenting classic ideas translated with local, seasonal ingredients and precise technique, brightening each ingredient’s flavor and purpose. To complement the à la carte menu and seasonal Tasting Menu is an extensive 2500-bottle wine cellar, designed with both the young enthusiast and the wine connoisseur in mind.

Executive chef Steven Devereaux Greene blends his sophisticated style and passion for local foods with his dream of operating an Asian-inspired restaurant. Drawn to the kitchen at age 16, Greene’s innate talent was noticed by French chef Pascal Hurtebize while they worked together at Marigold Market in Greenville, S.C. Hurtebize suggested the vibrant restaurant scene of Charleston, S.C., as an ideal environment for an aspiring chef, sparking Greene’s culinary adventures and career.

https://www.theumstead.com/dining/herons

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