Ken Frank’s upscale La Toque restaurant in Rutherford plans to move into the new Westin Verasa Hotel near Copia when it opens next year.

   

New coffee shop and hookah café in Napa

A new coffee shop and hookah café is coming to downtown Napa’s Main Street.

The Smoking Cat Café takes the place of Gina’s Deli. It will offer veggie, vegan and other treats and be open late.

Gina’s owners to open new deli/take-out

The former owners of Gina’s Deli, Joumana and Karl Shweiley, have leased a space on California Street near Trancas next to Mini Garden Chinese restaurant. They plan to focus on take-out and catering.

Their specialty is mezze (Middle-Eastern tapas) and sandwiches, soups and salads.

Burgundy House to become wine-tasting site

Michael Polenske, the new owner of the Burgundy House in Yountville, hopes to convert the inn to a wine-tasting venue for his Blackbird Vineyards on Oak Knoll.

   

Wine Industry Financial Symposium Sept. 17-18

The annual Wine Industry Financial Symposium will be held Sept. 17-18, at the Marriott in Napa.

Info, www.winesymposium.com for 255-9222 to register.

   

Martin named CEO of Leucadia wine group

Erle Martin has become CEO of Leucadia National Corporation’s wine division.

The division includes three Leucadia winery properties, Napa’s Pine Ridge Winery, Oregon’s Archery Summit and a new location in the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington’s Columbia Valley.

Martin was previously the president of wines with Francis Ford Coppola Presents.

   

New free map of Carneros wineries

A new touring and tasting map of the wineries of Carneros is available from The Carneros Wine Alliance.

The map is free from info@carneros.com.

Info, www.carneros.com.

   

Winemaker dinner at Restaurant Cuvée

Restaurant Cuvée is having a winemaker dinner Friday night with Mark and Christy Smith and Craig and Melissa Whitney of Longfellow Wines, Ken and Teresa Bernards of Ancien Wines and Garret and Kim Murphy of Vintner’s Collective.

Info, 224-2330 or  www.cuveenapa.com.

Cuvée is at 1650 Soscol Ave., Napa.

   

Buoncristiani release party at Opera House

The four Buoncristiani brothers present their portfolio of wines at the Napa Valley Opera House Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

Tickets are $25 by calling 259-1681 or www.buonwine.com.

   

Blessing of the grapes at Grgich Hills Estate

The public is invited to the 30th annual blessing of the grapes at Grgich Hills Estate Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m.

The winery is at 1829 St. Helena Highway (Highway 29) in Rutherford.

Info, 963-2784 or www.grgich.com.

Also, in honor of Grgich Hills’ 30th anniversary and the winery’s efforts in organic and biodynamic grape growing, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich has been invited to address the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco on Sept. 19.

Visit www.commonwealthclub.org for more information or to order tickets.

E-mail news to paul@napalife.com.