I’ve always been impressed with entrepreneurs and their ability to launch various successful businesses over the years. They are fascinating people who have a spirit and drive which is incredibly unique.
Recently, I ventured to Calistoga (Northern Napa Valley) with a group of friends and family to spend the morning with Mark Carter. Mark is the definition of entrepreneur. The plan was to taste our way through eight of Mark’s 2022 “Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignons”, which we successfully did! The conversation also weaved through Mark’s:
- Successful inn and restaurant
- Cookbook he authored
- Bourbon business he launched
Mark Carter
Let’s begin with the Cabernet Sauvignons. Carter Cellars is a 100% Cab House, that’s the only varietal they produce. During our morning visit we enjoyed:
- Beckstoffer To Kalon – The O.G.
- Beckstoffer To Kalon – The Grand Daddy
- Beckstoffer To Kalon – The Three Kings
- Beckstoffer To Kalon Las Piedras – La Verdad
- Beckstoffer To Kalon Las Piedras – La BAM
- Beckstoffer To Kalon Missouri Hopper
- Beckstoffer To Kalon – The G.T.O.
- The Haze
The winemaker at Carter Cellars is Russell Bevan, think Bevan Wines. Our group has been to Bevan for several tastings over the years and like Carter, Bevan Cellars is also outstanding.
The bourbon business was launched in 2011 and initially involved resurrecting the dormant bourbon brand “Kentucky Owl”. After successfully selling the “Kentucky Owl” business, Mark launched Old Carter Whiskey Company which today produces bourbon and rye in Louisville, Kentucky.
Here is a video of Mark’s Whiskeys
The Carter House Inn and Restaurant are in Eureka, California. The inn is comprised of four Victorian style structures not far from The Redwoods National Park. In 1978, Mark found building plans for a Victorian home while visiting a thrift store in Eureka. The home associated with the plans was originally built in San Francisco in 1885. Mark decided to recreate the home in Eureka as an inn. The Inn’s restaurant (Restaurant 301) offers a 5 course tasting menu and has more than 3,000 selections on its wine list.
The Carter House cookbook contains recipes, secrets and stories from the Heart of the Redwood Forest. Although the cookbook is out of print, I had no trouble finding several “used” copies on Amazon. It was actually cool to follow a recipe someone else made from the same cookbook I was using!
Wine Maker/Bourbon Distiller, Inn Keeper/Restauranteur and Author. Kind of like The Butcher, The Baker and Candlestick Maker!