Fred Eppright, a Texas businessman rooted in commercial real estate, might seem an unlikely candidate to venture into the wine business. Yet, spurred on by his son Trey Eppright’s passion for wine, Fred and his family found themselves on an unexpected journey into viniculture. Trey’s fascination with wine began early, ignited by a sip of Champagne at age 15 and further fueled by episodes of Wine Library TV with Gary Vaynerchuk. Despite pursuing a career in real estate, Trey’s ardor for wine remained steadfast, leading him to explore viticulture and winemaking during his time at Texas A&M.
In 2021, Trey’s persistent pursuit of his winemaking dream led the Eppright family to Calistoga, where they acquired the Dutch Henry property, which was ravaged by the 2020 Glass Fire. With a 2 ½-acre vineyard primed for replanting, the foundation for Parable Wines was laid. Fred, recognizing the potential for a strategic investment, threw his support behind Trey’s vision, marking the birth of Parable Wines.
Understanding the complexities of the wine industry, they approached the venture with the same pragmatism that defined Fred’s Austin real estate endeavors. Recognizing the importance of assembling a capable team, he enlisted the expertise of seasoned professionals like winemaker Kale Anderson and General Manager Brian Kelleher. Kale, with 23 vintages under his belt, brought a wealth of experience from renowned wineries like Pahlmeyer and Cliff Lede. Brian, a veteran in the wine industry, assumed responsibility for spearheading sales, marketing, and operational strategies at Parable.
Parable Wines, characterized by small-batch productions and meticulous attention to detail, sources grapes from esteemed vineyards like Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard and Antinori Antica. With each bottle numbered, Parable seeks to showcase the unique terroir of its vineyard sources. From Chardonnays boasting citrus and apple notes to Cabernet Sauvignons with hints of red fruits and spices, Parable aims to craft wines that exemplifies the essence of Napa Valley. With unwavering determination and a team dedicated to quality and innovation, Parable Wines aspires to carve its own narrative in the storied landscape of Napa Valley.
As a testament to the sensory journey Parable Wines offers, we enjoyed a recent wine pairing lunch that showcased the exquisite flavors and nuances of their varietals. From the crisp elegance of the 2022 Parable Ritchie Chardonnay complementing Szechuan Cucumber and Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls to the delicate harmony of the 2022 Parable A18 Chardonnay with Hamachi Sashimi and Yuzu Vinaigrette, each pairing accentuated the artistry behind Parable’s winemaking.
Additionally, the robust profiles of the 2021 Parable Vangone Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2021 Beckstoffer Bourn Cabernet Sauvignon elevated classic dishes like Peking Duck and Honey Pepper Filet Mignon, further exemplifying the versatility and depth of Parable’s portfolio. The experience underscored Parable Wines’ commitment to crafting exceptional wines that show the versatility and innovative possibilities of a thoughtful food pairing.
So, raise a glass to Parable Wines—a testament to the power of perseverance, the beauty of collaboration, and the timeless allure of a well-crafted parable, bottled for all to savor and enjoy. Cheers to the journey ahead, and may every sip be a reminder of the stories that unite us all.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…