NapaValleyCoffee

How Coffee Changed America

2012-02-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

How Coffee Changed America

• 2nd most traded commodity in the world taking a backseat only to petroleum, with the coffee market earing nearly 60 billion dollars annually
• 2nd most recognizable odor in America only surpassed by the smell of burning wood
• The nation’s most popular drink that isn’t water
• Americans over 18…52% drink coffee every morning, 30% drink coffee sometimes, 18% never drink coffee
• 80% of America drinks coffee
• US coffee drinkers consume 3.1 9oz cups on average per day
• Both the New York stock exchange and the Bank of New York started in coffeehouses on what is today known as Wall Street
• The founding fathers of the U.S., during the revolution, formed their national strategies in coffeehouses

 1670- Dorothy Jones of Boston was granted a license to sell coffee, and so became the first American coffee trader.
 By 1688, coffee replaced beer as New York City’s favorite breakfast drink.
 1700’s- In the middle of 1700s, tea and coffee were equally favored; many taverns doubled as coffee houses. This all changed as a result of the famous Boston Tea Party of 1773. Thereafter it was unpatriotic to drink tea. Colonist found that they could import coffee from south and Central America, and more importantly, without the help of the British. Drinking coffee became a sign of independence and American autonomy. The Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned in a coffee house called, “The Green Dragon”.
 1861-1865- The Civil War in the US elevated the popularity of coffee to new heights. Soldiers went to war with coffee beans as a primary ration.
 1865- James Mason created the coffee percolator providing the foundation of the modern coffee maker, and also making coffee much more accessible to the middle class.
 1901- The first soluble “instant” coffee is invented by Japanese-American chemist Satori Kato of Chicago.
 1914-1918- During World War 1, dehydrated packets of coffee were standard in military rations. To the dismay of their commanding officers, soldiers would often use their emergency matches to warm their small, metal cups.
 1920-1930’s- After returning from the war, soldiers were so used to drinking coffee several times a day that the number of coffee houses grew 450% in the years following WWI. Up to that point, people generally went to a restaurant to eat or a coffee house or tavern to drink. The returning soldiers, however, wanted to be able to drink coffee and eat food at a neighborhood store… thus, the iconic American Diner was born.
 1940 1950’s- The British may have invented “Tea Time” but America invented the “Coffee Break”. The practice began in WW II era war effort factories to give workers a brief rest and a jolt of caffeine. Thanks to a clever advertising campaign in the mid 1950’s by the Pan American Coffee Bureau, 70-80% of American workers were taking a coffee break- both factory and office workers.
 1970’s- The 1970’s birthed specialty coffee houses, most famously Starbucks in Seattle in 1971, which sold freshly roasted beans and brewing equipment.
 1995-Present- By 1995, Starbucks had become a pop culture reference, with a store on every block, and, in some cases, every corner. The Starbucks model was copied worldwide. From 1995 to 2000, coffee consumption skyrocketed, rising a whopping 700%. From 2000 to now, coffee has showed no signs of dwindling popularity!

PATHWAY VETS ENJOY A CUPPING

2011-11-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

PATHWAY VETS ENJOY A CUPPING
New blend available for purchase to benefit non-profit group

St. Helena and Napa, November 2011---- Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company (St. Helena branch) hosted a ‘cupping’ on October 28 for a group of military war vets based at The Pathway Home in Yountville. Roastmaster Charlie Sange explored the nuances of tasting coffees and the world of blends with the group. As a result the group put together its own blend, which will be available for sale at both Roasting Company locations, St. Helena and Napa (as well as online (http://napavalleycoffee-store.com/). The Pathway Blend is $13.95 per 12oz bag and Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company will give 20% of retail sales to The Pathway Home.

Other seasonal news is that the Roasting Company has expanded its offerings to include pumpkin lattes, maple lattes, maple-and-bacon lattes. Other warm or hot drinks on these cool days include hot chocolate and steamed flavored milk as well as teas.

The Napa Valley Roasting Company can be found in St. Helena at 1400 Oak Avenue at Adams Street (963-4491) and in Napa at 948 Main Street (224-2233).

The Roasting Company in St. Helena opens at 7:00 a.m. Mondays – Fridays and 7:30 on Saturdays and Sundays and stays open until 8:00 p.m. seven days a week. The Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company first opened its doors in Napa in 1985. It was the first local coffee roasting company of its kind, modeled upon European cafes and housed in a landmark Victorian building. In 1991, a second location opened in downtown St. Helena. Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company creates signature blends for Napa Valley’s prestigious restaurants and wineries as well as locations outside the Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company carries nine single-origin coffees from Indonesia, Africa, and the Americas. Roasting profiles are designed to maximize the flavors each origin brings to the finished cup of coffee. Roasts run from light to dark to highlight the characteristics each bean offers. Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company roasts its coffee in 20 pound batches. This small-batch size ensures the highest possible quality. Beans are roasted 4 to 6 nights a week for maximum freshness.

The Pathway Home, based in Yountville, is an independent non-profit residential recovery program created specifically for veterans who are living with Post Traumatic Stress or Traumatic Brain Injury. These men have survived the stressors or war, but find themselves experiencing problems that are “getting in the way” of their functioning at top form. The Pathway Home program can help maximize each person’s mental and physical health, resiliency, and overall functioning. Pathway is a true therapeutic community provided in a unique physical and treatment environment

Be missin' Miss Booya- Come by to say "BYE"!

2011-08-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sarah "Booya" Batiste, the one and only to create Booya's Brew, Flannel Friday, and so many laughable moments at Roco; she is leaving us to head to Spain. We have enjoyed the last five years with her but understand it is time to spread those wings elsewhere.

Good luck to you Booya, we wish you the best in Spain!

Her last day is today, why don't you come by to say Bye!

8088! :)
"Know what I'm Sayin?"

Have you thought about Disaster Response?

2011-08-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Are you Prepared? When was the last time you thought, Am I ready if a Disaster Strikes?

This will be the topic of the night at the ROCO (roasting company) on August 15th starting at 7pm. Diane Dillon will be available to educate and answer your questions.

Please come by for our first Open Community Discussion!

Read the featured article from the St. Helena Star

Open Community Discussion: Disaster Response

2011-08-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon will host The Napa Valley Roasting Company's first Open Community Discussion on August 15 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the St. Helena location, 1400 Oak Avenue at Adams Street. The topic will be Disaster Response.

Dillon will address emergency preparedness both in terms of what businesses should be considering and also private individuals. She will make some brief introductory remarks and then ask for questions and discussion.

This is a new program organized by The Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company to insure that the St. Helena community realizes that the "RoCo" is continuing its late hours, begun earlier this spring, open until 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.

"We responded to requests from our customers to stay open later," explains General Manager Doug Dunlap. The Roasting Company opens at 7:00 a.m. Mondays -- Fridays and 7:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. "We offer everyone a place to go to enjoy coffee, tea, other beverages and light snacks along with wi-fi, comfortable seating and in general, a home-away-from-home hang-out." The late hours at The Roasting Company appeal to students as well as families and locals. One wall currently offers the artwork of Sharolyn Townsend.

To accommodate 'late night' business, the Roasting Company offers:
Plenty of evening parking and secluded seating
Any coffee drink can be made decaffeinated
Expanded flavored steamed milk choices including vanilla, hazelnut, raspberry, orange, almond as well as sugar-free vanilla and hazelnut
Expanded offerings of pastries
A chance to get up close and personal with our roasting rituals

The Roasting Company offers an extended bill of fare, including choices for children such as steamed apple cider, smoothies and fresh juices, as well as the array of pastries always available. The extensive array of coffees and coffee drinks includes blends created by local groups such as the St. Helena High Jazz Choir Blend; the Roasting Company also offers soy substitutions for drinks--whether milk or coffee drinks or chai.

The Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company first opened its doors in Napa in 1985. It was the first local coffee roasting company of its kind, modeled upon European cafes and housed in a landmark Victorian building. In 1991, a second location opened in downtown St. Helena. Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company creates signature blends for Napa Valley's prestigious restaurants and wineries as well as locations outside the Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company carries nine single-origin coffees from Indonesia, Africa, and the Americas. Roasting profiles are designed to maximize the flavors each origin brings to the finished cup of coffee. Roasts run from light to dark to highlight the characteristics each bean offers. Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company roasts its coffee in 20 pound batches. This small-batch size ensures the highest possible quality. Beans are roasted 4 to 6 nights a week for maximum freshness.

Contact: Doug Dunlap, 707/286-4061 or Julie Ann Kodmur, 707/963-9632, www.napavalleycoffee.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Napa.Valley.Coffee.Roasting.Company
More about the new Café Shakerato: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhBbuSnUAM4 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGzDezeKTCI&feature=channel_video_title

LATE NIGHTS IN ST. HELENA!

2011-03-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

St. Helena, March 2011----Beginning March 13, The Napa Valley Roasting Company in St. Helena will extend its hours until 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. These late nights also launch a new neighborhood in St. Helena---West of Main---the stretch from Main Street to Oak Avenue on Adams Street. Vocalist Annette Summersett will be performing on March 13 to inaugurate the new late hours.

“We’re responding to requests from our customers to stay open later,” explains General Manager Doug Dunlap in making the announcement. Napa Valley Roasting Company, at 1400 Oak Avenue at the corner of Adams Street in St. Helena, opens at 7:00 a.m. Mondays – Fridays and 7:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. “We offer everyone a place to go to enjoy coffee, tea, other beverages and light snacks along with wi-fi, comfy seating and in general, a home-away-from-home hang-out.” Late hours at The Roasting Company will appeal to students as well as families and locals. Currently on one wall is a collection of artwork made by local kids from The Boys & Girls Club of St. Helena.

To accommodate ‘late night’ business, the Roasting Company offers:
• Plenty of evening parking and secluded seating
• Any coffee drink can be made decaffeinated
• expanded flavored steamed milk choices including vanilla, hazelnut, raspberry, orange, almond as well as sugar-free vanilla and hazelnut
• Expanded offerings of pastries
• A chance to get up close and personal with our roasting rituals

The Roasting Company will offer an extended bill of fare, including choices for children such as steamed apple cider, smoothies and fresh juices, as well as the array of pastries always available. The extensive array of coffees and coffee drinks includes blends created by local groups such as the St. Helena High Jazz Choir Blend; the Roasting Company also offers soy substitutions for drinks—whether milk or coffee drinks or chai.

Customers who ‘like” the Roasting Company on Facebook will have the chance to redeem “in-store” coupons.

Coordinated with the Roasting Company’s new hours will be Tamber Bey Vineyards’ Tasting Room’s new hours, also until 9:00 p.m. Tamber Bey is located at 1234 Adams Street, 707/968-5345, and offers tastings of the wines made at its estate vineyard-winery in Yountville. Tamber Bey Vineyards is renowned for its 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. With estate vineyards in the Oakville and Yountville appellations, these cool-climate grapes are designated for the Tamber Bey signature single-vineyard wines including its small production Bordeaux blend-style wines.

Coordinated with the Roasting Company’s new hours will be Tamber Bey Vineyards’ Tasting Room’s new hours, also until 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Tamber Bey is located at 1234 Adams Street, 707/968-5345, and offers tastings of the wines made at its estate vineyards in Oakville and Yountville. Tamber Bey Vineyards is renowned for its 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. With estate vineyards in the Oakville and Yountville appellations, these cool-climate grapes are designated for the Tamber Bey signature single-vineyard wines including its small production Bordeaux blend-style wines.

Also coordinated will be Sportago, an outdoors clothing and gear shop located at 1224 Adams Street, 963-9042, staying open until 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. “After hours” at Sportago will engage the local and visitor community by creating an exciting outdoor-inspired atmosphere of product demonstrations, guest speakers, trunk shows, special events and more! Sportago has been a part of St. Helena for more than 28 years and specializes in active lifestyle and travel clothing, shoes and accessories, including brands such as Patagonia, Royal Robbins, Lole, Filson and many more.

Also coordinated will be Computer Therapy, at 1224-A Adams Street, 637-3833, a new consultancy specializing in fixing computer breakdowns, which will be opening an online game room. The new late hours will launch Gaming Therapy, an LAN gaming room with three stations available loaded with the latest games.

The Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company first opened its doors in Napa in 1985. It was the first local coffee roasting company of its kind, modeled upon European cafes and housed in a landmark Victorian building. In 1991, a second location opened in downtown St. Helena. Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company creates signature blends for Napa Valley’s prestigious restaurants and wineries as well as locations outside the Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company carries nine single-origin coffees from Indonesia, Africa, and the Americas. Roasting profiles are designed to maximize the flavors each origin brings to the finished cup of coffee. Roasts run from light to dark to highlight the characteristics each bean offers. Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company roasts its coffee in 20 pound batches. This small-batch size ensures the highest possible quality. Beans are roasted 4 to 6 nights a week for maximum freshness.

Hours of Operation

2011-01-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

So we were thinking about extending the hours in the St. Helena location. How do you feel about that? We have received some super response on facebook and twitter and we are looking for more! Please send a message with your thoughts, support or concerns. Would you still come in if we were roasting coffee? How about seeing some events such as an open mic, book club or knitting group? We look forward to hearing from you!

On a separate note, we will be posting to this blog! Stay tuned for more!

Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company President rides razor scooter!

2009-07-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

This article explains it all! Read up and learn about Nancy Haynes, President of the Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company!

http://www.sthelenastar.com/articles/2009/07/09/columnists/features/doc4a557ce141e91222055940.txt

Coffee Tip #3: Coffee Storage

2009-04-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Coffee has a short counter life. This is why we roast four to five times a week depending on our inventory. We want to guarantee the beans we use for our coffee and the beans you buy are at the peak of freshness.

As soon as beans begin their roasting journey, the green coffee beans begin to release the gases trapped within them. This includes the rich and aromatic flavors of the coffee. When coffee is exposed to oxygen it can quickly become stale. Using vacuum packaging, oxygen-barrier films and storing beans at low temperatures will help maintain the coffee's freshness. To help maintain your coffee's freshness, store in airtight containers away from the heat.

All About Coffee Knowledge; Evelyn Sinclair

Passing on Value with the Heirloom Blend

2009-04-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company is offering Heirloom Blend—a fruity sweet medley of freshly roasted coffee with hints of blueberries and chocolate. The local company will donate 20% of the $13.95/pound purchase price directly to Rianda House Senior Activity Center. This special coffee will be available from April 10th to May 31st in NVCRC’s Napa and St. Helena stores.
Heirloom Blend was created to celebrate the first anniversary of the Rianda House on May 17th. “The Rianda House is a way our community comes together to promote the physical, emotional and social well-being of our elders.” commented Doug Dunlap, NVCRC’s General Manager.
Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company’s roastmaster, Charlie Sange, and Dunlap personally created Heirloom Blend, finding the perfect balance of the company’s beans. The Heirloom Blend should be shared with generations!

Organic Mexican is Back!

2009-04-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Yep, after a short break, our Organic Mexican variety is back in stock. While its replacement, Organic Peruvian was yummy, nothing can ever truly replace it. So, we are happy to announce that it is back and even happier to announce that it is better than ever!

Coffee Tip #4: Coffee vs. Tea

2009-03-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Both use water for extraction, have antioxidant properties, have been used for medicinal purposes and neither is considered addictive (although I don't know what half the baristas here would do without there cup of coffee). Coffee and tea are the two most widely consumed beverages in the world.
The processing for each is very different and while both contain caffeine, coffee has more than twice as much than tea. So if you would like more bang for your buck. Coffee is the way to go.

All About Coffee Knowledge; Evelyn Sinclair

Coffee Tip #2: Brewing the Perfect Cuppa Joe

2009-03-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

The first step starts out with picking the right type of bean. What coffee fits you? Are you a French roast type of guy or gal? Or more of an organic Mexican chica or chico? Or do you seek a complex blend of varietal coffee beans, combining the best of all flavor profiles?

Next, grinding. If you purchase whole bean coffee, always grind your beans as close to the brew time as possible as it will help the aroma and flavors be at their best. A burr grinder is preferable because all of the coffee is ground to a consistent size. A blade grinder is less preferable because some coffee will be ground more finely than the rest. If you normally grind your coffee at home with a blade grinder, try having it ground at the store with a burr grinder. You may be surprised at the difference! If you cannot grind immediately before you brew, make sure your grind fits your machine. If you have a french press, make sure your beans are ground for a french press -- not a paper filter. This will allow you to get as much flavor out of your coffee as possible. Just tell our barista what type of machine you have and we will be happy to grind it for your machine.

Third, be sure the coffee container you are using is clean! Just because you are putting the same thing in it that you did the day before does not mean you don't need to clean it. You should remove any coffee oils before brewing.

Another key is using fresh water that is not too hard and has enough minerals in it to add to the flavor. Proportion of coffee to water is subjective. It varies, but the National Coffee Association of America suggests a general guideline is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water.

The last tip to the perfect cuppa joe is coffee should not be kept heated or reheated. Coffee always taste better fresh; after all, it is a food product!

Coffee Tip #1: Arabica vs. Robusta

2009-03-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Which coffee is better and why? We only roast Arabica beans at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company. These beans are indigenous to the highlands of Ethiopia and have traveled around the world, able to thrive at high altitudes. Arabica starts to produce fruit after five years and remains productive from 15 to 30 years.
Robusta thrives at lower altitudes and in warmer tempertures than Arabica. It begins to produce fruit after only two years and are more disease resistant than Arabica. Robusta also produces more but less flavorful coffee beans. It is often used to create commercial blends that make both instant and decaf coffee. Robusta beans are less expensive and are used when flavor distinctions are not important-instant coffee and commercially sold blends. These were first introduced by the Japanese chemist-Sartori Kato-who developed soluble coffee at the Pan-American Exposition of 1901. Instant coffee later became successful G. Washington Refined Coffee and later by companies such as Maxwell House who began to freeze dry coffee in 1964.

All About Coffee Knowledge; Evelyn Sinclair

Recycle at the Roasting Company!

2009-02-25T10:15:00.001-08:00

If you are like our business, you probably have some used ink cartridges lying around, and if you are like almost every other person, you probably have a few old cellphones hanging about the house.
Get a jump start on spring cleaning and clear out your used ink cartridges and cellphones. Next time you are grabbing a cuppa joe or a pound of coffee at our shop, pick up a Recycling Factory envelope. They are free and the proceeds benefit our local Boys & Girls Club.
We also have a container where you can drop off your used batteries.
Recycling and coffee. It has a certain ring to it, doesn't it?

For more information, visit: therecyclingfactory.com

Jamaican Blue

2009-02-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand, we have Jamaican Blue Mountain! We will only be offering it for a limited time, so get it while it is fresh! We will be offering it for $50.50/lb. If you have yet to try the delicious coffee, stop by our JavaMan and purchase it by the cup.
Jamaican Blue Mountain is considered to be one of the most desired coffees in the world and we love to offer it while we can. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Check out their website: bluemountaincoffee.com

We're Keeping It!

2009-02-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Our Cupid's Blend was a hit! Thank you all and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the St. Helena Resource Center.
We loved the Cupid's Blend so much, we decided to keep it and add it to are list of blends and varieties. So, just because Valentine's Day is over, it does not mean your coffee can't be chocolaty and fruity. It just means you will call it by a different name--Grapevine Blend.
Enjoy!

We Love Our Locals!

2009-02-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought living in the Napa Valley couldn't get any better...Ever run out of coffee and need it quick? Did you know we offer a "locals" discount to our friends and neighbors for shipping? Yep! Simply type "local" into the promotional code box while ordering, and you will receive free shipping for all your online purchases.

Awaken the Coffee Lover in You!

2009-02-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

In time for Valentine’s Day, we are offering Cupid’s Blend—a sweet chocolaty medley of freshly roasted coffee. Not only is the blend wonderful, but we are donating 20% of the $13.95/pound purchase price to the St. Helena Family Resource Center.
Cupid’s Blend is one of several holiday blends that we will be offering to encourage everyone to shop and give locally. “Our amazing customers, for years, have generously supported both our business and our efforts to benefit local charities,” commented Nancy Haynes, NVCRC’s President.
Our roastmaster, Charlie Sange, and General Manager, Doug Dunlap, personally created Cupid’s Blend, finding the perfect mix of the shop's beans. One sip of Cupid’s Blend’s organic Moka Harar, Sumatra and Mexican coffee beans is sure to awaken the coffee lover in you and your Valentine!

Miner Family Vineyards

2009-01-15T12:38:00.001-08:00

This past fall, Miner Family Vineyards created their own unique blend of coffee. If you have not tried it yet, you are in for a real treat!
Miner Family Vineyard's, Dave and Emily Miner, Gary Brookman and Steve Gage along with Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company's Roastmaster, Charlie Sange and General Manager, Doug Dunlap designed the perfect blend of our freshly roasted coffees creating a medium-bodied, earthy blend with citrus and chocolate undertones. How could one resist?
Our company offers coffee cuppings by appointment and if your organization is interested in creating a signature blend, please feel free to contact our Roastmaster, Charlie Sange.

Hello 2009!

2009-01-13T18:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We hope Santa treated you well and your 2009 is off to a good start.
This past holiday season, we were happy to donate to St. Helena's Root's of Peace Penny Campaign as well as to the Napa Valley Opera House. And, with your help, we were able to sell a significant amount of our 2008 Holiday Blend in which 20% of the proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army. Thank you!
Even though the Christmas decorations are down, it doesn't mean you can't come in and enjoy your favorite drink with family and friends. But perhaps this time over ice? Can you believe this warm weather we are having?
Also, come in and read our suggestions about what to do with recycled grinds. Help us in our effort to go green!

A Quick Roast.....

2009-01-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here's the what happens to the beans during a roast:

Our Production Roasts are usually between 15-17 minutes. Here’s some video of roasting cut down enough to watch but it’s still a few minutes.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is in full swing and even Doug, the Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company’s nominated Grinch is showing Christmas spirit walking around the shop with a reindeer mug.
Eggnog lattes garnished with nutmeg and candy cane lattes topped with whip cream and sprinkles—yes, the holidays are only days away. Come on in and find a few gifts for the coffee lover in your family (or for yourself).
This December, NVCRC is offering its 2008 Holiday Blend—a rich nutty roast which will be sure to satisfy any coffee connoisseur (20% of your purchase rice benefits the Salvation Army). Or come in and grab one of our popular long-sleeved caffeine t-shirts, logo mugs or coffee stocking stuffers!
If you are ahead of a lot of us, and you already finished your Christmas shopping, simply come into Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company to enjoy your favorite holiday drink with family and friends.