Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Sessions at The Presidio, Doppio Zero Pizzeria Napoletana and Waterbar

Check, Please! Bay Area Season 11 episode 3 airs Thursday, April 28 at 7:30pm on KQED 9. See other television airtimes. And never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.

The stresses of the day are quenched away with refreshing beers, contemporary comfort food and warm atmosphere at Sessions at The Presidio in San Francisco. In Mountain View, you’ll find authentic Neapolitan pizza, Southern Italian cuisine and a trendy, energetic vibe at Doppio Zero Pizzeria Napoletana. Finally, take a trip to San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront for breathtaking views, eye-popping architecture, market-fresh oysters and gourmet seafood at Waterbar.

Get Restaurant Information:

• Sessions at The Presidio (San Francisco)
• Doppio Zero Pizzeria Napoletana (Mountain View)
• Waterbar (San Francisco)

My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I’m the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. I will also share some wine tips with each episode. This week I discuss: Innovative gadgets and ways to identify your wine glass at a party.

JaM Cellars is the brainchild of John and Michele Truchard (who own John Anthony Vineyards, a downtown Napa hotspot). As part of the Truchard clan — one of Napa’s great grape-growing families — John knows a thing or two about vineyards. He and his wife also clearly know what appeals to consumers. I come across a myriad of brands with eye-catching labels, but this trio is the most creative I’ve seen in years. Offering up a smile-inducing lineup of wines entitled Toast, Butter and JaM, each has a purpose and unique character. All three pack a high-quality punch while telling you exactly what you’re getting in each bottle.

Toast Brut Sparkling Wine, California $25
Crafted from Chardonnay, this bubbly is made in the traditional sparkling wine method in a dry —or brut— style. It’s got a luscious texture with a touch of toasty richness, yet finishes with crisp fruit flavors. A terrific choice for celebrations year round.

2014 Butter Chardonnay, California $16
Creamy with succulent pineapple fruit notes and a hug of oak, this is an unapologetic style of Chardonnay. It wraps you in buttery pleasure and sports melt-in-your-mouth goodness. If you crave lush Chardonnay, you’ll love Butter.

2014 JaM Cabernet Sauvignon, California $20
As the name says, you get jammy dark fruit flavors in this full-bodied red wine. Made with 100 percent Cabernet, it’s a crowd-pleasing style to pair with barbeque ribs, grilled lamb chops or meat-lovers pizza. It could also saddle up to a PBJ slathered with what else? Jam.