The name, Napa Valley Wine Jelly, pretty much says it all: it is jelly, and very good jelly at that, and it comes in such varieties as Cabernet and Chardonnay and Merlot. But it travels far beyond, into flavors called Pumpkin Chardonnay, Black Pepper & Garlic Chablis and half a dozen others. One favorite, Red Pepper Chardonnay, makes a stellar dipping sauce for spring rolls. The Lemon Pepper Chardonnay jelly, when combined with sour cream or yogurt, a bit of Dijon mustard and some capers, makes a quick and easy sauce over cold poached salmon, asparagus or chicken breasts. With the wide range of flavors, the possibilities are almost endless.

The jellies sell for $5.50 and are available at area stores as well as on the Internet at www.winejelly.com, or by calling (800) 492-4760. They make a wonderful gift, provided you can part with even one jar.

Anette's Chocolate Factory is a family-run business and a local institution. Anette is the name you see when you walk in; brother Brent's name appears on the amazing array of chocolate wine and liqueur sauces, and Brent's wife Mary constitutes the company's marketing department. A Master Chocolatier since 1993, Brent took the center of the shop's famous wine truffles and converted them into such bottled delights as the Chocolate Port, Raspberry Liqueur and Chocolate Cabernet Wine Sauces. Almost sinful gourmet candy bars (including the amazing Caramelicious bar) are other new additions to the confectionery's line-up.

Despite the recent innovations, the business has its roots firmly in the past: its First Street location (across from Piccolino's) was home for many years to Partrick's Candy Store. And today, many years later, if you want to enjoy an ice cream cone, fountain drink or gourmet coffee while you watch chocolate confections being made by hand, Anette's is still the place to go.
Anette's Chocolate Factory is at 1321 First Street, Napa. For information or to order call (707) 252-4228 or check their website at www.anettes.com.

The name on the yellow package-top is intriguing enough: "Napa Valley Spice Goddess." The goddess is actually Carol Green, a food service veteran with a quarter of a century of experience in the restaurant business. Her mission is to provide home cooks with salt and chemical free seasonings in a choice of flavors that will tempt even the most jaded palate. Because they are pre-packaged there is also a necessary economy, since she hand packages what you need and no more. Anyone who has looked in the refrigerator or pantry and found a few leftover bits of tarragon and some old basil leaves will understand immediately.

Since starting the company in 1999, Green has added new seasoning packages so that the number stands at an even half dozen. Included on the roster are a Greek-Lamb Seasoning (which also works beautifully on chicken, pork and roasted vegetables), one All Purpose (which can be used to create an Easy Garlic Dip that anyone - and I do mean anyone - can make in about a minute) and a Sweet Italian Seasoning that takes the seeds out but leaves the flavor in when you're making meatballs or sausage.

Priced so reasonably that an assortment of three won't be more than a five dollar bill, they're another easy way to take a little piece of Napa home with you. Available at the butcher counter at area markets.