Howell Mountain offers some of the most outstanding wines in the region, although you might easily pass up this superb region due to its location off Highway 29. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular wine in this region.
Lail Vineyards-Robin Lail and her family are able to trace their roots back to winemaking in Napa Valley for more than 100 years. Her great great uncle, Gustave Niebaum was one of the owners of Inglenook while Robin’s father, John Daniel Jr., was also an owner of Inglenook.
Howell at the Moon-This somewhat new winery is certainly worth checking out. The first vintage was produced in 2004.
Robert Craig Wine Cellars-Grapes for three very distinct vineyards are used to produce the award winning Cabernet wines from this winery.
Lamborn Family Vineyard-Only a small portion of Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by this winery, established in 1971.
Spence Vineyards-For a number of years, this winery produced only homemade, non-commercial wines. The winery eventually offered an inaugural 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage to the public; however.
Summit Lake Vineyards-This winery has become quite well known for their Zinfandel; which is mountain grown. In addition, they produce a small amount of a port style Zinfandel and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
White Cottage Ranch-In the northeastern hills you will find White Cottage Ranch, where only a small port of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Sangiovese and Zinfandel blend are produced. All of the wines are handcrafted.
Bravante Vineyards-The wines produced from this vineyard are truly remarkable as a result of the extraordinary care that is given to the grapes in the Bravante Vineyards.
Cornerstone Cellars-Mountain wines have been produced by this Napa Valley winery since 1991. The founders, David Sloas and Michael Dragutsy, were originally doctors from Tennessee before they moved to Napa Valley.
La Jota Vineyard-La Jota was originally established late in the 19th century by Frederick Hess. Following the end of Prohibition, the property was purchased by Bill and Joan Smith and painstakingly revived. Today the property is owned by Jess Jackson.
Ladera Vineyards-Two mountain Cabernet Sauvignons are the focus of Ladera Vineyards.
Viader-Specializing in a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Viader was originally established in 1989.
O’Shaughessy Estate Winery-In the hills of Napa Valley, O’Shaughnessy Estate was established in 1996. The red volcanic soils of the area have proven to be quite successful for the venture.
Black Sears Vineyard-Only a small amount of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are produced by this acclaimed winery.
Chateau Woltner-This ghost winery has not been refurbished and is operational again. The property was originally established during the late 19th century.
Atalon Winery-Grapes from all over the Valley are sourced by Atalon Winery. The focus of this winery is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Although the wines from this winery are produced in only limited quantities, the prices are usually quite moderate.
DR Stephens Estate-This 35 acre estate produces Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes that originate from the Cavernos AVA in Napa Valley.
Retro Cellars-The primary focus of Retro Cellars is Petite Sirah. Grapes from the Muscatine Vineyard on Howell Mountain are used to produce the wine.
Outpost Wines-A number of different wines are produced by Outpost Wines including Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Grenache. The grapes here are 100% organically farmed; making it one of the most intriguing wineries to visit if you have the opportunity.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Diamond Mountain Wineries: Persistence and Skill Produces Excellent Wines
Diamond Mountain wineries are elevated above the valley floor, situated on Diamond Mountain. Here, the vineyards benefit from the hillside slopes that are warm and rich with volcanic soil. As a result, the mountainside wines that are produced in this region are often quite distinctive.
In particular, the wineries in the Diamond Mountain region are known for being quite age worthy; especially the Cabernet Sauvignon produced here. The steep, often unforgiving, slopes of Diamond Mountain require not only perseverance but also skill. If you are in the region and wish to enjoy a tour or tasting, be sure to call in advance as the wineries in this region are usually only open by appointment.
Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, the warm climate of Diamond Mountain is also ideal for Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot. There are even some limited quantities of white grapes that are planted in the region as well; including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
For the most part, the soil of Diamond Mountain is comprised of volcanic ash. Over millions of years, the ash has decomposed to the point that minerals have been able to leech out. Unfortunately, this means that much of the soil is unfertile. The small, rather thick skinned grapes that are produced on Diamond Mountain; however, are able to produce exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Today some of the most superb Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the entire state are produced on Diamond Mountain. These wines tend to have a flavor that is quite intense, even when compared to the regular standards of Napa Valley.
While Cabernet Sauvignon leads when it comes to wine production on Diamond Mountain, many other red varietals are also produced. The sunny slopes on the hills of Diamond Mountain have proven to be perfect for the ripening of grapes such as Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc.
In the early days, pioneering winemakers were drawn to Diamond Mountain by the rugged and beautiful terrain. The first winery to be established on Diamond Mountain was Shramsberg, in 1862. Within thirty years Jacob and Annie Schram would own more than 100 acres in the Diamond Mountain region. Despite the Schram’s success, the hostile terrain discouraged most others from cultivating during those early years. A school was not even established on Diamond Mountain until 1909 as a result of the slow settlement in the area. While other areas had developed and then been decimated by both phylloxera and Prohibition, Diamond Mountain had barely even begun its rise to prominence.
As it would turn out, it would be sparkling wine production that would make the difference on Diamond Mountain. Jack and Jamie Davies purchased the Schramsberg property in 1965 and began producing sparkling wine. The historic vineyards were replanted with pinot noir and chardonnay. Eventually, the land was converted to the production of red Bordeaux grapes; however, it was the interest in sparkling wine that revived this struggling area. By the mid-1970s there were several wineries in operation on Diamond Mountain, including Roddis Cellars and Al Brounstein.
The rather unique growing conditions of the area meant that it was necessary for vintners to adapt their own techniques in order to succeed. These efforts eventually paid off handsomely when AVA status was acquired for Diamond Mountain in 1999. Today, the region has earned a reputation as producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. While traditionally these Cabs have not been considered noteworthy until they had aged for a number of years, the Cabs produced on Diamond Mountain have earned a stellar reputation even in their youth.
In particular, the wineries in the Diamond Mountain region are known for being quite age worthy; especially the Cabernet Sauvignon produced here. The steep, often unforgiving, slopes of Diamond Mountain require not only perseverance but also skill. If you are in the region and wish to enjoy a tour or tasting, be sure to call in advance as the wineries in this region are usually only open by appointment.
Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, the warm climate of Diamond Mountain is also ideal for Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot. There are even some limited quantities of white grapes that are planted in the region as well; including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
For the most part, the soil of Diamond Mountain is comprised of volcanic ash. Over millions of years, the ash has decomposed to the point that minerals have been able to leech out. Unfortunately, this means that much of the soil is unfertile. The small, rather thick skinned grapes that are produced on Diamond Mountain; however, are able to produce exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Today some of the most superb Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the entire state are produced on Diamond Mountain. These wines tend to have a flavor that is quite intense, even when compared to the regular standards of Napa Valley.
While Cabernet Sauvignon leads when it comes to wine production on Diamond Mountain, many other red varietals are also produced. The sunny slopes on the hills of Diamond Mountain have proven to be perfect for the ripening of grapes such as Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc.
In the early days, pioneering winemakers were drawn to Diamond Mountain by the rugged and beautiful terrain. The first winery to be established on Diamond Mountain was Shramsberg, in 1862. Within thirty years Jacob and Annie Schram would own more than 100 acres in the Diamond Mountain region. Despite the Schram’s success, the hostile terrain discouraged most others from cultivating during those early years. A school was not even established on Diamond Mountain until 1909 as a result of the slow settlement in the area. While other areas had developed and then been decimated by both phylloxera and Prohibition, Diamond Mountain had barely even begun its rise to prominence.
As it would turn out, it would be sparkling wine production that would make the difference on Diamond Mountain. Jack and Jamie Davies purchased the Schramsberg property in 1965 and began producing sparkling wine. The historic vineyards were replanted with pinot noir and chardonnay. Eventually, the land was converted to the production of red Bordeaux grapes; however, it was the interest in sparkling wine that revived this struggling area. By the mid-1970s there were several wineries in operation on Diamond Mountain, including Roddis Cellars and Al Brounstein.
The rather unique growing conditions of the area meant that it was necessary for vintners to adapt their own techniques in order to succeed. These efforts eventually paid off handsomely when AVA status was acquired for Diamond Mountain in 1999. Today, the region has earned a reputation as producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. While traditionally these Cabs have not been considered noteworthy until they had aged for a number of years, the Cabs produced on Diamond Mountain have earned a stellar reputation even in their youth.
Contribution of the Climate and Terrain to the Popularity of the Stags Leap Wine RegionContribution of the Climate and Terrain to the Popularity of the Stags Leap Wine Region
Just off Silverado Trail you will find the main road that winds its way through Stags Leap. This is where the great majority of the wineries in Stags Leap are located. Although the area is located off Highway 29, the main thoroughfare of Napa Valley, tourists find that the wineries in this area are quite welcoming. The rather interesting name of the region can be attributed to a legend which indicates a stag leap from the palisades in order to escape from a group of hunters.
Much of the popularity of the Stags Leap wine region can be attributed to the climate as well as the terrain in the area. The volcanic soil of the Stags Leap area is particularly well suited for the growth of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabs produced in the Stags Leap area tend to be more restrained than many of the Cabernets grown in other regions, especially those grown in the warm northern regions.
The moderate climate of Stags Leap is due to the row of hills that run along the western border. The wind from San Pablo Bay is thus drawn up in a sort of funnel. The region is cooled as a result, permitting the acidity in the grapes to develop more fully. Interestingly enough; however, the great majority of the vineyards in Stags Leap are situated on slopes that face the west. Due to this they receive a fair amount of afternoon sun. The fruit in this region is perfectly ripened as a result, featuring clearly developed tannins. This is a characteristic that has become widely associated with the wineries in Stags Leap.
While Stags Leap, like most of the other regions in Napa Valley, struggled to gain prominence throughout the middle of the 20th century, the 1976 Paris Blind Tasting proved to be a critical turning point for Stags Leap. In fact, it has been argued that this event was the most important event in the establishment of Stags Leap wineries. Stags Leap Wine Cellars managed to achieve international acclaim when their Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon received first place and beat out numerous premier red wines from the Bordeaux region.
The Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Stags Leap has developed the nickname of the Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove. It is believed that the volcanic terrain in the region is responsible for the unique characteristics of the wines in the Stags Leap area.
The terrain in the local area can be subdivided into two distinct areas. They are the lowlands and the hills. The soils in the hills tend to be far more volcanic and are ideally suited to the growth of Cabernet Sauvignon as well as other red Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot also do quite well here. The fruit in this particular region tend to be grown in somewhat low quantities as a result of the well drained soil; however, it is quite intense.
Near the Napa River, the soil is well drained as well. In contrast to the hillside soil; however, the soil near the River is mainly made up of clay and silt. The vineyards in this region contain a high degree of alluvial volcanic sediment that has been washed down from the hills over a period of many years. As a result of this, the soils here tend to be very fertile. White varietals tend to do very well in this area including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon.
Much of the popularity of the Stags Leap wine region can be attributed to the climate as well as the terrain in the area. The volcanic soil of the Stags Leap area is particularly well suited for the growth of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabs produced in the Stags Leap area tend to be more restrained than many of the Cabernets grown in other regions, especially those grown in the warm northern regions.
The moderate climate of Stags Leap is due to the row of hills that run along the western border. The wind from San Pablo Bay is thus drawn up in a sort of funnel. The region is cooled as a result, permitting the acidity in the grapes to develop more fully. Interestingly enough; however, the great majority of the vineyards in Stags Leap are situated on slopes that face the west. Due to this they receive a fair amount of afternoon sun. The fruit in this region is perfectly ripened as a result, featuring clearly developed tannins. This is a characteristic that has become widely associated with the wineries in Stags Leap.
While Stags Leap, like most of the other regions in Napa Valley, struggled to gain prominence throughout the middle of the 20th century, the 1976 Paris Blind Tasting proved to be a critical turning point for Stags Leap. In fact, it has been argued that this event was the most important event in the establishment of Stags Leap wineries. Stags Leap Wine Cellars managed to achieve international acclaim when their Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon received first place and beat out numerous premier red wines from the Bordeaux region.
The Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Stags Leap has developed the nickname of the Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove. It is believed that the volcanic terrain in the region is responsible for the unique characteristics of the wines in the Stags Leap area.
The terrain in the local area can be subdivided into two distinct areas. They are the lowlands and the hills. The soils in the hills tend to be far more volcanic and are ideally suited to the growth of Cabernet Sauvignon as well as other red Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot also do quite well here. The fruit in this particular region tend to be grown in somewhat low quantities as a result of the well drained soil; however, it is quite intense.
Near the Napa River, the soil is well drained as well. In contrast to the hillside soil; however, the soil near the River is mainly made up of clay and silt. The vineyards in this region contain a high degree of alluvial volcanic sediment that has been washed down from the hills over a period of many years. As a result of this, the soils here tend to be very fertile. White varietals tend to do very well in this area including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon.
Chiles Valley
Although small, Chiles Valley is one of the premier wine regions in the state of California. More than 6,000 acres comprise Chiles Valley; however, only a little more than 1,000 acres are planted vineyards. While Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in other regions, Zinfandel is king in Chiles Valley.
When touring Chiles Valley, you will find a small group of small wineries. The well drained soil and warm climate in this region have made it capable of producing outstanding Zinfandel wines in addition to excellent Cabernet Sauvignon.
During the evenings and at night, the cooling winds blow through this region, creating a situation where the growing season in Chiles Valley is able to begin and end later than most adjacent regions.
You will find that the terrain in Chiles Valley is much different from that in the surrounding area. The valley itself is quite narrow and runs from the southwest to the northwest. The ridges that surround the valley are quite steep so it is not possible to grow the grapes in Chiles valley anywhere but on the floor of the valley.
The climate in Chiles Valley is decidedly cooler than St. Helena and Rutherford, both of which are on the floor of Napa Valley. As a result, it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop twenty degrees overnight during the winter. Along the ridges, where the elevation is higher, snowfall is also common. When spring first arrives in Chiles Valley, the temperatures remain quite cool; especially when compared to other regions in Napa Valley. The breaking of buds tends to occur some three weeks later in Chiles Valley than other regions; however, vintners in this region still must be concerned with spring frost due to the lateness of the cool temperatures.
As summer arrives, Chiles Valley experiences warm and sunny days with afternoons that are cooler as the fog begins to roll in from the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay. While other regions are not affected by the fog as a result of their elevation, this is not the case with Chiles Valley. Due to the fact that the fog must travel some thirty miles before it even reaches Chiles Valley, the region only occasionally experiences truly foggy days.
While spring and winter are usually much cooler in Chiles Valley than surrounding areas, surprisingly, temperatures remain moderate well into fall. This is fortunate for the vintners because it provides them with a few extra weeks for the fruit to develop before they must harvest it. This is one of the reasons that Zinfandel does so well in Chiles Valley.
Colonel Joseph Ballinger Chiles received a Mexican land grant in 1844. This would be the last Mexican land grant in the region. What made Chiles’ arrival to the region unique was the manner in which he arrived. He traveled to the region as one of the first wagon trains to cross the Sierra Nevada. Before this time, all of the immigrants to the region had arrived via Mexico or the sea.
Twenty-five years later the first vineyards were planted in Chiles Valley. During the 1870s, Lomita’s Winery was also established. Later it would become part of the modern day Volker Eisele Family Estate.
During these early days, the isolation of Chiles Valley was both an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Even though much of the rest of the region was booming during the late 19th century, Chiles Valley was so isolated it made it difficult to thrive.
Yet, while other wine regions in California were largely decimated by phylloxera, Chiles Valley was fortunately spared much of the destruction due to its isolation. As a result, a number of the Zinfandel vines in Chiles Valley are actually quite old. Even after Prohibition was repealed; the isolation of Chiles Valley meant that it was unable to compete with the mass produced jug wines that became popular in post-Prohibition years. It was not until the 1970s that any major production was begun on any scale in Chiles Valley. The Meyer family purchased a large plot of acreage in 1972 and began planning a wide variety of different grapes. Three years later, the Eisele Family planted their first Cabernet Sauvignons. Today, barely more than 1,000 acres are planted in vines in Chiles Valley; however, the wineries that are established here are known to be quite noteworthy.
When touring Chiles Valley, you will find a small group of small wineries. The well drained soil and warm climate in this region have made it capable of producing outstanding Zinfandel wines in addition to excellent Cabernet Sauvignon.
During the evenings and at night, the cooling winds blow through this region, creating a situation where the growing season in Chiles Valley is able to begin and end later than most adjacent regions.
You will find that the terrain in Chiles Valley is much different from that in the surrounding area. The valley itself is quite narrow and runs from the southwest to the northwest. The ridges that surround the valley are quite steep so it is not possible to grow the grapes in Chiles valley anywhere but on the floor of the valley.
The climate in Chiles Valley is decidedly cooler than St. Helena and Rutherford, both of which are on the floor of Napa Valley. As a result, it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop twenty degrees overnight during the winter. Along the ridges, where the elevation is higher, snowfall is also common. When spring first arrives in Chiles Valley, the temperatures remain quite cool; especially when compared to other regions in Napa Valley. The breaking of buds tends to occur some three weeks later in Chiles Valley than other regions; however, vintners in this region still must be concerned with spring frost due to the lateness of the cool temperatures.
As summer arrives, Chiles Valley experiences warm and sunny days with afternoons that are cooler as the fog begins to roll in from the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay. While other regions are not affected by the fog as a result of their elevation, this is not the case with Chiles Valley. Due to the fact that the fog must travel some thirty miles before it even reaches Chiles Valley, the region only occasionally experiences truly foggy days.
While spring and winter are usually much cooler in Chiles Valley than surrounding areas, surprisingly, temperatures remain moderate well into fall. This is fortunate for the vintners because it provides them with a few extra weeks for the fruit to develop before they must harvest it. This is one of the reasons that Zinfandel does so well in Chiles Valley.
Colonel Joseph Ballinger Chiles received a Mexican land grant in 1844. This would be the last Mexican land grant in the region. What made Chiles’ arrival to the region unique was the manner in which he arrived. He traveled to the region as one of the first wagon trains to cross the Sierra Nevada. Before this time, all of the immigrants to the region had arrived via Mexico or the sea.
Twenty-five years later the first vineyards were planted in Chiles Valley. During the 1870s, Lomita’s Winery was also established. Later it would become part of the modern day Volker Eisele Family Estate.
During these early days, the isolation of Chiles Valley was both an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Even though much of the rest of the region was booming during the late 19th century, Chiles Valley was so isolated it made it difficult to thrive.
Yet, while other wine regions in California were largely decimated by phylloxera, Chiles Valley was fortunately spared much of the destruction due to its isolation. As a result, a number of the Zinfandel vines in Chiles Valley are actually quite old. Even after Prohibition was repealed; the isolation of Chiles Valley meant that it was unable to compete with the mass produced jug wines that became popular in post-Prohibition years. It was not until the 1970s that any major production was begun on any scale in Chiles Valley. The Meyer family purchased a large plot of acreage in 1972 and began planning a wide variety of different grapes. Three years later, the Eisele Family planted their first Cabernet Sauvignons. Today, barely more than 1,000 acres are planted in vines in Chiles Valley; however, the wineries that are established here are known to be quite noteworthy.
An Introduction to Napa Valley
If you are a wine lover, there is nothing better than taking a tour of some of the Napa Valley wineries. For many wine lovers, a visit to Napa Valley can be the culmination of a lifetime dream. The breathtaking scenery and very pleasant climate make for a wonderful vacation.
Napa Valley is situated in Northern California. The soil and climate in Napa Valley have proven to be among the best in the world for growing wine grapes. As a result, this region has become one of the premier wine producing regions in the U.S. A number of different wines are featured through wineries in Napa Valley, including Caymus, Chandon and Frank Family.
Millions of tourists and visitors flock to Napa Valley each year in order to tour the many wineries in production there. In fact, Napa Valley has become one of the premier attractions in the entire state of California. Not only will you be able to enjoy breathtaking vistas during a trip to Napa Valley but your trip will also provide you with a once in a lifetime experience to enjoy numerous culinary pleasures as well. In the event you happen to dabble in your own winemaking at home, a trip to Napa Valley can certainly provide you with plenty of inspiration.
Historically, Napa Valley has always been strong; however, there have been times during history when it seemed as though this fertile and beautiful valley would almost cease to exist in terms of wine production. One of these times occurred during Prohibition, beginning in 1920. A root louse known as phylloxera also contributed to the destruction of numerous fine vines during this time period as well. As a result a number of wineries in Napa Valley closed. Following World War II; however, they re-opened and Napa Valley once again became quite popular.
After the results of the Paris Wine Tasting were announced in 1976, at which time the Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were deemed to be better than many fine French labels, Napa Valley became quite popular. Today, Napa Valley has continued to grow and expand and is home to literally hundreds of wineries. Some of the best wineries in the world are located right in Napa Valley.
A trip to Napa Valley provides you with the opportunity to enjoy wine tours from morning until evening. Not only will you have the chance to enjoy a wide variety of fine wines but you can also see the process of making wine from the very first step to the very end. In addition, many wineries offer high quality wines at rates that are highly discounted.
When you first travel to Napa Valley you will discover that despite the fact that so many wineries are located in Napa, the valley itself is rather condensed. The entire valley is just 35 miles long. The advantage of this is that you can easily travel from one end of Napa Valley to the other in a very small amount of time. Provided that traffic is not heavy it takes only about half an hour to drive the entire distance of the valley. Highway 29 forms the main route for the wineries; which is where most of the larger wineries as well as the restaurants, shops and hotels are located. Highway 29 begins at the mouth of the Napa River, quite close to the end of San Francisco Bay. You can easily reach every winery in Napa Valley by traveling along Highway 29.
Napa Valley is situated in Northern California. The soil and climate in Napa Valley have proven to be among the best in the world for growing wine grapes. As a result, this region has become one of the premier wine producing regions in the U.S. A number of different wines are featured through wineries in Napa Valley, including Caymus, Chandon and Frank Family.
Millions of tourists and visitors flock to Napa Valley each year in order to tour the many wineries in production there. In fact, Napa Valley has become one of the premier attractions in the entire state of California. Not only will you be able to enjoy breathtaking vistas during a trip to Napa Valley but your trip will also provide you with a once in a lifetime experience to enjoy numerous culinary pleasures as well. In the event you happen to dabble in your own winemaking at home, a trip to Napa Valley can certainly provide you with plenty of inspiration.
Historically, Napa Valley has always been strong; however, there have been times during history when it seemed as though this fertile and beautiful valley would almost cease to exist in terms of wine production. One of these times occurred during Prohibition, beginning in 1920. A root louse known as phylloxera also contributed to the destruction of numerous fine vines during this time period as well. As a result a number of wineries in Napa Valley closed. Following World War II; however, they re-opened and Napa Valley once again became quite popular.
After the results of the Paris Wine Tasting were announced in 1976, at which time the Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were deemed to be better than many fine French labels, Napa Valley became quite popular. Today, Napa Valley has continued to grow and expand and is home to literally hundreds of wineries. Some of the best wineries in the world are located right in Napa Valley.
A trip to Napa Valley provides you with the opportunity to enjoy wine tours from morning until evening. Not only will you have the chance to enjoy a wide variety of fine wines but you can also see the process of making wine from the very first step to the very end. In addition, many wineries offer high quality wines at rates that are highly discounted.
When you first travel to Napa Valley you will discover that despite the fact that so many wineries are located in Napa, the valley itself is rather condensed. The entire valley is just 35 miles long. The advantage of this is that you can easily travel from one end of Napa Valley to the other in a very small amount of time. Provided that traffic is not heavy it takes only about half an hour to drive the entire distance of the valley. Highway 29 forms the main route for the wineries; which is where most of the larger wineries as well as the restaurants, shops and hotels are located. Highway 29 begins at the mouth of the Napa River, quite close to the end of San Francisco Bay. You can easily reach every winery in Napa Valley by traveling along Highway 29.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)