OverviewA wine tour of Napa, California, offers the best of outdoor beauty and indoor diversions. Aficionados of the region’s wines enjoy sampling the best at each winery, amid what just happens to be gorgeous surroundings, with vineyards dotting the rolling hills. Most organized tours last the day and include a gourmet picnic lunch or a stop at a restaurant. For those who want to stay the night, some packages include stays at area bed and breakfasts and visits to spas.
HistoryThe Native Wappo Indians enjoyed the bounties of the region, sustained by the fruits of the Napa River and the abundant wildlife. Settlers, a gold rush and a silver rush intervened before the first winery was opened in 1861. Today, winery and vineyard tours account for the area’s year-round flow of tourists, many of whom make the trek as a day excursion from San Francisco. More than 300 wineries are currently in operation in the area.
SignificanceNapa area vintners are proud to recount the historic moment at the Paris Tasting of 1976. This event marked the determination of French judges, in a blind tasting, that California wines were superior to those of Burgundy and Bordeaux. Experts attribute the area’s top wines to soil conditions, achieved through a unique combination of climatic variation, plate tectonics, intricate topography, erosion, diverse bedrock and volcanic activity.
FeaturesNapa Valley is accessible by many modes of transportation. Tour companies offer deluxe packages where you can be ushered between vineyards by limousine. Others take the active route and join a bicycle tour. Napa Valley Bike Tours get visitors up close to the vineyards. The Napa Valley Wine Train has several package tours, from the casual Silverado Grill Car to a full-on gourmet dining experience that includes a shuttle to a vineyard. Travelers can even connect to the Napa Valley via ferry! The Wine Country Tour Shuttle begins at the San Francisco Ferry Building and concludes with a bay cruise.
Expert InsightNapa wine tour insiders name the Silverado Trail route as a favorite tour, with stops at Joseph Phelps Winery, Rutherford Ranch Winery, Burgess Vineyard and Silverado Vineyards. Another good area is Calistoga, home to the celebrated Sterling Vineyards Winery as well as Chateau Montela Winery. Journeying through the Oakville and Rutherford regions of the valley bring you to the Rubicon Estate (previously the Niebaum-Coppola Winery), Cardinale Estate and the renowned Robert Mondavi Vineyards. Head over to St. Helena for V. Sattui Winery, Beringer Vineyards and St. Clement Vineyards.
Resources: An illustrated history of winemaking in the Napa valleyBy: Serena Makofsky
Serena Makofsky has covered fringe theater in London, casinos in Vegas, Tiki bars in Los Angeles and ancient ruins in Oaxaca. She has had plays produced in New York, Canada and Portland. She writes travel features for Aishti, Flying Adventures and IQrious.Read Next 5 Articles
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