| Page Views: 4,616 Last Visit to Napa: March, 2009 I Visit Here Frequently | THE CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY by travelgourmet - last update: May 15, 2009 |
NAPA VALLEY IS WINE & DINE COUNTRY Until you visit this region of California and see for yourself the beauty of the Napa Valley that runs up Hwy 29 or the Silverado Trail from Napa to Calistoga, don't try to compare this area to any other. Yes, there are many other fine wine regions in California, other states, and around the world, but for the quality of the senses: sight, smell, taste, and even touch, Napa Valley rates very high, not only with me but with wine and dine connoisseurs throughout the world. I offer a few of the sights and delights to visit while in Napa Valley.
I have placed my entire Napa Valley tips under "Napa" because I feel that the world knows Napa Valley with the shortened "Napa". Yes, Virginia there is a Napa City and other wine growing regions in the area, but my tips and reviews are for those looking to enjoy a day or two sipping the nectar of the gods somewhere in Napa Valley and not a lecture in Wine Appreciation 102 or Map Quest 101. Hey, let's just call it "Up Hwy 29 and down the Silverado Trail". Whatever, it still is one of the best wine growing/tasting/buying regions in California. |
| Ready for picking in late September/early October |
|  | FROM THE VINE COMES THE GRAPES The grape vines of the Napa Valley are barren from December to February. As they start to bud and the green growth appears, the many fields of vines become active with workers who begin to trim and care for the vines as if they were children. When August arrives and the vines have been thinned out to allow greater grape growth, daily watch begins until the sugar levels say it is time to harvest, somewhere in the late August through October time frame. If you have time to go to and participate in a grape stomp, please do. You will have a great time and don't worry, the foot stomped grape juice won't be bottled to sell. |
FROM THE GRAPES COME THE WINE Grapes have many varieties and each is harvested at different times but all with the same result. We got wine. The process is partly handled by nature but not an easy task and the finished product can be spoiled without the proper steps taken and at the right time. See my travelogue on the "from the grapes come the wine" with photos taken by me of the fermentation of wines explanation display, courtesy of Sterling Vineyards 1111 Duaweal Lane Calistoga, CA 94515 Phone (800) 726-6136. Located in northern Napa Valley on Hwy 29. | | | Ready for picking in late August/early September |
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| Pros: | "Wine tasting and fine dining at it's best" | | Cons: | "Heavy traffic on the weekends" | | In A Nutshell: | "Beauty of the vine, not just the wine." |
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 Comments for travelgourmet about Napa | | | | |
StumpTim Sat Oct 10, 2009 22:05 UTC
great Napa pages - I like your style with food and wine - thx for sharing | machomikemd Sat Sep 5, 2009 15:41 UTC
vacaville and petaluma outlets, the best! | omidamini Wed Jul 8, 2009 06:24 UTC
Thanks for good and nicd Napa page, I hope see you here in my country. | joiwatani Mon Jun 22, 2009 14:53 UTC
Great tips on Napa Valley! Was there in 200! Had wine tasting at the Ledson Wineries and bought a lot of wine back home. We still have them!!! |
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