Vacations-Away
|
|
|
Napa Valley World famous vineyards and wineries abound. The valley extends along rte 29 and between the two ranges of eastern & western hills. The majority of the vineyards and wineries are found along the 20 miles from Oakville to Healdsburg. St. Helena is at the center of the valley and is a wonderful small town to anchor in. Explorations to the wine country can be accomplished many different ways: on the wine train, on bicycle, in the car and by foot. Taking the parallel roads to rte 29 and the intersecting roads can lead to many wonderful surprises. Last time we discovered the Dutch Henry winery, a small out of the way winery made of a tasting barn set back in a small vineyard. We stopped in as the name was all too familiar. Plan to spend 2 days, and stay overnight at a B&B, and enjoy the cuisine. The dining is as satisfying as the wine tasting. Napa Valley Clos Pegas Vineyard Dutch Henry Vineyard Niebaum-Coppola Vineyard
Dutch Henry Vineyards & Winery A small, quality operation with excellent wines; 100-300 cases of wine per year for each vintage. We discovered this winery, drawn to it by the similarity to our family name, and loved every minute of our very informal wine tasting experience. The wine maker/owner was entertaining, very cordial and friendly. As we tasted the wine, wonderful wine, we tossed tennis balls to their two golden retrievers. We ended up buying a case of the wine: Serat, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Chablis - Savored for months. Having withdrawal - must return to obtain more. Can only buy the wine at the winery. Limited bottle production and sells out quite rapidly.
Niebaum-Coppola Vineyards & Winery A unique estate where the heritage of a sea captain and a career of a vibrant film maker form the emergence of provenance and fine wine. This is a most entreating place half museum and half a wonderful Napa winery carefully restored to its original vintage form. Your hosts are: Niebaum the ship captain who started the winery and Francis Ford Coppola, a remarkable movie producer and director. More information about Napa Valley & the wineries
MAIN TOPICS
|
|
|
Clos Pegas Vineyards & Winery A place where art [300 pieces of fine art] and wine-making [37,000 cases
of wine produced per year] converge. The tour here is an absolute must. Given
twice a day, it covers the process, and then moves into the caves filled with sculptures,
atmosphere and the pungent smell of wine. The caves were dug under the mountain
behind the winery to maintain a controlled temperature for the production of wine and to
house many intriguing sculptures. The architecture of the buildings, courtyards with
the color and projected shadows provides and intriguing light show in the afternoon.
