California Wine Tour with Wizzle

OK Fred, start the bus and let's go! No smoking, please!

Napa Then, Napa Now
My first visit to Napa was in the late '50s with my parents. The grapes were there even then and the Valley as beautiful as it is today. But, it was a quiet valley. Americans hadn't yet discovered wine. Vinters had time to talk to visitors while pouring out their samples. More often than not, it was the winemaker or a member of his family who welcomed you into the tasting room.

Beringer Winery
Beringer with it's distinctive main house was in Napa long before the tourists came. Except for more vistitors and a new tasting room, this winery is much as was before wine entered the national consciousness in the late 70's. Fred is driving us right by the house. I think we should let everyone out for a quick stretch and a short tour of this winery. OK.....folks.....those of you getting off here, return in 20 minutes!

Louis Martini Winery
Please folks, take your seats!! We are off to visit the Louis Martini Winery, another long-established winery. It is owned by the Mondavi family and there is a considerable rivalry between this branch of the family and the one that owns the Mondavi Winery. Yes?? You in the back...a question?? Yes...we will be going by Mondavi too. But time for another tour here ......and visit the tasting room. It hasn't changed since I first visited nigh on 20 years ago!! Back in 20 minutes, please! No.....Fred can't join you.

The Mondavi Winery
Well, here we are passing the very distinctive Mondavi Winery. This is the very same building that is on the label of their wines. Mondavi is an innovator. When this winery was built, wine was just beginning to be popular. Besides making the wine, Mondavi was the first to lure visitors with the concerts, dinners and the hoopla that is now a feature in many California wineries. Yup...off for the tour....20 minutes please!!

Sterling...er..Vinyards
No madame, we are NOT lost. Yes, this is Sterling Vineyards. No...Fred is NOT drunk...yet. This dandy little tram takes you up up up to visit Sterling Vineyards, owned by one of the behemoths of the alcholol industry (forgot who). Sterling is razz-ma-tazz at its best but is worth at least one visit. OK.... back in 30 minutes this time!!

Clos Pegas
Now Clos Pegas is something else again, as you can see. It was built as much as a hobby by a gentleman who made his fortune in publishing as a working winery. The building, which I particularly like, was designed by Michael Graves. Hmmmmm.....need an architecture tour one of these days so I can introduce you to Graves and his work. The courtyard sports sculptures and the tasting room some marvelous examples of faiance. Please notice the chest in the hall as you take your tour....Renaissance....and I would kill to own it. 20 minutes!!!!

Just the Start of the Tour
Good wine is worth looking for and is located in more than just the Napa Valley, these days. Table grapes have given way to wine grapes in many areas. Here are some links to get you started........Madame, the usual tip for Fred is 20 bananas.
Northern California Links
Here, there and everywhere with Steve
Central California
Excellent Maps, Links and Info

Getting There
Most of the Napa Valley wineries are not located in the town of Napa, as you might expect, but rather, near St. Helena, along Highway 128. You don't need reservations to join any of the tours given by the wineries and there are plenty to choose from as you drive along the valley. In the summer, be prepared for crowds. If at all possible, defer your visit to October, when you may see harvest activity, or even November. Early spring in the valley is lovely and uncrowded.
There are many wineries around the Santa Rosa area (click for a larger map) as well as near Sonoma. With the popularity of wine, every suitable area in California is planted with vines. So, check out some of the links I've provided and you might find a few places to visit which aren't far from you!! Salute and take care.

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	Napa Then, Napa Now My first visit to Napa was in the late '50s with my parents. The grapes were there even then and the Valley as beautiful as it is today. But, it was a quiet valley. Americans hadn't yet discovered wine. Vinters had time to talk to visitors while pouring out their samples. More often than not, it was the winemaker or a member of his family who welcomed you into the tasting room.
	Beringer Winery Beringer with it's distinctive main house was in Napa long before the tourists came. Except for more vistitors and a new tasting room, this winery is much as was before wine entered the national consciousness in the late 70's. Fred is driving us right by the house. I think we should let everyone out for a quick stretch and a short tour of this winery. OK.....folks.....those of you getting off here, return in 20 minutes!
	Louis Martini Winery Please folks, take your seats!! We are off to visit the Louis Martini Winery, another long-established winery. It is owned by the Mondavi family and there is a considerable rivalry between this branch of the family and the one that owns the Mondavi Winery. Yes?? You in the back...a question?? Yes...we will be going by Mondavi too. But time for another tour here ......and visit the tasting room. It hasn't changed since I first visited nigh on 20 years ago!! Back in 20 minutes, please! No.....Fred can't join you.
	The Mondavi Winery Well, here we are passing the very distinctive Mondavi Winery. This is the very same building that is on the label of their wines. Mondavi is an innovator. When this winery was built, wine was just beginning to be popular. Besides making the wine, Mondavi was the first to lure visitors with the concerts, dinners and the hoopla that is now a feature in many California wineries. Yup...off for the tour....20 minutes please!!
	Sterling...er..Vinyards No madame, we are NOT lost. Yes, this is Sterling Vineyards. No...Fred is NOT drunk...yet. This dandy little tram takes you up up up to visit Sterling Vineyards, owned by one of the behemoths of the alcholol industry (forgot who). Sterling is razz-ma-tazz at its best but is worth at least one visit. OK.... back in 30 minutes this time!!
	Clos Pegas Now Clos Pegas is something else again, as you can see. It was built as much as a hobby by a gentleman who made his fortune in publishing as a working winery. The building, which I particularly like, was designed by Michael Graves. Hmmmmm.....need an architecture tour one of these days so I can introduce you to Graves and his work. The courtyard sports sculptures and the tasting room some marvelous examples of faiance. Please notice the chest in the hall as you take your tour....Renaissance....and I would kill to own it. 20 minutes!!!!
	Just the Start of the Tour Good wine is worth looking for and is located in more than just the Napa Valley, these days. Table grapes have given way to wine grapes in many areas. Here are some links to get you started........Madame, the usual tip for Fred is 20 bananas. Northern California Links Here, there and everywhere with Steve Central California Excellent Maps, Links and Info
	Getting There Most of the Napa Valley wineries are not located in the town of Napa, as you might expect, but rather, near St. Helena, along Highway 128. You don't need reservations to join any of the tours given by the wineries and there are plenty to choose from as you drive along the valley. In the summer, be prepared for crowds. If at all possible, defer your visit to October, when you may see harvest activity, or even November. Early spring in the valley is lovely and uncrowded. There are many wineries around the Santa Rosa area (click for a larger map) as well as near Sonoma. With the popularity of wine, every suitable area in California is planted with vines. So, check out some of the links I've provided and you might find a few places to visit which aren't far from you!! Salute and take care.