Posts Tagged ‘Sterling Vineyards’

10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

Napa Valley offers more than 450 wineries to choose from for the 4 – 5 million people who visit every year. With so many choices, Napa Wine Tours has created a list of 10 must see wineries on Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail.

 

chimney rock winery 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Chimney Rock Winery

Chimney Rock Winery is set against a hillside covered with vineyards. This premier fine wine producer offers a daily tasting and a food and wine pairing.

 

pine ridge winery 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Pine Ridge Winery

Pine Ridge Vineyards’ tasting room was recently named by The San Francisco Chronicle as one of the “Best of the Best Tasting Rooms in Napa.” Pine Ridge offers a selection of tastings, some include gourmet meats and cheeses, and others include specially prepared foods by Pine Ridge’s Chef Janet Sheehan. A tour of the estate begins in the vineyards, continues through the production facilities, and ends with a seated wine and cheese pairing in the wine caves.

 

robert sinskey vineyards 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Robert Sinskey Vineyards

Robert Sinskey Vineyards’ tasting room was named Sunset magazine’s tasting room of the year. It was also featured by the Wine Spectator as a must visit winery in Napa Valley. Robert Sinskey offers daily tastings, a cave tour, and a Farm to Table Experience.  The Farm to Table Experience takes guests into the vineyard garden, cellar, and caves before ending with a delicious wine and food pairing.

 

plumpjack winery 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

PlumpJack Winery

PlumpJack Winery has earned the reputation for creating full-bodied wines that enchant the senses. Although most well-known for impeccable Cabernet Sauvignon, PlumpJack also produces other varietals including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. PlumpJack offers daily tastings.

 

clos pegase winery 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Clos Pegase

Clos Pegase, located near Calistoga, offers an unforgettable experience combining masterful wines, art, and architecture. Choose from a variety of public and private tastings and tours.

 

casa nuestra winery vineyards 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Casa Nuestra Winery & Vineyards

Casa Nuestra Winery & Vineyards is a small, historic, family-owned winery producing award-winning, internationally acclaimed wines. Visits are scheduled by appointment only.

 

duckhorn vineyards 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Duckhorn Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards has been crafting Bordeaux wine varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc for over 30 years. Reservations are strongly encouraged for most tastings and required for experiences including a tour or a wine and food pairing.

 

mumm napa valley sign 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Mumm Napa Valley

Mumm Napa Valley offers three seated tastings to enjoy their sparkling wines. Mumm Napa was named “One of America’s Best Tasting Rooms” by Wine Enthusiast.

 

sterling vineyards 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards sits 300 feet above Calistoga and offers panoramic views of Napa Valley. Their aerial tram escorts guests to the winery where a wide selection of tastings and tours can be experienced.

 

rombauer vineyards 10 Must See Wineries on Napa Valleys Silverado Trail

Rombauer Vineyards

Rombauer Vineyards was named as a “must visit winery” in Napa Valley by the San Francisco Gate. Rombauer offers daily tastings and a Self Guided Garden Stroll.

 

As a well-known, world-class wine destination, Napa Valley is home to many outstanding wineries. Use our list as a guide to getting started. Contact Napa Wine Tours for your private chauffeured vehicle through the beautiful, top wine region that is Napa Valley.

10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Napa Valley sees visitors from all across the world. For some visitors, Napa Valley is one of many stops in a state, and sometimes a county, that they have never seen before. Families planning a vacation will often list Napa Valley as one of the places they’d like to visit. This means, the whole family will be visiting Napa Valley. A family group usually consists of parents and children – and some of those children might be under the age of 21. With over 400 wineries to choose from in Napa Valley, Napa Wine Tours has compiled a list of 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley.

alpha omega by napa tourist guide1 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

A View of the Fountain at Alpha Omega Winery by Napa Tourist Guide

Alpha Omega Winery
Visitors to Alpha Omega Winery can taste wines in the tasting room or out on the patio decorated with lush, comfortable, outdoor furniture. The patio deck stretches along the side of the building. While relaxing in the warmth of the sun, guests enjoy a view of vineyards as the backdrop to a large pool of water that features a unique fountain spraying water out of several jets. The picnic area is large and shaded. If you’re planning on bringing snacks to enjoy a picnic lunch, make sure to call ahead to see if the picnic area has been reserved for any special events.

castello di amorosa1 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa
Castello di Amorosa was created to mirror a 13th century medieval Tuscan-style castle. Children under 5 are not allowed on the tours; however, there is a discounted rate for tours for minors between 5 and 20 years old. The tours vary in length and can include visits to different parts of this expansive castle. Parents with children of any age can also enjoy their visit without a tour. Admission into the castle covers tasting fees and additionally grants access to the two main levels of the castle. During the busiest time of year, a private tasting area is set up just for parents with children. While parents enjoy tasting Castello di Amorosa wines, their children enjoy coloring and sipping grape juice.

clos pegase1 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Clos Pegase Winery

Clos Pegase Winery
Clos Pegase Winery offers tours of the winery, caves, and their resident art collection. There is also a self-guided tour of the art located in and around the winery. Visitors can set their own pace then enjoy a break in the picnic area with any tasty treats they’ve brought for lunch.

hess collection by judith v1 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Hess Collection by Judith V.

Hess Collection
A visit to Hess Collection is truly an adventure. The road to Hess Collection is a long road that winds through the forest. Nestled in the hills that provide a boost for a beautiful view of the valley is a stone building covered in ivy – this is the remodeled, historical building belonging to Hess Collection. Inside guests can decide to taste and take a self-guided iPod audio tour. Upstairs, the Hess Collection Contemporary Art Museum is open daily. Make sure to stroll through the gardens; they are a work of art themselves.

monticello vineyards1 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Monticello Vineyards

Monticello Vineyards
The first thing visitors notice about family owned and managed Monticello Vineyards is that the tasting room and the Jefferson House Reserve Room are surrounded by trees. Once inside the tasting room, the wood paneling on the walls, exposed ceiling beams, and tasting counter built from old barrels creates a soothing coziness. The picnic area is located on a lush lawn.

pine ridge entrance 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Pine Ridge Vineyards

Pine Ridge Vineyards
Pine Ridge Vineyards offers outstanding wines and outstanding views of the surrounding cliffs. Children are not allowed on tours; however, they are welcomed to enjoy the awesome scenery.

robert mondavi2 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

The lush, open lawn area beyond the entrance to Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery
Visitors to Napa Valley make sure to stop at Robert Mondavi Winery. The entrance to the winery, built using mission-style architecture, includes a fountain, and a towering statue. There are different rooms offering different tastings and a selection of tours. Children under 13 years old are not permitted on the Signature Tour but children of all ages are allowed on the 30 minute Discovery Tour. Beyond the entrance is a lawn area that stretches along the back of the winery offering a view of the hills in the distance. Robert Mondavi winery also features an art collection of sculptures, artifacts, and paintings.

rubicon estate1 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Rubicon Estate

Rubicon Estate
Rubicon Estate offers many choices for tastings and tours. One of the most unique, family friendly choices for wine tasting is in Rubicon’s Mammarella Wine Bar. Rubicon Estate wines can be purchased by the glass in the Mammarella and visitors can choose between enjoying their wine indoors or outdoors. Outdoors includes a courtyard fountain where small, wooden sailboats wait for children to set them to sail.

st supery5 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

St. Supery Vineyards & Winery

St. Supery Vineyards & Winery
Visitors to St. Supery Vineyards can enjoy their gallery, a self-paced tour, and a game of petanque. Petanque is similar to Bocce. St. Supery supplies equipment and instructions for guests.

sterling vineyards promenade1 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards
A visit to Sterling Vineyards is a visit to a winery with one of the best views of Napa Valley. To reach the top of this amazing view from 300 feet above Calistoga, visitors ride an aerial tram that takes them up the hill and over the beautiful landscape. There is special pricing for visitors under the age of 21 and all visitors under 3 years old ride for free. Once at the winery, the views continue from the building inspired by Greek architecture.

The safest way for your family to travel in Napa Valley is to contact Napa Wine Tours. With our diverse fleet, you’re sure to find the vehicle that best fits your family’s needs. You professional, private, experienced chauffeur will negotiate the roads and make sure you arrive where you want to be, when you want to be there.

Valentine’s Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

Monday, January 10th, 2011

Napa Valley is known across the world for its wines but it has more to offer. Napa Valley offers romance. With wineries ranging from small, family-owned boutique wineries to incredible architectural feats and lodging ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts, Napa Valley offers a myriad of choices to fulfill anyone’s romantic dreams. If you’re considering spending time during Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day weekend in Napa, here are some romantic ideas to help get the planning started.

WINERIES

Cakebread Cellars
For an incomparable Valentine’s Day experience Cakebread Cellars presents a special cooking class on Saturday, February 12, 2011 that will titillate your taste buds. The Way to Someone’s Heart begins with the preparation of four luscious foods; white truffle popcorn, smoked salmon croquet monsieur, Dungeness crab soufflés, and horseradish–crusted filet mignon. For dessert you’ll learn the art of truffle making. After your cooking adventure, you’ll enjoy the delicious rewards paired with Cakebread Cellars wines.

Raymond Vineyards
Raymond Vineyards offers two romantic options on February 12, 2011 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Cab, Coals, & Chocolate invites you to treat yourself and your special someone to a 3 hour tasting and chocolate-making adventure. Learn the secrets to making hand rolled truffles while sipping Raymond Vineyards current and library Cabernets by the fireplace. A Valentine’s Dinner to Remember takes place in the enchanting barrel room. Each course will be paired perfectly with Raymond Vineyards wines and features 2009 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, 2006 Rutherford Merlot, Library Cabernet, and 2006 Eloquence.

hall wines entrance Valentines Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

Hall Wines Entrance

Hall Wines
During Valentine’s Day weekend February 12 & 13, 2011, Hall wines invites you and your valentine to Hall St. Helena for a decadent tasting of chocolate-inspired cuisine paired with Hall Wines Estate Cabernets. Along with an intimate tasting room decorated with a deep shade of wood and rich red splashes of color, Hall Wines St. Helena displays sculptures throughout the property and art in the tasting room.

grgich hills estate Valentines Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

Grgich Hills Estate in Napa Valley

Grgich Hills Estate
On February 12, 2011 the legendary Grgich Hills Estate hosts an unforgettable, intimate Valentine’s Day dinner featuring multiple courses paired with Grgich Hills Estate red and white wines.

Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards offers a unique and beautiful experience. The beauty of the natural surroundings allows visitors to immediately feel relaxed. The wonderfully Greek inspired architecture of the winery offers an unforgettable view from the terrace. Ride the aerial tram and snuggle close as it glides over Napa Valley.

RESTAURANTS

Auberge du Soleil Restaurant
The view of the sunset from the Auberge du Soleil Restaurant is stunning. With or without the cooperation of Mother Nature, the ambiance for dinner lends itself to romance. Combine attentive, knowledgeable servers with delicious cuisine and an exceptional wine list, and you have a dinning experience to remember.

bardessono Valentines Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

Bardessono Restaurant

Bardessono Restaurant
The elegant, warm, and inviting Bardessono Restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to create beautifully plated courses that taste superb.

Etoile Restaurant
Domaine Chandon’s Etoile Restaurant presents a special Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu. The five course menu includes Dungeness Crab, Hawaiian Onaga, Veal Osso Bucco, and much more. Guests may also choose an additional wine pairing.

La Toque
With the lights dimmed just enough to create a romantic ambiance, La Toque offers an exceptional, memorable dining experience. Guests can create a multi-course dinner from a list of menu options or indulge in the Chef’s Tasting Menu or the Vegetable Tasting Menu. Wine pairings can be added to each menu. La Toque is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Napa at Westin Verasa.

meadowood restaurant Valentines Day in Napa Valley: Romantic Wineries & Restaurants

The Restaurant at Meadowood

The Restaurant at Meadowood
The sophisticated elegance of The Restaurant is evident from the décor to the plating of each course. Valentine’s Day is the perfect reason to escape and be pampered at this 3 star Michelin restaurant.

Napa Valley inspires relaxation, fun, and the desire to display your love by enjoying something special in Northern California Wine Country. Increase the romance even more by contacting Napa Wine Tours for private chauffeured transportation wherever you decide to treat yourself and your valentine in Napa Valley.

10 “Must See” Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Napa Valley is renown for its world-class wines, breath taking panoramic views, and sense of elegance and escape from reality. When planning your next trip to the beautiful Napa Valley, don’t be overwhelmed with the hundreds of winery choices across the county. We’ve selected 10 of the many quality and unique wineries in Napa Valley. Whether it’s the architecture, ambiance, gardens, history, or art that draws you to these wineries, they’re all unique in their own way.

kuleto estate winery 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

The Kuleto Estate Winery

2470 Sage Canyon Road
St Helena, CA 94574
Phone: (707) 963-4859

This winery estate offers tours by reservation only, however, the formality involved is worth the chance to taste the premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel that Kuleto offers as their primary wine selection. Pat Kuleto, owner of the estate, is also responsible for many of the Bay Area’s best restaurants.

beaulieu vineyard 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

The Beaulieu Vineyard

1960 St. Helena Highway
Rutherford, CA 94573
Phone: (707) 967-5200

This vineyard was historically innovative in the wine and vineyard industry; Beaulieu made waves by introducing the oak barrel aging process. Beaulieu is constantly updating their Napa Valley events, always eager to keep wine aficionados interested in both the product, and the process.

hess collection 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

The Hess Collection

4411 Redwood Road
Napa, CA 94558-9708
Phone: (707) 255-1144

The Hess Collection Winery stands out amongst other Napa vineyards as an opulent jewel, not only for its superior product, but for its unconventional attraction. Not only can you tour, taste, and enjoy the Hess Estate, but you can also experience the art gallery located on the estate as well.

domaine chandon 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

Domaine Chandon

1 California Dr
Yountville, CA 94599-1426
Phone: (707) 944-2892

Domaine Chandon is known most affluently for its sparkling wines and champagne; a favorite of this writer and many other wine aficionados, are its sparkling Rose variety. Chandon’s restaurant, étoile, is nationally acclaimed and the winner of the Best of Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator in August 2009, among many other accolades.

pine ridge winery1 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

Pine Ridge Winery

5901 Silverado Trail
Napa CA 94558
Phone: (707) 253-7500

This Napa Valley winery focuses on Sustainable Farming in order to develop a superior product. The winery offers tours that begin in the vineyard, travels through the wine production facilities and aging caves, and ends a private cellar for a seated wine and cheese pairing.

joseph phelps vineyards 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

200 Taplin Road
Saint Helena, CA 94574-9544
Phone: (707) 967-9153

Just a bit beyond the usual Napa and Sonoma wine tours, you’ll find the secluded winery and estate of Joseph Phelps, one of the few vineyard owners who still believes in the intimacy involved in the wine making process. Phelps personally oversees and manages the product of his efforts.

sterling vineyards 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

Sterling Vineyards

1111 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515
(800) 726-6136

Sterling Vineyards features the only aerial tram in Napa Valley. Enjoy the unbelievable view from above followed by a tasting and a self-guided tour of the art gallery and the winery.

clos pegase 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

Clos Pegase

1060 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: (707) 942-4981

This stunning winery combines wine with art and architecture. Clos Pegase offers daily tours and tastings. Purchase cheese in their Visitor’s Center and enjoy a bottle of your favorite Clos Pegase wine in their picnic area shaded by a 300 year old Oak Tree.

robert mondavi winery 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

The Robert Mondavi Winery

7801 St. Helena Highway
Oakville, CA 94562
Phone: (707) 226-1395

Once you’ve had your fill of secluded California winery estates, and retro-Italian architecture, the Spanish-Mission style Robert Mondavi Winery and Estate awaits. The winery is host to a variety of events such as concerts, art exhibits, and their regular tasting tours.

rubicon winery 10 Must See Wineries to Visit in Napa Valley

The Rubicon Winery

1991 Saint Helena Highway
Rutherford, CA 94573
Phone: (707) 963-9099

This estate has its claim to fame by its former name, the Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery; it was owned by the filmmaker Francis Ford-Coppola. Under Coppola’s high standards and superior technique, the vineyards were reunited, and the chateau that overlooked its expansive valleys for almost two centuries is once again part of its legendary wine making process. Rubicon is diamond in the crown of Napa Valley wineries.