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 Hot air balloon rides in Napa |
5091 Solano Ave (Darms Ln and Oak Knoll Ave W) Napa Valley, CA 94558 United States +1 707 253 2222 / +1 800 464 6824 http://www.balloonrides.com info@balloonrides.com |
Take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley. A typical adventure includes an hour-long balloon ride with your pilot narrating the sights, followed by a garden champagne-brunch. Launches begin at sunrise. Enjoy incredible aerial views of Napa vineyards. Rates vary, call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aleigh Acerni |
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See the Wine Country by goat |
4762 Petrified Forest Rd (Happy Hollow Ranch) Napa Valley, CA 94515 United States +1 510 644 1600 |
This outfit will take you and a friendly pack-carrying goat out for a two-hour hike in the hills overlooking Calistoga and the Napa Valley. The goats can carry 35 pounds, more than enough for water, wine, picnic and video equipment. And, goats insist on a moderate pace, comfortable for any level hiker. The tour guides emphasize stopping, looking and listening to the quiet goings-on of nature. Prices vary; call for further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Montelena wines first |
1429 Tubbs Lane Calistoga Napa Valley, CA 94515 United States +1 707 942 5105 http://www.montelena.com/ customer-service@montelena.com |
The soil is rich and the sunny Californian climate is ideal for nurturing grapes and subsequent wine making. Alfred Tubbs recognized the above and succeeded in crafting the much sought after Napa Valley Chardonnay. In fact at Montelena, grapevine has it that fine grapes give rise to fine wine culture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nikhil Roychowdhury |
 Photo: jessasusan |
 Photo: Becky Granger |
 Photo: michaelphale |
 Photo: Matt Kowalczyk  |
 Photo: Mathew Thomas |
 Photo: Jeff Henrichs |
 Photo: Naotake Murayama |
 Photo: Brian J. Bonislawsky |
 Photo: Pei-Pei Ketron |
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Drink to your health |
1791 Olivet Road Napa Valley, CA 95401 United States +1 707 526 9111 http://www.deloachvineyards.com/ winestore@deloachvineyards.com |
Harvest-time is the best time to visit DeLoach Vineyards, where you will see loads of fine grapes hanging in luscious clusters, begging to be picked and squashed. The winery, grown from a small shack to a well-equipped facility, is designed to produce several varietals from different kinds of grapes. There is a comfortable visitor center on the premises, and you can indulge in wine-tasting too - there is a special tasting session (by appointment only), where food is paired up with the wines. Club members can avail of tours and tastings for free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: LoriLynn Pike |
 Photo: Michael Peck |
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Get the best zinfandel here! |
1960 Dry Creek Road Sonoma County Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 431 7945 http://www.deuxamiswines.com/ friends@deuxamiswines.com |
'Two friends' is what the name of this winery means in French, and this partnership between Phyllis Zouzounis and Jim Penpraze has borne fruit – plenty of it! Harvest season is a great time to witness your favorite wine created. The winery is state-of-the-art, with steel containers to ferment and store wine for settling of sediment. Members of the wine club are treated to new wines twice a year much before they are officially released. There are discounts galore and invitations to all events. Hold it right there, kids! You have to be over 21 to become a member. The general public may visit for wine tastings by appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Calling all wine-lovers! |
1960 Dry Creek Road Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 573 1141 http://www.domainedanica.com/ Ron@Domainedanica.com |
Who better to run a wine-making business than a wine lover? Ron Kohut, the owner of this winery, is a graduate in winemaking from the University of California, and knows his stuff. Advice on wine and food pairing may be obtained from him, so you can drop by Domaine Danica for mouth-watering solutions to your party queries. Chardonnay, zinfandel and pinot noir are the specialties here, and are available at reasonable rates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Red, red wine |
435 West Dry Creek Road Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 433 1637 (Extn. 13)/ +1 888 474 7456 (Extn. 17) (Toll Free) http://www.everettridge.com/ info@everettridge.com |
This winery was built by the owner himself, who painstakingly put it together with his own hands. Its two-foot thick walls with elegant floral paintings make the place a delight in itself. The wines add to the pleasure. The luscious grapes are a treat to view, especially during harvest, when they bounce tantalizingly in carts hurtling off to the winepress. Rolling picnic grounds can be used for a lazy lunch, with the accompaniment of oddly-named reds, such as Nuns Canyon Syrah, or familiar whites, such as the Chardonnay. Stop at the wine shop that does brisk business, despite the slightly pricey labels. A 10% discount is available on the purchase of 12 bottles or more. Note: Groups of more than 8 persons must call for an appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Humming with activity |
3555 Dry Creek Road Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 433 6626 http://www.teldeschi.com/ dteldeschi@neteze.com |
If you've always wanted to try your hand at wine-making, offer to help at the F. Teldeschi Winery. They might just take you up on it. Be prepared for grubby, purple-stained fingers and squishy shoes though, for it isn't as easy as they make it look. The owners have an innovative way to ensure that their precious crop isn't ravaged by deer and turkeys: they grow Palomino and French Colombard grapes, which distract them from the real McCoy. The tasting house is welcoming and friendly, for the owner and winemaker often chat with patrons, advising, cracking jokes and sharing experiences, as the drinks, some as old as 90 years warm the heart. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sparkling reds and whites |
3939 Lovall Valley Road Napa Valley, CA 95476 United States +1 707 935 3939 http://www.faverovineyards.com/ faverovineyards@vom.com |
A limited collection of wines are found here, and for good reason. Owners Fred and Ginger take great pains to clear land, plant the groves, prune and harvest grapes. And that's only just the beginning of the procedure. An arduous blending procedure, which includes filtering and storing, results in streams of the glittering, delicious fluid, with rich textures. The bottles too, are designed to attract, with their smart colors and classy labels. The specialty of the place is the divine dessert wine - Moscato Del Millenio. Book a date with them and let the wines carry you away! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful wine county |
8761 Dry Creek Road P.O. Box 1549 Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 800 831 0381 http://www.ferrari-carano.com/ customerservice@ferrari-carano.com |
Acres of lush, fruitful land, heavy with luscious fruit - that's Sonoma County for you. The Ferrari-Carano Vineyards are an example of this scenic landscape, with well-cultivated gardens and orchards which bear succulent grapes, ready to be pressed out into clear, deep red and white wines. This classy winery is located within enchanting gardens; the wine shop offers, in addition to the brews, an extensive section of accessories to enhance your home. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and other staples jostle alongside Syrah and Zinfandel for attention. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Gordon |
 Photo: Rebecca G. |
 Photo: John |
 Photo: Anna Alexander |
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Century old vineyards |
12707 Old Redwood Highway Sonoma County Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 433 7272 http://www.foppiano.com/ louis@foppiano.com |
It is well matured, just like its wines, for Foppiano has been around since 1896. Their wines may be found all over the US, and they export a big chunk of their produce too. Success has not marred the passion or the humility of the business, though, for the tightly knit family has retained its independence over the years. Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and other favorites are crafted with special flavors and one can find very affordable stuff under its Riverside By Foppiano label. Should you decide to spend the day with them, stroll into the magical gardens and relish a picnic lunch, with a complimentary tasting as a prelude. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kentaro Saida |
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Signature wines |
5141 Dry Creek Road Sonoma County Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 431 8886 http://www.forchini.com/ wine@forchini.com |
Viticulture experts Jim and Anita Forchini's long cherished dreams have come true in the form of these charming groves. A visit will bring you to panoramic views of the vineyard, and if you can't tear yourself away, you could enjoy a picnic lunch on the covered patio, or under umbrellas conveniently placed amid blossoming rose gardens. Let the award-winning wines make you feel like you are vacationing in Tuscany. If you are over 21, you may join the free-membership club, where you can partake of more of these liquid delights at discounted rates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A love-affair with wine |
2335 West Dry Creek Road Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 473 0553 http://www.forthvineyards.com/ wine@forthvineyards.com |
Careful pruning is the key to growing fine grapes at Forth Vineyards, run by the dedicated husband-wife team Gerry and Jann Forth; their greatest pleasure is derived from the sigh of satisfaction that sails over a patron's glass. Two of the newest additions at this winery are the '05 Sauvignon Blanc, a sweet breakfast wine which has been cold-fermented and is now ready to be bottled, and the 2004 Estate Syrah Rosé. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Jewel of a winery |
23072 Walling Road Napa Valley, CA 95441 United States +1 707 857 1980 http://www.frickwinery.com/ Frick@frickwinery.com |
This little winery may not be easy to find, but it's worth the search. The vineyards are extensive and fruitful, and the view from the grounds adds to the experience. Viognier, syrah, cinsaut, merlot, carignane, grenache, grenache blanc and counoise grapes are all ripened to perfection before being crushed to form fine wine at Frick. Traditional methods are employed here, including the arduous task of punching the cap by hand during fermentation. No wonder the wines are delicious! You won't find these wines freely available, as the production is on a small scale. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wine Traveler |
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A little bit of everything |
24691 Dutcher Creek Road Sonoma County Napa Valley, CA 95425 United States +1 707 894 3389/ +1 800 418 9463 (toll free) http://www.fritzwinery.com/ info@fritzwinery.com |
For a rewarding tasting experience, come over to the Fritz Winery, where reds, whites, chardonnays and zinfandels will entice and seduce your taste-buds. Among the popular wines is the 2003 Dry Creek Cabernet, which has hints of mint, black cherry, tobacco and cedar with an undercurrent of chocolate; some heady, spicy wines are available too, minus the acrid aftertaste. Check the website for availability, as Fritz's wines are in high demand, and are often out of stock in stores. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Plenty of class |
320 Center Street Sonoma County Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 433 2458 http://www.gallosonoma.com/ tours@gallosonoma.com |
Gallo of Sonoma has been named 'International Winery of the Year' thrice, making it the only American winery to achieve this honor. Sashay into the oh-so-posh tasting room and sample regional wines produced from the same variety of grape. Vineyard tours, strictly for adults, will take you through perfectly groomed groves, and to the lakeside for a delightful wine and cheese tasting stop-over, which also includes some local treats. Quality comes at a price here, however, with tour rates pegged at USD45 per person. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rich, pristine vineyards |
10701 Westside Road Napa Valley, CA 95448 United States +1 707 473 2900 / +1 707 473 2909 http://www.garyfarrellwines.com/ tastingroom@garyfarrellwines.com |
Sunlight caressing neatly trimmed dark groves, laden with bunches of grapes on a misty morning; visitors are amazed by the awesome views from the Farrell Winery. A well-stocked, charming cellar greets you, and labeled barrels are arranged with precision against the walls. Primarily involved in the production of Pinot Noir, Gary makes sure that all his wines encompass the tastes of the Pacific. A guided tour and tasting can be arranged and is well-worth the price. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melanie Freeland |
 Photo: Dmitry Beransky |
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Party time! |
22281 Chianti Road Napa Valley, CA 95441 United States +1 707 857 9400 / +1 800 255 9463 http://www.geyserpeakwinery.com/ info@jbbwines.com |
How about a celebration on the grounds of this lush winery? Yes, Geyser Peak is open for bookings for private events, and can accommodate up to 800 people with parking for more than a hundred cars. Amenities, such as washrooms, picnic tables, a barbecue and even electricity receptacles for instruments are available, so make sure you have a groovy band in attendance. You'll find your favorite wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot. Mostly varietals, they will add the finishing touch to your grand soiree. Those interested in a career may apply here, for this is one of the very few wineries that accept unsolicited resumes, peruse them and even file them for a year, until a suitable position opens up. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: The Wine Dude |
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All that glitters is not gold |
23555 Carneros Highway 121 P.O. Box 1427 Napa Valley, CA 95476 United States +1 707 996 7256 / +1 707 933 1917 (Tasting Room) http://www.gloriaferrer.com/ info@gloriaferrer.com |
Sparkling wines are the specialty here. Gloria Ferrer wines have won more than a hundred gold medals in the past five years. Gloria's riches aren't just about the awards; it's in the wines too. The Sonoma Brut, aged in the winery's caves has a texture that's best described as classic. More tantalizing are the reds, which imbibe tropical fruit fragrances and flavors as they are fermented. Try not to miss the Catalan Festival - a grand annual event, with loads of food, music, dance, and, of course, wine! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wine, music and song |
2000 Denmark Street Napa Valley, CA 95476 United States +1 707 938 5277 / +1 707 939 3015 (Tasting Room) http://www.gunbun.com/ info@gunbun.com |
Music, literature, picnics and wine come together at this winery, located on beautiful, well-tended slopes. The hillside amphitheatre is a big attraction with spring and summer performances, while the Midsummer Mozart Festival orchestra performs some of Mozart's accomplished works. Another event to capture is the Gunbun Summer Fun Film Fest, with live music, a barbecue, wine and cheese tasting and a feature film as the day draws to a close. Oh, and the wines are refreshing, by the way! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Doeff |
 Photo: Matt Wetzler |
 Photo: Kurt Wilms |
 Photo: Ian Irving |
 Photo: Steve Calhoun |
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Tasting room with a view |
5353 Occidental Road Santa Rosa Estate Winery & Hospitality Center Napa Valley, CA 95401 United States +1 707 575 3371 / +1 800 854 3987 http://www.hannawinery.com leslie@hannawinery.com |
Lunch at the Hanna Tasting Room in Santa Rosa – it's an experience to be remembered. The spacious patio offers wide, panoramic views, while the wine complements your lunch, even if it's a sandwich. Hanna offers very strong Bordeaux, grown in luscious vineyards, for those who can stomach it. Other favorites include red and white. This Mediterranean-like facility is a good getaway for a day. Let the air refresh your mind, while the wine does the same for your body! Review © 2007, Wcities |
