by AGMaynard
If you want to enjoy best California wine then Sonoma wine region is a perfect place to experience it. Unlike the neighboring Napa wine region which is more commercialized, Sonoma wine country has is more smaller and family owned and operated kind of wineries. You will find very friendly people in Sonoma country wine tasting rooms, more than anywhere in the whole wine growing region. Sonoma wine country has more than 200 wineries (big and small) and it has about 100 thousand acres wine growing land.
Sonoma has 5 distinct wine-growing districts: Dry Creek Valley, Los Carneros District, Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley. You will find the premium quality wines of both white and red wine, famous categories include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pino, Syrah, Zinfandel, Shiraz and very often vineyards have their own special wine. The best time to visit the region is during summers when the vines/grape plants are loaded with grapes. Although it can be a bit warm, it is truly the best time to enjoy the true ambiance of the region.
To reach the Sonoma wine country, just drive 30 miles north of Golden gate bridge and about 20 miles more to reach the wine growing heartland of the region. You can alternatively fly here by using the services of Horizon airlines which connects Sonoma county’s Santa Rosa Airport (RSA) to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Seattle. There are shuttle buses (Airporter Express) directly from San Francisco and Oakland airports to the county. Although there is public transport available in bigger cities of the county, to visit the core wine region you will need to drive on your own. To fully enjoy the region, we suggest you to stay here for at least a few days and not plan just a day-trip. Sonoma county has more to offer than just wine, it is a huge entertainment location on its own offering a variety of activities and attractions, some of which are listed below.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES:
1. Take a hot air balloon ride end enjoy the vastness and beauty of wine region from the sky. There are many hot air ballooning operators in the region.
2. Visit the beautiful River rock casino at Russian river and Alexander valley, offering a range of services to their guests.
3. Point Arena Lighthouse and Museum.
4. Boating and fishing facilities at the Sonoma coast along the Pacific ocean and along the Russian river. Rent a cabin at Jenner facing the ocean and spend the night with your loved ones.
5. Taste the Sonoma county goat cheese considered the best in country.
6. Safari west wildlife preserve.
7. Hike at the Armstrong Redwoods state reserve .
8. Infineon Raceway where you can enjoy professional car racing experience.
9. Fort Ross State Historic Park: The site of trading post and fort established by Russians in 1812.
10. Train Ride and wine train.
11. Petrified forest and old faithful geyser in Calistoga.
12. Several premium Golf courses, Spa’s and shopping malls for you to relax.
13. Being so close to San Francisco you may also consider visiting the GOLDEN GATE bridge, Pier 39,Alcatraz, China Town and the famous Crooked street of SF Downtown.
14. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens: Life and work of the horticulturist who introduced 800 variety of flowers, fruits, nuts etc..
15. Nightlife is good too, there are several bars and clubs especially in Santa Rosa.
Great websites for comprehensive information are sonoma-county.org and sonomacounty.com
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by Jaymi Heimbuch
What could be a better history lesson than a collection of original vintage posters? How about first look at new acquisitions from a European buying trip, PLUS a room full of Vintage Poster Enthusiasts, PLUS Custom framing and conservation services. If all this sounds good, then mark your calendar for August 20-22 and plan to attend Vintage European Posters 12th Annual Preview Event at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.
Expect: stacks and stacks of original posters advertising travel, wines and spirits, bicycles, mechanical sports, and the French lottery. Expect: knowledgeable staff who will help guide you through the decision making process and explain the context from which posters come. Expect: prices between 0-00 for posters dating back to 1876. Expect: a fun look at the history of graphic art.
What you won’t see at the show: movie posters, rock posters, or reproductions
Whether you buy or don’t buy a poster at the show, you will leave with a thorough understanding of 1) what constitutes an original advertising poster 2) why posters are valued as they are 3) the proper conservation and framing standards for original posters 4) how posters have survived more than 100 years
Be warned! Poster collecting is addictive. Once you see how history and color can transform your walls, you’ll become one of folks who measures and re-measures your wall space trying to find a home for ONE more poster.
Join the fun at Fort Mason. One weekend only to see these treasures August 20-22 Friday and Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-5. This event is free to attend.
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The firm became one particular of the important agreement refiners for the San Francisco Mint.
Mainly because of his status for fairness and honesty, Haraszthy was appointed Assayer of the Mint in 1855.
He developed the 1st huge, superior-good quality grape vineyard at Crystal Springs in San Mateo County. At this new ranch, Haraszthy constructed and laid out a nursery and horticultural garden, which he named Los Flores.
With his son’s enable, he planted fruit trees and shrubs imported from the east. At about this similar time, he received a shipment of 6 preference rooted vines and 160 cuttings from Hungary.
In the shipment ended up two little bundles. One was the Muscat of Alexandria and the other was explained to be the famous mystery grape, the Zinfandel. Nowadays the Zinfandel is the most broadly planted wine grape in California.
In 1857, whilst going to Standard Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo at the General’s Lachrima Montis estate, Haraszthy was introduced to the Sonoma Valley. This valley specifically appealed to him simply because its climate, topography and soil ended up so equivalent to his Hungarian homeland’s higher top quality vineyards.
In Sonoma, he established the Szeptaj Estate (Buena Vista). That Buena Vista Winery is today a state park and historical web site.
In 1861, He was appointed to a California commission to increase agricultural procedures and to acquire vines and fruit tree stocks in Europe. During a European tour with his son, Arpad, he bought, with his very own cash, 100,000 grapevines representing one,four hundred varieties, along with modest picked a lot of planting stock for olives, almonds, pomegranates, oranges, lemons and chestnuts.
When he returned, Harper & Brothers, of New York, published Haraszthy’s report, “Grape Culture, Wines and Wine Generating upon Agriculture and Horticulture. It remained the winemaking traditional authority in the English language right until very well into the 20th century.
The Haraszthy family planted vineyards for European immigrant friends and wine growers, like Charles Krug, Emile Dreser and Jacob Grundlach.
In 1863, Agoston’s sons Attila and Arpad Haraszthy were married in a double ceremony to the twin daughters of General Vallejo.
Later, right after one of his wine cellars containing vintages of two decades was destroyed by fire, Haraszthy traveled to Nicaragua the place he bought a sugar plantation. There, he wife contacted yellow fever and died.
Agoston Haraszthy died July six, 1869, close to his estate, Hacienda San Antonio, at Corinto, Nicaragua, even though attempting to cross a crocodile infested rive.. His relatives believed that he fell into a river even though attempting to cross and was dragged away by an alligator. His physique was never located.
(Alton Pryor has been a writer for magazines, newspapers, and wire companies. He worked for United Press International in their Sacramento Bureau, dealing with equally printed press as properly as radio news. He traveled the state as a discipline editor for California Farmer Magazine for 27 years. He is now the author of ten textbooks, principally on California and western history. His books can be viewed at http://www.stagecoachpublishing.com. Visitors can e-mail him at stagecoach@surewest.internet.)
As definitely as the seagulls fly along Rhode Island’s forty miles of rugged Atlantic shoreline, many clam shacks abound exactly where clam cakes are sold by the half or entire dozen.
China Food Services, Corp. and California Grapes International, Inc. Announces Official Execution of Merger Agreement
China Food Services, Corp. and California Grapes International, Inc. announces that both companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement to springboard the new company to be China’s largest exclusive California Wine sales and distribution source.
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Amazed, and maybe a little overwhelmed, at the art of wine? Interested in learning about all the different varietals, their descriptions, uniqueness and nurturing of the vines? Want to dazzle your friends as a master of this art, but haven’t had much exposure other than standing in the supermarket aisle trying to decide which “box” to buy?
If wine-in-a-box is the extent of your “fine wine” knowledge, then the good news is that there is plenty of new and exciting information to learn! And, if you are in or entering retirement then you will have plenty of time to become a wine scholar. A tip: Begin with some basic terms, such as types of smell and taste, and grow from there.
Because of the many grapes and resulting wines you may want to “major” your education in a particular wine, say, Cabernet Sauvignon, or even broaden it to different types of red wine. If you are enjoying a Northern California retirement, then you are in luck. Northern California is known for its success in red wines as well as Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Syrah. You will also find that there the wine in California is fairly consistent thanks to its relatively stable weather.
If Northern California is, indeed, your retirement choice, then you are in luck again! Northern California is practically synonymous with wineries. If you are in the Greater San Francisco area, like around Brentwood, you will find hundreds of wineries and acres and acres of grapevines. Visiting wineries will be key in your education – here you are able to sample different types of wine as well as learn about each one of them.
If living close to wineries in an active adult retirement community tops your list for retirement than there may be no better place than Trilogy at the Vineyards – the name almost says it all! Here, you can couple fine wine with fine living. Trilogy at the Vineyards is the home of Club Meganos which features dining at all levels, a full service spa, two pools, a fitness center and a full calendar of events. You can also enjoy a nice glass of wine after a gold game at the Brentwood Golf Course located adjacent to the community, or hit any of the other nearby course such as Roddy Ranch, Shadow Lakes or Deer Ridge. Mount Diablo is not too far way along with Delta if you are the active adult outdoors type.
And, get this…as you are learning your new art be sure to grab a friend, go for a walk and share all the new, exciting information you will be learning. Where to walk? At Trilogy at the Vineyards appropriately named Wine Country Walking Trails, of course!
Cheers!
Take the Pain out of the Pump at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
SONOMA, CA–(Marketwire – 06/29/11) – California Wine Country’s Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa helps travelers deal with high pump prices. According to the L.A. Times, the Golden State has the highest average gas price in the country — so to help our Sonoma hotel’s guests deal with today’s painful pump prices, we’re picking up the first tank. With our Gas and Grapes Sonoma Vacation Package …
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by godutchbaby
Just think about a trip to Tuscany in which you visit gorgeous scenery by day and retire to your elegant villa.
Now take that one step further and imagine finding the same experience just a few hours’ drive from L.A. or the Bay area. The Paso Robles Wine Country is fast becoming just such an alternative for sophisticated travelers who are often surprised to find such an exquisite getaway so close to home.
To be sure, Paso Robles is not going to become a world-class destination like Tuscany anytime soon
More info: www.vinesmart.com Successful Growing wine estate 90 miles east of San Francisco. 5 year annual growth in sales exceeding 25% per year. 2010 sales of over 0K, Sales into more than 25 states and large sales into the growth market in China. 40 Acres of land, 35 planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, 8000 ft of winery, the main house has 3200 sq ft, two employee or rental houses. all equipment, inventory, we sell about 80000 gallons of wine per year. Owner will stay on for one year full time in transition and additional years as a consultant. More info: www.vinesmart.com
Video Rating: 0 / 5
Column: Petit Sirah bigger than expected
GRAPE SENSEBY HOWARD HEWITT There’s nothing better than a glass of wine with a great background story. Concannon of Livermore, Calif., offers both to consumers with an eye on the environment and great wine.
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California Wine Country and wine growing Regions
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California Wine Country and wine growing Regions
By: Mark Adams
Posted: Nov 03, 2010
Renowned throughout the world for its miles of vineyards, charming small towns, and easy-going lifestyle, California’s wine country is perfect for anyone looking to truly “get away from it all”. Napa, Sonoma, and their countless surrounding small towns like Geyserville and Calistoga – these oases of calm and relaxation lie only an hour or two’s drive from San Francisco’s bustling city center. Wine enthusiasts and regular visitors alike flock to the area, eager to experience the Northern California wine country culture. You, too, could have your very own getaway in this gem, complete with fun outdoor activities, wine tasting, and just plain living the good life in one of the area’s many, many spas.
The phrase “wine country” can be somewhat ambiguous to those not from the Bay Area. What locals refer to as wine country is an area of Northern California about 45 miles north of the city of San Francisco. It is primarily compromised of Napa and Sonoma counties, and gets its name from the rich tradition of wine-making that permeates the area. Many refer to it as the “birthplace of California viticulture.” Although quaint small towns with big personalities and lots of activities also dot the area, it is for wine that the region is most well-regarded. The reason there is so much wine grown in the area is namely because of the climate, topography, and soil; these three factors combined have created conditions that grow grapes fine enough to challenge those of France itself in the international market! That is quite a claim to fame! The most notable factor in the success of wine country’s burgeoning success is the region’s Mediterranean climate: a temperate climate characterized by warm and dry weather for most months out of the year along with a steady amount of rainfall. All that sunshine makes the grapes just as happy as it makes the wine country’s visitors and residents!
But the wine country’s past is almost as exciting as its present. The wine country has contributed much to California’s rich history, serving as the site of many significant moments in the state’s development from Indian territory to Spanish colony to independent state. The city of Sonoma was especially essential in this development. Tracing its earliest settlers to several Miwok, Pomo and Wintun Native American tribes, the area’s rich soil and temperate weather was a much-desired commodity even thousands of years ago. These settlements remained until 1823 when Father Joseph Altimira, a Mexican church leader, effectively colonized the area. Altimira created Mission San Francisco Solano under the orders of Father Junipero Serra, who is often referred to as the “father of the California missions.” Soon after barracks were created, however, the Bear Flag revolt occurred under Colonel John Fremont, declaring the state’s independence from Mexico and, eventually, our allegiance with the United States of America.
In the last 30 years, Napa and Sonoma Valley wine country has experienced an incredible boom in both wine sales and tourism. In the mid-1970s there were only a dozen or so wineries left in the area, but following increased interest in the wines exported globally from the area and a dynamic advertising campaign, the California wine country was once again put onto the scene as a preeminent destination for wine connoisseurs and travelers alike. As a visitor, there are many activities in which to partake during your time in the valley.
In addition to visiting wineries that are almost always welcoming to visitors wishing to partake in wine-tasting sessions or tours, the cuisine, spas, and outdoor activities make for both a relaxing and exciting vacation. There are many miles of flat and hilly terrain in both valleys perfect for mountain biking as well as various National Parks open for the hiker in your family. The chic town squares of towns like Geyserville, Sonoma, and Healdsburg make for perfect places to kick back with a glass of wine and a good meal at one of the destination’s multiple famed eateries. The countless hotels and spas scattered across the landscape make getting treatments and going for a dip in a hot spring just an appointment away. In short, there is no end to the relaxing adventures you could have in California’s Sonoma and Napa wine country!
Mark Adams – About the Author:
Mark Adams is a specialized writer in Travel & Tourism related topics.He wrote many articles regarding San Francisco Tours and many more articles can be found at <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/3600680']);” href=”http://www.goldenhorizontravel.com/”>Golden Horizon Travel</a> and <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/3600680']);” href=”http://www.goldenhorizontravel.com/san-francisco/tours.htm”>San Francisco Tours</a>
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/california-wine-country-and-wine-growing-regions-3600680.html
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Get inspired by wine country cuisine
Chef John Ash will be offering two classes at Rudy’s — A Cook’s Paradise in Twin Falls in June.
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by septillion
Canât wait for your next trip, but are miserable at the idea of leaving your best friend behind?
After all, who better to experience long walks on the beach with â or snuggling up on the terrace to watch the sunset with â than your pooch (especially when no meaningful conversation is expected)?
If youâve got to get away, but canât bear the sad look from those puppy dog eyes, maybe itâs time for a little getaway that includes Fido, too. The following are some canine-friendly cities that offer more unusual treats to lure both of you for a visit.
NAPA, CALIFORNIA
âBut my dog doesnât drink,â you argue. No worries. While youâre lapping up
the regionâs top-notch wine, your canine pal will have plenty of things to
do.
WINERIES
Cuvaison Winery
4550 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, California
707-942-6266
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed to join you in the small tasting
room and in the three outdoor picnic areas.
Clos Du Val Winery
5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, California 94558
800-993-9463
Dogs on leashes are allowed in the enormous tasting room and on the property
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hillcrest Country Inn
3225 Lake County Hwy, Calistoga, California
707-942-6334
Host Debbie OâGorman runs this country home with her three dogs, Taz, Debo
and Bamboo, who are friendly and welcoming to other canine friends. The
antique-filled home is located on a hilltop with an unbeatable view of Napa
Valley. You and your pup can romp around the 36-acre property where there is
swimming, hiking and fishing, and then he has the option of staying in your
room or in a large outdoor kennel.
Beazley House Bed & Breakfast Inn
1910 First Street, Napa, California
707-257-1649
Youâll be able to play with resident Golden Retrievers Sissy and Autumn
Beazley in this downtown Napa inn, and youâll even receive a doggie welcome
basket with a bowl, doggie beer, bones and cleanup baggies. Three rooms open
out into the gardens, and there is a per day per dog charge, with a
maximum of two dogs per room.
RESTAURANTS
Angele
540 Main Street, Napa, California
707-252-8115
This gourmet French restaurant allows dogs on leashes in their outdoor
patio, and will provide water and treats while you dine.
Bistro Don Giovonni
4110 Saint Helena Hwy, Napa, California
707-224-3300
This laid-back Mediterranean restaurant (itâs the sister to San Franciscoâs
Scala Bistro) allows dogs in their outdoor tables, but please call ahead to
inform the staff.
Los Angeles already has a reputation for being a dog-friendly city, but its neighbor down south is making steps to become the next hot dog spot in
Southern California. Long Beach is a coastal city that has recently opened three acres of its beach in Belmont Shore as an off-leash area. âThe
Dog Zoneâ visitors must follow the rulesâ only one dog per adult, and pooper-scoopers are a must. The Dog Zone starts at 4800 E. Ocean Blvd., between Roycroft and Argonn streets.
Also in Long Beach is the very active Haute Dogs organization, which
arranges several doggie-centered events in Belmont Shore all year long. The
Haute (pronounced âhotâ) Dog Easter Parade features hundreds of dogs
marching along in bonnets and Easter outfits, while the Howlâoween Parade
and Canine Costume Contest that includes an adoption fair, a bulldog kissing
booth; and a dancing dog demonstrations. If thatâs not doggone wacky enough,
stick around Long Beach for the Haute Dog poetry contest and bulldog beauty
contest.
Several restaurants and shops along the busy Second Street in Belmont Shore
offer water bowls to welcome pets. Pet-friendly accommodations are rather
scarce (you may be better off making Long Beach doggie festivities part of a
day trip), but you can try the following:
Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, a luxury hotel that welcomes dogs of any size
for a non-refundable fee. 111 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, 562-437-5900
Ag worker vanpool program slow to gain traction
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by armadillo444
If you are planning on visiting California, you should take some time out to visit some of the popular wineries. California wine is reputed worldwide. With the amazing weather and the beautiful scenery, wine touring in California is a brilliant way to experience and taste some of the fine vintage US wines. With more than 200 days of sunshine every year, the climate in California is ideal for the wine business. There are 6 predominant varieties of wine in California.
There is the Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine that has a herbal or melon taste and tastes best when accompanying seafood. The Chardonnay has a buttery taste and usually complements seafood and chicken. Among the red wines, there is Pinot Noir, which is fruity and Merlot, which can be either floral or fruity in taste. Then, there is Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel that are spicy, herbal or fruity. Along with these varieties, there are many other types of wines available to tempt your taste buds. The wine tours not only offer an insight on how wine is made, but also on how and when to taste the wine. Tourists are informed about all the local events and annual festivals that focus on wine harvesting and processing.
Even though wine is produced in many places in and around California, the most famous areas are definitely Sonoma County and Napa Valley. The primary focus of any wine tour is wine tasting. When touring California, the some tour guides present their guests with a bottle each of their favorite wine. Apart from touring the vineyards and viewing the different facilities and processes that are a part of wine making, there are many companies that provide virtual tours. These tours are designed for those tourists who are interested in visiting the wineries and vineyards, but dont have the time to actually go on a tour. It is advisable for all, to go on a virtual tour, before you sign up for a real one.
When you are on a wine tour, you might probably end up drinking a lot of the wine offered. It is important to take a good driver along, in case you are touring alone. There are various tour services available, which range from deluxe to regular. Wine touring companies in California offer personal guides and even limousines for you to enjoy the whole experience, luxuriously.
If your day is filled with fun activities, like visiting a casino or taking a sunset cruise on the San Francisco Bay, perhaps you should leave the wine touring for the nights. In case you feel like indulging further, a customized private tour is worth trying. The options may vary from gourmet lunches and limo tours for couples, to accommodation and wine tours. The private tours cater to the needs of everyone. Besides this, there are picnics arranged for small or large groups and other team events are designed as well.
California wine tours are usually in association with the various California wine clubs. The tours are romantic and rewarding. A wine tour is primarily designed to enable you to enjoy the best, luxury and good health, while sipping on a glass of your favorite vintage.
Law change could bring new era for TN whiskey
Local distillers see a growing movement for Tennessee to reclaim its whiskey-making heritage, with enthusiasts flocking to micro-distilleries just as wine lovers visit California’s Napa Valley.
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The association of the California style of wine with deep flavors, forward fruits, high alcohol and a hint of oak, is a thing of the past. However, its a common belief that America witnessed an increase in the revenue of the wine industry, in recent times. The U.S. and Canada were previously accused of favoring beer and spirits over wine, till the magical effects of wine were discovered by the present generation. The burgeoning California wine industry has an origin, prior to the Prohibition in the 1920s. Over 140 wineries had sprouted all over the Napa Valley alone, in 1889.
The Spanish government banned wine grape cultivation in Mexico after the wine industry started competing with Spanish imports, in the late 16th century. The effects of the prohibition were evident in Mexico till the 20th century. The California missions, throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, needed wine on a regular basis. Fr. Junipero Serra at the Mission San Diego de Alcala planted the first vineyard of California in 1769. Fr. Serra brought the Mission grape to California, supposedly from cuttings brought from South America. Though, initially this grape was not considered to be ideal as a table wine, by the mid nineteenth century over 4,000 acres were cultivated around the missions.
Immediately after the Santa Cruz Mission, in 1804, vineyards were planted throughout California. Owing to the deforestation by the lumber industry, vineyards sprouted up on the Santa Cruz Mountains in the following years. Padre Jose Altimira planted several thousand grape vines at the northernmost mission, twenty years after that. Los Angeles had its first European table grape varietals plantation cultivated by Jean-Louis Vignes, in 1833. Richard Henry Dana discussed the wine of early California in his historic account of life on the California coast, in 1934. George Calvert Yount planted the first vineyard in Napa Valley, in 1836.
In the mid nineteenth century, most of the table wines consumed in California were Portuguese imports. Portuguese red wine, cooked in the sun on sailing ships and inadvertently oxidized, was made palatable by sweetening them. This led to the commercialization of Madeira wines, one of the most preferred wines in America. Till date, whenever wines take on a tinge of brown because of being old or due to poor cellaring, they are said to be maderized.
However, consumerism has played a significant role in determining the quality, quantity and even the process involved in wine making. The English designed a rating system for French wines in the eighteenth century and also created Sherry and Madeira. Consumerism steered the California wine industry and later the market determined that the wines should be a little sweet and smooth on the palate. In addition, the market demanded that the acid level should be low. Thus, owing to these requirements, the wine industry had to turn grapes used for making table wines for processing several base wines.
Unlike cheese lovers, wine lovers have better options, as they can find good wines in the supermarkets, provided they know which ones to choose. The market is the most powerful factor that determines not only which varietals will sink or swim, but also which ones will thrive.
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With almost 500,000 vineyard acres and more than 1,200 wineries that produce millions of gallons of wine each year, California is only surpassed by the national yields of France, Spain, and Italy. So, if you are planning your next visit to sunny California, you should definitely consider taking some time out to see some of the world famous Californian wineries. With the brilliantly pleasant weather and the panoramic scenery, taking winery tours in California can be a heady experience and a fun way to taste some of the rich vintage wines that are available here. With more than 150 days of sunshine each year, the California weather is ideal for growing different varieties of wine grape. There are 6 principal varieties of wine in sunny California.
Production of fine vintages in California is largely concentrated in the two most famous regions, Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Sonoma County consists of several well-known locations that include Alexander, Russian River and Glen Ellen. Napa Valley is by and large biggest wine producing region of California. The more popular locations within the Valley are Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Rutherford, St. Helena, and many others. In addition, wine is also produced in regions like San Joaquin, Temecula, Monterey, the Sierra Foothills, Santa Cruz and Mendocino.
Of the white wines, Chardonnay has a rich buttery taste that goes well with seafood as well as chicken. The Sauvignon Blanc is another white wine that has a melon or herbal taste and pairs well with any kind of seafood. Of the red wines, the world famous Zinfandel has a rich herbal, spicy, or fruity taste, while the Pinot Noir has a thick fruity taste. Merlot is another red wine that has a combination of floral and fruity flavors. Another famous Californian red wine is the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Apart from the above-mentioned types of wine, there are other varieties to titillate your taste buds, and the winery tours will give you interesting insights on how wine is made. Wine tasting and yearly wine festivals that are based on harvesting also form part of these wine tours. If you time your trip to California correctly, you will be able to make the most of these winery tours.
Tips for Winery Tours
If you are considering scheduling some time to take a California wine tour, then here are a few tips for you:
. Planning your visit: As with most other things, planning ahead of your tour will help ensure a fun-filled journey. First, you must decide on what area and wineries you would like to visit. Since most of the wineries are close to each other, you can schedule your tour in such a way that you see a couple of wineries in a single day. For more information, try the trade bureaus and winery organizations, or the Internet.
. Make reservations: Most Californian wineries require advance appointments. So, if you are interested in wine tasting, it would be wise to first call beforehand and book a reservation. Make sure you have hotel and travel plans reserved before you start booking for wine tours. If there are any special functions, you may want to allot some time for those too.
. Research: Knowing where you want to go and what you want to see before you start your tour will make things easier for you. This way, you wont waste any time and energy arguing over which is the right way to go. It would be better to hire a driver who knows the area well.
Small wineries or large wineries, California has all kinds of them to satisfy all those wine lovers out there! From farmers picking grapes manually to harvesting machines, Californian wine tours will provide you with plenty of interesting insights on what it is like inside a winery. Whatever may be the case; you will surely have a fun-filled experience with your loved ones and may even gain some knowledge about the California wine industry!
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I love touring wine country. One of my latest visits was to Amador County, Calif., in the Sierra Foothills. What a beautiful, panoramic countryside.
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