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Napa
County
Napa
Valley Websites and Information
"Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more
elegant, every day more civilized”, so said world
renowned epicurean Andre Simon. And if we are talking
about wine, how can we not mention the intoxicating Napa
Valley?!? When it comes to the sweet nectar, few other
counties in California can even come close to beating
it. Cosseted on the northern side of the renowned SF Bay
Area, Napa County is America’s answer to all things
invigorating. The weather is always partial to this
land. No matter where you go, you will find warm
sunshine accompanying you, lighting up everything it
falls on and bringing out the best of colors!
Flanked by breathtaking
views as far as eyes take you, Napa valley is blessed
with an exciting topography and history. Rolling
mountains, flowery meadows, rippling waterfalls, you
will find all this and more in the haven for beauty. No
other county comes so dipped in the national flavor as
the good ol’ Napa. And good old it is! Napa valley is
very much a part of America’s colonial history, in fact;
it is one of the earliest counties of the country that
were created way back in the 1850’s.
Marbled with warmth, mystique and allure, Napa entrances
you with its many layers. On the northern side, lies the
mighty Mayacamas Mountains which can boast of having one
of the tallest peaks in the area, Mount Saint Helena.
Also, the county has another famous mount, the Hood
Mountain which has never ceased to inspire wonder and
awe. Besides the hills and mountains, Napa County has to
its credit various state parks and valleys-Snell Valley,
Missimer Wildflower Preserve are the ones every nature
lover must visit. Talking about nature, it has to be
mentioned that the variety of flora and fauna that you
get to see here is awe striking to say the least. If you
are lucky you may spot a few endangered species as well!
Napa County is a shrine
for all those who love this elixir of life ‘wine’ but if
you thought that a visit to this part of the state is
all about wineries, then you thought wrong. The wine
county has lot of aces up its sleeve. Yes, obviously a
visit here is guaranteed to make you want to check out
the many wine producing areas. The best and the most
coveted wine here is the Cabernet Sauvignon which is
famous even the world over. The major wine producers of
the area include Colgin Cellars, Jericho Canyon
Vineyards, Dominus Estate, Steltzner Vineyards and many
more. There are over 300 wineries here and each makes
fore some memorable time.
Sight seeing in the Napa valley is lot of fun! Romance
the area; Just swirl in a sip of the most exquisite red
grapes, forget all else and go wherever your feet point
to! Napa opens itself to its admirers and interacts in
various ways…with National protected areas, rivers,
creeks and reservoirs so generously dotting the area,
the valley becomes an absolute joyride!
And talking about a joyride, the best way to kick start
your journey into this land of scintillating delight is
through the Napa Valley Wine Train. Winding through the
dusty roads and green fields, it presents Napa at its
natural best, truly a sight to be relished. If the
aerial view is what fascinates you then hop on to an air
balloon ride and get a bird’s eye view of the entire
valley! Yet another choice of enjoying the town is
through bikes. Peddle your way across the valley and
catch magnificent view of the grounds.
The
valley offers various leisure activities. Enjoy the
wildlife parading serenely in their habitat at the San
Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge or forget the worries
of the world as you cruise along the Napa River gazing
at the sun as it sets the water aflame as it sinks into
the river waters. There are various reservoirs out here
in the county that you can also visit, namely East Napa
Reservoir, East Side Reservoir and Fiege Reservoir.
Hiking enthusiasts have the perfect avenue for enjoying
their favorite sport at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and
Silverado Trail. The scenery is lush green peppered with
an assortment of flora making it a memorable trip.
Lovers of art and history can spend hours gazing at the
collection at the Napa Valley Museum or check out the
wine gallery-The Hess Collection. If you wish to indulge
in learning how the enthralling red drink is made, then
take a quick course at Seguin-Moreau Napa Cooperage;
it’s the way wine was made in the good ol’ days. Enjoy
the musical strains in the evening at the Napa Valley
Opera House or Napa Valley Symphony Concert. If golfing
is what you truly enjoy then Napa Valley offers a lot of
challenging golf courses- choose from Eagle Vines Golf
Club or Mt. St. Helena Golf Course or Napa Valley
Country Club to name the best few.
The county of Napa includes towns like Calistoga, Napa,
Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Yountville. These
draw tourists in large numbers throughout the year. Each
city has its own charm and evokes myriad sentiments.
Calistoga has the allure of a small old town where life
goes by at its own leisurely pace. Situated at the very
northern end of the county, the town has a very
interesting story to tell. Originally named Saratoga,
the name got twisted into Calistoga, when one of the
then very prominent men from the region called it
‘Calistoga of Sarafornia’, after a bout of heavy
drinking thereby cementing its place and unique name in
the annals of history. Calistoga has a lot to offer to
keep even a seasoned tourist attracted; hot spring spas,
fun shopping avenues, vineyards and a breathtaking view
of the countryside! A self proclaimed ‘Spa Capitol of
northern California’, your time here will be best
enjoyed when you let yourself soak in the hot springs
and mud bath spas. Evening times are best suited to take
a stroll on the Lincoln Avenue. You can window shop or
actually shop and come out with few interesting buys.
Also the art galleries here are very much liked as are
the bookstores that can be found here in numbers. Those
who have a passion for safaris can have a fascinating
experience touring the Safari West with its 400 acre
wide preserve. If you manage to be here during the month
of March then ensure that you and your family attend the
much-awaited Jazz festival. If you wander a little
ahead, you will find yourself at the “old faithful of
California”- a geothermal geyser. The geyser presents a
magnificent sight- the bamboo grass that curtains the
shallow pond slowly gives way to a more virile vision
that is bubbling away hot water with gusto! As you see
gallons of boiling hot water springing upwards, you will
find yourself being transported to a wonder land. The
whole image seems to be a fetching picture, what with
the mountains patiently gazing at the effervescent
geyser spurting out hot bursts of water!
Another city you must
visit is the county seat Napa. The heart of the county,
Napa is a wonderful town to enjoy your holidays at.
Nightlife, amusement parks, nature parks, everything is
available here for your enjoyment. Have a grand time as
you step into the Scientopia Discovery Centre; it is a
must not just for the kids but also for the adults!
Yet another city where you
can make a pit stop at is the unincorporated land of
Oakville. The place is known for its position in
American history as a stop for water for the steam
trains that were the norm back in the 1860’s. This
picturesque town got its name as a result of the intense
coppice of oak that can be seen everywhere. The place
has a lot of wineries where you can go and spend some
pleasant time with your loved one. Walk through the
vineyards and get lost in their enticing appeal.
Yet another town where you can make a pit stop while
traversing through the roads of the Napa County is the
town of Rutherford. A small sleepy town in the valley,
it is, famous for its wineries and wine bars. You can
check out places like Alpha Omega Winery, Beaulieu
Vineyard, Frog's Leap Winery, Grgich Hills Cellar, Home
Winemakers Classic and Niebaum-Coppola Winery. There is
nothing better than forgetting all else and letting
yourself sink into the pleasures of such corporeal
pleasures. Shopaholics can stop at Napa Valley Grapevine
Wreath Company and check out the some really interesting
stuff.
Those looking for a dash of romance, old style, have the
wonderful St. Helena to come out. Heralded as the
‘heart’ of the valley, you will definitely lose your
heart to it. Its beauty and charm will enthrall you and
surely leave you wanting for more. St. Helena is the
place where romance sizzles and love grows. With a
backdrop of the mounts and the lush green vineyards, you
will be spellbound! The town is a thriving centre for
art, culture, fine dining and wine tasting. Put on your
favorite dress, put your best foot forward and step out
to have an exhilarating time. The mesmerizing city of
St. Helena generously lays out everything for you to
savor. Let your taste buds on a tantalizing ride as you
relish the choicest of wines from the local wineries.
The Flora Springs Winery is especially good; a must
visit for all couples. Aficionados of shopping can
splurge at the downtown market area which can also
double up as a date with history. Buy artifacts in
exciting colors for yourself and your friends and
family!!! Feel rejuvenated as you go for any of the
health and wellness spas. The rejuvenation of mind, body
and soul is promised here! Let the chef inside you come
out, enroll yourself with a quick class with the
Culinary Institute and who knows you might just be able
to turnout lip-smacking snacks for you and your family!
Wildlife lovers can regale themselves as they head onto
the difficult paths and terrains, which the trails at
St. Helena will provide.
As you get ready to
complete your fascinating tour of the valley, your last
stop has to be the captivating town of Yountville. It is
an American Viticultural Area and has the honor of being
the first town where a vineyard was established.
Absolutely amazing in its allure, the city entices you
with establishments like the Lincoln Theatre, Thomas
Keller's French Laundry restaurant and Domaine Chandon
winery. Who’s who of the world comes to grab a meal at
this uber sophisticated French restaurant that has been
considered in the top 50 best restaurants of the world.
Try to get a reservation at French laundry, if you are
lucky enough to get in, then be prepared for being
pampered and being given a truly spectacular service.
Five star dining couldn’t have gotten any better than
this-Lip-smacking dishes, with ingredients flown in from
allover the world, top class chefs. All you need with
you is a big appetite! If you are the kind who can find
‘comfort’ only in comfort food then don’t worry,
Yountville caters to even such needs of yours. The town
has the famous Ad Hoc that dishes out some of the
scrumptious dishes in the county. Certainly not be
passed!!! If you thought this town was all about food,
then you thought wrong! Art lovers can have a wonderful
time at the Lincoln Theatre; it brings out some
absolutely lovely performances which are much
appreciated.
Napa Valley is a treasure find in its own right.
Sprawling vineyards that take you in a daze with their
heart stopping beauty surround you at every step. It is
said few other pleasure match up to the sight of a lush
green vineyard pregnant with voluptuous grapes. And at
Napa valley, America’s own lill wine capital, we are
sure you will be very pleased…
City of Napa
Napa Chamber of Commerce
Napa County, California
NapaValley.com
Napa County on Wikipedia
Napa Valley College
Napa Valley Register -
Local News |
