Traveling the California Grapevine

The world of wine has experienced a cultural revolution in this country over the last few decades. People as diverse as the varietals are appreciating wine and all its nuances. Whether you are an aficionado or a novice, you no doubt have heard of California's Napa Valley. Well Napa is not the only region producing great wines, there are several throughout the state - making California the ideal travel destination for those who want to savor the good life.

Located to the north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is just 30 miles long and a few miles wide at its broadest point. It is America's foremost wine-growing appellation, while producing only four percent of the total wine grown in California annually. Despite its notoriety and the unbelievable concentration of wineries, Napa Valley is the perfect place to get a hands-on feel for the winemaking process. Winemakers at the over 200 wineries are thrilled to share with visitors just what they do, from the vineyards to the barrels, bottling to the tasting room.

True wine tasting etiquette dictates that after you savor the essence of the wine on your palate, you spit. For many however, that "essence" is just too good to let go of. If you find yourself in this category on your tour, one option is the Napa Wine Shuttle. For a per person fee this company offers door to door service, stopping at as many of their ten partner wineries you choose, including a champagne cave. They are associated with some of the top vineyards in Napa - Beaulieu, Niebaum-Coppola, Robert Mondavi, and many more. There are other tour companies that offer limousine, train, bus, horse drawn carriage, or even hot air balloon alternatives.

If you are one who prefers to venture out on your own, there are a tremendous amount of options available. Consider visiting boutique wineries, or those specializing in your varietal of choice, say a Pinot Noir trip. Rutherford Hill has extensive wine caves, step back in time at the Graeser Winery, "spit on the floor" at Merryvale, experience gallery quality modernism at Artesa, and for the socially conscious, Ehler's Estate donates their profits to fund cardiovascular research.