California: The Napa Valley

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America’s most famous wine region is the Napa Valley located
approximately fifty miles north of San Francisco. The proximity to one of California’s largest cities makes it an easy day trip out of San Fran. Once you reach the thirty-five mile long valley you’ll understand why this area is famous for its restaurants, hotels, spas and, of course, wineries.

Highway 29 cuts right through the Napa Valley and along that route there are over three hundred wineries. Imigrants from Europe first realized the grape growing potential of this area back in 1858. Cool nights, sunny days and a long growing season were prime factors in the development of the valley. It was a rocky beginning however, due to natural disasters (root-destroying insects) and the Prohibition era.

During Prohibition the farmers turned to other crops such as almonds and fruit trees to provide for their families. It wasn’t until the early 1960’s and the arrival of Robert Mondavi to the Napa that the wine industry took a turn for the good. And what a turn it was. The revival of wine making in this area has earned it the title of world-class wine region. Wine connoisseurs declare some Napa wines to be just as good, if not better, than their European rivals.

Napa has become an amazingly popular tourist attraction since its revival. You can find romantic getaway packages to many of the luxury hotels that dot the valley. Remember, there are mountains all around you and grape vines as far as the eye can see. Imagine a room with a balcony, a chilled bottle of chardonnay as you and your partner watch the sun set behind the hills. Some of the better known luxury hotels in the Napa Valley are the Meadowood Resort and the Auberge du Soleil.

Then there are the gourmet meals at several of the larger wineries served with samplings from their well-stocked cellars. Lunch can be just as much of an adventure as dinner and sometimes it’s a less expensive way to enjoy what the restaurants have to offer. We suggest Mustard’s Grill and the famous French Laundry restaurant  located in Yountville. Reservations are suggested at both locations.

One of the most unique opportunities to experience the Napa region is to jump on board the Napa Valley Wine Train.

The ride takes about three hours return. You’ll pass several vineyards on your journey and dine in turn of the century Pullman cars. The cost can be pretty expensive depending on the plan you choose. The upside is the prospect of a romantic ride in an antique railcar as the sun sets in the Valley.

While the Napa Valley has become synonymous with wineries and luxury hotels the area itself is a haven for athletes and outdoorsy type people. On just about any day of the week you can spot joggers and cyclists enjoying the meandering country roads and the spectacular views to say nothing of the abundance of fresh air.

The local vintners are proud to offer you, their guests, tours of their wineries. They will explain the wine making process, show you the caves where the barrels of wine are stored until ready for market and of course, there is often a wine sample waiting for you at the finish line.

The feel and welcome you get when visiting the Napa region is very old world. The historic grounds of many wineries have been exquisitely restored to the way they must have looked in the fertile grape growing European countries.

Take a drive, leave the stress and pace of the city behind. Choose Napa for your next romantic getaway destination.

Embrace each other!

Tagged with: California wine country • Cool Nights • European Rivals • Fruit Trees • Gourmet Meals • Grape Vines • Luxury Hotels • Meadowood Resort • Napa • Napa Valley • Napa Wine • Napa Wines • Natural Disasters • Prime Factors • Prohibition Era • Robert Mondavi • romantic getaway destination • Romantic Getaway Packages • Samplings • San Francisco • Wine Connoisseurs • Wine Industry • Wine Region • World Class Wine

Filed under: California Getaway Destinations

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