Drinking Wines

Whether you are in the throes of a new relationship or adding a bit of magic to one, finding romance in wine country is definitely one way to turn the trick.

Finding Romance in Wine Country

If you’re looking for a great way to spend some time with the one you love, how about planning a romantic getaway weekend? Taking some time to get away with your spouse or lover can definitely strengthen your relationship, as well as allow you to have some much needed rest and relaxation. There are many different places throughout the United States that make great destinations for romance, but heading off to wine country can be one of the most beautiful trips you’ll ever take.

The wine country of Napa Valley, California, is a gorgeous part of the West Coast that makes an excellent spot for getting away from it all. The area is full of different wineries and small towns that make for great wine tours and excursions like antiquing and outdoor activities. The scenery and views of vineyards and coastal beauty are a perfect backdrop for romantic dinners, wine tastings, candlelight massages and more. Spa treatments, such as hot tub soaks, facials and other relaxing techniques mingle perfectly with the setting of the vineyards and green hills.

One of the best spots is the Wine Country Inn, located in the town of St. Helena, California. Nestled in the middle of the Napa Valley vineyard area, this inn offers wine lovers (as well as romantic lovers) a place to spend a weekend in bliss. The impeccably appointed rooms, suites and common areas help to draw you into the romantic feeling of the Napa Valley. The special packages available also offer some opportunities for romance.

The Wine Country Inn’s special occasion package has some details that can make your trip even more memorable. Arrival gifts such as a trail of rose petals to your bed (turned down, either when you arrive or after dinner), and an after dinner brownie for two along with a nightcap of port make excellent touches to your special night. Gourmet breakfasts in your room (because who doesn’t love breakfast in bed?) along with other gifts make the special occasion packages perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary or other romantic occasion.

Whether you want to have just a weekend away or weeks, a trip to wine country can make your love blossom!

Xavier Moldini is with WineriesforYou.com - a directory of wineries.

Because of its proximity to the San Pablo bay, the day time temperature is moderated by wind and fog from this body of water. This makes for excellent conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Subsequently, some of the best American sparkling wine producers are located in the AVA.

You do not have to be a wine expert to enjoy tasting in Carneros. But since Carneros was awarded AVA status in 1980, the number of resident wineries in has greatly increased. So with limited time and budget, which ones do you visit?

No matter how prestigious the area is, no wine is guaranteed to be good. There are so many factors that go into viticulture and winemaking, choosing a wine based solely on the region is basically a shot in the dark. The same can be said for deciding which wineries to visit on a wine tour.

When planning a wine tasting tour, consider wineries that produce the varietals you enjoy or would like to experience. For example, if you want to taste Champagne style Sparkling Wines, Domaine Carneros should be at the top of your list. This winery is owned Taittinger Champagne House. Their stunning Chateau has become a Carneros Landmark, and is among the most beautiful wineries in Napa County. Domaine also offers a thirty minute tour of their facilities, which culminates in their tasting room with spectacular views of their vineyards.

For Pinot Noir aficionados, you cannot go wrong with Acacia Winery. If you choose to visit Acacia, I would advise tasting the 2002 Beckstoffer Pinot Noir; you will not be disappointed.

If you would like to taste a wider range of varietals, visit Artesa Winery. They have produced several wines made with several different grapes that have received 90 points from major wine ratings. This, along with their winery?s recent 10 million dollar renovation has made Artesa a premier destination in Carneros.

Cline Cellars is also a pleasure to visit. Their tasting room is a restored 1850?s farmhouse, and they have a picnic site on the premises that overlooks their 350 acre vineyard. This makes Cline Cellars a great place to taste wine and enjoy your lunch.

Aside from the wine itself, other pleasing aspects of tasting experience lie in the beauty of the tasting room, winery and surrounding landscape. Although it does not take a beautiful setting to enjoy a great wine, it definitely adds to the experience.

The taster?s overall experience is by far the most important part of wine tasting. Most wineries in Carneros realize this, and offer whatever they can to make your trip more enjoyable. Many tastings will be hosted by a member of the winemaking team, so they can answer questions and explain the subtleties of the wines. Whichever wineries you visit, make sure to bring your tasting room etiquette.

First of all, it is not advisable to bring children into the tasting room. As far as the actual tasting is concerned, white wines are generally poured first, followed by reds, and finally desert wines. Within each of these, the lighter bodied wines precede fuller bodied ones. Between each wine, it is common practice to eat a cracker to cleanse your palate.

It is not necessary to finish each wine you taste; it is actually discouraged, especially if you are planning to taste many different wines. Wineries will provide jars to dispose of any excess wine. Additionally, do not feel obligated to try every wine that is offered.

If you ask for a second tasting, it is in good taste to buy a bottle of wine. It is by no means necessary to buy wine when tasting, but if you make an appointment with a smaller winery, it is customary to make a purchase.

If you are thinking about visiting the Napa Valley, Carneros is an excellent place to start your journey into what many people describe as ?heaven on earth.?

Benjamin Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and has written several articles about Napa Valley Wine Tours in Carneros.

On May 24th, 1976 the Napa Valley emerged as one of the world?s premier wine producing regions. L?academie du Vin founder Steven Spurrier assembled a select group of French tasters to conduct a blind taste test including 4 choice reds from Bordeaux and 6 Napa Valley Cabs. The group of tasters assembled to judge the competition were among France?s finest wine professionals. Their impressive credentials gave the tasting legitimacy in the world?s eyes.

The identities of the wine were concealed from the judges until the scores were tallied. Each wine was evaluated on a number of selected criteria, and when all was said and done, California wine would never be the same.

The 1973 Stags Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon came out victorious beating the likes of Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. This was an upset of epic proportions; a surprise even to Stags Leap Wine Cellars owner Warren Winiarski.

The victory became known as the vinous ?shot heard round the world,? and its effects were felt almost immediately. The best Cabs from the Napa Valley were now considered to be on par with the legendary red wines produced in Bordeaux, the birthplace of Cabernet Sauvignon blends. This was one of the single most important events in California viticulture history.

The first vineyards were planted in the region during the late 19th century. Unfortunately, most of these vines were destroyed by either Phylloxera or Prohibition.

During the 1950?s, Stags Leap was covered by groves of various fruit trees. However, Nathan Fay knew that the land had viticultural potential. Fay planted his famous Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard and others began to follow. Warren Winiarski acquired what became Stags Leap Wine Cellars in 1970.

Stags Leap is known for its moderate, breezy climate and volcanic, well-drained soils. It is these conditions which gives Stags Leap Bordeaux varietals their characteristic unabrasive intensity, and have earned Stags Leap the title of ?an iron fist in a velvet glove.?

Stags Leap geology is broken up into two distinct sections: the hills and the lowlands. The rocky, volcanic soils on the hillside are planted almost exclusively with Bordeaux varietals, notably Cabernet Sauvignon. The hillside soil drains extraordinarily well, translating into large root systems that search for underground water sources. The effects are healthy vines that produce a small quantity of grapes with intense flavors.

Although Stags Leap is best known for its Bordeaux varietals, the lowlands also produce award winning wines. Because this section of Stags Leap is near the Napa River, the soils are composed of silt, clay and river rocks. Additionally, the soils are peppered with alluvial volcanic sediment which has washed down from the hillside over the years. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate plantings in this part of the region.

There is a small ridge that runs North and South bordering Stags Leap that funnels winds from the San Pablo Bay through this region. These winds cool the area, and keep acidity high in grapes. Coupled with sunny days and well-drained soils, this leads to wines of considerable depth and balance.

Considering the complexity of viticulture and winemaking, it is difficult to isolate specific conditions that make for great wine. But Stags Leap has proven time and time again that it has the necessary conditions to produce vintages of rare quality.

Because of the unique microclimate and soils of Stags Leap, it was given AVA status in 1989. AVA stands for American Viticulture Area, and is an important designation for a wine producing area to achieve. Each AVA is recognized to be fundamentally distinct from the surrounding area in terms of soil and climate. For anyone who wants to experience the cr?me de la cr?me of the Napa Valley, a Stags Leap Cab will satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Benjamin Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and has written several articles about Napa Valley Wine Country in Stags Leap.