WineCountry Staff: July 2010 Archives

By Courtney Cochran

Home to more than a dozen bona fide restaurants - and more Michelin stars per capita than any place in the world, Yountville is easily one of the nation's premier dining destinations.  So while it makes sense that dinner is often the primary item on visitors' agendas after dark, it's also true that good nightlife can be had in this Wine Country hamlet:  You just have to look a little harder for it than you would within city limits.  Those looking to keep the party going after the check arrives should read on for tips on the best spots to take in a little nightlife in this newly hot Wine Country hamlet.

If you are looking for a unique wine tasting experience, then make sure your next visit to Napa Valley Wine Country in the town of Yountville includes Ma(i)sonry. They pair "artisan wines with exquisite art and furnishings in a historic setting".

The building itself dates back to 1904, one of three stone buildings in Yountville and one of only tow listed on the Nation Register of Historic Places. But this is no museum! Reminiscent of a home or private club, leisurely view furnishings ranging from the 16th century to the mid-twentieth century as well as contemporary collections of art on display from well known and respected artists.

Additionally, not only can you peruse the design and art collections at Ma(i)sonry, you are also welcome to do the same at their other three gallery locations: I.Wolk Gallery in St. Helena, Sculpture gardens at Auberge de Soleil in Rutherford, CA and/or the sculpture gardens at MacArthur Place in Sonoma, CA.

By Courtney Cochran

Call Yountville what you like - gourmet mecca, Wine Country paradise, vinous nirvana - just don't miss a stay in this bucolic hamlet superbly situated in the heart of Napa Valley. Herein, tips on where to rest your head when you touch down in this oenological utopia.

YOUNTVILLE, CA - A vacation, weekend retreat,  or day excursion in Yountville is by itself a treat, but to sweeten your escape, why not take advantage of the promotions and offers that many Yountville lodging, winery and spa retreats are offering? Planning a "Suite Romantic Getaway", a "De-Stressing" time out, or off-the-beaten path wine tasting couldn't get any easier. And after all, the more you save, the more you can truly experience Yountville! Some of these offers expire at the end of July*!

YOUNTVILLE, CA - Set amid the vibrant and lively town of Yountville is Vintage Inn. Romance and relaxation radiate through the wonderful water walkways with lavender swaying slightly from the soft breeze. It's a slice of Provence tucked away and set off from the hurried pace of Washington Street's southern end.

Luxurious accommodations await your arrival with modern amenities and a complimentary bottle of wine. Guests love the oversize sunken whirlpool bathtub. Set up some candles and you've just created a romantic respite in the space of your room. Reserve a balcony room, sit outside and enjoy views of Domaine Chandon's vineyards. 

YOUNTVILLE, CA - There's no need to travel to Italy, when you have a Tuscan getaway right here in Napa Valley! Discover the newest hotel in Yountville, Hotel Luca and what makes it a great location for your next luxury hotel stay.

Made in Italia by by Sarah Sung
When it comes to visiting Wine Country, there's so much more to it than wine tasting and vineyard visits. Add bountiful food, elegant scenery, and luxurious spa treatments, for example. And Hotel Luca, the newly opened boutique resort just steps from the French Laundry and across from local dive Pancha's, on the north end of Yountville, successfully incorporates it all with its well-appointed 20-room accommodations.

YOUNTVILLE, CA - Luxurious accommodations at four star resorts and hotels, Michelin star rated restaurants, boutique style shopping, art galleries, activities ranging from hot air balloon rides to zip lining, and wineries of every variety and style - welcome to Yountville. Experience why this town is considered the must-stop wine destination in Napa Valley.


Travel, Taste, and Things To Do
Hotel Luca: A Tuscan Getaway
Vintage Inn: A Slice of Provence
Yountville Tasting Itinerary
Taste in Town
Bell Wine Cellars Wins!
Summer Lunching in Yountville
Secret Gardens of The French Laundry & Bardessono
Tomatoville Touches Down
Summer Events

Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Find a place to stay at several resorts, hotels, and bed & breakfasts.
Make reservations in advance at some of the best restaurants.
Print out tasting offers from several wineries on your itinerary.
See the vineyards from a hot air balloon ride, or by bike!

by Courtney Cochran

With a nod to Jimmy Buffet's catchy vaca anthem, Margaritaville, Yountville's Bardessono and Hill Family Estate will bring Wine Country visitors the three-day Tomatoville celebration September 10, 11 and 12.  Billing the tomato "Mother Nature's finest fruit (since the grape)," the event's sponsors promise a juicy lineup of activities; highlights include:

JULY

July 29 -- Brix Unpaved
Celebration, Food Education: Brix Restaurant brings global flavors to the Napa Valley with "Brix Unpaved", a series of events celebrating the best in international "street food". Please join us for our food and drink celebrations set along our garden pathway and vineyard. Tonight's theme: French Flair. 7377 ST Helena Hwy Yountville CA

SONOMA VALLEY, CA - Visiting Sonoma Valley wine country has a calming aura in the air that speaks to the senses. The rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and charming towns invite you to linger and take a casual stroll down the street, dine at a host of eateries including bakeries and cheese shops, wine taste at several wineries or wine bars, or window shop at an array of funky boutiques. These are just a few of the treasures that lie ahead. See what WineCountry.com has unearthed for you and start planning your Sonoma Valley trip now!

Travel, Taste, and Things To Do
The Unexpected on Sonoma Square
Wine Tasting in Kenwood
Romance in Glen Ellen - Where to Stay
Off the Beaten Track in Glen Ellen
Sonoma Valley Summer Events
Best Spots To Eat!
Insider Tip on Where to Golf

Getting Married?
Sonoma Wine Country Wedding Guide
Request Wedding Info

By Deirdre Bourdet

It happens to everyone at some point--you find yourself in wine country on a sunny afternoon, and everything seems like you've seen or done it a million times.  Wine tasting? Sigh... nothing could sound less appealing.  Artisanal cheese and bread?  Snore.  Fortunately, there are plenty of more unusual activities hiding in plain view on and around the Sonoma Square.

JULY

  July 17 -- MacRostie Winery Summer Celebration
Celebration, Wine Education: Wine tasting to celebrate the release of our 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and limited bottlings of Wildcat Mountain Pinot Noir. Enjoy live music while indulging in incredible wines, local oysters, Cowgirl Creamery cheeses and Della Fattoria breads! 21481 Eighth Street East, Sonoma
Fee: $20/Wine Club Members Free Time: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 996.4480



July 24 - 25 -- Catalan Festival at Gloria Ferrer
Festival: Mark your calendar for our annual Catalan Festival, a celebration of the winery's Spanish roots and the opening of our winery in July 1986. This festival is all about good food, wine and fun, of course, with a Catalan accent. 23555 Hwy 121 (also called Arnold Drive) Sonoma
Fee: $50 Adults/$42.50 Club Members & Under 21Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 933.1999

by Barbara L. Steinberg

FAIRFIELD/SUISUN VALLEY, CA - A short distance from California's world-famous wine regions - Napa and Sonoma - you'll discover a bucolic wine country in Suisun Valley and Green Valley. An idyllic destination, the Suisun (pronounced sue-soon) and Green valleys are conveniently located less than 50 miles from Sacramento or San Francisco, off Interstate 80 near Fairfield. Driving past the suburban and urban elements of the city and, suddenly, spread-out before you is rural California...beautiful valleys bounded by two coastal ranges. The valleys have roots dating back to the 1800s and represent more than a century of continuous wine grape growing activity.   

JULY - OCTOBER

Vezer Family Vineyard Summer Concert Series

Join the fun at Vezer Family Vineyard with live music, wine and food all summer long! Upcoming acts include Mojo Jelly, The Rhythem Method, The Wes/Benson Experience, Ritmojito and many more! Wine for sale by the bottle or glass, table service can be purchased from the Vintage Caffe. Tickets can be purchased at Vezer Family Vineyard, Blue Victorian Winery, on our website or by phone. Use code VEZER500 for free glass of wine. Mankas Corner Tasting Room, 2522 Mankas Corner Road, Ste V, Suisun Valley

Fee: $17.50 Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Phone Number: (888) 823.VINE

By Robert Farmer

Pebble Beach is a special golf course built on a special piece of earth - pushed up against the edge of the continent on a dramatic stretch of coastline that would inspire awe whether it was manicured to within an inch of its life, or left to evolve in its own natural course. It was the most impossibly beautiful setting for the 2010 U.S. Open where Graeme McDowell claimed victory. The golf course is hallowed ground for golfers. Pros aim to tame it, amateurs endeavor to experience it. Tales of lore and weekend warrior stretch as far out as the great Pacific Ocean along the 18th fairway.  Alas, not everyone has $500 in green fees burning a hole in the pocket of their golf pants to play at Pebble Beach.  If you fall into that category, read through my suggestions for golf clubs and courses along the coast or in Carmel/Monterey.