WineCountry Staff: February 2013 Archives

Tasting Fee Budget for the Day: $15 Per Couple. 
To keep these kinds of offers, buy a couple of bottles that you enjoy! (*Please let the staff know that you were referred by WineCountry.com)

On your way to Healdsburg, stop off at:

Korbel Champagne Cellars, 13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, (707) 824.7000

• Complimentary tastings - 20% off wine purchases!
• 10AM- Allow One Hour or relax a while longer
• No Reservation Required
• Directions to Next Stop: SE on River Rd for 2.3 mi., L on Westside and stay on Westside (R at Fork) for 12.2 mi., R on Kinley Dr, 1st R on Magnolia

Alderbrook Winery, 2306 Magnolia Drive, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 433.5987

Enjoy the fresh spring air, blue skies, and breathtaking vineyard views when you cycle through Napa Valley by bike! Clif Family Wines not only offers some killer Zins (we recommend buying a case of the '09 Gary's Improv), but also unique cycling packages and weekend group rides from their tasting room in St. Helena at Velo Vino.

Read a snippet of their most recent blog post on "Spring Cycling in the Napa Valley"

Even though we are still waking up to morning frost in the Napa Valley, spring is really just around the corner. It will soon be time to dust off your bike, tune it up and head for the hills. Nothing gets us more excited at Velo Vino than spring time in the Napa Valley. Not only do we get to release some great new vintages of our Clif Family Wines, but we also get to see our cyclist friends pop in for a visit.

This spring we will once again be coordinating weekend group rides twice monthly from Velo Vino. The rides always begin and end at Velo Vino and typically range from about 30-40 miles. The rides start on Saturdays in late April/early May depending on weather. More information will be posted on our web site soon.

If you are visiting from out of the area and want to enjoy Napa Valley by bike, consider one of our bike rental packages. . . READ MORE.

Check out more photos on their Pinterest Page!

Take the whole family and enjoy a weekend of bird watching and nature hikes in the American Canyon Wetlands.

The American Canyon Wetlands is a 465 acre site located adjacent to over 10,000 acres of restored wetlands managed by the State Department of Fish & Wildlife.  It is home to such endangered species as the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse and the Snowy Plover.  Almost 100 different species of birds have been observed in the area.  This is truly a wonderful outdoor experience for families as well as serious birders.  Discover the secret of the American Canyon Wetlands.

Discovery Days is part of the 17th Annual San Francisco Flyway Festival, and co-sponsored by the Napa Solano Audubon Society.  The event is free and open to the public.There will be guided tours on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and on Sunday at 1 p.m.  Self-guided tours on trails include viewing stations and expert birders on hand to answer questions.

Information stations with volunteers will be available at these two locations on Saturday (9am-4pm) and Sunday (9am-3pm):

• Location 1: American Canyon Wetlands (Eucalyptus Drive & Wetlands Edge Rd.)

• Location 2: The main Flyway Festival building Bldg.#223, 500 Connolly St. on Mare Island (along with all the other groups participating in the festival) 

CLICK HERE to see full schedule of events planned.

By: Harvest Inn in St. Helena, CA
Photo Credit: Patricia Mark Photography

Now is the time to turn a dream of a romantic, al fresco wedding deep in Napa Valley's wine country  into a reality - before the summer is booked up.  Most couples think of having a wedding ceremony at a winery; unfortunately, many Napa Valley wineries are not permitted to serve as a wedding venue. However, don't despair brides, you can still have your fairy tale wine country wedding with beautiful views of the vineyards as the setting.

Harvest Inn, located in the charming town of St. Helena, hosts dozens of weddings annually. Named one of the 'Most romantic date destinations in America' by Redbook magazine, Harvest Inn's eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and vineyards offer a setting unmatched anywhere else in Napa Valley. This gorgeous setting is just steps away from where the happy couple exchanges "I do's".

The perfect place to turn that first date into a lasting commitment is the Vineyard Terrace - a favorite for ceremonies - that creates a stunning setting overlooking the Leonardini Vineyards with views of the Mayacamas Mountains beyond. Afterward, guests can sip cocktails and play croquet and badminton on the Manor House Lawn, while the same Vineyard Terrace is transformed for an elegant dinner. The morning following the big day, newlyweds can wake up to a complimentary wine country breakfast and unwind with spa treatments in a private cabana by the vineyards. Surrounded by redwoods and grape vines, the Inn has a secluded feel, yet guests can still walk to St. Helena's  pleasant Main Street, home to several fine dining restaurants and boutiques.