WHALE WATCHING AT BODEGA HEAD

Giants Migrate Along the Sonoma Coast and Bodega Bay

Giants Migrate Along the Sonoma Coast at Bodega BayWhales 1

The epic migration of whales peaks from January through May, but is visible during much of the year. Each year gray and blue whales travel south from the Chukchi Sea near Alaska and down to Baja California for winter, then back north for the summer feeding season. A great vantage point is the Ocean Overlook at Bodega Head, or various whale watching boat trips launching from the local area.

Bodega TourStewards of the Coast Volunteers are on site every Saturday & Sunday, Noon-4pm, January through May as weather permits, except Easter and Fisherman’s Festival.

Since protection of Gray Whales came in 1946, the population has rebounded from about 2,000 to over 21,000 individuals. This may have been the norm before people arrived; in 1994, as a result of the recovery, Gray Whales were removed from the Endangered Species List.

Whales 2Napa Valley Wine Country Tours would love to take you on this extraordinarily scenic journey to the coast.  You can taste wine and cheese along your route, as you travel through vineyards, dairy farms, apple orchards, and farms where our famous Sonoma artisan cheeses are made.  In this case in particular…getting there is half the fun!  And at the end of your trip you will have the opportunity to view these amazing Grey Whales…the gentle giants of the sea.  It is a trip you won’t soon forget.

An Evening at Fish Story

Fish Story Restaurant in NapaGrilled Alaskan Halibut from Fish Story

Fish Story, offering sustainable, seasonal, ocean-fresh seafood, is Lark CreekRestaurant Group’s first entry into the Napa Valley dining scene…and what an entrance they have made!

We were first greeted by Santino, the oh-so-gracious host with a big smile, and he immediately showed us to our lovely table on the back patio, right on the Napa River.  In an instant, the General Manager, Jeremiah Peck, stopped by to make sure we were happy with our table, and to offer his services should we need anything at all.  As we settled in, our server, Heath, arrived to take our cocktail order, and he returned “lickety split” with two perfect drinks.   Heath left us to enjoy our cocktails, then returned shortly to explain the menu, the specials, and their general philosophy of “local, sustainable, seasonal” seafood.  It was quite impressive.

We started with fried calamari (and to this Southern girl’s delight, fried okra as well), which was served with fresh lemon wedges and a lovely spiced yogurt sauce.  Next course, please – Pickled Artichoke Salad, with arugula, pecorino, manuka honey-hazelnut vinaigrette…yum!  The New England Clam Chowder was near perfection, with an abundance of clams in a not too thick broth.  Heath now showed up with a complimentary appetizer from Chef Clint Davies, who just wanted us to try it – Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Tartare, with Asian pear, chili, yuzu pepper, ginger, shallot, shiso…amazing….served with chile dusted pita chips.  We hadn’t even started the main course, and we were getting wonderfully full.

OK…main course, and this is so impressive.  All the seafood on the menu is already paired with sides, sauces, etc.  BUT, if you would prefer, they will take whatever fish you want, simply grill it, and then give you a choice of 3 different sauces and two sides!  We both chose the halibut, with lemon butter sauce with fresh grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and roasted cauliflower with bacon jam, yes, bacon jam!         Dessert was a light fresh strawberry sorbet, with chocolate hazelnut biscotti, and, of course, an espresso, brewed to absolute perfection.

Several times during the meal, the GM stopped back by to check on us, and when we were finished eating, he stopped just for a chat.  What can I say?  Unbelievable food, service, ambience, view…the entire package one wants for a special night out.

Napa Valley Wine Country Tours proudly recommends this restaurant for lunch before heading out wine tasting, or dinner when you return.  And if you choose just to walk around downtown to our many tasting rooms, stop by Fish Story for a meal.  You will be delighted!

Signature Fish Story Tuna Tartare                  Tombo Tuna Nicoise Salad from Frish Story Restaurant

Get ready, Napa…it’s BOTTLEROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jane's Addiction
BottleRock Napa is the ultimate 5-day celebration of music, wine, food, comedy and beer. A combination that could only reach its peak in The Napa Valley.  Starting May 8th and running through May 12th, 2013, BottleRock will bring today’s hottest artists in music, food and wine to tens of thousands of fans right in the heart of Downtown Napa.

In just two easily walkable square miles along the picturesque Napa River, fans will be able to choose between multiple stages that offer the perfect venue for everything from 20,000 fist-pumping fans to an intimate acoustic set.

There will be little to no parking at the event site, and Napa Valley Wine Country Tours will be available for private or group transportation to and from your hotel.  www.winecountrylimos.com, or give us a call at  707-226-3333.

Zac Brown Band

Napa Valley Wine Train – Step back in time

hd_trainFrom the moment you board the Napa Valley Wine Train, you are transported to a time when life moved more slowly, when elegance was the norm, and when attention to detail and quality were highly valued. The Napa Valley Wine Train’s history is almost as old as the state of   California’s. The rail line upon which the train travels was built in 1864 by San Francisco’s first millionaire, Samuel Brannan.
Northbound, you will be seIMG_0072ated in a lounge car, and served champagne and hors d’ oeuvres.  Southbound, you will be seated in the fully restored 1915-1917 Pullman Dining Car, with its soft lighting and white linen tablecloths, where you will enjoy an exquisite, “prepared to order” 3 course meal. 

Wine-Train-BartenderExecutive Chef Kelly MacDonald, and his on-board staff invite you to the kitchen car to watch them cook and serve your lunch or dinner. There is a wine tasting car, where you can sample rare boutique wines, and you can walk the entire length of the train as you traverse the valley, from Napa to St. Helena and back.  The small platform on back of the last car is a popular place for souvenir photos.

Train-Under-GlassThe Wine Train offers special tours that include stops at Castello di Amorosa, Domaine Chandon, Grgich Hills, Raymond Vineyards and ZD wines.  They also offer the exciting and fun Murder Mystery Tour, on which you “dress and play the part” of your character, and spend an evening trying to solve the murder.  Please visit their website, www.winetrain.com, to find all the different ways to enjoy the Napa Valley Wine Train experience. The romantic dinner in that old movie house is suggestive of wine country, and that is just what the Napa Valley Wine Train delivers.

Napa Valley Wine Country Tours is proud to be associated with the Napa Valley Wine Train, and we are always available to safely deliver you to the McKinstry Street Station. The gourmet dinner in the “Vista Dome” is a good choice!

 

Healdsburg…My, oh my!!!!!!

Healdsburg 1

Long beloved by travel writers and foodies, the teeny tiny town of Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, was just named by Fodors as one of the “10 Best Small Towns in America!”  “Norman Rockwell charm” is how they describe it.  Add to that accolade, Zagat’s proclamation of Healdsburg as one of “Twenty Awesome Winter Foodie Destinations in the World”, and you’ve got some braggin’ rights!

We are not done yet, however.  Last Fall, TripAdvisor named Sonoma County as the nation’s #1 wine destination, ahead of Napa, and second in the entire world only to Tuscany, Italy!!!!!camelia-inn-healdsburg-caWith a population of just over 11,000, the locals have managed to brilliantly combine cutting edge cuisine, quaint accommodation choices, and, of course, that fabulous Sonoma County wine.  The town square is literally the hub of this little berg, just as it was 100 years ago.  Some have called it “Mayberry with Vineyards”.

Healdsbueg 2

For all of the hype, the folks who call Healdsburg home haven’t changed a bit.  This is a real town, where families raise their children as generations before them did.  It is quiet, unassuming, wonderful place to live…not just a tourist destination.  Of course, they do love tourists, so give Napa Valley Wine Country Tours a call…we’ll get you there in style!

Napa Limo – Newest Fleet Cars

Mercedes Sprinter Limo

Mercedes Sprinter Limousine

Sprinter Limousine

Sprinter Lounge

Mercedes R350

Mercedes SUV – 6 Pack

So it is time to go back to wine country or…you have never been, and you have room in your bucket. When you are ready for a wine tour, I have the idea. We are excited about our newest fleet additions, Mercedes Sprinter Limousine, Mercedes Sprinter Coach and a couple Mercedes R350 SUV’s. The detail is well appointed and offers a level of comfort beyond the norm.

The Sprinter limo has amenities such as computer features for running the audio/video portion of your trip and the intricate lighting to create the mood. The ipod hookup is bluetooth and the climate control…state of the art. We feel very fortunate to offer these beautiful cars for you to tour in. There is plenty of room to store your wine purchases, olive oil, mustards and “goodies” that Napa and Sonoma are famous for. Whether on a wine tour or an evening event, these are special choices that will make your time fun, safe and extra comfortable.

Napa Valley Wine Country Tours has a diverse fleet from Towncars to limovans to SUV’s to Coachs to Stretches and Party Buses. We are small but  your vehicle choices are many.

 

 

Call us today to talk about your choice and our concierge will help you put together the very best day, all customized for you!

          707.226.3333

Bourassa Vineyards…Celebrate Life!

Vic Bourassa

That’s the motto of Vic Bourassa and his amazing staff at Bourassa Vineyards.  I recently attended the Spring “pick up party” for his wine club members, and it was fabulous!  It seems that Vic, in addition to owning and operating the winery, is a top notch cook.  He grilled burgers, sausages & peppers, & there were salads of all sorts, and some delicious little cupcakes.  All this was paired with his just released 2010 Harmony, a gorgeous bordeaux blend, and his 2011 Zinfandel.  Garry Galleron, the winemaker, was there to tell us all the lucious details of these 2 wines.

Bourassa Tasting RoomBourassa Vineyards maintains one of Napa’s most intimate wine tasting rooms. For an unforgettable start to any Napa Valley wine tour, escape to their luxurious private, candlelit barrel room, where friendly, expert staff will guide you through the range and depth of their award winning vintages. Forget the crowds and congestion common in other tasting rooms—at Bourassa, you’ll find only great wine, a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, and personal, attentive service.

Napa Valley Wine Country Tours is proud to be associated with Bourassa Vineyards as one of their preferred limousine services.  Call us for a tour, and we will start your day here, in grand style.