Daytrippin’ up the Sonoma Coast

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Pt Arena 4Got plans this weekend?  The weather is supposed to be great!  How about a scenic drive, a little wine tasting, some historic sites…let us take you!

We will begin with a drive along the Russian River, through apple orchards, dairy farms and wine country, and arrive at the Pacific coast at the little town of Jenner.  Then we’ll head north along the rugged Sonoma Coast.

Fort Ross, the first California fort-ross-chapelexpansion of the Russian Empire fur trade, is a must see for history buffs.  As we drive on through Sea Ranch and arrive in Gualala, we’ll probably be needing lunch, and Bones Roadhouse serves up some killer barbeque and brews.  It’s a tavern atmosphere, and completely casual.

Heading north from Gualala, we will stay on the Great Highway 1 all the way to Point Arena, which you might recognize from the 1992 Mel Gibson movie, Forever Young.  The panoramic Point Arena Lighthouse is located in one of the most spectacular, yet peaceful sets of surroundings on the northern California coast.  It is the only Pacific coast lighthouse that you can climb all 115 feet to the top!  Pt Arena 1

That’s about as far north as we should head in one day, so it’s Hwy 128 back southeast through the beautiful Sonoma County rolling hills and vineyards, wine tasting along the way through Geyserville, and on into the charming little town of Healdsburg.  We’ll allow some time for shopping on the town square, and before you know it, it will be time for dinner.  Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar is the perfect choice.  It’s right on the Square, and offers only the freshest local seafood.  They have an extensive wine list (mostly local, of course) and a full bar.willi's 2

And that’s about it!  A full day of sightseeing, wine tasting, great food, beautiful countryside…and you didn’t have to drive!  You simply called Napa Valley Wine Country Tours and allowed us to do what we do best…show you a good time in the luxury and comfort of one of our exquisite limousines.  www.winecountrylimos.com, 707-226-3333.

Sterling Vineyards…Over the top in so many ways!

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Sterling 1Sterling 2Founded in 1964 by Peter Newton, a British International paper broker and Oxford graduate, Sterling Vineyards, over the course of just a few years, “rose to the top”, both figuratively and geographically.  With the original purchase of just a 50 acre parcel of established vineyards, Sterling has grown, diversified, and become one of the “destination” wineries in the Napa Valley.  In 1971, construction began on the starkly beautiful, Mediterranean style white stucco winery complex inspired by the structures on the Greek Island of Mykonos, where Peter Newton once lived.  In 1973, the one-of-a-kind aerial tramway opened to transport guests from the parking lot to the winery, which is perched high atop a knoll in the northern end of the valley. Upon arrival at the top, one is served “tastes” of wine along the way as they enjoy a self-guided tour of the facility.  The tour ends up in the tasting room, where the back deck sits among the tall redwood trees, and the views and the wines get even better.

Sterling 6 Sterling bottled the first vintage-dated Merlot in California in 1969, and has gone on to produce many award winning varietals ever since.  In 2008, the tram was completely converted to solar power, contributing to the many factors which led to  their being one of the first 12 wineries distinguished as a Certified Napa County Green Winery.

Sterling 5Today you can enjoy their Diamond Mountain Ranch Cab, their Three Palms Merlot, their barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, and the completely unique Malvasia Bianca.

Let Napa Valley Wine Country Tours do the driving, and let yourself enjoy the views along the way, and the uniquely gorgeous experience that is Sterling Vineyards.

FESTIVAL DEL SOLE, NAPA

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A Celebration of the Art of Life.
10 Days. 100 Wineries. Over 60 Events.
Stars of Music, Dance and Theater.
Napa Valley’s Fine Wine and Cuisine.
Enriching Art, Wellness and
Community Programs.

Every July, Napa Valley is on stage.

World-class music, dance and theater are artfully blended with one-of-a-kind lifestyle programs and Napa’s incomparable wines and culinary delights.

The region’s beauty is the backdrop for breathtaking performances, intimate vintner’s luncheons, exquisite winery dinners, exclusive wine tastings, admission-free community concerts and rejuvenating wellness activities.

This is Napa Valley Festival del Sole.  Let Napa Valley Wine Country Tours escort you to this world of unparalleled arts and entertainment.  We have the perfect vehicle for all size groups…from luxury sedans, to stretch limousines, to 52 passenger Party Buses.  Call in advance to reserve your ride to this remarkable annual event!  707-226-3333, www.winecountrylimos.com.

 

WHALE WATCHING AT BODEGA HEAD

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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

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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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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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

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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!