Napa Valley
Info
Extends 30 miles from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mat St
Helena (4349ft) in the north. Ranges from 1 to 5 miles wide.
The temperature can vary 10-12 degrees from one end of the
valley to the other (warmer in the north)
Today there are 32,000 acres in Napa Valley. Diverse soil
conditions, variety of microclimates create ideal growing
conditions. State of the art technology and leading edge agricultural
and winemaking techniques are imported from the research at
the famed School of Enology in the University of California
at Davis.
History
Until 1823 inhabited by Wappo Indians. The first settler was
George Yount in 1831. He was given a land grant by General
Vallejo and built the first structure in 1836. He also planted
the first vines (Mission Variety)
at this time much of Napa was wild oats and populated by dear
and bears. Many of the gold miners came to the area
after the Gold Rush. In 1858 a German, Charles Krug started
using the fist German grapes.
The Silverado in 1874 and 1875 was the largest silver mine
in Napa. Quicksilver or cinnabar was discovered in 1860. It
was used to recover gold or silver from ore, and in the production
of paint and explosives. Napa was one of the countries largest
producers of cinnabar from 1864 to 1903.
There was a large increase in winemaking in the 1880’s
and 1890’s Greystone Cellars was built in 1889 (Now
Culinary Institute). Inglenook (Niebaum Coppola) was also
built at this time.
Two events almost wiped out the wineries:
Phylloxera: microscopic aphid decimated 3000 acres by 1900.
In 1875 it was realized that European wines could be grafted
onto Mission grape stumps to create a disease resistant vine.
Prohibition: By the time it was repealed in 1933 Napa was
mostly orchards. Acreage did not reach 1880 levels until 1960’s.
The Beringer, Beaulieu and Inglenook wineries all survived.
60 wineries were started after prohibition. Only three of
those have survived – Christian Brothers, Louis Martini
family and Mondavi family (Charles Krug’s old winery)
Wartime brought new residents to Napa with the Mare Island
Naval Shipyard. Napa was again ‘the’ winemaking
region by 1963. In 1975 there were 50 wineries – today
over 200. There is a trend to smaller, specialized wineries.
By the 70’s the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
were competing with reds of Bordeaux and whites of Burgundy.
1976 for first time French and California wines went head
to head in a blind tasting in France. California won.
Sonoma
Info
Sonoma is 1608 square miles. The valley begins at the Edge
of Santa Rose and extends 17 miles south to San Pablo Bay.
The valley is 7 miles wide and has the Mayacamas mountains
to the East and the Sonoma Mountains to the west. The ‘Mediterranean’
climate with warn, dry summers and mild winters make it perfect
for grapes. The valley is far cooler in the south and is home
to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Along the hillsides and further north is Zinfandel and Cabernet
Sauvignon.
Local restaurants serve wines only in the distinctive blue
stemmed wine glasses, which have become a distinguishing symbol
for Sonoma. Sonoma Valley also inspired Jack London’s
‘Valley of the Moon”. He spent his final years
here on his Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen.
History
Sonoma has been home to Wappo, Pomo and Miwok Indians. Seven
flags have flown over Sonoma – Spain, England, Imperial
Russia, Mexico, Bear Flag and USA. As early as 1812, Russian
colonists planted and cultivated grapes at Ft. Ross on the
Coast. The Russians sold out to John Sutter in 1841. But it
was the Spanish Franciscan Fathers who laid the foundation
for our wine industry in 1823 when Padre Jose Altimera planted
several thousand grape vines at their northernmost mission,
San Francisco Solano in Sonoma. In 1834, political upheaval
brought an appropriation of all missions by the Mexican government.
During this period of disarray, cuttings from the Sonoma Mission
vineyards were carried throughout the northern California
area to start new vineyards.
By the time of the "Bear Flag Revolt" (where rebels
surrounded General Vallejo’s residence and seized him
and his family) and the subsequent annexation of California
by the United States in 1854, the vineyards of General Mariano
Vallejo, the military Governor of Mexican California, were
producing an annual income of $20,000. The Bear flag flew
for around a month until John Sloat arrived and raised the
Stars and Stripes in July 1846.
Other areas in the county were developing at this time: Rocky
Mountain trapper Cyrus Alexander in northern Sonoma first
planted grapes in what would become Alexander Valley; the
county's first "feminine vineyardist ", Senora Maria
de Carrillo, had 2,000 vines in what would be Santa Rosa;
Captain Nicholas Carrigan, probably the first American settler,
had vineyards in the Valley of the Moon, and later in 1852,
his neighbor William Hill, planted the first non mission grapes
in the county.
In 1855 the Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy, considered
"The Father of California Wine Industry” purchased
the Salvador Vallejo vineyard in Sonoma Valley, renamed it
Buena Vista, and soon was producing fine wines from the vineyard.
In 1861 he was commissioned, but never paid, by the California
legislature to study viticulture in Europe. He returned to
Sonoma County the following year with over 100,000 cuttings
of prized grape varietals from France, Italy and Spain. Haraszthy
is credited with first promoting the concept that fine table
wines could be produced in Sonoma County as well as Europe.
By the 1880’s there were 166 wineries and 18,000 acres
of vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Today, in Sonoma County approximately
132,000 tons of grapes are produced on nearly 36,000 acres
of vineyards. There are over 150 wineries, over half less
than 20 years old. And, as it was over 150 years ago, small
family owned wineries continue to exist comfortably alongside
larger entities, each producing premium wine in their own
unique style.
Appelations
Appellations are distinctive geographic areas designated by
the Federal Government. They are characterized by specific
topography, soil and climate. A wine make can use the name
of the appellation if at least 85% of the grapes are from
the area.
Napa
Atlas Peak From 760 – 2663ft. on the Vaca range.
Chiles Valley
Diamond Mountain East of Calistoga. 5300 acres. Farming began
in 1863.
Howell Mountain
Los Carnereos Coolest area in Napa. 3 miles from the Bay.
Known for Pinot Noir.
Mt. Veeder One of the largest – 15000 acres. Eastern
slope of Mayacamas Mountains.
Napa Valley
Oakville Good for Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
St. Helena
Spring Mountain
Stags Leap 2700 acres – Cabernet Sauvignon
Wild Horse Valley
Yountville 8360 acres.
Sonoma
Sonoma Valley 1300 acres. 42 Wineries. Chardonnay, Pinot
Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel. Milk, olive oil,
figs, strawberries, lavender.
Carneros 8000 acres. 22 Wineries. . Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,
Merlot. Goat cheese, lamb.
Sonoma Mountain 800 acres. 3 Wineries. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillian.
Above the fog line. Milk, honey.
Sonoma Coast 7000 acres. 5 Wineries. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir.
Coolest region. Twice rainfall of Sonoma. Milk, chicken, duck,
lamb.
Russian River 10000 acres. 50 Wineries. Chardonnay, Pinot
Noir. Peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, shallots
and sunflowers.
Green Valley 1200 acres. 10 Wineries. Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer,
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc. Apples, goat cheese, flowers,
blueberries, raspberries, chestnuts.
Chalk Hill 1000 acres. 5 Wineries. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,
Cabernet Franc, Merlot. Chipotle, cut flowers
Dry Creek Valley 5000 acres. 38 Wineries. Sauvignon Blanc,
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Peaches, olive oil,
dried tomatoes.
Alexander Valley 15000 acres. 28 Wineries. Chardonnay, Zinfandel,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, French Syrah, Italian Sangiovese.
Melons, berries, quince, pears, winter squash, flowers, apples,
garlic.
Knights Valley 2000 acres. 2 Wineries. Warmest region.
Varietals
Wine is influenced by vine type, soil, climate, and the winemaker.
A few hundred vine types exist. Most California wines are
made from a dozen. Varietals give the consumer an idea of
what to expect. The wine needs at least 75% of the varietal
to use the name on the bottle. Most premium wines use a specific
name – most generic blends do not.
WHITE WINE GRAPES
Chardonnay The Queen of California’s White Grapes.
Rich, crisp, complex wines. Most are dry, full bodied –
flavors of apples, melons or figs.
Chenin Blanc Basis for most jug wines. Fruity and aromatic.
Gewürztraminer Sweet and spicy. Late harvest versions
are desert wines.
Riesling (Or Johannesburg or White Riesling) Balance between
sweetness and acidity. Usually fruity.
Sauvignon or Fume Blanc Very versatile. Dry versions are grassy,
lemony or smoky.
RED WINE GRAPES
Cabernet Sauvignon King of California Red Grapes. Young versions
are tannic or hard. Aged and blended versions are velvety
with complex flavors and aromas. Tastes include cedar, blackcurrants,
and stewed fruit.
Gamay Beaujolais Light and grapey.
Merlot Medium weight and soft texture. Often blended with
robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Recently gained popularity because
of early maturing.
Petite Sirah Best on Coast. Very fruity with tannin
Pinot Noir Rich, violet scented. Light colored and bodied.
Zinfandel Used foe everything from light roses to heavy desert
wines.
ROSE WINES
Use red grapes – only pick up a tinge of color from
the skins before separated from the juice.
SPARKLING WINES
”Methode Champenoise” process uses under-ripe
grapes (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay) and made into still wine.
A second addition of yeast causes fermentation (for 4-8 weeks)
and carbon dioxide, the by-product is trapped in bubbles.
Process
Grapes are harvested as soon as the grapes are ripe. The most
common measure is the amount of sugar. 98% of grapes are picked
by hand. The harvest is called the vintage.
At the winery, the crusher removes the stems. The crushed
grapes and their juice are called ‘must’. The
length of contact between the juice and skin influences the
color and taste.
The fermentation converts the sugar into alcohol. Some yeast
grows naturally on the grape skin. In Europe most winemakers
allow this yeast to ferment. In the USA most add yeast. The
fermentation turns the glucose and fructose (sugars) into
ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide (released as bubbles)
Fermentation also releases heat. Wineries refrigerate the
wine to keep the temperature constant. (White wine at 59F
for 12-18 days and Red at 86F for 4-6 days) Most reds go through
a second (malolactic fermentation) which lowers the acid content
by converting malic acid into lactic acid.
The wine is cloudy after fermentation. The wine is filtered,
allowed to settle or separated by a centrifuge. It may be
further clarified or ‘fined’
Ageing is in stainless steel tanks for 1 week to 2 months
(White) or oak or redwood barrels for up to 2 years (Red).
The size of barrel, age of wood, storage temperature, humidity
and length of time all influence the ageing process.
Wine is bottled after aging. It continues to age in the bottle.
Port and Sherry are made by adding brandy to fermenting must.
Bottles
Half Bottle 375ml
Bottle 750ml
Magnum 1.5 l
Double Magnum 3 l
Jeroboam 3 l
Imperial 6 l
Methuselah 6 l
Salmanazar 9 l
Balthazar 12 l
Nebuchadnezzar 15 l
Seasons
Winter: Pruned vines lie dormant. Cellars rack the newly fermented
wine from the last harvest and bottle wine from previous vintages.
Spring: Wildflowers carpet the valley. Late spring frosts
pose a danger to the vines- the wineries use smelter pots
and ventilation fans to counter it.
Summer: Late summer growers are checking grapes for sugar
content to pinpoint the right moment to harvest. Crush starts
in Mid September (earlier in the south for Chardonnay used
for Champagne) and lasts around a month.
Tasting
Glass should be only ¼ full to allow the wine to properly
mix with air and release its aromas.
Note the clarity and color. Pick up the stem and hold it up
to the light.
Swirl the glass to smell the aroma.
WINERIES
SONOMA
Roche Winery. www.rochewinery.com – 1-800-825-9475.
Call ahead to let them know numbers (around 45 minutes from
San Francisco) Free tasting and ‘tasting tour’.
Lasts around 75-90 minutes (around 30 minutes on Fri, Sat,
Sun)
Never accuse Joseph or Genevieve Roche of taking a pessimistic
outlook upon life. Both practicing physicians, they moved
their young family to their newly purchased ranch in southern
Sonoma Valley, in 1977, and began to dream about their new
life in the wine country. After having both been brought up
in farming, Joseph and Genevieve had always hoped to own property
in the wine country, upon which they could grow vineyards.
Unfortunately for them, locals often told them how their land,
being so close to San Pablo Bay, was unsuitable for vineyards
because of its cold foggy summer nights. They amiably accepted
that, so they settled into their new ranch and bought over
100 head of cattle and continued in the property's long history
of cattle farming.
Even though Joseph and Genevieve raised fine beef cattle,
their dreams of owning a vineyard never ceased. In 1982, after
having casual conversation at "parent’s night"
for their family's local elementary school, an established
grape grower in the valley told the Roches he thought their
property would be a fine area to grow grapes. Joseph and Genevieve
didn't need much convincing, in the fall of that year, they
planted 10 acres of Chardonnay and 10 acres of Pinot Noir.
The nearest vineyards were miles away in Sonoma and Napa.
The Carneros appellation did not yet exist. With their first
harvest four years later, the quality of the grapes was obvious
and the dream to produce a limited quantity of ultra-premium
wines in their own winery became a reality when they opened
Roche Carneros Estate Winery in 1989.
Today the Roches take pride in their success of producing
ultra-premium wines. Their ranch, which was once deemed as
unsuitable for vineyards, is now perhaps the most valuable
piece of property in the Carneros Wine Region. Roche Winery
now produces more than ten varieties of wine, including, Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet, and Zinfandel. Roche Winery
has also established itself to be unique among California
wineries. Because they make only a very limited amount of
premium wine, their estate wines are only sold directly to
the consumer. You will not find Roche Wines in any discount
stores or wine shops. The bulk of the business is through
their tremendously popular Futures Program. By the time their
Estate Wine is bottled, most varietals are already sold out.
Roche Winery also grows 100% of the varietal grapes that are
used to make these Estate wines. Why is this important? Almost
all premium European wineries grow their own grapes because
this is the only way to control grape quality. Most California
wineries buy all or part of their grapes; and if the grape
supply is down, they must often settle for lesser-quality
grapes. By California standards Roche Winery is a very small
winery, with an output of less than 10,000 cases, but this
allows them to maintain strict quality control and guarantees
that you have a wine made by heart and hand rather than recipe.
Roche Winery has always been a family-run operation. Joseph
and Genevieve Roche, along with their four children, are all
equally responsible in the success of their business. As well
as themselves, the Roche's children, Sara, Brendan, Carrie,
and Mara (as pictured from left to right), can always be found
at winery, working in all aspects of the operation. Similar
to their parents, the next generation of Roches are optimistically
driven, and the tradition of the winery's production of ultra-premium
wine will unquestionably continue for years to come.
(From Roche.com)
Viansa Winery. www.viansa.com – 707 935-5738.
5 minutes north of Roche (same side). Free tasting. Free snacks.
Great deli, coffee etc. Allow 45 mins – 1 hour. Meet
back in courtyard. No need to call ahead with small groups.
Good place for lunch if the timing is right – use deli
inside.
Benziger Winery. www.benziger.com – 1-888-490-2739.
Free tasting. Free tram tour when available (one of the best
in the wine country - first come first served, always booked
up during summer) Great self guided tour always available.
Good outdoor picnic grounds for lunch (buy lunch at deli at
bottom of hill before going to winery)
The Benziger Family owns several vineyards in addition to
the over 60 from which they purchase grapes. Though Benziger
maintains extensive involvement in the vineyard management
of all contracted vineyards, it is the Estate Vineyards that
offer them the luxury of complete control, including the opportunity
to do extensive experimentation. Sonoma Mountian Estate Vineyard
is home to the Benziger Family Winery, and both Willamette
Valley Vineyards and Sonoma Valley Vineyards were selected
for their pedigree of superlative vintages and their varietal
specific locations.
Grab a seat and a camera for this one of a kind winery experience.
Several times a day we fire up the Massey 375 tractor and
pull a tram full of visitors high up into our estate vineyards
for a 45 minute tour. Along the way we'll stop at a variety
of exhibits where visitors can take a close up look at the
vines, discuss our trademarked site-specific farming, take
in breathtaking views of Sonoma Mountain, one of California's
smallest appellations, and sip a little fruit of the vine.
Sound like fun? Well it is, for us and our visitors. It's
a great opportunity to share our enthusiasm for what we do
with others and we've been told that it's a wonderful learning
experience for those truly interested in wine making, literally
from the ground up. Leave time after your tour to visit our
Tasting Room & Gift Shop, Peacock Aviary, and Redwood
Picnic Grove.
Vineyard Tram Tours Daily: Call us at 1-888-490-2739 for scheduled
times.
(From Benziger.com)
NAPA VALLEY
Continue north on main road. Turn left at junction (north).
Turn right onto Trinity Road. Road goes all the way to Napa
Valley – Oakville Grade. Takes around 45 minutes. Very
curvy road.
Lunch at Oakville Deli. - Head towards Napa. North on 29.
Deli is 5 miles north of Yountville (in Oakville) on left
(West) side at Oakville Grade. Great sandwiches- put orders
on one bill, have everyone get drink and pay for everything
together. Indoor and outdoor seating. Usually around 45 minutes.
Niebaum Coppola. – www.niebaumcoppola.com 707-968-1100
5 minutes north of Oakville, same (West) side. Good museum
with academy awards, props etc. Tasting optional- charge of
$7.50 includes the glass.
Francis Ford Coppola has been making movies for more than
30 years, and wines at his Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery in
the Napa Valley for almost 20. In February 1995, he purchased
the remaining part of the original estate--the massive stone
Inglenook Chateau and its adjacent vineyards. This purchase
reunited Gustave Niebaum's original Napa Valley estate established
in 1879 and preserves his legacy for future generations.
Distinctively appointed tasting rooms, vaulted stone cellars
and a spectacular hand-carved staircase crowned by a jewel-like
stained glass window are a few of the dramatic attractions
at the winery. The Inglenook Chateau also houses a Centennial
Museum, where visitors can see documents and artifacts from
Inglenooks early beginning and glory days, and memorabilia
from many of Coppola's films. Vito Corleone's desk and a chair
from "The Godfather," a Tucker car from the movie
of the same name, as well as props and costumes from "Bram
Stoker's Dracula" are displayed. Mr. Coppola's five Oscars
and numerous movie stills are also on view.
Visitors can taste and purchase wines in the tasting rooms,
including the estate's flagship wine Rubicon as well as Niebaum-Coppola
Estate Wines, Edizione Pennino Zinfandel, Francis Coppola
Director's Reserve Wines (available exclusively at the Niebaum
Coppola estate, and at our online store), Diamond Series Claret,
Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Chardonnay, and Francis Coppola
Presents Bianco and Rosso. Mammarella Organic Pasta Sauce
is made from Coppola's own recipe and his growing line of
specialty foods also includes Merlot vinaigrette made from
his own wine. The tasting rooms are open daily from 10:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Estate tours are available to the public
daily on a first come-first served basis.
(From NiebaumCoppola.com)
Domaine Chandon. – www.domainechandon.com 800 934-3975
Yountville. Tour is 45 minutes and leaves every hour from
visitors center. No need to book ahead with small group. Tasting
optional – charge.
The world of wine and food is yours within the Visitor Center
at Domaine Chandon. From here you can sample fine sparkling
and still wines with perfectly paired appetizers, take a guided
tour, or purchase wine and gifts in our Retail Shop. Whatever
your interest, every Domaine Chandon experience is surrounded
by spectacular grounds, lush valley views, and the cultural
beauty of varied works by local artists.
Tasting Salon and Terrace - From our Tasting Salon and adjoining
sunny Terrace guests experience the romance of Wine Country
with sparkling wine by the glass or bottle, perfectly paired
appetizers, commanding views, gentle breezes, and good company.
The Salon and winery grounds also showcase a revolving exhibition
of magnificent works by local artists, which are available
for purchase.
Winery Tours - Domaine Chandon tours offer equal amounts of
education and wit. Lighthearted yet educational, these friendly
45-minute explorations of our working winery cover our history,
grape growing regions, winemaking process, primary fermentation,
assemblage, tirage, varietal wine program, as well as riddling,
disgorgement, and corkage, and more. They also happen to be
a lot of fun.
Retail Shop at Domaine Chandon - Our Retail Shop offers a
wide selection of Chandon sparkling wines and Domaine Chandon
varietal wines, some of which are not available elsewhere.
You'll also find an alluring selection of brandy and pear
liqueurs, keepsake gifts, grape seed spa products, and gourmet
food items that are carefully selected to pair with our sparkling
and varietal wines
(From DomaineChandon.com)
Mumms – north of Chandon on Silverado trail (west side).
45 minute tour, reservation not needed, tasting optional.
To leave Mumms for San Francisco head south on Silverado Trail
all the way into Napa – far more scenic. They have an
Ansell Adams collection.
|
