California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world, and it ranks first in wine consumption in the United States, followed closely by New York and Florida. The state has more than 60,000 wine labels and many of these have gained international recognition due to the amazing quality and taste of their wines. Part of the success of wine making in California is due to the wealth of the soil and the different micro climates present, especially in the northern part of the state.
A wine tour of Alexander Valley in the northeastern end of Sonoma County is offered by Wine Country. Wine Country is a comprehensive source of information for California's wine country. The members and tour guides have the expertise, knowledge and a passion for wine and can also advise on lodging and dining.
Wine Country's Alexander Valley wine tour takes guests on a tour of four vineyards with a lunch at local sandwich shop Jimtown Store. The area produces mostly Merlots and Cabernets for red wines and Chardonnays for white wines. One of the stops along the way is at the Stryker Sonoma vineyard, which has a glass tasting room with breathtaking views of the Alexander Vallery.
Wine Country
550 Gateway Drive Suite 103
Napa, CA 94558
707-265-1835
discover.winecountry.com
California Winery Advisor is a company dedicated to supporting and informing wine lovers on events and happenings in California's wine country. One of their most exiting listings is the annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir festival.
Anderson Valley is located 100 miles north of San Francisco in Mendocino County. Each year, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association hosts a Pinot Noir Festival that lasts for three days. The festival is held in part at the GoldenEye Winery who is dedicated to the production of Pinot Noir wines since 1990, and Bordeaux wines for 15 years prior.
Tickets for the festival are sold exclusively online and they range in price depending on the day and event guests wish to attend. Designated drivers and those who do not drink alcohol are still in for some fun, enjoying amazing meals and live music. The ticket prices are significantly lower than the tickets for people who will engage in wine tasting.
California Winery Advisor
1241 Johnson Avenue #230
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-543-1363
californiawineryadvisor.com
Aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train guests will learn about wines and have wine-tastings as they visit a wide range of vineyards in the Napa Valley. The tracks in which the train runs where originally built in 1860 as transportation route for people visiting the hot springs in Calistoga. The route of the train journeys through five towns Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, Rutherford and Oakville. Panoramic windows allow you to enjoy the views of the different vineyards and the tours include freshly prepared meals for the journey. Three of Napa Valley Wine Train's tours are the Ambassador, Domaine Chandon and the Grgich Hills winery tours, all aboard an elegantly restored 1915 Pullman Lounge car.
Napa Valley Wine Train
707-253-2111
winetrain.com
