Napa Valley sees visitors from all across the world. For some visitors, Napa Valley is one of many stops in a state, and sometimes a county, that they have never seen before. Families planning a vacation will often list Napa Valley as one of the places they’d like to visit. With over 400 wineries to choose from in Napa Valley, Napa Wine Tours has compiled a list of 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley that are able to accept guests under the age of 21. Alpha Omega Winery Visitors to Alpha Omega Winery can taste wines in the tasting room or out on the patio decorated with lush, comfortable, outdoor furniture. The patio deck stretches along the side of the building. While relaxing in the warmth of the sun, guests enjoy a view of vineyards as the backdrop to a large pool of water that features a unique fountain spraying water out of several jets. The picnic area is large and shaded. If you’re planning on bringing snacks to enjoy a picnic lunch, make sure to call ahead to see if the picnic area has been reserved for any special events. Castello di Amorosa Castello di Amorosa was created to mirror a 13th century medieval Tuscan-style castle. Children under 5 are not allowed on the tours; however, there is a discounted rate for tours for minors between 5 and 20 years old. The tours vary in length and can include visits to different parts of this expansive castle. Parents with children of any age can also enjoy their visit without a tour. Admission into the castle covers tasting fees and additionally grants access to the two main levels of the castle. During the busiest time of year, a private tasting area is set up just for parents with children.
Napa Valley sees visitors from all across the world. For some visitors, Napa Valley is one of many stops in a state, and sometimes a county, that they have never seen before. Families planning a vacation will often list Napa Valley as one of the places they’d like to visit. With over 400 wineries to…
You’ve visited several Napa Valley wineries and have collected more than a few bottles of wine. A smile brightens your face as you lift each bottle and remember each winery, each taste, and each delicious reason why you knew there was no way you were going to walk out of the tasting room without that precious bottle (or bottles!) in your hand. Suddenly the euphoria is interrupted by the question, “What can I make to go with this?” Napa Wine Tours has collected a few simple, tasty ideas to answer that question including some from renowned chefs. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon The obvious pairing is a juicy steak. But for some of us, cooking steak can be tricky. A safer bet would be a recipe we found on Epicurious.com for Napa Valley Cabernet Burgers. Highlights: You’ll coat your burgers while they grill with a Cabernet Sauvignon, shallot, butter, and brown sugar mixture. Then, the finished burger is set upon sliced focaccia that has been covered with rosemary butter. Napa Valley Chardonnay While lobster and Chardonnay rank as one of the most enjoyable food and wine pairings, I am easily intimidated by the thought of unintentionally making eye contact before lowering the lobster into the pot. This recipe for Shrimp Scampi with Linguine from Chef Tyler Florence is a fantastic option. Napa Valley Malbec Another recipe for the grill, Grilled Lamb Chops with Vegetable Kebabs Served with Couscous. This easy to make and follow recipe from Martha Stewart will have an impressive dinner served in just a little over an hour from preparation to finish. Napa Valley Merlot This heavy wine deserves a hearty meal like spaghetti with bolognese sauce. This recipe, “Wolfgang’s Hearty Beef Bolognese Sauce,” comes from Chef Wolfgang Puck. Highlight: This is the only recipe for bolognese sauce
You’ve visited several Napa Valley wineries and have collected more than a few bottles of wine. A smile brightens your face as you lift each bottle and remember each winery, each taste, and each delicious reason why you knew there was no way you were going to walk out of the tasting room without that…
It’s that time of year again. The time when eggs are hard-boiled, dipped in dye, and stored until they’re ready to be hidden for an Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic, colored, eggs are filled with sweet surprises and images of bunnies and chicks in bright pastel colors dominate storefronts. For those interested in celebrating Easter Sunday with Napa Valley food and wine, Napa Wine Tours has a few ideas for you. Napa Valley Wineries Open Easter Sunday With over 400 wineries in Napa Valley, Napa Wine Tours has discovered a list of approximately 50 wineries that will be open on Easter Sunday. Castello di Amorosa This landmark, Napa Valley winery will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for tours and tastings. Call ahead to make your reservation to enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure in the castle while tasting their Italian-style wines. Chimney Rock Winery Outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines await at Chimney Rock’s beautiful estate. Other wines to sample include Cabernet Franc, Fume Blanc, Rose of Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Gris. The talents of Winemaker and General Manager Elizabeth Vianna and her team results in wines that truly reflect the Stags Leap District where Chimney Rock’s grapes are grown. Visit from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Del Dotto Vineyards Both of Del Dotto’s locations in St. Helena and Napa will be open on Easter Sunday also from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reserve your spots for an adventure that includes tasting Del Dotto wines straight from the barrel and enjoying sips paired with charcuterie and chocolate. Domaine Carneros Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday, Domaine Carneros offers public and private tours and tastings. Enjoy table service and choose bites to pair with Domaine Carneros sparkling wines and Pinot Noir from their extensive menu. William Hill Estate Winery This
It’s that time of year again. The time when eggs are hard-boiled, dipped in dye, and stored until they’re ready to be hidden for an Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic, colored, eggs are filled with sweet surprises and images of bunnies and chicks in bright pastel colors dominate storefronts. For those interested in celebrating Easter Sunday…
“To get the full value of a joy, you must have somebody to divide it with.” ~Mark Twain Napa Valley is the perfect place to visit for a special Valentine’s Day joy to share with someone special. The abundance of award-winning Napa Valley wineries and restaurants combined with impeccable Napa luxury hotels invites romantic getaways throughout the year. Here is a list of special events offered only during the Valentine’s Day holiday. Grgich Hills Estate Wine & Chocolate Festival Guests are invited to reserve a special tasting of limited production Grgich Hills Estate wines and a library Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon paired with chocolate sweets from Napa’s Le Belge Chocolatier. The festival takes place each day from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on February 14th - February 16th. Valentine’s Day Swing Dance Celebration at Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater This event offers three options for guests on Friday, February 14th. General Admission provides a ticket to the dance in the Grand Foyer. VIP Reserved offers admission to the dance plus a private table with a bottle of sparkling wine. VIP Dinner includes dinner and dessert prepared by Chef Cindy Pawlcyn, a private table, a bottle of sparkling wine, and admission to the dance. Highlights from Chef Pawlcyn’s Valentine’s Dinner menu include chocolate-chili braised short ribs and double chocolate cake for dessert. Live music performed by The Martini Brothers Band. Castello di Amorosa Royal Hearts Gala Walk the red carpet and be greeted by with a glass of sparkling wine. Enjoy chocolates and hors d’oevres at the VIP reception but save room for the four-course dinner paired with Castello di Amorosa wines. Entertainment provided by Opera Amore. Make your reservations now for this incredible gala taking place on Valentine’s Day. Domaine Carneros Share the Love Valentine’s Dinner &
“To get the full value of a joy, you must have somebody to divide it with.” ~Mark Twain Napa Valley is the perfect place to visit for a special Valentine’s Day joy to share with someone special. The abundance of award-winning Napa Valley wineries and restaurants combined with impeccable Napa luxury hotels invites romantic getaways…
Looking for something unique for Mother’s Day this year? Napa Wine Tours has more than a few ideas for events in Napa Valley that will make Mother’s Day 2013 a special year. Napa Valley Wineries Domaine Carneros Mother’s Day Tea at Domaine Carneros is offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both times are sold out but there is a waiting list. This popular celebration includes Domaine Chandon sparkling wines, tea service, sweets, tea sandwiches and scones. Chappellet Winery Chappellet Winery joins with Silverado Country Club for an unforgettable winemaker dinner on Thursday, May 9th as part of the Silverado’s Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration. Chappellet’s Winemaker, Phillip Corallo-Titus has partnered with Silverado’s Chef Jeffrey Jake to create an exquisite menu. Castello di Amorosa Castello di Amorosa hosts a Winemaker’s Luncheon on Friday, May 10th. Winemaker, Brooks Painter, and Associate Winemaker, Peter Velleno, will lead a tour of the vineyards surrounding the castle followed by a relaxing and delicious lunch at Castello di Amorosa’s Il Passito Patio. Napa Valley Restaurants Etoile Restaurant The Mother’s Day Tasting Menu at Etoile located at Domaine Chandon brilliantly pairs Domaine Chandon exclusive and reserve wines with a deliciously creative menu. Exclusive wines include Chandon Yountville Vintage Brut, 2007. Reserve wines on the menu are Chandon Reserve Blanc de Blancs and Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir Rose. The menu also includes still wines - Domaine Chandon, Chardonnay 2010 and Domaine Chandon, Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2010. FARM at Carneros Inn The family style Mother’s Day Brunch at FARM offers diners an array of outstanding choices such as Maine lobster bisque, Prime New York, Eggs Benedict, Ahi tuna, and a mini dessert trio consisting of lemon angel food cake with lemon curd and raspberries, blueberry macaroon napoleon with creme fraiche and almond, and dark chocolate coffee ganache with lady
Looking for something unique for Mother’s Day this year? Napa Wine Tours has more than a few ideas for events in Napa Valley that will make Mother’s Day 2013 a special year. Napa Valley Wineries Domaine Carneros Mother’s Day Tea at Domaine Carneros is offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both times are sold…