NAPA VALLEY: THE WINE COUNTRY
Birthplace of the so called “Wine Country”, Napa Valley is famous for the production of sublime Cabernet Sauvignon, for the great food and its beautiful wineries, reminiscence of elegant country houses.
Just a few decades ago, the region of Napa Valley seemed to have been forgotten, in its peaceful atmosphere of an agricultural valley covered with orchards. The grape cultivation have been present since the time of the Gold Rush, but the Prohibition and the Great Depression reduced the number of wineries from 140 in 1890 to 25 in 1960.
In 1968 the region was declared “Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve” and this stopped any development of the valley that was not meant for agricultural purposes. In 1976, Napa Valley wines achieved best honours during a blind tasting in a Parisian competition and this gave the region worldwide recognition. As a consequence, the price of lands skyrocketed: only those with great economic resources could afford to build new wineries and invest in this market.
Although there are still family-run wineries, many wine companies in the Napa Valley today belong to big organizations active worldwide.
The most prestigious wine in Napa Valley is the Cabernet Sauvignon. No other variety strikes the imagination like the grape of this vine, whose French equivalent is the Bordeux. Because no other wines reach a higher profit margin, farmers cannot afford not to grow Cabernet.
The second most cultivated grape is the Chardonney, which thrives in the calcium-rich soil of the cooler areas of the valley. Other varieties that love the heat thrive in the valley, such as the Merlot and the Zinfandel.
Needless to say, if you are visiting this region, whether it’s for a day or more, you cannot miss the experience of a wine tasting tour. My advice is to avoid large wineries that produce industrially in favor of small family-run wineries and medium-sized producers.
I had a great experience at the Newton Estate, a single square mile of hillside pioneered by Peter Newton in 1977, with expansive vistas of Napa Valley and beyond. Each of the distinctive vineyard blocks here is planted to a specific Bordeaux variety with an emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon. Their best piece is the unfiltered chardonnay “The Puzzle”, compiled by hand-selected grapes varietals by the mastermind Alberto Bianchi, the current head curator of Newton Vineyards. We couldn’t resist ordering a second glass!
VISTA COLLINA RESORT
Napa Valley is known for world-class wine, beautiful countryside and near perfect weather year-round, but it is also known for luxurious accommodations and top-rated resorts. Undoubtably, one of them is Vista Collina Resort, part of the Meritage Collection, where I got to spend a beautiful weekend away from the daily hustle and bustle and I dived into the relaxing atmosphere of Napa Valley.
The Vista Collina Resort blends elegance and professionalism with warm hospitality. With 9 acres of sun-soaked hillside vineyards and a spacious outdoor venue where live music takes place, this property is deeply connected to the landscape and the outdoors. The main courtyard, the Lawn, also houses a gourmet food truck and 9 on-site tasting rooms. But you will have the best food experience at the Olive & Hay Restaurant, with its casual yet refined atmosphere and the delicious Italian food.
Despite COVID19 restrictions and summer fires, the overall experience at this resort has been outstanding and demonstrated excellent safety precautions. I can’t wait to visit again, walk through the vineyards and sip a glass of red wine watching the sunset over the hills. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect vacation gateway?