Atlas Peak Winery was founded in 1987 with the intent to focus on Italian varietals including Sangiovese. However over time their relatively high altitude vineyard location, specific soils & climate proved to be very conducive for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon and now this varietal is their main focus. The actual winery was located on Atlas Peak - … [Read more...]
August Briggs Winery
August Briggs Winery is a small family owned and operated long time Napa/Sonoma producer with a tasting room located in downtown Calistoga. Founder and winemaker, Joe Briggs graduated from Fresno State in 1984 where he studied winemaking. He began producing his own wine in 1995 under the August Briggs label after consulting for several wineries for a number … [Read more...]
Ballentine Vineyards
Ballentine Vineyards is located directly across from Faust Winery (previously St. Clement Winery). One driving by on Highway 128 used to only see their sign from the northbound direction (that is no longer the case); during early visits, we used to see bumper stickers in their tasting room that read, "Where the Hell is Ballentine Vineyards"! The answer to … [Read more...]
Barlow Vineyards
Barlow Vineyards is located in the northern part Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail (about a 6 minute drive nearly due east of downtown Calistoga). Barlow Vineyards was founded in 1994 by two generations of the Smith family including Warren Barlow Smith (using his middle name as the namesake for the winery) and his wife Jeanne Smith along with their … [Read more...]
Girard Winery
Girard Winery. In the years since its founding vintage (1975) Girard has somehow survived the decades and undergone a remarkable transformation both in various site locations, wines produced and ownership. Its roots are with Steve Girard (died in 2004), an integral member of Kaiser Corporation who served as president and executive of several Kaiser companies … [Read more...]
Up Valley Vintners
Up Valley Vintners is located in the heart of Calistoga; it is a multi-vintner tasting room managed by Kenefick Ranch and features not only their wine but, Tofanelli Family Vineyard as well. Both vintners are based in the Calistoga appellation - and exclusively grow and produce wines from this north part of the Napa Valley. This is the only tasting room … [Read more...]
Lindstrom Wines
Lindstrom Wines focuses on two wines each year, an estate Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinot Noir from the Russian River appellation in neighboring Sonoma County. Both wines are produced in extremely small quantities. The winery was founded by Greg and Carol Lindstrom. Greg is a California native who graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles. … [Read more...]
UK Wine Sellers Uncork California
As we know, Napa Valley is not only full to bursting with many of California's best wines, but it is also fast becoming one of the most significant wine producing regions in the world. France and Italy will always be well regarded; South American wines are very popular in some circles; and lone regions such as Australia and South Africa have also emerged. … [Read more...]
the oakville grade tunnel project
build the trinity tunnel Reason: Need fast access between Sonoma Valley and the Napa Valley - Trinity Road and the Oakville grade are among the most dangerous and narrow of roads crossing the Mayacamas Mountain Range between Sonoma and Napa Counties. There is no easy or quick route between Napa and Sonoma Counties. Expedite and increase the flow of tourism … [Read more...]
Visiting the “other” Tedeschi Winery in Verona Italy
With my brother living in Verona Italy - and Tedeschi Winery located about 12 mins from his apartment - and with Calistoga based Emil Tedeschi of Tedeschi Family Winery joining me on this trip - it made perfect sense to stop by for a visit: www.davestravelcorner.com/blog/europe/tedeschi-winery-verona-italy … [Read more...]