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California Wine Country
Sattui Winery Napa California - Photo By Patrice Raplee
By Patrice Raplee Vineyards cascading down
fertile hills are steeped in liquid warm sunshine and cool zephyrs
that drift across from the bay. The temperate
air mingles with the evocative fragrance of ripening grapes in a bouquet
that is distinctively California’s Napa Valley.
Over the last few decades,
Napa Valley has developed into a destination for those who not only
love wine, but also yearn for a relaxing environment.
Inspirational cuisine, natural spas, unique accommodations and an occasional
foray into the town’s boutique Mecca, culminate into a perfect
sojourn.
Featured Wineries
In 2006, the California
State Fair voted V. Sattui Winery best winery in California! It is
not surprising, considering the majority
of their
excellent wines are gold medal winners. Located on White Lane, St.
Helena, in the heart of wine country, this beautiful picturesque stone
Tuscan-architected winery is right out of a scenic Italian countryside.
Old oak trees frame the two-acre grounds surrounded by grape-covered
arbors, wooden benches and a grand fountain cascading water droplets
against a blue sky. A multi-tiered, stone courtyard, enshrouded with
draping green foliage, is an inviting respite for winery guests and
is a dramatic setting for weddings. V. Sattui is now the only winery
in the county still able to host weddings. The winery’s tasting
room (the largest in Napa Valley) is generally a busy affair; however,
the enthusiasm for the vintages produced here provides a genial atmosphere
among guests to explore the award-winning wines. The estate engenders
an admirable selection of reds, whites, rosés, sparkling, dessert,
as well as reserve and older vintage wines. One of the winery’s
best sellers is their Gamay Rouge. A newer vintage, this gold medal
rosé delivers deep strawberry flavors with a slight cherry essence
and clean finish. The Gamay is perfectly paired with lighter summer
fare (great for picnics). In the white wine category, the 2005 Carsi
Vineyard Chardonnay is a luscious single-vineyard estate bottling,
with a rich color and deep lasting flavor. V. Sattui’s red wines
are exceptional with their Morisoli Cabernet Sauvignons at the pillar.
The 2004 Morisoli is smooth and full with a fruity aroma of currents,
and flawlessly balanced. V. Sattui’s Madeira and Port are superior!
Vintners from Portugal have sampled the winery’s multi-gold medal
Vintage Port and Madeira and exclaimed that indeed, these fortified
wines are on equal standing with their own. V. Sattui’s Madeira
is one of the oldest Madeiras produced in the U.S. The rich full flavor
flows over the palate with silky smooth complex aromas of vanilla,
caramel, maple, hazelnut and almonds. This glorious dessert wine must
be deeply inhaled and savored in an atmosphere with no distractions.
The 1999 Vintage Port is sublime, a rich and deep ruby fortified wine
with a lingering silky smooth finish. Try Spanish Marcona almonds with
this fabulous Vintage Port; the port brings out the subtleties of the
almonds in a resonant flavor.
The winery’s magnificent grounds are dotted with shaded picnic
tables, so that guests may enjoy the gourmet fare of the winery’s
exquisite deli. The winery’s deli is a European splendor offering
over 200 varieties of gourmet cheeses, porchetta, poached salmon, pâtés
and smoked meats. V. Sattui’s chef prepares daily an array of
freshly made picnicable cuisine, such as Arancini (risotto balls),
crab cakes, red truffle sauces, salads, ravioli and mustard prawns.
The luscious bakery section offers a multitude of delicate desserts,
fresh baguette and a heavenly Madeira cake. Make sure to peruse the
epicurean section for sampling sauces, Tuscan olive oils, balsamic
vinegars and numerous imported and local uncommon delicacies; the winery
even ships these items.
Self-guided tours of V.
Sattui’s gorgeous grounds are available
all year, as well as the extensive gourmet deli, gift shop and tasting
room. However, wine club members are eligible for special tours and
tastings not open to the public, not to mention a host of other excellent
benefits. The special tours lead into the heart of the winery with
magnificent club tasting rooms adorned with stone alcoves and extraordinary
murals.
The winery is busy for
most of the year due to the superiority of their vintages, (they
grow 80 percent of their own grapes) and they don’t
sell their wine in shops or stores. V. Sattui’s wines are available
for purchase only on the estate or by ordering directly from the company.
Each year, the winery dedicates a small percentage of its wines to
En Primeur (Futures), which they will ship. For additional information
on Futures, visit V. Sattui’s website listed below.
Originally established in 1885, Vittorio Sattui started what was to
become one of the best wineries in California. And, what makes V. Sattui
an outstanding winery today is the history of this enduring Italian
family, with the prescience, perseverance and commitment to maintain
the quality and integrity of their wines.
For additional information on the winery, or to host a wedding, visit
http://www.vsattui.com or call (800) 799-2337.
Artesa Winery California- Photo By Patrice Raplee
Established in 1991, Artesa
vineyards and winery, located on Henry Road in Napa, is a brilliant
estate. Perched atop a summit with unparalleled
views, magnificent pools and fountains, Artesa is the ultimate in contemporary
architecture. Modern sculpture denotes the winery’s grape vine
emblem that is cast-resin aluminum composite. Gordon Huether, artist
in residence for ten years, has incorporated his stunning artwork and
sculptures into Artesa’s unique grounds and winery. The overall
visual effect of architecture and art provides visitors a remarkable
environment to experience Artesa’s fabulous wines.
The celebrated Codorniu
family of Spain owns Artesa winery. Lineage changed the family name
to Raventos, whose winemaking dynasty has origins
dating back from 1551. The initial focus for Artesa winery began with
sparkling wines and then expanded to an incorporation of reds planted
in 1997.The winery currently features 24 different wines, produced
in small lots and gently handled, insuring a dedication to quality.
Artesa’s state-of-the-art wine equipment and facilities, merged
with generational expertise of winemaking, produces wines of exceptional
quality. The winery features a good cross section of vintages that
range from pinot noirs, to tempranillo (midway between cabernet and
zinfandel in flavor), and soon will offer a cab franc. Two outstanding
wines to try are Artesa’s 2004 Pinot Noir Carneros Estate. This
varietal delivers a complex aroma, with a full and delicate flavor.
Their 2002 Cabernet Limited Release is balanced and full-bodied with
prominent oak and blackberry flavors.
Artesa winery is definitely among the top wineries to visit
while in Napa Valley. Their location is extraordinary and they offer
a superb
atmosphere where visitors can sample their luscious wines on a gorgeous
terrace with panoramic views. Alternatively, guests may relax comfortably
inside and view the amazing structural design and art. In addition,
the winery offers several events such as paired tastings and even hosts
catered corporate events. Their wine club includes price discounts
and several other respectable benefits that bear investigating. Of
all the features and amenities that Artesa has to offer, certainly
among the highest is their friendly and supportive staff. The Artesa
team is enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and love of wine
without artifice or pretense.
For additional information visit http://www.artesawinery.com.
Join us next month when
we explore Napa Valley’s marvelous restaurants,
Inns and spas.
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