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Wine & Dine: Touring The Wineries
by Carrie Miner
For decades, American wines meant California wines. And while the "The Golden State" still rules the nation's wine industry, other states are emerging with awardwinning vintages.
Nowadays you can pick up a superb Merlot from Long Island, a fragrant Viognier from Virginia, a smooth Syrah from Texas, a juicy Cabernet Franc from Georgia, a fabulous Pinot Noir from Washington and a crisp Chardonnay from North Carolina.
Fabulous wine can be found in nearly every state of the union. So we decided to explore some of the nation's better-known, GA-friendly vineyards to find places that make an ideal weekend destination spot. Or, just pack your bags and schedule a couple of weeks off so you can explore the nation's vineyards by air. You'll agree, wine country has never looked so good!
California Dreaming
Northern California's wine country produces some of the finest wines in the world. The combination of tall mountains, lush valleys and sandy beaches create a perfect climate for growing wine grapes.
Napa Valley, one of California's most wellknown appellations, is home to more than 260 wineries-all within the borders of this renowned 30-mile-long valley.
After putting down at Napa County Airport [APC] get geared up for a drive up Highway 29. With more wineries per mile than any other place in America, your biggest problem is picking which ones to visit.
To start a tour of some of the most famous and historic wineries in Napa Valley, you might want to celebrate by sampling sparkling wine at Domaine Chandon. Opened in the early 1970s, Domaine Chandon became the first French-owned sparkling wine producer in the United States. Located in Yountville, Domaine Chandon offers guided tours of the winery, wine samples paired with appealing appetizers and four-star dining at the Restaurant at Domaine Chandon.
Your next stop is in Oakville at the Robert Mondavi Winery, now one of the most visited wineries in Napa Valley and the key winery responsible for establishing Napa Valley as one of the world's leading appellations.
A few miles further in Rutherford, you'll find one of the most stunning vistas around at the Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery. Famous film director Francis Ford Coppola purchased the old Niebaum estate from Inglenook in 1975. By 1995, Coppola had acquired all of the parcels of the original estate and was producing a wide collection of wines - the crown jewel being the Rubicon series.
While you're here you can enjoy wine samples in the Chateau's two tasting rooms, linger at the elegant Mammarella Wine Bar or learn more about the Coppola family and the Inglenook saga at the Centennial Museum.
Beaulieu Vineyards, the next stop in Rutherford, was founded in 1900 by Frenchman George de Latour and is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the valley. When Prohibition closed down most wineries, Beaulieu Vineyards kept growing wine grapes to supply wines for sacramental purposes.
Today, the winery continues the tradition of making high-end wines. In addition to the regular tasting room, the winery's Private Reserve Room offers a sampling of five fabulous vintages for $25. Top off your visit with the tour of the facilities -- a favorite in the area.
Our tour of Napa Valley finishes up with a stay at the Meadowood Resort in St. Helena. This popular 250-acre estate caters to gourmands with wine country cuisine and an impressive collection of Napa Valley wines. This cultural gem also offers championship croquet lawns, seven tennis courts, a ninehole walking golf course, hiking trails and a full-service health spa.
In the morning, wind up your trip to Napa Valley at Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena, which, founded in 1897 by Rhine Valley emigrants Jacob and Frederick Beringer, ranks as Napa Valley's oldest winery.
To wrap up your Napa Valley tour, stop by Beringer Vineyards to sample the impressive menu of wines and to take a tour of the historic buildings before heading home.
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