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Leading Wineries of Napa

During my time as social media manager for Leading Wineries of Napa, a luxury winery tours company, I was responsible for researching, writing, and editing weekly blog posts for the company's website. These blog posts facilitated an increase in website traffic by 85% and a 160% increase in social media engagement.

With a near perfect climate and pristine views, Napa Valley is the perfect year-round travel destination. But being such a desirable location, narrowing down the date and details of your trip well in advance is a must. We have some tips to help you plan the perfect Napa Valley trip and create memories that will last long after the last drops of wine have been drunk. 

 

  1. Late August through October is Napa Valley’s busiest time of year due to the harvesting of wine grapes. This is the time to visit Napa Valley if you want to get the full winemaking experience (harvesting the grapes, making the wine, and storing it in wine barrels, etc.) Keep in mind that it can be difficult to book reservations for hotels, restaurants, and winery tours during this time with so many people visiting the region. Be sure to book accommodations far in advance.

  2. Napa Valley has beautiful fall foliage! Even after the harvest has ended fall is still an excellent time to visit Wine Country. Plan a trip in late October through Thanksgiving to experience some great sight seeing. The temperature can be in the 50’s and 60’s so pack those sweaters and boots.

  3. Quiet season in Napa Valley is January through March. This is the time to visit if you want a relaxed and leisurely weekend with the added bonus of lower hotel rates. The weather can be a bit unpredictable during this time of year so check the forecast and plan accordingly.

  4. Another slow time to visit Napa Valley, and our favorite, is the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas as preparation for the Holidays are underway for many people. Wineries and local attractions will not be as busy and the wineries and towns in the Napa Valley are all dressed beautifully for the holidays.

  5. There is always something to do during the summer months in Napa Valley. The days are warm (80’s sometimes 90’s) while the evenings are refreshingly cooler. This means perfect conditions for winery tours, outdoor concerts, and summer events. This is a busy time, especially on the weekends, so make your reservations well in advance.

The 5 Best Hiking Trails Near Napa Valley

 

When you think of Napa Valley visions of lush, rolling vineyards, magnificent wineries, and world-class cuisine probably come to mind. However, we think it’s time to add another pastime to Napa’s already impressive list of activities: outstanding hiking. Known for its gorgeous terrain and pleasant climate, it only makes sense that Napa Valley would boast some ideal hiking trails and state parks. So the next time you find yourself in Napa with a free afternoon why not check out one of our top 5 hiking trails and explore the idyllic scenery of Wine Country?

 

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park

 

This park, where the famous author spent his honeymoon in 1880, is home to the Stevenson Memorial Trail, which will lead hikers to the summit of Mt. Saint Helena. While the trail is 10 miles round trip the view from the top of this 4,343-foot mountain is well worth the journey. Enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay area and, on good, clear days, the top of Mt. Shasta is visible from 192 miles away. Mt. Saint Helena is the highest peak in the California Wine Country.

Visitors can find this park seven miles north of Calistoga on Highway 29.

For more information please visit: napavalleystateparks.org/robert-louis-stevenson-state-park/

 

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

 

Looking for the perfect picnic spot to accompany your hike? Or maybe you want to give “glamping” (glamorous camping) a try. Look no further than Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. This park has over 10 miles of trails that wind through coastal redwoods and forests of Douglas Firs. Hikers can also enjoy the scenic Redwood Trail found in Ritchey Canyon. Be sure to look into the park’s yurts (think modern day tepee) for a unique “glamping” experience!

The park is located five miles north of St. Helena and four miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128.

For more information please visit: napavalleystateparks.org/campground-map/

 

Moore Creek Park

 

Whether you are looking to explore for an entire day or maybe just an hour or two, the 1,573-acre Moore Creek Park will no doubt have the outdoor adventure you are looking for. The 15 miles of trails guide visitors along the hillsides of Napa Valley through woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral. Keep an eye out for the various number of wildlife that call this park home including black bears, mountain lion, grey fox, bobcat, coyotes, and even bald eagles.  Not up for a big hike? Relax along the peaceful shore of Lake Hennessey for the afternoon.

For more information please visit: napaoutdoors.org/parks/moore-creek-park/

 

Skyline Wilderness Park

 

Sitting just outside the city of Napa, Skyline Wilderness Park is the perfect escape for hikers, bikers, equestrians, and fishermen. There are over 16 miles of trails to explore in this park. If you happen to visit in the heat of the summer the park has several shady trails to keep you out of the sun including Marie Creek Trail that leads up to Lake Marie.

For more information please visit: www.napahiking.com/Skyline_Wilderness_Park.htm

 

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

 

You don’t need to be a hiking aficionado to enjoy the over 25 miles of hiking trails in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. While visiting the park take some time to explore Canyon-Pony Gate Loop. This 2-mile trail winds its way through a lush forest with large redwoods and even includes views of a 25-foot waterfall. Not a bad place to spend an afternoon.

 

For more information please visit: www.sugarloafpark.org

10 Interesting Facts About Inglenook

 

Inglenook. The name itself is synonymous with a rich history and top of the line wine. Over the past 145 years it has earned quite a reputation and has a fascinating story to tell all who visit the Inglenook Estate. Here are 10 interesting facts to whet your appetite for this iconic Napa Valley landmark... and its world class wines!

 

  1. “Inglenook” is a Scottish expression that means “cozy corner.” The winery was bought and named by William C. Watson in 1871. During that same year the first grape vines were planted on the property.

  2. 1882 was Inglenook’s first harvest and they produced 80,000 gallons of wine. In 1884 they increased their production to 125,000 gallons.

  3. In 1891, President Grover Cleveland enjoyed Inglenook wine at The White House.

  4. Inglenook Claret was served to travelers on the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1901. A bottle cost about sixty cents, that’s around $17 in today’s money. 

  5. In 1919 Inglenook stopped wine production when the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) was passed. However, they did sell fresh grapes to home markets during this hiatus. When Prohibition was repealed on December 5, 1933, Inglenook wasted no time and threw a celebration on December 6 for 300 people.

  6. The 1941 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon has been called, “one of the best cabernet sauvignons ever made.”

  7. With profits from the iconic  Godfather movies, Francis and Eleanor Coppola bought the Inglenook Estate in 1975.

  8. As a tribute to his Grandfather, Francesco Pennino, Coppola named the Edizione Pennino Zinfandel in 1988. Pennino was a Neapolitan composer and his song titles can be found on the corks of the wine bottles.

  9. In 1989 it was found, thanks to genetic testing, that the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that is used to create Rubicon (Inglenook’s flagship wine) was a match to the original vines brought back from France in the 1880’s.

  10. The new visitor center that was recently opened to the public was originally built back in 1879. Back then it was used as a water storage tank house and was capable of storing up to 20,000 gallons of water from nearby mountain streams that were then used for winery operations.

 

You can find these facts, and many more, at Inglenook.com

 

Love a winery with a deep history and equally legendary wines? Be sure to check out Francis Ford Coppola’s Inglenook Winery “The Salon Tasting.”  

bit.ly/InglenookSalonTasting

How To Create The Perfect Summer Cheese Board

 

Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy a beautiful evening outdoors. Nothing seems to compliment these intimate gatherings quite as well as a flavorsome cheese board accompanied by the perfect summer wine. But with the selection of wines and cheeses reaching a staggering number, creating the perfect cheese board can seem a bit overwhelming. We have narrowed down some of the most popular summer wines and delicious cheeses that go perfectly together, making your job as host/hostess a breeze.

 

Pinot Grigio

 

Cheeses:  This light yet dry wine pairs well with milder cheeses. Look for a sweet and salty Gruyere, a Monterey Jack, or a hard cow’s cheese such as Mimolette.

 

Extra Bites: Add some crackers and fresh fruits such as grapes, apples, and pears to round out your cheese board.

 

Rosé

 

Cheeses: Whether you are serving a dry, slightly acidy rosé or a creamy, sweet rosé these wines pair well with full-flavored cheeses. Look for soft, tangy cheeses such as goat, Feta, or Rocchetta.

 

Extra Bites: Add different flavor profiles to your cheese board by selecting plums, fresh melon, prosciutto, and a selection of olives.

 

 

Sauvignon Blanc

 

Cheeses:  This light wine is perfect for subtle cheese flavors such as Swiss, Gruyere, Asiago, and Mascarpone.

 

Extra Bites: Look for different textures to add to your cheese board. Almonds and walnuts lend a nice crunch while juicy raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries pair well with the creamy cheeses.

 

Prosecco

 

Cheeses: The bubbles in any sparkling wine pair perfectly with any creamy cheese. Try Brie, a soft ripened goat cheese like Humboldt Fog, or a buttery sheep’s cheese such as Manchego.

 

Extra Bites: Accompany your cheeses with a sharp prosciutto, fresh berries, crisp apple slices, honey, or sweet preserves.

 

Riesling

 

            Cheeses: This sweet and acidic wine pairs well with cheeses that have a powerful flavor. Look for a strong blue cheese, an aged Gouda, sharp cheddar, or a Parmigiano Reggiano.

 

            Extra Bites: Add some table water crackers, apple slices, juicy pears, and crunchy nuts to give your cheese board the finishing touch.

 

Chenin Blanc

 

            Cheeses: This light bodied wine is versatile and stands up to a wide range of cheeses. Try an array of cheeses such as a triple cream Brie, cream cheese, mild cheddar, or an herb crusted goat cheese.

 

            Extra Bites: These can be as versatile as your cheese selection. Try dates, honeydew melon, prosciutto, a sweet chutney, and a crusty bread.

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