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Uncorked Question...Wine Country Trip?
Posted: Mar 18, 2008 in Things to do, Nightlife, Culture
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Hey gang! We have been away for a bit working on Uncorked...A Wine Experience. But we have returned with another question to ponder. You have just won a trip to one of any wine countries. Where do you go? Europe, Australia, Napa, or somewhere else? We at Uncorked want to hear where you would go and why?
Europe/Italy Tuscany. I think it would just be cool to see some nice scenery as well as see some great wines being made. I think that you could realistically go to Napa/Washington/New York wine countries anytime you really wanted since it is in the states. If i had the opportunity I would definitely go abroad and see some different culture try something different. Good luck and have fun
Italy, no question. Napa, Sonoma, etc are great but it's still the States. I have a hard time getting excited about a trip to France, but I guess that would be a second. Third would be Australia but the wine aspect would probably end up being a footnote on the rest of the vacation. I'm not sure if Chile has a wine tourist situation yet, but that would be pretty cool too.
Australia!
Napa and Sonoma are both great, I just got back from Sonoma. But if this is a free trip I want to go somewhere awesome where I can still somewhat speak the language!
I'm headed to Napa/Sonoma in a couple weeks actually (and would love some ideas as to which wineries to hit) so I'd have to vote Australia also but I here Chilean wines are on the come-up. A trip to Chile wouldn't be too bad either.
Definitely Spain. Even though I don't speak Spanish. South American wines are indeed on the way up, but Spanish wines are hot right now and I'd like to know more about them.
Back in my wine-drinking days, I enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to Bordeaux in 1993. A friend and I visited three small, family run wineries and were so impressed by the wine quality and hospitality of the owners. Many Americans seem hesistant to visit France. Too bad for them! I've been there four times since 1976 and have found the French increasingly friendly toward gracious tourists of all nationalities. In '93 I brought back a couple of bottles of red and aged them for several years, with great results. I've also been to Tuscany, Napa and Sonoma and loved 'em all. But for moi, Vive la France!
I'm headed to Napa/Sonoma in a couple weeks actually (and would love some ideas as ...
Hey Braden, you should really check out Ceja Vineyards. We fell in love with the Ceja family when we visited there a couple years ago while attending the IRL race in Sonoma. The family owns and runs the vineyards and are so welcoming and friendly. One of the sons attended Notre Dame, so a bit of an Indiana conncetion there as well. There is another that we visited and I believe the owner has family in Carmel. I will find out which vineyard that was. It is all wonderful, you will love it.
Hey Braden, you should really check out Ceja Vineyards. We fell in love with the ...
That is excellent. Thanks so much for the help. Ceja it is! I can tell 'em you sent me?
That is excellent. Thanks so much for the help. Ceja it is! I can tell ...
Hey Braden. Yes, tell the Ceja's that RJ and Amber from Indiana say hello. The other vineyard I spoke about previously is Bouchaine and one of the ladies there had lived in Carmel. Will look forward to hearing about the trip.
I'm headed to Napa/Sonoma in a couple weeks actually (and would love some ideas as ...
Braden, check out http www.copia.org, The American Center for Wine Food & the Arts in Napa. From the website:
"COPIA is the Wine Country gathering place for people, learning and ideas. Through a menu of fun and interactive programs, tastings, exhibitions, festivals, dining, performances and organic gardens, COPIA brings the general public and enthusiasts together with leading vintners, chefs, gardeners and artists to explore and celebrate wine, food, gardens and the arts.
"Visit COPIA in the Napa Valley, or check out our web-exclusive content provided by COPIA's wine, food, art and garden experts."
Braden, My wife and I were married in Napa 5 years ago, and have gone back every year for our anniversary. If you can get in, you have to go to Frog's Leap (free, but appointment required). It is an amazing place that is completely environmentally friendly. The tour is about 1 hour long, includes samples of several of their wines and at the end, if you can make a free-throw, you win a poster.
If you haven't bought a tour book yet, I would highly recommend the Napa and Sonoma Book by Peg Melnik and Timothy Fish. It's got lots of information about the various wineries, as well as resaurants, and other things to do.
Speaking of food, you've got to go to Gillwood's Cafe in St. Helena.
Have a great trip.
I moved to Indianapolis from the San Francisco Bay area. Napa and Sonoma are always a great wine vacation. But, I personally believe that the wines of Oregon and Washington state are highly underrated. I think I would spend mine traveling between the two. Cheers!
I'd go to to the Napa valley in an instant. If I could go anywhere - I'd go to Italy! Because you need great food to go along with that great wine, right! And you could go see some museums too!