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The emergence of the California Wine Country as a premiere wine producing region is evident by the area's domination in international wine competitions in recent decades, although the fame of the area's wines is nothing new. Famous nineteenth century writer Robert Louis Stevenson once described the wines produced here as "bottled poetry." The name "Napa Valley" is often used interchangeably with "Wine Country," and not without reason. 150 - 200 wineries, most of them handsomely traditional, some of them innovative and contemporary, are spaced at close intervals from the Carneros district near San Pablo Bay to the skirts of Mt. St. Helena, 25 miles northwest. Some of the names reach far back into the nineteenth century, and far back in the memories of knowledgeable wine hobbyists. And, with its look of old and settled tranquility, this beautiful countryside fulfills your every expectation of an ideal wine country, calling to mind the Loire Valley in France or Italy's Piemonte region.
Sonoma - Birthplace of California Winemaking Few places have more of the character of "Old California" than Sonoma County. Grapes and wine have been companions through all these historic episodes, a part of Sonoma from the beginning. The town of Sonoma sprang up around the last of the Franciscan missions in the 1830's; these missionaries planted the first California vineyards for their ecclesiastical wines. While the Napa Valley is better known, Sonoma, its neighbor to the west, is regaining its fame as California's oldest winemaking region. A Sparkling Day in the Napa Valley Champagne; bubbly, romantic & mysterious For many centuries, champagne was reserved for the very, very rich. Today, this unique wine is enjoyed by many and has become the de rigueur beverage for celebrations and festive occasions. Traditionally, the word champagne refers only to the sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region of France. However, many Sonoma & Napa Valley wineries are producing world renown sparkling wines, using the same, time honored "methode champenoise". This method of making "sparkling wine" is only one of many ways to add carbon dioxide, the bubble, to wine. In recent years, California winemakers have mastered this technique and have produced some of the finest sparkling wines. Supported by this sophisticated technology and increasing demand, winemakers have refined and developed the classic wine grape varieties to consistent excellence, creating a breathtaking renaissance in California wine production and a new generation of winemakers. Shopping in the Wine Country Today you will enjoy a delightful day of shopping in the Wine Country. Established in 1853, St. Helena is generally recognized as the center of the wine growing region of the Napa Valley. It has a temperate climate and a population of about 5,000 residents. The highway runs along St. Helena's Main Street, past quaint shops and restaurants, many built from native stone before the turn of the century. Main Street is lighted by antique electrolaires, which were installed soon after the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, where the lights debuted. St. Helena's specialty shops cater to the most discriminating shopper. Jack London State Park Jack London is one of the Bay Area's most popular and enduring writers. To celebrate the life and works of this great man, the state has created an 800-acre park as a memorial. The park is located on what was once London's beloved Beauty Ranch, near the town of Glen Ellen, in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Today you will visit Jack London State Park. Here you see the eerie remains of Wolf House, the dream home built by London and his wife, Charmian, which mysteriously burned down days before they were to move in. You will also see the scaled down version of the mansion that Charmian built after London's death, and dubbed "The House of Happy Walls." A museum is now located here, housing furniture, art, personal photographs clothing, writing implements and souvenirs that the London's collected on their many journeys around the world; the museum even includes a collection of London's rejection slips. Ride Amongst the Vines The California Wine Country is an ideal place for a leisurely bike ride. The Napa and Sonoma Valleys are surrounded by steep hills, which, on occasion see snow. The valley floors however, are comprised of low, rolling hills, draped with grapevines. The climate is inviting and the pace, relaxed. Your route will take you to a few local wineries, where you can intersperse your refreshing ride with tastes of some of the world's best wines. You will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the grounds of one of these wineries. Soaring in the Wine Country Since the time of Icarus, men and women have admired the hawks and eagles and yearned to soar to the heavens with them on cushions of air. Unlike the lamented Icarus, our guests can ride rising air currents over one of the most picturesque valleys on earth without fear of their wings melting. The weather, the seasons, and even the time of day, all bring changes to this beautiful valley and its famous vineyards. No matter what time of year you fly, there will be something special and memorable to savor. A soaring flight is one of the most unique adventures available today. Only from the cockpit of these sleek gliders, sailing high over the surrounding hills, can one truly view the magnificence of this remarkable country. Feel the freedom, enjoy the breathtaking view of this famous wine producing region, and be sure to bring your camera! Pairing for the Daring The state of California is the originator of the much-maligned "California" or "nouvelle" cuisine. Originally, local chefs were determined to prove that the French did not have a monopoly on quality cooking. Unfortunately, for a period, "nouvelle" was synonymous with unsatisfyingly small, albeit exquisitely prepared, portions of food in combinations that were often more intriguing than tasty. Today, however, California chefs have combined the best of all worlds. You can now find satisfying meals, made with the same exacting standards that distinguished "nouvelle cuisine," using the freshest and best produce. Additionally, California's international population has encouraged the use of innovative ingredients and fresh, exciting combinations. This amazing growth has been simultaneously encouraged and complemented by the emergence of hundreds of new wineries in California's Wine Country. Winemakers are now focusing on the new tastes that are available. It is no longer enough to know merely that white wine goes with fish or chicken, and red with meat - what does one serve with Thai noodles? Indian curry? Sushi? Moroccan chicken in phyllo? Winemakers are expanding the definitions of wines, and experimenting with flavors, tastes and combinations. Today, your guests will enjoy an educational seminar on wine, winemaking and wine and food pairing that will help them better understand the many choices that are now available. Horseback Riding in the Napa Valley 
The countryside of the Napa Valley is the epitome of California beauty: golden, rolling hillsides, small private dells dotted with Spanish moss-covered oak trees, and views of the ever present vineyards.
Today your guests will venture into Bothe State Park, located between St. Helena and Calistoga, in the world famous Napa Valley. Bothe State Park was an actual Native American village. Your trusty mount will meander through lush redwood forests, along beautiful Richie Creek. Your trail guide will inform you on an abundance of flora, fauna and Native American history. After your ride, don't miss the visitor center, which has an authentic Native American garden and Wappo artifacts founds in the park. Culinary Institute of America The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, opened in 1996, is the only center in the world dedicated to continuing education and career development classes for professionals in the food, wine and hospitality fields. The former Christain Brothers Winery, built in 1889 is a Napa Valley landmark, and is considered to be the largest stone winery building in the world. A renovation and restoration project valued at over 14 millions dollars transformed this building into a breathtaking facility, housing the most impressive collection of cooking equipment ever to be assembled under one roof. Greystone's educational programs reflect the leadership position which is the hallmark of The Culinary Institute of America, thanks to a remarkable gathering of instructors, selected as some of the most outstanding examples of their individual specialties The Institute offers many treats for the visitor. The Wine Spectator Restaurant serves world-class cuisine, while the historic Greystone building offers several excellent locations for private catered functions. The Eco Lab is a state-of-the-art culinary theater. The kitchen facilities will be familiar to viewer's of the Institute's televised cooking show. Featuring a cooking set-up that would inspire the admiration of even a top-notch restaurant chef, the Eco Lab's kitchen provides the perfect setting for a cooking seminar or demonstration. Ballooning Over Napa Valley 
This morning your guests will experience the quiet, peaceful serenity that can only be encountered while floating over California's majestic wine country in a hot air balloon. You arrive at the lift off point at dawn, the calmest time of the day. You will experience the excitement of watching your balloon grow from a limp pile of colored cloth, to a majestic, swelling conveyance. Board the handcrafted wicker gondola for a lift-off so gentle you may not realize you have left the ground. Launching just after sunrise, the breezes will usher you high above the corridors of grapes and between the mountains of one of the most magnificent valleys on earth. While you slowly ascend, observe the vineyards awakening to the songs of birds.
In three decades, the California Wine Country has grown from a sleepy country outpost, a paradise enjoyed by the privileged few residents of the valley, to a prime vacation destination that attracts over a million visitors each year. As the concept of enhancing fine wines with equally fine food becomes more popular, local restaurants vie for well-deserved attention. Chefs here in the valley have developed a distinctive wine-country cuisine, based on premium local ingredients and dishes carefully designed to showcase local premium wines. Tonight your guests will enjoy a delicious dinner at one of several world class restaurants located in the Wine Country. Your gourmet meal will be complemented, of course, with premium local wines. An Evening in the Caves of Napa Valley This evening you are invited to dine among the vines in the beautiful Napa Valley. Mana, Allison & Associates can arrange, especially for your guests, a cave-around, using some of Napa Valley's most beautiful caves. Tonight your guests will have the opportunity to dine at a magnificent site, one of the special places for which Napa Valley is known. Your menu will feature California cuisine, made with the best and freshest local ingredients, and complemented by premium wine from each winery. Spaghetti Western - California & Italy The beautiful Mediterranean climate of both Italy and California has been an inspiration for many people to do many things - not the least of those endeavors has been the production of world class wines. Today your guests will experience the best of both California's and Italy's heritage with a day in the California Wine Country. Your destination today is the renowned Charles Krug winery. This is the oldest winery in the Napa Valley. Founder Charles Krug traveled to this amply-blessed region in the mid 1800's, and, convinced of the wine-making potential of the region, stayed. His fervent belief of the Napa wine lands was soon rewarded; Krug lived to see the Napa Valley become the leading viticultural area in the state, and his own wines some of the best-regarded in the country. Today, however, Krug would be surprised to see his winery! The spacious grounds, and ample, oak-studded lawn have been converted into a tribute to that other great marriage between California and Italy - the "Spaghetti Western," one of those infamous of a series of low budget Western flicks filmed in Italy.
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