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Being A Tourist In the Napa Valley

Written by: Diana Gelow

Article Overview: Some friends of mine from Chicago came out for a visit a few weeks ago to take in the Napa Valley, tour some wineries, and experience the excitement of crush. It had been a while since I played tourist here in the Valley and thought it might be fun, so I tagged along. It was quite an experience. While my husband, Mike, was the Vineyard Manager for Robert Mondavi Winery, we had attended a zillion fabulous events, special tours, and tastings but I could not actually remember ever going through a typical,everyday tour of the winery.

Being A Tourist In the Napa Valley

Some friends of mine from Chicago came out for a visit a few weeks ago to take in the Napa Valley, tour some wineries, and experience the excitement of crush. It had been a while since I played tourist here in the Valley and thought it might be fun, so I tagged along. It was quite an experience. While my husband, Mike, was the Vineyard Manager for Robert Mondavi Winery, we had attended a zillion fabulous events, special tours, and tastings but I could not actually remember ever going through a typical,everyday tour of the winery. What a treat...I have always encouraged and recommended our friends to start their tours at Robert Mondavi Winery because of their emphasis on wine education and after this tour I will continue my recommendation. The tour guides are friendly, knowledgeable and the walking tour is beautiful and educational...(plus you can still see my husband on the big screen video clip at the beginning of the tour). From Mondavi we hopped across the street to Opus One and sipped our Opus Cabernet upstairs while enjoying the fabulous views of the Valley. This particular day the weather was 102 degrees so our visit to Pine Ridge Winery and their ultra cool caves was particularly welcomed. Mike (yes, my husband, again...) gave us a delightful and knowledgeable tour that included tastings direct from the barrel, vineyard tours, and a wonderful picnic in the hills alongside the winery as we tasted their award winning wines. Of course we ended the day at our own family vineyard and cellars where we tasted Chateau Gelow Merlot and viewed the workings of a true home-grown family vineyard. It had been a long time since I played the role of tourist here in the Valley and I can honestly say I will do it again...very soon.

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