California Dreamin’

 I have a very special affinity for California wines, having been to the Napa Valley in 2001.  I also spent some time around Coastal California, and I just love the state.  The scenery took my breath away, the people were fantastic and the wine…. nothing short of spectacular. It’s on my bucket list to go back, and I have a friend, Arla, who would love to go as well.

I stayed in the northern tip of the Napa Valley in a little town called Calistoga.

Here is a picture of Calistoga, and as you can see from the map it is at the Northern tip. I did, however, drive to the Napa Valley, so I got to see a lot of it.   Staying in Calistoga was lovely, with a population of about 5500, it was quaint and friendly and easy to get around.  Known for it’s spas, I went for the wine. 

ne of the vineyards I got to visit, which was on a hill overlooking Calistoga, was Sterling Vineyards.  I was so excited because this brand is available here in Canada.  They make a variety of good wines in every price range.

Sterling Vintners Reserve has a Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a Merlot. (Ignore my Nespresso Coffee maker in the background LOL) This is the Cabernet, which is priced at $20 a bottle. I’ve had both, and they are both great wines.

Just down the road from Calistoga is St. Helena, known for some pretty famous wineries.

As a matter of fact, you can walk from vineyard to vineyard, there are that many of them.  St. Helena is in the heart of the Napa Valley and home to many familiar brand names.  Beringer, Sutter Home, and Francis Ford Coppola just to name a few.  It is also home to some of my favorites.

Here is a picture I took of the Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi is located in St. Helena, and I visited this vineyard twice.  It was just so beautiful.  Again, Canada sees a few wines from this vineyard, ranging in price here in Nova Scotia from $16 to $70.

Here’s one I’ve had this past week. A tasty Cabernet that comes in under $18. Mondavi’s goal was to put good wine on every table. At one point, the original Robert Mondavi, only wanted the highest quality, which came with a higher price tag. He criticized both of his sons for introducing the lower priced Woodbridge and Coastal lines. His sons knew they could produce a quality wine that came with a lower price tag.

And last, but certainly not least, my absolute favorite. Francis Ford Coppola’s Winery.

I bought so much wine from this Winery. They sell a spectacular Merlot, as well as a Rosso Red Blend. I literally left California with a case of this in my vehicle.

But I think they make one of my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon wines, and my nephew gave me a bottle Christmas of 2021.

Francis Ford Coppola has been quoted as saying making films and making wine are two great art forms.  And I tend to agree with him.   I visited this particular Vineyard three times during my 10 day visit.   You just can’t see it all in one visit .  He also has olive trees and makes his own olive oil right on site.  When I was there I met a lady who said she drove for 90 minutes and she was stocking up.  In her own words, the best olive oil she has ever tasted.   I was disappointed I only bought one bottle.   They also have an extensive gift shop where I bought some beautiful napkins .

Keep in mind there was no such thing as an I-phone when I was there. It was old fashioned cameras, so I didn’t take as many pictures. This was so cool. Upstairs in the Winery is a room dedicated to his film making, including a case with these Oscar statues. It is an absolute must visit if you are anywhere near the Napa Valley.

Well that’s it for me for this week. Till next week, Cheers

Darlene