Comments for The Bottle and Cork - Napa and Sonoma Wine blog

Comment on California Wines: I Prefer The Chardonnays From Sonoma And The Cabernets From Napa. Can Anyone Explain Why? by traci s

traci s — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:58:03 +0000

Basically, it comes down to the terroir which means the “entire natural environment of the vine - the climate, soil, site and topography of the vineyard where it grows.” The land in Sonoma and Napa is different from the land in New York State, Oregon, many European countries and the areas in Canada where grapes are grown which makes the wines different from each of those areas. The other things that influence grapes and how they develop are:
1. Weather (amount of rain & sunshine)
2. Winemaker’s influence.
We’ve all seen how it can be bright and sunshiny in one area of a city and raining cats and dogs in another. Since each winery has their own winemaker than their choices on how to approach each set of grapes will influence the final product. Now, some of the bigger winemakers in a region will work with a larger number of wineries so that will change things around a bit. However, you may hear people saying, for example, “Jim Warren made this wine - you know this will be a great wine.” (Jim Warren is one of the more known winemakers in the Niagara region of Ontario’s wine country).
Hope this explanation helps.

Comment on California Wines: I Prefer The Chardonnays From Sonoma And The Cabernets From Napa. Can Anyone Explain Why? by chefgril

chefgril — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:10:25 +0000

Sonoma napa they’re all good.

Comment on California Wines: I Prefer The Chardonnays From Sonoma And The Cabernets From Napa. Can Anyone Explain Why? by LAUGHING MAGPIE

LAUGHING MAGPIE — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:48 +0000

It’s the appellations. Sonoma is nearer to the coast, and they do more heavy oak flavored due to the oak barrels. Napa’s appellations are more geared towards reds because we’re more inland.

Comment on What Is A "must See" Winery In Napa Valley? We Are Going During Thanksgiving.? by Melanie

Melanie — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:57:30 +0000

I liked Viansu Winery in Sonoma. Good wine and lots of free samples dips and olive oils to taste.

Comment on What Is A "must See" Winery In Napa Valley? We Are Going During Thanksgiving.? by SCMeeyah

SCMeeyah — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:24:04 +0000

Carneros Inn is a beautiful place to stay if you’re looking for lodging. As for nice winery’s…Check out Silverado, their wine is amazing and their grounds are gorgeous. Their day spa is also top notch (just DON’T be late if you make an appt)
Have a great time, I live in Santa Rosa (close to Napa) and I just love it there, I get to try a lot of the great wines too.

Comment on What Is A "must See" Winery In Napa Valley? We Are Going During Thanksgiving.? by Steve H

Steve H — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:02:27 +0000

There are so many great wineries in Napa. It really depends on what you like. I’d take a look at a website such as http://www.cheers2wine.com. You will find contact info and website links to Napa wineries. You can also print free wine tasting coupons at this site.
Some of my personal favorites:
If you like cabernet, visit Silver Oak. They specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and it’s fabulous.
Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga is fun if you haven’t been. You ride a tram to the top of the hill where you sit and are served wine in their tasting room.
Domaine Carneros outside of Napa is my favorite place to sit and sip on wonderful sparkling wine and enjoy the spectacular view of the valley. Le Reve is my favorite sparkler here. It’s located on the top of a hill overlooking the valley.
If you like art, I’d recommend Hess Collection. The wines are great and they have a free modern art museum that is interesting. Clos Pegase has interesting sculptures and good wines, too.
I also like St. Supery and Andretti.
Have fun!

Comment on Napa Or Sonoma Wine Tours? by booboo

booboo — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:24:34 +0000

You can try the wine train, if i am not mistaken they are having Sunday brunch with several stops in wineries. But if you would not make it for brunch the diner in the train is amazing, and they have a wonderful collection of wine to offer and also wine testing. I really enjoyed the trip

Comment on Napa Or Sonoma Wine Tours? by Online Help

Online Help — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:00:48 +0000

I am happy to hear this that you know Wine Tours. You can find more information here.

Comment on Napa Or Sonoma Wine Tours? by Lexi

Lexi — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:15:36 +0000

Eurospa in Calistoga was amazing! Great value for the $.

Comment on Napa Or Sonoma Wine Tours? by dani

dani — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:01:00 +0000

Napa. You can stay in Calistoga, it is small spa town, prices are reasonable. And you can enjoy hot springs after a day of wine tasting.
Don’t forget to visit Mondavi winery, Grgich winery, and also there is one where you can sit outside and enjoy picnic with bottle of wine.http://napalinks.com/calistoga/index.htm…