Today the Napa Valley is one of the most popular tourist attractions in California, and world renowned for its wines. The fame of its wineries is matched by the reputation of its restaurants. Combined with the beauty of the area, they provide a vacation holiday without equal anywhere in the country.

This world famous wine producing area is lined with hundreds of acres of vineyard lands where many of the state¹s world-class wines are created.

Numerous small farms, many of them welcoming visitors, raise everything from poultry to Christmas trees. Throughout the valley, free wine-tastings and tours are available every day. Often, the person behind the counter also may be the winemaker.

The Napa Valley's climate and soil have made it one of the world's great wine growing regions. It has long been famous for its ability to grow Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Later it was discovered that the southern part of the valley, particularly the Carneros region next to the San Francisco Bay, was ideal for growing the grapes of Burgundy, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Other popular wines include Merlot, Zinfandel, Riesling, Petite Sirah, Gamay Beaujolais and Chenin Blanc, and some wineries are producing Semillon, Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Muscat. Recently there has been a return to the old Italian grapes that were once grown in the valley and wineries are beginning to produce such wines as Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese and Dolcetto.

Activity Recommendations

Napa Valley Wine Train - From the moment you enter the Wine Train's Station, you begin a threefold adventure...A return to the gracious era of elegant rail travel with distinguished service... A deliciously crafted culinary and complete wine experience...champagne brunch, gourmet lunch or exquisite full-course dinner... offer an enjoyable and relaxing journey through the heart of Napa Valley's picturesque vineyards past world renowned wineries. RESERVATIONS: 707.253.2111 or 800.427.4124 - http://winetrain.com

Napa Golf Course, known to many as Kennedy Park because of its location within the bounds of John F. Kennedy Memorial Park adjacent to the scenic Napa River which meanders down the world renowned wine-growing Napa Valley to nearby San Francisco Bay. The only 18-hole championship course serving the general public in the Valley, the course is strategic and beautiful, with water coming into play on 16 holes over the 6,704 yard, par 72 layout. 2295 Streblow Drive, Napa, CA Tel. (707) 255-4333

Hotel Recommendations

Bed & Breakfast Inns of Napa Valley has brought together their special collection of recommended wonderful places to visit and things to do as you tour our Napa Valley. Fabulous wineries and restaurants are scattered throughout the countryside. You can luxuriate in mineral hot springs and spas, go golfing, take a balloon flight. Bring a gourmet picnic along to compliment your visit to wineries. You may be chauffeured through vineyards in a vintage antique Packard limousine convertible. You can tour the countryside on bicycles along beautiful back country roads of horseback ride through forest splendor beside a year round stream. Phone: (707) 944-4444 - http://bbinv.com

Juliet Claire House will do its best to provide any service needed in order to make your Wine country stay a more enjoyable one including planning your entire itinerary and accommodations, whether it be a locally owned Bed & Breakfast, a Wine Country Boutique Hotel, a Private Estate, Condominium or Cottage. They also arrange appointments at private wineries, Restaurant reservations, Hot Air Ballooning, Wine Country Limousine Tours, Public and private spa treatments.