Posts Tagged ‘Silverado Museum’
Wine Country on a Budget
The northern California areas of Napa and Sonoma are known around the world for fine wine, fine dining and world-class romance. Wine country is an excellent destination for everything from a honeymoon to a 25th anniversary trip. Whether you are 24 or 44, though, you be left hurting from more than just a hangover. The area boasts some of the most expensive and lush activities in the entire country. The good news is there are some wineries you can tour regardless of budget. If you are smart, you can live like a king and spend like a peasant.
V. Sattui Winery
Tasting of eight wines is complimentary with a self-guided tour all day at V. Sattui. The winery boasts beautiful grounds, particularly in the fall, when the foliage is vibrant and the vines are still full before the annual crush. Aging cellars are open to the public, and you will find a fresh market of meats, cheeses and oils inside. Enjoy your picnic lunch at the complimentary tables in the courtyard. The winery is in St. Helena and opens at 9:00 AM.
Sutter Home
The wine may not be rated highly, but the grounds at Sutter Home are well kept and historic. All tastings are free. The estate showcases extensive gardens which are yours to tour additionally free of cost. Be sure to catch the White Zinfandel garden with its 125 species of roses for your enjoyment. The winery is additionally in St. Helena.
The Silverado Museum
This museum is specifically dedicated to the life of Robert Louis Stevenson. The over 8,000 preserved artifacts from wineries include photos, memoirs and copies of his famous books. Admission is completely free. The museum is in the town of St. Helena.
COPIA
A stroll through downtown Napa will not be complete without a stop at its main attraction. The most expensive admission is $5 to tour the vast facility sponsored by Robert Mondavi. You will be able to see the exhibits, tour the famed Edible Gardens and experience mini-tastings meant to teach even novice wine drinkers to learn more about the art of wine making. The schedule for COPIA’s events is listed on its website. You will find cooking demonstrations, classes and some special tastings. All cost break downs are listed on the website.
Cine Cellars
Cine Cellars offers a few daily free tours, typically at 1 and 3PM. You may avail yourself of the darling grounds by touring the ponds, gardens and the popular museum. The museum has free admission and has dioramas of the California missions. The farmhouse hosts free tastings. Check with your innkeeper of the Cine Cellars website to learn when the tastings will occur. The winery is in Sonoma.
Kenwood Vineyards
While Kenwood is not known for fine wines, the sheer volume of its output is something to be seen. The winery puts out nearly 500,000 cases of wine each year. You can taste a number of the varietals for free such as the sauvignon blanc.
Tags: Cine Cellars, COPIA, Kenwood Vineyards, Nappa Valley, Silverado Museum, Sutter Home, V. Sattui Winery, Wine Country
