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Napa During The Holidays

12/11/2016

 

The holidays have a way of seeping into every aspect of our lives, sometimes making wonderful places even more wonderful. It’s true with Disneyland, and it’s true with the Northern California adult Disneyland that is Napa Valley. We’ve gathered a list of a few of our favorites:

Sonoma Square Holiday (Nov. 12-Dec. 31, 2016)
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Sonoma Square
​The official Attractions include 8+ acres of 100,000 sparkling lights, periodic musical performances, hot cider, hot chocolate and cookies. Check out more at http://www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events

“Holidays in Healdsburg” Tour (Daily Nov. 26 - Dec 31, 2016)

This gathering from Wine Country Walking Tours is so popular that it’s now become an annual event (view the calendar for all seasonal tour options). It centers around a four-hour guided Fine Wine and Foodie Walking Tour beginning at the festive tree lit Healdsburg Plaza. Then, you stroll the decorated tree lined streets throughout downtown, stopping at restaurants, tasting rooms and boutiques to savor freshly baked artisan breads, delicious chocolates and Ports, warm holiday spiced teas and delectable bites paired with wines all along the way. Day and evening tours are available.
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Healdsburg Holiday Tour
Have a Dickens of a Christmas (15 performances starting Dec. 8, 2016 and continuing through Christmas Day)

San Francisco has the Dickens Fair, but Napa, of course, has the Dickens Dinner. The Dickens Dinners are a highlight of the year at Madrona Manor, when carolers wander the dining rooms, dressed in period clothing of 19th Century England, and The 12th Night Singers pause for private a-cappella serenades of “Jingle Bells” (complete with theatrical cracks for the whips) and breathtaking hymns. Michelin-star executive chef Jesse Mallgren prepares a five-course celebration of new and old holiday traditions, paired with wines.
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Madrona Manor
Feast Like a Christmas King (Dec. 25, 2016)
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Santé at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa puts together one of the most elaborate Christmas dinners to be found. This feast combines a lavish buffet made more delicious by holiday music. The menu from chefs Bruno Tison and Andrew Cain is extensive, with table after table of appetizers like house made pâté de campagne wrapped in Hobbs applewood smoked bacon; house made terrine of Liberty duck and organic pork in pastry; charcuterie; local and artisan cheeses; and caviar blinis.

​There are salads, soups, and the showstoppers - carving stations featuring roasted all natural goose with spiced cranberry, apple and raisin relish; Niman Ranch beef tenderloin Wellington with mushrooms duxelle and sauce financière; and roasted marinated leg of venison with sauce poivrade. Other temptations include braised veal sweetbreads, roasted lamb shoulder à la Provençale, and dozens of hand-crafted desserts from pastry chef Dave Blom.


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Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

Napa Valley First Time Visitors: Iconic Locations

12/4/2016

 
With thousands of wineries, ranging from boutique to iconic, planning for a first time visit to the Valley can be overwhelming. In this series, we explore our top recommendations for must-see destinations throughout Napa, Sonoma, and beyond. 
Coppola Winery
The famous Coppola Winery, as in Francis Ford Coppola, is located near Geyserville, and was influenced by the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Known for its family friendly setting, the winery boasts swimming pools, bocce ball, a restaurant, along with memorabilia from Coppola’s Oscars, including Vito Corleone’s desk from The Godfather. 
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Coppola Winery
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The Godfather Desk - Coppola Winery
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​Castello Di Amorosa
Situated in the hills of Callistoga, is Castello Di Amorosa, a winery unlike any other to be found in the valley. Constructed over a fourteen year period with custom wood and brick imported from Europe, the authentically-designed Tuscan castle has become an iconic must-see winery, and a popular destination for first time visitors. 
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Castello Di Amorosa
While basking in the backdrop of a unique Tuscan setting, Amorosa offers customers tastings, tours, food, and wine pairings.  It also boasts a wide selection of varietals, including popular white and reds, as well as famous Italian blends including, La Castellana, and Il Passito. 

Beringer
As the oldest continually running winery in Napa Valley, Beringer boasts an impressive 140 year record of winemaking. Designated as a historic district on the National Register of Historical Districts, the estate is adorned with 19th century architecture, verdant gardens, stained glass windows, and is widely considered one of the most beautiful properties in the Valley.​
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Beringer Rhine House
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Beringer Cave Tour
Visitors can select between two historical tours, including the Legacy Cave Tour, which guides guests through historic tunnels under the estate, as well as the Taste of Beringer Tour, where guests are treated to wine and food pairings in the famous Rhine House. 
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