When you think of the
California Wine Country, you immediately think of the
Napa and Sonoma Valleys and other nearby Bay Area wine
regions. And while California’s wine industry
has spread throughout the state, and those other regions
are producing some excellent wines, when California
wine lovers go wine tasting, their first stop is usually
California’s first wine region… the Napa/Sonoma
and greater Bay Area wine growing areas.
Top Bay Area Wine Regions
Napa Valley – The Napa Valley
is the most famous of California's wine producing regions,
and rightfully so. Not only does the Napa Valley produce
some of the finest wines in the world, but it was also
where the California wine industry was born.
Sonoma Valley – Just over the
hill from the Napa Valley, the Sonoma Valley is a smaller,
quieter version of its famous neighbor. One reason Sonoma
Valley wines are so highly acclaimed is the area's rich
diversity of coast, canyons, valleys and woodlands that
create unique microclimates, and corresponding unique
nuances in their grapes.
Livermore Valley – The Livermore
Valley (about 30 miles east of San Francisco) is home
to many large and family owned wineries. The valley
is known for its older plantings of both Semillon and
Chardonnay, and is becoming better known for producing
some of the finest wines California has to offer. Local
wineries include: Concannon, Fenestra, Livermore Valley
Cellars, Retzlaff, Stony Ridge and Wente Vineyards.
Santa Cruz Mountains – The Santa
Cruz Mountains have been cultivated for grape-wine production
since the late 1800s. The region runs from Half Moon
Bay in the north down to Santa Cruz. Many small, family-owned
wineries now operate in the Santa Cruz Mountain region.
Local wineries include: Beauregard, Bonny Doon, Equinox,
Silver Mountain and the Mountain Winery.
Russian River – The Russian
River Wine Region is actually a sub-region within the
greater Sonoma Valley zone. The area’s cool, foggy
climate combined with its fertile, alluvial soils produce
some of the finest wine grapes in the area. Some of
the local wineries include: Rodney Strong, Foppiano,
Iron Horse, Kendall Jackson, Korbel, Piper Sonoma, Rosenblum
and River Road.
Alexander Valley – The Alexander
Valley is another beautiful stretch of wine country
within the Sonoma Valley region. It is the ideal growing
area for almost all of the classic wine varietals, plus
lesser-known varietals such as Syrah and Sangiovese.
Local wineries include: Simi, Geyser Peak, Clos du Bois,
Chateau Souverain, Canyon Road and Alexander Valley
Vineyards.
At Elite Limousine, we share your
passion for wine; that’s why we specialize in
wine country tours. Our professional drivers are knowledgeable
about wines, the various Bay Area wine regions and the
local wineries and will ensure that you get a Wine Country
tour that is just right for you and your individual
tastes. There is absolutely no better way to view California’s
scenic wine country and sample the best local wines
than in the privacy and luxurious comfort of your own
custom limousine. So just sit back, relax and enjoy
some of the world’s finest wines, and let Elite
Limousine take you on a wine tour you will
always remember.
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