At the upscale kitchen we not only love
to cook but we always enjoy a good glass of wine. So from time to
time we will blog about wine tasting, wines we like, vineyards to visit and of
course wines we cook with. I hope you enjoy our blogs in the UpScaleKitchen wine series.
Are you planning a wine country getaway? There are so many
choices, it is easy to be overwhelmed. A Great Plan is the secret to having a fun
experience while learning about wines and the wineries of Napa Valley.
There is more to Napa Valley than just wine and a food
experience. Once there of course you will be visiting vineyards and sampling
their wines. You will find an abundance of outdoor activities.
You have many choices
for Golfing and Hiking is available in state parks, Bale Grist Mill State historic
Park, Bothe Napa Valley State Park, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and
Alston Park. Napa's Riverfront, a quaint area with shops and restaurants, a
welcome center and the Napa General Store. Oxbow Public Market is a community gathering
place downtown with great food vendors, artisan cafes and a mix of Artisans
selling their wares. Spas and Massages, Picnicking, Fine Dining, Art, Shopping
at the Napa Outlets, Yountville, St Helens and Calistoga. If you like Biking, you may
want to try the Napa Valley guided bike rides; do not forget the Napa Valley
Wine Train.
Other interesting things to experience are Hot Air Balloon
Rides, I heard in the morning is one of the best time. Flying lessons, an
exceptional aviation school using ground training procedures and flight
simulators to prepare students for actual flights at the local airport.
Napa Valley often called a "Disneyland for Adults"
but that does not mean you do not have to leave children behind. Children will
love spectacular views, tours and roaming around the vineyards. Children
friendly vineyards are the Artesa Winery. Long Meadow Ranch offers big views,
caves and farm animals. Sterling Vineyard, where you will enjoy a gondola ride
taking you 300 feet above the valley. Castello di Amorosa with a full size
fortress, dungeon, moat and everything you might expect to see in a real 13th
Century Castle. The tasting room displays a suit of armor and trinkets and
souvenirs for the kids while you sip.
As you plan your Napa Valley experience, take time to add
one or more of these outdoor activities, you will be glad you did. Enjoy.
At TheUpScaleKitchen we are always searching for new recipes, places to visit
and tips to share. Some recipes are from
our family some we find while researching topics for our blog. We want to hear about your experiences please
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