Holiday in Carneros

The Los Carneros AVA is located in the southern end of Napa and Sonoma County just north of San Pablo Bay.  This is the only AVA to cross the county boundaries and does so because these regions have more in common with each other in the way of climate and soils than it does with either of the northern end of the two counties.  This is an area of foggy mornings, sunny mid days and breezy afternoons.  Although it can be a fairly warm during the summer, the large daily shift in temperatures gives it more in common with Burgundy in France than the Napa Valley. 

What that means is that Pinot and Chardonnay are king here, whether in still or world class Champagne style wines. They also make some downright magical Merlots and Syrah as well.  This is a land of rolling hills and incredible vistas that we have found to be one of the most photogenic wine areas in California.  Just visit there in spring or fall and you will understand why we say that. 

The diversity of the adventures available in such a small geographical district so close to the major metropolitan regions of the Bay Area is one of the reasons this is a destination we find so captivating.  There are wetlands and wildlife everywhere with some great opportunities to view waterfowl, coyotes, hawks, owls and much more if you are willing to take a short walk or mountain bike ride on one of the many trails through the local marshlands. But don’t think just because this is a fairly rural area it is without amenities or sophistication.  Visit one of the major champagne houses, like Domaine Chandon or Gloria Ferrer or Italian Villas like Viansa or Jacuzzi and you will think you have crossed the ocean and somehow found you way into one of the great wine regions of Europe.  There is amazing art, astounding architecture and great wines everywhere.  But be sure to visit the wonderful boutique wineries that make this place home as well.  We had some of the best Pinot Noirs and Cabernets at some of the smaller wineries shared with us by the owners and winemakers.  Its hard to beat that.  And as far as amenities go, the region has the City of Napa on its northeast border and the City of Sonoma on its northwest border, so there is plenty of food, shopping and lodging within minutes. 

There is no better time to get a comprehensive taste of what the region has to offer than the two weekends a year that many of the wineries of the Los Carneros AVA hold an open house.  The event costs of $25 per person for both days and includes a logo glass, wine tasting at any of 18 wineries, food pairings, special wine offerings, entertainment, and much more.  We went for the Holiday tour, which this years was
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