The Inn At Southbridge

Terroir - Is that a misspelling?

by karenincalifornia

No, the wine country is not a center for terror. At least not yet. When I mention terroir in these tips, it's not that I forgot to use my spellchecker. That's TERROIR, with an "I". "Terroir" means the unique combination of soil and climate in specific area that grows grapes for wine.

In France, a particular terroir also includes specific grapes and specific wine-making techniques. Here in California, we use "terroir" in a looser sense. We mix and match our grapes - even in a single vineyard, so terroir is more likely to refer to soil and climate. Terroir, more than anything else, is why you can find such a vast difference is wines and even quality. The terroir of Robert Keenan Winery lends itself very well to producing excellent merlots and cabernet sauvignons.

For admirers of Robert Louis...

by Rick_Green

For admirers of Robert Louis Stevenson, the Silverado Museum (Tel: 963-3757, 1490 Library Lane) contains over 8,000 items, including original letters, manuscripts, and memorabilia. Stevenson lived in Napa for a time and wrote about his experiences in 'Silverado Squatters'. The museum is free and open 12pm to 4pm every day except Mondays and holidays.

Saint Hel-eeeee-na

by karenincalifornia

"So many choices"

Considering a stay in Napa Valley? Beginning at the town of Napa and moving north, you'll drive through Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, Saint Helena and Calistoga. With several towns to choose from, and every town being near excellent wineries, how do you make your choice? Let me help...

Saint Helena is one of my favorite towns in Napa Valley and here are a dozen reasons why:

1. Prettier than the town of Napa
2. More free tasting at wineries than in town of Napa
3. More fog-free than towns of Napa and Yountville (How hate that ever present fog this summer)
4. A good number of charming B&Bs to choose from.
5. Downtown has some great shops and restaurants.
6. Doesn't have the seedy spas that Calistoga has
7. Downtown is surrounded by charming neighborhoods with Victorian homes
8. Lacks the industrial area and car dealerships that you'll find in town of Napa
9. Not tacky or touristy
10. Good access to great bicycling
11. Surrounding countryside is greener and more forested than towns of Napa and Yountville, but not quite as forested as area around Calistoga
12. Taylor's Refresher - THE most upscale hamburger joint - ONLY in the wine country.