California Road Trip Not Found in Guidebooks③ Wine Tour from Winters to Napa Valley

We traveled along Highway 128 in California. A drive searching for places not yet in guidebooks. This time, based in Winters of Yolo County, we enjoy wine tasting while also savoring California's beautiful nature in Napa Valley.

Starting from Winters in Yolo County, we traveled east and west across California

On this day, we took a short drive through vast vineyards, traditional wineries, and luxury restaurants. We finally moved to our next accommodation in Calistoga.

California Road Trip Not Found in Guidebooks② Honey and Wine Edition
https://maduro-online.jp/life/20638

The wine tour begins at the vineyards of Winters

Photo / Max Whittaker

Last night, we enjoyed wine and paella at Berryessa Gap’s Vineyards, which is actually a vast vineyard operated by the Martinez Family Orchard. They have been running a grafting program in Winters, a California wine region, for about 50 years.

Photo / Max Whittaker

Careful grape cultivation is essential for wine. We discovered that the continuously thriving California wine brands are nurtured by very serious and dedicated farmers.

Furthermore, the vastness and the Ford truck captivated me, causing me to miss a bit of the conversation. Nonetheless, the impressive scenery stands on agricultural land that epitomizes California. Indeed, the vast vineyards left me in awe, realizing this is truly California.

Suddenly, the 19th-century house of Beringer Vineyards appears

Photo / Max Whittaker

From Yolo County of Winters to Napa County (Napa Valley). "Beringer Vineyards" was established in 1876. It is said to be not only the longest-operating winery in Napa Valley but also one of the most beautiful lands in California's wine country, blessed with splendid 19th-century architecture and lush gardens.

By the way, Beringer Winery was designated as a state historical landmark in 1967, holding significant importance in California's history, and in 1972, the Rhine House was registered as a national historic landmark.

Photo / Max Whittaker

This place seems to be indeed special within Napa Valley, famous for wine, attracting many tourists. Just touring inside this castle-like house is enjoyable.

Photo / Max Whittaker

Of course, tastings are also available. The snacks that pair beautifully with the wine, such as fried foods and braised pork, were surprisingly delicious on my palate.

Beringer Vineyards
https://www.beringer.com/

Elusa Winery and TRUSS Restaurant & Bar managed by Four Seasons

We moved to Calistoga, at the northernmost part of Napa Valley. Here you will find "Elusa Winery," managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which is familiar even in Japan, along with the upscale restaurant "TRUSS Restaurant & Bar." The winery and restaurant are adjacent, offering enjoyment at the same time.

Photo / Max Whittaker

Upon entering the basement, you can feel the temperature drop significantly. The storage room filled with countless barrels appears relatively compact yet packed tightly.

It seems that high-quality wines, meticulously crafted from vineyards within a 4-mile radius of this winery, are produced and shipped in small lots.