Over the last few decades, Napa Valley has developed into a destination for those who not only love wine, but also yearn for a relaxing environment. Inspirational cuisine, natural spas, unique accommodations and an occasional foray into the town’s boutique Mecca, culminate into a perfect sojourn.

V. Sattui Winery

In 2006, the California State Fair voted V. Sattui Winery the best winery in California. It is not surprising, considering the majority of their excellent wines are gold medal winners. Located on White Lane, St. Helena, in the heart of wine country, this beautiful picturesque stone Tuscan-architected winery is right out of a scenic Italian countryside. Old oak trees frame the two-acre grounds surrounded by grape-covered arbors, wooden benches and a grand fountain cascading water droplets against a blue sky. A multi-tiered, stone courtyard-enshrouded with draping green foliage, is an inviting respite for winery guests and is a dramatic setting for weddings. V. Sattui is now the only winery in the county still able to host weddings.

The winery’s tasting room (the largest in Napa Valley) is generally a busy affair; however, the enthusiasm for the vintages produced here provides a genial atmosphere among guests to explore the award-winning wines. The estate engenders an admirable selection of reds, whites, rosés, sparkling, dessert, as well as reserve and older vintage wines. One of the winery’s best sellers is their Gamay Rouge. A newer vintage, this gold medal rosé delivers deep strawberry flavors with a slight cherry essence and clean finish. The Gamay is perfectly paired with lighter summer fare (great for picnics). In the white wine category, the 2005 Carsi Vineyard Chardonnay is a luscious single-vineyard estate bottling, with a rich color and deep lasting flavor. V. Sattui’s red wines are exceptional with their Morisoli Cabernet Sauvignons at the pillar. The 2004 Morisoli is smooth and full with a fruity aroma of currents, and flawlessly balanced.

V. Sattui’s Madeira and Port are truly superior. Vintners from Portugal have sampled the winery’s multi-gold medal Vintage Port and Madeira and exclaimed that indeed, these fortified wines are on equal standing with their own. V. Sattui’s Madeira is one of the oldest Madeiras produced in the U.S. The rich full flavor flows over the palate with silky smooth complex aromas of vanilla, caramel, maple, hazelnut and almonds. This glorious dessert wine must be deeply inhaled and savored in an atmosphere with no distractions. The 1999 Vintage Port is sublime, a rich and deep ruby fortified wine with a lingering silky smooth finish. Try Spanish Marcona almonds with this fabulous Vintage Port; the port brings out the subtlety of the almonds in a resonant flavor.

The winery’s magnificent grounds are dotted with shaded picnic tables, so that guests may enjoy the gourmet fare of the winery’s exquisite deli -- a European splendor offering over 200 varieties of gourmet cheeses, porchetta, poached salmon, pâtés and smoked meats. V. Sattui’s chef prepares daily an array of freshly made picnicable cuisine, such as Arancini (risotto balls) crab cakes, red truffle sauces, salads, ravioli and mustard prawns. The luscious bakery section offers a multitude of delicate desserts, fresh baguette and a heavenly Madeira cake. Make sure to peruse the epicurean section for sampling sauces, Tuscan olive oils, balsamic vinegars and numerous imported and local uncommon delicacies; the winery even ships these items.

Self-guided tours of V. Sattui’s gorgeous grounds are available all year, as well as the extensive gourmet deli, gift shop and tasting room. However, wine club members are eligible for special tours and tastings not open to the public, not to mention a host of other excellent benefits. The special tours lead into the heart of the winery with magnificent club tasting rooms adorned with stone alcoves and extraordinary murals.

The winery is busy for most of the year due to the superiority of their vintages, (they grow 80 percent of their own grapes) and they don’t sell their wine in shops or stores. V. Sattui’s wines are available for purchase only on the estate or by ordering directly from the company. Each year, the winery dedicates a small percentage of its wines to En Primeur (Futures), which they will ship. For additional information on Futures, visit V. Sattui’s website listed below.

Originally established in 1885, Vittorio Sattui started what was to become one of the best wineries in California. And, what makes V. Sattui an outstanding winery today is the history of this enduring Italian family, with the prescience, perseverance and commitment to maintain the quality and integrity of their wines. For additional information on the winery, or to host a wedding, visit VSattui.com or call (800) 799-2337.

Artesa

Established in 1991, Artesa vineyards and winery, located on Henry Road in Napa, is a brilliant estate. Perched atop a summit with unparalleled views, magnificent pools and fountains, Artesa is the ultimate in contemporary architecture. Modern sculpture denotes the winery’s grape vine emblem that is cast- resin aluminum composite. Gordon Huether, artist in residence for ten years, has incorporated his stunning artwork and sculptures into Artesa’s unique grounds and winery. The overall visual effect of architecture and art provides visitors a remarkable environment to experience Artesa’s fabulous wines.

The celebrated Codorniu family of Spain owns Artesa winery. Lineage changed the family name to Raventos, whose winemaking dynasty has origins dating back from 1551. The initial focus for Artesa winery began with sparkling wines and then expanded to an incorporation of reds planted in ’97.

The winery currently features 24 different wines, produced in small lots and gently handled, insuring a dedication to quality. Artesa’s state-of-the-art wine equipment and facilities, merged with generational expertise of winemaking, produces wines of exceptional quality. The winery features a good cross section of vintages that range from pinot noirs, to tempranillo (midway between cabernet and zinfandel in flavor) and soon will offer a cab franc. Two outstanding wines to try are Artesa’s 2004 Pinot Noir Carneros Estate. This varietal delivers a complex aroma with a full and delicate flavor. Their 2002 Cabernet Limited Release is balanced and full-bodied with prominent oak and blackberry flavors.

Artesa winery is definitely among the top wineries to visit while in Napa Valley. Their location is extraordinary and they offer a superb atmosphere where visitors can sample their luscious wines on a gorgeous terrace with panoramic views. Alternatively, guests may relax comfortably inside and view the amazing structural design and art. In addition, the winery offers several events such as paired tastings and even host-catered corporate events. Their wine club includes price discounts and several other respectable benefits that bear investigating. Of all the features and amenities that Artesa has to offer, certainly among the highest is their friendly and supportive staff. The Artesa team is enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and love of wine without artifice or pretense. For additional information visit ArtesaWinery.com

Join us next month when we explore Napa Valley’s marvelous restaurants, inns and spas.

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