California's Wine Trifecta - Sonoma, Carneros, Napa
By: Patrick Bartlett www.moodwine.com -Pics by: Jake Stanford www.moodcreative.biz
This is a bear-centric site; for most of us, bear events reign supreme. One of the most epic of all bear events takes place in Guerneville on the Russian River every summer. For many, it stops there; but for those of us who love great food and wine (you know who you are), it is well-known that this epic event is held at the north end of the most famed California wine region. Most of us think of this area as the Napa Valley, and that it is, but for true wine enthusiasts Napa wine country comprises several smaller areas or appellations.
My partner Jake and I just returned from several days of wine tasting in this region. I thought it would be fun to give you a pictorial view of what you can expect should you be able to pull yourself away from all the furry frolicking on the Russian River. To help you better understand in broad strokes, there are three major areas that pretty much capture the entire region. I like to call them the trifecta of California’s premium wines: Sonoma-Carneros-Napa.
Think of this area like a large U. On the left side of the U is Sonoma and the Valley of the Moon in Sonoma County; on the bottom of the U (and closest to San Francisco Bay) is Carneros; and on the right side of the U is Napa Valley in Napa County. Sonoma is the most west, Carneros the most south, and Napa the most east. These distinctions are important for the following reasons: Sonoma is closest to the coast, Carneros is the coolest area thanks to the vast cooling waters of nearby San Francisco Bay, and Napa lies in the interior and enjoys a tad more warmth.
These photographs from our recent trip will hopefully give you a feel for what lies in store should you venture away from your Russian River pool parties and hotel room frolicking with sexy bears … or, if you can’t pry yourself away from the party, perhaps these images will inspire you to extend your trip, or plan a separate getaway.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this pictorial essay, but, more importantly, I hope it’s inspired you to get off your Lazy Bear floater and taste some of the world’s most amazing wines!
Many of the vineyards boast very old vines … some dating back to the 1800s. This is an example of a VERY old Cabernet Sauvignon vine still producing exceptional fruit.
he culinary scene is Napa is beyond compare. Famed restaurants are everywhere … French Laundry, Mustard Grill, and one of my all-time favorites: Tra Veigne. This is Jake’s meal—a beautifully prepared Carbonara with house-made pasta.
Sonoma is home to some of the earliest and most historic wineries in California. Quaint downtown Sonoma surrounds a lush park in the city hall square.
Many of the vineyards boast very old vines … some dating back to the 1800s. This is an example of a VERY old Cabernet Sauvignon vine still producing exceptional fruit.
If you are a serious wine collector, you’ve probably heard of Napa Valley’s Quintessa Winery. This is the reception lobby. You can only taste by appointment made way ahead of your trip, and you’d better be ready to shell out big bucks—but WOW, what a winery!
One of the great things about touring this wine country is all the back roads leading into amazing fruit-loaded vineyards! Jake and I stopped to enjoy a nice bottle of rosé in the midst of one of the vineyards.