Napa Valley is 60 miles north of San Francisco. The valley is 27 miles long and in some parts less than a mile wide. It is considered among California's finest wine appellations. Napa is blessed with geologic and climatic diversity, resulting in extraordinary vineyards. The gift of nature, partnered with state-of-the-art technology and winemaking skill, has consistently propelled Napa Valley wines to the head of the world wine class.

Carneros - has become home to some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Valley. However it is among the least known and visited areas of the valley. This is a surprise because it is a rustic setting full of rolling hills. Most wineries in Carneros are smaller, and open by appointment only (we will take care of this for you).

Stags Leap - is a small region that makes some white wine, but it is the Cabernet Sauvignon that has made it famous. These are the full-bodied, lush, but not overly tannic, Cabs that are winning awards throughout the world. We will set up stops at some of the major houses as well as some smaller up and comers. This is the Cabernet lovers dream.

Mount Veeder - is a wine region that rises 2000 feet above the Valley floor. Mt Veeder offers a rugged terrain, volcanic soil, and some amazing views. Mount Veeder has some of California's best wines, including elegantly structured Cabernet Sauvignons and smoky Zinfandels.

St. Helena - is right in the heart of Napa Valley. St. Helena was founded in mid 1800's, a fact clearly visible in both its business district and side streets which are lined with Victorian homes. St Helena is home to some historic wineries dating back to 1880, and recognized worldwide.

Calistoga - is neatly tucked into the upper end of the valley. Calistoga is famous for spa and mud baths, however lets not forget it is surrounded by world class wineries. Some of Calistoga's wineries put Napa Valley on the wine world's map. Beating out famous French wines in blind tasting in the 1970's. It is well worth the extra drive up the valley floor.

Sonoma County is just 35 miles north of San Francisco. Among the 1,604 square miles, you will find a wild and dramatic Pacific coastline, the winding Russian River, vineyards, majestic old growth redwoods, and historic towns. The beauty of the area has attracted artists and craftsman colonies, rejuvenating spas, and some of the finest dining experiences in California. The hills are covered with cows and woolly sheep. The region is full of orchards and gardens where the freshest, often organic, produce is grown for your dinner table and farms of every variety are all to be discovered in this wondrous country.

Sonoma Valley - the grapes from this region have grown here for over 200 years. The landscape is diverse up this 24-mile long valley, ranging from steep 2,000-ft high hillsides to warm valley floors. Wineries also range from small hard to find gems to well known brand favorites. We can tell you this region is making some wonderful Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrah.

Dry Creek - this region has distinctive rocky red soil, found nowhere else in Sonoma County. The soil is what contributes to some of the best known and highly regarded Zinfandels. The regions Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rhone varietals also can't be ignored.

Russian River - the early morning fog combined with gravely soil result in wines with fruit, strong acidity, and overall complexity. This region has developed a reputation for growing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but don't miss the century old Zinfandel vines.
Alexander Valley - A diverse region in both geology and climate lends this valley to varietals that do best in warm weather. The results are silky soft Cabernet Sauvignon at an affordable price. We also recommend the well made Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Piedmont is Italy's unsung treasure. In terms of wine, cuisine, and the beauty of its mountainous landscape, it doesn't get any better than this. An epicurean wine tour here is rich in history, with the story of Barolo intertwined with kings, prime ministers, and marchesi. It's also rich in culinary delights: truffles, porcini mushrooms, mountain cheeses, and hazelnuts are all regional treats. But at center stage is Piedmont's stunning array of wines, which range from obscure Grignolino to world-renowned Barolo and Barbaresco.

Discover:
- Barolo & Barbaresco, the king and queen of red wine
- Dolcetto & Barbera, their country cousins
- Arneis & Gavi, rare whites that reign supreme
- Grignolino, Freisa & Ruche, lighter reds made from ancient local grapes
- Moscato & Brachetto, light and fizzy dessert wines made in heaven

In addition to in-depth tastings with the winemaker, you'll visit the charming wine towns of Alba and Asti, and in the fall participate in the medieval food fair and donkey race, the Palio degli Asini. Tour also includes a hands-on cooking lesson, and a visit to an artisan cheesemaker.

On these wine tours, you'll discover:
- why Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most esteemed wines
- how Chianti Classico made its come-back
- why Thomas Jefferson and Voltaire loved Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- what made Michaelangelo's nephew wax poetic about Vernaccia di San Gimignano
- what's so super about Super Tuscans
In addition to offering in-depth wine tastings and personal time with the winemakers, you'll see Gothic masterpieces in art and architecture, visit an olive oil press and artisan cheesemaker, and have a hands-on cooking lesson.

Argentina

ARGENTINA is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world. Since less than six percent of this massive production is exported, chances are that you have never tried the wines you'll be sampling in Mendoza province. On your customized excursion you will have the opportunity to meet the owners of the wineries, immerse yourself in the Argentine wine culture, taste a huge variety of fine wines, and enjoy the dramatic splendor of this Andes region. A trip to the wine region of Argentina today is akin to visiting the Napa Valley in 1980!

Two- to five-day wine and food excursions are the most popular, however, trips of any length are available. Mendoza is the wine capital of Argentina. The city, located at the foothills of the Andes, 610 miles west of Buenos Aires, boasts a population of over one million. The dry climate, cool nights and hot days, the mineral-rich water, the sandy soil, and an abundance of sun combine to make this one of the finest wine growing regions in the world---the perfect terroir---capable of producing great wines of the highest order.

Originally a desert, Mendoza has been transformed into a beautiful green oasis thanks to modern-day irrigation systems that were originally introduced in the days of the Incas. From the first immigrants to the current inhabitants, the people of Mendoza honor nature. Their hard work has produced a cornucopia of greenery throughout the immaculately manicured streets. Attractive plazas, broad avenues with ceramic-tiled sidewalks, numerous parks and fountains, rose gardens, and pedestrian walkways contribute to Mendoza's unique charm. With Mendoza as your arrival point, and at times your home base, you'll have the chance visit the region's premiere wineries to sample vintage reds and whites in the various brewing stages, including Argentina's famous Malbecs.