I have been dreaming of Italy. I dream of visiting every winery in Veneto, Tuscany and Umbria.Our crazy life in Napa does not allow us to get in a plane during the Spring or Summer months but we can certainly enjoy some European flair without ever leaving Napa Valley.
If you want to book a private wine tour that leaves you with a sense of having traveled abroad why not consider these wineries:
Petroni Vineyards
Lorenzo Petroni’s dream was to be the first California vintner to grow the prized Sangiovese Grosso clone from his native Tuscany in Sonoma soil. He sensed that California could produce stunning results with Italian varieties, similar to the new world successes accomplished with the Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. His feeling is that if done correctly, the new world can rival if not surpass Italy’s most prestigious red wines. At Petroni Vineyards, we strive to accomplish that obsession everyday.
In searching out the right spot, Lorenzo traveled the Northern California wine country for years, until one bright day, on a one-lane, winding road on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Range, he happened on a 37 acre estate with an old double wide just below Monte Rosso Vineyard. The red, mineral rich terrain was filled with rocks and stones, was extremely steep at 800 ft. elevation, facing due south, with an undulating pattern that looked perfect for developing multiple plots within the estate. Lorenzo and his wife Maria Elena purchased the parcel the very next day, in the Spring of 1992.
Luna Vineyards
Our original founders brought tradition engrained by Italian ancestors, to embrace local processes that would sustain a deep and abiding respect for the Napa region. They were the first family-owned winery to plant the visionary Italian varietal of Pinot Grigio on the estate vineyard, on the eastern hillside of the Silverado Trail.
Del Dotto Vineyards
In 2007, the new Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery and Caves was completed on our property in St Helena. The new caves are lined with Italian marble and ancient tiles depicting the history of wine. Complete with Venetian crystal chandeliers, mosaic marble floors, and hand-painted gold-inlaid ceilings, this new tasting facility is one of the most beautiful in the world. It elevates wine to its rightful position as a truly sacred beverage.
Signorello Estate
This is one of our favorite wineries ever. The sophistication and care of each of their wines leads you to believe that they are in the business of bottling memories of absolute perfection. The grounds are gorgeous and the pairings that are carefully selected for each of their wine will leave you wanting to never ever leave.
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