Based on the infamous Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 that sent shockwaves throughout the wine world and forever established California’s Napa Valley as one of the world’s great wine producing regions, the movie Bottle Shock takes viewers on a captivating tour of the legendary Napa Valley. Once fans see the film, they’ll surely be captivated by visions of The Napa Valley’s renowned wines, five-star restaurants, gourmet specialty foods and breathtaking scenery. Take the excursion from the screen to reality with the following suggestions.
Click here to view Napa Valley Food & Wine Hotel Packages from Unique Inns.
Featured in the Movie...
• The memorable Chateau Montelena in Calistoga is where most of the film takes place. Walk through the remarkable stone castle estate and vineyards, leaving time to step into the celebrated tasting rooms.
• Mentioned in the film for winning the best Cabernet Sauvignon at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting, the legendary Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars on the Silverado Trail welcomes visitors to make a reservation to take part in their daily Portfolio and Estate tastings.
• Also a prime filming location, Buena Vista Winery recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, making it one of California's oldest wineries. The Carneros-based estate features a wide selection of award-winning wines, a gift shop offering gourmet foods and a whimsical selection of merchandise, and beautiful picnic areas.
Create Your Own Napa Valley Wine Country Experience
• For a hands-on experience, opt for a blending class at Rubicon Estate, one of America’s grand wine chateaus and home to famed director Francis Ford Coppola’s renowned wines.
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the venerable Culinary Institute of America at Greystone offers food & wine classes and demonstrations that will delight the “foodie” in us all.
• Located on the eastern edge of The Napa Valley, visit the Kuleto Estate, with spectacular vistas of Lake Hennessey. Taste their renowned cabernet paired with artisan cheeses and dried cured meats and fruits, as well as olives grown on their ranch.
• Another fun stop is Domaine Charbay Winery and Distillery, where the Karakasevic family has been producing small, handcrafted releases of wines, ports, brandies, spirits and liqueurs since 1983 on Spring Mountain, overlooking The Napa Valley.
• For a truly legendary indulgence, experience the French Laundry in Yountville, where culinary wizard Thomas Keller weaves his spell. The Michelin 3-star rated restaurant takes reservations two months in advance and spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to call well in advance for dinner (lunch is only served on weekends).
• For delicious farm-to-table dishes, visit the newly opened JoLe in Calistoga. JoLe serves contemporary American dishes made with fresh, seasonal and often locally grown, organic ingredients.
• Board the Napa Valley Wine Train for leisurely 3-hour journey through the heart of The Napa Valley and enjoy a seasonally-inspired gourmet lunch or dinner in meticulously restored rail cars. Optional wine pairings complete the culinary experience as you wind your way through the Napa Valley’s legendary wine country.
• Take to the air with Balloons Above the Valley. Soar above the morning mist and lush Napa Valley vineyards in a majestic hot air balloon followed by a delightful champagne brunch next to the peaceful Napa River.
• For more casual fare, try “gastro pubs” such as the Silverado Brewing Company, Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery or Downtown Joe’s. Lovers of “Locovore” – food grown and prepared locally – will find many restaurants in The Napa Valley – and throughout the state from which to choose.
• For more information or to plan your next trip to the legendary Napa Valley, visit www.legendarynapavalley.com.
Napa Valley Food & Wine Hotel Packages from Unique Inns
Here are a few samples of food and wine hotel packages currently being offered by some of the 20 California locations for Unique Inns. Details on the following packages and more are available at www.uniqueinns.com under “specials.”
“Nine, Dine & Wine” Golf and Wine Tasting
With our “Nine, Wine & Dine” Golf & Wine Tasting Dinner Program, you can enjoy the beauty of the Napa Valley, an exciting round of golf, and a delectable dinner that compliments the masterpiece creations of your favorite winemaker – throughout 2009. In Golf vernacular, we refer to the grouping of four golfers as a pairing. At Chardonnay Golf Club, we like to think of Golf, Wine, Food and You as “The Perfect Pairing”. Subject to golf course and clubhouse availability. Make a reservation referencing “Nine, Dine & Wine” Golf and Wine Tasting” at (707) 252-5980 or via website email www.chardonnaygolfclub.com.
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