Northern California, Part Four

Wine Country

The Napa Valley is known around the world for its wine production.

This fountain in downtown Napa is decorated with a mosaic depicting the history of the area.

This section has outraged some residents, who consider its inclusion a gross exaggeration of some long-past incidents.

Thanks to Pamela's recommendation, we were able to enjoy a private tour of the Hall Rutherford Winery, which is not open to tourists. It's a beautiful place, filled with art.

Down in the cave, the floor has an imbedded cooling system to control the temperature. Every brick has been bolted into place, in case of an earthquake.

Aboveground, there was a lemon tree at this spot. Here in the cave, the artist designed this chandelier to represent the roots of the tree. [Note: We were here in 2011. In 2020, this room was at the center of a minor controversy when it was used for a political fundraiser.]

Wine being transported at Hall Rutherford.

  
Artwork in the cave.

Artwork at Hall Rutherford: "Butterfly" by David B. Hickman.

The tasting room in the cave.

Castello di Amorosa (Castle of Love) is a winery that was built to look like a medieval Italian castle. Tons of bricks and tiles were imported from Italy for use in its construction. Local materials were crafted using medieval techniques.
 
Tourists can take a guided tour of the castle's 107 rooms, or a shorter, self-guided tour. Naturally, all tours include a wine tasting. We had a good time, and bought some wine.

The great dining hall.

This painting is over the fireplace in the Castello's dining hall. It says, "I am the Lord of the Vines, and when I am good, I make everybody happy and give them peace of mind."

Steve poses in front of a castle entrance.

The wine cellar.

Some hardware on a wall at the Castello.

Guarding the gateposts.

Old-style grape presses.

Stonework at the Castello.

Artwork inside the chapel.

The "old" bell tower.

The tasting room at Castello di Amorosa.

We enjoyed yet another wine tasting at Beringer Vineyards.

The Rhine House was Frederick Beringer's residence, built in 1883. It is now on the national register of historic places.

  

There are 40 panels of stained glass throughout the house.

A fountain at the Beringer winery.

It's all in a lovely, parklike setting.