Wine Country

Beaulieu Vineyard
Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) is one of Napa Valley's most historic wineries, founded in 1900 by Georges de Latour. The Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has been the benchmark California Cabernet for decades. Husband and I drove here for a business and we were invited to stay here at Beaulieu Vineyard's mansion overlooking this vineyard. It was memorable for us since it was our anniversary last year in spring 2005. We we were given at least three bottles of wine- 2 red and 1 white, all aged 5 years. The BV mansion is not open to public.

TurnBull Vineyard
In spring of 1993 California publisher, Patrick O'Dell, purchased Johnson Turnbull Vineyards and renamed the property Turnbull Wine Cellars. Change in ownership has ushered in a new era at Turnbull Wine Cellars. Plans for remodeling and expanding the facility are under way. Even before these plans were complete, changes in the wines were beginning. The 1993 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon will be a blend of fruit from Johnson Turnbull Vineyard and Fortuna Vineyards.


Husband in photo (left), enjoying his white wine when we went here in Turnbull Vineyard for some wine tasting event. We also went to other places within the region. We enjoyed exploring different wineries and had the opportunity to see how the wine process is done! We even tasted a week old wine; it was okay but the aroma was so pure and strong, it was almost like smelling a sweet scent of perfume!

Spring time is the season to go for a long drive along the Napa valley where vineyard and winery owners open their doors to the public during their "wine tasting" event during the season. For a minimal fee of $5.00 per head, one is able to taste different types of red wine and white wines served with hors d'oeuveres. In some areas, there are jazz musicians hired to highlight this event; others have some instruments laid down neatly in a corner of the bar-for others to explore and use- addressed to those who are inclined to make some musical entertainment.

Upon blue-eyed husband's prodding, I played some jazz beats on the piano. After several glasses of white wine, I really enjoyed the liberty it gave me playing on the keyboards, whoah! After a heartwarming applause, I took a bow, paced towards husband's nook and went on for another glass of wine. It was fun! Cheers!