Napa Valley: Articles on California's Napa Valley Wine Region

You can tour the winery by bike, or earrive dressed to the nines in a limousine. Either way, you'll fit right in.

It could be the history that attracts such a crowd; Bouchaine Vineyards inhabits the oldest continually operated winery in the Carneros wine region. Or perhaps it's the rustic style, which historic and architectural organizations have repeatedly recognized and awarded.

Most likely it's a combination of everything. Bouchaine offers a relaxed environment and caters to all sentiments, with diverse tasting and touring experiences.

If you’re a buff of just about anything – art, architecture, the history of winemaking, great landscaping, or riding your bike- then this place is for you. Artesa has something for everyone, beginning with fountains that greet you at eye level as you make your way up to the tasting room. One of the few wineries with an artist in residence, Artesa decorates its grounds with sculpture and glass installations by Gordon Huether.

Once you enter the winery, you can make your way through an extensive maze of distinct rooms. First, there’s a lounge-type area, with a greeter at a desk, some big artwork on the walls, and a couple modern looking couches. Past the lounge is the spacious tasting room, with a long bar at one end and a hip, gallery type space beyond. Several small tables make for cozy seating for couples or small groups, and art lovers can work their way around the room, glass in hand, examining the installed pieces.

If you don’t go out on the terrace from there, to gaze into the gorgeous distance, you can proceed into the museum space, where a handful of artifacts from Artesa’s parent company (the Spanish Codorniu Group), including a giant wine cask, line up against a wall for your inspection. Between the running water of the fountains and the gallery and museum spaces, Artesa offers a quiet, even peaceful environment in which to enjoy some pretty acclaimed wines. Also, there are bike racks in the parking lot, in case you’re wining and biking.

While not named after the famed children’s book or movie, the Black Stallion winery does feature a genuine former horse barn in the rear, and a rearing horse statue in the front. Located on the grounds of a former equestrian center, the recently renovated winery offers a warm, soaring space replete with thoughtful architectural details (note the barrel shaped doors and recycled wood accents), stone fireplace, and hospitable staff. With a first vintage production of 3200 case, including cabernet, syrah and merlot, this new Oak Knoll producer is a great stop for those seeking a slice of small-producer, history-laden charm.

Sterling Vineyards has an excitement and energy unlike any other winery. Visitors travel from the arrival point to the tasting room via aerial tram, lending to it's "amusement park for adults" atmosphere.

The spectacular panoramic view along the ride prepares you for a classic Napa experience, with a few modern perks. You can mosey through art galleries sipping a glass of wine or learn about the winemaking process on TV while strolling elevated walkways lined with motion-activated flat-screen televisions.

This allows you to experience Sterling your way, at your pace. You won't need to worry about getting lost in the shuffle of a large group, or adhering to a strict schedule. If you're more inclined to kick back, you'll enjoy relaxing on the Sterling View Terrace, or, in the winter months, curling up next to the huge fireplace place in the main tasting room.

Regardless of what time you arrive, you'll hear the rich toll of historic church bells at least once. Sterling's towers house eight bells from London's Church of St. Dunstans-in-the-East. They've been recast many times since the 10th century, but they still evoke a sense of reverence with their superior tonal quality.