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

California Napa Valley Merlot Vintage Chart

Napa Merlot
2009	89	D/H
2008	93	D/H
2007	96

California Napa Valley Chardonnay Vintage Chart

by Loren Sonkin

Napa Chardonnay
2009	89	D
2008	95	D/H
2007	93

Top Wine/Food Pairing Restaurants in the Napa Valley

by Paula Barker

CHEFS AND SOMMELIERS REVEAL THEIR FAVORITE PAIRINGS

Enthusiasm radiates from their lips, as some of the most innovative chefs and sommeliers in the Napa Valley describe their most smashing wine/food pairings, whether recently concocted, or so reliable that they have become a permanent fixture on their tasting menus.

Seasoned restaurant professionals not only uncover their wonderful wine and food combinations, but also explain a bit of the process behind their achievements.

Adventures in Napa: Bounty for All

by Nathalie Philippe

So much has been written about the Napa Valley, in such a way and so much so, that it seems almost, mythical, and a bit unreal. As a young connoisseur of wine with abundant experience selling and consuming wine, woven with my time living in the valley, I have a new perspective to share. One that has allowed me to enjoy the valley and all the plenty it has to share, despite being on a very tight budget. The valley has much to offer, for everyone, and despite the hype, Napa in its bounty is for all.

Napa Valley Outside In

Surely it's just situational stress. A temporary period of adjustment. Frayed nerves. Depleted bank account with its bottom line rapidly diminishing. Nearly one month after moving to Napa Valley from 1200 miles away with the goal of taking classes to further my career in the wine business I find myself sharing a house with three people and a poodle while waiting with bated breath for the valley to emerge from its long winter's nap and start hiring again when the onset of Tourist Season (roughly concurrent with Bud Break) becomes clearly imminent.

A Zest for Zin

by Maria Ross

Welcome to Red on RedsI This feisty Italian redhead is dishing about all things red wine. Now please don’t misunderstand: I’m not a white hater - I mean, who wouldn’t love a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a bowl of mussels? But we’ll stick to the world’s glorious canvas of reds. Think of this as an adventure: I’m your old college buddy who’s just talked you into a spontaneous road trip! Come enjoy the ride from a fellow wine lover (not expert) point of view and we’ll even unearth some lesser known varietals to branch out together. Let’s share stories, seek out new varietals, and soak up as much as we can along the way.

Napa versus Sonoma: Marcia versus Jan

by Cheryl Cechvala

Remember Jan from the Brady Bunch? She was the less pretty, less popular younger sister of the sparkling Marcia Brady. While she only melted down once during her four seasons of second class status, (recall the classic “Marcia Marcia Marcia!” episode of season 3), her insecurities were a constant.

We Californians have another, perhaps lesser-known rivalry, right in our front yard – that of the wine producing regions of Sonoma and Napa counties. (Yes, the Napa wine-as-buxom-blonde analogy has been done and overdone, but bear with me here). When it comes to wine production, Napa has historically been like Marcia – sexy and popular. Sonoma has been more like Jan – smart and pretty, but a little insecure. Fortunately, this may be changing.