Guest Post By: Margie Miklas
California's Napa and Sonoma Valleys are known throughout the world as producers of some of the best wines. The rolling hills and temperate climate are perfect for wine production and many of the wineries offer public tours. I was fortunate enough to have been able to tour several of these wineries, one of which was Beringer, who claims the distinction of being the first winery to offer public tours. They have been doing so since 1934.
History
Beringer is the oldest continuously operating vineyard in the Napa Valley, starting in 1876 when the Beringer brothers originally crushed 18,000 cases of grapes to make 40,000 gallons of wine. Seven years later Frederick Beringer built his mansion, the famous Rhine House, although he names it Villa Beringer. Four years later in 1887 Beringer Wines began winning awards. Even during Prohibiton Beringer wineries operated legally as they processed and manufactured sacramental wines for religious services.
Winery Tour
Located at 2000 Main Street, St. Helena, California, Beringer Winery has some of the most beautiful grounds throughout the valley. Just browsing the grounds here is a photographer's delight. There is even a 200 year old leaning oak tree that is a favorite of many visitors, and you easily enjoy an hour strolling around this property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rhine House Taste of Beringer tour is priced at $40 a person and the Old Stone winery tour through caves and tunnels begins at $25 a person. Each tour offers something different.
The Old Stone winery tour lasts 30 minutes and delves into the history of the Beringer winery and includes tasting two wines for those 21 and older. There is no charge for guests under the age of 21. Reservations are suggested and tours start at 11:00 a.m. with the last tour scheduled at 4:00 p.m.
For those wanting a little more the Taste of Beringer tour is for you. This one hour tour explores the history of the Napa Valley, and also explains the winemaking process as well as the Beringer winery history. The tour culminates with a wine tasting of three wines and some appetizers at a sit down event in the Rhine Mansion. Tour times are 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Reservations are required and guests must be 21 or older.
Some reviews complain that the price of the tour is too high, and occasionally you can find deals on Groupon for a better price so keep your eye open.
Guest Post By: Margie Miklas
Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com
