Places to Visit in California - Napa Valley's Sterling Winery

by Gilbert G Nichols
(Lubbock, Texas USA)

Tree-lined driveway into Sterling Winery

Europeans are responsible for making up much of these United States when they immigrated and pioneered their ways across the continent. Along with these "new" Americans came a rich culture and abundant knowledge that has made parts of each state glisten like a newly-cut gem.

Napa Valley, in northern California, is one such place with rolling hills and luscious vineyards representing some of the world's most recognized wineries. Beautiful villas and quaint little villages, like Calistoga, St. Helena and Sonoma, to name a few, hold out their arms to embrace any and all who have been choking on the fumes of city life to resuscitate themselves in the pleasant valley air.

Among the many wineries to visit is Sterling Winery which features a gondola ride to the hill top overlooking their vineyards and abundantly manicured gardens. The driveway is lined with trees and roses that captivate the senses with fragrances that waft across the entrance to the winery. Wine tasting greets each visitor after the initial ride on the cable-suspended gondola with a sampling which leaves a "buttery-smooth" aftertaste. Later, as the self-guided tour takes you past the storage cellars filled with barrels of the exquisite libation, another wine tasting is offered on the patio where breath-taking views of the rolling hills of Napa Valley embed calmness and serenity in the whole experience.

Lastly, as the tour winds to a close, one final taste is in store for those who wish to partake on the estate's private veranda enshrouded with tall pine trees. Select winery associates add a spice of local knowledge with twist of pretty smiles to the last sample of smooth, burgundy nectar. An adjoining gift shop invites the tourist to make an investment to savor in their homes with various items for purchase. A short gondola ride to the parking lot and easy access to the highway makes Sterling Winery a welcome diversion for the weekend or honeymooning romantic.