Beringer vineyards & winery...Napa Valley, California

By Chef Ed Dychauco
Of Pots & Pans

ONE of the several wineries I visited in Napa Valley in California, USA when I went there a couple of months ago was the 131 year old Beringer Winery. Being one of Napa Valley's most historic vineyards, Beringer Vineyards was established in 1876 and has the distinction of being in the National Historic Register, which features the Rhine House Victorian Home, wine-aging tunnels, and an old 1800 Stone Winery.

I was there with a friend, Ibing, also a US licensed RN, who was my "driver" for the day. The weather was cool and the sun was out. It was a perfect time to visit Napa Valley. The long and winding road leading to St. Helena Highway from Concord was just a sight to behold. Several wineries and vineyards can be seen along the way. There were a lot of tourists, just like me, enjoying the sights of grapevines filled with fruits!

Beringer Wines have the honors of having more their wines named to Wine Spectator's "Top 100" list than any other wineries in the whole world! They also have the honor of being the only on to win both Red & White Wine as Wine of the Year!

While I was there, I tried to savor the sight, the smell and the taste of the wines. Some of the more famous wines they have are as follows: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and many other wonderful tasting wines. For those who are into wines, well I am happy to inform you that they are available in leading supermarkets and wine shops in the city!

Beringer Vineyard & Winery is open to the public, 7 days a week and offers regular daily tours. However, they also offer tours by appointment for those who have a time schedule to follow. They are open for wine tasting, of course. The winery itself, as mentioned before is a historical landmark. So visiting the place means not only enjoying the wines but also learning about some history! It also has a beautiful garden where flowers were in bloom when I went there.

Just like any other wineries and vineyards, they also have a shop where they sell souvenir items, wine glasses, shirts, books, and many others. Not to forget of course, their famous wines! Truly a fantastic place to enjoy! Beringer Vineyard is located at 2000 Main Street, St. Helena, California, USA.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2007/10/25/life/beringer.vineyards.&.winery...napa.valley.california.html