Napa satisfies the wine lover’s thirst

Nearly eight out of ten leisure travelers who drink wine regularly consider themselves to be only “somewhat knowledgeable.”* The thirst for enlightenment can be satisfied with a visit to Napa Valley.

September is California Wine Month and the perfect time for connoisseurs of every level to learn and experience Napa Valley’s wine tasting, vineyards tours and more.

Here is a sampling of the region’s innovative offerings. For more ideas and lodging suggestions, visit www.legendarynapavalley.com.

— What could be more sensuous than wine paired with chocolate? Rutherford Ranch Winery offers guests an opportunity to pair four  wines with four chocolates, including: Chardonnay paired with White lemon chocolate; Pinot Noir paired with Light toffee chocolate; Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Dark chocolate with dried tart cherries; and Zinfandel Port paired with Dark hot pepper chocolate topped with sea salt.

— Robert Mondavi Winery’s newest interactive offering has guests pairing wines with a broad range of musical selections. The tasting is every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. and cost $30 per person.

— “Twilight Tasting” at Ehlers Estates takes place during the evening hours.  Tours include a visit to the barrel room and the olive grove.  The experience is offered each Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m through September 30.

–Take a horse-drawn vineyard tour and wine tasting via an 1800’s vis-à-vis carriage at Castello di Amorosa. Priced at $68 per person, tours are  Saturdays and Sundays throughout the fall.

— Judd’s Hill Winery’s “Bottle Blending Day Camp” allows visitors to work with a winemaker to create their very own Bordeaux-style cuvee. Guests are guided through a personal tasting, education and blending session. After the cuvee has been determined, guests hand bottle, label and finish by dipping the tops in wax. Everyone takes home a personally crafted wine.

*Based on a survey of American leisure travelers conducted by Ypartnership and the Napa Valley Destination Council (NVDC)