|
|
|
Napa
Valley Wine Country has made itself world
famous in the wine industry and is made up the towns
of Napa, American Canyon, Calistoga, St. Helena, and
Yountville. Shortly after the historic Gold Rush of
California, some migrated their way to the Napa Valley
to claim some land and look for gold. A few visionaries
recognized the rich, fertile land for growing wine vineyards.
Today, wine-making is a billion dollar business. Some
of California's largest wine-making conglomerate are
located here. However, what makes this area special
are the small wineries. These quaint tasting rooms have
such unique character, which is refreshing compared
to the large wine manufactures. |
Chandon
Winery has a calming scenic setting of
old oak trees and a large pond with water features and
migrating birds. To access the tasting room (above right
photo) and restaurant (above left photo), a wheelchair
traveling has a large incline to face but is manageable
with a little muscle. Read
more... |
Castello
Di Amorosa
is a winery that is replicated to be an Italian castle
to the finest detail, including a moat, draw bridge,
and torture chamber. There are eight floors above and
below ground, which adds to the mystery of the property.
Not all the floors are wheelchair accessible but a few
are, including the tasting room, so a wheelchair traveler
can certainly enjoy themselves. Read
more... |
 |
Duckhorn
Vineyards is one of those hidden places
that not everyone knows about but is a favorite among
regular Napa Valley visitors and the White House. The
secret to getting to taste these delicious wines is
to make a reservation; otherwise, one can wait for a
very long time. Also with a reservation the tasting
is free, which is an incentive. The favorite place to
enjoy tasting is outside on the large country-style
patio (above right photo) but there is also a tasting
bar inside with a lowered section. Outside there are
long tables for larger parties which is convenient for
someone in a wheelchair. For smaller parties higher
bar tables are available, which is not ideal for a wheelchair
user but doable. With each glass the server pours one
gets a card with more details about the wine but the
staff is pretty knowledgeable. A single men and woman's
restroom is located inside and is large enough for a
manual or power wheelchair. |
|
Elizabeth
Spencer Winery was the original Post Office
building for Yountville right off the corner of Highway
29 and 128. There is a lovely patio for those who want
to enjoy the fresh air under umbrellas. There is even
a "cabana" in the back for private parities.
The Elizabeth Spence Winery is located in an area near
a few restaurants and cafes if you wanted to grab something
to eat. |
Folie
à Deux is a very friendly and casual
winery with a great picnic area. The bar space is a
little small and although there is no lowered area for
wheelchair users, it's not too terribly high. For those
on a budget there is the option to pack a lunch or stop
at a local market for food and bring it to Folie à
Deux for a perfect picnic setting and wine tasting.
|
Ma(i)sonry
in the Napa Valley is a boutique
wine tasting room, representing a number of wineries.
There is a unique collection of art and antiques for
sale that the owner hand-picks in addition to the wine.
Only the first floor is accessible but one can still
enjoy the ambiance that's has been created. In the backyard
of this restored, historic building are 3 seating areas
for groups to gather, chat, and of course taste wine.
Also outside are restrooms that are wheelchair accessible.
|
Trefethen
Family Vineyards is a beautiful, must see
estate and tasting room. There a unique charm and excellent
wine, which allows the Trefethen Family Vineyards to
shine among gems. Wheelchair accessible parking is located
right in front and with the whole property being one
level, it is easy for a wheelchair traveler to explore.
There are a few areas for large parties to taste and
food pairings can be arranged if planned in advanced.
Although the tasting bar is not at a level height for
a wheelchair user, there are a number of seating areas
nearby, in which the staff will bring the wine tasting
experience to you. Read
more on accessibility... |
|
Turnbull
Winery & Tasting Room
is
actually made up of two tasting rooms, both shown above.
The right photo is the one featuring Turnbull's Reserve
Wines and is more spacious and artsy of the two. The
other tasting bar in the left photo has a larger bar
with a section for a wheelchair user; a handicapped
restroom can also be found here. Accessible parking
is also available in between the two tasting rooms.
|
The
Brix
restaurant is a healthy choice and superb setting
for wine country dining for lunch, dinner or Sunday
brunch. There is a large indoor dining area with lots
of window tables as well as patio seating under a covered
awning. The menus are seasonalbe based mainily on what
is grown fresh on the property. Everything on the property,
including the gift shop is wheehchair accessible. Read
more on wheelchair access... |
|
 |
|
|
Solbar
is a restaurant and bar that is part of a luxury resort
in Calistoga in the Napa Valley. It offers seating outside
on the relaxing patio overlooking the pool (above left
photo) or inside by the fire and large windows. On a
beautiful day, the patio is the ideal choice for dining
or just to hang out and have a drink in the outdoor
lounge area. Everything on the menu reflects the kitchen's
vision of the finest ingredients, superb technical,
and right seasoning so everything is delicious. The
restrooms inside include a large wheelchair accessible
stall and sink that one can roll right up to.
|
|
|
