Hot Spots of California Wine Country

Best Tasting Rooms

Tasting is always subjective, so you may have other favorites, but here are two to consider when visiting California wine country.

Silver Oak is a master of Cabernets. In fact, its slogan -- "Life is a Cabernet" -- couldn't be more descriptive. For a small fee, you get a good taste of a current vintage and, on the right day, another vintage that provides for good comparison. You also get access to some of the best tasting guides in the valley. You can call ahead to arrange tours, but the real reason to hit Silver Oak is the wine.

Also worth a stop is Beringer, which combines a good tour with great tastings. But the real find at Beringer is the reserve tasting room that sits behind the main buildings. For a fee, you can taste some great single-vineyard Cabernets and other varietals with the help of very knowledgeable hosts. Take your time and follow the guides' advice; you'll have a great tasting experience.

Best Kept Napa Secret

With so many family-owned vineyards in California wine country, everybody has favorites. Mine happens to be Van der Heyden Winery on the south end of the Silverado Trail. Andre Van der Heyden is one of the most eclectic purveyors I've met.

Ignore your intuition when you walk into the untidy tasting room and hear your somewhat gruff host implore you to sign the guest book. Do as he says, pay the tasting fee and then watch Andre work his magic. Some absolutely terrific Cabernets and blends will make your palate sing. Don't be shy, pay up to taste the dessert wines of the day -- usually a late-harvest Cabernet and one other, maybe a later-harvest Zinfandel or another sweet white. It's like drinking honey.

I guarantee you two things from the Van der Heyden experience: You'll love the wine, and you're very likely to fall in love with Andre himself, one of the most unique vintners of the Napa Valley.

That's a good start in California wine country. Next time, we'll take a look at private tours in the region and some tips on making the most of your wine-tasting experience.

Here's to you!