How To Do Red, White and Blue In Wine Country

If you want a fun and festive getaway this 4^th of July weekend, then get ready to head to wine country.  We’ve got the info for release parties, barbeques and hometown celebrations and of course where to view the best firework shows in wine country regions coast to coast. 

Napa Valley

4^th of July in Napa Valley is a perfect time to visit with the family as you will have a hard time not finding something incredibly fun to do from fairs to spectacular winery parties you are sure to have a memorable holiday.

Calistoga - Napa Valley

Annual 4^th of July Parade – July 4^th @ 11:00am

Calistoga has long been host to the Silverado 4^th of July Parade.  Come grab a street side spot right downtown and view this community tradition filled with floats, clowns, classic cars, horses and more.

Napa Country Fair - July 1 – 4^th

If you love a hometown celebration, then the Napa Country fair in Calistoga is where you’ll want to be.  Get your corndog and cotton candy fix and spend a great day with kids exploring the Antique Tractor & Truck exhibit, be a farmer for a day, pony rides or just play on the midway at the Carnival.  Fair hours July 1^st 4pm – 11pm, July 2 – 4^th Noon – 11pm. Admission $8

Fireworks Spectacular - July 4^th @ 9:30pm the Fair Grounds

For more information visit http://www.napacountyfair.org/County-Fair/index.html 

St. Helena - Napa Valley

Cheers! St. Helena – July 1^st 6pm to 8pm

Enjoy fine wine, restaurants, entertainment, and shops. Bring your friends, meet new friends and welcome visitors as we celebrate here in St. Helena, Napa Valley's Main Street.

Flora Springs and Clif Family Winery

Spend your day wine tasting with our friends at Flora Springs The Room and http://www.cellarpass.com/Clif-Family-Winery-Farm.aspx, both have cold crisp whites perfect for a summer day.  Just as dusk starts to set in, find your way just outside of town near Louis M. Martini winery and Sutter Home and find a spot to view the show.  Bring a blanket and a basket filled with some goodies to enjoy during this truly amazing fireworks show.

Show starts around 9pm and is paired with a music presentation that can be heard by tuning your radio to 88.1 FM.

Yountville - Napa Valley

4^th of July Celebration & Fireworks – July 4^th Noon – 9:30pm  FREE

You can’t get much more American than the Yountville 4^th of July Celebration & Fireworks show at the Veterans Home of California.  Join the veterans at this historic and beautiful property for a day of American pride, live music, food vendors and more.  Stop by Page Wine Cellars in down town Yountville and try some of their wonderful hand crafted wines before making your way to the Veterans Home.

New York

Finger Lakes Wine Country

4^th of July marks the first official weekend of summer in Finger Lakes Wine Country and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than spending time with friends and family visiting the many wineries and beautiful lakes of this incredible region. 

July 2^nd & 3^rd

Glenora Winery – Dundee, NY

Visit Glenora Wine Cellars on beautiful Seneca lake for the release of their new Chillaxin Red wine.  The tasting room will be festive in celebration of Independence Day and this cool new wine. 

July 1^st – 3^rd

Three Brothers Wineries -  Geneva, NY

Kick off the holiday weekend in style! At Three Brothers Winery & Estate enjoy live music while visiting the three wineries and the War Horse brewery, yes that is four different places to sample wines and brews all on one estate.  Then relax with some wine and tapas to share as you take in the fireworks display over the lake from the Stony Lonesome terrace. 

Wine Country & race cars…vrooooooom!

Head to Watkins Glen International “The Glen” in beautiful Finger Lakes wine country to take part in the Camping World Grand Prix IndyCar Series. Your admission includes access to the IndyCar autograph session, Saturday night concert featuring Phish and more.

Buy Tickets

Napa Valley Boutique Wineries

The CellarPass team has been hard at work researching unique wineries off the beaten path, thoroughly evaluating fine estates, caves and unbelievable views and even sampling small production hand-crafted wines all to provide you with this week’s CellarPass picks and for that our research team thanks you. 

If you are planning a visit to wine country, but large wineries and their crowds send a shudder down your spine or you just prefer the extraordinary, you will love the CellarPass picks for an intimate Napa Valley experience.  These boutique wineries will ensure you receive personalize service, access to unique and often private wine tasting experiences ranging from sit down tastings of flights or verticals in private estates to progressive tastings working from the vineyard into the caves for barrel tastings providing a glimpse of what the wine country lifestyle is all about and giving you very memorable trip to Napa Valley. 

Bialla Vineyards

Perched 1700 feet above the Napa Valley in the Atlas Peak Appellation, this boutique winery enjoys exquisite terroir resulting in very highly rated wines.  Bialla is a very private estate that offers dramatic views of the Napa Valley where you may taste their limited production (500 cases max) wines.  Bialla is best visited during the weekdays for the best selection of appointment times.

http://www.cellarpass.com/memberdetails.aspx?id=6320&stdt=6/21/2011

CADE Winery – Howell Mountain

CADE Winery, the latest project from PlumpJack, is located in the heart of scenic Howell Mountain in Angwin, CA. CADE Winery is a unique, state-of-the-art winery, awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.  CADE winery is proud to be Napa Valley's first organically farmed, LEED Gold Certified Winery.  The CellarPass team recommends, enjoying your wine tasting outdoors and take in the sweeping views of the Napa Valley below, among a dramatic hillside of Manzanita trees, while relaxing in the cozy lounge chairs a perfect place to sip a glass of CADE’s small production Sauvignon Blanc.

http://www.cellarpass.com/Cade-Winery.aspx

Caymus Vineyards - Rutherford

One of the most famed wineries in Napa Valley, Caymus has been producing award winning Cabernet Sauvignon since 1972.  Your visit to Caymus will be a private wine tasting experience with personalized service by their experienced staff.  Due to their popularity commitment to a quality, personal experience advanced reservations are highly recommended and are pretty much necessity during the peak season. 

http://www.cellarpass.com/memberdetails.aspx?id=95&stdt=6/21/2011

Keenan Winery – Spring Mountain

This rustic stone winery located on beautiful Spring Mountain will not disappoint. While the beauty and history of the land are appealing, it is the richness of the soils that makes the hillside perfect for an estate winery. These soils are, in great measure, responsible for the dramatic intensity of the fruit associated with the ultra-premium wines produced at Robert Keenan Winery. The winery recently completed a solar power system on their property. The system will supply all of the winery's power needs.

Keenan Winery has earned its rank among CellarPass’ most loved wineries.  This is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch and linger just awhile longer on a summer afternoon.

http://www.cellarpass.com/memberdetails.aspx?id=4171&stdt=6/21/2011

Ladera Vineyards – Howell Mountain

What is it about this particular area that yields such amazing mountain fruit wines and breathtaking winery estates too?  Whatever it is, it’s working! The CellarPass team loves visiting Howell Mountain wineries. Ladera is sure to please for those looking for something special; the Estate Tour is an intimate and comprehensive experience of the LADERA story from dirt to table. Hear about the winery’s history as you walk through the vineyard. Learn about their gravity flow winemaking techniques and explore the restored 1886 stone winery. Enjoy the cool air of wine caves and then share the best from the Estate Vineyards in Ladera’s private Great Room.  

If your plans allow you for a mid-week visit, Ladera’s Howell Mountain Experience is an absolute must.  Although advanced planning is required (2 weeks notice to be exact), this full day tour and tasting package is all you will need for a most unforgettable experience. You will visit three of the Valley's most well respected family-owned Cabernet producers. This is a chance for true wine lovers to taste exceptional wines that exhibit the unique terroir that makes Howell Mountain so special.

http://www.cellarpass.com/Ladera-Vineyards.aspx

Vine Cliff Winery – Napa

The beauty, the history, the wines we simply cannot gush enough about this winery estate.   This small, family-owned winery located in the Oakville appellation of Napa Valley is nestled in a quiet canyon high above the valley floor.  Each appointment is private allowing their attentive staff to provide a unique and educational experience where you will learn about the rich history of this property and taste their acclaimed wines from the estate vineyards.  

http://www.cellarpass.com/Vine-Cliff-Winery.aspx

The Wine Country Next Door

Ah wine country, just the mere thought and we’re dreaming of lush green vineyards, rolling hills, stunning estates and of course the incredible wines.  A trip to wine country may be at the top of your list, but perhaps plans have otherwise derailed your weekend. Not to worry, wine country could be as close to you as just around the corner. That’s right, with the revival of the Urban Winery in full swing there are new wineries turning up in some of the most unexpected of locations all over the U.S.

Even in the heart of wine country there are many tasting rooms and wineries emerging on downtown streets and warehouse districts in the surrounding areas.  Many of these new urban tasting rooms are popping up in small clusters, excuse the pun, giving visitors an opportunity to stroll and taste various wines from multiple producers in a single location. What’s even more intriguing about these cool new venues, is that so many are embracing their unique locations and creating more of a lounge like atmosphere with comfortable chic spaces to relax and linger and often offer wines by the glass and in some cases light bites too. Some even stay open later than their vineyard based sisters, making them great options for a pre dinner or after work glass of vino with friends.

We love these urban wineries and tasting rooms with their unexpected twist to the traditional vineyard winery tasting experience.  City residents and tourists alike can take an easy getaway to the wine country next door.

Here are some CellarPass picks for local urban winery tasting rooms….

Napa Valley

Bourassa Vineyards  - Napa, CA

Tucked away in the warehouse district located in South Napa, Bourassa Vineyards maintains one of Napa's most distinguished and intimate wine tasting rooms. For an unforgettable start to any Napa Valley wine tour, escape to our luxurious private lounge where friendly, expert staff will guide you through the range and depth of our award winning vintages.  

http://www.cellarpass.com/Bourassa-Vineyards.aspx

Page Cellars / Revolver Wine Co. -  Yountville, CA

Centrally located in Yountville, Page Wine Cellars’ tasting room or “Saloon” as they prefer is an easy walk from hotels, fabulous shopping and world renowned restaurants.  Additionally with at least 24 hours notice, you may book a special appointment for a tasting at their “Garage” winery located in downtown Napa. This is “where all of the craziness happens” and you’ll get to experience the most intimate side of Page Wine Cellars & the Revolver Wine Co. Relax and enjoy current releases and barrel samples of tasty treats in our cellar.

http://www.cellarpass.com/Page-Wine-Revolver.aspx

Clif Family Winery & Farm at Velo Vino

Velo Vino is a unique place where the passions of cycling and wine are celebrated and blended. A road less traveled where you can taste Clif Family wines, sample the latest Clif Bar flavors, enjoy an espresso drink and embark on a world-class cycling excursion, all right in the heart of the Napa Valley. Visit the newly opened patio where you can relax with your Clif Family wine or espresso in the tranquil garden setting. Velo Vino is a great place to start or end your wine tasting adventure.

http://www.cellarpass.com/Clif-Family-Winery-Farm.aspx

Flora Springs The Room -  St. Helena, CA

One of our favorite spots to enjoy a glass of wine is Flora Springs’ The Room.  The hip roof top lounge is a great place to enjoy lunch and a glass of wine and take in the views of Napa Valley’s west hills. The Room's modern design evokes the natural springs and hillside caves of our Estate, located just down the road. Private Cave Rooms are also available for group tastings or barrel samples with our friendly and educational hospitality staff. No appointment necessary; drop in for wines by the glass, a wine tasting flight or food pairing with our top-rated Napa Valley wines.

http://www.florasprings.com/visit/the_room.php

Sonoma County

These next three are all located in the urban winery village of Santa Rosa’s Vintner’s Square…

D’Argenzio Winery – Santa Rosa, CA

Although you are just minutes from downtown and mall shopping in either direction, once you step through the doors at D’Argenzio you are swept away to what feels like an Italian Trattoria and will be treated to tasting their sumptuous Russian River Valley and Dry Creek wines.

http://www.cellarpass.com/DArgenzio-Winery.aspx

D'Argenzio Burbank Enoteca -  Burbank, CA
The sister property to D'Argenzio Winery in Santa Rosa, the Burbank Enoteca provides the same old world style wines rich with family tradition, but in the hip So Cal location.  D'Argenzio Burbank Enoteca is a family friendly venue and is open late too.

http://www.cellarpass.com/DArgenzio-Enoteca.aspx 

Sheldon Wines - Santa Rosa, CA

The “Sippy Room “of Sheldon Wines embraces a slightly more gritty industrial vibe is definitely a cool way to sip traditional wines.  A Micro-Winery crafting single vineyard designate wines of excellence. Sheldon  wines are sustainably farmed, hand harvested and basket pressed. Many small lots are hand bottled and hand labeled by Dylan and myself. We make limited productions of award winning Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Graciano, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. A few special vineyards only yield enough for a single barrel (just 25 cases).

http://www.cellarpass.com/Sheldon-Wines.aspx

Krutz Family Cellars – Santa Rosa, CA

Get the best that Krutz Family Cellars has to offer from past, present, and future. You will have the opportunity to experience a personal tasting from a member of the Krutz Family starting with our current releases, then move to the some past library wines, and then take a peek into the future through the bung-holes of the barrels! A must for those who want to experience all Krutz Family Cellars has to offer!

http://www.cellarpass.com/krutz-family-cellars.aspx

Wineries Expecting the Busiest Summer Since 2008

With summer right around the corner, wineries all over the US are preparing what is expected to be the busiest summer in over 4 years. Hampered by the economy which prevented many wine consumers from planning wine country vacations, wineries are rolling out the red carpet by designing and offering new tours and tastings, larger discounts on purchases and using social media to engage wine lovers to plan a wine country visit. Websites like CellarPass are designed to help wine country visitors plan their visits by making reservations.

The staff at CellarPass has been tracking industry traffic patterns since 2006 and the traffic on their website for 2011 is setting records. In fact in May 2011, visitors to CellarPass.com was up 26%, while reservation traffic was up nearly 250% breaking all previous single month records. "We're very pleased with May's numbers, but most since most of the regions experienced inclimant weather, many consumers waited it out and made reservations for later summer months like July and August", says Sarah Elliman, VP of Sales and Marketing for CellarPass. "June is off to a rough start, but the forecast for the second week of June looks really good, with warm weather settling in", continues Elliman. This not only makes the winemakers happy as this helps accelerate the growing season, but consumers flock to wine country when the sun is out and the weather is warm."

The weird weather patterns haven't stopped the CellarPass staff from getting more wineries readied for the summer as they've recently added wineries to their website so that wine country visitors can plan their visits by building itineries and making reservations. Wineries in New York, such as Seneca Lake, Hudson Valley and Cayuga Lake have joined CellarPass, while more have been added to Calaveras, Sonoma and Napa. "We're very happy to see wineries embracing CellarPass for it's leadership in usability, market leadership as wineries have greatly benefitted from our coast-to-coast reach. By having wineries in New York benefits wineries in Sonoma as consumers have identified CellarPass as the clear brand of choice when making their wine country plans", says Sarah Elliman.

"What has suprised wineries the most is guests making reservations for months out, rather than just days", says Tim Campbell. "Our early research showed that visitors would use the system to book months out, even as long as a year out to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and so on and we're really happy that it's proving our early data."

With wineries expecting more wine country visitors, there's never been a better time to take the time to visit CellarPass.com, plan your intinerary and make reservations, guaranteeing your spot on the tour or space at the tasting bar. And now, with CellarPass offering reservations for popular wine country restaurants, it couldn't be any easier for you to sign up and get started as it takes just a few clicks to create an account and start planning your itinerary as it's FREE to join and costs nothing to make reservations 24/7. Learn More