"Szeptaj" is Hungarian for beautiful view.
Solano was chief of the Suisun Patwin tribe. His hideaway is a secluded cave surrounded by dense forests.
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Walk on the Wild Side
Bartholomew Memorial Park
Bartholomew Park Winery
TRAVEL - April 1, 2009
This is Part 2 of our discovery of the links among Buena Vista Carneros, Bartholomew Memorial Park and Bartholomew Park Winery.
Since Jack London answered his "Call of the Wild," Sonoma wine country has been recognized as a place to get away.
Recently we trampled down economic blues through 400 acres of Bartholomew Memorial Park. Our endorphins rose as we explored Solano's Hideaway and trekked through woodlands of live oak, manzanita and madrone sprinkled with paint brush, fairy lantern and Indian warriors. Views from Szeptaj Point cascaded across vineyards of the Carneros region to San Pablo Bay.
In the shaded picnic grounds near the trailhead we relaxed and enjoyed more beautiful views with a dash of history and a sip of wine. A day like ours is probably what Frank and Antonia Bartholomew had in mind when they left their beloved estate to a foundation dedicated to sharing its vast bounty. Further up the hill the tasting bar of Bartholomew Park Winery sits inside a small museum that records the twists and turns of Buena Vista Carneros and Bartholomew Memorial Park.
The foundation also maintains a replica of the Pompeian-style villa built by Agoston Haraszthy, the flamboyant Hungarian who founded Buena Vista. The demise of the original villa is an inexplicable mystery, but the new one is filled with interesting photographs and memorabilia about Bartholomew and Haraszthy.
There is much to see and do, so leave plenty of time to relax, discover and answer your call of the wild.
Bartholomew Park Winery (and Memorial Park)
1000 Vineyard Lane
Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone: 707 935-9511
www.BartPark.com
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