United Nations of Wine
Napa Valley International Itinerary

TRAVEL - March 25, 2009

What New York and Paris are to food Napa Valley is to wineries. Old and new, modest and grandiose, the choices can be overwhelming. But they also present an endless journey for the curious, a virtual United Nations of wine.

This three-winery tour demonstrates the ethnic diversity of the valley's inhabitants. It carries you the length and breadth of Napa Valley. Every stop is a buzz, so get a good night's rest.

Start with a caress of France at Domaine Chandon in Yountville. In 1743, Moët & Chandon was founded by Claude Moët in Champagne, France. The company later acquired the Benedictine Abbey and its legacies where monk and cellar-master Dom Pérignon sought to uncover the secret of sparkling wine. Over 200 years later, Moët & Chandon came to Napa Valley and built a winery that blends wonderfully into the countryside. Experience art and nature, gourmet dining at its étoile restaurant and sparklers, all in the finest of French traditions.

Stop across Route 29 for lunch at Bouchon, Thomas Keller's outstanding French bistro, on your way north to Italy and la dolce vita at Castello di Amorosa. Dario Sattui's 107-room, eight-level, replica of a Tuscan Castle, comes complete with dungeon, torture chamber, drawbridge and moat. Be prepared to be amazed at this 121,000 square foot stone mason's dream. Walking through its vaulted corridors reminded us of past trips to Italy and memories of the Il Palio horse race in Siena.

Head east then south towards Darioush on the Silverado Trail to celebrate the Persian culture that arguably gave birth to winemaking. Grocery store magnate, Darioush Khaledi, grew up in Shiraz, a prominent wine-growing region of Iran. The visitor's center is made with stone quarried in Iran and cut in Turkey and Italy. It is designed to evoke images of Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia. Their website states that hospitality is a highly important aspect of Persian culture. A visit to this sleek, stunning venue will allow you to experience it first-hand.

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