Nature's Beauty Enhanced by Humankind - A Visit to Artesa Winery in Napa CA
I have a special fondness for Artesa wine.
We discovered it at what is probably our favorite local restaurant back in our old stomping grounds of Cambridge and Somerville, MA.
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) offers a wonderful dining experience - a rare combination of creative, flavorful food using the best of fresh ingredients, an upscale ambiance, and a comfortable neighborhood feel arising from the owners, Peter and Colleen McCarthy, and their staff (who got to be friends over the many visits we had).
As I recall, Colleen's brother Dan introduced us to Artesa Chardonnay (which I highly recommend) and it became a regular friend of ours.
So of course a visit to the Artesa Winery while in Napa was a "must do."
I was totally unprepared for the beauty of this winery. It is rather off the beaten path and thus we expected a smallish, unpretentious winery amidst the vineyards, You would almost not notice the signage, and the winery itself blends almost seamlessly with the hills and countryside.
The views were spectacular in all directions, enhanced by the inventive sculpture and architecture both inside and out. This is a "feel good" place and not because of the wine.
The photos tell the story better than I can. This was a perfect way to end Day 1 in Napa.
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Great photos and video. Looks refreshing, and I can see why they call it Artesia. Thanks for letting us share the trip.
Don - it was an amazing place, and so different from other wineries I have visited in the area.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, I was in Napa valley about 12 years ago, and this brings back good memories...it is beautiful. I do not remember the Artesa winery....but agree with you it is so beautiful and the views are spectacular!
You Sir are one lucky fella to be visiting a place like that ! Wow !
... great shots :o)
Hi Jeff, this is one of my all time favorite areas in our state. The Wine is so good but the vistas are spectacular. I hope you had some beautiful weather. Perhpas I will see you on Thurday at Raincamp- you are invited as a returning member as a guest of AR.
Hi Jeff ~ What glorious scenery! What a wonderful way to spend the day.
Liz
You are having way too much fun. It is going to be hard to get back to work.
Jeff...you have always brought local area beauty with a story ...as if walking right along side of you...Did you do some tasting?
That is so beautiful... I literally haven't been there since the mid 80's when I was in grad school in Oakland. I'm not familiar with Artesa, but you got me going now... I will... I think Napa valley is one of the prettiest areas of California. We use to drive up to Napa often then and stock up on great wines... great memories, thanks.
Hi Jeff-I want Artesa as a friend, too! These photos are simply stunning. Next time I'm in the Nappa Valley, I am so there!
P.S. I was born in Boston and also lived in RI for 15 years. Which ocea do you like better?
Wow Jeff that really is a beautiful place! Your photography really captures the scenery.
Rebecca - it was such a plesant surprise. Totally unpexpected.
Sheldon - I do consider myself fortunately to have been able to spend a little time there
William - I plan to be there, at least for past of the day. I have to be in LA that evening. I have heard, often, about how beautilful it is in wine country but I was more than pleasntly surprised. The weather was spectacular - so much nicer than what we were having in Carlsbad.
Liz - there is so much to do you could easily spend a week or more, and not inclulding visiting wineries.
Jane - it HAS been more play than work but I have been working as well. A couple of closings, a couple new clients, etc. TG for technology.
Jeff
Jeff: Scenery like this. Wine. Massages. Relaxation time. Good Food. Beautiful weather. Sounds like heaven ...
Gene
Those are beautiful pictures. Makes me think I should visit California!
Jeff
What a great trip you are on; one day I hope to take a similar trip.
I was in Napa Wine Country last November. I went to treasure a few good bottles away for Thanksgiving. It is interesting how different the area can look during the seasons. In autumn just before harvest, it can be really beautiful as well. I really like your photos, Jeff!
Jeff - Love your series on Napa - now I'm really disappointed that I didn't make it there when I was in San Francisco a few weeks ago (just not enough time) I will definitely put it on my to-do list for my next visit :)
Hi Jeff! This is a fantastic post! I love the photo of the fields from a distance--the sky is never that blue here! Gorgeous, simply gorgeous! I'll definitely have to try some Aretsa Chardonnay.
Jeff, these photos are just stunning! Wow!
Thanks to all for the great comments. It was just too wonderful to not share - I took my camera with me everywhere. Folks who have been there may have been bvored - sorry. It really IS a MUST VISIT place adn it exceeded my expectations.
Jeff
Very beautiful. Here in the Hendersonville/Asheville NC area we have the Biltmore Estate wineries which I have enjoyed visiting and was impressed. But, they can't compare to the beauty of your pics and video.
Sue of Robin and Sue
Jeff:
I so miss wine tasting in Napa Valley. That was always a wonderful outing when I lived in California. My favorite was Sterling Vineyards. The next time I visit and do the Napa tours I will look for Atesa.
Your photos and descriptions are fabulous.
Like so many have commented your photo are great. Just not a master sommelier or Gary Vaynerchuk.
Jeff: As usual, terrific photos and a great video. I like your style and wish you all the best in your efforts here.