The Top Breathtaking Views Of Napa Valley
If you live in California, then you know that the landscape is dramatic and different depending on where you are. If you don’t live here, then be ready for a treat! This immense state has so much to offer in terms of landscape that you would be very surprised – it has rolling hills, snowcapped mountains, some of the tallest trees in the world, a desert and an ocean, just to name a few. It also has hundreds, if not thousands, of wineries. For a complete list of wineries, download Wine Routes – National Winery Trip Planner.
Of course, all of these reasons and more are what inspire people to come to Napa Valley every year for their wedding. Of course, here in Napa it’s not just the California setting — it’s also the wine, the food, and the unique location.
Just to be clear, the Napa wineries weren’t built specifically for their views – that was just an added bonus. Immigrants that traveled from Italy chose certain locations for their wineries because of the similar climate to the Mediterranean that they were used to. It only makes sense that they grow the wines they grew up with. The climate itself is dry in the summer with fog that rolls in and wet winters – perfect for growing certain kinds of grapes.
Did you ever hear how the Golden Gate Bridge got its name? Well, when the first settlers came to San Francisco, the fog was so dense that they didn’t realize there was passable land on the other side. There was actually two hills that created a valley so they could continue north. They called those golden, rolling hills the “Golden Gates,” and the rest is history.
When you reach Napa Valley, those similar “Golden Gates” surround the valley. But now, there are miles and miles of vineyards which dot the landscape, creating an almost surreal backdrop. During the fall, these grape vines turn the most brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange, signifying a change of a season.
The town of Napa is a very quaint, old town that makes you think of the gold rush era when there would be a single street with all the shops on that street. You can walk up and down, shop at the market, buy some wine, or eat at a restaurant. The backdrop of the town is dramatic, being a heavy wooded area.
I think what is fantastic about Napa is the history there. If you go to certain wineries and learn the history, you will see that they have been around for over a hundred years! For example, the winery Chateau Montelena has an old grape press outside its doors that was used in 1896.
If you really want to get an idea of what Napa Valley looks like, hop on the Napa Valley Wine train, which serves up food, takes you on wine tours and hosts wine events. All of this while you are traveling around the valley, checking out the scenery in antique restored trains.
Napa Valley is much bigger than you would think, so in order to make a good choice on where to have your wedding, look around, explore, and definitely taste the wine! After all, as a native from Wine Country, I, with all my Adrian Tamblin Photography experience, would be so entirely thrilled to help you on your quest.
Filled Under : Weddings