So many of the historic wineries of the Napa Valley exist in stone and splendor, chateaus in name or in appearance, carved into massive hillsides, previously the toys of those wealthy enough to experiment with wine in a place that, at that time, no one was sure could produce it. Their names are famous, as are their structures and their wines – Far Niente, Chateau Montelena, and others, and they thrive on reputations as elaborate as their wineries. In their resurrected post-prohibition state, they employ world-class winemakers who make excellent wine and offer tours of their beautiful and elaborate facilities. They are terrific places to visit; they are, for many, the essence of the Napa Valley… [read more]*

*Full reviews are located at http://www.americanwineryguide.com and will open in a new browser window.