Lower Austria operates as the largest province of Austria’s eight wine regions. One of the most traditional and certainly the most famous is the Wachau in Austrian wine, which is bounded by two very distinct areas: the west, the famous monastery of the Order of Benedictine Melk (since 1089), in the east of the 1000 year old town of Krems. Most of the vineyards that lie on the left bank of the Danube, more than half of them are applied to steep slopes in terraces. Although the Wachau is a total of 1350 hectares of vineyards to the small growing regions of Austria, still a relatively large number of the top wines of the country come from here. And not just the opinion of the writer’s guild or the visitors of this enchantingly beautiful county of: Success was measured by the fact that a significant number of top restaurants worldwide wines from the Wachau in the offer out.
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Do not focus too heavily on his professional career. First, remember the immortal Kozma Prutkova – Specialist similar flux: the fullness of his one-sided. ” And secondly, just look around – many outstanding people teach us lessons of a very unexpected combination of his life’s activities.

For example, Francis Ford Coppola. What associations with the name? “The Godfather” – an instant answer each and rightly so. Well, the wine? With wine from someone associated with? If not, we are now corrected. Because the five-time Oscar winner, director and screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola – known in California, and in general in the United States, winemaker.
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When a man has spent more than 60 years guiding grapes to their ultimate triumph as fine wine (usually red!) there is no way he is going to sit back and watch the seasons roll by without having a hand in the winemaking process. So, it comes as no surprise that John Parducci, with partners Jim Lawson and Bill Carl, is now the owner of the former Zellerbach Winery, just south of Ukiah in Mendocino County.

While John owns no vineyards, and says he never will, with his new custom crush operation, some of the finest grapes grown in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Napa and Mendocino County from 24 of the most respected growers, find their way to the tidy little winery on McNab Lane. “It’s quite a vote of confidence,” says John, “that all these growers are bringing their grapes here.” Winery activities rest in the capable hands of John and his teammates: Rick Parducci, his grandson; Jess Tidwell, winemaker, and Marty McAvoy, cellarmaster, with a few extra bodies during peak periods.
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Napa Valley is home to over 200 wineries-many offering tours, tastings, and a chance to bask in the leisurely ambiance of the Wine Country. With a heritage of grape growing and wine making that spans over 150 years, the history of winemaking in Napa Valley is the history of Napa Valley. Located just over an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley consists of six towns: Napa, Yountville, Oakville/Rutherford, St. Helena, Calistoga, and Lake Berryessa. Together, they create a getaway destination beyond compare with lush, rolling hills, rows of manicured vineyards lining the valley floor and hillsides, rock palisades, beautiful lakes, and meandering streams-all the natural beauty one could ask for. For more information, contact the Napa Valley Conference & Visitors Bureau, 1310 Napa Town Center, Napa, CA 94559, Tel (707) 226-7459.

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The region of Chianti, world renown for its red wines, is one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. Situated in the center of Tuscany between Florence, Siena, and Arezzo, the Chianti region is made up of hills and valleys overflowing with charming olive groves, vineyards, and woods. Rich in history, art, and popular traditions, it is a region full of beauty and tranquillity.

ACCOMODATIONS

Hotel Borgo Argenina
Located in the medieval village of Argenina in the heart of Tuscany, Hotel Borgo Argenina offers rooms and apartments with all modern comforts. With the help of stylist Elena Nappa, the small village of Argenina has been restored to its ancient beauty. Being a guest in Argenina means having a unique and unforgettable experience. The warm and familiar atmosphere, the wonderful view and the old style will enchant everyone who loves peace, silence, ancient traditions, and art.

Hotel Borgo Argenina
Gaiole in Chianti (Siena), Italy
Tel/Fax (39) 0577 747 117

Castel Bigozzi
Owing to its geographical location, Castel Bigozzi is the ideal place for anyone who is interested in Tuscany’s artistic and historical beauties. Enjoy a relaxing vacation in the Tuscany countryside at this renovated residence which dates back to 1200. Castel Bigozzi offers heating, air conditioning, hydromassage baths or showers, and a swimming pool in an exclusive, natural setting.

Castel Bigozzi
Localita Bigozzi-Strove
53035 Monteriggioni (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 0577 300 000
Fax (39) 0577 300 001
Email: castelbigozzi@chiantiturismo.it

Castello di Spaltenna
The Castle of Spaltenna is an ancient fortified monastery, built next to the parish church of St. Maria di Spaltenna, one of the oldest and charming churches in the entire Chianti area. The Castle and the little hamlet nearby look out on a wonderful valley, surrounded by vineyards and woods. It is also the center of an area full of castles and towers, old abbeys, and medieval fortified villages. An elegant and peaceful retreat, Castello di Spaltenna is an ideal place to visit the Chianti region.

Castello di Spaltenna
53013 Gaiole in Chianti (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 577 749 483/ 749 499/ 749 268
Fax (39) 577 749 269
Email: castellospaltenna@chiantinet.it

Locanda di Volpaia
Surrounded by the most beautiful scenery of the Chianti hills, in between vineyards, woods, and olive groves, at 600 meters above sea level, rises Locanda di Volpaia, a fortified Medieval village on a hilltop not far from Radda in Chianti. The hotel itself has a magnificent view, not only overlooking the vineyards and olive groves which produce the Castello di Volpaia’s renowned wines and oil, but well beyond. Locanda di Volpaia is a 16th century farm converted into a charming estate which has the relaxed atmosphere of a comfortable country house which is incidentally also a hotel run by its owners with the help of a small staff.

Locanda di Volpaia
Localita Montanino di Volpaia
53017 Radda in Chianti (Siena), Italy
Tel/Fax (39) 0577 738 832 – 33

Locanda Le Piazze
Locanda Le Piazze is an ancient farm carefully restored to an elegant country inn in a panoramic setting of olive groves and vineyards. With twenty individually furnished rooms, each with private bath, telephone, and cable tv on request, Locanda Le Piazze also offers a bar, three lounges, typical Tuscan fireplaces, buffet breakfast, restaurant, conference facilities, and a large swimming pool set in naturally landscaped grounds.

Locanda Le Piazze
53011 Castellina in Chianti (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 0577 743 190
Fax (39) 0577 743 191
Email: lepiazze@chiantinet.it

Podere Casato
The Podere Casato is located just 20 km from Siena, on the hills of the Chianti Classico region. An ideal place for a relaxing vacation, The Podere Casato offers guests comfortable rooms with air conditioning, a bar, reading room, bocce court, swimming pool, bicycles and a riding club. The thermal spa of Rapolana is only 8 km away.

Podere Casato
Strada Chiantigiana, 12
53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 0577 352 002
Fax (39) 0577 352 900
Email: casato@chiantinet.it

La Vecchia Cartiera
What is now called “La Vecchia Cartiera” (The Old Papermill) was once a factory which produced valuable paper. This old structure, which dates back to 1200, is located in the center of the Colle Val d’Elsa. La Vecchia Cartiera has become a comfortable hotel after careful renovation. The façade, characterized by harmonious arched windows, evidences the architectural traits of the papermills of its time.

La Vecchia Cartiera
Via Oberdan
53034 Colle di Val d’Elsa (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 0577 92 11 07
Fax (39) 0577 92 36 88
Email: cartiera@chiantiturismo.it

“L’Ultimo Mulino”
In the heart of Chianti, between Radda and Gaiole, immersed in a beautiful natural surrounding, a few minutes from the famous castles and hamlets of the zone, we find a prestigious and particular four star hotel which offers its guests complete comfort and tranquillity thanks to the enchanting beauty of its architectural features and the natural scenery of its setting. The Hotel, originally a Medieval Mill, has been carefully restored respecting its original historical structure, while at the same time allowing for all the modern amenities and comforts of a top hotel.

“L’Ultimo Mulino”
Loc. “La Ripresa di Vistarenni”
53013 Gaiole in Chianti (Siena)
Tel (39) 577 738 520
Fax (39) 577 738 659
Email: hotelmulino@chiantinet.it

Hotel Villa Casalecchi
Villa Castalecchi is situated in the heart of the Chianti region between Florence and Siena. Immersed in a park of centuries-old trees and surrounded by vine-groves of the famous Chianti Classico wine, Villa Casalecchi is an oasis of peace and quiet. The hotel is made up of a main building-an 18th century stately home-with sixteen rooms and an annex with three suites. A four star hotel with outstanding modern services, Villa Casalecchi is the ideal choice for a peaceful vacation in close contact with unspoilt nature.

Hotel Villa Casalecchi
Castellina in Chianti (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 577 740 240
Fax (39) 577 741 111
Email: casalecchi@chiantinet.it

DINING

Al Marsili
The restaurant Al Marsili assures you peaceful and elegant hospitality in a setting of rare medieval beauty in the historical Sienese center. You may choose Tuscan cuisine from an “a la carte” menu guaranteed to satisfy the most refined palate.

Ristorante Enoteca Al Marsili
Via del Castoro 3
53100 Siena, Italy
Tel (39) 0577 47 154
Fax (39) 0577 47 338
Email: info@almarsili.com

Hostaria Molino del Grillo
Located in the Chianti Sienese countryside, the Hostaria Molino del Grillo specializes in grilled meat and “Ribollita”. Enjoy refined, elegant, traditional Tuscan dishes in the Chianti countryside.

Hostaria Molino del Grillo
Localita Colonna del Grillo
I-53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 0577 355 169
Fax (39) 0577 353 050
Email: grillo@areacom.it

Ristorante La Fattoria
On premises that were originally a farmstead, La Fattoria restaurant offers an opportunity to enjoy genuine, historic dishes, the best that Tuscan tradition has to offer. Typical dishes vary with the season and are made with natural ingredients and local produce: fried sage, homemade ravioli with truffles, splet soup, gnocchi in bullion, woodoven-roasted suckling pig with potatoes, and chicken grilled between terracotta slabs.

Ristorante La Fattoria
Via del Cerro, 11
Tavarnelle Val di Pesa (FI), Italy
Tel (39) 55 8070000 / 8070158

Ristorante Osteria del Laghetto
Situated on the shore of Lake Quornia, surrounded by the Chianti area, Ristorante Osteria del Laghetto offers fragrances and flavors of the area, fresh fish, and gourmet pizza with a panoramic hill view. With a wine cellar with over 150 wines, this restaurant also organizes guided visits to the wine cellars of the wine-growing estates in the area.

Ristorante Osteria del Laghetto
Localita Quornia
I-53011 Castellina in Chianti (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 0577 743 125
Fax (39) 0577 743 125

Osteria del Vicaro
This restaurant is situated in a 13th century monastery on a hill. Known for its regional and creative cuisine, specialties include grilled meat, typical tuscan soups, truffles, pore mushrooms, fresh smoked meat and fish.

Osteria del Vicaro
Via Rivellino, 3 Certaldo Alto
I-50052 Certaldo (FI), Italy
Tel (39) 0571 668 228
Fax (39) 0571 668 676

Osteria La Gramola
Located in the historic center with an outer terrace, Osteria La Gramola offers a welcoming, comfortable dining environment with a regional menu that changes everyday. Main dishes and specialties include Piatti della cucina toscana, tagliatelle fatte in casa sulla nana, Trippa, and Grigliata di verdure ecc.

Osteria La Gramola
Via delle Fonti, 1
I-50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa (FI), Italy
Tel (39) 558 050 321
Fax (39) 558 050 321

Ristorante Sobborgo
The restaurant Sobborgo offers a warm environment with elegant Mediterranean, regional, and sea specialties. House specialties include a delicious chick-pea soup and spelt soup.

Ristorante Sobborgo
Via Sobborgo, 6/8
I-53040 Cetona (Siena), Italy
Tel (39) 0578 239 191
Fax (39) 0578 239 099

Bordeaux is famous for its wines, and it’s no wonder that it lives up to its reputation as being the most prestigious wine region in the world. Bordeaux produces over ten percent of France’s fine wines. Known mostly for its fabulous dry reds, Bordeaux also produces white wines that are quite tasty. Major vineyards in this region include St. Etephe, Medoc, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Margaux, Sauternes, Saint Emilion, and Pomerol. The city, itself, is quite large, with a population of over half a million. A prime example of 18th century architecture, the center of town is rich with a historic past. While visiting the city, you may want to stop by the Maison Du Vin, 1 Cours 30 Juillet, Tel 05-56-00-22-66, where you can indulge in an introduction to Bordeaux wines with tastings.
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My first encounter with Zinfandel was back in the early 1980s, on holiday in Hawaii. I chose the wine from the restaurant wine list because the name was so unusual, I didn’t know whether Zinfandel referred to the grape, the name of the wine or the grower. Since this was early in the 1980s what came to the table was a salmon pink off-dry wine which was an ideal accompaniment to the seafood on offer. And at the risk of putting off readers so soon in the story, I enjoyed this wine and thought no more about it.
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What used to be the office of Raymond Burr Vineyards, on Westside Road, just northeast of Healdsburg (CA) is now a cozy tasting room. Not much has changed. The office machines are gone, as are the journals and volumes about orchids – another of Raymond Burr’s passions. There is, however, always a potted orchid in full bloom – one of Burr’s hybrids – displayed on a small walnut table. The shelves now hold winery artifacts and the counter that divides the room serves as a bar where the current vintages of Raymond Burr wines are poured for the fortunate visitor. If proprietor Robert Benevides is on hand, the guest may even be invited to sample some of the older vintages from the winery’s library.
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Your ordinary winery does not have its own cattle brand, nor a herd of Black Angus roaming the hillsides above the vineyards, but then, Kirkland Ranch Winery is not your ordinary winery. When the Kirkland brothers, Larry and Lonnie, purchased the 2000-acre spread that was part of General Mariano Vallejo’s original Rancho Soscol land grant in 1978 the primary crop on their Rocking LK Ranch was cattle. Grapes joined the mix in 1985 at the suggestion of Larry’s daughter, Chris, and additional vines were planted until, today, there are 138 acres of vineyard containing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo.
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The literature on wine that usually does very little room for Champagne vineyards: The subject is often obscured by the description of the peculiar development of champagne but above all it must be admitted that the joints often hinder any characterization of the soil . The purpose of the Champagne houses of reaching a constant taste, they use grapes from different areas of the Champagne region to achieve the desired result.
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