10 Best Winery Tours In Napa Valley

Retrieved from:  http://www.napavalley.com/2015/05/26/best-winery-tours-in-napa-valley/

With 522 accomplished wineries with tasting rooms in the region, picking the best winery tours in Napa Valley can be difficult. Luckily, we’ve compiled the top of the top from online reviews and insider scoops so you can focus on what matters most—the wine.

You’re Part of the Family at Hendry Ranch

_{Source: Hendry Ranch Yelp}
Hendry Ranch
3104 Redwood Rd
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 226-8320
Yelp: 5 stars, 466 reviews
With its intimate setting, every guest feels like an extended family member at this small, family-owned winery. You’ll learn everything you need to know about their history of winemaking from their knowledgable staff. Insider tip: No family is truly complete without a dog, and the folks here welcome your furry friends with open arms (and a bowl of water).

Twenty Rows Keeps it Casual

_{Source: Twenty Rows Yelp}

Twenty Rows
880 Vallejo St
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 265-7750
Yelp: 5 stars, 89 reviews

Enthusiastic staff and a relaxed atmosphere prove that Napa Valley winery tours don’t have to be stuffy. Take in the artwork while you kick back in the lounge-like tasting room and listen to cool reggae on the sound system. Twenty Rows’ laid back attitude is reflected in their mellow prices, which show that great wine is available to everyone. Insider tip: You’ll be tasting among the barrels in a temperature-controlled room, so be sure to bring a sweater.

A Taste of Heaven at Saintsbury

_{Source: Saintsbury Yelp}
Saintsbury
1500 Los Carneros Ave
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 252-0592
Yelp: 5 stars, 40 reviews

Pinor Noir and Chardonnay are the specialties at this quaint, totally unpretentious valley winery. You’ll sip your wine in the garden overlooking the estate’s vineyard, unless the weather starts to turn, in which case you’ll be invited into the pleasant barn tasting room. Insider tip: Be sure to score some cuddle time with Keith Richards, Saintsbury’s friendly winery dog.

Take a Walk at William Hill Estate Winery

_{Source: William Hill Yelp}
William Hill Estate Winery
1761 Atlas Peak Rd
Napa, CA 94558
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 74 reviews

Take your wine with you as you walk through the estate’s self-guided winery tour covering their gorgeous grounds with views of the valley’s rolling hills. William Hill Estate’s welcoming staff is living proof that wine-tasting is not only for the posh set; it’s for everyone. Insider tip: Plan a family fun day at William Hill Estate by bringing your own food and lunching in their outdoor picnic area.

Sparkling in Caves at Schramsberg Vineyards

_{Source: Schramsberg Vineyards Yelp}
Schramsberg Vineyards
1400 Schramsberg Rd
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-4558
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 202 reviews

Deep in the caves of Calistoga, these expert winemakers make it their mission to craft some of Napa Valley’s best sparkling wine. Their picturesque cave tour is part gothic, part romance, and all excellent wine-tasting. Insider tip: Arrange an unforgettable private candlelight tasting for special occasions like anniversaries or engagement parties.

Get Charmed by the O’Brien Estate

_{Source: O’Brien Estate Yelp}
O’Brien Estate
1200 Orchard Ave
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 252-8463
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 101 reviews

Get cozy and settle in for an intimate wine tasting experience at this charming winery that locals know as one of the area’s prized hidden gems. It’s the personal touches that make O’Brien Estate special, from the small size of every tour group to each guide’s authentic enthusiasm for the winemaking (and wine-tasting!) process. Insider tip: Reserve your spot ahead of time because tastings are by appointment only.

A Vision in Stony Hill White

_{Source: Stony Hill Vineyard Yelp}
Stony Hill Vineyard
3331 Saint Helena Hwy
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-2636
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 9 reviews

White wines are the name of the game at Stony Hill, known for their Chardonnay, Reisling, and Gewürztraminer. Though slightly off the beaten path, this by-appointment-only tour is complemented by the scenic drive up through the hills overlooking Napa Valley. Insider tip: Bring your camera and remember to breathe because the views and drive to the vineyard can only be described as “breathtaking.”

Storm the Castle at Castello di Amorosa

_{Source: Castello di Amorosa Yelp}
Castello di Amorosa
4045 St Helena Hwy
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 967-6272
Yelp: 4 stars, 1705 reviews

The estate’s massive castle is an unforgettable sight to behold for experienced wine lovers and wine newbies alike. Fun fact: Owner and builder Dario Sattui spared no expense by using over one million antique bricks from now-defunct Hapsburg palaces and emplyoing authentic Medieval techniques to hand-craft bricks for the castle. Even those who don’t typically enjoy wine are captivated by the sights and smells and usually leave with at least one bottle for themselves or as a gift for friends. Kids love the castle but leave the littlest ones at home because there aren’t many offerings for tiny tots. Older kids receive their own grape juice tasting. Insider tip: Take the Wine Aficionado tour to learn more about the vineyard’s high-end specialty wines.

Sparkle On at Mumm Napa

_{Source: Mumm Napa}
Mumm Napa
8445 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 967-7700
Yelp: 4 stars, 623 reviews

The highlight of this tour is the outdoor wine tasting at a vineyard known for its excellence at crafting sparkling wines. For a truly unforgettable experience with fantastic views that accompany stellar service, book the Oak Terrace tasting in the spring or summer and catch those rays of sunshine while sipping on your bubbly. Insider tip: Bring your wine with you as you stroll through Mumm Napa’s fine art photography gallery.

Spice Things Up at V. Sattui

_{Source: V. Sattui Yelp}
V. Sattui
1111 White Ln
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-7774
Yelp: 4 stars, 2310 reviews

Barbeque and wine tasting unite in perfect harmony at V. Sattui. This winery’s popular deli fills up on weekends in the high season for good reason: the wood-fired pizza, mesquite-grilled prawns, and twice-daily-pulled mozzarella make this one of the tastiest wine tours in the valley. Insider tip: Join the wine club to gain access to the private cellar room.

Top 10 Things To Do In NYC

Retrieved from:  http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1843404_1843415_1843416,00.html

The must-see list for the one-day visitor to New York — especially the first-timer — is mind-boggling. Don't fret; you'll return. We're assuming you're well aware of the major attractions: Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (better known as MoMA). We're here to guide you to the top 10 places where tourists don't normally go (though, let's be honest, they're everywhere), places where New Yorkers live and play.

1. Central Park

Give yourself a gentle introduction to the city by exploring its beloved, natural gem. Though Central Park may not exactly be free of tourists, there are ways to avoid the herds.
Designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, Central Park is home to 843 acres of verdant views, vibrant flora and hidden histories. The best way to see it all? By bicycle. For an early morning jaunt, head to the park anytime after 6 a.m. You can rent a bike for two hours and go solo for $20, or you can book a two-hour expedition through Central Park Bike Tours, which takes off at 9 a.m. and costs about $47 per person. With well-marked routes of 6.1, 5.2 or 1.7 miles, you can take your time cycling through the hilly terrain, stopping to see the model sailboats at the Conservatory Water, the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, Belvedere Castle atop Vista Rock, or the Bow Bridge — one of the park's most photographed locations. Completed in 1862, the Bow Bridge's cast-iron arch stretches 60 ft. over the lake, connecting Cherry Hill and the Ramble.
While you pedal along, it's more than likely you'll hear a guitar strumming in the distance. Follow the music and pay homage at the Imagine Mosaic, a tribute to sometime New York resident John Lennon, in the park's Strawberry Fields. Following your bike ride, treat yourself to Sarabeth's Central Park South, where you can gorge on a range of quirky specialties, including lemon-ricotta pancakes and pumpkin waffles.

2. West Village Stroll

This neighborhood of quaint brownstones clustered along tree-lined cobblestone streets remains virtually unchanged since the 19th century. You'll need a map to navigate the puzzling geography — how does West 4th Street intersect with West 10th Street, exactly? — as it's one of the few areas in Manhattan that strays from the orderly street grid. Better, though, to just wander aimlessly. Highlights include the Jefferson Market Courthouse, a former women's detention center that once held Mae West, and the shops along Bleecker St. and Commerce St. — the most beautiful block-long side street in NYC. Ignore the temptation to join the curiously long line outside Magnolia Bakery (they're queuing for cupcakes — repeat, cupcakes). Head two blocks west instead to the Spotted Pig, a bustling gastropub where you can recharge your batteries with a cask-conditioned ale.

3. Film Forum

New York is a film-lover's town and Film Forum is Mecca for the city's cinephiles. See here the movies you may otherwise only read about in the New York Times. Smart programming ranges from provocative indie features and documentaries to the best foreign art cinema culled from the world's top film festivals. The always-entertaining repertory calendar is a mix of the de rigeuer (Woody Allen retrospectives), the artsy (Godard's '60s) and the audacious (Pam Grier blaxploitation festival). Try the concession stand's lemon-poppy sponge cake!

4. Grimaldi's Pizzeria

New Yorkers love to argue about the best pizza, with Di Fara's, John's and Lombardi's being among the primary contenders. We won't settle that score here, but if you have only 24 hours you can't go wrong with Grimaldi's, a coal-fired pizzeria under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. Not only will you get a memorable pie, you'll also get a memorable view of Manhattan from one of the oldest — and most picturesque — parts of Brooklyn. Not to mention a jukebox filled with classics by Frank Sinatra, who, legend has it, had Grimaldi's pies flown to him in Vegas.

5. Empire State Building

If you must visit an ultra-touristy site, the ESB is the one. The stately deco architecture rivals the nearby Chrysler Building for Best in Class honors and it is, once again, New York's tallest structure. The view from the 86th-floor observation deck is breathtaking. You won't be the only one who's decided to visit, so prepare to wait in line; to avoid the throngs, the best times to come are at 8:30 a.m. or during lunch and dinner hours, Monday through Wednesday. Tickets are steep, but worth it: $22 for adults; $45 for an "express pass" that whisks you pass the hordes. For an extra $15 you can buy a ticket to the more intimate 102nd-floor observation deck. Buy your ticket online to reduce waiting-in-line time.

6. Little Branch

You met someone on the flight into LaGuardia. You flirted. You exchanged numbers. Now what? Slide into a cozy booth and get better acquainted at Little Branch (open Monday–Saturday 7 p.m.–3 a.m.), a dimly lit cocktail lounge that practically whispers tryst. Mixology is a serious study at the third establishment of the famed drink slinger, Sasha Petraske. The suspender-clad bartenders lovingly mix and pour a tantalizing menu of classic cocktails over ice chipped from blocks. With live jazz performances Sundays through Thursdays, you may very well be seduced — by the bar.

7. P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center

MoMA is home to the modern masters. But head to MoMa's cutting-edge kid sister across the East River to see the virtuosos of tomorrow. Located in a refurbished public school, P.S. 1 consistently mounts challenging exhibitions from the world's most provocative artists. Don't miss James Turrell's transcendent installation, Meeting (seasonal, and weather permitting), and, in summer, the always-changing architectural garden. Also, on summer Saturdays, hit the early evening Warm Up session, a free weekly dance party that's become a must-stop on the city's nightlife calendar.

8. Bergdorf Goodman

Now that Barneys — still a stellar place to shop — has become a national mini-chain, Bergdorf's is the sole remaining New York–centric luxe department store. Even if you can't afford a thing, it's still fun to browse and dream. But if you can, rev up your credit card. For the ladies, an all-star roster of couture designers is on hand, from Alexander McQueen to Zac Posen. Tight on time? Arrange for a personal shopper to help you out. Guys get their own store across the street, which is no less exquisite — and no less expensive.

9. Bowery Ballroom

Hands down the best music spot in New York, Bowery Ballroom should be visiting music-lovers' first stop. Up-and-coming national acts with indie-rock leanings occupy the two-level music venue, home to the city's best sound system. The downstairs bar is a great place to warm up before the show. The Ballroom is the crown jewel of the Bowery Presents chain of local venues, which includes the Music Hall of Williamsburg (the Ballroom's Brooklyn twin), Mercury Lounge (local bands, smaller national acts), Terminal 5 and Webster Hall (both of which book bigger touring bands). Among them, there's something for everyone.

10. Grand Central Terminal

Take the express back to a bygone era. Grand Central Terminal — don't call it Grand Central Station — is a living, bustling temple to New York's illustrious past. Gaze at the celestial ceiling mural above the vast main concourse. Slurp some Kumamotos at the legendary Oyster Bar downstairs, and wash them down with a Manhattan at the swank Campbell Apartment. Tell a secret to your partner in the Whispering Gallery: stand at the end of either Oyster Bar ramp and whisper into the wall; you'll be heard way across on the other side. Mingle with the commuters in the gourmet culinary market. Explore the "secret" elevated passageways for a spectacular view of the concourse. Even if you have nowhere to go you can spend hours in the 100-year-old depot and never get bored.

 

Blogs Vs. Facebook

Retrieved from:
http://www.cre8d-design.com/2012/04/blogs-vs-twitter-and-facebook/


A little over a year ago Chris Shiflett blogged that we need a blogging revival because conversation which was once on blogs has moved to Twitter and, in his opinion, there’s less quality discussion and debate on Twitter than there was on blogs.

He doesn’t think more blogging would hurt Twitter, indeed it would benefit it as Twitter is a natural way to share that content. So, the call to blog is not a backlash against Twitter, it’s a reminder of why both are needed.

Here’s his list of reasons why he thinks blogs are great:

• Posts can be as short or are long as you want.
• You don’t have to use broken language to fit a complete thought.
• Posts aren’t immediately lost in a sea of updates.
• Posts can be easily found later.
• You don’t have to know what’s trending among the riff-raff of the Internet.
• Posts tend to be more meaningful.
• All conversation related to a post is easy to find.

I’ve just read through all the responses I could find, and here’s a summary of some of the additional thoughts people had:

• Blogging requires more thought, reasoning for opinions, refining, details, deep expression and reflection than tweeting. Tweets are valuable for quick (incomplete) thoughts and light conversation but we often need more than that. Tweets are snacks between meals, signposts to feasts. The real banquets are blog posts. Drew McLellan, Sean Coates, Jon Tangerine
• Blogging helps you find like-minded people to talk to and work with and a sense of community (David Rhoden, Rian van der Merwe)
• Blog conversations don’t force you into an artificial relationship like “Facebook friend” or “Twitter follower” (David Rhoden)
• Blogs are in a database that you own and control – you can edit it or throw it away at any time. (David Rhoden, Anthony Killeen)
• Facebook and Twitter aren’t a replacement for your own personal history of things you want to say online. (David Rhoden)
• Comments and discussions are there in context. (Anthony Killeen)
• Blog posts are better indexed by search engines. When was the last time you Googled a question and got a Tweet or Facebook status update which answered it? (David Rhoden, Jeremy Cook)
• Blog posts are more educational, spread knowledge and are helpful to newbies. (Clive Walker, Rafael Dohms, Court Ewing)
• Blog posts are timeless: they don’t expire. (Rafael Dohms)
• Blog posts showcase your thinking as a professional and get your name out there. (Rafael Dohms)
• Blogging takes more courage: tweets are easier to correct. Blogging opens you up to real critique and criticism. Joe Leech)

Rather ironically, the hashtag #ideasofmarch now no longer brings up any of the tweets about the topic.

Reading through the numerous blog posts, I noticed that there was a collective sense of longing for the good old days of blogging before Twitter and Facebook came along.  Those days when we weren’t so lazy and made the time to write in long form because our thinking was refined during the process and we really did form deep connections and blogging communities. There was regret for neglecting our blogs for tweets and status updates (but not wanting to do away with the latter either), and a desire to blog more once again.

There was a sense that true blogging was (and still is) about honesty, learning, growth. It was about opening yourself up to critique and trolls but also finding cheerleaders, mentors and fellow journeyers. There was a sense that we’re missing out on good insightful blog posts being written, and a proliferation of “Top 10 ways to get people to link up to your blog”.

There was a sadness that blog comments aren’t so lively any more: the comments are disparate, brief and shallow.

I know that every time I blog, I feel rewarded: I’ve thought things through, I’ve learnt things and I’ve worried a teeny bit about what other people are thinking in response.

The best text information I find online is still via blog posts.
The best way I find out about deep thoughts friends or strangers have online is still via blog posts.
The best place to find tutorials, help and ideas is still via blog posts. I may get there via Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest, but they’re signposts to the real content.