Fortuna Cooks

Thousands of years ago, the first human came to the Southwest, probably crossing the land bridge of the Bering Sea from Asia. Subsisting by hunting animals and gathering plants from the wild, those who settled here found ample food to sustain themselves in the varied geography of desert and mountains, basin and range. Deer and elk wandered the highlands. Trout glided silently through mountain streams. Across the plains roamed herds of American bison, more familiarly known as buffalo. Everywhere, jackrabbits and cottontails, wild turkeys and pig like peccaries provided other steady sources of protein. The earth, too, provided abundant blessings. Southwestern tribes learned to extract nourishment from the pulp and fruit, beans, seeds and nuts of such wild plants as agave and prickly pear cactus, saguaro and yucca, mesquite and piñon, acorn and sunflower.

They also soon learned to gain more reliable, consistent sustenance from plants they could grow, irrigate and harvest themselves: the culinary holy trinity of corn, squashes and beans. With the more settled life that such early agricultural efforts engendered, three great, sometimes interlinked cultures developed in the Southwest. In the Sonoran Desert and near the Mogollon Rim of southern and central Arizona, the Hohokam built villages that featured intricate networks of irrigation canals. Covering the southwestern third of Nw Mexico and reaching well into central Arizona and northern Mexico, the Mogollon people developed multiroomed villages and dug ditches to water their crops.

2 teaspoon olive oil

3 unpeeled garlic cloves

4 red bell peppers (capsicums), roasted, peeled, cored and seeded (see glossary)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

4 oz (125 g) cream cheese at room temperature

2 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

*Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C). Sprinkle the olive oil over the garlic cloves and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Place in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the cloves are soft. Let cool.

*Squeeze the soft garlic cloves from their peels into a food processor or blender. Add the red peppers and cumin; purée. Add the cream cheese and blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the crème fraîche or sour cream; add salt and pepper.

MAKES ABOUT 1½ CUPS (12 FL OZ/375 ML)

The modern world with its pressures, hectic pace and burgeoning cities makes many of us long for a simpler life in touch with the earth’s natural wonders. Maybe that explains our ever-growing fascination with the American Southwest.

Nowhere does the earth present a more consistently dramatic repertoire of sights and experiences. In north-western Arizona, the Colorado River Canyon, a vision still capable of rendering the most sophisticated travelers dumbstruck. To the north and east, the Colorado Plateau encompasses not only the Grand Canyon but the megalithic sculptures of Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park and Monument Valley, and the sheer cliff sides of Mesa Verde and Canyon de Chelly.

Two hundred miles to the south stretches the austerely beautiful Sonoran Desert, its arid vastness punctuated by jagged peaks and saguaro cactuses, whose forms possess a noble, near-human presence. North to south through New Mexico, the southern trailings of the Rockies cleave the state in half, as the Rio Grande descends from high mountain valleys to low basins of rich, fertile soil. At the Southwest’s easternmost extremes, the Great Plains sweep down across New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, breaking up into the precipitous bluffs of the Llano Estacado. And where Texas meets Mexico, the Rio Grande marks the boundary between two countries.

The spell cast by the Southwest today is also partly due to its distinctive foods. Southwestern cuisine captures, in microcosm, the appeal of the vast region: corn tortillas and boiled pinto beans, as rugged and earthy as the desert; fresh and dried chilies, as searing as the sun overhead: piñon nuts harvested from wild piñon trees whose smoke scents the air of New Mexico; meat and game seared over glowing coals of wood from mesquite trees, whose gnarled forms decorate almost every vista.

Earthquakes In the rare event of an earthquake, you should know about a few simple precautions that every California schoolchild is taught: If you’re in a tall building, don’t run outside; instead, move away from windows and toward the building’s center. Crouch under a desk or table, or stand against a wall or under a doorway. If you’re in bed, get under the bed or stand under the doorway, or crouch under a sturdy piece of furniture. When exiting the building, use stairwells, not elevator.

If you’re in car, pull over to side of the road and stop, but wait until you’re away from bridges or overpasses, as well as telephone or power poles and lines. Stay in your car.

If you’re out walking, stay outside and away from trees, power lines, and the sides of buildings.

Emergencies      To reach the police, ambulance service, or fire department, dial  911. No coins are needed at pay phones for 911 calls.

Liquor Laws       Liquor and grocery stores, as wells as some drugstores, can legally sell packaged alcoholic beverages between 6am and 2am. Most restaurants, nightclubs, and bars are licensed to serve alcoholic beverages during the same hours. The legal age for the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is strictly enforced.

Taxes      California’s sales tax is 7.25%. Some cities include an additional percentage, so tax varies throughout the state. Hotel taxes are almost always higher than tariffs levied on goods and services.

Time        California and the entire West Coast are in the Pacific time, 3 hours earlier than the East Coast.

March

•Return of the Swallows, San Juan Capistrano. Each St. Joseph’s Day (March 19), visitors flock to this charming village for the arrival of the mission’s loyal flock of swallows that will nest and remain until October. The celebration includes a parade, dances, and special programs. Call  949/248-2048 for details. March 17 to 19, 2000.

• Santa Barbara International Film Festival. For 10 days each March, pretty Santa Barbara does it’s best impression of Cannes. There’s a flurry of foreign-and-independent-film premieres, personal appearances by noted actors and directors, and symposia on hot cinematic topics. For a rundown of events, call  805/963-0023. March 2 to 12, 2000.

• Nabisco Dinah Shore, Rancho Mirage. This 31-year-old LPGA golf tournament takes place near Palm Springs. After the celebrity Pro-Am early in the week, the best female pros get down to business. For further information, call  760/324-4546. Other special-interest events for women usually take place around the Dinah Shore, including the country’s largest annual lesbian gathering. Last week of March.

• Redwood Coast Dixieland Jazz Festival, Eureka. Three days of jazz  featuring 12 of the best Dixieland groups, including a variety of jam sessions. Call  707/445-3378. Late March.

April

? San Francisco International Film Festival. One of America’s oldest film festivals, featuring more than 100 films and videos from more than 30 countries. Tickets are relatively inexpensive, and screenings are very accessible to the general public during 2 weeks early in the month. Call  415/931-FILM.

• Toyota Grand Prix, Long Beach. An exciting weekend of Indy-class auto racing and entertainment in and around downtown Long Beach, drawing world-class drivers from the United States and Europe. Contact the Grand Prix Association at  800/752-9524 or 562/981-2600. Mid-April.

? Renaissance Pleasure Faire, San Bernardino. One of America’s largest Renaissance festivals, this annual happenings is set in Glen Helen Regional Park in L.A.’s relatively remote countryside. Performers (and many attendees) dress in 16th century costume and revel in this festive re-creation of a medieval English village. For ticket information, phone  800/52-FAIRE. Weekends from late April to Memorial Day.

• Ramona Pageant, Hemet. A unique outdoor play that portrays the lives of the Southern California Mission Indians. The play was adapted from Helen Hunt Jackson’s 1884 novel Ramona. Call  909/658-311 for details. Late April to early May.

• Del Mar National Horse Show. Horse-and-rider teams compete in national championships at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Call  858/792-4288 or 858/755-1161 for more information. Late April to early May.

May

? Cinco de Mayo. A week long celebration of one on Mexico’s most jubilant holidays takes place throughout the city of Los Angeles. The fiesta’s carnival-like atmosphere is created by large crowds, live music, dances and food. The main festivities are held in El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park, downtown, with other events around the city. Phone  213/485-6855 for information. There’s also a Cinco de Mayo celebration in San Diego, featuring folkloric music, dance, food and historical reenactments. Held in Old Town. Call  619/296-3161 or 619/220-5422 for more information.

Fortuna Cooks

• Alameda County Marinas Part 2 Union Point Basin 2301 East Embarcadero Oakland, California 94606 Phone: 800.675.DOCK Average water depth? 13 feet, but this is subject to change. Please call ahead for exact levels before you arrive. Is there a marine stand by channel? No, not at this time, but you can reach the marina by......
• Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles, California Trump National Golf Club is located in Los Angeles, California Phone - (310) 303-3240 or (310) 303-3241. Website - http://www.trumpnationallosangeles.com/ About the Course - Trump National Golf Club was designed to be the absolute pinnacle of the luxury golf experience, offering unmatched levels of service, exclusive amenities, a well stocked......
• The Complete Guide to California Fishing Download Your 32 Page FREE eBook Did you know that there is a reason fish can so easily evade your hook? Find out why this happens and how to prevent it! Sick of hooking a fish only to lose them? We'll show you how to catch and hold on to......
• The Greenbrier Classic The final week in July supplied golf lovers with The Greenbrier Classic, held at the Old White Course in White Sulphur Springs, W. VA. The winner of this tournament stands to gain over $1 Million and 500 FedEx Cup Points. Some of the big names in this year’s tournament included......

If you’re travelling by rail along the California coast, extending as far north as Seattle, treat yourself to a ride aboard Amtrak’s luxurious Coast Starlight. In an effort to recapture the glory days of 1940′s Streamline luxury liners, Amtrak is pulling out all the stops on these double-decker Superliners, complete with gourmet dining car, first-class and couch lounge cars, standard and deluxe sleeping compartments, and enough diversions (including feature-length films, live entertainment, games for kids and adults, and a full bar) to make the overnight, 2-day trip a pleasure. All sleeping-car fares include three meals daily, prepared fresh on board with emphasis on regional flavor – wines from vintners in Washington, Oregon and California, as well as seasonal specials from along the Coast Starlight’s route.

The highlight of the journey is the exceptional scenery you’ll enjoy from the upper-level, panoramic windows of the coach and observation cars. Sweeping views of lushly green Washington State, California’s rugged coastline, rural farmland, bucolic rolling hills, sparkling beaches and charming railroad stations all provide a memorable travelogue. For travelers who believe the journey itself is as important as the destination, this excursion fits the bill perfectly.

While coach tickets are comparable to airplane fares, the surcharge for sleeping compartments adds considerably to the cost of the trip. All fares quoted are for one-way adult tickets. Children ages 2 to 15 travel for half price, and seniors 62 and older receive 15% discount. Coach fares buy assigned seating in surprising comfortable upper-level reclining chairs. Blankets and pillows are offered in the evening, and fold up leg rests help make sleeping more comfortable than you might imagine. Between San Francisco and Los Angeles, one way adult coach fare ranges from $54 to $77; between Seattle and L.A., its $102 to $170. Based on travel between Seattle and L.A., a standard sleeping compartment for two adds $255, a deluxe with private bathroom is $525, and a family sleeper for two adults and two kids (no bathroom) is $485.

It’s advisable to book several months ahead for peak periods (summer, weekends, and holidays). Since the splendid views depend on daylight, also consider carefully before travelling during the very short days of winter. For information and tickets, call Amtrak  ( 800/ USA-RAIL) or visit it’s special Coast Starlight Web site at www.coaststarlight.com.

___________________________________________________________________________________

coverage varies according to the company policy and state law, but the minimum is usually at least $15,000. If you are at fault in an accident, however, you will be covered for the full replacement value of the car but not for liability. Some states allow you to buy additional liability coverage for such cases. Most rental companies will require a police report in order to process any claims you file, but your private insurer will not be notified with the accident.

BY PLANE

In addition to the major carriers listed above in “Getting There,” several smaller airlines provide service within the state, including American Eagle ( 800/433-7300), Skywest ( 800/453-9417), Shuttle by United ( 800/241-6522), and US Air-ways Express ( 800/428-4322). The round-trip fare between Los Angeles and San Francisco ranges from $79 to $200. See “Orientation” in each city’s chapter depart.

WHEN TO GO

California’s climate is so varied that it’s impossible to generalize about the state as a whole. San Francisco’s temperature marine climate means relatively mild weather year-round. In summer, temperatures rarely top 70°F (pack sweaters, even in August), and the city’s famous fog rolls in most mornings and evenings. In winter, the mercury seldom falls below freezing, and snow is almost unheard of. Because of San Francisco’s fog, summer rarely sees more than a few hot days in a row. Head a few miles inland, though, and it’s likely to be clear and hot.

The Central Coast shares San Francisco’s climate, although it gets warmer as you get farther south. Seasonal changes are less pronounced south of San Luis Obispo, where temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The North Coast is rainier and foggier, winters tend to be mild but wet. Summers are refreshingly cool around Lake-Tahoe and in the Shasta Cascades – a perfect climate for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities and a popular escape for residents of California’s sweltering deserts and valleys who are looking to beat the heat. Skiers flock to this area for terrific snowfall from late November to early April.

Southern California – including Los Angeles and San Diego – is usually much warmer than the Bay Area, and it gets significantly more sun. This is the place to hit the beach. Even in winter, daytime thermometer readings regularly reach into the 60s and warmer. Summers can be stifling inland, but southern California’s coastal communities are always comfortable. The area’s limited rainfall is generally seen between January and mid-April, and is rarely intense enough to be more than a slight inconvenience. It’s possible to sunbathe throughout the year, but only die-hard enthusiasts and wet-suited surfers venture into the ocean in winter. The water is warmest in summer and fall, but even then, the pacific is too chilly for many.

The deserts including Palm Springs and the desert national parks, are sizzling hot in summer; temperatures regularly top 100°F. Winter is the time to visit the desert resorts (and remember, it gets surprisingly cold at night in the desert).

______________________________________________________________________________________________

The Best of California

•Pacific Groove: You can escape the  Monterey crowds by heading just 2 miles west to Pacific Groove, which is known for its tranquil waterfront location and quiet, unspoiled air. Thousands of monarch butterflies flock here between October and March to make their winter home in Washington Park. See chapter11.

•Cambria: Near Hearst Castle, Cambria benefits from a constant stream of visitors, who bring the right amount of sophistication to this picturesque coastal town. Moonstone Beach holds a string of seaside lodges; farther north are dozens of sunbathing elephant seals, while the village itself is filled with charming B & Bs, artist’ studios and galleries, and friendly shop. See Chapter 12.

•Ojai: When Hollywood needed a Shangri-La for the movie Lost Horizon, they drove north to idyllic Ojai Valley, an unspoiled hideaway of Eucalyptus groves and small ranches warmly nestled among soft, green hills. Ojai is the amiable village at the valleys heart. It’s a mecca for artists, free spirits, and weary city folk in need of restful weekend in the country. See Chapter 12.

•Ventura: This charming mission town is filled with colorful Victorians. It’s also home to a pleasantly eclectic old Main Street lined with thrift and antiques shops, used-record stores, friendly diners, and even old-time saloons operating beneath broken-down, second story hotels. Don’t miss the historic mission on its landscaped plaza, and the deco era Greek Revival San Buenaventura City Hall looming over the town, bedecked with smiling stone faces of the founding Franciscan friars. See chapter 12.

• Avalon: This crescent-shaped hamlet on idyllic Santa Catalina island may welcome the summer influx of city-savvy tourist, but off-season visitors get to see a close-knit community that cherishes its isolation. Phone numbers are given in four digits here (the entire island shares a single exchange), and many residents rarely bother travelling to the mainland. There are very few cars, lots of cozy cafes and friendly pubs, a charming art-deco history, and the sparkling blue Pacific everywhere you look – you might not want to leave, either!. See chapter 14.

•Julian: This old mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains near San Diego is well known today for it’s wildflower fields, the apple harvest, and tasty flavored breads from Dudley’s Bakery. There’s plenty of pioneer history here, too, including a local-history museum, a circa-1888 schoolhouse, and mining demonstrations. A smattering of antique shops, plenty of barbeque, and an old-fashioned soda fountain operating since 1886 round out the experience. See chapter 16.

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BEST FAMILY-VACATION EXPERIENCES

•San Francisco: The city by the bay is filled with unexpected  pleasures for every member of the family. Ride the cable cars that “climb halfway the stars” and visit the Exploratorium, the California Academy of Sciences (which includes the Steinhart Aquarium), the zoo, the ships at the National Maritime Museum, Golden Gate Park, and much more. See chapter 4.

•Lake Tahoe: California’s Disneyland of outdoor adventure, Lake Tahoe has loads of family-fun things to do. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, tobogganing, swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, mountain biking – the list is nearly endless. Even the casinos cater to kids while mom and pop play the slots. See chapter 8.

•Yosemite National Park:  Camping or staying in a cabin in Yosemite is a premier family attraction in California. Sites are scattered over 17 different campgrounds, and the rugged beauty of Sierra Nevada surrounds you. During the day, the family calendar is packed with hiking, bicycling, white-water rafting, and even mountaineering to rugged, snowy peaks. See chapter 9.

Fortuna Cooks

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Vintage Publications, 2929 Conifer Court, Napa, CA 94558 ( call 800/651-8953), to order just the guide, which costs $6, plus $3 for shipping within the United States. If you don’t want to pay the bucks for the official publications, point your browser to www.napavalley.com/nvcvb.html, the NVCVB’s official site, which has much of the same information for free.

WHEN TO GO The beauty of the valley is striking any time of the year, but it’s most memorable in September and October when the grapes are being pressed and the wineries are in full production. Another great time to come is the spring, when the mustard flowers are in full bloom and the tourist season hasn’t yet begun; you’ll find less traffic and fewer crowds at the wineries and restaurants, and better deals on hotel rooms. While winter is beautiful and promises the best budet rates, the vines are dormant and rain is likely, so bring appropriate shoes and an umbrella. Summer? Say hello to hot weather and lots of traffic.

TOURING THE VALLEY & WINERIES

The Napa Valley has more than 250 wineries, each offering distinct wines, atmosphere, and experience – so touring the valley takes a little planning. Decide what you’re most interested in and chart your path from there. Ask locals which vintners have the type of experience you’re looking for. Whatever you do, plan to visit no more than four or five wineries in one day. Above all, take it slowly. The wine Country should never be rushed; like a great glass of wine, it should be savored.

Most wineries offer tours daily from 10am to 5pm. Tours usually chart the process of wine making from the grafting and harvesting of the vines to the pressing of the grapes and the blending and aging of the wines in oak casks. They vary in length, detail, and formality, depending on the winery. Most tours are free.

The towns and wineries below are organized geographically, from south to north along calif. 29, from Napa village to Calistoga. We’ve included a handful of our favorites below; for a complete list of wineries, be sure to pick up one of the free guides to the valley (see “Essentials,” above).

THE TOWN OF NAPA

The village of Napa serves as the commercial center of the Wine Country and the gateway to Napa Valley. Most visitors whiz right past it on their way to the heart of the valley, but if you do veer off the highway, you’ll be surprised to discover a small but burgeoning community of 63,000 residents and some of the most affordable accommodations in the area. Unfortunately, any small-town charm Napa may exude is all but a squelched by the used-car lots and warehouse superstores surrounding the turn-of-the-century neighborhoods. Just a few minutes north of town, the real Wine Country atmosphere envelops you instantly.

Anyone with an appreciation of art absolutely must visit the ® di Rosa Preserve, which until recently was closed to the public. Rene and Veronica di Rosa, who have been collecting contemporary American art for more than 40 years, converted to 53 acres of prime Wine Country property into a monument of Northern California’s regional art and nature. Their world-renowned collection features 1,500 works in all media by more 600 Greater Bay Area Artists. Their treasures are displayed practically everywhere, from along the shores of their 30-acre lake to each nook and cranny of their 110-year-old winery-turned-residence, adjoining building, two new galleries, and gardens. With hundreds of surrounding acres of rolling hills protected under the Napa County Land Trust, this place is truly a must-see for bth art and nature lovers. It’s located at 5200 Sonoma Highway (California 121/12) – look for the blue colored gate. Visits are by appointment only, when a maximum of 25 guests are guided through the

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Fortuna Cooks

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Walking Tours ( call 800/281-9255 or 415/981-8989) takes you into nooks and crannies not usually seen by tourists. Each guide is intimately acquainted with all of Chinatown’s back ways, alleys and small businesses as well as the area’s history, folklore, culture, and food. Tours are conducted daily from 10am to 1:30pm and include a dim sum lunch. There’s also a less expensive tour that does not include lunch. It’s an easy walk, fun and fascinating, and you’re bound to make new friends. Groups are generally held to a maximum of 12, and reservations are essential. Prices (including lunch) are $37 for adults, $35 for seniors 60 and older, and $3 for children under 12.

Shirley Fong-Torres also operates an I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown tour that starts with a Chinese breakfast in a noodle house, moves to a wokshop, and then makes further stops for nibbles at a vegetarian restaurant, rice-noodle factory, and a supermarket before taking a break for a sumptuous luncheon (most Saturdays; $65 per person), as well as a Walk & Wok tour that includes shopping for food in Chinatown, then cooking (and eating) it together at Shirley’s Cooking Center (most Saturdays; $75 per person).

NORTH BEACH CAFE SOIREE          Self-described “coffeehouse Lizard” Elaine Sosa leads Javawalk, a 2-hour walking tour. Aside from visiting cafes, javawalk also serves up a good share of historical and architectural trivia. Sosa keeps the tour interactive and fun, and it’s obvious that she knows a wealth of tales and trivia about the history of coffee and it’s North Beach roots. Tours are given Tuesday through Saturday at 10am. The prices is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. For information and reservations, call 415/673-9255.

THE VICTORIAN LEGACY       Jay Gifford of Victorian Homes Historical Walking Tour 415/252-9485) and San Francisco resident of two decades, portrays his enthusiasm and love of San Francisco throughout this highly entertaining 2½ hour tour. Set at a very leisurely place, it incorporates a wealth of interesting knowledge about San Francisco’s Victorian architecture, as well as the city’s storied history – particularly the periods just before and after the great earthquake and fire of 1906. You’ll stroll through the neighborhoods of Japantown, the Western Addition (where you can take a break to cruise the trendy shop on Filmore Street), and onward to Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow. In the process you’ll see more than 200 meticulously restored Victorians, including the one where Mrs. Doubtfire was filmed. Jay’s guests often find they are the only ones on the quiet neighborhood streets, where tour buses are forbidden. The tour ends with a trolley ride back to Union Square, passing though North Beach and Chinatown. Tours, which start at Union Square at 11am, are offered daily year-round and cost $20 per person. Reservations are required. You can preview the tour at www.victorianwalk.com.

A TRIP BACK TO THE SUMMER OF LOVE       If you’re nostalgic for the 1960′s, the Haight-Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour will take you to the cities hippie haunts, including the Grateful Dead’s crash pad and Janis Joplin’s house. Tours begin at 9:30am Tuesday and Saturday and cost $15 per person. For reservations, call 415/863-1621.

A LOOK AT THE CASTRO          For a totally new insight into the gay community’s contribution to the political maturity, growth, and beauty of San Francisco, contact Cruisin’ the Castro (415/550-8110). Tours are personally led by Ms. Trevor Hailey, who was involved in the development of the Castro in the 1970s and knew Harvey Milk – the first openly gay politician elected to office in the United States. Call for tour times, but expect to $40 for adults, $35 for seniors 62 and older, and a negotiable price for children 16 and under; the price includes lunch at one of the Castro’s restaurants.

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call Vintage Publications, 2929 Conifer Court, Napa, CA 94558 ( call 800/651-8953), to order just the guide, which costs $6, plus $3 for shipping within the United States. If you don’t want to pay the bucks for the official publications, point your browser to www.napavalley.com/nvcvb.html, the NVCVB’s official site, which has much of the same information for free.

WHEN TO GO    The beauty of the valley is striking any time of the year, but it’s most memorable in September and October when the grapes are being pressed and the wineries are in full production. Another great time to come is the spring, when the mustard flowers are in full bloom and the tourist season hasn’t yet begun; you’ll find less traffic and fewer crowds at the wineries and restaurants, and better deals on hotel rooms. While winter is beautiful and promises the best budet rates, the vines are dormant and rain is likely, so bring appropriate shoes and an umbrella. Summer? Say hello to hot weather and lots of traffic.

TOURING THE VALLEY & WINERIES
The Napa Valley has more than 250 wineries, each offering distinct wines, atmosphere, and experience – so touring the valley takes a little planning. Decide what you’re most interested in and chart your path from there. Ask locals which vintners have the type of experience you’re looking for. Whatever you do, plan to visit no more than four or five wineries in one day. Above all, take it slowly. The wine Country should never be rushed; like a great glass of wine, it should be savored.

Most wineries offer tours daily from 10am to 5pm. Tours usually chart the process of wine making from the grafting and harvesting of the vines to the pressing of the grapes and the blending and aging of the wines in oak casks. They vary in length, detail, and formality, depending on the winery. Most tours are free.

The towns and wineries below are organized geographically, from south to north along calif. 29, from Napa village to Calistoga. We’ve included a handful of our favorites below; for a complete list of wineries, be sure to pick up one of the free guides to the valley (see “Essentials,” above).

THE TOWN NAPA

The village of Napa serves as the commercial center of the Wine Country and the gateway to Napa Valley. Most visitors whiz right pass it on their way the to the heart of the valley, but if you do veer off the highway, you’ll be surprised to discover a small but burgeoning community of 63,000 residents and some of the most affordable accomodations in the area. Unfortunately, any small-town charm Napa may exude is all bu squelched by the used-car lots and warehouse superstores surrounding the turn-of-the-century neighborhoods. Just a few minutes north of town, the real Wine Country atmosphere envelops you instantly.

Anyone with an appreciation for art absolutely must visit the di Rosa Preserve, which until recently was close to the public. Rene and Veronica di Rosa, who have been collecting contemporary American art for more than 40 years, converted 53 acres of prime Wine Country property into a monument to northern California`s regional art and nature. Their world-renowned collection features 1,500 works in all media by more than 600 Greater Bay Area artists. Their treasures are displayed practically every where, from along the shores of their 30-acre lake to each nook and cranny of their 110-year-old winery-turned- residence, adjoining building, to new galleries, and gardens. With hundred of surrounding acres of rolling hills protected under the Napa Country Land Trust, this place is truly a must-see for both art and nature lovers. It`s located at 5200 Sonoma Hwy. (Calif. 121/12)—look for the blue-colored gate. Visits are by appointments only, when a maximum of 25 guests are guided through the

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• Murphy-Goode's Smart Marketing with New Media Murphy-Goode Winery has an interesting job opportunity that you may or may not have heard of... a 6-month contract to be a "Lifestyle Correspondent" for Murphy-Goode Wine. It pays $10,000 a month - a fairly impressive salary considering that you get free rent on top of it. Oh you also......
• Selling Wine - Almost Like Blogging This past holiday weekend my wife, my dog, and I headed down to the wine country of Paso Robles, California. Each year a group of 17 vineyards called the Far Out Wineries get together to host a wine tasting event. For a price of $35 you can spend 4 days......
• Wine-Tasting: A Frugal Hobby or Not? For Valentine's Day this past weekend my wife and I headed down to wine country - Paso Robles to be exact. Because we have a friend named Justin we found Justin Vineyards a natural place to start. We got there and they asked if we were Passport members. We asked......

0,75 cup finely crushed

cornflakes

0,33 cup sesame seed, toasted

(1,875-ounce container)

1 16-ounce package frozen fish

fillets, thawed

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Salt

Pepper

0,5 cup dairy sour cream

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• Barbeque Pork Burger Recipe   Summer is here and with it comes Father’s Day. Fire up the BBQ and cook these burgers up for dad; he’ll love them. This Barbeque Pork Burger Recipe caught my eye and I had to give it a try. It is delicious. When I saw that barbeque sauce......
• Pepper Steak with Rice This is another old fashioned, family pleasing recipe. It is easy to make and enjoyed by all ages. Try it soon. Ingredients 3 cups cooked rice 1 pound lean beef round steak, cut into 1/2 inch thick 1 Tablespoon paprika 2 Tablespoons butter 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 1/2 cups......
• Simple Baked Salmon Recipe   Simple and delicious. That says it all! This is a simple Baked Salmon Recipe- but it does take a little bit of time due to Marinate time- which is about an hour. So plan a little ahead to allow for it. If you like baked salmon give this a......
• Simple Pork Steak Recipe   Ingredients 1. 2 tablespoons cooking oil 2. 4 pork steaks 3. Salt and pepper 4. Garlic Powder 5. 1 large onion chopped 6. 1 cup fresh or canned sliced mushrooms 7. 2 10 ¾ oz cans of cream of mushroom soup 8. 1 package dry onion soup mix 9.......

1,5 pounds fresh or frozen fish fillets or steaks, or 4 pan-dressed fish (about 8 ounces each)

0,5 cup cooking oil

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

0,5 teaspoon onion salt

0,125 teaspoon pepper

Lemon wedges

_______________________________

Thaw fish, if frozen. Cut fish fillets or steaks into 4 portions. (For pan-dressed fish, wrap tails in greased foil. Sprinkle fish cavities with salt and pepper.) Combine the oil, Worcestershire sauce, onion salt, and pepper; mix well. Place fish in well-greased wire grill basket. Brush fish with oil mixture.

Grill fish over medium-hot coals for 5 to 8 minutes. Brush with oil mixture; turn and brush second side. Grill till fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, 5 to 8 minutes more. Serve with lemon wedges. Serves 4.

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• North Bar Halibut Outside the Gate 8/20/10 Went halibut fishing with Captain Perry, deckhand Mikey, and the Sea Turtle outside the gate on the north bar. Yet another great reason to go fishing on the turtle is that Captain Perry has a bait receiver. What that means is that even if you cannot buy live bait, Perry......
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