If you are on a wine tour of California's Napa Valley, you should visit Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena, the oldest continuously operated winery in the Napa Valley. Beringer was founded in 1876 by the brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer, a year after their initial purchase of land. http://www.beringer.com/ In 2009, Frederick and Jacob Beringer were inducted to the Vinters Hall of Fame as Pioneers or the California Wine Industry by the Culinary Institute of America. http://www.ciachef.edu/admissions/news/news_story_univ.asp?iNewsID=934&strBack=/media/Default.asp&strlocationname=Media+Room The winery today produces thirteen varietals, of which Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc are the most popular and highly rated. http://www.snooth.com/wines/beringer/ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Beringer+Wines+Top+Two+Popularity+Polls-a050113594

Vistors can choose from a variety of tours, priced from $20-$35, which begin at the Rhine House, which is on Highway 28 in St. Helena. Highlights of the various tours include the original Stone Winery and aging tunnels, the historic Rhine House Mansion, built by Jacob Beringer, vineyard visits and wine tastings (of course!). The Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places and the extensive landscaping includes gardens, walkways, and ivy-covered stone buildings. http://www.beringer.com/Tours--.aspx The aging tunnels were hand-chiseled into the hillside of Spring Mountain between the late 1870s and the early 1880s. Bring items for a picnic as there are sites on the grounds, and there is a nice gift shop. http://www.californiawineryadvisor.com/wineries/view/Beringer_Vineyards /ref As a bonus, you can visit the town of St. Helena to see elegant examples of European architecture and White Sulphur Springs, a hot mineral springs resort. <ref> http://www.sthelena.com/community/history.aspx

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Merlot

• Cabernet Franc

• White Zinfandel

• Pinot Noir

• Sangiovese

• Syrah

• Chardonnay

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Pinot Grigio

• Chenin Blanc

• Viognier

• Riesling