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ARTICLE ALISON BAILIN BATZ | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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eginning in the 1860s, wineries including Charles Krug, Schramsberg and Inglenook began to spring up in Napa Valley, California. In 1976, the Judgement of Paris took place, pitting Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays from California against the best wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy in a blind tasting. Thanks to big wins by the likes of Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley earned respect as a winemaking region – and became an overnight international tourism hot spot. And now, exactly 40 years since that fateful tasting, there is a new milestone: Allegiant Airlines now flies directly into the Napa/Sonoma Regional Airport from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. This means getting to the premier wine country in the United States has never been easier – or more affordable. But with more than 500 wineries in the area – not to mention some of the highest-rated eateries and resorts in the nation – where does one even start? Luckilly, we're here to help. 18
Chandler Lifestyle | July 2016
Stay
Calistoga Ranch Outdoor Living Room
STAY
Luxury resorts abound in Napa. And while some are pricey, there are significant discounts available to guests willing to stay Sunday-Thursday. Flights are also readily available during the week. CALISTOGA RANCH
Calistoga Ranch is an exclusive resort overlooking historic Lake Lommel that features just 50 guest lodges and 22 exquisite owner lodges. Rooms range from 600 to 3,000 square feet and boast floor-toceiling windows as well as outdoor shower gardens where guests can (privately) shower under the stars. There is also an award-winning spa on site as well as one of the most-acclaimed restaurants in Napa: The