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As the wines produced in the Napa Valley continue to grow in prestige, joining the ranks of the finest of Italy and France, so does the expansion of the tourism industry in this region. Its history as a wine-producing district stretches back to the early 19th century. By that century's end, there were over 140 distinct wineries, each offering their own product. Today, with over 340 wineries, Napa is considered to be among the finest of the AVA's (American Viticultural Areas). Touring a vineyard is a great way to spend a day on your California vacation.

An enormously diverse range of grapes is produced in the Napa Valley. Specialties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel. The Vineyard owners have turned production into an art form, spending countless hours researching cultivation methods in the pursuit of the perfect grape. Indeed, most producers blend several grapes into each wine to produce a mixture from throughout the Valley.

The average vineyard tour takes from one to two hours, and usually costs about twenty-five dollars. Ambling through a vineyard is one of the most tranquil experiences California has to offer. You're immediately confronted by the sweet fragrance of crushed grapes, a sublime odor. Every sense delights, with birds chirping in your ears and sweeping vistas playing out before your eyes.

One of the most famous wineries is the Beringer Vineyard. The oldest continuously operating Vineyard in Napa (and the first to offer tours to the public), Beringer has been declared a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The winery is open every day, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

The Vineyard was founded by Jacob Beringer, a German immigrant who left life in Europe to pursue opportunity in the New World. After landing in New York, Beringer almost immediately set off for points west, lured by reports that the climate in California excelled in producing fantastic grapes. Though he had only minimal experience, he knew this would be his life-long profession. Through perseverance and hard work, he was able to transform wilderness into paradise, resulting in the birth of the Beringer Vineyard.

Numerous buildings throughout the Vineyard seamlessly blend into the landscape, providing a historical context to the grapes growing around you. Some have been here for over 100 years, a testament to the quality of this Vineyard's product. Many buildings also contain examples of art produced in the region.

Beringer offers a number of different tour options. Beginners should start with the 'Introducing Beringer Tour'. This is also the only tour at the winery open to those under 21. It highlights different moments in Beringer's 129 year history. Other options include the Historic District Tour, the Vintage Legacy Tour, and the Taste of Beringer Tour. Whichever you choose, end at the Old Winery Tasting Bar.

Whether you choose Beringer or any of the fine wineries in the Napa Valley, you're sure to have a great experience wandering through the quiet scenery. Let a Napa vineyard tour be a highlight of your time in California.