What are the

With a little over 3,500 wineries (more than half are located in the Napa and Sonoma), California is the largest state in the number school of arts of "wineries" surface vines and turnover The case related school of arts to wine.
Installed for almost 10 years in Healdsburg, in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Jacques Brix is the Vice President of Wines & Vines Publications; school of arts whose professional magazine Wines & Vines came. A lover of wine installed for over 25 years in the USA. So it is natural to him as I turned to glean some addresses in the "Wine Country" school of arts
What do you think of Californians wines? Jacques Brix: "We often want to compare what we know: the French and California wines. school of arts But it is very difficult for several reasons: First, because you do not work the same way. In France, the wines differ depending on the variety of wine, region, etc. Here we rather talk about grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay ...). Then because Californians are more alcoholic wines and sweeter school of arts due to more sun. When I returned to France, it often takes me 3 days to get used to French wines! Californians school of arts wines are neither school of arts better nor worse. They are just different and you have to enjoy them as they are. "
Californians school of arts wines are quite expensive. Why? "7300 wineries in the US, 80,000 in France. So there is more competition in France and many vineyards are inherited. Here it is a colossal contribution! Just for the purchase of land in the Napa Valley it costs $ 300,000 per acre (1 acre = 4047 m 2). "
What is your favorite wine? "I love Zinfandel. Full-bodied, fragrant, it is very nice; including an appetizer. By cons, unlike the French wines, it is not acidic and is therefore not easy to combine with dishes. "
What is the best season to visit the "Wine Country"? "Spring is beautiful as all the vineyards are filled with mustard (nitrates traps) in bloom. school of arts It is very hot in July / August (attention school of arts to "Wineries towers" when it's 40 degrees!). Late August / September / October is the harvest. This is a big period of activity and "wineries" are often less available, but it is also very nice. "
What are your favorite places? "In Healdsburg, my city - H2 Hotel: school of arts Very nice new hotel with modern rooms and" green "(certified Gold LEED NC 2.2). Also restaurant, spa and bar. You will pay a minimum $ 285 for one night. - Oakville Grocery: grocery store in the same mold as Dean & Deluca. Pleasant terrace where breakfast in the sun. Salads ($ 8-9), sandwiches ($ 9), lunch boxes ($ 16-22), cheese plates, charcuterie school of arts ($ 35) ... - Healdsburg Bar & Grill: Great burgers and fries! Beautiful terrace. Around $ 10. - Bistro Ralph: many choices. Dishes around school of arts $ 16. - Madrona Manor: one of the best restaurants in California located in an old Victorian house in 1881. A Michelin star. Allow a minimum $ 100 per person (excluding drinks).
In St. Helena: Restaurant Culinary Institute of America: the campus is located in Greystone Cellars (formerly owned by Christian Brothers); a cellar built in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dishes between $ 20 and 30 ".
What are the "wineries" not to miss? "Personally, I prefer the Sonoma Valley than Napa. Less touristy (roads of Napa are bottled throughout the year), school of arts plus rustic, we also find it very beautiful areas. All "wineries" school of arts pay offer tastings but affordable school of arts (often around $ 15), and / or guided tours. - Arista Winery heart for the Japanese garden and ... their Pinot Black! Arista Winery - 7015 Westside Rd - Healdsburg - Beringer Vineyards beautiful "winery" founded in 1876 and listed school of arts on the National Register of Historic Places. Beringer Vineyards - 2000 Main St - St. Helena school of arts - Dutcher Crossing Winery: Debra Mathy works hand in hand with Kerry Damskey; "Winemaker" consultant for 17 other areas. The team is very nice. Dutcher school of arts Crossing Winery - 8533 Dry Creek Rd - Healdsburg - Ferrari-Carano: beautiful garden. Especially nice in the spring. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery - 8761 Dry Creek Rd - Healdsburg - Mazzocco Winery: here too, there is a very good Zinfandel. Mazzocco Winery - 1400 Lytton Springs Rd - Healdsburg - Mumm Napa Champagne made through the good work of the "winemaker" Ludovic Dervin French. The tour is very interesting and helps understand everything about the Champagne method used here in Napa. Mumm Napa - Silverado 8445 Tl - Rutherford "- Raymond Vineyards: the place is incroyab