Sterling had a huge wine tasting and party terrace, carefully thought out by the architect to offer a terrific view of some of Napa Valley's finest rolling hills.
A panoramic view from that terrace at Sterling.
We hadn't planned on visiting Beringer (Hwy. 29, St. Helena), but the view of this old mansion quickly drew us off the road for a closer look. We passed on the official tour and tasting, but really, any visit to any winery out there is a treat. In 1885, Frederick Beringer built this mansion, which was partially destroyed by the great San Francisco earthquake in 1906. 1/12th of its construction cost was used in outfitting the mansion with outstanding stained glass windows and art pieces. The inlayed floor alone was worth the visit. Walking the grounds at wineries is something you need to take in slowly, and not at the whirlwind pace as we did.
