1. to a year-long dedication to perfection. gondolas before they are pulled by tractor open their doors and allow visitors to tour
Though a fantastical and magical time of to the wineries for processing. Throughout their establishments, taste of the previous
year, the fall Crush marks the culmination of the harvest, the grapes that fall from the year’s harvest and even participate in the
a rewarding process of careful planning and vines burst upon the soil, the skins crushed harvest processes for those who truly wish to
expert science. As the summer begins to wane underfoot, and release a fragrant mist that experience the Crush first-hand.
and fall slowly creeps into Napa Valley, the sugar permeates the air and carries for miles upon Featuring trademark varietals of award-
content (known as “brix”) in the grapes begins the autumn wind. Though the rest of the winning Napa Valley Sauvignon and Cabernet
to reach the perfect stage for harvest. For wine, winemaking process is largely automated, Sauvignon, the vineyards of St. Supery feature
sugar content can mean the difference between the initial harvest has remained unchanged a unique selection of outstanding wines that
the perfect Chardonnay and a too-sweet through the decades and signals to the world capture the bold and complex flavor of the
Champagne, so grapes are picked according the arrival of “The Crush.” valley. In celebration of the fall Crush, the
to a strict schedule. Since Champagne grapes Inspired by the celebrations of the Greeks Rutherford vineyard in the heart of the Napa
require the least amount of sugar content, they and Italians, the Napa Valley echoes the Valley offers all those who pass through the
are picked first, while Chardonnays and reds, traditions of its European counterparts in its area to take a break, take off their shoes and
respectively, are harvested later in the season. month-long ode to a bountiful harvest. The dip their toes into history. Just as workers
When the time for harvest arrives, bountiful land and sky of Napa Valley are alive with did hundreds of years ago, guests can try
stems of ripened grapes fill the vines, their festive pilgrims called to enjoy sophisticated their hands—and feet—at an old-fashioned
delicate skins swollen with juice and colored wine and cheeses, outdoor family activities grape stomp, an event that turns the Crush
with vibrant hues. Specially shaped knives and a host of other memorable attractions into an experience shared by those of all
called “grape hooks” feature crescent-shaped centered around the annual Crush. More ages. Immediately following the grape stomp,
blades used to slice stems from the main than any other time of year, some of Napa visitors are encouraged to enjoy a wine tasting
vines. Once harvested, these clusters fill large Valley’s most renowned wineries throw with a fine selection of cheeses.
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