Las Vegas locals beat the heat and change up the scenery with the selection of Napa, Calif. shops, wineries, restaurants and outdoor activities. A romantic getaway or a trip with friends and family is just up the coast.
Many wineries appeal to Las Vegas residents and travelers of the west coast as a quick weekend trip or a longer stay to soak in all the grapes and sunshine. Whether you have months to plan or a couple of weeks, Napa, Calif. is just up the coast and ready to be your escape.
The lush, green rolling hills, mountainside vines, lakes, diverse wildlife and shining sun make Buehler Vineyards quite the destination. Owner John Buehler informs, “We are a 300 acre ranch with 50 acres producing mountain vineyards.” As a ranch, farm, vineyard and winery, Buehler Vineyards is a part of every process of their winemaking and welcomes guests to visit year round by appointment.
With over four decades of experience with farming Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, this family-run winery and vineyard leans on low interference when it comes to producing their best grapes. Buehler mentions, “First and foremost we are great growers; we grow great grapes. With the exception of our chardonnay that comes from the Russian River in Sonoma, Calif., most of our production is sustainably farmed and sourced off of our [own] vines.”
The farming first approach keeps the Buehler family involved and connected with the land, the grape growing process and harvest. “Years ago we opted to plant mountain grapes as opposed to valley floor [grapes]. The popular perception is that hillside vineyards sacrifice quantity for quality. We produce less per acre than our valley floor counterparts,” shares Buehler.
The result is greater concentration for a richer flavor profile that makes the mountainside per acre production cut worth it. “We take a minimalistic approach that stresses grapes with 50 acres of mountain vines…Less is more. There is not a tremendous amount of intervention on our part,” Buehler confesses.
“Our goal is to produce the best wine we can at a fair price. We present the best value in the Napa valley,” Buehler says. The views that overlook the valley floor from Buehler Vineyards charms visitors. The Napa sunsets, grapes and wines all make for an experience to remember and revisit.
Photography by: Courtesy of Buehler Vineyards; pexels.com/Markus Winkler
