FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

United States, Napa Valley, Calif., Saintsbury Winery

Apr 1, 2007
2007 / April 2007

When David Graves and Dick Ward founded Saintsbury winery in 1981, they were considered impractical risk takers. At a time when it seemed every California winery was adding cabernet sauvignon to its list of red wines, Graves and Ward were making only one red — pinot noir — from the glorious, temperamental, cool-climate red grape of Burgundy. Their goal? To prove an ethereal, Burgundian-like pinot noir could be produced in Napa Valley.

They believed they could achieve that with grapes grown in Carneros, a cool area that skirts the southern part of Napa and Sonoma where far-sighted vintners had been planting pinot noir for years. They experimented in the vineyard and cellar. They introduced new pinot noir clones. They have, in fact, never stopped improving, updating and experimenting.

Twenty-six years later, having shown beyond doubt that fine, delicate pinot noir can be made in Napa Valley, Saintsbury is considered one of the prime producers of pinot noir in California.

To sample these extraordinary wines, start with Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir 2004 ($30) made from a blend of grapes from several vineyards. Attractive, balanced and flavorful, the wine is rich in hints of cherry. Saintsbury produced a reserve wine from 1990 to 2002; and what a lovely wine that last one is — soft, silky, with fragrant, whistle-clear pinot flavors. In place of reserves, Saintsbury now concentrates on single-vineyard pinots. Among them, Brown Ranch Carneros Pinot Noir is a sensual wine with distinctive blackberry and earthy flavors. The 2004 is a wine of excellent structure and great complexity with the perfume of pinot noir leaping out of the glass. At $70, Brown Ranch is the most expensive Saintsbury wine.

Saintsbury also offers three single-vineyard bottlings. Lee Vineyard 2004 is a rich, warm pinot noir; inviting with its fresh cherry aromas and fine balance. To taste Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir 2004 is to delve into a basket of fresh cherries. Toyon Farm 2004 is an elegant wine, graceful and classical, all satin and silk. Each is $50.

And each is individual. Each expresses the personality of its vineyard, just as the wines of Burgundy express theirs. And both — Burgundy and California — express the glory of pinot noir.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 31, 2023

Italian Mansion, Winery Locanda La Raia Available for Private Stays

Looking for luxury in Italy’s Southern Piedmont Region? In the wine hills of Gavi, north and west of Genoa, Locanda La Raia offers 10 splendid guestrooms and two apartments on a 180- hectare estate. Once a countryside inn and post station serving travelers journeying through the area on horseback, the space has been meticulously restored by the Rossi Cairo family to showcase original features such as vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork. Each guestroom has been individually decorated and now features enormous windows overlooking the surrounding landscape of lush gardens, rolling meadows and organic vineyards.

Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App

Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.

Daily
Mar 30, 2023

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach’s Wellness Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers travelers a new immersive wellness experience: Healing in Hawai’i.

Daily
Mar 30, 2023

NoMo Soho Introduces New Private Event Spaces, Return of Rose Garden

NoMo SoHo recently announced the return of Rose Garden as well as the introduction of two new event spaces, The Penthouse and Nina’s.

Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler

Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler

Daily
Mar 30, 2023

A New Type of Art Experience: Rotterdam’s Depot Boijman’s Van Beuningen Opens

A little more a year ago, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, designed by architectural firm  MVRDV, opened to the public in Rotterdam. At Depot, everything revolves around the interaction between the visitors and more than 151,000 works stored in various areas of the unique building.

eFlyer Deals
Mar 29, 2023

Last-Minute Spring Deals from SIXT

SIXT invites customers to book some spring and summer deals. Book a midweek deal for up to 30 percent off rentals of two–four days starting on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday and ending by Thursday. Book the midweek offer by June 30. Blackout dates of April 2–22 apply.

FXExpress Traveler of the Year

FXExpress Traveler of the Year Contest 2023

eFlyer Deals
Mar 29, 2023

Andaz Mayakoba Welcomes Summer with 20 Percent Off All Suite Stays

Just in time for summer travel, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya launches its Suites on Sale promotion. During the summer months, the resort offers travelers 20 percent off a stay in a suite.