Fit Fare

 

 

Image 2006 by Jim Tardio
I recently had the pleasure to visit Napa Valley, the foremost wine region in the United States, on par with the finest France, Spain, and Italy have to offer. This reputation was cemented at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting, in which Napa Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons bested French offerings in blind taste tests. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are still two of the most popular varietals grown in Napa, along with Merlot and Zinfandel.

I recently had the pleasure to visit Napa Valley, the foremost wine region in the United States, on par with the finest France, Spain, and Italy have to offer. This reputation was cemented at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting, in which Napa Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons bested French offerings in blind taste tests. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are still two of the most popular varietals grown in Napa, along with Merlot and Zinfandel.The health benefits of wine are well-established. Dr. Serge Renaud’s research published in 1992 has indicated a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in populations that consume moderate amounts of wine, even with other risk factors such as high levels of saturated fat in the diet and smoking. This should not be considered a license to overindulge, of course; no amount of alcohol is known to be safe for pregnant women, and consuming excessive amounts can increase the risk of liver damage and some cancers.

Still, as indulgences go, Napa wines can be a smart choice. Even better, the Napa Valley area provides abundant opportunities for other healthful ways to fill a trip. Napa has several choices for vegetarian- and vegan-friendly restaurants, as well as many more that use local and organic produce. Napa is also one of the health spa capitals of the nation. Not only will many of these spas provide healthy food and wine choices, they do so in beautiful surroundings with many health, beauty, and relaxation services available.

Fall is harvest time in Napa, the heavy rains of the winter and spring indicate an abundant but late crop for the 2006 harvest. This is consistent with the so-called “100-year floods” that seem to be happening more like every eight to ten years. Heavy flooding along the Napa River caused some low-lying vineyards to be covered in debris, but luckily little serious damage was done. Heavier than usual snows also influenced the growing season, but a late-season increase in sun and temperatures helped to balance this effect.

For more information on Napa, including wineries and healthy vacation options, see this Napa Valley website.