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Napa Valley Links | Contact Us | 800x600
Ever wanted to pay a visit to Tuscany Valley? Now you can, with our on-line guide to the Tuscany Valley. Although fictitious, the location shots for the Tuscany Valley were all filmed in the Napa Valley, the lush premiere wine region of Northern California, a short drive from San Francisco. Locations such as the Del Oro Spa, Tuscany Valley Courthouse, Tuscany Valley Main Street and of course Falcon Crest itself can all be seen in and around the Napa Valley towns of St Helena, Sonoma and Napa.
THE NAPA VALLEY
Located an hour out of San Francisco, the Napa Valley is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist locales in California. The Napa and adjoining Sonoma valleys, are, by reputation if not statistically, at the centre of the American wine industry; their 29,000 grape-acres covering the picturesque rolling hills that are decorated with exceptional landscape gardens and exclusive eating establishments. The differing microclimates and soil variations are the promised land for cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, johannisberg riesling, and many other varieties. It's also a playground for winery touring, ballooning, cycling, hiking, picknicking and boutiquing, as well as fine dining and health spas.
GETTING THERE
From San Francisco there are daily Gray Line bus tours (558-9400) to the Wine Country; otherwise take the Valeejo Ferry (4 daily; $7.50; 415/7055444) from San Francisco, which is met by a Napa Valley Transit bus. I would recommend visiting on a weekday, as weekends and public holidays can be excruciatingly crowded, with the central road that follows the valley becoming crammed with traffic in either direction. The township of Napa itself is rather dull, St Helena a little further up is a much more attractive and picturesque locale.
FALCON CREST
The most popular location amongst FC viewers to visit when hitting the Napa Valley is 'Falcon Crest'. The winery where outdoor locations were filmed is called the Spring Mountain Winery, an historic winery located in the lush Spring Mountain appellation a short drive from St. Helena. The winery which was open to the public during Falcon Crest's airing is now closed to the public, it's ownership changing hands to a family who respectully wish to focus on wine-making rather than tourism. A polite sign at the gate asks sight-seeing Falcon Crest fans to respect the family's privacy. Closer to the mansion, a little further down the road, 'No Trespassing' signs abound. It's clear that Falcon Crest's popularity has impacted the area, with adjoining streets closed to sight-seers and signs posted letting visitors know that there is 'No view of Winery from this driveway'.The best option to catch a glimpse of the winery (as opposed to the central mansion) while respecting the owners and neighbours is by looking over to the left of the front gate. The Victorian peak of the elaborate building in which Spring Mountain Winery stores it's oak barrels should be a familiar sign to any Falcon Crest fan.
Those wanting to get a look at the mansion, which dates back to 1885, can do so by driving up the small road on the opposite side of the property, about 50 metres before the driveway heading out of St Helena. The road is distinguished by a small utility shed and further up a lake (strictly forbidden entry by the St Helena Water Department) that can be seen in the aerial footage from FC's opening credits. Looking across over the lake, you can see the top level of 'Falcon Crest' and the rows of vines surrounding it leading up Spring Mountain. Another alternative is to park in the turnout just opposite the driveway and look through the trees for a close up view of the mansion.
Directions
Located at 2805 Spring Mountain Road, St Helena, California, 94574. To get to the Spring Mountain Vineyards, in the Napa Valley, take hwy 29 north to St Helena; then turn left at the only stop light onto Madrona Street. Go three blocks, and turn right at Spring Mountain Road. Spring Mountain is exactly one mile on the left. Please respect the owner's and neighbours' privacy at all times.
ST HELENA & SURROUNDS
The main street of St Helena will be familiar to Falcon Crest viewers as the hub of the Tuscany Valley. This is where Maggie and Vicki went shopping, where Angela would take Michael to buy toys, and where some memorable confrontational spats occurred. The main street of St Helena offers tourists a startling (and expensive) array of beautiful furniture, clothing, property, and, of course, wine. Dining, a highlight of the Napa Valley experience, is a must, with many restaurants offering a vast array of cuisines.
Further south in the township of Napa lies the Silverado Country Club. Silverado served as the exterior location for Angela's Del Oro Spa. Rooms are available for a hefty price, but for those that want to look up close but don't have the bank roll to see them through the evening, a stroll through the gardens will surfice. The comprehensive complex also houses a fine golf course, tennis courts, spa and many other features.
One of the most rewarding experiences in visiting St Helena and the Napa Valley is not just to see the sights, but to get a sense of the environment and atmosphere that is so potent in the area. Beauty abounds, with glorious landscaped gardens and Victorian mansions a key ingredient in making the Napa Valley one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US. I recommend you not only spend your time taking in the sights of the 'Tuscany Valley', but appreciate the Napa Valley for it's wine, food, scenic views, and lifestyle. You'll never forget it.
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This site designed and maintained by Adrian McConchie. © 1998 Adrian McConchie. All rights reserved. Original images and materials © 1981-98 Warner Bros. Television. No material, designs, artwork, original images, titles or scripts may be reproduced without the consent of the respective author. 'Falcon Crest: A Tribute' is an independent site that shares no affiliation with Warner Bros. |