Editorial written for Farm & Ranch magazine featuring the Napa Valley wine harvest known as "The Crush"

1. The Crush
u
Experience the
Napa Valley Fall Harvest
T
he scent of fine wine is a magical and
inviting aroma, one that stirs the belly
to desire good foods, beckons the
beholder to exotic locales and sets the mind to
dance to the rhythm of wild romantic fancies. It
harkens to the times of the ancient Greeks, who
taught us to philosophize, and the Egyptians
of lore, whose ceremony and architecture still
fascinate us. While American colonists may have
wanted no part of England’s tea, they no doubt
preserved their admiration for the wines that
graced the tables of Europe’s kings and lords.
In Northern California, September is
synonymous with the fall grape Crush.
The colors of early autumn paint a serene
background to the exciting annual ritual, when
some 250,000 tons of grapes are harvested to
become apéritifs and libations. Renowned for
its historical, mystical and magical elements,
wine has long been a staple in French,
Italian, Spanish, Greek and Egyptian cultures,
symbolizing family gatherings and religious
traditions that have endured for centuries.
The Napa Valley explodes in September with
perennial visitors and curious newcomers, all
lured to the West Coast by the intoxicating
sophistication of the best American wines,
the trademark Northern California charm
and the grand slate of terrific events and
entertainment opportunities available
throughout the Crush season. A month-long
celebration of European sophistication in
“Romantic America,” the Crush is more than
just a series of local events, but signifies the
beginning of a tradition and the conclusion
Volume 19 America West FarmRanch
006-008 NapaART.indd 6 8/24/07 4:56:19 PM