<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Latest Articles by jetfly</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<item>
<title>Losing Weight Using Herbal Teas</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/losing-weight-using-herbal-teas.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/losing-weight-using-herbal-teas.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ However, there are also certain natural products, herbs and foods that have natural properties of increasing the body's metabolic rat. A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Urology has noted that some herbal teas, like green tea, are considered to be highly beneficial in attaining significant weight loss.The study indicates that the caffeine content and antioxidants present in green tea are the main substances responsible for increasing the body's metabolism.

Health Benefits Of Herbal Weight Loss Teas

Green teas and other herbal tea mixes should be elements that need to be incorporated in your diet, if you are considering attaining significant weight loss. Green tea is the common name for the Camellia sinensis herb.

There are also other herbs that form part of herbal teas. These are packaged and marketed as stand alone solutions or as combinations with green tea. Some of these herbs, such as Garcinia Combogi, Cinnamomum Tamala, Guggul, Senna Leaves, Fennel and Aniseed, have been analyzed and noted in burning extra fat and calories by increasing the body's metabolic rate.

Herbal teas have a host of health benefits, and taste great too. Chamomile teas help in soothing an upset digestive system, as well as help in relaxing an individual. Rooibos tea also serves as a wonderful antioxidant. Mint teas are aromatic and flavorful mixtures. There are also a wide array of herbal teas that are available in most groceries, convenient stores, tea and coffee shops, and natural foods stores. Most herbal teas don't have caffeine, however green teas do have some content, but are healthy as well.

How To Mix A Refreshing Herbal Weight-Loss Tea

When preparing tea, remember to use fresh cold water always, and avoid using aluminum cookware, since this has a very soft metal and may tend to come off in the food. The best utensils for teas are glass, cast iron, stainless steel or unchipped enamel.

A tea strainer allows you to mix your own blends of loose teas or herbs, that come in a variety of flavors and helps in preventing you from having to drink floating leaves and flowers. Boil water, then remove from the heat and add about one heaping teaspoon of dried herbs per cup of water. Cover the kettle and allow to steep for about ten minutes. Lastly, strain the herbs into a cup before serving.

Attaining Considerable Weight Loss Involves Many Factors

The goal of reducing weight naturally requires burning more calories and fat through exercise, and necessitates living an active lifestyle. Living an active lifestyle, coupled with a low fat diet, helps ensure that the process of losing weight can be accelerated.

Researchers have also indicated that if the metabolic rate of a person can be increased, the process of burning fat can be quicker. The body's metabolic rate actually explains why certain people eat so much, yet still do not put on weight, while others seem to gain weight every time they eat.

Herbal teas are helpful in nourishing and strengthening our nervous and immune systems. In traditional Chinese medicine, every aroma and flavor is associated with organ systems of the body, like the sweet flavor found in anise seed has a special soothing effect for the stomach and spleen, and the bitter flavor in dandelion root affects the heart and small intestines, helping improve digestion and aid in quicker fat metabolism. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Boca Java Coffee and Cancer Facts</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/boca-java-coffee-and-cancer-facts.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/boca-java-coffee-and-cancer-facts.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Most antioxidants are derived from plants, coffee being one of them. Research done has shown that there are many antioxidant benefits of coffee. In these research studies conducted by various universities, however, there was no apparent relation found between the consumption of coffee and cancer development in a person; many believe that the amount of coffee that would need to be consumed in order to reap the anti-cancer benefits of the antioxidants found in coffee is just too high.

It has been shown; however, that drinking coffee in moderation can decrease risk of cancer development for coffee drinkers as compared to non-coffee drinkers. Here are some of the cancers that have a decreased risk for coffee drinkers.

* Breast Cancer: Research from Malamo University in Sweden and The Harvard School of Public Health in Boston have shown that women who drank two or more cups of coffee a day were at A lesser risk of cancer as compared to women who drank no coffee at all. The cancer preventing properties of coffee have been attributed to caffeine present in the coffee that modifies the carcinogenic components of female sex hormone Estrogen.

* Skin Cancer: A cup of coffee after a walk in the sun can help reduce the risk of skin cancer. According to a study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, coffee consumption can cut the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer by 35%. The antioxidants present in coffee have a protective effect on the DNA synthesis, and this can help decrease the cell division of the cells.

* Liver Cancer: Coffee drinking has been shown to have a preventive effect on cirrhosis which is the starting stage for liver cancer compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who drank up to 1-2 cups of coffee daily had a 50% less risk of first stage liver cancer. Caffeine present in coffee is found to be the main reason for coffee's effect on liver cancer.

* COLON Cancer: Drinking more than five cups of coffee a day can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Along with increasing the movement of food in the bowels, coffee is believed to help reduce the production of bile acids that are known to increase the threat of bowel cancer. Antioxidants present in coffee also play a significant role in preventing cell damage.

The numerous benefits of drinking coffee make it an ideal drink for moderate consumption, and a cup or two of coffee will surely go a long way in maintaining a good health. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>A Profit Opportunity Loose Leaf Tea</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/a-profit-opportunity-loose-leaf-tea.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/Wellness/a-profit-opportunity-loose-leaf-tea.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Value involves more that just the menu- the presentation must be perfect and the service must be attentive without being annoying. Anything less will negatively impact word of mouth advertising and repeat visits.

This is a very competitive business. There are many 5 Star restaurants and they are all competing for the same discretionary spending dollars. Perception of value and value added services are, therefore critical to success.

One area where many fine restaurants fail is the after dinner beverage - particularly if tea is the beverage of choice. There is nothing worse than ending a fine meal on a down note when the universal "tea box" is brought out and, combined with a luke warm pot of water, forces the customer to accept substandard quality. Perception of value rapidly disappears.

Some 5 Star restaurants have addressed this problem through the use of high quality loose leaf tea that presents the perfect cup of tea. Combined with the proper pot of near boiling hot water, quality loose tea and specialty tea offer the dining customer a very pleasurable tea experience. Fresh, quality tea in a variety of flavors puts the finishing touch on a quality meal and leaves the customer with a perception of value.

Is Loose Leaf Tea Popular?

Loose leaf tea has a very large following and the customer base expands every day. Specialty tea is one of the fastest growing segments of the tea industry and increases in double digits every year. Many tea drinkers are moving away from the weak, often flat taste of bagged tea to enjoy the robust flavor of a brewed cup of loose leaf tea.

Is Loose Tea a Profitable Product Line?

Because the taste and quality of loose leaf tea is so high, experience has shown that the retail price easily accommodates a price increase of $1.00 or more per cup. This profit margin increase, coupled with the fact that loose leaf tea costs only a fraction more to serve, results in dramatic increases in both revenue and profitability.

A Case Study

The fine dining market in our nation's capital, Washington D.C. is comprised of sophisticated consumers and is very competitive. Notwithstanding this, business has suffered a down turn because of the economy and restaurant managers are looking for ways to maintain revenue and profits.

One of the many 5 Star restaurants has replaced the "tea box" with a high quality loose leaf tea line, serving dimmers and event customers with a broad line of uniquely flavored specialty tea. During the time the new line has been offered, pots of tea sold has increased 600% over the old tea line and profits have increased even more because of the higher price per cup. And customers love the flavor and quality of the new tea. Word of mouth referrals are up and many customers inquire about purchasing the tea for their own home.

The manager considers the new loose leaf tea line to be a true value added product.

Loose leaf tea is used more and more by fine dining establishments to increase perceived value and profits. The trend continues. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>4 Seasons Wine  Industry Regions Of Southern California</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Food_and_Drink/Wine_and_Spirits/4-seasons-wine-industry-regions-of-southern-california.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Food_and_Drink/Wine_and_Spirits/4-seasons-wine-industry-regions-of-southern-california.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The majority of southern California wine is produced in two areas, the vineyards of Santa Barbara, 100 miles north of Los Angeles, and those close to San Diego, 100 miles south of the city. Both areas have been deeply involved in the growth of the California wine industry, an industry that now ships over 450 million gallons of wine a year to the US and other countries.

Santa Barbara's Vineyards

The costal mountains east-west positioning creates the valleys that open onto the Pacific Ocean. The flow of fog and breezes that result from this bit of serendipitous geography produce the perfect conditions for the world-class varieties of wine that are the pride of Santa Barbara. The moderate climate produces the most favorable conditions that grapes need for optimal sugar and acid levels. There are also several micro-climates near the Pacific Coast and the Pala Mesa mountains.

The fifty mile coast from Point Conception to Rincon forms the longest east-west shoreline on the west coast. The vines here grow on anything and everything, from the rolling hillsides to the exceptionally warm valleys, where summer temperatures often reach 100F or 38C. This climate allows the vintners to work throughout the four seasons: the pruning and weeding is done during the winter, new planting begins in the spring, canopy management in the summer and finally the annual harvest in the fall. This area has a comparable climate to the Rhne valley in France, and the winemakers have responded similarly. One particular vineyard is situated on a hillside 1,000 feet above sea level, with ideal northern exposure making it the perfect location for the Rhone varietals that are grown here.

There are an abundance of European grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese and Syrah. This diversity is made possible by the large number of micro-climates in the region. For example, the cool-climate Chardonnay does well because of the occasional snow on the mountains. In contrast, the heat-loving Syrah thrives in the warmer micro-climates. The winemakers also took on the bold challenge of growing the difficult Pinot Noir, a wine resonant with strawberry and herbal aspects.

While there were almost no vineyards in the county twenty-five years ago, today the wine industry is a $100 million dollar business. The Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valley alone grew to 8,000 acres under cultivation in the twenty years between 1975 and 1995. Between 1995 and 2000, the number jumped to 18,000. Today there are over 21,000 acres of these vineyards and half of the grapes are being shipped to winemakers outside of the county.

Temecula

The cultural rivalry between northern and southern California is also reflected in the wine business. This is a young industry here; the majority of the southern vineyards didn't exist 20 years ago. The first wines were produced in Temecula in 1971.

Twenty-two miles from the Pacific Ocean, the 1,400-foot Temecula plateau is situated between peaks of the Coastal Mountain range. The afternoon breeze blows the smog away, and the unique micro-climate in the area benefits from a higher solar intensity than Napa Valley.

The vineyards of Temecula are kept moist by large underground aquifers. The soil itself is high in decomposed granite. This helps drainage and keeps the soil free of Phylloxera, an invasive insect that destroyed large numbers of old European wine regions. It still remains a problem today.

Close by is Shadow Mountain vineyard. Located in the mountains above San Diego, this is the highest vinery in California at 4,400 feet above sea level.

All grapes grow in Temecula, including Chardonnay, White Rhne, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet and the Italian Nebbiolo, which is harvested as late as November. The region produces a wine with a fruity character, in contrast to the woodiness which found in other California vintages.

The religious men of the Mission of San Juan Capistrano were the first winemakers in southern California, and after 200 years, the industry is now in full-bloom. Due to the partnership between wine scientists and winemakers, the 1,800 acres of commercial vineyards of southern California are more successful than ever. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Muscle Building To Lose Weight</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/muscle-building-to-lose-weight.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Muscle_Building/muscle-building-to-lose-weight.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Muscle building also helps a person in the process of weight loss and weight loss is important because many symptoms and ailments take place because of over weight or obesity. Diseases like cancer, diabetes, hyper tension, depression and many more occurs because of over weight or obesity.

Therefore, muscle building is a way to lose weight, since a person with the aim to gain muscle paves a way to lose weight, too. Muscle building requires a person to adapt many healthy and fit habits in his or her life. 

First and foremost, a person should plan a diet or make an eating plan, which should be balanced and include all the food groups. For example, it is mandatory that the diet have food components like protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, nutrients, minerals, fat etc.

Muscle building is a program or routine that requires a person to eat healthy and eat the right quantity and quality of food. The most important food components required by a person to exist in his or her body is protein and carbohydrate. Protein is the most important component, because protein is the building block of all the muscle and the main ingredient of muscle building.

Protein has the component named amino acids that is the most important part of muscle building. Therefore, a person to build muscle must get the intake of food rich in protein content, for example, poultry products like chicken and egg, milk and yogurt, meat and fish. And especially, if the meat is from a lean part, it'll have less fat content.

The second and another important food group for muscle building is carbohydrate. Carbohydrate is required and needed by the body, especially if he or she is in a vigorous exercising or work out routines, as carbohydrate produces energy and stamina. 

So, food intake is necessary just 2 hours before the exercise routine. Because, this will produce the energy that the body requires. So a person should take food rich in carbohydrate too, like pulses, whole grain, pastas, brown rice and etc.

But the most important aspect of muscle building is doing proper and regular workouts and exercises. But before doing the muscle building exercise a person should do some warm up exercises like walking, jogging or running, jumping the ropes etc. By doing all the warm up exercises, the body is prepared to do the vigorous exercise and work outs and also the required heat is produced, to balance the body heat.

There are many muscle building exercises, like crunches, squats, flyes, bench presses, weightlifting and doing work outs by using weights. A person should gradually increase the weights in succession of reps and then slowly and carefully increase the exercising rate.
 
Do not over do the muscle building training and get proper instruction before doing the work out by a professionally trained person, so as to avoid accidents and harmful consequences. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>What Are the Benefits of Wind Generators?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/what-are-the-benefits-of-wind-generators.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/what-are-the-benefits-of-wind-generators.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ We all seem to be using more electricity than in the past. This is due to the electronic world in which we now live. Yet paying for that additional electricity can be a heavy burden. A wind generator can be the best way to get those expenses under control once and for all.

You can easy find a professional contractor with the experience to install home wind generators. Some of them are very huge and referred to as a wind turbine. They are found in the wide open areas where they can take advantage of the high winds. It is hard to install such a wind generator on your own due to the size and weight of it. Heavy equipment is needed to get it in place correctly and safely.

However, home wind generators are on a much smaller scale. Therefore you can easily erect them on your own. You can even buy a wind generator kit that allows you to build it from the pieces it comes with. This is a great way to get the benefits from wind generators for the lowest possible price.

You will also want to take a close look at the various tax incentives out there. Many areas offer them to those that are willing to install a wind generator because it helps the environment as a whole. You can easy find out this information locally or by looking it up online.

We all have a responsibility to do what we can to save our natural resources. Too often we use them without thinking of the long term problems that is creating. A wind generator is an affordable way for you to feel good about the electricity you consume. Since you likely don't want to have to get rid of your electronically devices this is an alternative everyone can live with.

There is likely to be plenty of other things you would like to do with your money than send it to the electric company. By using home wind generators to create your own electricity you will have the freedom to do so. If you aren't creating enough electricity for all of your use then you will automatically use the grid from your local electric company.

Hopefully all these information will get you seriously thinking about installing wind generators at your own home. If enough people do so we can make a very positive impact for our environment now and into the future. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Home Energy Audit - Searching For Sources of Mass Consumption</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Home/home-energy-audit-searching-for-sources-of-mass-consumption.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Home/home-energy-audit-searching-for-sources-of-mass-consumption.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Whatever energy system you use to power your home, you want it to perform at top-level efficiency. This means you don't want to waste energy. Why pay for something you aren't getting any value from? So the very first thing you are going to do is a Home Energy Audit.

This simply means you will do a study of how energy is used and lost in your home. You can do the audit yourself. Hire a contractor. Or ask your energy provider.

How do you do it yourself? Take a good look around your home. The bad guys you will be on a mission to find are the drafts and leaks. And when you find them? You will need insulation, caulking and weatherstripping to give 'em a beating.

The obvious places are windows and doors. If you feel cold air blowing a gale around either one of these, grab a caulking gun and fire. You may want to consider replacing windows and doors if do-it-yourself measures won't cut it.

And don't forget to check around fireplace dampers, window air conditioners, gaps around pipes and electrical outlets, vents and attic hatches. Anywhere and everywhere there is an opening, picture money squeezing out

Most energy is lost through ceilings and walls. You'll want to find out what kind of insulation is in your home and if it's up to snuff for your climate. If you have your building plans, check the R value of your home when it was built. This is the laboratory standard which describes the insulation's resistance to heat transfer. You may want to consult an insulation contractor.

How's your heating and/or cooling system? If it's at least 15 years old, you should consider replacing your system with the newer, more energy-efficient models of today. I know it costs money now but you'll be amazed at the improvements.

Lighting accounts for at least 10% of your energy bill. Remember when your parents hounded you to turn off the lights when you left the room? Ok... They were right! Now you get to say it. Along with conserving light, buy the new compact fluorescent bulbs. They are said to last 10 times longer and use a quarter of the electricity.

If you're able to afford a professional contractor to do your energy audit, seriously consider it. Why? They have the knowledge and tools to give you the most bang for your buck. They will spot things you've missed. And don't forget. Your public utility company may do one for little or no cost.

Remember, you can't fix the economy of the nation. But you can do the best for your part of the world. Being self-sufficient will provide better financial security. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Six Pack Abs in Half the Time</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/six-pack-abs-in-half-the-time.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/six-pack-abs-in-half-the-time.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Instead, if you were to focus on your metabolism, with a slight bias towards ab strengthening, you would be able to decrease your body fat, improve your stamina, eat more (not less), and get in and out of the gym faster.

Increasing metabolism requires proper nutritional habits, improved posture, and high intensity exercise. By choosing balanced meals, sufficient calories, and appropriate meal timing you have an ability to demand more energy from your body during any given workout, thereby taking more away from each workout in less time. Improving posture leads to improved oxygenation of muscles, improved circulation, increased self-confidence, and improved cosmetics. High intensity exercise leads to lactic acid production, minuscule tears of muscles that require repair following bouts of exercise, and momentary muscular failure. These characteristics force your body to undergo a repair process that lasts days after leaving the gym, instead of the hour or two you may spend in the gym. Naturally, as with any process in your body, processes consume energy, and energy equals metabolism.

Decreasing body fat is a product of increasing your muscle to fat ratio (muscle:fat.) The easiest way to do this is by adding lean muscle mass to your body, and then working on losing weight from there. Because muscle consumes more calories than body fat, you will be able to eat more, burn more off, and feel stronger throughout your day. Instead of restricting calories and feeling lethargic, you will be able to rise above and feel motivated to succeed the following day with your goals.

Eat more, not less. Most people try to diet when they want to improve physique. What's more? They stay in the gym longer, but they have less to burn. Instead, think of food as fuel and exercise as fire. In order to keep the fire burning, you have to continually feed it fuel. Exercise is the same way. If you would like your body to function optimally, consider eating at least a snack every 2-3 hours. Preferably, your snack will look just like the balanced meal you ate earlier in the day, but a smaller portion. Over time, your body will learn to accept and use more calories, provide more fuel to the fire, and dramatically improve your results in the gym.

Six pack ab training is achievable if you know what you're doing. Increasing metabolism, decreasing body fat, and improving dietary habits leads to faster and longer lasting results. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Natural Products For Relieving Stress</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Health/natural-products-for-relieving-stress.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Health/natural-products-for-relieving-stress.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There are a wide range of affordable, easy to use natural products that can help you get the relief that you need.

Natural products can come in a variety of methods for helping you to ease tension and get to sleep ranging from Aromatherapy products, aromatic bath salts and oils, essential oils, herbal teas, and supplements so you are sure to find any number of natural products to help you relax in a safe and easy way.

Natural products in the aromatherapy category can range from candles, oil diffusers, sachets and pillows, and even these great little sleeping mists that you can use to spray your bed linens before you go to bed; the lavender and other aromatherapy elements of the spray help you to relax and soothes you to sleep.

What effect you wish to achieve is the main determinant of which scent you would want. Most of the pillows and sleeping sprays, for example, come in lavender or some combination of lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood as well as other essential oils because of their ability to relax you, ease stress, and promote a restful sleep.

Aromatic bath salts and oils utilize most of the same elements and scents that are used in other aromatherapy products but give you the added enjoyment of a luxurious bath, which in itself can do wonders for a stressful day. That is much the same of essential oils which you can use in a variety of ways, for example, rubbing lavender oil on your temples can help to relieve the stress of a tension headache.

Cardamom is also a common essential oil to hep with fatigue and is known for its warm and comforting effect as well as its ability to promote clarity. All of these natural products utilize the the soothing properties of the aromas to help calm and soothe you.

Herbal remedies, unlike aromatherapy, actually work with your body and an be taken a variety of ways. These natural products most often come in teas or supplements that you can take should tea not be your thing. When it comes to natural products in the tea categories, some of the most common choices include chamomile which does wonders for combating insomnia without any of the addictive properties of sleeping pills.

Valerian root is another element of many natural products that you find to treat stress and insomnia because it has been used for generations to help promote relaxation and induce sleep. With herbal remedies; however, if you are on medication, are pregnant, or have health concerns you should consult your health care provider. Some herbs, chamomile for example, is not to be taken by pregnant women and others can interfere with certain types of medications so be sure to seek advice before beginning any herbal regiment.

Using natural products to help sooth away the effects of stress and anxiety and to treat insomnia can be very simple and yield great rewards so try one of the many natural products available and start getting a good night's sleep. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Wine Tasting in Carneros</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Food_and_Drink/wine-tasting-in-carneros.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Food_and_Drink/wine-tasting-in-carneros.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ You do not have to be a wine expert to enjoy tasting in Carneros. But since Carneros was awarded AVA status in 1980, the number of resident wineries in has greatly increased. So with limited time and budget, which ones do you visit?

No matter how prestigious the area is, no wine is guaranteed to be good. There are so many factors that go into viticulture and winemaking, choosing a wine based solely on the region is basically a shot in the dark. The same can be said for deciding which wineries to visit on a wine tour.

When planning a wine tasting tour, consider wineries that produce the varietals you enjoy or would like to experience. For example, if you want to taste Champagne style Sparkling Wines, Domaine Carneros should be at the top of your list. This winery is owned Taittinger Champagne House. Their stunning Chateau has become a Carneros Landmark, and is among the most beautiful wineries in Napa County. Domaine also offers a thirty minute tour of their facilities, which culminates in their tasting room with spectacular views of their vineyards.

For Pinot Noir aficionados, you cannot go wrong with Acacia Winery. If you choose to visit Acacia, I would advise tasting the 2002 Beckstoffer Pinot Noir; you will not be disappointed.

If you would like to taste a wider range of varietals, visit Artesa Winery. They have produced several wines made with several different grapes that have received 90 + points from major wine ratings. This, along with their winery's recent 10 million dollar renovation has made Artesa a premier destination in Carneros.

Cline Cellars is also a pleasure to visit. Their tasting room is a restored 1850's farmhouse, and they have a picnic site on the premises that overlooks their 350 acre vineyard. This makes Cline Cellars a great place to taste wine and enjoy your lunch.

Aside from the wine itself, other pleasing aspects of tasting experience lie in the beauty of the tasting room, winery and surrounding landscape. Although it does not take a beautiful setting to enjoy a great wine, it definitely adds to the experience.

The taster's overall experience is by far the most important part of wine tasting. Most wineries in Carneros realize this, and offer whatever they can to make your trip more enjoyable. Many tastings will be hosted by a member of the winemaking team, so they can answer questions and explain the subtleties of the wines. Whichever wineries you visit, make sure to bring your tasting room etiquette.

First of all, it is not advisable to bring children into the tasting room. As far as the actual tasting is concerned, white wines are generally poured first, followed by reds, and finally desert wines. Within each of these, the lighter bodied wines precede fuller bodied ones. Between each wine, it is common practice to eat a cracker to cleanse your palate.

It is not necessary to finish each wine you taste; it is actually discouraged, especially if you are planning to taste many different wines. Wineries will provide jars to dispose of any excess wine. Additionally, do not feel obligated to try every wine that is offered.

If you ask for a second tasting, it is in good taste to buy a bottle of wine. It is by no means necessary to buy wine when tasting, but if you make an appointment with a smaller winery, it is customary to make a purchase.

If you are thinking about visiting the Napa Valley, Carneros is an excellent place to start your journey into what many people describe as heaven on earth. ]]></description>
</item>

</channel>
</rss>

