Essence of Napa

Wine tourism

Beyond the splendors of Napa Valley found in a bottle, another draw for Chinese people is the region's wine tourism.

"We are open to every wine lover; no matter whether you are visiting experts or tourists," said Meaghan Qian-Fu Becker, estate director of Quintessa. "If you want to have a tasting we will give you the wine. It is the atmosphere of Napa Valley, being very open and with great hospitality."

Wine consultant Lu, who has traveled through many famous wine regions over the past 10 years, said he has seen few places that match Napa Valley in the maturity and comprehensiveness of its wine tourism.

"There are winery tours and wine tastings. There are also the Culinary Institute of America, Michelin-star restaurants, world-class arts and galleries, shopping, music, spas, gardening and a lot more outdoor sports."

And all that is just an hour's drive from the charms of San Francisco.

If that were enough, another incentive for Chinese is new US visa policies that allow Chinese tourists and business people to apply for multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years.

"This will absolutely boost Chinese visits to California's wine regions," Lu said.