I just recently completed my first trip to the Napa Valley since we moved to North Idaho to open the shop nearly eight years ago. It won't be that long before I go back. Northern California wine country remains one of the truly beautiful places, and "the valley" seemed vibrant and thriving. Beyond the opportunity to taste a lot of really great wine while sitting outside in lovely weather and surroundings, it was also a chance to spot new trends in wine and tasting, both at wineries and in restaurants.

Riesling is the hot new varietal. I was fortunate to dine at some really great new places and to visit some of my old favorites. Regardless of the venue though every wine list was featuring at least one Riesling by the glass and nearly all were from California. In talking to folks at the restaurants and in tasting a couple of the wines most were dry Rieslings, but there were a couple that were slightly off dry too. The grape is clearly making a resurgence, and with its high acid and vibrant fruit it pairs great with many foods so we applaud its presence on by the glass lists. We hope the trend is repeated here before long.

Tastings at wineries are changing. Both when I was at Balletto Vineyards (and when Mary was at Chateau St. Jean), tastings were typically conducted standing up at bar like counters, in rooms surrounded by wine country themed merchandise. We would work up and down the bar, keeping customers moving through the progression of our daily offerings. At the conclusion, folks would make their decisions and pick out any bottles they would like to take with them or send home. Not anymore.

The newest tasting rooms I visited all offer a social setting for wine consumers to taste through their portfolios. Many use large sofas and comfortable chairs to sit around a table and casually taste with their own personal wine professional. In other wineries the tasting is hosted in beautifully appointed conference rooms again with a dedicated hospitality person to take you through the wines. It is a relaxing alternative that sets one at ease as they sip and chat about wine, winery and vineyards. While all I visited in Napa still charge and some charge quite a lot overall I liked the change to the presentation.

New varietals emerge in blends and bottled varietally. In Napa, Cabernet and Chardonnay are still kings, the grapes do wonderfully there and they are the varietals folks come to taste. New varietals are showing up more and more in tasting rooms. One of my favorite stops was Failla Winery in St. Helena. The lion's share of their production is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also produce a bit of Syrah, and I tasted outside adjacent to a newly planted Zinfandel vineyard that was just pushing its "third leaf," so not yet producing. It is very unusual to be at a Napa winery that does not even consider making Cabernet. With the caliber of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay I tasted there, Cabernet would indeed be more of a distraction; it is a stop that is worth any effort. Similarly at other stops, I found Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc and the aforementioned Riesling alongside the mainstay Cabernet and Chardonnay. All were delightful and the variety was refreshing.

The winery names, side projects and joint ventures are ever changing. Napa remains a close-knit small community despite the huge reputation, storied history and all the glitz and wealth accumulated there. With so many close relationships among the valley's old guard, it is not surprising they get together and create new and innovative wines. In some cases, the joint ventures are between grandchildren of some of the most familiar names in wine country history, but regardless these clans are getting together to start new wineries, or market new products and ventures through existing wineries all lending their names and reputations to continued robust and creative growth.

All is indeed well in Napa Valley, and for wine consumers it is still a trip that is well worth the time and expense. There are few wine country destinations where you can find such a great combination of new wineries and restaurants that work together with the families that are the foundation of this iconic wine region.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and tabletop decor shop by Costco in Coeur d'Alene. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions; his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.