Paul Franson

1 week ago | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Paul Franson

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2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Paul Franson

A few Saturdays ago, 19 tiny railcars rolled up the Wine Train tracks to St. Helena ahead of the scheduled lunch train, then followed it back in the afternoon. The diverse cars, sometimes called motorcars and more often speeders by their fans, were once used by railroad maintenance workers before they were replaced in the 1980s by Hy-Rail vehicles — trucks and SUVs that can ride on both the highway and railroad tracks.

Sep 27, 2024 | napavalleyfocus.substack.com | Paul Franson

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — After more than a century of living in Napa Valley and writing about its people, I’ve learned that many of them are not what they seem to be. Many people whom we know primarily for their wines have had previous lives, and some of those lives continue. Few, however, can match Ted Hall of Long Meadow Ranch.

Jun 20, 2024 | napavalleyinsider.com | Paul Franson

With over 30 events and activities continuing through the end of June, Napa Pride marks its 22nd anniversary. We've compiled a list of special wine tastings, dining events, dances, pool parties, DRAG shows, and much more to celebrate the remainder of Pride Month in Napa Valley. • "Glowing with Pride" at Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa. Looking for a great reason to head up-valley for the evening? Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa is hosting a Pride event featuring DJ Rotten Robbie.

Jun 19, 2024 | napavalleyinsider.com | Paul Franson

Bella Twins open Bonita Bonita tasting roomA second winery has just opened a tasting room north of First Street in Napa near Pearl Street. Reality stars and former WWE wrestlers Nikki and Brie Garcia, who are known as the Bella Twins, have opened a new tasting room for their wine label Bonita Bonita near the new Michael Pozzan Winery on Franklin Street. The Garcia twins moved to Napa Valley during the pandemic. Bonita Bonita mimics a speakeasy.