# Napa Wine explained — Travel Essays

> Chapter companion for Travel Essays by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

The author reflects on the state of Californian wine-making, comparing it to the great European traditions and lamenting the decline of classic vineyards. He visits two Napa Valley vineyards—Mr. Schram's and Mr. McEckron's—describing the rugged landscape, the experimental nature of the industry, and the character of the vintners. The chapter meditates on the transience of human endeavor in a land of constant movement and change.

## Themes in this chapter

### Travel and Discovery

The author explores the nascent wine country of California, discovering new tastes and the pioneering spirit of its vintners.

### Art and the Artistic Life

Wine is portrayed as bottled poetry, a product of nature's artistry and human craft, with the vintner as a kind of artist.

### Mortality and the Passage of Time

The decline of ancient European vineyards and the transient, experimental nature of California's wine industry evoke a sense of impermanence and change.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Schram

The jolly, prosperous vintner of the oldest vineyard in Napa Valley, who began as a penniless barber and now produces Schramberger wines with pride.

### Mr. McEckron

A bachelor vintner from Greenock, recently started in the wine business, with young vines and a hopeful demeanor.

### Fanny

Entertained by Mrs. Schram in the verandah while the author tasted wines in the cellar.

## Key lines

> The smack of Californian earth shall linger on the palate of your grandson.

The unique flavor of California's soil will be tasted by future generations.

_Expresses hope for the lasting quality of Californian wine._

> Men move eternally, still chasing Fortune; and, fortune found, still wander.

People are always on the move, pursuing wealth, and even after finding it, they continue to roam.

_Reflects on the restless, transient nature of life in California._

> Wine in California is still in the experimental stage; and when you taste a vintage, grave economical questions are involved.

California wine-making is still experimental, so tasting a vintage raises serious economic considerations.

_Highlights the speculative and pioneering aspect of the industry._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/iii-napa-wine
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/travel_essays_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters