First Annual Lake Berryessa Boat Tour a Success

Written by: Sarah McBride

Participants board the open-air pontoon boat for the tour.On Thursday, April 21, 2016, the Bureau of Reclamation’s Central California Area Office hosted their First Annual Lake Berryessa Boat Tour in support of Napa Valley’s Arts in April celebration. This tour was developed collaboratively by Lake Berryessa Park Manager Margaret David Bailey; Terry Sparkman, General Manager, Pleasure Cove Marina; and Amber Walters and Margarita Garcia of Steele Canyon Recreation Area, both operated by Forever Resorts; Marcia Ritz, Spanish Flat Country Store and Deli; and Doug Patterson and Janette Dahn of Nichelini Family Winery. The event was held to share with local media and community influencers the many recreation activities available at Lake Berryessa.

The tour started on an open-air pontoon boat at Capell Cove Boat Launch, cruising by Skier’s Cove, then skimming along the eastern shore to observe ranchlands and other scenery. Throughout the tour, Park Manager Bailey directed guests to interesting locations, answered questions, and ensured participants did not miss any local nature sightings, which included spotting two bald eagles in their nest. Additionally, guests were treated to observing many of the local activities visitors come to Lake Berryessa to enjoy, such as parasailing, fishing and boating. Other activities often enjoyed at Lake Berryessa include jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, camping, hiking, picnicking, bird watching and more.

After the conclusion of the boat tour, participants gathered their lunches and headed over to Nichelini Family Winery, the oldest family-owned winery in Napa Valley. Participants got to see just how close Lake Berryessa is to Napa Valley and the many benefits that the area has to offer. At the winery, the guests toured the historic homestead, led by third and fourth generation Nichelini family members, and learned about the unique environmental conditions that produce the wines at Nichelini Winery.

This event was meant to be the first of many to help share some of the exciting ways visitors can take advantage of Lake Berryessa, one of California’s largest bodies of fresh water, which is 26 miles long and offers 165 miles of shoreline.

Click on dot to advance photos.

Published on May 12, 2016