Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
I looked for a Napa thread and couldn't find one. I am thinking of heading out there next month. Anyone have any suggestions for can't miss wine tours?
Oh yeah... I’ll find the threads when I get a chance
That's what we did last time. Still subscribe to Bella's club.While I understand the draw to Napa, I typically advise friends to visit Sonoma, Russian River (Healdsburg), and the Alexander Valley
Yes, as I mentioned I wouldn’t go to V. Sattui for the wines.![]()
Not finding them either. I live in Sonoma County and am a level 1 somm. @Quint Will be able to be much more specific with winemakers and vineyards
I like those mentioned by Krista, but would add that V. Sattui is more of an experience than producers of great wine. If you prefer, go straight to the reserve tasting room. Also owned by them is Castillo de Amaroso which is pretty fun.
I do not know your price points and preferences but (for Napa):
Silver Oak
Singnorello
Minor
Nickel & Nickel
Trefethen
Odette
Peju
Provenance
Pride Mountain
Cakebread
Duckhorn
Orin Swift
Domaine Carneros
While I understand the draw to Napa, I typically advise friends to visit Sonoma, Russian River (Healdsburg), and the Alexander Valley
Really good list. We had connections with cellar masters and did Groth, Hall, and Amizetta on our last trip. Hall is big but it was good. Nickel and Nickel right down the road. Amizetta was a beautiful setting overlooking the valley.![]()
Not finding them either. I live in Sonoma County and am a level 1 somm. @Quint Will be able to be much more specific with winemakers and vineyards
I like those mentioned by Krista, but would add that V. Sattui is more of an experience than producers of great wine. If you prefer, go straight to the reserve tasting room. Also owned by them is Castillo de Amaroso which is pretty fun.
I do not know your price points and preferences but (for Napa):
Silver Oak
Singnorello
Minor
Nickel & Nickel
Trefethen
Odette
Peju
Provenance
Pride Mountain
Cakebread
Duckhorn
Orin Swift
Domaine Carneros
While I understand the draw to Napa, I typically advise friends to visit Sonoma, Russian River (Healdsburg), and the Alexander Valley
My favorites for sparkling are Roederer (philo), Schramsberg, Iron Horse (Sebastopol), J vineyards (though I also like their still)... used to like Etoile,Yes, as I mentioned I wouldn’t go to V. Sattui for the wines.
I’d heartily second Silver Oak, Peju, and Orin Swift. The only on your list that I’ve been to and wouldn’t really recommend is Domaine Carneros. I just find it too big and faceless and not a great, personal experience. However, I did go this time to do an interesting pairing they had, which was Mexican food “bites” with their bubblies, and that was very cool. I think they’re changing the cuisine every month, but if you see one that appeals, then I think that could be worthwhile.
I am actually still considering Russian River or Sonoma, but my gf wants to do the tasting/riding experience at Shadybrook.![]()
Not finding them either. I live in Sonoma County and am a level 1 somm. @Quint Will be able to be much more specific with winemakers and vineyards
I like those mentioned by Krista, but would add that V. Sattui is more of an experience than producers of great wine. If you prefer, go straight to the reserve tasting room. Also owned by them is Castillo de Amaroso which is pretty fun.
I do not know your price points and preferences but (for Napa):
Silver Oak
Singnorello
Minor
Nickel & Nickel
Trefethen
Odette
Peju
Provenance
Pride Mountain
Cakebread
Duckhorn
Orin Swift
Domaine Carneros
While I understand the draw to Napa, I typically advise friends to visit Sonoma, Russian River (Healdsburg), and the Alexander Valley
Darioush is a good call1a. Schramsberg
1b. Darioush
I was just there two weeks ago, and these were by far the highlights for us. Schramsberg is a long-time favorite I've visited before, but Darioush was new to me. They were far and away the best experiences we had. I can send you info on the people who did our tastings and maybe you could hook up specifically with them so you know you'll have the full experience. I bought a lot of wine at both (Schramsberg is having a $0.01 shipping special which makes it even more dangerous). There are other terrific wineries, of course, but these were the best in terms of experience plus wine quality.
Another must-do for me is to picnic at V. Sattui. They have a huge upscale deli and gigantic picnic grounds, so it's lovely. This time I did an official tasting there, too. Their wines are pretty good for the price, but the tasting isn't that special so I don't think it's a must. I'd say just go and buy a bottle (or two) and a whole mess of food and enjoy the picnic.
What tasting did you do at Darioush?1a. Schramsberg
1b. Darioush
I was just there two weeks ago, and these were by far the highlights for us. Schramsberg is a long-time favorite I've visited before, but Darioush was new to me. They were far and away the best experiences we had. I can send you info on the people who did our tastings and maybe you could hook up specifically with them so you know you'll have the full experience. I bought a lot of wine at both (Schramsberg is having a $0.01 shipping special which makes it even more dangerous). There are other terrific wineries, of course, but these were the best in terms of experience plus wine quality.
Another must-do for me is to picnic at V. Sattui. They have a huge upscale deli and gigantic picnic grounds, so it's lovely. This time I did an official tasting there, too. Their wines are pretty good for the price, but the tasting isn't that special so I don't think it's a must. I'd say just go and buy a bottle (or two) and a whole mess of food and enjoy the picnic.
Not a sommelier, but for me Sonoma is a much better experience. Less crowded, cheaper, less likely to need a reservation (might be different in COVID times). Good news is they’re right next to each other so you can split up your trip and hit both. If you’re into the prestige, big name wineries, spend a day in Napa. If you want to find equally great wines that aren’t as well known, explore Sonoma![]()
Not finding them either. I live in Sonoma County and am a level 1 somm. @Quint Will be able to be much more specific with winemakers and vineyards
I like those mentioned by Krista, but would add that V. Sattui is more of an experience than producers of great wine. If you prefer, go straight to the reserve tasting room. Also owned by them is Castillo de Amaroso which is pretty fun.
I do not know your price points and preferences but (for Napa):
Silver Oak
Singnorello
Minor
Nickel & Nickel
Trefethen
Odette
Peju
Provenance
Pride Mountain
Cakebread
Duckhorn
Orin Swift
Domaine Carneros
While I understand the draw to Napa, I typically advise friends to visit Sonoma, Russian River (Healdsburg), and the Alexander Valley
Seems overly prudish of them.been in the biz a long time. it's been a while since i've been to napa. that being said, i find the huge producers tastings tedious and not very fun. i'm just headed to bed. i'll add more tomorrow.
@krista4 i'm not allowed at darioush anymore. ended up, mostly naked, in the fountain. good times
I mean those are 100/bottle places, are they expecting you walk out with a 1000 tab?1a. Schramsberg
1b. Darioush
I was just there two weeks ago, and these were by far the highlights for us. Schramsberg is a long-time favorite I've visited before, but Darioush was new to me. They were far and away the best experiences we had. I can send you info on the people who did our tastings and maybe you could hook up specifically with them so you know you'll have the full experience. I bought a lot of wine at both (Schramsberg is having a $0.01 shipping special which makes it even more dangerous). There are other terrific wineries, of course, but these were the best in terms of experience plus wine quality.
Another must-do for me is to picnic at V. Sattui. They have a huge upscale deli and gigantic picnic grounds, so it's lovely. This time I did an official tasting there, too. Their wines are pretty good for the price, but the tasting isn't that special so I don't think it's a must. I'd say just go and buy a bottle (or two) and a whole mess of food and enjoy the picnic.
Uh........yes?I mean those are 100/bottle places, are they expecting you walk out with a 1000 tab?
This is FBG afterallUh........yes?I mean those are 100/bottle places, are they expecting you walk out with a 1000 tab?
We just did a basic one as it was our first time there - "Signature Mezze," which also came with some delicious little snacks. It's just four wines, but our guy ended up pouring us several extras that weren't on the official tasting. Their signature wine is Cabernet Sauvignon (though all we had were outstanding), so this should be a good place for you, and you might think about the "Discover Darioush II" tasting.What tasting did you do at Darioush?
Couldn't agree more about not blitzing. I've done that in the past, and this time decided only to hit 2-3 per day, and it was a much better (and safer) experience.@Drunken Cowboy
Also, the area is heavily policed and has a high % of DUIs. Don't put yourself in a bad position.
I have the advantage of being in the heart of it and over the years my best experiences have been finding a few that your really like and being able to linger with staff talking about the wines and vineyards. There is no need to do a blitz. Do 1-2 in the morning. Grab a nice lunch somewhere and see where you are... maybe 1-2 more afterwards. Left turns can be a bear, so you may want to plan accordingly (wineries on the east side first, then west side on the way back)... whatever
Another smaller one that was small but is growing that produces rhones (I love white rhone) is Anaba.. nearby is Cline, jacuzzi (italian varietals), Viansa (italian varietals) and gloria ferrer (sparkling).
When do you leave?Not a sommelier, but for me Sonoma is a much better experience. Less crowded, cheaper, less likely to need a reservation (might be different in COVID times). Good news is they’re right next to each other so you can split up your trip and hit both. If you’re into the prestige, big name wineries, spend a day in Napa. If you want to find equally great wines that aren’t as well known, explore Sonoma
This is coming from a guy who prefers pulling a winemaker off a tractor to open his tasting room than a well choreographed wine and food pairing in an impeccably manicured estate, while appreciating both experiences.
Was inspired to do some additional digging around last night since the wife wants to go back to wine country for her first post-covid trip. Indian Springs Calistoga looks really nice for lodging, may target that instead so we can be closer to a lot of the Napa wineriesThat's what we did last time. Still subscribe to Bella's club.
We loved staying at the Fairmont Mission Inn and are considering the same, but trying to visit more Napa side (at least Orin Swift)
Already did, been living in an AirBnB in Eugene since the 4th. I was back in Novato last weekend (got our second shots on Friday and went to the MC v Redwood football game on Saturday).When do you leave?
I agree on Sonoma. The Dry Creek Festival is phenomenal. Will be booking this again next yearNot a sommelier, but for me Sonoma is a much better experience. Less crowded, cheaper, less likely to need a reservation (might be different in COVID times). Good news is they’re right next to each other so you can split up your trip and hit both. If you’re into the prestige, big name wineries, spend a day in Napa. If you want to find equally great wines that aren’t as well known, explore Sonoma
This is coming from a guy who prefers pulling a winemaker off a tractor to open his tasting room than a well choreographed wine and food pairing in an impeccably manicured estate, while appreciating both experiences.
I am not far from Novato. Let me know if you ever want to get togetherAlready did, been living in an AirBnB in Eugene since the 4th. I was back in Novato last weekend (got our second shots on Friday and went to the MC v Redwood football game on Saturday).
Back on topic for the thread, I went out to Ledson on Sunday to pick up a wine club shipment - that place is pretty sweet, one of my favorites.
Not sure if they still do, but they used to have a winter version of this in January that was even better just because it was way less crowded. But yes, an event like this is a great way to see several wineries over a long weekend.I agree on Sonoma. The Dry Creek Festival is phenomenal. Will be booking this again next year
https://www.drycreekvalley.org/events/passport-dry-creek-valley/
One the questions I wanted to ask was how is it to get Uber/Lyft around@Drunken Cowboy
Also, the area is heavily policed and has a high % of DUIs. Don't put yourself in a bad position.
I have the advantage of being in the heart of it and over the years my best experiences have been finding a few that your really like and being able to linger with staff talking about the wines and vineyards. There is no need to do a blitz. Do 1-2 in the morning. Grab a nice lunch somewhere and see where you are... maybe 1-2 more afterwards. Left turns can be a bear, so you may want to plan accordingly (wineries on the east side first, then west side on the way back)... whatever
Another smaller one that was small but is growing that produces rhones (I love white rhone) is Anaba.. nearby is Cline, jacuzzi (italian varietals), Viansa (italian varietals) and gloria ferrer (sparkling).
Hijack away. Good question.Not to hijack ... but any recs on wine clubs from these places?
i am not sure about uber/lyft. might want to hire a driver/limo.One the questions I wanted to ask was how is it to get Uber/Lyft around
We would be looking for longer experiences. I am fine visiting a small number of places and getting to learn about the wine. I drink about everything, but not much a fan of sweet wines. We are happy to spend for a good experience. We don't drink them everyday, but we don't mind a $100 bottle.thanks @Bob Sacamano and @Drunken knight for the shout out!
@Drunken Cowboy - good to learn about your trip to Napa, and happy to provide recommendations based on your preferences, e.g. experience, type/style of wine, price point, etc.
My limited googling today finds that there are people that charge by the hour to just drive you, then people that charge more to sort of tour you.i am not sure about uber/lyft. might want to hire a driver/limo.
maybe there is a forum for wine country transportation![]()