Napa wineries (1 Viewer)

[culdeus]

Getting plans together.

Staying 5 nights at Alila near St. H.

Going on one day (maybe 2) with Gordon Boswell to see some private wineries TBD.  

Probably will hike the St. Helena trail one day.

Considering doing a kayak trip and probably will do Balloon trip for sure.  

I think after the boutique visit we will quick hit 1 wine place here and there, where we can fit it in.  Doubt we hit the big cattle call places at all or anywhere with a wine club.  Just not our scene.  

Will aim for a French Landry res.  Still a month out there, but it seems provided you are online when it opens for your month it's not that hard to get.

 

[jon_mx]

i'm up at Repris (Moon Mountain District) right above Sonoma Valley. 

for drivers, here's a short list: 

Private Wine Drivers - (Ryan McGorry)
Noble Wine Tours - (Austin Noble)
Eclectic Tour - (Darren Schauer)
Rose Wine Tours - (Luke Rose)
Perry's Wine Tours - (Paul Perry)

My girlfriend is taking the level iii WSET test in late July in Napa (just a hobby for her).  We will be out in California for about three weeks, the first five days in Napa and then will do a few days in Sonoma.  Repris looks pretty amazing and it will be on our itinerary.  What other recommendations can you offer in Sonoma?  She wants to hit at least one place in Dry Creek and Russian River Valley.  Probably find a BnB to stay at.  A couple restaurant recommendations would be helpful.  I appreciate any details you can share.

 

[Quint]

My girlfriend is taking the level iii WSET test in late July in Napa (just a hobby for her).  We will be out in California for about three weeks, the first five days in Napa and then will do a few days in Sonoma.  Repris looks pretty amazing and it will be on our itinerary.  What other recommendations can you offer in Sonoma?  She wants to hit at least one place in Dry Creek and Russian River Valley.  Probably find a BnB to stay at.  A couple restaurant recommendations would be helpful.  I appreciate any details you can share.

sounds like a blast! here's a few of my favorite spots in each AVA (possibly mentioned previously in this thread): 

Russian River Valley 

Joseph Swan - historic winery in RRV with a wide selection of wines (especially their Library section) 
Benovia - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a little Grenache
Iron Horse - bubbles & more with a great view
Carlisle Winery - Mike Officer is the owner & winemaker and if you can get an appointment it's well worth it: Zinfandel, Syrah, Mourvedre, Alicante Bouchet, Cabernet Sauvignon. would definitely describe the wines as "CA" in style and on the bigger side. 
Hartford Family Winery - yes, this is a KJ property and some really interesting selections. year after year, my favorite wine there is the Stone Cote Vyd. Chardonnay
Limerick Lane Winery - you want Zinfandel? they've got Zinfandel. 
Claypool Cellars - funky/cool little spot featuring Pinot Noir. owner is Les Claypool of PRIMUS fame. 

food - The Underwood Bar & Bistro in Graton is a must-stop for lunch or early dinner. 

Dry Creek Valley - 

Unti - Rhones and a few Italian varieties; really well crafted and a little under the radar
Ridge Lytton Springs - a CA icon with a great reputation: Rhones, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and BDX-style blends
Kokomo Winery - smaller producer with a wide selection of wines: Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir
Lambert Bridge - another solid producer with a strong portfolio of wines: Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay

food - Barndiva is arguably the best meal in Healdsburg/Dry Creek....very much a farm-to-face kind of experience. 

if you have specific questions just let me know!

 

[Bob Sacamano]

sounds like a blast! here's a few of my favorite spots in each AVA (possibly mentioned previously in this thread): 

Russian River Valley 

. 

Dry Creek Valley - 

Unti - Rhones and a few Italian varieties; really well crafted and a little under the radar

Holy crap, I forgot this place existed. We went, I don't know, a decade+ ago, during barrel tasting. They had a cheap little blend that was crazy tasty. Segromigno (sp?). We went back a couple years later and they didn't have it. Sold out, quit making it... no idea. Very disappointing. Quaint little place at the time. 

 

[Godsbrother]

My girlfriend is taking the level iii WSET test in late July in Napa (just a hobby for her).  We will be out in California for about three weeks, the first five days in Napa and then will do a few days in Sonoma.  Repris looks pretty amazing and it will be on our itinerary.  What other recommendations can you offer in Sonoma?  She wants to hit at least one place in Dry Creek and Russian River Valley.  Probably find a BnB to stay at.  A couple restaurant recommendations would be helpful.  I appreciate any details you can share.

MY wife loves Dry Creek Vineyard and joined their wine club last time we were there.

 

[Drunken knight]

sounds like a blast! here's a few of my favorite spots in each AVA (possibly mentioned previously in this thread): 

food - The Underwood Bar & Bistro in Graton is a must-stop for lunch or early dinner. 

Dry Creek Valley - 

food - Barndiva is arguably the best meal in Healdsburg/Dry Creek....very much a farm-to-face kind of experience. 

Both excellent.

In Healdsburg, I am also fond of Bravas, Willie's, spoonbar, dry creek kitchen

We had an exceptional meal at  Farmhouse Inn for my wife's birthday.

 

[jamny]

Any recommendations for a winery that you don't need a reservation for?
We'll be staying in Calistoga next weekend and really just expect to mostly stay around town and the resort. We'll probably go for a drive on Sunday and walk around Napa a bit during the day and hope to go to Bistro Don Giovanni for a late lunch.
We're not really into the whole winery experience but wouldn't mind a place where we could stop in to sit with a glass and enjoy some scenery. Looks like Beringer does it but would rather something smaller and maybe less touristy.
We'll do one of two possible scenic drives. Either this or this. Maybe something along those routes?
Just planning on winging it for the weekend but one or two options for a pop-in would be nice.

 

[Instinctive]

I think Ferrari Carano takes walk ins. At least they did a couple years ago.

Any recommendations for a winery that you don't need a reservation for?
We'll be staying in Calistoga next weekend and really just expect to mostly stay around town and the resort. We'll probably go for a drive on Sunday and walk around Napa a bit during the day and hope to go to Bistro Don Giovanni for a late lunch.
We're not really into the whole winery experience but wouldn't mind a place where we could stop in to sit with a glass and enjoy some scenery. Looks like Beringer does it but would rather something smaller and maybe less touristy.
We'll do one of two possible scenic drives. Either this or this. Maybe something along those routes?
Just planning on winging it for the weekend but one or two options for a pop-in would be nice.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

V sattui is always a good relaxed time. There’s a deli and a large outdoor seating area. The wine is meh

 

[The General]

Any recommendations for a winery that you don't need a reservation for?
We'll be staying in Calistoga next weekend and really just expect to mostly stay around town and the resort. We'll probably go for a drive on Sunday and walk around Napa a bit during the day and hope to go to Bistro Don Giovanni for a late lunch.
We're not really into the whole winery experience but wouldn't mind a place where we could stop in to sit with a glass and enjoy some scenery. Looks like Beringer does it but would rather something smaller and maybe less touristy.
We'll do one of two possible scenic drives. Either this or this. Maybe something along those routes?
Just planning on winging it for the weekend but one or two options for a pop-in would be nice.

Haven't been there for about 5 years so memory is fuzzy, these aren't necessarily free spots but they were all great and stick out in my memory as good places to hang and enjoy some vino:

Amazing Patio with killer view - Auberge du Soleil Hotel

Ehlers - Good winery with nice outdoor area. Not sure if you can buy a bottle there to have outside or if they make you do a tasting

Viader - Probably not what you are looking for as they make you pay and I think you need a rez but this view was really epic

Gott's - Not what you are looking for but if you get sick of eating fancy foods

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Love Viader.

But yeah, almost definitely doesn't meet the criteria.

Raiders nailed what V Sattui is. Pretty good reco for what jamny described.

Alpha Omega used to take walk ins, has a decent patio, and better wines than Sattui. You're going to pay for them, though.

Middle ground might be a Vincent Arroyo? They always say they require reservations and always take people just walking in anyway. Too far north?

 

[pinequick]

Any recommendations for a winery that you don't need a reservation for?
We'll be staying in Calistoga next weekend and really just expect to mostly stay around town and the resort. We'll probably go for a drive on Sunday and walk around Napa a bit during the day and hope to go to Bistro Don Giovanni for a late lunch.
We're not really into the whole winery experience but wouldn't mind a place where we could stop in to sit with a glass and enjoy some scenery. Looks like Beringer does it but would rather something smaller and maybe less touristy.
We'll do one of two possible scenic drives. Either this or this. Maybe something along those routes?
Just planning on winging it for the weekend but one or two options for a pop-in would be nice.

If you take that 2nd route, my wife and I have been to Barnett. They make you pay to drink, but the view is pretty cool, it's a small winery, and they give a tour of the facility (the coolness of the wine cave on a hotter day is divine). We really enjoyed it... but again, it's not free.

 

[Quint]

Any recommendations for a winery that you don't need a reservation for?
We'll be staying in Calistoga next weekend and really just expect to mostly stay around town and the resort. We'll probably go for a drive on Sunday and walk around Napa a bit during the day and hope to go to Bistro Don Giovanni for a late lunch.
We're not really into the whole winery experience but wouldn't mind a place where we could stop in to sit with a glass and enjoy some scenery. Looks like Beringer does it but would rather something smaller and maybe less touristy.
We'll do one of two possible scenic drives. Either this or this. Maybe something along those routes?
Just planning on winging it for the weekend but one or two options for a pop-in would be nice.

in the last four years, most wineries in Napa have gone to a reservation-only model. V. Sattui is probably your best bet with the parameters set, though you might be able to walk into some of the larger spots - e.g. Mondavi, Louis Martini, Charles Krug, Mumm - and make a "reservation" at their concierge desk. smaller houses see quite a bit of traffic on weekends, and due to their size/staffing only take reservations in advance.

if you're staying at hotel/resort in Calistoga, i'd suggest checking with the front desk and see if they have any suggestions or maybe an "in" with a local producer in that part of Napa Valley.

Hope you have fun and enjoy Don Giovanni!

 

[Drunken knight]

@jamny

Big fan of Don Giovani’s. We’ve been going there for decades. I am
Happy for their success, but of course now is harder to get in and is not the value it used to be

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Any recommendations for a winery that you don't need a reservation for?
We'll be staying in Calistoga next weekend and really just expect to mostly stay around town and the resort. We'll probably go for a drive on Sunday and walk around Napa a bit during the day and hope to go to Bistro Don Giovanni for a late lunch.
We're not really into the whole winery experience but wouldn't mind a place where we could stop in to sit with a glass and enjoy some scenery. Looks like Beringer does it but would rather something smaller and maybe less touristy.
We'll do one of two possible scenic drives. Either this or this. Maybe something along those routes?
Just planning on winging it for the weekend but one or two options for a pop-in would be nice.

Tank Garage is supposed to be a lot of fun. Not a classic winery location though. Right next to Rivers-Marie, I think.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

We're staying in Calistoga in October. Have 7 wineries booked over 4 days:
Opus One
Di Costanzo
Robert Foley
Rivers-Marie
Frank Family
Hall
Cakebread

Hoping you'll put some notes in here when your trip is done. We haven't really looked at food yet although we know we're going to Gott's one day for lunch.

Have fun.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Any recommendations for a winery that you don't need a reservation for?
We'll be staying in Calistoga next weekend and really just expect to mostly stay around town and the resort. We'll probably go for a drive on Sunday and walk around Napa a bit during the day and hope to go to Bistro Don Giovanni for a late lunch.
We're not really into the whole winery experience but wouldn't mind a place where we could stop in to sit with a glass and enjoy some scenery. Looks like Beringer does it but would rather something smaller and maybe less touristy.
We'll do one of two possible scenic drives. Either this or this. Maybe something along those routes?
Just planning on winging it for the weekend but one or two options for a pop-in would be nice.

Tank Garage is supposed to be a lot of fun. Not a classic winery location though. Right next to Rivers-Marie, I think.

Also for food, heard good things about Local Q 707 for lunch.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

We're staying in Calistoga in October. Have 7 wineries booked over 4 days:
Opus One
Di Costanzo
Robert Foley
Rivers-Marie
Frank Family
Hall
Cakebread

Hoping you'll put some notes in here when your trip is done. We haven't really looked at food yet although we know we're going to Gott's one day for lunch.

Have fun.

Opus is imho a bit boring. It’s a long tour with a lot of art with very little wine. It’s cool because it’s so over the top, but not much wine.

 

[culdeus]

Need to dig it out but saw an article that napa tastings are down bigly. Something about $75 for a tasting just doesn't have the appeal it did.

 

[Instinctive]

Need to dig it out but saw an article that napa tastings are down bigly. Something about $75 for a tasting just doesn't have the appeal it did.

We couldn't stand Napa after a year. Stuffy people, high prices, even the nice smaller ones were just a weird posh atmosphere. We basically always spent our time in Sonoma for the years we lived in the Bay.

 

[jamny]

I'm glad to hear good reviews of V Sattui. I saw it mentioned earlier in this thread but the napa reddit page doesn't think highly of it. Not just the quality of the wine, as mentioned here, but that the place itself is more of a tourist trap.
I like the Ferrari Carano rec but it might be too far north of where we hope to go. On the list though.
Vincent Arroyo seems like a good call but it's basically the same view as our hotel, the Four Seasons, where we have a vineyard view balcony.

any thoughts on Bouchaine Vineyards? They allow walk-ins if there's room.

tbh, we're not really typical visitors to Napa. First, we do drink quite a bit of wine on a regular basis but mostly old world. Neither of us are big Cali wine drinkers. I appreciate those that do the tours, but that's also not our thing. I don't need to tour the vineyard or hear the history or explain what I'm tasting...lol. Just give me a nice glass and a nice view and I'm happy. And, as mentioned above, $75/pp for a tasting is obscene, imo. I'd rather go back to the hotel and enjoy a bottle on our balcony. I think the Idaho wine scene is pretty underrated and you can just pull up to a vineyard, buy a glass and enjoy the property. I'm sure it was like that at one time there too. I guess I should stick more to tasting rooms.

 

[jamny]

Any recommendations for a winery that you don't need a reservation for?
We'll be staying in Calistoga next weekend and really just expect to mostly stay around town and the resort. We'll probably go for a drive on Sunday and walk around Napa a bit during the day and hope to go to Bistro Don Giovanni for a late lunch.
We're not really into the whole winery experience but wouldn't mind a place where we could stop in to sit with a glass and enjoy some scenery. Looks like Beringer does it but would rather something smaller and maybe less touristy.
We'll do one of two possible scenic drives. Either this or this. Maybe something along those routes?
Just planning on winging it for the weekend but one or two options for a pop-in would be nice.

Tank Garage is supposed to be a lot of fun. Not a classic winery location though. Right next to Rivers-Marie, I think.

Definitely on our list! And there's a BBQ spot right nearby. Calistoga Inn and Brewery looks pretty cool and laid back. Might hit up Lovina too if we don't make it to Don Giovanni

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I'm glad to hear good reviews of V Sattui. I saw it mentioned earlier in this thread but the napa reddit page doesn't think highly of it. Not just the quality of the wine, as mentioned here, but that the place itself is more of a tourist trap.
I like the Ferrari Carano rec but it might be too far north of where we hope to go. On the list though.
Vincent Arroyo seems like a good call but it's basically the same view as our hotel, the Four Seasons, where we have a vineyard view balcony.

any thoughts on Bouchaine Vineyards? They allow walk-ins if there's room.

tbh, we're not really typical visitors to Napa. First, we do drink quite a bit of wine on a regular basis but mostly old world. Neither of us are big Cali wine drinkers. I appreciate those that do the tours, but that's also not our thing. I don't need to tour the vineyard or hear the history or explain what I'm tasting...lol. Just give me a nice glass and a nice view and I'm happy. And, as mentioned above, $75/pp for a tasting is obscene, imo. I'd rather go back to the hotel and enjoy a bottle on our balcony. I think the Idaho wine scene is pretty underrated and you can just pull up to a vineyard, buy a glass and enjoy the property. I'm sure it was like that at one time there too. I guess I should stick more to tasting rooms.

V sattui is a tourist trap. It’s not in any way shape or form elegant. It’s on the valley floor, so views are limited. One can get a bite to eat and a mid glass of wine and chill outside in Napa. It sounds like you’re a seasoned pro. I’d skip it.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I haven’t been in forever but we always went to bistro jeanty in yountville for lunch

 

[jamny]

any thoughts on Clos du Val?
They allow walk-ins and wines by the glass.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

any thoughts on Clos du Val?
They allow walk-ins and wines by the glass.

Decent juice. It’s been a while, but I seem to remember they had a nice outdoor area. I like the Silverado trail. Less traveled

 

[3 hour lunch]

A bit off topic, but anyone with tips for the Monterrey area? Going in October….

 

[Gatorade]

Need to dig it out but saw an article that napa tastings are down bigly. Something about $75 for a tasting just doesn't have the appeal it did.

We couldn't stand Napa after a year. Stuffy people, high prices, even the nice smaller ones were just a weird posh atmosphere. We basically always spent our time in Sonoma for the years we lived in the Bay.

I read a similar article recently that the average price for a wine tasting in Napa was $75. It went on to say the average price in Sonoma was $83. WOW !
I prefer Virginia wines, especially at that price.

 

[Drunken knight]

A bit off topic, but anyone with tips for the Monterrey area? Going in October….

I have restaurant recs somewhere on here

Prefer Carmel/ pacific grove restaurants

 

[SFBayDuck]

We couldn't stand Napa after a year. Stuffy people, high prices, even the nice smaller ones were just a weird posh atmosphere. We basically always spent our time in Sonoma for the years we lived in the Bay.

I lived in Marin for over 20 years, and in the last 10-15 of those probably only went to Napa on our own (not part of a group where we weren't planning) once or twice. And we went wine tasting at least a half-dozen times every year - at one point I think we had 6-7 memberships!

Sonoma is just much more laid back, more diverse, less crowded. I'd prefer exploring in Russian River on a weekday, where you might have to flag the winemaker to get off his tractor and come pour some wine. Or a place in Alexander Valley that will really spend time with you and open up a couple of things they don't normally pour because you're interested and engaged with them. Sure, the wine can be a little hit-or-miss at times, but to me the experience was much better, more authentic, and you'd occasionally find a real gem.

Hell we had once place outside Healdsburg where we were "members" with no commitment at all but all of the benefits (discounts, free and even private tastings, etc) all because we had some loose connections to them (same college as the winemaker and one mutual friend), but we stopped by regularly and bought some wine each time.

That said, to the OP I'm sure you'll have a blast. It's still one of the best areas of the country to relax and kick back.

 

[Quint]

We're staying in Calistoga in October. Have 7 wineries booked over 4 days:
Opus One
Di Costanzo
Robert Foley
Rivers-Marie
Frank Family
Hall
Cakebread

Hoping you'll put some notes in here when your trip is done. We haven't really looked at food yet although we know we're going to Gott's one day for lunch.

Have fun.

Gott's is a classic. about half of the guys on my team live in Napa and are "foodies." they really like:

Scala
TORC
Charter Oak

i'm partial to Goose & Gander and The Rutherford Grill, and Bistro Jeanty is really good as @DA RAIDERS mentioned.

 

[Quint]

I'm glad to hear good reviews of V Sattui. I saw it mentioned earlier in this thread but the napa reddit page doesn't think highly of it. Not just the quality of the wine, as mentioned here, but that the place itself is more of a tourist trap.
I like the Ferrari Carano rec but it might be too far north of where we hope to go. On the list though.
Vincent Arroyo seems like a good call but it's basically the same view as our hotel, the Four Seasons, where we have a vineyard view balcony.

any thoughts on Bouchaine Vineyards? They allow walk-ins if there's room.

tbh, we're not really typical visitors to Napa. First, we do drink quite a bit of wine on a regular basis but mostly old world. Neither of us are big Cali wine drinkers. I appreciate those that do the tours, but that's also not our thing. I don't need to tour the vineyard or hear the history or explain what I'm tasting...lol. Just give me a nice glass and a nice view and I'm happy. And, as mentioned above, $75/pp for a tasting is obscene, imo. I'd rather go back to the hotel and enjoy a bottle on our balcony. I think the Idaho wine scene is pretty underrated and you can just pull up to a vineyard, buy a glass and enjoy the property. I'm sure it was like that at one time there too. I guess I should stick more to tasting rooms.

it's not part of your current plan, but if you enjoy Old World-style wines then make a reservation at Corison. they're right on Hwy 29 the last time we tasted there we were out on the back deck/crushpad for a bit sipping a couple of whites, and then went into the barrel room for a few reds sitting at a picnic table. completely unpretentious and the wines were top-end.

 

[Quint]

Need to dig it out but saw an article that napa tastings are down bigly. Something about $75 for a tasting just doesn't have the appeal it did.

We couldn't stand Napa after a year. Stuffy people, high prices, even the nice smaller ones were just a weird posh atmosphere. We basically always spent our time in Sonoma for the years we lived in the Bay.

I read a similar article recently that the average price for a wine tasting in Napa was $75. It went on to say the average price in Sonoma was $83. WOW !
I prefer Virginia wines, especially at that price.

there's been a number of articles written recently about the pricing in Napa/Sonoma for tastings. while the numbers have gone up, there are a few factors to consider:

- as many wineries moved to a reservation-only model post-Covid, it allowed them to offer more of an "experience" vs just a tasting while sitting at the bar. this could include a vineyard tour, food pairing or cheese & charcuterie board, wine blending, etc., which requires more resources on the winery end to provide a great guest experience.
- tasting/experience fees should be commensurate with bottle prices: it's hard to charge $25/pp to taste a flight where the average bottle price is $75/bottle. as the price per bottle continues to rise, and there are various factors contributing to this trend, the price to taste has gone up to match.
- hotels and resorts have not dropped their rates in over a year, and that contributes to much of the expense visitors feel when they visit Napa/Sonoma. for example, if the hotel is $499/night on a weekend for a 4-star spot, then $75/pp for a wine tasting experience doesn't sting so much. when that same room is $899/night, it's a whole different ballgame which directly impacts discretionary spending on wine, memberships, etc. when out tasting.
- market trends in the industry are pointing toward guests valuing "experiences" over purchasing wines in the last few years. by raising the tasting/experience fees, wineries are able to try to offset [potential] losses on wine sold and making it up when guests walk through the door. most of the wine-geek crowd i interact with are vehemently against this practice and view it as wineries being greedy and using the front door as a "profit-center".

to each their own.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I'm glad to hear good reviews of V Sattui. I saw it mentioned earlier in this thread but the napa reddit page doesn't think highly of it. Not just the quality of the wine, as mentioned here, but that the place itself is more of a tourist trap.
I like the Ferrari Carano rec but it might be too far north of where we hope to go. On the list though.
Vincent Arroyo seems like a good call but it's basically the same view as our hotel, the Four Seasons, where we have a vineyard view balcony.

any thoughts on Bouchaine Vineyards? They allow walk-ins if there's room.

tbh, we're not really typical visitors to Napa. First, we do drink quite a bit of wine on a regular basis but mostly old world. Neither of us are big Cali wine drinkers. I appreciate those that do the tours, but that's also not our thing. I don't need to tour the vineyard or hear the history or explain what I'm tasting...lol. Just give me a nice glass and a nice view and I'm happy. And, as mentioned above, $75/pp for a tasting is obscene, imo. I'd rather go back to the hotel and enjoy a bottle on our balcony. I think the Idaho wine scene is pretty underrated and you can just pull up to a vineyard, buy a glass and enjoy the property. I'm sure it was like that at one time there too. I guess I should stick more to tasting rooms.

FWIW, Di Costanzo is pretty old world.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Need to dig it out but saw an article that napa tastings are down bigly. Something about $75 for a tasting just doesn't have the appeal it did.

We couldn't stand Napa after a year. Stuffy people, high prices, even the nice smaller ones were just a weird posh atmosphere. We basically always spent our time in Sonoma for the years we lived in the Bay.

I read a similar article recently that the average price for a wine tasting in Napa was $75. It went on to say the average price in Sonoma was $83. WOW !
I prefer Virginia wines, especially at that price.

Our experience last Feb was Napa tastings were $150ish and Russian River Valley was $50-75. So we kept to Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley. We had plans to go back in Sept but decided it's just not worth it. Won't go as far as settling for local Central Texas wines but there is tons of wines to buy locally and try.

 

[jamny]

Had a great time in Calistoga. It's a beautiful little town. Great to walk around and close enough to our hotel on Silverado Trail to walk to.
We went to Sam's General Store twice for breakfast and to their Social Club for drinks one night. Couldn't get in to Tank Garage Winery even though it was only 11am. They were booked for the day but it looked nice inside. We headed over to the Calistoga Inn for a couple of glasses and some great calamari. Found a really cool little art store, Ca' Toga Galleria.
Really loved the town and would definitely go back.
Napa itself wasn't really for me. A bit too big and tourist filled. Not a lot of charm. But we did have a nice lunch at Don Giovanni's
Driving the Silverado Trail really was an eye opener to the fires they've had, especially east of it on 128 and 121. Crazy to think what it must have been like.
And we got just what we wanted at Clos du Val. Drove in around noon and were able to get a glass of wine and just chill out overlooking their property. No appointment needed.
Had a late flight home so we had time to head to the coast and drive Rt 1 down and stop in Bodega Bay for lunch.
Thanks for the help in this thread! We'll no doubt return some day.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

It's funny cause much like Duck I don't really go to Napa ever unless friends specifically have a desire to go there. If they don't care about where then it's almost always Rams gate or Viansa followed by Jacuzzi then across the street to Cline. The following day starts off with mimosa's at Domaine Carnero's and then back to Novato/Petaluma area for some brews at lagunitas and henhouse.