The wife and I are planning a day trip up to Napa from San Francisco at the end of August (booked a convertible Mustang for the journey, I feel obliged to mention). I know it's not exactly the right forum but I know next to nothing about Californian wine so I thought I'd ask the question anyway - does anyone have any recommendations regarding where we should go?
We're definitely more Cabernet than Chardonnay people if that helps, though of course we won't be able to take much back with us so it's more an experience trip than a buying one.
Napa trip - any recommendations
Napa trip - any recommendations
3, 65, 7, 50
Re: Napa trip - any recommendations
[quote="Loztralia"]does anyone have any recommendations regarding where we should go?/quote]
That's a tough question. There are too many vineyards there to see in a month let alone a day so any recommendation will depend on what you want to do.
We were in SF last year and had a day free and chose to go to the Sonoma rather than Napa - it's prettier and more historic in some respects but lacks the 'heart of the beast'. Even so we only managed 4 wineries - a combination of old classical wineries and cutting edge wines (one was even run by an Aussie - Chris Loxton).
IMO it's tougher to do a day there than say Barossa, and again IMO the question you're asking is like 'what should I do with a day free in SA to see wine' and that so depends on what you want to see. You can taste wine anywhere (albeit after paying) but do you want beautiful wineries, views over the valleys, history, the best wines, the new hot wineries, food and wine (they do some great stuff) etc etc.
Personally I'd just drive around and have a look at the countyside and vineyards (it's lovely) and pick off a couple of historic wineries and maybe some places that do food as well, but I'm a bit biased as I find the topography of a place more interesting than the wines (given you can buy them later). HTH.
Cheers, Rob
That's a tough question. There are too many vineyards there to see in a month let alone a day so any recommendation will depend on what you want to do.
We were in SF last year and had a day free and chose to go to the Sonoma rather than Napa - it's prettier and more historic in some respects but lacks the 'heart of the beast'. Even so we only managed 4 wineries - a combination of old classical wineries and cutting edge wines (one was even run by an Aussie - Chris Loxton).
IMO it's tougher to do a day there than say Barossa, and again IMO the question you're asking is like 'what should I do with a day free in SA to see wine' and that so depends on what you want to see. You can taste wine anywhere (albeit after paying) but do you want beautiful wineries, views over the valleys, history, the best wines, the new hot wineries, food and wine (they do some great stuff) etc etc.
Personally I'd just drive around and have a look at the countyside and vineyards (it's lovely) and pick off a couple of historic wineries and maybe some places that do food as well, but I'm a bit biased as I find the topography of a place more interesting than the wines (given you can buy them later). HTH.
Cheers, Rob
I so agree with paradox , Give Napa a wide berth ! If you have never been , well I guess you have to do it . Napa Valley well Its a bit like Wine Disneyland ! Its pretentious and you will be charged to taste everywhere .
However , Sonoma Valley has so much more to offer . This is comprised of many sub regions, but explore Dry creek valley for wonderful Zinfandel, Alexander valley for pinot , but there is crossover here !
there are many must do's if you like certain varieties , but you just cant go past California Zinfandel, as its something they really do well , and its all still quite well priced. Having said that the GFC has finally bought the Calif wine industry back to reality as far as prices go !
Good Luck ,
California is your oyster , sonoma is the pearl !
However , Sonoma Valley has so much more to offer . This is comprised of many sub regions, but explore Dry creek valley for wonderful Zinfandel, Alexander valley for pinot , but there is crossover here !
there are many must do's if you like certain varieties , but you just cant go past California Zinfandel, as its something they really do well , and its all still quite well priced. Having said that the GFC has finally bought the Calif wine industry back to reality as far as prices go !
Good Luck ,
California is your oyster , sonoma is the pearl !
Agreed. Napa is a bit of a tourist-trap. I loved Russian River Valley - superb pinot noir and a lot more to boot - terrific landscapes, almost Adelaide Hills-esque although even more impressive really. More in keeping with the Australian cellar door approach, by and large. Napa is worth visiting but don't get too excited about a full blooded tasting. day Stick to the Silverado Trail too, if you can as there's less heavy duty traffic and some more interesting wineries.
Cheers
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
Wayno
Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.
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Andrew Jordan
- Posts: 763
- Joined: Wed May 05, 2004 11:53 am
- Location: Sydney
If it's just the "experience" you are going for then I suggest going to Sterling Vineyards at the end of the day as you get to take the Cable Car up to the winery and there are stunning views of the valley from the cellar door. Wine from memory isn't that great but the tasting is included in the Cable Car price. Also Beringer is worth a visit and make sure you do the wine caves tour. Coppolla (sp?) is also worth a visit just to see the cellar door with all the movie stuff on show.
Just a general note on cellar door tastings though, be prepared to pay for ALL tastings and also be prepared to bring home lots of stemware that has winery logos on them!! They look nice but are a real bugger to bring home in your luggage.
Hope this helps.
PS My wife came up with a theory while we were there ... the more impressive the cellar door looks as you drive in ... the more crappier the wines are!
Just a general note on cellar door tastings though, be prepared to pay for ALL tastings and also be prepared to bring home lots of stemware that has winery logos on them!! They look nice but are a real bugger to bring home in your luggage.
Hope this helps.
PS My wife came up with a theory while we were there ... the more impressive the cellar door looks as you drive in ... the more crappier the wines are!
Cheers
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
AJ
Cabernet is ... and will always be ... KING!
I suggest you ask the same question on wineloverspages, a US wine site
http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/vil ... m.php?f=21
friendly bunch and few of them are based up Napa way.
http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/vil ... m.php?f=21
friendly bunch and few of them are based up Napa way.
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Michael McNally
- Posts: 2077
- Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 3:06 pm
- Location: Brisbane
Did a day there in 1997. Had a lot of ordinary to good cellar door experiences, and one exceptional one.
At one winery, the name of which I sadly can't remember though it was closer to the Napa end of the Valley, the guide was a Scotsman, and he was wearing his kilt and family tartan. He was extermely engaging and knowledgable and took us for a tour of their underground caves quite long drives into the hillside - this label only made sparkling wines (which were universally good and universally expensive). We stopped and tasted the wines as we went.
Anyway, the name of the winery must have been something vaguely Scottish as he told us the story of his interview for the job, when he decided that to make an impression he would front up for the interview in his kilt........only to find that the owner was actually Dutch (or something similar). I guess it just reinforces the old adage that the cellar door experience is all about the people.
Be prepared to pay to taste!
Cheers
Michael
At one winery, the name of which I sadly can't remember though it was closer to the Napa end of the Valley, the guide was a Scotsman, and he was wearing his kilt and family tartan. He was extermely engaging and knowledgable and took us for a tour of their underground caves quite long drives into the hillside - this label only made sparkling wines (which were universally good and universally expensive). We stopped and tasted the wines as we went.
Anyway, the name of the winery must have been something vaguely Scottish as he told us the story of his interview for the job, when he decided that to make an impression he would front up for the interview in his kilt........only to find that the owner was actually Dutch (or something similar). I guess it just reinforces the old adage that the cellar door experience is all about the people.
Be prepared to pay to taste!
Cheers
Michael
Bonum Vinum Laetificat Cor Hominis
Napa Wineries
More than likely you'll spend your time in the southern part of Napa Valley, though there are some good ones if you want to go further north. Take 29 in one direction and the Silverado Trail in the other.
In no particular order, here's a few of the wineries that I think are open to the public without reservations:
Trefethen. The current vintages are worth trying. Also try their Library selection cabs.
Clos du Val. I like their Reserves. Always a fun tasting room.
Stag's Leap. Great wine. Worth getting their top rated flight of cabs.
Silverado. Classic California cabs.
Plumpjack. Have not been there, but they put out a lot of excellent wine.
Miner Family. Good cabs and chardonnays.
Conn Creek. Some of my favorite cabs over the years
Girard. Very good wines...cabs, cabernet francs, petite syrah, chardonnay
Domaine Chandon. You want to taste their Library selections of older sparklers along with lunch at their Restaurant or sit on the patio. It's a very pretty setting.
French Laundry. 5-star restaurant that you should try to get reservations for now; very very expensive; spectacular.
Heitz. Great cabs.
Beringer. Very good cabs and chardonnays.
There are many wineries that are only available by appointment. Contact your favorites.
In no particular order, here's a few of the wineries that I think are open to the public without reservations:
Trefethen. The current vintages are worth trying. Also try their Library selection cabs.
Clos du Val. I like their Reserves. Always a fun tasting room.
Stag's Leap. Great wine. Worth getting their top rated flight of cabs.
Silverado. Classic California cabs.
Plumpjack. Have not been there, but they put out a lot of excellent wine.
Miner Family. Good cabs and chardonnays.
Conn Creek. Some of my favorite cabs over the years
Girard. Very good wines...cabs, cabernet francs, petite syrah, chardonnay
Domaine Chandon. You want to taste their Library selections of older sparklers along with lunch at their Restaurant or sit on the patio. It's a very pretty setting.
French Laundry. 5-star restaurant that you should try to get reservations for now; very very expensive; spectacular.
Heitz. Great cabs.
Beringer. Very good cabs and chardonnays.
There are many wineries that are only available by appointment. Contact your favorites.
Re: Napa Wineries
Hi Lotrazila
My Wife and I did a trip to Napa in 2003 and we were lucky enough to have our wine guy in Columbus ring ahead and organise some tastings which is the only way to get into some of the more exclusive wineries. Our theme was big American Cabernet's.
We stayed in a Chalet on the western slope above St Helena which was a little scary getting back to on the narrow winding roads after a few drinks.
We broke the valley into 4 parts and I've listed the wineries we went to below.
Wineries (Silverado Trail South)
Clos du Val
Stags Leap
Shafer
Dariouche (They were building a mammoth cellar door when we were there that is apparently quite amazing, Owned by an Arab consortium)
(Silverado Trail North)
Silver Oak
Plump Jack
Camus (Try to get a taste of the Special Select)
Mumm - Nice to try some sparklings in between all the big cabs
Rombauer - toured through some of their wine caves which was cool
Route 29 (South)
Hess Collection - They got an amazing collection of art which was something different
Trefethen - Tried and bought some of their Halo cab
Etude
Far Niente
Route 29 (North)
Opus One - Amazing cellar door structure, however, very expensive and over rated
Cakebread
Niebaum Copla - Amazing old cellar door, very commercial but definitely worth a look.
Bealieu
Fransican - Lovely Magnificat Blend
Louis M Martini
Merryvale - organised a component tasting in their large barrel room which was really great
Sterling
Schramsberg
Food
Oakville Groceries -A delicatessen on Route 29 with amazing fresh produce which is great for lunches. From memory just south of Opus one.
We didn't book early enough for the French Laundry (it was about 4-5 months in advance back in 2003) but if you can get in it is worth it.
Martini house - Amazing food and a 20,000 bottle wine cellar housed in it's own building.
Mustards - A little more of a regular restaurant, great atmosphere.
Bistro Gentil - We didn't make it but it is highly recommended
Tra Vigne - Amazing atmosphere. Owned by TV celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello
Taylor Refreshments - A great greasy burger place in St Helena (on route 29) a must to help line the stomach. They even serve wine if you need any more between tastings.
Other Wineries worth visiting
Chateau Montelena
Viader
Joseph Phelps
Pride Mountain
Duckhorn
Cain Vineyards
Hope that helps.
Cheers
Elvis
My Wife and I did a trip to Napa in 2003 and we were lucky enough to have our wine guy in Columbus ring ahead and organise some tastings which is the only way to get into some of the more exclusive wineries. Our theme was big American Cabernet's.
We stayed in a Chalet on the western slope above St Helena which was a little scary getting back to on the narrow winding roads after a few drinks.
We broke the valley into 4 parts and I've listed the wineries we went to below.
Wineries (Silverado Trail South)
Clos du Val
Stags Leap
Shafer
Dariouche (They were building a mammoth cellar door when we were there that is apparently quite amazing, Owned by an Arab consortium)
(Silverado Trail North)
Silver Oak
Plump Jack
Camus (Try to get a taste of the Special Select)
Mumm - Nice to try some sparklings in between all the big cabs
Rombauer - toured through some of their wine caves which was cool
Route 29 (South)
Hess Collection - They got an amazing collection of art which was something different
Trefethen - Tried and bought some of their Halo cab
Etude
Far Niente
Route 29 (North)
Opus One - Amazing cellar door structure, however, very expensive and over rated
Cakebread
Niebaum Copla - Amazing old cellar door, very commercial but definitely worth a look.
Bealieu
Fransican - Lovely Magnificat Blend
Louis M Martini
Merryvale - organised a component tasting in their large barrel room which was really great
Sterling
Schramsberg
Food
Oakville Groceries -A delicatessen on Route 29 with amazing fresh produce which is great for lunches. From memory just south of Opus one.
We didn't book early enough for the French Laundry (it was about 4-5 months in advance back in 2003) but if you can get in it is worth it.
Martini house - Amazing food and a 20,000 bottle wine cellar housed in it's own building.
Mustards - A little more of a regular restaurant, great atmosphere.
Bistro Gentil - We didn't make it but it is highly recommended
Tra Vigne - Amazing atmosphere. Owned by TV celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello
Taylor Refreshments - A great greasy burger place in St Helena (on route 29) a must to help line the stomach. They even serve wine if you need any more between tastings.
Other Wineries worth visiting
Chateau Montelena
Viader
Joseph Phelps
Pride Mountain
Duckhorn
Cain Vineyards
Hope that helps.
Cheers
Elvis
I've visited Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino in the last six months and loved the all for different reasons.
Firstly, Mendocino (the Anderson Valley) is far more like an Australian winery touring experience than either Napa or Sonoma i.e. no tasting fees. They specialise is Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and the Alsatian varietals. We found some lovely Pinot, a few good chardonnays and nothing that even remotely resembled the style of reisling we love at home
If you do go to the Anderson Valley don't miss Esterlina Vineyards. Seriously don't. Amazing views from one of the highest points in the valley. Great pinots. Take sandwiches and spend an hour or so enjoying life. Another good spot to visit is Lazy Creek Vineyards. Right at the end of a very lazy creek, you'll find the remnants of an Italian farm. The wines are well worth the visit.
Mendocino is a beautiful little village on a wonderful coastline. It is around 3-4 hours north of San Francisco though depending on which road you take.
We've only spent a short time in Sonoma, but it is a gorgeous historic town. Well worth a visit, although we did not really leave the town to visit nearby wineries as it was Easter and they were shut.
Even though it is completely different to Australian wine touring, I love Napa. The key here is to just accept that you will have to pay a tasting fee. Once you have done that you should make sure you organise appointments at wineries that you really want to go to or are highly recommended. Expect to pay between $20-70 per person. A lot of the time you will receive barrel tastings, tours through the caves, a private guide etc etc. Some will wave the tasting fee if you buy, but that can be pricey in Napa
I would not go to Napa without arranging a tasting at one of the Spring Mountain wineries. Something Australians may find strange is that Napa no longer allows planting on the hills on each side of the valley. As such, you find the entire valley floor is covered in vines, but there are only a few pockets of hillside vineyards. Spring Mountain is a lot higher than the valley floor and as such is far more inclined to produce cabernets that Australians are used to.
I have not yet been to Pride or Smith-Madrone, but they are highly recommended by friends. We had a wonderful day at Barnett Family Vineyards yesterday. Brilliant wines, especially their Spring Mountain Cabs, and views from the top of the mountain back down into the valley surrounding St Helena. The tasting fee was $35 (waived with our purchase), but we spent over an hour there and tasted many wines.
Of the Napa wineries, a real diamond i the rough is Fleury Winery. It is bang smack in the middle of the flats, but they have a really cool little tasting area in their main shed. The fee is $25, but you'll likely get to taste around 6-8 wines (all over US$50 per bottle) and likely have a barrel sample too. Grab sandwiches from Oakville Grocers and sit outside the winery for lunch.
For a special tour, we loved Quintessa. This is a very private tour. Upon arrival we (two of us) we greeted by our host for the day. She walked us around the property to see the vineyards from a special viewing point. Then through the winery and caves. Finally we stop to taste two vintages of the Quintessa along with specially prepared nibbles. The tour costs $65 each which was refunded upon purchase of a bottle of their $135 red. It was quite expensive, but they did make us feel special.
I would certainly go to Rubicon. The original estate is amazing, and they will let you taste their flagship red (Rubicon US$145) with the $20 tasting fee. The red carpet may be a little kitsch, but it is a wonderful property.
Jarvis is another I have heard is very good things about. I love their cabernets and will be visiting soon. Here is the blurb from their website:
Foodwise, we loved Tra Vigne, Bistro Jeanty and the amazing Auberge du Soleil on the Silverado trail. I would not miss having a lunch at Auberge. Oakville grocery is fantastic. The Bounty Hunter in Napa is a great spot for an evening meal. Order the beer can chicken.
As with my early point about being prepared to pay for tastings, the majority of places that we have not enjoyed were the ones where you paid less and were treated like cattle. I really think it is worthwhile being selective in Napa and just taking the hit on cost. You will taste better wine and have real service. If you have come this far, the extra $100-200 on tastings will make a world of difference.
Enjoy!
Firstly, Mendocino (the Anderson Valley) is far more like an Australian winery touring experience than either Napa or Sonoma i.e. no tasting fees. They specialise is Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and the Alsatian varietals. We found some lovely Pinot, a few good chardonnays and nothing that even remotely resembled the style of reisling we love at home
If you do go to the Anderson Valley don't miss Esterlina Vineyards. Seriously don't. Amazing views from one of the highest points in the valley. Great pinots. Take sandwiches and spend an hour or so enjoying life. Another good spot to visit is Lazy Creek Vineyards. Right at the end of a very lazy creek, you'll find the remnants of an Italian farm. The wines are well worth the visit.
Mendocino is a beautiful little village on a wonderful coastline. It is around 3-4 hours north of San Francisco though depending on which road you take.
We've only spent a short time in Sonoma, but it is a gorgeous historic town. Well worth a visit, although we did not really leave the town to visit nearby wineries as it was Easter and they were shut.
Even though it is completely different to Australian wine touring, I love Napa. The key here is to just accept that you will have to pay a tasting fee. Once you have done that you should make sure you organise appointments at wineries that you really want to go to or are highly recommended. Expect to pay between $20-70 per person. A lot of the time you will receive barrel tastings, tours through the caves, a private guide etc etc. Some will wave the tasting fee if you buy, but that can be pricey in Napa
I would not go to Napa without arranging a tasting at one of the Spring Mountain wineries. Something Australians may find strange is that Napa no longer allows planting on the hills on each side of the valley. As such, you find the entire valley floor is covered in vines, but there are only a few pockets of hillside vineyards. Spring Mountain is a lot higher than the valley floor and as such is far more inclined to produce cabernets that Australians are used to.
I have not yet been to Pride or Smith-Madrone, but they are highly recommended by friends. We had a wonderful day at Barnett Family Vineyards yesterday. Brilliant wines, especially their Spring Mountain Cabs, and views from the top of the mountain back down into the valley surrounding St Helena. The tasting fee was $35 (waived with our purchase), but we spent over an hour there and tasted many wines.
Of the Napa wineries, a real diamond i the rough is Fleury Winery. It is bang smack in the middle of the flats, but they have a really cool little tasting area in their main shed. The fee is $25, but you'll likely get to taste around 6-8 wines (all over US$50 per bottle) and likely have a barrel sample too. Grab sandwiches from Oakville Grocers and sit outside the winery for lunch.
For a special tour, we loved Quintessa. This is a very private tour. Upon arrival we (two of us) we greeted by our host for the day. She walked us around the property to see the vineyards from a special viewing point. Then through the winery and caves. Finally we stop to taste two vintages of the Quintessa along with specially prepared nibbles. The tour costs $65 each which was refunded upon purchase of a bottle of their $135 red. It was quite expensive, but they did make us feel special.
I would certainly go to Rubicon. The original estate is amazing, and they will let you taste their flagship red (Rubicon US$145) with the $20 tasting fee. The red carpet may be a little kitsch, but it is a wonderful property.
Jarvis is another I have heard is very good things about. I love their cabernets and will be visiting soon. Here is the blurb from their website:
Unique tasting visits are scheduled daily by appointment. Tasting tours at JARVIS are an intimate experience consisting of small groups of approximately 10 guests. We suggest contacting the winery as early as possible to schedule your visit as during the height of the season weekend tours can sometimes be booked weeks in advance.
The Vintage Tasting Tour: A tour of our unique underground winery facility followed by a sit-down tasting. On the Vintage Tasting Tour we taste 6 JARVIS wines including a Reserve wine. Cheese and crackers accompany the tasting. Fee: $40 per person; Wine Club and Inner Circle Members are guests of Leticia and William Jarvis, and do not pay a fee. Duration: approximately 1.5 hours for the complete experience.
Foodwise, we loved Tra Vigne, Bistro Jeanty and the amazing Auberge du Soleil on the Silverado trail. I would not miss having a lunch at Auberge. Oakville grocery is fantastic. The Bounty Hunter in Napa is a great spot for an evening meal. Order the beer can chicken.
As with my early point about being prepared to pay for tastings, the majority of places that we have not enjoyed were the ones where you paid less and were treated like cattle. I really think it is worthwhile being selective in Napa and just taking the hit on cost. You will taste better wine and have real service. If you have come this far, the extra $100-200 on tastings will make a world of difference.
Enjoy!
You can also take the Napa Wine Train and not worry about the drinking driving thing.
http://winetrain.com/
Cheers,
Francois
http://winetrain.com/
Cheers,
Francois
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Napa Spa
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sun May 07, 2006 1:56 am
- Location: Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
- Contact:
Re: Napa trip - any recommendations
Can't go wrong visiting Chateau Montelena in Calistoga
