Napa Valley

**4429 mcc** · 05-27-2008, 02:47 PM

Going out to Napa Valley in August do you guys have any suggestions?

**joefrog** · 05-27-2008, 03:00 PM

My friend went to the St. Francis Winery last fall. Loved it. Here is a link:

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

I love their wine. A little more expensive, but just fantastic stuff. Should be good for some ideas at least for you.

**CarolinaCy** · 05-27-2008, 03:06 PM

My wife and I were in Napa in August 2003 and went to a few different places. I only remember one that we went to, Kirkland Ranch Winery, but it was really good. Here's the website:

http://www.kirklandwinery.com/

**djkent01** · 05-27-2008, 03:21 PM

Lived in CA for almost five years, although down south. Northern CA is one of three places I've visited where I'll recommend some of the traditional tourist traps. Whatever it is that you love in IA, it's available there. If you love to bike, rent a motorcycle and cruise through the mountains. If you love the beach, go to the beach - but it's not Saylorville. Watching the waves come in while sitting on a towel or in a beach front cafe - just nothing like it.

It's a drive, but Tahoe is maybe the most beautiful place in the world. San Francisco is an hour away - but well worth the trip. Drink it in, but take the time with whatever you decide to do. It's all worth it.

In case you can't tell, I miss it out there.

**cyboy** · 05-27-2008, 03:41 PM

Are you a novice wine drinker or do you prefer certain varietals? If you are a first time wine drinker trying to decide which wine you like, I would recommend V. Sattui Winery. They have every type of wine conceivable along with a great deli. Their wine is resonable from a price standpoint and it is quite good. If you like Zinfandel, I would recommend going to Sonoma Valley (Russian River Valley). Another great stop in Napa is Rubicon Estates (formerly Neibaum Copolla).

I find it best to have a quasi game plan before heading to the valley because it is easy to be distracted by the scenery and talkative wine pourers. If you have a schedule to adhere to, you will see a lot more. Happy drinking!!

**drmwevr08** · 05-27-2008, 03:54 PM

Don't forget scenic downtown Booneville.

Oh, THAT Napa Valley. Nevermind.

**4429 mcc** · 05-27-2008, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by cyboy

Are you a novice wine drinker or do you prefer certain varietals? If you are a first time wine drinker trying to decide which wine you like, I would recommend V. Sattui Winery. They have every type of wine conceivable along with a great deli. Their wine is resonable from a price standpoint and it is quite good. If you like Zinfandel, I would recommend going to Sonoma Valley (Russian River Valley). Another great stop in Napa is Rubicon Estates (formerly Neibaum Copolla).

I find it best to have a quasi game plan before heading to the valley because it is easy to be distracted by the scenery and talkative wine pourers. If you have a schedule to adhere to, you will see a lot more. Happy drinking!!

My wife is a novice wine drinker, I guess I am too (I dont notice all the smells and flavors within a wine) Anyway this trip is really getting thrown together kind of last minute, have tickets to use by a certain date.

What does a day of wine tasting run out there? $10 per person per tasting right? How many tastings can one get in, in a given day?

Thanks for you help....

**drmwevr08** · 05-27-2008, 03:59 PM

Oh, and now that I am clear and still have nothing useful to add...

I'm not drinking ******* Merlot!

**CyPlainsDrifter** · 05-27-2008, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by 4429 mcc

Going out to Napa Valley in August do you guys have any suggestions?

Do a balloon ride. There are dozens of companies and it's a blast and beautiful.

**cyboy** · 05-27-2008, 04:16 PM

Napa has become really commercialized and as a result, their tasting fees have increased. I would say $10 is on the average, maybe a little on the low end. I have been to places where it is closer to $25. They generally will give you a discount if you go on to purchase a bottle or case. Sonoma used to be entirely free tasting but it has become commercialized as well. Wineries are usually open from 10-5, seven days a week. If you plan ahead and know where you are going before you venture out, you can easily make 6-10 stops in a day.

I'm not sure how many days you plan on being in the valley but I would not try to do both Sonoma and Napa valley in the same day. You will spend more time in the car than you will tasting wine. Let me know if you have any other questions.

**Hawkeye11en1** · 06-05-2012, 11:56 AM

I gotta bump this thread. Going to be in Napa next week for a day. Any suggestions on places to stay and golf courses up there?

**canker2323** · 06-05-2012, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Hawkeye11en1

I gotta bump this thread. Going to be in Napa next week for a day. Any suggestions on places to stay and golf courses up there?

Go to Sonoma instead.

**Hawkeye11en1** · 06-05-2012, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by canker2323

Go to Sonoma instead.

Ok, I don't mind the suggestion, but do you have any suggestions for Sonoma then?

**jbindm** · 06-05-2012, 12:39 PM

If you're going to Napa, hit up Frank Family Vineyards - best zinfandel I've ever tasted. If you like to bike, do a bicycle tour. I've done one guided and one unguided, and I prefer the unguided tour. If you like crappy wine and outstanding views, you can try Sterling Vineyards. They're situated on a bluff that looks out over Napa Valley.
If you're in Sonoma, Petaluma boasts some inexpensive lodging as well as the Mystic Theater. Have dinner at the Central Market. The owner's name is Tony, and he works the kitchen and front like nobody's business. The Ferrari Caerano winery is an impressive facility, but the really good stuff is downstairs if you do a tasting there.
If you have time and like to hike, definitely check out Muir Woods. There's one trail that takes you all the way out to the ocean, but IIRC it's about a 4-5 hour hike and you need to arrange to have someone to pick you up at the beach.