Trip to Napa - Suggestions please! | FerrariChat
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Trip to Napa - Suggestions please!

Discussion in 'California & Nevada (Northern)' started by RushM3, Jun 19, 2008.

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  1. RushM3

    RushM3 Karting

    Aug 31, 2006
    71
    NYC & Fairfield, CT
    #1 RushM3, Jun 19, 2008
    Am planning a trip out to the Napa/Sonoma region next weekend, and was hoping I might be able to leverage some west coast FChatters' expertise as to which wineries to visit.

    I've done both Napa and Sonoma once before and came across a number of great vineyards, but wanted to leave the floor open to suggestions. I'm not looking to visit the boldest, most expensive cabs necessarily, rather, wineries with great wines all around and a place that's worth the visit. For example, my favorite vineyard last visit was Shafer, and I'd like to visit Cakebread this year.

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. velocetwo

    velocetwo F1 World Champ

    Dec 11, 2006
    12,545
    Left Coast
    #2 velocetwo, Jun 19, 2008
    I found Cake bread very disappointing, the wine tasting is broken down into different categories inexpensive to very expensive, if you are expecting to taste wine that the company made it's reputation on then it's going to cost 50-100 dollars , but heck you could buy the whole bottle for that price.

    Niebaum Coppola wineries has very nice grounds, nice wines and an interesting display of movie items including a Tucker, worth and hour of your time.


    Nickel & Nickel makes some great wines as well as Frank Family

    FYI Andretti winery is boring, it could be so much more........
     
  3. dakharris

    dakharris Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2001
    29,441
    Sleepy Hollow
    Full Name:
    Cavaliere Senzatesta
    #3 dakharris, Jun 20, 2008
    All of the boutiques require reservations. Contact the wineries that you want to visit and arrange an appointment. Wine is a personal choice, so it's hard to tell you which ones you will enjoy. For the most part, I avoid Napa, as it's too touristy. Sonoma is becoming more so, unfortunately. Almost all of the wineries in Napa charge to taste now. Sonoma is following this unfortunate trend. Wine tasting is becoming less of a shopping experience and more of a consultation. Dinners in the celler with flights of wines matched to each course is what more and more want to do, rather than pour for bus loads of tourists. Probably great for the true enthusiast, but not so much fun for someone who just wants to drive through beautiful country and enjoy the fruits of the region.
     
  4. RushM3

    RushM3 Karting

    Aug 31, 2006
    71
    NYC & Fairfield, CT
    #4 RushM3, Jun 20, 2008
    Thanks for the advice. I agree though, it's sad regarding the direction US wineries have taken. I toured Stellenbosch/Franschoek and Tuscany before I ever made it to Napa & Sonoma and was disappointed to see the production the US made everything into, not to mention the fees with every tasting.

    I think I'll go with Sonoma over Napa, and can only hope that traffic won't be horrendous leaving from San Francisco on a Saturday morning. I'll check out some of these recommendations. Also, I've always been a fan of Jordan so would like to make an appointment there.
     
  5. 2000 456M

    2000 456M F1 World Champ

    Sep 29, 2007
    12,600
    Portland, OR
    Full Name:
    Allan
    #5 2000 456M, Jun 20, 2008
    Mario Andretti's and Cappola's vineyards are fun visits. The staircase in the central hallway of Cappola's place is a million dollar replica of the Godfather set. Lovely grounds. Andretti's place looks like a Tuscan villa and the staff are very nice. Have a late lunch on the patio at Auberge du Soleil. Gorgeous setting on a hilltop overlooking the valley; Considering the ambience and the quality of the food, not terribly expensive either.
     
  6. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,516
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent
    #6 vincent355, Jun 20, 2008
    Fun trip, great views....sterling vineyards. Join the wine club before you get on the tram and you get free access to the special tasting room and great deals on some good wines. Also stop by Dutch Henry winery which is a stone's throw (if you're Nolan Ryan) from sterling. Dutch henry is what Napa was in the 70's and 80's...family run...great wines..bocce...picnic tables...affordable great wines.

    Have a great time, I love the valley!
     

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