November 11, 2008 - So it's going to be my 1st time going to Napa Valley Wine Country. Well im going with about 12 co-workers and want to know of any good places where they do wine tasting. Also any good hotels to head too. Thanks alot.
Responses:
Having lived in Napa for many years and the fact that I used to give wine tours there I believe I can give you the best answer on this.
First off, stay off the highway and stay on Silverado Trail which runs parallel to the hwy.
Most tourists stay on the hwy so traffic and crowds will hamper your enjoyment.
The wine on the 'trail' is JUST as fine and there are less crowds so you will get more attention from the porers.
Start with Luna. It is the first one you will see and I highly recommend it. I have been there hundreds of times.
It is tricky to choose the others because of all the great choices.
Something to keep in mind. Everyone sets out to hit 6 or 7 wineries, but most only make it to 3. You will be having such a great time that you will stay at each winery longer than you planned. If you rush and are very disciplined about leaving you can get in 5 and then end the day with one of the few wineries that have tasting rooms open late. Like Domain Chandon or Peju.
Couple of choices on the trail: Reguaci winery (also has the best olive oil in the world) and Silverado winery which has one of the best views in the valley and has great wine at affordable prices.
Important note: The cops are actively looking for DUI's in the valley. Have a designated driver or better yet, have everyone chip in and get a limo. TRUST me, it is a LOT cheaper than a DUI. I know :)
As far as the hotel goes I have dealt with many many of them and can't think of any to tell you to stay away from. Just look in the Napa section on MrWineInfo.com and choose one closest to where you want to be.
There are plenty of great wineries in Napa to choose from. Some of my favorite are: Hess Collection (great modern art museum that's free), Silver Oak (wonderful Cab), Sterling (tram ride to tasting room on top of hill), Domaine Carneros (best view of valley - wonderful sparkling wine).
You can print wine tasting coupons for free at http://www.cheers2wine.com. I'd also recommend buying the Wine Passport at Copia. It's just $10 per couple and has lots of wine coupons.
http://www.cheers2wine.com/Copia.html
OMG I am soooo jealous! Everywhere you look in Napa, Santa Rosa, Calistoga there are wineries! There are wineries down almost every dirt road...Ask the locals where they would recommend too - that's a great way to find out hidden destinations (that they want to be kept secret!) Last time I was in Napa and that area we rented a Limo and our limo driver took us to a load of different wineries, most all off the beaten path - and excellent tasting rooms. Some had dining rooms serving wonderful food too! I love the options there - you won't have to look far to find some great places! You will recognize some of the names too! I wish I could remember the names of the places - its been too long... I moved out of the Bay Area in 2005, wish I could help you more.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=napa+wineries
I googled the wineries and here is what it pulled up!
Have fun!
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