I am going to be in the Napa/Sonoma area next week. I have already made reservations for the tours I was interested in, but was wondering what "open to the public" wineries are a shouldn't miss?

Thought I had seen this here before but found nothing in my search.

Mahalo in advance!!

If you make it to the Russian River Valley area be sure to stop in at Martinelli. Not that the place is that great, but the wines certainly are. No tour, just a tasting room and small shop. But nice people and great wine. (costs to taste however, but not much)

Truth is, most wineries are not reservation only. If you are looking for a good wine tour, go to BV or Berringer to get the skinny on how wine is made. Stirling at the top of Napa is kinda neat, cable car to the top, good view.

What you should do is go to places when the fancy hits you as you drive by. I've stopped at small places that only sell out of their tasting room and large megawineries. All have their points.

Aloha - any chance you will be here over the 13th? If so, you should join us for the big offline dinner we are doing that night.

I will be there through the 14th. Let me know the details.

Aloha -

Go to this Wine Spectator Thread where you can read about the details. I would post or email Pyang right away to see if there is room, would love to have you join us.

What wineries do you already have on your list?

I'll second din's recommendation of Martinelli, but don't expect to be able to taste the top wines, not even if you're on the mailing list. Rochioli's right nearby and also worth a visit.

Davidn,

As far as tours I have booked at Pride, Del Dotto and Shafer.

Planning on visiting:

Ridge, Martinelli, Rochioli, Chateau Montelena, Stag Leap Wine Cellars, Plumpjack, Family Wineries, Caymus.

Was looking for guidance towards something that is possibly not on my radar screen or?

Mahalo

Elyse has a good lineup of wines, but I would call ahead. Also, Gundlach Bundschu is a cool little place. Hartford Court is excellent as well. Have a great trip.

jb

The main Ridge winery is way the heck out of the way unless you are going to the Lytton Springs location somewhere arround Sonoma. You will want to call ahead if you are going to Lytton Springs as I don't think they are open every day.

If you just want to taste then I would suggest going to Napa Wine Company (I think that is the name). It is a custom crush facility at the corner of Highway 29 and Oakville Crossroad. Heidi Barret and Helen Turley make all/most of their wines there.

No to answer your question directly...

Consider Rombauer - it's a good place to finish the day in the Napa Valley, as they are open until 5:00 and have no tasting fee.

Also in the Napa Valley, try Raymond. They do not charge for the basic tasting, and the reserve tasting is (iirc) $10.00.

Down toward the Carneros region on the Sonoma side, don't miss Cline - again, they have a reserve lineup with a nominal charge, but they also have a ton of stuff to taste gratis and the grounds are lovely.

Over in the Dry Creek region of Sonoma, don't miss Everett Ridge - no charge, and I think you will be impressed with the lineup - particularly the Syrahs.

Also in the Dry Creek Valley, Lambert Bridge, Dry Creek Vineyards, and Quivira are all worth stopping in for a visit.

Over in Alexander Valley, don't miss Hanna and be sure to taste the Bismark Ranch lineup.

Have fun!

My recs:

When you are in Calistoga (Chateau Montelena) you should just take a walk up and down the main street. A fun little town. Stop in at the Enoteca Wine Shop and say hello to the owner Margaux. She is Fred Schrader's significant other and has mui wine smarts. Also a must stop down the street is the Palisades Market near the train depot. Be sure to get a HO HO.

On way out of Calistoga down the Silverado trail definitely stop at Rombauer. Check out their port. And a great collection of caliopes.

Just before Rombauer on the east side is Dutch Henry. Good wines and fair QPR. Ask for Scott, the owner and winemaker. Try his Zin.

Also right in there, a must is Duckhorn. They have special tastings (read 20 bucks or something like that) twice a day by reservation or the regular tasting ($5) anytime. Nice tasting room.


Rudd is right next to Plumpjack. Very good wine but not easy to get in for tasting. There is also Vine Cliff right there. Nice new cave. Must have appt.

Other end of Oakville Cross (Plumpjack) at Hwy 29 is Napa Wine Co. described above. Shafer, La Sirena, lots of wines but there is a $3 per taste charge I think.

Del Dotto should be one of your last stops. If it isn't you will be spoiled as it is all downhill from there. They also have a great selection of other brand wines in their store. Some of the best.

Best tasting room gift shops are Niebaum-Coppala, Mondavi, Merryvale, and ... jeez, can't think of that place... someone help me... the place on 29 that only sells mail order or at their store... their wines are terrible... great cheese place... BBQ... ??? Don't reccomend the wine but a nice, touristy shop.

And for God's sake don't forget to have a hamburger at Taylor's Automatic Refresher in St. Helena.

The place David is trying to remember is V. Sattui. I'd skip the hamburger at Taylors and get the Ahi Burger instead. Especially if you are in the middle of tasting. I find the grease from the burger coats my mouth and I can't really taste wine for about an hour. The Ahi Burger is out of this world good.

Thanks skwid. That's the place!

I agree on the Ahi burger. I just implore people to stop and eat at Taylors. Driving by you aren't really tempted to stop and you really miss an important (well, maybe only a little important) part of the Napa Valley.

Wow..Thanks for the great information everybody!!! Be interesting to try a mainland Ahi burger and compare with the ones from here. I am excited about this trip, especially now being able to attend my first off line. As you can imagine not too many chances out here.

Thanks again everyone!!

I believe Ridge is just North of Healdsburg and certainly worth a visit. I bought a case there last time.

Yep, Ridge is in the old Lytton Springs Winery facility on Lytton Springs Rd. Well worth a stop as you traverse between Dry Creek and 101.

Duckhorn, St. Clement, Everett Ridge, Miner (Clark Claudon*, appt. only, recommend), Sullivan, BR Cohn (if just for the olive oil), Garry Farrell's new and gorgeous place, UNTI, Limerick Lane, Lambert Bridge, St. Jean Reserve room, Darioush, Luna, Chimney Rock, Rombauer, Elyse.

These are just some of the ones (that are open to the public) we visit either with appointments or between appointments.

Ten Thumbs up for Taylor's Refresher.

* Barrels in the Miner caves,