ctspice

We'll be "passing through" wine country in late August. Although we don't drink wine, we'd be interested in touring one winery to see the basic operation and the vineyards,etc. Is there one winery that is best to get the overall wine experience?

Colorado17

While I don't normally like the mass-producing wineries, these are the ones that offer the type of tour you are looking for. My husband and I took the Benziger tour in Sonoma. It was recommended to us by someone who works at the Chateau St. Jean winery. I HIGHLY suggest this tour, it was awesome...and afterwards, head up the road to Chateau St. Jean to try some faburlous wine (even if you don't drink it, try it!)....and the gardens at the Chateau are wonderful (wines were very reasonable---18.00 and up for a bottle). Have fun!!

stormygirl

Shramsburg Sparkling near Callistoga

Kal

I'd just say to stop over at razzeldazzle's wine cellar!!!

FainaAgain

But confirm the date first - make sure you get there BEFORE the Kals

andiamo

Haven't done it in awhile, but Robert Mondavi in Yountville (Napa) has always had a great tour. It's where I take my guests when they want to learn about the process of wine making. It's free, but does get crowded in summer.

Have fun!

capecodshanty

I agree with colorado. We took the Benziger tour last month, while in Sonoma, it was not only informative and fun, the tour was given by one of the partners, who is in charge of their olive oil production. It's beautiful country-if you can, have dinner at The Girl and the Fig, on the square in Sonoma.

apseals

I also took the tram tour at Benziger. There is a fee but you get the tasting for "free" at the end. It was a very interesting tour. They are one of a very few wineries that use insects to control pests etc. The views were also very nice. There is also a picnic area.

lauracohenromano

Another vote for Benziger. We were just there a few weeks ago, and it was lovely and informative.

We also did tours at Mondavi (it was pouring rain the day we went so we had changed our original plan for the day), and at Schramsberg in Calistoga. The latter we went to because of so many rave reviews about it on this board, but we preferred Benziger.

MileKing

Just back from Napa and did both the Mondavi and Schramsberg tours/tastings and would highly recommend both.