California Wine Country Help!!!
May 15th, 2008, 08:08 AM
#1
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California Wine Country Help!!!
Soo.... decided to change our trip from driving up the California coast to doing what I really wanted to do, and that was visit Wine Country. This is a pretty last minute trip (1st week of June) and I am in desperate need of your help!!
Here are some details that I do have planned out.. any/all recs are welcomed.....
We are in our late 20s/early 30s and celebrating 5 yr anniversary/my birthday/and a much needed vacay. We want a relaxing/fun/romantic/outdoorsy week with great food and great wine...
Staying 4 nights in Healdsburg area in a cottage we have rented. Then 2 nights in Napa (close to downtown).
**Looking for recs for dining $-$$$ (not too fancy, not planning on bringing dress or dress pants)
**Great wineries (we love cabs, pinots, and champagne)
**Maybe a tour company or limo to drive us to those wineries
**Biking/Kayaking outdoorsy activities
**Good grocery/markets to picnics and food for the cottage
**Any can't miss places for first timers to the area.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Here are some details that I do have planned out.. any/all recs are welcomed.....
We are in our late 20s/early 30s and celebrating 5 yr anniversary/my birthday/and a much needed vacay. We want a relaxing/fun/romantic/outdoorsy week with great food and great wine...
Staying 4 nights in Healdsburg area in a cottage we have rented. Then 2 nights in Napa (close to downtown).
**Looking for recs for dining $-$$$ (not too fancy, not planning on bringing dress or dress pants)
**Great wineries (we love cabs, pinots, and champagne)
**Maybe a tour company or limo to drive us to those wineries
**Biking/Kayaking outdoorsy activities
**Good grocery/markets to picnics and food for the cottage
**Any can't miss places for first timers to the area.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
May 15th, 2008, 08:35 AM
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DH and I just returned from that area. Here's some of what we did
dining: Market - St. Helena. Tuesday is BYOB no corkage. Don Giovanni's - Napa. also heard good things about Rutherford Grill (BYOB all the time), and Ad Hoc in Yountville but they only serve one menu each night and you need to check what it is. the night we considered going it was Liver. In Sonoma - Zazu - not so great IMHO, and Mirepoix in Windsor. Mirepoix was fantastic and easily the best meal we had. Also BYOB no corkage if not on their list.
Wineries: we hit a ton of them as DH is a collector. Napa area - Domaine Carneros (champagne), Hess, Louis Martini, Burgess (need appt.), Joseph Phelps (need appt but they took us anyway), Frank Family (only free tasting in the Napa Valley - fun place), and Mumm. Have also been to in the past Quintessa, Mondavi, Coppolla, Artesa and Flora Springs. Sonoma area - Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Siduri (need appt), Ferrari Caranos (pretty), Gary Farrell, Arista. the best in my opinion were Papapietro Perry (fantastic Pinots), Pederson (nice cabernet), and Amphora (all were good). These three are small producers with no mass distribution. they are off of Dry Creek Road, look for the sign that says Family vineyards, and go up the hill to the parking lot. there are 5 or 6 small producers clustered there.
I may have left some out as I killed quite a few brain cels on this trip.
Enjoy!
dining: Market - St. Helena. Tuesday is BYOB no corkage. Don Giovanni's - Napa. also heard good things about Rutherford Grill (BYOB all the time), and Ad Hoc in Yountville but they only serve one menu each night and you need to check what it is. the night we considered going it was Liver. In Sonoma - Zazu - not so great IMHO, and Mirepoix in Windsor. Mirepoix was fantastic and easily the best meal we had. Also BYOB no corkage if not on their list.
Wineries: we hit a ton of them as DH is a collector. Napa area - Domaine Carneros (champagne), Hess, Louis Martini, Burgess (need appt.), Joseph Phelps (need appt but they took us anyway), Frank Family (only free tasting in the Napa Valley - fun place), and Mumm. Have also been to in the past Quintessa, Mondavi, Coppolla, Artesa and Flora Springs. Sonoma area - Chateau St. Jean, St. Francis, Siduri (need appt), Ferrari Caranos (pretty), Gary Farrell, Arista. the best in my opinion were Papapietro Perry (fantastic Pinots), Pederson (nice cabernet), and Amphora (all were good). These three are small producers with no mass distribution. they are off of Dry Creek Road, look for the sign that says Family vineyards, and go up the hill to the parking lot. there are 5 or 6 small producers clustered there.
I may have left some out as I killed quite a few brain cels on this trip.
Enjoy!
May 15th, 2008, 09:42 AM
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The best local Healdsburg market would be Big John's... on the NW corner of Dry Creek and Healdsburg Ave... the north end of town. They have great cheeses, breads, ready made food, organic food......sort of our own local Whole Foods Market.
In town there is also Oakville Grocery. I think most of the restaurants will pack food to go. So you could pick up a meal at say Charcuterie (I know they will) and take it to your home and eat there.
Mid week you will also find prix fixe dinner's and no corkage fees on your own wine. Enjoy....
In town there is also Oakville Grocery. I think most of the restaurants will pack food to go. So you could pick up a meal at say Charcuterie (I know they will) and take it to your home and eat there.
Mid week you will also find prix fixe dinner's and no corkage fees on your own wine. Enjoy....
May 15th, 2008, 12:03 PM
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We were in Sonoma and Healdsburg this past March. I wrote a trip report, but as far as restaurants we liked all these a lot:
Sonoma: Girl and the Fig; General's Daughter
Healdsburg: Zin, Charcuterie, Farolito (a casual little Mexican place), Willi's Seafood
As far as wineries, the only ones we didn't like particularly were Dry Creek Vinyards and Schug. We loved:
Gloria Ferrar (sparkling and pinot noir was surprisingly good); Nicholson Ranch, Frank Family (excellent sparkling wines); Rombauer, Ledson, Chateau St. Jean, Landmark, Hook & Ladder, Hop Kiln, Selby, Rued (outstanding, big bold pinot noir, very atypical), White Oak, Robert Young.
Have a great time!
Sonoma: Girl and the Fig; General's Daughter
Healdsburg: Zin, Charcuterie, Farolito (a casual little Mexican place), Willi's Seafood
As far as wineries, the only ones we didn't like particularly were Dry Creek Vinyards and Schug. We loved:
Gloria Ferrar (sparkling and pinot noir was surprisingly good); Nicholson Ranch, Frank Family (excellent sparkling wines); Rombauer, Ledson, Chateau St. Jean, Landmark, Hook & Ladder, Hop Kiln, Selby, Rued (outstanding, big bold pinot noir, very atypical), White Oak, Robert Young.
Have a great time!
May 15th, 2008, 12:29 PM
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You might want to take a canoe trip from Forestville to Guerneville. Burke's Canoes rents and will take you back to your car by bus. It's a really fun way to spend a day.
Korbel is the champagne maker in the area and has a nice tour and a really pretty facility.
Rent bikes on the square in Healdsburg and just head out onto a back road. Be careful about riding and tasting. www.wineroad.com has great maps.
Korbel is the champagne maker in the area and has a nice tour and a really pretty facility.
Rent bikes on the square in Healdsburg and just head out onto a back road. Be careful about riding and tasting. www.wineroad.com has great maps.
May 15th, 2008, 12:30 PM
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Also, if you are a Visa Signature Card holder, they are currently running a special at many of the Sonoma Valley wineries giving you and a companion free tastings. Try this websitehttp://www.sonomawine.com/index.php?option=com_signature&task=guide&Itemid=1 39
May 15th, 2008, 12:30 PM
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I should add that Armstrong Redwoods just out of Guerneville is a fantastic grove of old grove redwoods. From there it's just a short drive to the Coast. Head north to Jenner and Fort Brag or south to Bodega Bay.
May 16th, 2008, 08:18 PM
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We are in the wine business and have spent a great deal of time in Napa and Sonoma. Just returned from a month in Kenwood,where we toured 40 wineries. If you want to see details of our visits go to www.vinorossoidaho.com
______________
**Looking for recs for dining $-$$$ (not too fancy, not planning on bringing dress or dress pants)
Both Valleys are very informal. No need for a dress or dress pants.
In Sonoma valley our favorite restaurants are Della Santinas in Sonoma (good Italian); Charcuterie in Healdberg and even though we did not go there we've heard that Cyrus is absolutely wonderful (probably $$$)
In Napa valley: I do not know much about the town of Napa itself but in the valley, Auberge du sole is one of the most romantic restaurants around. A little $$$ but a great lunch for your 5th wedding anniversary. Bouchon (owned by Thomas Keller, the owner of the french laundry) is a great bistro.
__________
**Great wineries (we love cabs, pinots, and champagne)
In Napa Valley: Stags leap Cabs are awesome. I think our best tours were... Shafer, Hartwell and Hall (not the one by St Helena but by appointment and up the hill from Auberge) Call a week ahead and try to get a private tour or sit down tasting. Hall has the most spectacular cave tasting room that I have ever seen.... really try to get into this place.
Champagne has to be Schramsberg. They are up by Calitoga and are probably the only maker in the area that still riddle by hand.
In Sonoma: I absolutely love Ferrari Carano. They have a new tasting room in the lower level and I thought the pourers were some of the best around... can answer any question and were charming. Ferrari itself has great grounds and a good retail room.
St Jean is a very historical and interesting winery that make very good cabs.
Personally I don't like Pinot much so can't make any recommendation there.
_________________
**Good grocery/markets to picnics and food for the cottage
Sonoma: Big Johns in Healdberg is wonderful (probably best in Sonoma valley) Glenn Ellen Market is also wonderful.
Napa: Sunshine Market in St Helena is great $$ Oakville Market is good $$$
______________
**Looking for recs for dining $-$$$ (not too fancy, not planning on bringing dress or dress pants)
Both Valleys are very informal. No need for a dress or dress pants.
In Sonoma valley our favorite restaurants are Della Santinas in Sonoma (good Italian); Charcuterie in Healdberg and even though we did not go there we've heard that Cyrus is absolutely wonderful (probably $$$)
In Napa valley: I do not know much about the town of Napa itself but in the valley, Auberge du sole is one of the most romantic restaurants around. A little $$$ but a great lunch for your 5th wedding anniversary. Bouchon (owned by Thomas Keller, the owner of the french laundry) is a great bistro.
__________
**Great wineries (we love cabs, pinots, and champagne)
In Napa Valley: Stags leap Cabs are awesome. I think our best tours were... Shafer, Hartwell and Hall (not the one by St Helena but by appointment and up the hill from Auberge) Call a week ahead and try to get a private tour or sit down tasting. Hall has the most spectacular cave tasting room that I have ever seen.... really try to get into this place.
Champagne has to be Schramsberg. They are up by Calitoga and are probably the only maker in the area that still riddle by hand.
In Sonoma: I absolutely love Ferrari Carano. They have a new tasting room in the lower level and I thought the pourers were some of the best around... can answer any question and were charming. Ferrari itself has great grounds and a good retail room.
St Jean is a very historical and interesting winery that make very good cabs.
Personally I don't like Pinot much so can't make any recommendation there.
_________________
**Good grocery/markets to picnics and food for the cottage
Sonoma: Big Johns in Healdberg is wonderful (probably best in Sonoma valley) Glenn Ellen Market is also wonderful.
Napa: Sunshine Market in St Helena is great $$ Oakville Market is good $$$
May 17th, 2008, 11:15 AM
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Yes, Cyrus IS wonderful! We have dined there twice now, both times were very memorable. The Dry Creek Kitchen is also very good in Healdsburg and a little less pricey, it is located in the Hotel Healdsburg where we enjoyed our stay.
In Sonoma (we were just there in March) check out the General's Daughter for a nice dinner, the girl and the fig was very nice for lunch when we were there. If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy breakfast in Sonoma, check out the Big 3 Diner @ the Sonoma Mission Inn, really yummy Lemon Cottage Cheese pancakes here.
Have a great time in the wine country! ***kim***
In Sonoma (we were just there in March) check out the General's Daughter for a nice dinner, the girl and the fig was very nice for lunch when we were there. If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy breakfast in Sonoma, check out the Big 3 Diner @ the Sonoma Mission Inn, really yummy Lemon Cottage Cheese pancakes here.
Have a great time in the wine country! ***kim***
May 19th, 2008, 11:28 AM
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My husband and I visited Napa and Sonoma to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary back in 1999. By far the most memorable event was a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards. It was exhillerating, breathtakingingly beautiful, and romantic. While the wine tastings and restaurants were all wonderful, it is the hot air balloon ride that we remember most. I think the company we used was called "Balloons over Napa" - or something similar.
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary!
May 24th, 2008, 01:38 PM
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In the Napa Valley, Schramsberg, Domaine Chandon and Mumms for champagne. Schramsberg is by appt (at least it was a few years ago). Mumms is a nice place to end an afternoon of wine tasting. It is on the Silverado Trail and has a nice view of the vineyards from the patio.
I 2nd the recommendations on Don Giovanni, Rutherford Grill and Bouchon. Both Don Giovanni and Rutherford Grill have outside seating.
In the town of Napa, if you're lookng for lunch, try Taylor's Refersher in the new Oxbow Market. It has great burgers - it even has a wine list! There is also the original Taylor's in St. Helena.
For wine tasting, I would suggest Trefethen. They have some great Cabs. Conn Creek Winery also offers several wonderful cabs.
In the Healdsburg area, I would suggest Dutcher Crossing, Wilson Family, Maurtison, and Bella for wine tasting.
Cyrus is a great restaurant. It is pricey, but worth it for a special occasion. Make your reservation before you leave for your trip.
Enjoy!!
I 2nd the recommendations on Don Giovanni, Rutherford Grill and Bouchon. Both Don Giovanni and Rutherford Grill have outside seating.
In the town of Napa, if you're lookng for lunch, try Taylor's Refersher in the new Oxbow Market. It has great burgers - it even has a wine list! There is also the original Taylor's in St. Helena.
For wine tasting, I would suggest Trefethen. They have some great Cabs. Conn Creek Winery also offers several wonderful cabs.
In the Healdsburg area, I would suggest Dutcher Crossing, Wilson Family, Maurtison, and Bella for wine tasting.
Cyrus is a great restaurant. It is pricey, but worth it for a special occasion. Make your reservation before you leave for your trip.
Enjoy!!
May 24th, 2008, 03:53 PM
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They have some really good wineries tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg...Lake Sonoma, and Rosenblum are two that have really good wine. Wine is so subjective and there are so many wineries all over the area...just stop in.
May 28th, 2008, 09:15 AM
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We visited Sonoma County in March. For sparkling wine, we absolutely loved Iron Horse. The tasting room was outdoors, and Shirley was pouring generous tastes while keeping us entertained with wonderful stories. I would have liked to have gone to J Winery to taste their sparkling, but there are only so many days in a vacation . . .
LOVED Papapietro Perry's wines. They only make Pinot Noir and Zin. We joined their wine club. Next time we'll visit all of the family wineries that are together at the top of that one driveway.
LOVED Papapietro Perry's wines. They only make Pinot Noir and Zin. We joined their wine club. Next time we'll visit all of the family wineries that are together at the top of that one driveway.
May 28th, 2008, 10:15 AM
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Too bad you changed your mind... you could have had the best of both worlds by driving up the coast and staying in the "southern wine country" (Paso Robles area). The wines are arguably better (or at least as good), and it's not nearly the limo bus madhouse of Napa/Sonoma. Something to consider for a future trip, anyway!
Mike
My travel blog: www.stricklandia.com
Mike
My travel blog: www.stricklandia.com
May 28th, 2008, 10:27 AM
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Domaine Carneros is a great stop for sparkling and Pinot Noir. They only offer flights that you purchase, but both the Still and the Sparkling flight are great. They have a perfect location half way between Napa and Sonoma if you are travelling that way.
Siduri was already mentioned above - they are in a warehouse in Santa Rosa and offer a bunch of wonderful Pinot Noir.
Siduri was already mentioned above - they are in a warehouse in Santa Rosa and offer a bunch of wonderful Pinot Noir.
May 28th, 2008, 10:45 AM
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We just visited Sonoma/Napa this past weekend. Domaine Carneros was our last stop on the 2nd day, and the grounds and scenery are beautiful. You sit outside at tables, and the wine educators come to you. We did the sparkling wine flight, but I wish I had done the Pinot b/c the sparkling wine didn't agree with my stomach.
Our favorite winery was probably Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma (on the way to Napa). Very personal service, and their reserve chardonnay was my favorite wine of the entire trip.
Others we visited were: Imagery and Benziger in Sonoma and Mondavi (for the tour), Peju (beautiful grounds), Plumpjack, and Artesa (just for the view) in Napa.
I don't know if you are set on staying 2 nights in Napa, but we much preferred Sonoma - smaller and more charm. We stayed at the Renaissance Lodge which is close to the square (they have a shuttle to take you there). Ate at El Dorado Kitchen and Girl and the Fig which were both delicious. Have fun!!
Our favorite winery was probably Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma (on the way to Napa). Very personal service, and their reserve chardonnay was my favorite wine of the entire trip.
Others we visited were: Imagery and Benziger in Sonoma and Mondavi (for the tour), Peju (beautiful grounds), Plumpjack, and Artesa (just for the view) in Napa.
I don't know if you are set on staying 2 nights in Napa, but we much preferred Sonoma - smaller and more charm. We stayed at the Renaissance Lodge which is close to the square (they have a shuttle to take you there). Ate at El Dorado Kitchen and Girl and the Fig which were both delicious. Have fun!!
