cat

DH and I are headed to San Fran on Monday. First stop is Bardessono in Yountville for 3 nights, then redwoods and Benbow Inn for 1 night, Mendocino for 3 nights and back to San Fran for 3 nights.

My question is, what do I do in Wine Country with my hubby who doesn't really drink wine? He can drink small quantities and enjoys the taste, but anything more than a glass seems to wreak havoc on his stomach. I personally think he has a slight intolerance to sulfites which has never been diagnosed. He seems to do much better with beer.

I on the other hand really like wine, I'm no expert, but I enjoy drinking it and discovering new wines etc. I do want to visit some wineries. I booked us for the Inglenook experience at the Coppola winery which I thought would be interesting because it focuses on more than just the wine.

Any suggestions on what to do to make this as much fun for DH as it will be for me? Are there beer tastings in wine country?

MmePerdu

For me, the food, the landscape and the upscale small towns are every bit as interesting (or more) as the wine. And the wineries tend to be estates that can be appreciated for other aspects that just happen to produce wine. I can't drink much and only white wine but still love visiting the area.

I haven't been there for years but you both may enjoy some pampering at Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort in Calistoga. Mud baths and massages, great fun. Have a look at drwilkinson.com.

DRJ

How good can it get? You've got a designated driver. Go for it!

Otis_B_Driftwood

Silverado Brewing Co. in St. Helena is a great spot for lunch. Napa Smith in South Napa makes some killer brews. Sadly, the small brewery at the Calistoga Inn is out of commission right now.

http://www.silveradobrewingcompany.com/

http://www.napasmithbrewery.com/

Sonoma and Mendocino Counties have even more craft breweries than Napa. And, if you visit Coppola's other winery in Geyserville, you can taste wine while your hubby sips some Lagunitas IPA out by the pool.

http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/

sf7307

>>

Who needs wine when you can have Lagunitas IPA instead?

biztravfod

When you go wine tasting, you don't swallow the wine. At least I don't. Does he also dislike the taste, or does he just think it is pointless or boring to learn about wine when he's not going to be drinking any?

Are you asking about other things to do in those places? What do you two typically enjoy doing together? Biking? Hiking? Dancing? Shooting Pool?

Tomsd

The whites have less sulfites than the reds.

Tomsd

Actually - that's not quite right. My mother in law could drink white wine but red gave her headaches. Might also be the nitrates?

Tomsd

And don't forget get the Tanins in the Red wine. Some people have an allergy/reaction to any one or all three of these.

cat

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I booked us some spa treatments and I'm sure we'll bike around and just enjoy the ambiance of the whole area. I am interested in the craft breweries Otis_B spoke of. We are headed to Mendocino after Yountville. Does anyone have specific info on which breweries to visit or where they are? I read someplace that there are some really good ones in the Anderson Valley, but can't find much info. Thanks!

Cat

sf7307

Did you google "mendocino craft breweries"?

cat

I did, but since I'm not familiar with the area, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on which breweries to visit etc. Has anyone been to Anderson Valley Brewing Co.? Is that a worthwhile visit?

Otis_B_Driftwood

Here are the Mendocino County Breweries

Anderson Valley Brewing Co. in Boonville

www.avbc.com

North Coast Brewing Co. in Fort Bragg

http://www.northcoastbrewing.com/

These two are in Ukiah which is out of your way unless you take Hwy 20 to Willits.

http://www.ukiahbrewingco.com/

http://www.mendobrew.com/

cat

I just looked up Laguinitas Brewery in Petaluma. That looks right up his alley.

cat

Thanks Otis_B!!

cat

MmePurdu, just looked at Dr. Wilkinson's. Pretty cool! We may give it a try.

Tomsd

Hope you both have a fun time and that you get to sample some good wine in addition to the brewskis.

november_moon

Lagunitas is heavy IPAs, which I don't care for, but for people who like them, I hear that it is heaven

North Coast in Fort Bragg is one of my favorite breweries. The Old Stock Ale and Brother Theloneous are lovely. When we were there last, they had a cask-conditioned Red Seal and that was pretty darned good too.

Anderson Valley brewing is great too - we didn't have as much fun tasting there as at North Coast, but their beer is good. I think it is the Brother David series that is an abbey-style ale. Good stuff.

Jean

Some repeat info, but here's a recent article on California's "best" craft beers.

http://www.sunset.com/travel/califor...0418000079221/

cat

Thanks again to everyone for the info and suggestions. We're leaving in the morning. Very excited and looking forward to a great time!!