I'm taking my husband to the Napa Valley for his 50th birthday next month along with another couple. We're staying at the Lodge in Sonoma. Have been told the following wineries are really great: Duckhorn, Opus, Mordvai, Markham, Cakebread, Silver Oak, Quintessa. Has anyone else visited them, is there a natural route to take from Sonoma to visit them, would a full day limo be advisable? On other trips, we've visited Ferrari, Benzinger, Glen Ellyn, Kunde, Chateau St Jean. Thanks!

Mondavi is fine= good tour..have not been to the others..

We did try a little tiny not too well know winery called Hans Kornell, that was great...

Hey cmeyer I am also planning a 50th bday trip for my DH next month!! Just not in Napa! I've stayed at the Lodge at Sonoma and we had a great cottage room. It was in the only 1 story cottage and right outside the pool area. The rooms that looked over the pool from the hotel looked very nice but the other rooms look over the parking lot or the road so make sure you get someone there on your side to get you a great room!!!

Before you leave town you might try Ravenswood which is a fairly sort drive from the town square. We had a great visit there. The staff was very helpful and they pour many wines. Have a great celebration.

Well, one of my best friends is a viticulturist at Silver Oak so I am slightly partial to that one. I haven't been to either but I love both Cakebread and Markham wines.

thanks everybody - I'm going to break out a map of the area and try to pinpoint where these are located and get a route of some sort figured out. Any great ideas on dinner (casual for Friday night and a little more upscale for Saturday...we're at Aqua on the thursday before this trip). Thx

I have been to Cakebread and Silver Oak. They are both good. I like Resgucci on Silverado Trail also. They have some great red wine but it is a little pricey (so why not try it!).

ttt - has anyone used a limo service to visit wineries? if so, suggestions on what service? thx

Someone sent us a glass of Resgucci Zin the other night while we were eating dinner(we had waited in line with him). YUM YUM YUM!!! You can apparently only buy these wines at the winery. I'd say it's worth a stop. I'm going to plan on taking a look/taste myself in the very near future.