My husband and I are planning a trip next week to Napa and are looking for a couple fabulous boutique wineries that may not be as well known as others. Big Cabs and Merlots are high on the list, of course.If it matters we are staying at Napa Valley Lodge. I have seen some great responses from the Fodorites regarding dining, I'm sure you all will come through in the clutch ! Thank You

I would recommend Freemark Abbey, in St. Helena. www.freemarkabbey.com They were recognized in Wine Enthusiast for having the #1 Viognier in the world! (The only one on the list for Viognier.) Cheers! ***kim***

Ah, yes the Mustard is blooming...
Bring us a round of dry weather won't you!
First stop in Yountville should be
Groezingers Wine shop. They can give you the latest and greatest tips.
A trip over to the Bounty Hunter
Wine Bar and Shop in Napa is a definite.

My favorite boutique wineries over in Napa: (some are old faves and some I add as I find them on any given day
Super Cab's and Merlot's
Turnbull
Ggrich Hill
Robert Sinskey
Chimney Rock
Heitz Cellars
Duckhorn is worth a stop.

Had one of the best meals ever at
Martini House (St.Helena)2 weeks ago.
In Yountville: Hurleys, Napa Valley Grill, maybe one of Jeanty's.

Cindy's Backstreet kitchen is where I keep ending up for lunch-though I had a fine meal at Market-both in St. Helena.

In Napa town I would certainly seek out Celedon, Pearl and get there before it gets famous-Budo.
Welcome!
R5

OOOpppss, I meant Grgich
and By The Way....
>>>>>>>My husband and I are planning a trip next week to Napa and are looking for a couple fabulous boutique wineries that may not be as well known as others. Big Cabs and Merlots are high on the list<<<<<<<

Uh, Kim, Viognier is a WHITE wine.
Just wanted to clarify.
R5

Thanks for all the great information. I really appreciate you guys sharing your knowledge and experience. By the way what is the Mustard Festival all about?

Here you go:
http://www.mustardfestival.org/about/
R5

Is a Boutique Winery the female version of a Dude Hunting ranch?

I thought "boutique" was some sort of ghostwood.

We liked the very funky Van der Heyden Vineyards. Big regular Cabs, Late Harvest Cabs and a decent Merlot.
Located off the Silverado Trail north of Trancas/south of Oak Knoll.

The other one we like is Noah's. Good Merlots, Cabs and a good Zin..plus Mrs Kal says the "Noah Boys" (Noah and Alan) are easy on the eyes. Hmmmm. Wonder what that means? :-?

One of our favorites is Quintessa. I believe they charge $25.00 to taste, but it is wonderful.

pattyd1, you will love dining in Napa Valley, I don't really think there's a bad place in the entire area!

My faves are: Auberge du Soleil, Domaine Chandon, Bistro Jeanty, Terra, Tra Vigne and Taylor's Refresher. In May I want to try: Martini House, Cindy's and possibly Pere Jeanty. Cheers! ***kim***

Had a '73 Mayacamas Napa Cab on Valentine's Day - almost the equal of the very great '74 (only one of those left now).
The winery was stunning years ago.
Did a google and the Wine Skinny was very positive.
M

Since some of the Posts don't in my opinion all list "Botique Wineries" I will give you a suggestion of a couple of our favorite smaller wineries:

1. Whitehall Lane in Rutheford
2. Stags Leap Wine Cellars

Big Cabs - How about Opus One, Silver Oak?

Or how about a place with 11 wineries all small - some award winning! I really like Howell Mountain...

A Dozen Vintners: 3000 St. Helena Highway N., St. Helena. 707-967-0666. Tasting 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Serving the wines of Adams Ridge Winery, Destino Wines, Domaine Charbay, Eagle and Rose Estate, Fife Vineyards, Howell Mountain Vineyards, Koves-Newlan, Lamborn Family, Livingston-Moffett, Reverie, Spelletich Cellars and von Strasser. www.adozenvintners.com

We found a little winery called GooseCross on our last trip - a great little place, only sell directly from the winery and through a few restaurants. nice variety - our limo driver knew about it and took us there. Duckhorn, Cakebread, Silver Oak,Chimney Rock, StagsLeap, markham are all nice. I really like the atmosphere at Ferrari Carreno for glitz and if you like a little more down home type of place,Benzinger is fun.

Once again thanks for the great suggestions. I am taking notes on all of it. This board beats any travel book by far. Don't think I will ever waste my money on one again. ( No offense Fodors.) Keep the info coming please.

Not boutique, but V. Sattui has some very nice Gamay Rouge there and I believe there is no fee for tastings here. Cheers! ***kim***

August Briggs in Calistoga, great wines and no charge for tasting. No appt. needed either.

"Big Cabs and Merlots are high on the list..."

"..V. Sattui has some very nice Gamay Rouge..."

"[u]uh[hhh]" (you stole my line R5) you do know the difference don't you, kimamom?

UUHHHHH, Twice in one thread ???
It's not looking like
she does know does it ?
R5

TTT for Pam SF.
R5

Heard on a morning talk show that the winery used in the movie "Sideways" was the Fess Parker winery - but they didn't want them to use the name. The faux name had a very interesting origin...