Getting Around Napa/Sonoma While Drinking
 

My husband and I (about 30 yrs. age) are going to Napa & Sonoma this August for about 4 days after doing the Hwy 1 drive from LA to SF first. We were thinking of spending 1 day in Napa and 3 in Sonoma/Healdsburg area. Both of us would like to enjoy the wine without having to spit it all out, but not sure what the options are for hiring a car or taking other transportation. Is there any cheap option for the two of us to partake and still get around to the different wineries?

Would love any help narrowing down the following list of Napa wineries. We prefer reds much more than whites, and dislike dessert wines.

Far Niente (I've done before but husband hasn't)
Louis Martini
Frank Family Vineyards
Jarvis
Rombauer
Chateau Montelena
Charles Krug

"Is there any cheap option for the two of us to partake and still get around to the different wineries?"

Why, of course! Bicycles!

You have several options. One is to hire a car and driver and enjoy all the tastings you want. Another is to taste and spit, buying the wines that you most enjoy to savor later. Or finally take turns being the designated driver on your trip. Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful time and don't drink and drive.

I'm sure there are lots of car services available, but I don't know the pricing. We went with another couple and each took a turn being the designated driver for the day. We stayed at the Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg and absolutely loved it. The location was perfect for us - we wanted to be able to drink wine with dinner and not worry about driving home. There are several wonderful restaurants very close by within walking distance. If you are willing to splurge big time, try Cyrus. Also, there is a little grocery store across the square (can't remember the name right now) that is great for stocking up on cheese and crackers to keep in the car in case you need a snack during the day.

As for wineries, my favorites were Jordan, Quintessa, Bella and the Rubicon Estate. I don't know much about wines, but I thought these wineries were all beautiful and offered great wines. We also enjoyed Simi and Peju, but the grounds were not much to look at.

Have a wonderful time!

Well, if you decide to splurge -
http://ccwinetours.com/

You won't have any problems if you space out your tastings and eat something at each winery. And drink plenty of water. Most wineries don't pour enough to get you inebriated. You have to work at it for that to happen or perhaps you have a very low tolerance.

I wouldn't bicycle if you are worried about drinking too much. Riding a bike in the heat on busy or narrow roads is not safe unless you really know what you are doing.

If you are really concerned, hire a limo.

Thanks for all your replies thus far on the driving issue. We will keep looking for a budget care hire, but if it's still too expensive, we'll just spit or space out and eat in between.

Does anyone have any comments on the prospective wineries in Napa? We wanted to get a wide range of experiences with a leaning towards good reds. I think we will spend one full day in Napa and three in Sonoma. Open for suggestions on Sonoma wineries as well! I definitely want to hit Rodney Strong as that is one of my favorite Cabernets.

Far Niente
Louis Martini
Frank Family Vineyards
Jarvis
Rombauer
Chateau Montelena
Charles Krug

Do not bicycle in Napa..especially while drinking wine..too dangerous!
Tons of car services but we go to 3-4 wineries and we are fine to drive..at least I think so ;)

Rombauer
Silver Oak
Robert Sinskey
Joseph Phelps

Chateau Montelena is a bit off the beaten track from most of the Napa wineries. I do think it's pretty but I was (much to my surprise) not all that crazy about their wines.

Frank Family(Disney) does generous pours. I actaully liked their reds better than their sparkling or their whites.
They are on the "beaten path" of Napa Valley wineries

Rombauer and Sinsky are on the Silverado Trail. Sinskey is nicely done and I also like their pinots.

Rombauer has just about my favorite chardonnay.

As I have written other times on this site, I also recommend a visit to Failla. It is on the Silverado Trail and you will need reservations. It's easy to get them. You sit in a small living room of what used to be a home(the owner of CIndy's Backstreet Kitchen, Go Fish, Mustards etc). It is a very small operation but does have good wines.

I also suggest Stag's Leap.

And I whole heartedly agree you should dine at Cyrus.

I find that after a certain amount of tasting, my taste buds are just numb anyway, and everything starts to tase alike.

I don't let them pour very much. Usually you will get about a third of a glass and if you drink it all and taste three or four wines and every winery, it's pretty easy to get a buzz. I also have no problem with spitting and pouring out.

Luckily, my SIL doesn't drink, so she's always the driver for my brother and me.

Hi PamSF..
You have great taste in wine!
There is something about the Rombauer Chard that is in a class all its own..
Silver Oak just opened in late September the new tasting room..you get a wine glass with the purchase of the tasting which is always nice.

You have named some wineries that you will need to make an appointment to visit. Check their web pages so you won't be disappointed.

If you like Far Niente you will like Nichel and Nichel.
http://www.nickelandnickel.com/

William Harrison makes excellent reds, no appointment needed:
http://www.whwines.com/index.html
Small, fun tasting room on the Silverado Trail.

You can taste lots of exceptional wines at Cult Wine Central next to Oakville Grocery such as Pahlmaeyer, Showket, Hoopes:

http://www.cultwinecentral.com/

You could stay there all day and not drive anywhere.

My 30 something's favorite wine is Turnbull:
http://www.turnbullwines.com/turnbull/index.jsp

And I am partial to Rutherford Grove's Howell Mountain Cabernet: http://www.rutherfordgrove.com/

Bring your water bottle, crackers, and food to eat in the car and as someone said, fill up before hitting the wine road!

If you are staying in Napa, be sure to check out your hotel for wine tastihng coupons.

I like the following site because it has a map with all the Napa Wineries on it. When you click on the winery name it gives you information about the winery including their web page:
http://www.napavintners.com/wineries/

We were rear-ended in the Robert Mondavi parking lot by a small car with 2 bicycles in a bike rack on the back. The bikes were SMASHED (and I suspect so was the driver!)They drove away without getting out of their car. We had a big plastic bumper and just a little scratch, so no big deal....we let it go. I think considering the drinking & driving issue beforehand is wise... and look out for others! :)
Have a wonderful trip!

DH and I split the tastes. That is, we share the same glass and thus can taste w/o spitting and w/o over-imbibing b/c we are only consuming half of each tasting.

I agree about http://www.napavintners.com/wineries/ it is a great site, i often go to it for information. I also often visit www.econcierges.com to print free tasting offers and discounts for hotels and restaurants. Ratings and reviews along with the winery videos help me decide where i want to go and where i want to stay and most importantly what i should avoid. You can also split a tasting as above post says.

Whatever you do, do not drink and drive - simply do not. Both Napa and Sonoma counties are cracking down on drivers who do this and while I may be gun shy (wine shy?) because I was in a head on collision w/a young woman who had been drinking (yes we all survived, my S/O was unscathed, I was beaten up - eight broken ribs, scapula, collarbone; and the young woman who hit me had major internal injuries but survived), it is much less expensive to pay $300-$600 for a wine tour than get booked for DUI/DWI, perhaps have your car impounded, and very possibly serve a jail term!

OK, now that I have the negative out of the way - definitely go to Frank Family - a bit over the top with tourists, but some great Zinfandels. Of the others, none are really that much of an appeal. Depending upon which red wines you like, I would go to:
- Trespass (www.trespassvineyard.com) - they are making some great French styled wines.
Outpost - which is way off the beaten path outside Angwin
- Tres Sabores - great Zins
- Brown Estate - again, great Zins!
- Spring Mountain - real dog and pony show here and they specialize in Cabernet - but worth it - they filmed the old TV show "Falcon Crest" but don't like you to ask about it!
- Barnett - another specialty Cabernet producer.

Just my two cents worth - think you get a real feel for the Napa Valley with the above - all are off the beaten path and all give you great service and tours. Also note that you won't be able to hit all the wineries in one day - probably a maximum of three or four.

As far as Sonoma - Sonoma is larger than Napa and a lot more ground to cover but there are some charming wineries in Sonoma as well:
- Glen Lyon in Glen Ellen makes some killer Syrahs.
- Deerfield Ranch outside Sonoma
- Robledo just west of Sonoma town does great red wines
- Little Vineyards just outside Sonoma town
- Bella in Healdsburg some great Zins
- Harvest Moon between Healdsburg and Forrestville

And, if you do decide to take a tour, I would call "Magnum Tours." www.magnumwinetours.com The owner, Jim Dolen and one of his drivers, Keith Fielder, have given us several spectacular wine tours. In Sonoma town and environs, Eric at Vintage Wine Tours of Sonoma will treat you well!(www.vintagewinetoursofsonoma.com)

PS: I will also note that I am not associated in any way with any of the above wineries or wine tour business(es). We have just traveled frequently to Napa/Sonoma and these are my personal thoughts - the recommendations are mine and mine alone and I am not doing this to drum up business for anyone, simply offering an honest opinion. I put this caveat here because there have been some questions on this forum in the past about "self-promotion." I can assure you that is not the case here! We just like Wine Country.

Thanks to all for your great suggestions! Especially about splitting a tasting. I hadn't thought of that. We will be doing more research now on all the suggested wineries, but hope to post what we end up doing soon for more comments. Many thanks again!

How about a Fire Truck?

http://www.bigredengine.com/

http://www.inwinecountry.com/?cat=61...=189#VideoList

on splitting of wine tasting..we have been to many and the last couple of wineries, my wife asked if we could split and they said NO..
maybe the smaller ones do it or now with the economy..they have coupons that you can download for 2 for 1 and other offers.

They cannot stop you!! I have never had them say no, but if they do, smile sweetly and then only *one* of you chooses to participate in the tasting. I dare them to tell you that you cannot share your taste w/your companion!!! :)

I second Frank Family. In addition to the nice Rombauer wines, their tasting room is in a nice setting. Trefethen makes some nice red wines as does Conn Creek.

Depending on your destination in Sonoma, if you take Hwy 12 from Napa to Sonoma stop at Ledson. The winery is in a "castle" and they make very good red wine. In the Dry Creek/Russian River wine area of Sonoma (near Healdsburg), the Maurtison and Wilson Family wineries are worth a visit.

going into a winery and asking to be charged for one and that you will be splitting is not acceptable..they have told my wife, who is a force to be reckoned with a 'we prefer that you do not'..they explained that if everyone did that, how would they all make there money?
Just like a split charge at a restaurant.
We understood their point and sucked it up and payed the $25 per person fare..they poured heavy for us and gave us extra wine glasses..
Lots of 2 for 1 coupons out there..

<i>Just like a split charge at a restaurant.</i>

I have no idea what the protocol is for wineries (I didn't even know they charged for tasting, that's how long it's been since I've been in one), but we split plates in restaurants all the time, and have never had a complaint. In fact, most places have split the dish in the kitchen, and plated it x2 by the time it gets to us, which we really appreciate.

Why not just pay for one and drink out of the same cup?

sf..
going rate for tasting these days is about $20-$30 per person..I go on-line to the wineries and print out the 2 for 1 coupons if applicable.
hey, I would love if they would let you split but we tried..maybe, its different since we were just there last September.
We watched as others tried to do that and they were shot down.
We love splitting things at restaurants since they give out so much but there is usually a split charge of $5-$10..depending on establishment.

<i>We love splitting things at restaurants since they give out so much but there is usually a split charge of $5-$10..depending on establishment.</i>

True sometimes, but I'd rather pay $5.00 for them to serve and wash the extra dishes, than $40 for an entree I can't eat!! Same goes for wine :-)

sf..
I'm right there with you..I just don't make the rules on the winery split and maybe some wineries are more adamant then others..I just happen to catch most of them.
Another thought is they have appt's for most and since space is pretty tight, they are maximizing on space and cost issues..
We spent a good amount of money on tasting..we asked if our tasting would apply to a couple bottles of wine bought and they said no..case yes!
Understand on one bottle but 2-4 bottles at $30-50 each.
Good question for a wine board or a wine-o like Kal!
;)

Wow, ksucat, I don't know which wineries you have gone to---apparently there is a whole echelon way above the ones I know!! The vineyards we frequent along Dry Creek Road and in other areas in Sonoma mostly don't charge at all for tastings and they *all* waive the fee if you purchase wine. We don't split to save money, but rather not to get hammered!! :)

Going along the Silverado trail in Napa..Rombauer, Silver Oak, Joseph Phelphs, Hess, Nickel & Nickel, Coppola..

Next time we are headed to Sonoma and save the money buying the bottles of wine, instead of the tasting room!
((D))

ksucat, we always go with one tasting that Mrs. MileKing and I share and have never had a problem, including at some of the wineries you mention. And almost all wineries will apply the tasting charge against any purchases. I am very surprised by your experience.

lil247, head on over to Mazzocco in Sonoma for excellent Zin. I also recommend Styker.

Hey MileKing..
Been doing the same wineries for years and they are not going to apply a $50 tasting to a bottle or two of wine..I've asked and they will on a case but mostly off on a % (not against any purchases)
Keep in mind that appointments and tasting for dollars has really increased in the last 5 years..
I guess I need to get out to the lesser known places in Sonoma..

Stop telling people how great Sonoma and the Dry Creek area is. Pretty soon they will be so crowded they'll be just like Napa!!!!! :D My brother just sent me up a case of 2006 Cabernet from Mazzocco. It's delish, I'm finishing a glass now. Their Zins are great too. The people that own Wilson (another favorite) bought Mazzocco. They have great wine makers. They have one other winery, I think it's Matrix. All good wines.

Looks like we will have to feel out each winery to see if the 2 for 1 is "acceptable" at least for Napa. I don't foresee running into issues in Sonoma... Thanks for the additional advice! We are in the middle of moving unfortunately, so have not been able to finish the trip planning at the moment, but plan on getting back on track, next week! :) Mazzacco sounds heavenly. Is it bad I'm at work and can only think about a good red wine?

Posh tosh. I have never had a winery tell me I couldn't split a tasting. Why even ask? Just pay for one tasting and share.

What I have run into lately is that wineries charge for a tasting, provide you with a souvenier glass to take home, thus eleminating their washing of the glass and then not give you your tasting fee off on a bottle of wine. I have found fewer and fewer wineries that will waive your tasting fee if you buy a bottle. Times are tough.

I can see if you are at a winery by appointment that they would frown on splitting a tasting.

If you find a winery you really like, join their wine club and your tasting will be free and you will get a discount on wines you purchase. Then you can cancel your membership at any time, however, we never do. lol