going to Napa California next month
 

We have a few restaurants that we want to try. Are there some wineries in the area that are particularly memorable? are there some that are so pretty we should just go look at it even if we don't do a tasting?

thanks

I don't have time right now for specific recommendations (I'll be back later this morning) but do note that most wineries require advance reservations so stopping by just to have a look-see doesn't really work. (But there are still some hold outs that don't)

What are your tastes in wine? What do you usually pay for what you would consider to be good wine.

Also examples of wine you enjoy would be helpful.

Castello di Amorosa and Beringer are memorable sights. Pine Ridge on the Silverado Trail has cave tastings.

Vinum Cellars is just south of Napa. They have been buying Chenin Blanc and Petite Sirah from us for over 20 years. Our Labrador is on their Petite Sirah label!

Vinum Cellars has complimentary tastings M-Th.

https://www.exploretock.com/vinumcellars/

sorry for the lack of clarity about wine preference. My partner's favorite is pinot noir and my favorite is chardonnay.

Vinum Cellars website

https://www.vinumcellars.com

For Chardonnay, check out Rombauer. They were just bought out by Gallo for $85 million.

I have been visiting Napa/Sonoma for many many years and visit 2-4 times a year. I rarely buy from Napa anymore, as I find the wines either really expensive or of poor value. The only winery in Napa that I do buy from every year is Rivers Marie. They have a tasting room near Calistoga and make excellent Chardonnays and Pinot and Cabernets. I think their tasting fee is $75. Prices unfortunately going up from when I first started buying 15+ years ago. I no longer buy their Cabernets as they are in the $120-$150 range now and although they are good and a decent value for Napa I can get better values with left bank Bordeaux. Their Chards and Pinots might start pricing me out soon although their Sonoma Chard and Pinot are quite good values at around $30. Generally Pinot and to some extent Chardonnay are better in Sonoma. More main stream winery destinations in Napa would be places like Mondavi and Beringer and Chateaux Montelena. Rombauer is a very popular chardonnay but not to my taste but if you like that style of wine I would certainly consider visiting.