Napa-Sonoma Wineries
 

We are going to be going to Napa-Sonoma area. Love red, hearty wines. Do any of you have any particular favorite wineries to see ? Thank you

May I suggest that you consider securing the services of a wine guide? The guide will listen to your preferences and will then escort you to wineries that meet your specifications, often to smaller, boutique wineries that you might miss on your own. Hiring a guide isn't terribly expensive, and making the most of time well-spent more than makes up for it.

We're very fond of BR Cohn in Sonoma. He was the manager of the Doobie Brothers. Great cabs. They also grow olives and press their olive oil there. Moose is their dog. A real sweetie. Also liked Cosentino in Napa with it's Cigar Zinfandel. Stopped for a picnic at Sawyer in Napa. Very small, homey place. Winemaker came out to talk with us as we picnicked and drank a bottle of their red. Merryvale in Napa has great reds. The wineries in the Dry Creek area of Sonoma are the friendliest price wise. Several still have free tastings--Lambert Bridge, Passalaqua and Dry Creek Vineyard. On the Silverado Trail we liked Duckhorn, Joseph Phelps (we had a coupon for a free taste of their $140 a bottle Insignia--check out the racks with the flyers at your hotel). Finally, Cliff Lede and several others in the Stags Leap area of the Silverado Trail in Napa have fantastic cabs. Enjoy.

First off, I'm jealous....

Was in Napa this past July and have two new favorites to recommend:

Joseph Phelps is not only great for the wines -- but beatuifully sited -- and well worthe the tasting fee (since they are usually tasting their reserves). Also, we stopped by one day and they couldn't accomodate us, so when we came back the next, they waved the tasting fee. If you go, try to taste the Mistral -- it is one of their more affordable bottles, but really is wonderful.

Also in Napa, though it is not hearty red -- I would check out Schramsberg -- they do only spaklings, but the tour of the caves and then the tasting was very special. And great sparklings!

In Sonoma I also have two thoughts...

One is Hop Kiln -- it is little known, but beautifully set in an old -- you guessed it -- beer making "barn" They have some nice Zins (which Sonoma is known for) but their best by far is the late harvest Zin (which is a perfect dessert wine for chocolate lovers!)

Also -- for the wine, not the setting -- try Ridge --it is on the northern end on Sonoma region -- but worth the trip for the Zins.

Enjoy! and my other advice would be to do a bit of reading in some wine guides before you go. The most "touristy" wineries are often not the best finds...

murphy-goode, chateau montelana (WONDERFUL! A MUST) really, you should just pick 2-3 and as you drive along you can stop where it strikes your fancy.

The Ledson winery in Sonoma is very nice. They have very unique wines and the property is very interesting. :D

We also enjoyed Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma. Valley of the Moon is interesting and Blackstone makes a really nice Reserve Merlot that won numerous awards. I also enjoy their Pinot Noir. ((r))

In Napa Valley, we enjoyed a comp Reserve tasting at Stags Leap, very nice wines there. Have a wonderful time and happy tasting! Cheers! ***kim*** ((L))

Napa: Another vote for Joseph Phelps... We did their blending class, and that was a lot fun. Also, Opus One is a must do, esp. if you love big reds. We also love Cakebread for both reds and whites. Swanson Vineyards provides a great boutique tasting experience with a seated tasting paired with some nibbles.

Sonoma: For reds, definitely check out Gary Farrell (excellent!) and Ledson has a great selection of reds as well. Kenwood for the awesome wines and views, also Ferrari-Carano for great grounds. J vineyards has great food/wine pairings.

Check out www.wineroad.com. SOme of the best wines from the Sonoma region are Zins and Pinot NOirs. Your will find both in the Russian River Valley and Dry Creek regions.

carneros creek winery, off the road that goes fromthe napa valley yo sonoma, has very good pinot noirs.