My husband and I are going to stay in Napa for two days on 6/23 and 6/24 and would like to know which winery tour to take besides Mondavi and Beringer vineyards. We prefer visiting some private and small winery and discover some new lables.

If you like champane, add Schramsberg to your list. You must reserve in advance. It's an excellent tour.

Some of my favorites were in the Stags Leap area. These included Stags Leap Winery, Robert Sinsky, Pine Ridge, and Chimney Rock. None of these had particularly impressive tours, but then you probably only want to take a couple winery tours anyways and the big places are fine. But all of these had excellent wines and nice tastings.

My advise is to only do one or two winery "tours." While they are excellent (particularly Beringers and may I suggest, Beaulieau Vineyard's tour), there is so much to see. You can stop in a few tasting rooms on the route to take in a few more places rather than being tied down to a tour.

I think the Stag's Leap district suggestions were excellent. I'd add Clos du Val to that list. Also, if you have your heart set on Mondavi, make sure you go across the street to at least see the Opus One Winery Building. Nearby is a street with two of my favorites, Silver Oak and Groth. Definately worth a stop as is the young Whitehall Lane winery.

When up north, if you visit Beringer, make some time to hit Freemark Abbey, Merryvale and St. Clement. You won't be disappointed.

Lucy,

As far as tours go, the sparkling wine tours are really terrific. Domaine Chandon in Yountville is excellent and I hear Mumm Napa is also very good.

I agree that you should only do a couple of tours. Domaine Chandon is more technical - how the wine is made. Whereas, Beringer (also a great tour)is more historical. Have a great time.

leslie

I second the nomination from Schraumsburg. They have really good champagne (it's served at presidential dinners) and the tour finished up with a tasting in their elegant tasting room is well worth it. Call the day before for reservations. Also, I agree that you won't want to do more than two tours tops. They really start to repeat each other, and you are better off just dropping in to tasting rooms that strike your fancy. Up by Beringer I like Folie a Duex, a truly small winery across the street. Also, V. Sattui has really good, distinctive, affordable wines that are only available at the winery. This place can be a zoo on the weekends, but I see you will be there during the week so you should be fine. They have cheese tasting there too, and great picnic grounds. My favorite wines of theirs are the Gamay Rouge (perfect light summer wine) and the Madeira.

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