napa wineries
 

can anyone recommend several boutique wineries in napa to visit? we will have 3 days to tour wineries. we have previously been to cakebread and clos pegase. also, has anyone stayed at the villagio in yountville? thanks.

Stacey,<BR><BR>Try Chateau Montelena in Calistoga. The grounds are beautiful as well, with a French-style chateau and extensive gardens. We took the tour which was very nice. I've never been to Far Niente and Hess Collection (they also have a gallery on the premises) but they have a fairly small production and their wines are held in high regard. Other wineries which may be of interest are Silver Oak Cellars (which only produces Cabernet), Stag's Leap and Grgich Hills. Hope this helps!

My favorites are Silver Oak, Silverado (great views), Schramsburg (make an appointment; amazing caves!) John Ash in Yountville is a a must do restaurant; the French Laundry if you have $$ and all evening for a leiurely amazing round of courses.

Opus One @25.00 per tasting it was fantastic. A co-worker arranged it so unsure if walk ins allowed. If you have a high end wine merchant in your area, they can help you with VIP status. We did Silverado last year and it was quite special

Silver Oak, Trefethen, Stags Leap, Chimney Rock, Grgich Hills,St. Clement, Duckhorn,Folie a Deux, Frogs Leap. I would eat at Tra Vigne (because it's really true to its wine country roots) or at Greystone Cellars because it's the CIA. Not quite sure where I would want to stay (we go as a day trip)---Maybe the Wine Country Inn because of the great location or the Harvest Inn in St. Helena if you want a bit more posh. Watch your driving....the CHP surely is.

I stayed at the Villagio when it first opened about three years ago in February. The rooms were spacious and the spa was a welcome addition. There weren't a lot of additional services or gathering places at the hotel - almost a sterile atmosphere. I would certainly stay again as the location is convenient, but it's not on my top 10 list of favorite hotels. The French Laundry was amazing and worth the money. There's a champagne vineyard not far from Grgich Hills that had a wonderful terrace overlooking the vineyard that was the best of the wineries we visited. It's a lovely area, so I hope you have a great time.

My daughter stayed at the Villagio Inn and Spa about a month ago when she was on a trip with her dept. - she said it was wonderful...fireplace, sitting area, whirlpool tub, apples and free bottle of wine - King size bed...the company pd. so don't know the cost...they went on a wine tasting tour of the Cuvaison Winery....<BR>They both have websites...