We are looking for some wineries in the Napa/Sonoma area that may have tasting areas outdoors - not just inside? Do you know of any where you can do tastings and enjoy picturesque views at the same time?

I have been to both areas several times and don't recall any outdoor tasting areas but many wineries have outdoor areas where you can sit and have a picnic with a bottle of wine. Also, many have beautiful gardens to wander around in before or after tasting. Two that come to mind that I loved were Viansa and Ferrari Carano.
If you want to be somewhere where you are more into the outdoors/nature/ pastoral scenery, drive to Amador County. The wineries are all off of winding country roads in the Sierra foothills. It is beautiful and you feel much more out in the open even if you are inside a tasting room because you are surrounded by the vineyards and big hills right up to the buildings. I have been to Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo areas and done LOTS of tastings at many wineries and I still love Amador the most. It can also be done on the way to or from Lake Tahoe. It is a different wine tasting experience than the others because of the countryside. If you have more questions, let me know. I just got back from doing all of this for a week in March.

We had tasting outside at Joseph Phelps and Domaine Carneros. The tasting bars at Artesa and Gloria Ferrar were inside, but both had areas were you could take your glasses and sit outside enjoying the view. Most of the others we went to were inside, but had outside areas where you could picnic.

Both Napa and Sonoma (esp. Sonoma) have such beautiful views....and a lot of wineries have picnic areas, that you shouldn't base your choices on what wineries taste outdoors. Find some wineries that you are familiar with, and find some that you want to try...I highly recommend trying some of the smaller wineries. You will get amazing attention, and perhaps find some wines you would never find anywhere else! You will have a lot of the scenery/outdoors driving between wineries, and of course, a picnic lunch. So, don't limit yourself. Have a fabulous time. The wine country is a gorgeous area. Don't worry about picturesque views....you will get plenty! Again, don't limit yourself. Just have fun and enjoy some amazing wines!!!

looking for best places to taste pinot noir in Napa area - which wineries would offer the very best?

"If anyone orders Merlot, I'm so out of here!"

Etude's pinots are tasting well. If you make to downtown Sonoma, check out Enoteca (7-8 small wineries got togother to open a tasting room - good pinot). Mayo Family is accross the street but watch out for their high shipping charges.

Hi,
Definitely check out Mumm Napa Valley. Mumm produces champagne (sparklig wine). The tasting room is beautiful. It has all glass windows looking out. I believe there was a large patio also. We were there in March, it was too cool to go out, but I believe there was a patio. The tasting room, however gives you a beautiful view.