Hello- I will be in Napa for a day next week and need suggestions for wineries. Has anyone ever heard of the Spring Mountain district? If so what wineries should I visit in that area?

Pride Mountain Vineyards makes some of the finest cabernet/merlot/franc in the country today. Beautiful grounds whose vineyards straddle both Sonoma and Napa counties. The tasting room staff and the overall organization is something that many other wineries should emulate.

www.pridewines.com

Paloma Vineyard makes the best merlot in the country today. Bob Foley, is the winemaker for both Paloma and Pride.

www.palomavineyard.com

You must visit Sonoma as well. Less people, more character. I got married at Chateau Souverain 2 years ago. It is one of the most beautiful wineries! I also love Artesa and Ferrari-Carano. Just magnificent scenery!

I prefer Sonoma as well...but my favorite winery in Napa is Hess. They have an awesome art museum.

don't miss chateau montelana. it's the best.

Beringer has a great tour and the wine is excellent. Also try Coppola - Francis Ford Coppolas winery. It houses some of his movie memoribelia and again, the wine is very good.

I agree that Sonoma would also be my preference, but since we're in Napa...I would suggest Regusci (they also make great olive oil), Robert Sinsky (sp?) & Stag's Leap. If you like Italian varietals take a look at www.cal-italia.com.

I would avoid the huge ones like Beringer which cater to the masses. And for the millionth time, Coppola is now called Rubicon Estate and you pay 25 dollars to park your car. That's Napa for you. I would also avoid Stag's leap (too crowded) and go to a smaller winery which makes a good Cab in the same appellation, such as William Harrison. Regusci is excellent, too.