Ok - since others are throwing in some specific Wineries - we loved quite a number of them during our many bicycling trips - back in in the 70's - and for a classic old line/historic place - Gundlach Bundschu by Sonoma was great - as was the BV/BeauLieu winery - which has the classic cellar - which made for a great tour.

And I think it was in St. Helena - we use to poach some fruit from the trees on the big lawn outside Christian Bros was it? - could have been Sterling? (the fruit was totally ripe and just falling from the trees - rotting on the ground). They had posted a small sign at edge of the big lawn which read: No Picnics.

One sunny afternoon - about six of us were enjoying sitting on some blankets - breaking out a little wine and cheese and salami - and some of the "available" fruit - when the little old guard on the far side finally noticed us and yelled out: What are you doing - you can't picnic there!!!

As he slowly started across the big lawn to shoo us away - he was further horrified when he saw we had picked some fruit, and said something like: What are you doing - you're not supposed to pick the fruit either.

We calmly climbed on our bikes and pedaled away - cheerfully waving and bidding him adieu.

I/we also loved the Chardonnay at Hanzell - the old Zellerbach estate - but it's been years.

see: http://www.gunbun.com/

http://www.bvwines.com/age_gateway?d...ion=node%2F100

http://www.inetours.com/PagesWT/WTareas/St_Helena.html

http://www.customwineconcierge.com/b...ne-experience/

BTW - if you haven't been to downtown SF - you might consider "Barting" in from SFO (BART - Bay Area Rapid Transit is like a Metro/subway - and that's assuming you don't aren't toting around heavy luggage).

I think you can do in an hour or less now? - and you could stay the night by Union Square - and then you can probably rent a car near there the next morning, whatever. You could also walk to nearby Chinatown and have Dim Sum for breakfast.

http://www.bart.gov/guide/airport/inbound_sfo.aspx

I second Tomsd's idea of renting the car in San Francisco rather than at the airport. Cheaper because you don't have to pay all those airport taxes. Also easier, since you don't need a car while you're in San Francisco.

We're going barrel-tasting in Sonoma, the annual events that happens every year in March! Woohoo!

Seja: You're quite welcome on the map! Enjoy your visit!

A word of thanks - my first trip to Napa was ah-mazing! We ended up staying near the SFO airport and taking the BART to Foreign Cinema a restaurant in the Mission District. Though pretty fast, clean and comfortable, the BART ticket prices are appauling. Score 1 for Chicago mass transit

We rented a car from the SFO airport the next day and headed out to Napa via the Golden Gate Bridge. Wow. She really is a beauty! We stayed at the Roman Spa in Calistoga for the entire week and it was well worth it. The most relaxing way to wine country is via Calistoga. We did a bike tour through wine country that was fantastic. Lets just say I was glad we rented the tandem. By the last winery I was only good to pedal not steer! I. Will. Be. Back.

Sejal_ShahMyers: "I. Will. Be. Back."

Oh, oh! We're in trouble now!

Glad you had a great trip! Please do come back soon! We have lots more wine country in this state than just Napa and Calistoga!