+10000. I enjoy Sonoma much more than Napa, and it's a little more low-key (a good thing IMO). |
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I like Bistro Jeanty and Bouchon quite a bit.
Stop by Cornerstone Cellars in Yountville, I also like the Carneros location of Cuvaison. The views are gorgeous. Another favorite is Titus Vineyards, but they aren't really open to the public, you'd need to call and schedule a tasting. Corison is one of my favorites if you are into Cabs and Elizabeth Spencer has a lot of different wines, tiny tasting room though. If you want to spend a little money to do something fun, I love the AVA Blending Room at Conn Creek Winery. I want to say it runs about $100 per person and you get to make your own blended wine, which they'll send you home with a bottle of. That said, I'd go to Healdsburg instead and focus on Dry Creek Valley. Or even up to the Anderson Valley, love what some of the wineries up there are doing, particularly Tolouse, Philips Hill, Breggo...I prefer the pace in those areas to Napa. |
| We really liked cheese and wine tasting at Elizabeth Spencer. Also the olive oil tasting lunch at Round Pond was a nice break from drinking wine. |
| If you're lighthearted about wine, the tour at Frog's Leap is fun. It takes a couple of hours and is pretty limited. You'll need to call ahead for reservations. |
Can I go with you the next time you go? This is great advice. Esp. if you like Zinfandel--the Dry Creek Valley is heaven. Up in the Anderson Valley, the operations are smaller and humbler. You're more likely to find yourself talking to owners and winemakers instead of young staff in logo'd polo shirts. Like you imagine it; like it used to be. |
| Spend a few hours strolling around the main square at Sonoma -- nice shops/galleries, some wine tasting rooms, and lunch (or dinner) at the Girl and the Fig. Some spas there too if you want that. Makes a nice change from driving to winery after winery after winery in Napa. |
| Be sure to get a driver or make arrangements. |
| Go to yountville- tons of great restaurants that have already been mentioned. Definitely go to oxbow market |
| Bumping this for any additional tips. Heading to Napa in July for a couple full days. Booked a tour for one day, but want to craft our own itinerary for the second full day. I love the idea of biking around but is that realistic for someone who doesn't exercise much? lol. |
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Best winery tour (which is brief)/tasting I have ever done and amazing wine, to boot! Reservations required and I think it's $65. You basically get lunch included.
https://www.palmazvineyards.com/ |