We spent four days in Napa as part of trip to California. Before reading through reviews, here is a list of general tips:
Villa Murialdo Vacation Rental - Unit D - 2BR, 2BA
This unit features a full kitchen and washer and dryer set, which worked out perfect since we'd already been in California for four days and our friends had been in Wisconsin for a wedding several days before arriving to CA. It was nice to have the opportunity to wash our clothes because we had to pack much less than we would have otherwise. They also have wireless internet, a covered parking space for each unit, a styrofoam cooler and ice packs for picnics, and a small patio with grill.
Wineries
Castello di Amorosa This unique winery is owned by V. Sattui, who also has another winery in Napa that is well-known for its picnic areas and cheese selection. $33 pp gets you a tour and tasting. The place really is cool, and we loved going down into the wine caves. We had the opportunity to taste a Cab out of the barrell, which I'd always wanted to do. The tasting includes 5 different wines that you can select off of a menu, but if you are there with another person, you can choose 10 different ones to share for the tasting. Definitely worth a visit, and keep in mind that they only sell their wine there - no where else.
Reverie This 3000 case per year winery is located on Diamond Mountain Rd near Calistoga. This winery is by appointment only and free, but we got lucky enough to sneak in on a tour that had just started and met the owner along the way. Tastings occur throughout the tour. We bought a bottle of the 2008 Cab Franc. A tip on this one - they are only open 6 months out of the year so check with them before going.
Von Strasser $20 per tasting, and my husband and I were able to share. We were taken to their cave for the tasting so the air was nice and cool - very different than the 100* outside:) Yes, the place is pretty, but we didn't find anything notable enough to buy. This is also located on Diamond Mountain Rd, and is by appointment.
Peju Peju is one of our favorites from our trip to Napa in 2008. They released a 2006 Zin the day we were there - so good! Peju has a deal if you spend $35 on wine, they waive the $20 tasting fee. (2:1)
Whitehall Lane Good, quality wine. Very close to Peju and Cakebread on 29. No appointment needed. (2:1)
Cakebread This winery has pretty pricey wines, but it doesn't really seem worth the price to me. I don't recommend stopping here since there are far better wines and views available at other places.(2:1)
Elizabeth Spencer Small winery, but just OK wine. $20 per tasting.
Deerfield Ranch Winery - Sonoma - If you are looking for a really nice tasting environment, DRW offers tastings in its cave. The furniture is assorted - some set up with solid wood tables, other areas in little alcoves, and a few in a living room setting with couches and lush chairs. Very cool ambience, OK wine. (2:1)
St. Francis - Sonoma - We've had the wine from St. Francis before and decided to forgo tastings here, BUT the scenery is absolutely gorgeous and worth a stop for pictures alone! (2:1)
B.R Cohn - Sonoma - Fees are waived with purchase. BR Cohn has a good selection of wine, pretty property, and great olive oil that is harvested right from the property. We bought the unfiltered. (2:1)
Loxton - Sonoma - Very small vineyard with a winemaker that seems to be very involved. We met Chris today, and he was quite personable. Our friends loved Loxton's port. No tasting fee.
Ledson Winery - Sonoma - Wow! It's a beautiful castle-style building with fabulous woodwork, and the wine was A-Mazing! There was an $88 Zin that was absolutely to die-for. Definitely worth a stop! (2:1)
Restaurants
Grace's Table This was our first food stop after arriving in downtown Napa. We hit their happy hour that runs from 3-7 on Wednesdays (other days are 3-6). Very reasonably priced for the great quality! Four of us ate (I had a glass of wine) for $33 not including tip. The mac n cheese is really tasty!
1313 Main We went into this place because, as we quickly learned, Napa goes to bed early. All the other tasting rooms we tried were closed at 5. We weren't expecting this at all, but thankfully 1313 Main was open late! Each couple split a wine flight, and we enjoyed sitting out on their back patio talking. It is a lovely little place, and the prices are quite reasonable considering the quality of the wines.
Carpe Diem We visited Carpe Diem for their Happy Hour following a day of wine tasting. Very cool place and reasonable happy hour prices. We especially loved the wild mushroom flatbread and truffle oil popcorn. We do not recommend the jerk chicken tacos - not very good.
Other Things
Vintage Sweet Shoppe I found this place on Groupon, and it just so happens to be located really close to Villa Murialdo and is right next to the General Store on the river. We did their chocolate and wine pairing.
- Don't plan to visit more than 4 or 5 wineries in a day.
- If you can, download the eConcierges app on your droid or iPhone. There are a lot of 2 for 1 tasting discounts (they are denoted "2:1" on my reviews below).
- Split the tastings between two people if possible. If you taste by yourself, you risk getting too drunk too fast and not being able to continue to other wineries. For our 2 for 1's, we split them with another couple so four people tasted for the price of one. Great deal financially and very wise.
- Take snacks and water with you. Remember that protein (like a burger) is the best thing you can eat!
- Wine country is very casual - so jeans will probably be the nicest item of clothing you really need unless you are planning some really upscale jaunts.
Villa Murialdo Vacation Rental - Unit D - 2BR, 2BA
This unit features a full kitchen and washer and dryer set, which worked out perfect since we'd already been in California for four days and our friends had been in Wisconsin for a wedding several days before arriving to CA. It was nice to have the opportunity to wash our clothes because we had to pack much less than we would have otherwise. They also have wireless internet, a covered parking space for each unit, a styrofoam cooler and ice packs for picnics, and a small patio with grill.
Wineries
Castello di Amorosa This unique winery is owned by V. Sattui, who also has another winery in Napa that is well-known for its picnic areas and cheese selection. $33 pp gets you a tour and tasting. The place really is cool, and we loved going down into the wine caves. We had the opportunity to taste a Cab out of the barrell, which I'd always wanted to do. The tasting includes 5 different wines that you can select off of a menu, but if you are there with another person, you can choose 10 different ones to share for the tasting. Definitely worth a visit, and keep in mind that they only sell their wine there - no where else.
Reverie This 3000 case per year winery is located on Diamond Mountain Rd near Calistoga. This winery is by appointment only and free, but we got lucky enough to sneak in on a tour that had just started and met the owner along the way. Tastings occur throughout the tour. We bought a bottle of the 2008 Cab Franc. A tip on this one - they are only open 6 months out of the year so check with them before going.
Von Strasser $20 per tasting, and my husband and I were able to share. We were taken to their cave for the tasting so the air was nice and cool - very different than the 100* outside:) Yes, the place is pretty, but we didn't find anything notable enough to buy. This is also located on Diamond Mountain Rd, and is by appointment.
Peju Peju is one of our favorites from our trip to Napa in 2008. They released a 2006 Zin the day we were there - so good! Peju has a deal if you spend $35 on wine, they waive the $20 tasting fee. (2:1)
Whitehall Lane Good, quality wine. Very close to Peju and Cakebread on 29. No appointment needed. (2:1)
Cakebread This winery has pretty pricey wines, but it doesn't really seem worth the price to me. I don't recommend stopping here since there are far better wines and views available at other places.(2:1)
Elizabeth Spencer Small winery, but just OK wine. $20 per tasting.
Deerfield Ranch Winery - Sonoma - If you are looking for a really nice tasting environment, DRW offers tastings in its cave. The furniture is assorted - some set up with solid wood tables, other areas in little alcoves, and a few in a living room setting with couches and lush chairs. Very cool ambience, OK wine. (2:1)
St. Francis - Sonoma - We've had the wine from St. Francis before and decided to forgo tastings here, BUT the scenery is absolutely gorgeous and worth a stop for pictures alone! (2:1)
B.R Cohn - Sonoma - Fees are waived with purchase. BR Cohn has a good selection of wine, pretty property, and great olive oil that is harvested right from the property. We bought the unfiltered. (2:1)
Loxton - Sonoma - Very small vineyard with a winemaker that seems to be very involved. We met Chris today, and he was quite personable. Our friends loved Loxton's port. No tasting fee.
Ledson Winery - Sonoma - Wow! It's a beautiful castle-style building with fabulous woodwork, and the wine was A-Mazing! There was an $88 Zin that was absolutely to die-for. Definitely worth a stop! (2:1)
Restaurants
Grace's Table This was our first food stop after arriving in downtown Napa. We hit their happy hour that runs from 3-7 on Wednesdays (other days are 3-6). Very reasonably priced for the great quality! Four of us ate (I had a glass of wine) for $33 not including tip. The mac n cheese is really tasty!
All Seasons This little restaurant is located right in the heart of Calistoga, which was a perfect way to end our morning of wine tasting. The pulled pork was just alright, but the burgers are really juicy and tasty!
Small World Cafe Nice little stop in downtown Napa. Affordable Meditarranean faire and cute location.
Wine BarsSmall World Cafe Nice little stop in downtown Napa. Affordable Meditarranean faire and cute location.
1313 Main We went into this place because, as we quickly learned, Napa goes to bed early. All the other tasting rooms we tried were closed at 5. We weren't expecting this at all, but thankfully 1313 Main was open late! Each couple split a wine flight, and we enjoyed sitting out on their back patio talking. It is a lovely little place, and the prices are quite reasonable considering the quality of the wines.
Carpe Diem We visited Carpe Diem for their Happy Hour following a day of wine tasting. Very cool place and reasonable happy hour prices. We especially loved the wild mushroom flatbread and truffle oil popcorn. We do not recommend the jerk chicken tacos - not very good.
Other Things
The Model Bakery We had heard this place was great, so we stopped by after visiting Oxbow Market. Wonderful selection of baked goods and yummy looking sweets, but the best part was the marked-down pastries and cakes! I would imagine that afternoons are good time to stop by for some discounted goodness.
Vintage Sweet Shoppe I found this place on Groupon, and it just so happens to be located really close to Villa Murialdo and is right next to the General Store on the river. We did their chocolate and wine pairing.
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