We booked this trip with another couple. He works in the alcohol distribution industry so we had the unique opportunity to get up close and personal at a couple wineries, denoted with *.
We flew into Sacramento non-stop on Southwest - yay for non--stop!! Very easy airport to fly into and out of, and the traffic isn't nearly as bad as coming into SFO.
Lodging
Years ago, we stayed at Villa Murialdo with other friends, so we knew how convenient it is to downtown Napa. We booked the 2-bed, 2-bath option - Unit A. It's updated and VERY clean and well-stocked. I would 100% stay here again. There are 2 parking spots in the driveway per unit, so there is no need to fight for parking. It's a very short walk to the River Inn and Vintage Sweet Shop if you are looking at a map.
Here is the review our travel partner submitted to VRBO:
"For starters, Keith was an excellent host! Before we left for our trip he was in touch with me to see if I had any questions or needed any recommendations about Napa.
He sent a text the day of our arrival to ensure made it ok and did not have further questions.
This property was very clean, modern and had everything we needed for stay. The location was ideal for walking to the downtown Napa area for meals if we did not want to stay in.
We went to Napa with another couple and finding a place with 2 bathrooms that was affordable, during a busy holiday weekend was a challenge, but this place met and exceeded any expectations I may have had going into it.
In the end, we were able to find a perfect place and have a great weekend free of problems or hassles. Highly recommend this property and when we go back to Napa, we will definitely check with Keith for availability before we look anywhere else."
Wineries
Napa
Newton* - Absolutely gorgeous place and worth it if you are looking for 1 or 2 winery splurges. The gardens are beautiful and the views breathtaking. The wine is very good but on the pricier side. Because of the price-point, I don't see it ever feeling too crowded or busy. We had a very nice visit.
The Terraces - Still partial because it feels so homey every time we visit. Timm and Dom are making great wines, and they looking to be experimenting with a hard cider in the near future. Definitely schedule a visit if you are planning to be on Silverado Trail.
Peju - Love the wine, but the host you are with during the tasting can really affect the experience. Most times, it's great, but this time not as much so. It wasn't bad, but it felt a bit rushed and too professional. Remains one of our go-to's though, so don't hesitate to stop - no reservation necessary.
Raymond - We fit Raymond in first thing in the morning before heading to Newton so we were in a bit of a hurry. I'd really like to visit again when we have more time.
Von Strasser / Lava Vine - We had visited both Von Strasser and Lava Vine when they were separate entities and don't recall being super impressed by either. At our first winery of the day, we asked where would be a good place to eat our picnic lunch, and our host recommended VS/LV. I called and confirmed that their picnic area is on a first-come basis and free with no bottle/tasting requirements. The location is off of Silverado Trail but very simple and not much a view to speak of.
The Lava Vine tasting room is now roomier than before, but we chose to sit outside since the weather was great. The wine from both of these lines is still only OK, so I don't recommend a stop here - far better options elsewhere.
Heitz - This was a layover between lunch and Terraces, where we had a 3:30 appointment. Our friend opted for the more expensive tasting so that he could try the "Martha's Vineyard" wines. Hubs and I opted for the cheaper one. We bought a bottle of the Grignolino, because it's unique, and that's how we roll sometimes. The port was a cool split between Ruby and Tawny - just don't need more in the house... So, if you have time, it's a nice stop. The back porch is super chill!
Storybook Mountain - I can't get their website to pull up from any device so just use Yelp or Trip Advisor as your reference. We called that morning and scheduled a last-minute appointment. We knew we wanted scenery and something far north of the valley. This winery fit the bill! Still family-owned, which is going to be a bit harder to find in the future, so take advantage now! We had a very nice tour with Rick, the son-in-law and sales rep. The wine is good - mainly zins - which we love. The cave system is cool to experience, and the farm is just adorable. They were very close to losing EVERYthing in the 2017 fires but fared OK. Please, do yourself a favor, and visit this quaint, quiet, little piece of heaven north of Calistoga.
Domaine Chandon* - Definitely a corporate feel, but it's one of the few sparkling wine houses in Napa and Sonoma, so worth a visit. There are a LOT of options for your visit - bar, snack plates as you find a seat somewhere, full bottles out under the trees, or just a glass of wine. The property is quite large, and we had a great tour with Aaron. Very knowledgeable and welcoming. Recommend if you like bubbles and are looking for a quiet afternoon.
Sonoma
DeLoach - We started our day here. Very different atmosphere than Raymond and Buena Vista. Both the inside and the outside terrace are inviting and relaxing. Deb was a gracious host, and the wines very good. It's a bit of a drive from Napa, but worth it to explore this area of Sonoma.
Porter Creek - Small winery off of Westside Rd (the southern base of it), which has a very little tasting room. It's almost like a shed, and it felt a bit crowded with 8 people. Jonathan was entertaining and knowledgeable and handled the little girls in the tasting room well. People, leave the kiddies at home!
Martin Ray - We chose this one based on the recommendation from our DeLoach host. Because it was Labor Day weekend, and in the heart of harvest, Martin Ray was running a "have a tasting and get a cheese and charcuterie board" deal. They also have a brick oven outside, and you can order pizza and buy wines by the glass. The property is gorgeous, the pizza good, and the wines delectable. You could easily spend an afternoon with friends here.
Buena Vista - Whew, very crowded over a holiday weekend, especially in the afternoon. There were quite a few families with kids hanging out at tables on the sprawling patio area, but I didn't really see kids inside. Unlike our first visit here, we just did a tasting - no tour. The winery is pretty and a bit off the beaten path - good for a stop if you are in the area.
We flew into Sacramento non-stop on Southwest - yay for non--stop!! Very easy airport to fly into and out of, and the traffic isn't nearly as bad as coming into SFO.
 |
| Zinfandel grapes just before Harvest at Storybook Mountain. |
Years ago, we stayed at Villa Murialdo with other friends, so we knew how convenient it is to downtown Napa. We booked the 2-bed, 2-bath option - Unit A. It's updated and VERY clean and well-stocked. I would 100% stay here again. There are 2 parking spots in the driveway per unit, so there is no need to fight for parking. It's a very short walk to the River Inn and Vintage Sweet Shop if you are looking at a map.
Here is the review our travel partner submitted to VRBO:
"For starters, Keith was an excellent host! Before we left for our trip he was in touch with me to see if I had any questions or needed any recommendations about Napa.
He sent a text the day of our arrival to ensure made it ok and did not have further questions.
This property was very clean, modern and had everything we needed for stay. The location was ideal for walking to the downtown Napa area for meals if we did not want to stay in.
We went to Napa with another couple and finding a place with 2 bathrooms that was affordable, during a busy holiday weekend was a challenge, but this place met and exceeded any expectations I may have had going into it.
In the end, we were able to find a perfect place and have a great weekend free of problems or hassles. Highly recommend this property and when we go back to Napa, we will definitely check with Keith for availability before we look anywhere else."
Wineries
Napa
Newton* - Absolutely gorgeous place and worth it if you are looking for 1 or 2 winery splurges. The gardens are beautiful and the views breathtaking. The wine is very good but on the pricier side. Because of the price-point, I don't see it ever feeling too crowded or busy. We had a very nice visit.
 |
| Newton Vineyards |
The Terraces - Still partial because it feels so homey every time we visit. Timm and Dom are making great wines, and they looking to be experimenting with a hard cider in the near future. Definitely schedule a visit if you are planning to be on Silverado Trail.
Peju - Love the wine, but the host you are with during the tasting can really affect the experience. Most times, it's great, but this time not as much so. It wasn't bad, but it felt a bit rushed and too professional. Remains one of our go-to's though, so don't hesitate to stop - no reservation necessary.
Raymond - We fit Raymond in first thing in the morning before heading to Newton so we were in a bit of a hurry. I'd really like to visit again when we have more time.
Von Strasser / Lava Vine - We had visited both Von Strasser and Lava Vine when they were separate entities and don't recall being super impressed by either. At our first winery of the day, we asked where would be a good place to eat our picnic lunch, and our host recommended VS/LV. I called and confirmed that their picnic area is on a first-come basis and free with no bottle/tasting requirements. The location is off of Silverado Trail but very simple and not much a view to speak of.
The Lava Vine tasting room is now roomier than before, but we chose to sit outside since the weather was great. The wine from both of these lines is still only OK, so I don't recommend a stop here - far better options elsewhere.
Heitz - This was a layover between lunch and Terraces, where we had a 3:30 appointment. Our friend opted for the more expensive tasting so that he could try the "Martha's Vineyard" wines. Hubs and I opted for the cheaper one. We bought a bottle of the Grignolino, because it's unique, and that's how we roll sometimes. The port was a cool split between Ruby and Tawny - just don't need more in the house... So, if you have time, it's a nice stop. The back porch is super chill!
Storybook Mountain - I can't get their website to pull up from any device so just use Yelp or Trip Advisor as your reference. We called that morning and scheduled a last-minute appointment. We knew we wanted scenery and something far north of the valley. This winery fit the bill! Still family-owned, which is going to be a bit harder to find in the future, so take advantage now! We had a very nice tour with Rick, the son-in-law and sales rep. The wine is good - mainly zins - which we love. The cave system is cool to experience, and the farm is just adorable. They were very close to losing EVERYthing in the 2017 fires but fared OK. Please, do yourself a favor, and visit this quaint, quiet, little piece of heaven north of Calistoga.
Domaine Chandon* - Definitely a corporate feel, but it's one of the few sparkling wine houses in Napa and Sonoma, so worth a visit. There are a LOT of options for your visit - bar, snack plates as you find a seat somewhere, full bottles out under the trees, or just a glass of wine. The property is quite large, and we had a great tour with Aaron. Very knowledgeable and welcoming. Recommend if you like bubbles and are looking for a quiet afternoon.
Sonoma
DeLoach - We started our day here. Very different atmosphere than Raymond and Buena Vista. Both the inside and the outside terrace are inviting and relaxing. Deb was a gracious host, and the wines very good. It's a bit of a drive from Napa, but worth it to explore this area of Sonoma.
Porter Creek - Small winery off of Westside Rd (the southern base of it), which has a very little tasting room. It's almost like a shed, and it felt a bit crowded with 8 people. Jonathan was entertaining and knowledgeable and handled the little girls in the tasting room well. People, leave the kiddies at home!
Martin Ray - We chose this one based on the recommendation from our DeLoach host. Because it was Labor Day weekend, and in the heart of harvest, Martin Ray was running a "have a tasting and get a cheese and charcuterie board" deal. They also have a brick oven outside, and you can order pizza and buy wines by the glass. The property is gorgeous, the pizza good, and the wines delectable. You could easily spend an afternoon with friends here.
Buena Vista - Whew, very crowded over a holiday weekend, especially in the afternoon. There were quite a few families with kids hanging out at tables on the sprawling patio area, but I didn't really see kids inside. Unlike our first visit here, we just did a tasting - no tour. The winery is pretty and a bit off the beaten path - good for a stop if you are in the area.
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