Hey guys, so I'm going to Napa this weekend with this girl... we are going for one day (Saturday) and are staying at the Silverado Resort. This will be my first time checking out Napa, even though I've lived in the Bay Area all my life, so I'm not exactly a "tourist" I guess. I know it's kind of late in the year to check out Napa, but the weather forecast looks sunny this weekend. I've briefly visited the Napa website on things to do, but wanted your guys' opinions as well. I plan on doing some wine tasting of course (any recommendations on which wineries to visit would be helpful; nothing too fancy though! I'm not too big on wine). Recommendations on anything is more than welcome -- what to see, do, where to eat, anything! I'm assuming it's worthwhile checking out St. Helena and Calistoga as well? Thanks guys!

 

I've got some winery suggestions for you. Just keep in mind that most wineries now charge for tastings, but they'll usually deduct it if you buy a bottle. Some will give you the glass also. Some places also require applointments, but I haven't included any of those.

On the Silverado Trail side:
- Pine Ridge: A small winery in a beautiful spot.
- Robert Zinsky: A little fancier. Up on the hills to the east of the road.
- Rutherford Hill, or Round Hill I can't remember. Beautiful views from the top.

Between Silverado and highway:
- Raymond: Nice and quiet, but good wines.

Highway:
- Beringer: A great place to see. Take your glass out to the patio, don't just stand in the tasting room. Beautiful grounds.
- Sterling: A cool gondola ride to the top of the mountain.

And drive carefully.

Cavu

 

Mustard Grill in Napa. Great food and atmosphere.
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguid...BHNsawN0aXRsZQ--
^^^ also has a link to things to do.

St. Helena is a cute little town with lots of shops, if you're into that.
Same with Calistoga, and if you two like massages, mud baths, spas, etc. that's the place to go.
Napa Wine Train is nice, but think you need advanced reservations. You eat an awesome lunch and sample wine while cruising on the RR tracks, think up as far as St. Helena, then back to Napa.
G/L and hope you two have a great day whatever you do.

 

Check out the museum at Coppola and the art exhibit at Hess. I'd skip Mustard's and go next door to Bricks. A great place for a light lunch and sparkling wine is at Domaine Chandon. A nice small winery, my favorite, is Napa Cellars. Lastly, if you can get reservations, a sunrise hot air ballon ride is awesome. Although at this time of the year it's probably a little cold out there.

 

I heard Cakebread is pretty cool, though I've never been there (appointment only).

On the Silverado Trail side, I've been to and like Darioush, Clos du Val, and Regusci.

On the Highway side, I've always liked getting picnic lunch fixings at Oakville Grocery and going across the street and up the hill to Diamond Oaks. Peju up in Rutherford also has some wines I like.

 

go to v. sattui! good food (you can do bread + cheese + wine) and great affordable wine.

check out praeger across the street for port and a VERY COOL tasting room. it has money from all over the world stuck on the walls/ceilings and you get a huge port tasting glass with your tasting fee.

cindy's backstreet kitchen is also awesome. their upside down pineapple cake is amazing.

have fun and post again with reviews of where you decided to go. i love napa and i've been there a handful of times now. a little snooty but it can be fun. you should also check out monterey wine country for a less snobby and very fun experience

 

btw, ur on the Z board right? u gave me advice about berkeley a while back... guess what, i'm moving there next month lol

 

Yup, yup, that's me! If I remember correctly, your g/f goes to Boalt Law School at Cal? Hook it up with the lawyer girls! Where in Berkeley are you moving to?

You G guys are cool! I posted this exact same thread on the Z boards and got no responses yet. Thank you my G brothers, you guys gave me so many suggestions I don't think I know where to begin! I'll be sure to post a review of everything after this weekend!

 

haha not sure where i'm moving yet. hopefully rockridge. it's tough i'll be out of town all of december and then i need to scramble and find a place in january

 

for sure do v. sattui they have an amazing deli and you can have a romantic picnic right out front while watching all the retarded drivers negotiate pulling out and cutting people off also if your up for a drive id say kenwood is a good bet for some nice cabernet sauvignon and pick up a bottle of their jack london edition cab in my honor

 

+1 on Kenwood. Their Merlot is second to none.

 

For a great lunch... try Bistro Jeanty... I was there about two weeks ago and they have BOMB stuff... very casual, rustic french cuisine... great patio dining area... great staff... they have a website where you can view their menu too!

 

well you might have already made your trip, but for lunch I'd just go with Oakville Grocery, it will be cheap and good, plus you can turn it into a nice little picnic. I don't know if they are open for lunch, but Rutherford Grill is a good place as well, plus no corkage fee.

since you are new to wine I'd suggest Nicholson Ranch (on the corner of HYWY 121 and Napa Road) good Chards and a pretty decent Pinot which should work on your inexperienced pallet, tasting is $10 for a flight of 5 wines, so not a bad deal either.

Try Artesa, not my taste for wine, but a spectacular view, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day.

If you just want to get completely hammered on some decent wine I'd hit up the cave tour and barrel tasting at Del Dotto. Within an hour you will barely be able to stand. It's a little pricey, $40 I think, but worth it.

 

Mustard Grill ftw!

 

I head out to Napa quite often, as I'm big on weekend getaways. I either stay at the Embassy Suites (in Yountville I think), or trek a bit farther to the Calistoga Hot Springs Hotel.

+1 for V. Sattui. It's got a great atmosphere, wondeful wine, and wonderful cheese. Robert Mondavi is also a great winery worth checking out.

For dinner, I'd reccommend Domain Chandon. One of the most romantic and tranquil places I've been with $uperb food.