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So Napa is actually pretty big geographically and things may be closer as as the bird flies than on the road. A few of my favorites in Napa include
-Nickel and nickel (cab focus)
-Etude (Pinot focus)
-Chateau Montelena (haven’t personally been but it’s on the list, Chardonnay is what made them famous - see judgement of Paris. They also have a tasting room at the Westin St Francis in SF. Nothing like doing a wine tasting to charge to your room for “breakfast”)
So everything is spread out and you’re hopefully drinking, a lot, which can cause some logistical problems. It’s great if you can have a group and defer the cost of a dedicated van / driver for the day to ferry you around.
Another option close to Napa is Sonoma, there’s a cutesy town square that has a lot of tasting rooms from labels that don’t own a winery but buy grapes from various producers to blend. You don’t get the winery feel in terms of scenery but you can efficiently taste a lot of great wines just stumbling around town. My favorite tasting rooms are Westwood and Sojourn which both make great Pinot and then I always stop at girl and the fig.
In terms of what to expect, it’s certainly expensive but if you’re into good wine and food it’s totally worth it
I’ve been a few dozen times. For a first-timer, I’d suggest a tour at Mondavi. I know it’s massive but they walk you through the vineyards, let you see the grapes on the vine, and sometimes do pairing. We found it a really educational tour on our first trip. Cakebread also does a great tasting and it’s a beautiful spot. Chandon and V. Sattui also have nice grounds. Frank Family always seems like a party. Vincent Arroyo is a small, family-owned, chill spot.
Good to keep in mind that tasting hours are roughly 10a-4p, and 4-5 wineries is the most you should do in a day. Take snacks (Oakville Grocery is our first stop on any trip) and a DD, or even better get a local driver who can advise you where to go and get you a good tasting spot.
Agree with K1 that the whole area is spread out so don’t just come in and hit the first wineries you see. Driving the roads are worth it for the scenery. Restaurants like Farmstead and Rutherford Grill are great lunch spots.
If you’re putting together a short list of wineries, consider the ones you like or have had. What you get in the grocery store is usually a mass market version and the winery has a wider variety and you might find lots more you like.