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Silver Oak. Lunch at Auberge du Soleil is a must
From one perspective Napa has the hype, but many there are trying to chase Robert Parker's 92-93, and the profiles blend into one another. In Sonoma, there is more latitude to push the palate and there is more creativity and boldness in winemaking.
It's been about 6 years since I went but I really enjoyed Gary Farrel, Gundlach Bundshu, and Domaine Carneros.
Sunce. Intimate, unique wines, but everything they do, they do well. Castello di Amarosa is touristy but is a castle winery and awesome just to walk around.
How many days? Recommend doing one area a day. Russian River, Sonoma, etc
Just a couple days!
Stay away from the tourist traps such as Castello De Amorosa, wine train and VSattui. Also plan your own itinerary, no need to go through a wine tourist company.
Many special places with amazing Napa cabs - some of my favorites are Paradigm, Far Niente, Quintessa, Promontory, Palmaz, Spootswoode and Davis Estates. They are all pretty pricey and get booked up months in advance. Have the best time with your family!
Castello di Amarosa is a tourist hotspot, but I still really liked their wines and tour! La Fantasía (one of their wines) is quite good and I bought several. Depends if you want the “castle”. I’d bring someone there but just my opinion :)
Are you staying in Napa proper? Napa is diverse and made up of small towns.. Yountville, St Helena, Calistoga, Sonoma so knowing how far you want to drive in a day would be helpful. If basing in DT Napa I would focus on Napa, Yountville and St Helena areas for tastings and meals..
Del Dotto
Alph Omega
Hall
JCB
Schaumburg if you like bubbles
Winston Hill
B Cellars Food Pairing
Priest Ranch Bacon Pairing
Oxbow Market
Archer Roof Top
Cadet (IYKYK) local late night spot
If you want to avoid touristy places, go to Sonoma. Napa is for auto parts.
Matthiasson tasting
What do they like? Will drive the recommendations
A few more compelling tastings I’ve been to recently - keep in mind these are all $100pp (Napa is outrageous these days)
- Mayacamas (vineyard tasting)
- Diamond Creek
- Quintessa
- Promontory ($$$)
- Chappalet