re: Napa Valley recs

We just went 2 weeks ago (second week of December). Granted, we went to high-end wineries (I buy from all of these wineries). We also ate well. Several of these are not available to the general public, unless you already buy from them. We received complimentary tastings/tours from those that we already buy from. The others charged from $75-$150 per person, but all definitely worth it.

Here is my recommendation, in order of preference:

1. Colgin (Ann Colgin - from Waco, Texas)
2. Peter Michael (Sir Peter Michael)
3. Fantesca (Heidi Barrett is their winemaker who made the iconic wine for years at Screaming Eagle)
4. Opus One (owned by Mondavi and Baron Philippine de Rothschild)
5. Darioush (did wine and olive oil tasting)
6. Chappellet
7. Quintessa
8. Far Niente (also owns Nickel & Nickel)
9. Nickel & Nickel (also owns Far Niente)
10. Joseph Phelps
11. Silver Oak
12. Schramsberg (mainly sparkling wine (not my favorite), but JD Davies is a good cabernet)

I realize that Colgin and Peter Michael are not open to the general public, but you might know someone who can get you in. They both make some of the best wines in Valley, but very expensive.

On food, French Laundry was amazing as was Bistro Jeanty. Third choice was Bistro Don Giovani, an affordable Italian restaurant. We ate twice (on arrival and on departure) at Eiko’s at Oxbow Market and it was great sushi.

We ate lunch and loved Mustard’s, Oakville Grocery and Gott’s Roadside. We had breakfast several times at Model Bakery (St. Helena), but they also have a location in Napa and both locations have sandwiches for lunch. We dined at St. Helena’s Bistro for a casual first night dinner and it was ok, but nothing special. We loved the Napa Farmer's Market on Saturdays and Tuesday, but it might be closed now for the winter.

We stayed for 6 days and did 2 tastings per day (3 per day on 2 days), so we drove ourselves in a rental car. If you do 3 or more, you should probably hire a driver (drunk driving could be a problem). We had access to a house in St. Helena and it was a fantastic location.

Hope this helps. Make sure to make tasting appointments several weeks in advance. The only low for December, the vineyards were all brown and barren, but we expected that. We didn't have a lot of traffic and reservations (for meals and tastings) were easier. The temps were low of 32 to high of 55. We didn't go to Auberge this trip (but we have gone before), but someone mentioned it above and I would definitely recommend having lunch on the porch. The views and food are great.

Cheers!