re: Bear's Napa Wine Review (Long)

I will try to answer some of your questions with my 2 time experience there. So I am kind of a noob too.

Do you feel like you have to buy a bottle at each place? Or is that not expected?

Some wineries are trying real hard to sell, some are laid back. The tasting fee is like $30 per winery and they wave the fee if you buy, so it almost makes sense to buy.

When you do buy wine/beer, how did you get it home? A bag with you.. Or shipped it home?

Some wineries will ship it for you, depends on whether the wine is already distributed in your state. There are a couple of package shipping store in Napa that can package and ship it for you. It's very easy.

Did you set up all of these places on your own and make your own itinerary? I don't wanna drive so might be best to hire a driver. If I do, do they pick the places for you?

Biggest key - don't over book. Hit some big ones, but also hit the smaller ones. I enjoyed the smaller ones the best. I rented a car and hopped from one to the next. The ones that were really pretty, we'd buy a bottle and some snacks and just hang out on grounds. I have a high tolerence level and was fine to drive.

Another thing - don't get too enamored with the Michelin rated restaurants and trying to book a table. There are so many great ones over there. The food is so fresh. I love it and will be back soon. Rutherford Grill comes to mind. Mustards. Press.