re: Best wineries to visit in Sonoma/Napa

Could not remember, know I texted you togo.

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San Anselmo

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I lived in San Anselmo, it's a cool little town.

If you want to have a relaxing day, see some beautiful things, but not really be totally about wine, this is what I used to do regularly: Drive up 101 north, and go to Graton and have breakfast at Willow Wood cafe. It's not a fancy place, but the food is very good. Then head north on 116 To Mirabelle Rd which will take you to River Road. Head west on River Road to West Side road and take the West Side road all the way to Healdsburg. You'll pass a bunch of wineries along the way, Porter Creek, Gary Farrell are a couple. The route is two lane winding roads through the woods and vineyards and it's a beautiful drive. Rochioli Vineyards is on West Side road. They are known for pinot noir and chardonnay and are typically pouring a few wines in the tasting room. When you get to Healdsburg head for the town square, park and take a walk around the square. There are some tasting rooms on teh square and a bunch of good lunch options. When you're ready to head back you can jump on 101 and head south back to San Anslemo.

Enjoy!

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Quintessa

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very cool. we took the tour to the top of the ridge.

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Peju

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another favorite. we did the cooking class which lasted about 4 hours. they treat you like a rock star.

for a change of pace try Prager port just south of st. helena. it is run by 3 brothers and looks like a cross between a fraternity house and a dive bar with dollar bills pinned to the ceiling.

I prefer Sonoma Valley because it's less populated than Napa. If this is your first time and you're looking more for first-time experience and less on the wine quality, look into the following (not to say bad wine, but you don't necessarily want to drop loads of cash on Opus One or Nickel & Nickel).

Sonoma:
La Crema
Francis Ford Coppola
Silver Oak
Ferrari-Carano
Ledson

Napa:
Castello di Amoroso
Peju (just buy a bottle and sit outside--much cheaper)
Hendry
Mondavi
or just take the wine train out of Napa
Also, definitely hit the Oxbow Public Market for lunch

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Head west on River Road to West Side road and take the West Side road all the way to Healdsburg.

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Probably should be head EAST on River Road

Repris Winery
My absolute favorite winery. Great wine, off the beaten path and tremendous tasting room/caves. If the weather is fine, they will take you out into the vineyards on ATVs.

Far NienteAnother beautiful winery, the oldest continuously run in the Napa Area. Used to have a well stocked car barn with vintage ferarris.

Caspar Estate

Nice wines and they also make their own honey and olive oils. Their honey is especially good.

If you go east you can take Wohler Rd to Westside Rd, or you can go west on River Road and pick up Westside Road that way. I used to go west because there was a huge blackberry patch on Westside Rd a few hundred yards from where it meets River Rd and my wife and I would pick them by the bucketful.

Flora springs has LSU connections. Hey treated us very well.