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Posted on 8/22/24 at 8:31 am to wiltznucs
looking at planning a trip in late Sept for surprise trip for the wife. Google pops sooo many diff things. I've reached out to a travel agent to narrow it down.
Question - is the Wine Train worth it or too touristy?
Hotel recs?
Enjoying reading the wine recs here already.
Question - is the Wine Train worth it or too touristy?
Hotel recs?
Enjoying reading the wine recs here already.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 9:34 am to TopWaterTiger
We enjoyed the wine train over 10 years ago. It was crowded but not like a Disney ride. Everyone had a seat and stayed in it. The meal was very good as was the wine. Recommend it although no recent experience.
Posted on 8/22/24 at 10:17 am to VABuckeye
quote:
That's a lot of vineyards in 3 days.
8 in 3 days doesn't seem like that many to me
When we went last summer we had a private driver for 2 days and did 6 in 2 days.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 6:52 am to skewbs
Made our second trip to Sonoma in June, and have been to Napa several times. Three wineries per day is doable, our problem is always being at one we aren’t quite ready to leave and screwing up our schedule. Some wineries are very lenient with scheduled tasting times, some are not.
We used a driver on this last trip since none of the six of us wanted to be the DD, and it worked out quite well. She was able to tell us a lot while driving, as she had been in the industry before starting the tour business.
We used a driver on this last trip since none of the six of us wanted to be the DD, and it worked out quite well. She was able to tell us a lot while driving, as she had been in the industry before starting the tour business.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 8:03 am to skewbs
If you know someone at Cakebread well enough see if they can give you a tour of the facility including where the grapes come in and the steps that go into creating the wine. My wife and I were able to do that at Pesquille Winery in the Santa Maria Valley a few years ago. It was fascinating.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 8:21 am to Icansee4miles
quote:Yeah, we did two a day. One before lunch and one in the afternoon after a nice lunch break. It’s nice to not feel rushed in Napa Valley. Plus it gives you the itch to revisit and check out more.
Three wineries per day is doable, our problem is always being at one we aren’t quite ready to leave and screwing up our schedule.
This post was edited on 8/23/24 at 8:22 am
Posted on 8/23/24 at 8:28 am to tigeroarz1
I second Amizetta. We are club members. Views are ridiculous.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 8:52 am to ColdDuck
Jarvis is excellent but the tasting is in a room in the cave. Our favorite.
Right up the hill is Kenzo that has the nice views you are looking for. We really enjoyed them both.
Right up the hill is Kenzo that has the nice views you are looking for. We really enjoyed them both.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 8:58 am to bluestem75
Sterling had awesome views.
Once did a tour that took us into the hills … all great views and lesser known wineries. Although the roads are scary riding in a wine tour van.
Once did a tour that took us into the hills … all great views and lesser known wineries. Although the roads are scary riding in a wine tour van.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 12:50 pm to skewbs
Chappellet
Posted on 8/23/24 at 1:00 pm to SloaneRanger
quote:
Not a winery, but eat at l’auberge.
Yes. Great place and the views can’t be beat.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 1:38 pm to Paul Allen
quote:
Stags’ Leap
There's 2 FYI :)
Winery is way better than cellars IMHO.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 2:32 pm to skewbs
Amizetta is one of our favorites with fantastic views and fabulous wine.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 8:05 pm to Icansee4miles
quote:
Made our second trip to Sonoma in June, and have been to Napa several times. Three wineries per day is doable, our problem is always being at one we aren’t quite ready to leave and screwing up our schedule. Some wineries are very lenient with scheduled tasting times, some are not. We used a driver on this last trip since none of the six of us wanted to be the DD, and it worked out quite well. She was able to tell us a lot while driving, as she had been in the industry before starting the tour business.
We made our first trip to Sonoma last year and it was amazing. You’re right 3 a day max. We had a driver two days and kicked around town one day. Best vacation I’ve ever taken.
Posted on 8/24/24 at 9:15 pm to skewbs
Artesa Vineyard and Winery
Posted on 8/26/24 at 8:09 am to tilco
quote:
Best vacation I’ve ever taken.
more details? Where did yall stay in Sonoma? Favorite wine spot visited?
Posted on 8/26/24 at 9:59 am to TopWaterTiger
Wine Train is fun, but you are paying a huge mark-up over what it would cost to book a driver for 6 hours, have a great lunch and a few tastings.
A few thoughts from a not serious wine guy, but someone who loves the experience of Napa and Sonoma.
1. Whites first if possible, but don't sweat it too much.
2. Pick the most scenic winery for your last late afternoon tasting of the day and enjoy the views.
3. Lots of great recs here, use them but don't get overwhelmed. Unless you are really into wine and/or look in $500 and up bottle range I doubt you will have a bad tasting. if you're in the latter range, then doing your homework really, really matters.
4. Plan at least 1 nice evening dinner, and don't each a big lunch on that day. Obviously if you can get into and afford French Laundry (i've never been) you should probably go, but there are many other awesome restaurants in the area. One trip we ate at Torc in downtown Napa, was an amazing meal.
A few thoughts from a not serious wine guy, but someone who loves the experience of Napa and Sonoma.
1. Whites first if possible, but don't sweat it too much.
2. Pick the most scenic winery for your last late afternoon tasting of the day and enjoy the views.
3. Lots of great recs here, use them but don't get overwhelmed. Unless you are really into wine and/or look in $500 and up bottle range I doubt you will have a bad tasting. if you're in the latter range, then doing your homework really, really matters.
4. Plan at least 1 nice evening dinner, and don't each a big lunch on that day. Obviously if you can get into and afford French Laundry (i've never been) you should probably go, but there are many other awesome restaurants in the area. One trip we ate at Torc in downtown Napa, was an amazing meal.
Posted on 8/26/24 at 6:10 pm to zippyputt
quote:
Chandon, if finished with construction since last summer, had a great view and tasting room.
Chandon is beautiful, and done now- all little tables and shade and water - for a big place it was quite cozy…Schramsberg is beautiful and great bubbles there too
Posted on 8/26/24 at 6:58 pm to skewbs
For the view, Baldacci Family Vineyards. Get the top tasting. Secluded with a. Elevated view of the valley.
For the wine quality: Handwritten. Downtown Yountville.
Eat at Bottega.
For the wine quality: Handwritten. Downtown Yountville.
Eat at Bottega.
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