Napa Valley

[liborman]

I'm planning trip to Napa Valley later this summer and have been trying to decide which wineries would be worth visiting. If anyone has any thoughts, they would be much appreciated.

[jekarwoski]

There are so many to choose from, it's tough to make a recommendation. I just
returned from a trip to CA and spent some time up there - I rarely go north of
Carneros (or the city of Napa) these days.

Some general thoughts:

Avoid going on a weekend, especially to wineries along Rt. 29. Way too crowded. Also
some of the larger places, catering to tourists and bus excusrions, have a tasting
fee...you get a "complimentary" wine glass. This is tedious (to me).

Consider also going to the Sonoma Valley. Nothing beats roaming along the Russian
River area and nice a lunch at the Girl and the Fig in Sonoma itself.

Some smaller wineries prefer notice or an appointment.

Good restaurants abound, call early for reservations.

If you enjoy sites and architecture as much as wine, think about Clos Pegase - a
post-modernist design by Michael Graves. Across the street from it is Sterling, who I
believe still has a cable car to take you from the valley floor to the winery. OK, these are
in Calistoga, a bit north, but perhaps worth it.

Finally, the wines and chateau at Domaine Carneros serve as a fitting start to the
day and/or a celebratory finish.

edit: corrected a typo