Napa (or Other Wine Region) Guide

  Lots of folks planning a trip to Napa Valley, or some other wine region, have similar questions: Where to drink, where to eat, where to stay, can we bring our kids? This is a great little Napa Wine Guide from the wine blogger, Wine Folly, that will help get you started.

Image from Sunset Magazine

  Some comments after you've read through his guide:

  A few suggested wineries are listed in the guide. It all depends on what you want out of your tastings. Prices and wine style probably matter. How about things like architecture, views, dog/kid friendly, art exhibits, and location? Do you want to visit wineries you know or try new ones? There are hundreds of wineries in Napa. Plus hundreds next door in Sonoma County.

  If you're going to ask others on social media where you should go tasting the quality of the responses will only be as good as how specific your questions.  That is, if you ask, "What's the best winery in Napa?" you won't get responses worth a damn. If you say, "We're staying in Calistoga and looking for big, bold, dry Cabs under $100 from small family operations." This will give you some quality responses.

  This year just about everybody is on appointment only. You might be able to get in a tasting room if you just stop by on a Wednesday morning, but there is no guarantee. Along with reservations and sit down tastings, prices have gone up, so tasting fees will be a substantial part of your trip. When you're planning and making reservations, check the cost to taste and whether that fee is waived with a purchase.

  Napa has more than Cabernet. You'll see plenty of Chardonnay, a good bit of Sauvignon Blanc, lots of other Bordeaux (Merlot, Cab Franc, etc.), and other wines. Southern Napa is a cooler climate so they specialize in sparkling wines, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. You won't always see what you might find at home. That is, if you are looking for Moscato or Pinot Gris it will be difficult to find here.

  Napa Valley isn't very wide, but it is long. From the town of Napa to Calistoga is at least a 45 minute drive. Weekend traffic during high season can be unpleasant. A local's joke goes something like, if you're trying to make a left turn onto Highway 29 (the main thoroughfare) on Friday afternoon you'll probably get to complete your turn by Sunday evening. Or some people say, by November.  :) 

  What's said about Napa applies to Sonoma (and many other areas) except the costs are lower in Sonoma County, but still not what you'd call cheap. Sonoma County is larger than the state of Rhode Island. There are many microclimates because it's on the cool Pacific waters. So there's a huge variety of great wines. 

If you come into town at the wrong time it might look like this
Image from Quicksilver Towncar Service