Mrs. FrAAmer and I honeymooned in the Napa Valley 28 years ago and have returned every year. We were just there over labor day weekend to celebrate the little FrAAmer's 21st birthday.
Pictures here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...6&l=aae14fdb3e
There are tastings and then there are tastings........
Most wineries are charging about $20 per person for tastings (there are 2 for 1 deals at many places) but it still adds up. My recommendation is to choose special tastings that will allow you to taste wines that you would not buy on a regular basis. By doing "estate" tastings you will often get a private setting, more generous pours, and usually have multiple glasses so you can compare and contrast.
I like to combine tastings and winery visits (no tastings just seeing the grounds, architecture and art). Pace yourself, it is IMPOSSIBLE to see it all in a few days and if you drink too much, by the last day you might be "wined" out.
Here are some of my favorites and not in any particular order:
1. Hess. Fantastic art collection and excellent wines – though one could just go to see the art. They have a video that is worth seeing too that will give you insite to the vineyards you can't get from the road. It is up Mount Veeder at the Napa end of the valley. A pretty drive, and just when you think, “where in the hell is FrAAmer sending us?” you will get to their driveway. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE if just to see the art and video.
http://www.hesscollection.com/
2. Artessa. The artist in residence (
http://www.gordonhuether.com/) also has a studio in Napa you can see a lot of his work at this BEAUTIFUL winery in the Caneros. Their wines are really worthy. My recommendation is to book a special tasting called Vino con Queso. If you do book it, ask for Lynn to be your hostess Try to make arrangements that you can get there by 11AM and join the winery tour, knowing that you will have to leave early to join the Vino con Queso tasting – but it will be worth your time. Artessa is one of our favorite places in the whole Napa valley.
http://www.artesawinery.com/index1.html The Carneros region is BEAUTIFUL.
3. Schramsberg- When the Chinese laborers finished building the Trans Pacific railway 120 years ago, they were hired to dig caves into the hills and these are the original caves where the sparkling wine is produced method champenoise.
http://www.schramsberg.com/visit.html If you only do one sparkling wine tour, I think this is the best. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as it is completely different than any other experience.
4. Joseph Phelps. Perhaps the BEST views in the whole Napa valley are from his terraces. DEFINITELY one I recommend to visit. Great value at $25 per person for tasting
http://www.jpvwines.com/tastings/ The Silverado Trail is my favorite part of he Napa Valley.
5. Clos Pegase
http://www.clospegase.com/hm.html Michael Graves designed the building and grounds. Outstanding art collection, especially sculpture. Worth visiting – I don’t taste, just come to look at the art and grounds. They have "modern" caves.
6. Duckhorn. The estate tour and tasting will let you taste $100 bottles of wine in a relaxed dining setting using multiple $35 stemware. Outstanding wines and a great tasting value. Highly recommended.
http://www.duckhorn.com/duckhorndnn/.../Default.aspx/
7. Quioxte – YOU HAVE TO GO HERE.
http://www.quixotewinery.com/ The last project Hundertwasser did before he died – it is a living Hundertwasser! No tours on Saturday and Sunday, but you can see the building and grounds.
http://www.quixotewinery.com/contactus.html Hard to find – it is unmarked and up a private driveway. This is a place that no-one knows about. Tours and Tastings on Thurs-Friday.
8. I also love Paraduxx. The enhanced tasting is well worth the $30
http://www.duckhorn.com/duckhorndnn/...0/Default.aspx We went to the vines with a guide and tasted grapes right from the vine. Also did a vertical tasting of the '05, '06, and '07 Paraduxx. A vertical tasting is a real treat!
9. Chateau Montelena – I love their wines and find their Sauvignon Blanc to be wonderful. If I were to taste there, I would pay a bit more and get one of the upgraded tastings.
http://www.montelena.com/visit/tastingRoom
I also highly recommend a mud bath in Calistoga. Indian Springs is where we go – old but CLEAN, upscale and worth every penny.
http://www.indianspringscalistoga.com/spa/