...as an 1st anniversary \ someone else's wedding trip from 15 April to 18 April. I think I will have about 2 days with which to explore napa with the wife and perhaps a friend or two. What do you think of this list and can it be done in two days? Any suggestions from locals that may have some time to play quick tour guide or tips to getting an above average tasting\tour?

Neal
Pride
Behrens & Hitchcock
Detert
Copain (same location as detert)
Del Dotto
Lewelling
Seavey
David Arthur

Thanks in advance all, as I know this is a common topic.

MBAVino

i've found that after a cave tour with del dotto, i'm not in need of any additional lubricant. perhaps your winery list is a tad aggressive, but then again, with two full days, perhaps a morning cave tour, followed by nap and water, then a late afternoon tasting you can get two in a day.

quote:

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What do you think of this list and can it be done in two days?

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If you are pyang, it can be done in 2 hours.

Seriously, that is a very good list. But some of the places listed are wineries where you are going to want to chat and linger with folks who will show you warm hospitality. They aren't "hit and run" tasting rooms. So you may want to schedule your days so that you don't have "firm" appointments after 3:00. You may end up having to cancel because you find yourself so far behind. I try not to schedule more than 3 appts in a day. Then I fill in any down time with "hit and run" tasting room visits.

You might add Joseph Phelps or Montelena! Have fun!

I might draw sneers and derision from th epeanut gallery, but if I was only going to eat dinner in one reastaurant on a Napa trip, I'd go to Bistro Jeanty in Yountville.

Okay, maybe I'd try to go the French Laundry, but after I satisfied myself that I couldn't get in, I'd go to Bistro Jeanty.

I agree that your list of destinations is a bit ambitious. Any more than four a day is going to make your head spin. I kinda like the folks at Steltzner. There's no question that I'd put Neal on the list. I can't wait for my next trip out there to meet those guys.

Semper ubi sub ubi!

Based on your list, I would try this schedule...

Very tight, but doable. Day 2 may be hazardous to your health...

Day 1
9:30am - Neal Family
11:30am - Lewelling
Lunch
2:00pm - Pride
3:00pm - B&H

Day 2
11:00am - David Arthur
2:00pm - Seavey
3:30pm - Del Dotto

I left out Detert and Copain as I don't know where their tasting room is located. Are they over in the Sonoma side?

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Pyang - Day 2 looks too tight with DA and Del Dotto. The shortest visit with David Arthur for us has been 4 hours!

MBAVino - Great list but B & H and David Arthur are not open on weekend. B & H is hit or miss, they don't really make apt. either he's there or he's not.

Have fun!

rickym13,

Yeah, I know the chances are that MBAVino will have to leave DA 2/3 way through the appointment, but it's not impossible. We had to the same issue back during Thanksgiving week, DA at 11:00am and had to be at Pride at 2:00pm.

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Are you going to be in town on the evening of the 18th? If so, we are going to be there also. We are planning dinner that evening with some other forumites. Would you be up for dinner with us?

http://www.winesnobz.com

Wine maketh glad the heart of men and maketh women giggle.

I really appreciate the feedback. Pyang, thanks for the suggested itinerary as you know where these places are much better than I do (I only have some online maps).

Brent, unfortunately, I am heading out mid-day on Sunday, thus won't be able to do a dinner that night. Thats for the invite though, it would have been great fun I'm sure.

One other question I have (not wanting to offend any winemakers or owners) is how do the appointments\tasting\tours work down in Napa? Just like any where else or is there something special I should do given the number of tourists that come through? Suggestions?

Thanks again.

MBAVino

MBAVino,

All of these place you would like to visit are by appointments only, so just make sure you call them and get the appointment setup. If you are delayed during the day, just give them a call and say you will be a little late.

As rickym13 said, DA and B&H are not available on the weekends, so hopefully you are hitting the valley on Thursday and Friday.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Not the weekend, so hopefully everyone will be there and their will be less people. One last thing that popped into my mind, do you know costs for any of the tastings\tours? Thanks again.

MBAVino

MBA - That is a double edge sword question! Good part is that tasting is free... Bad part is...its going to cost you a thousands of dollar later on

There aren't many "free" tastings in Napa anymore. Usually $5; or more for reserve tastings. Some places give you a logo glass to take home.

por vino

MBAVino,

Out of these seven stops, you will only need to pay for two at the most. Five of these doesn't charge, and the other two depending on the day.

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I am not averse to paying, just wanted to make sure as I am using up their time. Thanks everybody. Can't wait to go and have some fun. (Two days in napa followed by a friends wedding, that presumably will have some decent wine also.) Good thing I'm flying.

MBAVino

Have a great time! You do have an agressive list. However, I'd respectfully submit a suggestion. Until very recently, Far Niente was not open to the public, but now it is. I've was there 2 years ago, and it's truly a beautiful place. The late Mr. Nichol had a great collection of cars that are part of the tour. If you've not visited their website it is:

www.farniente.com

Cheers!