Planning our 3rd trip to Napa...
Sonoma: Original plans were Iron Horse, Martinelli, and possibly Paul Hobbs if we could get an appointment. Have heard that Iron Horse isn't worthwile?
Napa: Am planning to book appointments at the following:
Shafer
Groth
Caymus
Spottswood
Spring Mountain
Chappellet
Pine Ridge - reserve tasting
Kuleto
Jarvis
The guys love the reds, the women love the beautiful places...hence I am trying to please both constituencies..any comments to avoid a disaster on this list would be much appreciated.

Larkmead
Pride

If beauty is part of the equation, but so are great wines...

Sonoma I would add Hartford

Napa I would remove Groth, Kuleto... could remove several others on a taste basis alone.

Iron Horse is pretty, but, again, not good.

I think the most beautiful winery in Sonoma is Ferrari-Carano.

Ferrari-Carano and Clos Pegase both fit into your beautiful category imo.

okay...sounds like I need some serious help here, especially would like to hear from winetarelli - what would you put on my list to visit?

If you are going to Pride, I would also suggest Sherwin Family, Barnett, and Erna Schein which is the old Behrens nnd Hitchcock label. These four are within blocks of each other. Bring a picnic lunch and eat in the vineyards at Pride. Erna Schein is more rustic but has great views and great wines. Not much of a tasting room but you will likely do some tasting out of the barrel. It is a co-op now, featuring about 7 labels and ALL reds including Erna Schein, Drinkward Peschon, Robert Nenow, Realm ?, some old Behrens and Hitchcock labels, and a couple I can not remember. Nice to be on top of Spring Mountain and not have to drive much once you get there. There are NO restaurants up there so be prepared. Another one nearby is Terra Valentine which has a nice story and an excellent tasting room that has panels that were surplus from the Hearst Mansion. The wines are okay and the Weurtele Vineyard can be quite nice.

When on the valley floor, you may want to see Darioush's new tasting site since it is on the Silverado trail on your way to Shafer. Opus is pretty and $25 for tasting. Enjoy.

Yeah, Darioush has structural beauty and good wines as well.

Pride was beautiful, Sinskey and Phelps, too.

But Sinskey's wines are way below par. Best thing there is the flavored almonds.

Ditto Ferrari-Carano on the beautiful thing

Napa: Schramsberg tour & tasting. Old caves, great sparklers. By reservation. Clos Pegase has unique architecture and art; and free tours.

Sonoma: IMO Iron Horse is worth it (actually, I was there yesterday). Might want to add Sbragia at the north end of DCV just past Ferrari-Carano. Used to be Lk Sonoma Winery. Great views, but I haven't had their wines. Also, great architecture, views and wine at Stryker in Alexander Vly.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
I think the most beautiful winery in Sonoma is Ferrari-Carano.

Agree 100% with Board-O.

LastB
If you want a real experience Call David Arthur andbook a tour.
David usually does them himself, the view from up there is tremendous. Many times these tours turn into parties from 1100 feet above the valley floor.

I've been to Napa 6 times the last 4 years, have been to at least 50 + wineries and DA is one I tell people about all the time. David is just a fun guy.

If you go bring a camera, and pack a picnic basket. Bring enough for others, David really loves that. They usually only do them on Friday's at 11 am. You won't be disappointed.

For beauty and good wine...

Cain Cellars. It's at the top of the mountain dividing Napa from Sonoma. Stunning winery and killer views.

Hess Collections. I'm still in love with the giant blonde lady in the art museum. The art galleries are worth the trip even if you were to have no wine.

Another vote for Ferarri Carano.

"J". Great room, and they do a nice snack/wine pairing. Really a great over-all tasting experience.

Silverado has a nice winery setting and good wines, too.

Rombauer is in a nice setting with some good vino.

Have a great trip! Try some places where you've never been and never had their wine.

You'll find great red wines and a gorgeous view of the Dry Creek Valley at Wilson Winery on Dry Creek Road near Healdsburg. There are lots of wineries on this road....if you have time, stop at Dutcher Crossing as well. Paul Hobbs is one of my favorities...I hope you get in there.

http://www.cheers2wine.com/dry-creek-valley.html

quote:

Ferrari-Carano on the beautiful thing

The gardens are amazing. I think they spend something like $100,000 on flowers each season. The wine....well not my favorite. Make sure you have some shopping time in the Healdsburg square. There are stores with nice things VS the touristy stuff you find in the sonoma square. Also there are over 13 tasting rooms on and around the square so that should keep the hubby's happy. Check out Cena Luna for Dinner, Willi's Seafood for lunch and downtown bakery for a snack.

Healdsburg Gal,

Next time you are up in Napa, here are some beautiful spots and lovely wines:

Chateau Montelena
Joseph Phelps
Cain 5
Ladera
Reverie


For Sonoma,

Hanzell
Verite

Back from the trip, and made a few adjustments per everyone's recommendations:
Loved the Sherwin Family 2005 Cabernet, but would say if you book an appointment you should know about the wines and be prepared to purchase, as it is an intimate tasting.
Larkmead has a great tasting room, and the wines are very enjoyable. Tasting fee now $20, but waived if you buy 3 bottles.
Groth I would skip. Seemed like an expensive tasting fee for what they are pouring. No interesting view, and the staff was bored with their job.
Barnett - best view of the valley. Wines okay, the German shepards were great!
Robert Keenan - very friendly, and we felt their wines offered the best value for the quality.
Spottswoode - magical to walk around the gardens of the estate, and the 2005 Cab is going to be a winner...albeit expensive.