UPDATE: 10/27/07 Heading to Napa/Sonoma soon...Need a place to stay!

Berno--Turley is close to the CIA, but I think Turley doesn't have a tasting room at that location. You should check that out before you go.

You might consider going to Montelena, they have some very nice gardens/grounds. Joseph Phelps is also something to consider. The views are beautiful and their wines are excellent.

quote:

Originally posted by latour67:
Berno--Turley is close to the CIA, but I think Turley doesn't have a tasting room at that location. You should check that out before you go.

You might consider going to Montelena, they have some very nice gardens/grounds. Joseph Phelps is also something to consider. The views are beautiful and their wines are excellent.

I definately want to go to Phelps. Do they charge for tastes? I really want to try the 2002 Insignia before I pop mine.

Berno -- If you are not a "preferred" member, they do charge for a tasting. I think it is $20, but it is a generous tasting, pouring 6/7 Phelps wines, including Insignia. You might see if your local wine store has any pull with their distributor to get you some special treatment.

That's totally fine, I'll live with that.

I'm just clueless as to where to visit.

Berno,
What types of wine do you like ? Many wineries to choose from. Not sure how close these are to CIA

Darioush- many whites and reds
Del Dotto- ditto
Pride-
Flora Springs- no appt needed
Turnbull- no appt needed

these are just a few. check out napavinters.com

quote:

Originally posted by cali wine:
Berno,
What types of wine do you like ? Many wineries to choose from. Not sure how close these are to CIA

Darioush- many whites and reds
Del Dotto- ditto
Pride-
Flora Springs- no appt needed
Turnbull- no appt needed

these are just a few. check out napavinters.com

Awesome, thanks.

I'm into any and all, really. Fruit forward pinots, oaky chards...

Any wine shops that I can't miss?

Sonoma---Martinelli Pinots are outstanding! Martinelli is also a Board-O favorite, and he is the reason I signed up for the Martinelli list after a visit in 2003.

Ridge, is a nice visit. Ferrari-Carano is a beautiful property.

I highly recommend Goosecross Cellars - it's off the beaten track and has a very laid back and friendly atmosphere - ask for Jose!

quote:

Originally posted by latour67:
Berno -- If you are not a "preferred" member, they do charge for a tasting. I think it is $20, but it is a generous tasting, pouring 6/7 Phelps wines, including Insignia. You might see if your local wine store has any pull with their distributor to get you some special treatment.

At last visit, I believe Phelps provided a tasting at no charge, but there was a $25 charge to taste the Insignia (nice pour). The Insignia was free to Phelps Preferred members. We got them to open two dessert wines for latour to try- the outstanding Eisrebe and Delice du Semillon.

How long are you going to be in the area?

Phelps charges for tastings for all non-members and you will want to contact them a week or two (longer during popular seasons/weekends) ahead of time and set up an appointment for the “Terrace Tasting” or a seminar if you want to taste the Insignia. But they have no more of the ‘02.

quote:

Originally posted by GreenDrazi:
Phelps charges for tastings for all non-members

Wrong yet again, Drac. When you walk in for the tasting, you will be given the option to pay for the Insignia tasting. Why do you give out disinformation?

quote:

Originally posted by GreenDrazi:
How long are you going to be in the area?

Phelps charges for tastings for all non-members and you will want to contact them a week or two (longer during popular seasons/weekends) ahead of time and set up an appointment for the “Terrace Tasting” or a seminar if you want to taste the Insignia. But they have no more of the ‘02.

I'll be there February 11-17. The CIA class is after 2 between the 12-16th. So I have a day and a half in which I have nothing going on.


Keep em coming. I apreciate all of your help!

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:

quote:

Originally posted by GreenDrazi:
Phelps charges for tastings for all non-members

Wrong yet again, Drac. When you walk in for the tasting, you will be given the option to pay for the Insignia tasting. Why do you give out disinformation?

“ .... if you want to taste the Insignia”

You’re a boorish troll. Climb back into your hole.

Simply correcting your misinformation, Drac. Goodnight.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
Simply correcting your misinformation, Drac. Goodnight.

Didn’t correct a thing - it's all there. Comprehension has never been your strong suit.

Berno,
This was a good thread from a few months ago.


Also, do a search for Pyang’s whirlwind tour notes which has lots of good stuff.

The map puts things into perspective. February can't come soon enough.

My list at the moment is:

Phelps
Mondavi
Beringer
Pride
Turley
Darioush
Plumpjack
Cakebread
Martinelli
Chateau St. Jean
Kosta Brown

Add Lewelling (Dave Wight) in St. Helena. You need an appointment but Dave is one of the most personable winemakers you will ever meet.

Berno,
In Sonoma, I would stronlgy recommend one of the following over Chateau St. Jean:
Hartford Family Winery - great lineup of PN, Chards & Zins - no appointment req’d.
Siduri/Novy Winery - appointment only. A warehouse winery, but the wines are worth it.
Merry Edwards Wines - appointment only, great Pinot Noir.

Chateau St. Jean has a great winery and if you go, be sure to ask for the reserve tasting room, but their wines are readily available via retail (always a good value). The other wineries are a little harder to come by and I think you’ll enjoy the step up in quality.

quote:

Originally posted by GreenDrazi:
Berno,
In Sonoma, I would stronlgy recommend one of the following over Chateau St. Jean:
Hartford Family Winery - great lineup of PN, Chards & Zins - no appointment req’d.
Siduri/Novy Winery - appointment only. A warehouse winery, but the wines are worth it.
Merry Edwards Wines - appointment only, great Pinot Noir.


Chateau St. Jean has a great winery and if you go, be sure to ask for the reserve tasting room, but their wines are readily available via retail (always a good value). The other wineries are a little harder to come by and I think you’ll enjoy the step up in quality.

Much thanks for the help.

Skip Drac's choices in Sonoma and go to Martinelli. Better Zins, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays than the others and the best Syrah in the US.

Learn ....... to ....... read ........slowly. He’s already going to Martinelli.

I would say stay very far away from Cartlidge & Browne/Greenfield Winery in American Canyon off of Hwy 29 .. they just let go several employees, including their amazing tasting room manager, Lamar Engel and that is very sad to hear.. They should have really assessed that decision as Lamar was the only reason I joined their wine club and bought their wine, including many many others. I have followed Lamar from Kirkland Ranch, including several more clients of his as well! Lamar knows wine and makes your wine tasting experience so much more pleasurable and fun! My friends and I have learned so much from his classes and vast wine knowledge. All wineries should know that its just not the great tasting wine that brings back the customers, but it is people like Lamar serving in the tasting room that brings back the customers more so! He was always so helpful! Plus, his events were awesome and fun! I wish Lamar the very best in his future endeavors and I say to the local Napa wineries to snatch him up for you will have a top notch fellow who knows his wine. Also, my friends and I will be buying your wine real soon!! =)

Sonoma:
Gary Farrell, Martinelli (I know you already have it, but this was my favorite every time I was in Sonoma... more intimate than most you'll find up there and they usually pour their better wines... don't let it be a last-minute scratch), Merry Edwards (call ahead), Ferrari Carano

Napa:
Cakebread was kind of corny. It's a tour of the winery and (at least when I went) less-than-impressive tasting selections. Turnbull, which is next door, was a better tasting experience.

Chimney Rock was a pleasant surprise; when I was there they were tasting some of their best cabs from '01.

i agree with wine visionary, c & b let a great wine club manager go. the new people inside the tasting room have been unfriendly an we've found the place univiting. we will be cancelling our wine club. if anyone knows where lamar engel is at now, please email us and let us know. thanks!

February can't get here soon enough.

Hi Fairone. Lamar is now at Rubicon Estate, aka Francis Ford Coppola winery. Go say hi! =)

thanks winevisionary. will definately make it out to see him. We cancelled our membership at C & B and were treated so rudely by the manager. People need to stay away from Cartlidge & Browne!!!

I am heading to Napa in May for the first time and
am just starting to plan. Staying at the Villagio in Yountville and hoping to hit a fair number of wineries in 4 days. Please post back how your trip goes.

Well, first off I have to recommend Chateau Montelena and Pope Valley. Certain personnel there have made my Napa experiences incredibly memorable. I would not be a wine-lover if it weren't for those wineries.

As far as mindblowing wine, in no discernable order, I have to mention Guilliams, Keenan, Failla (<--all appointment required), Venge, and Etude. Both QPR and straight up Q, you will not be disappointed.

If I had to pick one winery, it would be Guilliams. Parker and WS have not touched them yet, but these people know what they're doing. They could be the next HUGE thing.

I recommend the 2001 or 2002 Cabernets from Seven and Eight Vineyards. They show up on wine lists of several good restaurants and they have a very nice cigar box taste during the sipping.

3 weeks!!!!!!!

Cannot wait!

Villagio is a great place to stay. Make a reservation to eat at Redd. It is just across the street from the hotel. There is also a great little wine store across the street.

quote:

Originally posted by Dixie:
I am heading to Napa in May for the first time and
am just starting to plan. Staying at the Villagio in Yountville and hoping to hit a fair number of wineries in 4 days. Please post back how your trip goes.

Then you need to check out Chasseur in Sonoma. Not sure if they do tastings but 04 Chards and Pinot's were great. I would make sure to get an appt at Pride and Shafer as well.

For a unique personal experience call David Wight at Lewelling and Don Gallagher at Trespass. Both wineries have websites with contact info.

quote:

Originally posted by Berno:

quote:

Originally posted by cali wine:
Berno,
What types of wine do you like ? Many wineries to choose from. Not sure how close these are to CIA

Darioush- many whites and reds
Del Dotto- ditto
Pride-
Flora Springs- no appt needed
Turnbull- no appt needed

these are just a few. check out napavinters.com

Awesome, thanks.

I'm into any and all, really. Fruit forward pinots, oaky chards...

Any wine shops that I can't miss?

If you do Goosecross, a very good walk in near by would be Cliff Lede....Great spread of wines(inluding Sparkling - S Anderson) and a very nice sundry shop with wine odds and ends. The Poetry is their Premier Cab and the fruit is on a small hillside in between Shafer and Backus Vineyard(Phelps Single Vineyard Cab).

Also, Lede has a fantastic art collection and quite the Bordeaux collector. If yoy go, ask them to show you there Poetry Inn. My wife and I stayed and it was awesome.

Cheers and SIP SIP HOOREY

quote:

I would make sure to get an appt at Pride and Shafer as well.

I second that. Duckhorn tour and private tasting was also memorable. Those would be my top 3 for a repeat visit.

Porter Creek, I ALWAYS go there. Hopefully they have some Viognier. Russian River.

Here's my makeshift "list."

Beaulieu
Caymus
Darioush
Hess (Family connection)
Phelps
Marcassin
Plumpjack
Pride
Mondavi
Shafer
Turley
Chateau St. Jean
Kosta Browne
Martinelli
Ramey
Kistler

This is extremely optimistic, too. I arrive in Sacramento at 2 on Sunday. My classes at CIA are from 2-8 Mon-Thurs. I leave Saturday morning. I'm sold on Martinelli, Board-O.