Napa Valley Trip
Jul 23, 2013 17:09:54 #
Planning a trip to Napa Valley in mid-Sept/Oct. Any suggestions on the best time and also where to go. Thanks
Jul 23, 2013 17:19:23 #
Jul 23, 2013 17:21:12 #
There is a castle vineyard in napa valley that is outstanding
The Vineyard of Love. I posted photos 2/9/2013 if you want to check it out. The owner spent over 40mil on this beautiful castle something to see.
The Vineyard of Love. I posted photos 2/9/2013 if you want to check it out. The owner spent over 40mil on this beautiful castle something to see.
Jul 23, 2013 17:21:52 #
My sister loved Napa Valley, she and my mom always talked about the wine train and how much they enjoyed it, here is a link.
http://www.winetrain.com/
The Bale Grist Mill is another spot in Napa I have always wanted to see, here is the link to it.
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/california_bale_grist_mill.htm
I have always wanted to check out this little geyser in Calistoga which is near Napa, here is another link.
http://oldfaithfulgeyser.com/local_area.html
There are a lot of great wineries that are beautiful photo ops, I'm sure you will have a great time!
http://www.winetrain.com/
The Bale Grist Mill is another spot in Napa I have always wanted to see, here is the link to it.
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/california_bale_grist_mill.htm
I have always wanted to check out this little geyser in Calistoga which is near Napa, here is another link.
http://oldfaithfulgeyser.com/local_area.html
There are a lot of great wineries that are beautiful photo ops, I'm sure you will have a great time!
Jul 23, 2013 17:33:45 #
D and ME wrote:
Planning a trip to Napa Valley in mid-Sept/Oct. Any suggestions on the best time and also where to go. Thanks
D, what are your goals for that trip? Is it wine, foto, spas etc? SS
Jul 23, 2013 18:23:34 #
Domaine Chandon - sparkling wine winery with beautiful grounds.
Castello di Amorosa - that's the castle winery
Those are my two favorites. Cheers!
Castello di Amorosa - that's the castle winery
Those are my two favorites. Cheers!
Jul 23, 2013 18:40:35 #
Visiting my uncle in Santa Rosa. Love to do floral photography. Realize it is probably to late in the season for many flowers.
Jul 23, 2013 19:25:46 #
Jul 23, 2013 19:53:03 #
Jul 24, 2013 08:52:46 #
Sterling Vineyards is nice and it's on highway 29. A tram takes you up to the winery from the parking lot. It's a self guided tour and at the end has a really nice view from their observation deck. Auberge de Soleil is nice for lunch. It's just off the Silverado Trail. Another winery would be Beringers which is on highway 29 on the left side just after you leave the town of St. Helena. Have a great time.
Jul 24, 2013 09:07:02 #
Jul 24, 2013 10:06:31 #
Jul 24, 2013 10:14:21 #
jsfphotos
Loc: New York, NY
The Luther Burbank home and incredibly lovely gardens are right in the town of Santa Rosa. There are also redwoods in Armstrong Woods and Bodega Bay on the ocean, not to mention vineyards EVERYWHERE.
Jul 24, 2013 10:55:18 #
Jul 24, 2013 11:42:09 #
peterg
Loc: Santa Rosa, CA
Spend more time in fewer wineries.
Before heading to the wineries, go to a good deli and get food. Then picnic at one of the wineries. It will be a highlight of your trip.
I prefer the small mom & pop wineries, instead of the big ones. Often better wine, lower prices, friendlier staff.
Spend more time with wineries on the Silverado Trail instead of the crowded ones on Highway 29 on the west side.
Weekends can be very crowded. Weekdays are best.
If you have time, visit other wine areas like Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, etc. Each has it's own charm. Wines are great. Wines and tasting fees are often cheaper. (I live in Sonoma County. We call Napa Valley "the Dark Side" where they make auto parts! ;-)
Get winery suggestions from lots of people.
We love the wines from grapes grown on the surrounding hills (e.g. Spring Mountain, Mt Veeder, Howell Mtn, etc.). California Wine Country has many microclimates. The grapes ARE different. Visit some mountain wineries for great "cabs" and scenic views.
If you can tell tell the difference between "good" wines and others, spend the time and money for winery reserve tastings. There is a difference.
Some small wineries are by appointment only. Some really require appointments. Others don't but local laws require appointments. Example: For open tasting, one small winery was required to build turn lanes on the road. They opted for appointments.
If you see one you like, give them a phone call. No phone? Stop in and ask for an appointment. Don't be surprised if the is an immediate opening for you to taste.
Depending on your home state, wineries will ship. There are also shipping companies that will pack and ship for reasonable rates. Sure beats lugging boxes through the airports.
Remember your camera for great landscapes during the "golden hours".
Before heading to the wineries, go to a good deli and get food. Then picnic at one of the wineries. It will be a highlight of your trip.
I prefer the small mom & pop wineries, instead of the big ones. Often better wine, lower prices, friendlier staff.
Spend more time with wineries on the Silverado Trail instead of the crowded ones on Highway 29 on the west side.
Weekends can be very crowded. Weekdays are best.
If you have time, visit other wine areas like Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, etc. Each has it's own charm. Wines are great. Wines and tasting fees are often cheaper. (I live in Sonoma County. We call Napa Valley "the Dark Side" where they make auto parts! ;-)
Get winery suggestions from lots of people.
We love the wines from grapes grown on the surrounding hills (e.g. Spring Mountain, Mt Veeder, Howell Mtn, etc.). California Wine Country has many microclimates. The grapes ARE different. Visit some mountain wineries for great "cabs" and scenic views.
If you can tell tell the difference between "good" wines and others, spend the time and money for winery reserve tastings. There is a difference.
Some small wineries are by appointment only. Some really require appointments. Others don't but local laws require appointments. Example: For open tasting, one small winery was required to build turn lanes on the road. They opted for appointments.
If you see one you like, give them a phone call. No phone? Stop in and ask for an appointment. Don't be surprised if the is an immediate opening for you to taste.
Depending on your home state, wineries will ship. There are also shipping companies that will pack and ship for reasonable rates. Sure beats lugging boxes through the airports.
Remember your camera for great landscapes during the "golden hours".
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