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The right way to visit the Napa Valley

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    Can anyone offer advice on the right way to visit the Napa Valley? I'm looking for suggestions on the best places for wine tastings, restaurants with amazing food and the top hotels in the region. Any help or suggestions or tips would be a big assistance for me. Thanks!

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    Take the Wine Train through Napa Valley! The scenery is wonderful, the food and wine delicious and, if you have too much wine, you won't be pulled over for DWI.

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    Get someone else to drive you around as you do your wine tastings. There are many limo services available.

    The B&B or resort you choose to stay at is key, as your concierge can help you secure many hard-to-get tables in Napa. as well as help you book private wine tastings at otherwise-closed vineyards. Take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards. It's serene and beautiful. Get some spa treatments also.

    We've always been very happy staying at Villagio. Their spa services are excellent. Definitely do their brunch as well.

    Without doubt, the absolute toughest table to procure for a meal in Napa (and perhaps in all of the United States) is at The French Laundry in Yountville, one of the few 3-Michelin Star establishments on the West Coast. Thomas Keller's iconic restaurant is a MUST-DO culinary experience. Expect a 3+ hour marathon meal. More recently, The French Laundry served as the inspirational kitchen for the Pixar movie "Ratatouille". His Bouchon restaurant is also excellent, just down the street. It is not for the faint of wallet, but it IS worth every last cent. And yes, ratatouille is one of the courses on the menu we enjoyed most, the last time we were there.

    Thanks from: grouse
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    We were intending to take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards a few years ago (as J.L. suggested in the above posting). But, we arrived at the airport in Calistoga just a little too late (since the balloons take off rather early in the morning, to take advantage of the cooler temperatures at that time of day). However, we noticed that, a few hundred feet away, there were glider rides available and, instead, we jumped in a glider and spent about an hour gliding high and low over the Napa Valley. (There was room enough in the glider for the pilot, as well as for my wife and me.) The glider ride was delightful and, in retrospect, we were happy that things turned out the way they did. I highly recommend this breathtaking and exciting way to see the Napa Valley!

    Thanks from: grouse
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    I just visited Kuleto Estate up above St Helena and Lake Hennessey. The views, tour and experience were fantastic. The wine isn't bad either, OK, I joined their wine club. By appointment only. This is by far my favorite winery experience. I live in the valley and go to as many wineries as possible... just not enough time.

    The Gliderport closed a few years ago, so that's not an option. There's always ballooning or a ride in a vintage biplane or WWII era fighter out of the Schellville airport.

    La Toque in Rutherford is probably a more feasible option for a high end dining experience over French Laundry. We try to book many of our clients at French Laundry and it's always difficult, even when you know a number of staff.

    You will be hard pressed to have a poor dining experience in Napa Valley. From Calistoga all the way down to Napa, great restaurants abound.

    One other option would be to rent a vacation home (there are a number of high-end homes available with spectacular views) and have the chefs at French Laundry or Bouchon come to the home and cook for you. It's a tailored experience and provides a more intimate evening. Of course, it isn't cheap. Other private chefs can be contracted if name recognition isn't a priority.

    BTW, there is no right or wrong way to do Napa Valley. It's a matter of preference, money and time.

    Thanks from: grouse
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    Oh! You will have SUCH a wonderful time. I have only done Napa, so can only attest to that.
    For magnificent lodging - Auberge du Soleil is really spectacular. It's a little "up there" on a hill, so I just prefer to eat there. Really few views can rival it (i have one that can, though - more on that later).
    I enjoy staying at the Yountville Inn. It's walking distance to Bouchon for breakfast and coffee in the morning. It's walking distance to French Laundry, Ad Hoc and a number of other really good restaurants.
    For wineries (so many!!!):
    Joseph Phelps - also has an amazing view, good tastings as well - Isignia former wine of the year
    Nickel & Nickel - a great single vineyard winery. They really show you process and you get to experience some exciting wines.
    Chandon - great sparkling wines
    Clos du Val - wonerful wines
    Robert Sinskey - great wines and they do wonderful tapas with your tasting

    More Restaurants:
    Tra Vigne - EXCELLENT Italian
    Brix - good California cuisine
    Mustard's
    Bouchon (really one of my faves)

    Have fun. It's such a special place!

    Thanks from: grouse
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    Napa is far too crowded...jammed on weekends; Sonoma much preferred. The big wine country secret is California's Central Coast with splendid white wines in Edna Valley (inland from Pismo Beach) and fine red wines especial Zins and Syrahs in Paso Robles with its warmer climate. Villa Iuscana is a lovely hotel right on the Paso Robles wine trail; smaller boutique wineries sell their annual production locally. You visit them driving along shaded country...a delightful way to spend a weekend. Withut the clammer and lines of traffic in Napa. Contact the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce on line.

    Thanks from: grouse
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    I personally prefer staying outside Napa as well. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a great option if you're looking for a full service resort. The spa is incredible and Santé, their main restaurant is quite dependable.

    If you do prefer to be closer to Napa I would recommend Silverado Resort. The rooms are spacious and most feature fireplaces.

    Thanks from: grouse
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    Very helpful suggestions. Thank you!

    Does anyone else have any wineries that they think are a "must see?" I'm putting a list together that includes laginappe's suggestions above.

    Also, if you can, please let me know which ones to avoid, if possible!

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    Napa should be avoided on the weekends, it's much too crowded. Still, it's infinitely nicer than Sonoma.

    My first piece of advice is rent a convertible for the drive up from a luxury/fantasy car rental service. It greatly enhances the experience to be in a convertible that's really fun to drive.

    I greatly prefer the Calistoga Inn to Auberge du Soleil. The views of the valley at Auberge are better (my room there had a private outside jacuzzi overlooking the entire valley), but still, it's much better to visit than stay there: sit on the outside deck and have a glass of wine at sunset to take in the view. Calistoga Inn has cottages nestled in the woods, and is much cozier and more romantic. They also have a fantastic outdoor gym overlooking the pool. The restaurant is also better.

    You should try to make it to The French Laundry. The best thing to do is book your hotel months in advance, and have the concierge make the reservation for you. If not, La Toque in Rutherford is an excellent backup choice.

    For most of the wineries worth going to, you now have to make an appointment. It takes some of the fun out of it, but at least you can be assured an experience not jammed with tourists. Quintessa is my favorite winery. They produce a single red meritage wine each year that's the best expression of the property, which has four separate microclimates and is planted with a wide variety of grapes. Opus One is also worth visiting: its a collaboration of the Mondavi and Rothchilds, but produce some excellent wines housed in a very pretentious-looking pyramid building.

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    There's a great burrito shack just opposite Opus One's joint. Perfect for soaking up one too many glasses of vino!! (Hey, you can't eat at French Laundry every day you're there!).

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