Trip Overview: This was a relatively short 10-day trip to the Napa & Sonoma regions of California, intended to get a first hand view of the region, its weather, soil and general climate. One of the first things that strikes you is the prototypical layout of Napa Valley and the richness of the soil, too rich to easily make a Burgundian styled wine and perhaps too easy to make a fruit-forward styled wine. I also expect it is a bit on the warm side to easily make a good Chardonnay. There is no shortage of boutique properties that make a wide range of wines up and down the price spectrum. In addition, there are many cult wine growers who have paid particular attention to both their wine making technique and marketing to produce very hard to get and expensive wine. Prices paid for this wine, which is usually only available for those lucky enough to be on the winery's mailing list generally range anywhere from $125 - $750/ bottle. Although not complete, notable cult wine producers include Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Marcassin, Shafer Vineyards and Colgine Cellars to name just a few.
Although not my style of wine, the grape that I felt would thrive in the Napa Valley climate was Sirah and Zinfandel varietals as the inherent spiciness of these grapes would only be enhanced by the Napa Valley terroir. There is no shortage of Sirah and Zinfandel producers, but we felt like Ravenswood Winery would be a good place to start as the winery produces reasonably priced wine that can likely be found in your local wine shop.
Please see my notes below for information on where we stayed and some of the local hot spots for foodies.
Although not my style of wine, the grape that I felt would thrive in the Napa Valley climate was Sirah and Zinfandel varietals as the inherent spiciness of these grapes would only be enhanced by the Napa Valley terroir. There is no shortage of Sirah and Zinfandel producers, but we felt like Ravenswood Winery would be a good place to start as the winery produces reasonably priced wine that can likely be found in your local wine shop.
Please see my notes below for information on where we stayed and some of the local hot spots for foodies.
Where To Stay: Rather than staying in the town of Napa we chose to stay closer to the vines. We discovered the modest town of Yountville CA, which is also the culinary center of Napa Valley. There is really only one place to stay at, it is a collection of two hotel complexes called The Vintage Estate, and is comprised of the Villagio Inn and the Vintage Inn. The Villagio also has a substantial spa attached, which we found to be of top quality. The spa was particularly notable for its lemongrass steam room as well as his and hers outdoor Jacuzzi.
Where to Eat: Well it is not a coincidence that French Laundry is located a short walk from the hotel, but you should plan well in advance if you want a reservation. The food was great and the wine list was very extensive .
Other notable restaurants included the following:
Brix, is set on a Napa estate surrounded by beautiful fruit gardens and a vineyard. We strolled the grounds as the sun was setting while sipping a glass of vintage Brut Rose Schramsberg sparkling wine. The dining room was cozy and romantic. And the farm to table menu did not disappoint. The Colorado lamb chops were sumptuous. Brix has an extensive wine list but also has a manageable $25 cork fee.
Bottega - Napa Valley Italian is set on the Vintage Estate property in Yountville. What a find! Bottega has a rustic and inviting dining room that seemed to be hopping all of the time. The menu had so many mouthwatering options. In fact, our meal was so good, that we came back a second time during our stay to satisfy the craving for the flavorful pasta dishes. Our favorites were the short rib meatballs, wood grilled octopus, the gnocchi and tagliarini bolognese, just yummy.
Other notable restaurants included the following:
Ad Hoc (part of the Thomas Keller restaurant group)
Bouchon (part of the Thomas Keller restaurant group)
Bistro Jeanty (we felt this was quaint and was one of our favorites)
Where to Eat: Well it is not a coincidence that French Laundry is located a short walk from the hotel, but you should plan well in advance if you want a reservation. The food was great and the wine list was very extensive .
Other notable restaurants included the following:
Brix, is set on a Napa estate surrounded by beautiful fruit gardens and a vineyard. We strolled the grounds as the sun was setting while sipping a glass of vintage Brut Rose Schramsberg sparkling wine. The dining room was cozy and romantic. And the farm to table menu did not disappoint. The Colorado lamb chops were sumptuous. Brix has an extensive wine list but also has a manageable $25 cork fee.
Bottega - Napa Valley Italian is set on the Vintage Estate property in Yountville. What a find! Bottega has a rustic and inviting dining room that seemed to be hopping all of the time. The menu had so many mouthwatering options. In fact, our meal was so good, that we came back a second time during our stay to satisfy the craving for the flavorful pasta dishes. Our favorites were the short rib meatballs, wood grilled octopus, the gnocchi and tagliarini bolognese, just yummy.
Other notable restaurants included the following:
Ad Hoc (part of the Thomas Keller restaurant group)
Bouchon (part of the Thomas Keller restaurant group)
Bistro Jeanty (we felt this was quaint and was one of our favorites)

Other Resources: Where possible my wife and I either biked ourselves to the winery's we wished to visit or participated in an organized bike tour. We found that The Napa Valley Bike Tours and Sonoma Valley Bike Tours was able to provide both guided bike tours and daily rentals at reasonable prices. The two companies are related,were very well run and had a knowledgeable staff. It also did not hurt that the Napa Valley Bike Shop was within walking distance of the Vintage Inn.
Wine Shipping: For those of you who purchased a bit of wine I highly recommend shipping it back via Buffalo's Shipping Post, which we found to also have reasonable prices.
Wine Shipping: For those of you who purchased a bit of wine I highly recommend shipping it back via Buffalo's Shipping Post, which we found to also have reasonable prices.