Napa Valley Wineries:

Charles Krug:The first Winery in Napa, it is still one of the best. While currently undergoing extensive remodeling, they still have a tasting room that is open and it is attended by some of the friendliest staff that we have encountered in all of our tasting excursions. On a recent visit, we enjoyed their latest Sauvignon Blanc, the 2004 “Generations” as well as their wonderful Zinfandel Port. A very nice touch was their furnishing of complimentary German Chocolate to taste with the Port. Tasting fees typically are $10-$20 per person, depending on which flight of wines you choose to try. These fees may also be waived with a purchase. As an added bonus, consider stopping for lunch right up the street from Krug at Silverado Brewing Company. While they do brew their own beer, they also feature a very nice selection of reasonably priced wine, an outdoor seating area and on certain days, St Louis style BBQ pork ribs fresh off their own outdoor grill. Orin Swift. Almost a true “virtual” winery, they do have a small tasting room on the second floor of an historic building right on Highway 29 in Rutherford. Open by appointment only, their “Prisoner” red table wine has established a true cult following. They have also recently released “Papillon” a Bordeaux style blend. After trying the Papillion, you will quickly understand why you will be hearing more and more about Orin Swift in the future.

Del Dotto Vineyards: Del Dotto’s cave tours and barrel tastings are not to be missed. While the tour must be booked in advance and will take an hour at the minimum (we suggest planning on two!), this is a must stop for those that are interested in learning how different types of wood effect the taste of wine. Our personal favorites from this winery include their Cabernet Sauvignon aged in Missouri Oak, their Cave Blend, and most definitely any of their fine selection of Ports. Del Dotto also features an outstanding wine shop, with hard to find wines from around the world.

Frank Family:Long associated with the Rombauer Vineyards, Rich Frank (the Former President of Disney Studios), and his wife Connie now own 100% of this outstanding winery. Both their Chardonnay and Cabernet must be tasted to be believed. As an added bonus, this is one of the few top rated wineries that has resisted the temptation to charge a tasting room fee. Caymus. Available by appointment only, this tasting room only holds ten at a time but once inside you will taste some of the truly great Cabernets ever made.

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Phone: 415-333-3133