Napa Valley trip - Favorite Wineries, etc

[Leanne]

Next September, my husband & I will be in Napa for our first anniversary & another good friend's wedding.
Any recommendations on a hotel or B&B, wineries, and/or restaraunts?
The bride-to-be gave us some hotel suggestions that will be near the place they're getting married - but I'd love to find a great place for the other days we're there.

[Jessica]

Here is the Deer Run link. http://www.virtualcities.com/~virtual/ons/ca/w/caw3602.htm
We stayed in the carriage house and did not want to leave, it was so cozy. It even had robes for us to wear. Two caveats though: no hot breakfast, although the cold spread was plentiful and if you are used to flat roads, the road up the hill might be nerve-wracking. Despite those two things, I would stay there again.

[Leanne]

Jessica - Justy looked at Deer Run - thanks for the site. It looks great. A little get away like that is really what I want for our anniversary.

[marys]

My husband and I were in Sonoma in October and stayed at the Gaige House Inn in Glenn Ellen. It was incredible! They have pictures of their rooms on their website and you can select the room you want (we stayed in #11 - a fireplace room)It wasn't cheap, but it was well worth it. It has a contemporary feel, sort of an Asian style. The breakfast was excellent and there are several good restaurants within walking distance.

As for wineries, we also enjoyed Ravenswood. We also liked Benzinger Family Winery - they give tours of the vineyard and explain the process, rather than just having a tasting room.

Have a great time! I'm ready to go back!

[Severin]

I would like to add one winery that no one has mentioned, it is called Whitehall Lane. Very small and on the main road, but wonderful wines and great hospitality. I think the big tours are overated, I like the small off the beaten path places. But, please do not skip the Grocery. It is amazing!

[wendylee]

Leanne:
Napa and Sonoma are both beautiful - my husband and I have been there several times. In addition to the other wineries mentioned, try Flora Springs in Napa. They have a private tour that takes you from tasting grapes right off of the vine to a very thorough tasting of all Flora Springs varieties (mostly reds). Arrowood is a great winery for whites. Sterling Vineyards has a tour that includes a tram ride up to the winery. The view is beautiful from the outdoor seating area. If you have time, a great restaurant is Brix, which is on 29.

Have a wonderful trip. September is one of the best times to visit.

[Gail]

Leanne,

Have you visted Chandon in Yountville? If you haven't it's a lovely place for a glass of champagne and a nibble. I understand the restaurant is excellent, too. I would also put in a second for Ferrari-Carano, both because the grounds are amazing and because they make wonderful wines! Other wineries I'd recommmend for quality wines are Davis Bynum, Rochioli and Hop Kiln all on the same road in the Russian River area, a bit of a drive from Napa. Another recent find for MARVELOUS Zins is Limerick Lane, a teeny little barn of a place in an off-the-road locale outside of Healdsburg. Above Healdsburg, you've got the Dry Creek Valley with loads of wonderful wineries...Speaking of Healdsburg, there's the Oakville Grocery for a nice gourmet market/lunch/and wines, or if you're on the other end of the valley closer to Oakville itself, stop into the more rustic but original Oakville Grocery. I'm a big fan of winery picnics and always recommend stopping into one of the myriad delicatessens for bread, cheese, wine, meats and whatever else strikes your fancy. I tend either to one of those mentioned above or to the Sonoma Cheese Factory if I'm in Sonoma. I'd suggest before you go, (1) get a map. If you're a member of the Automobile Club, they put out some guides on wineries and (2) Check some of these names on the Internet. Many wineries have web sites with hours, maps and driving instuctions. Dunno if I ever would've found Limerick Lane otherwise!

I've got friends in the wine country (one heavily into the studies of wines and wine-making) who may be able to come up with ideas as to good places to stay and/eat.

Insofar as lodging is concerned, what places has the bride suggested? Offhand, I can't remember the names of the places I was going to suggest, so let me check my things and I'll be back...

[pvavricka]

Hi Leanne! You've got a lot of really great suggestions already, but since I live here in Napa, I thought I'd put in my 2 cents! If you like BIG cabs, merlots, reds in general, you will want to hit the Stags Leap District which is on Silverado Trail. Silverado Vineyards (which sits up on a hill with an awesome view of the valley) is one of the best. Pine Ridge which is the next winery down is also great. Robert Sinskey, Schafer, and of course Stags Leap are just perfect! If you like Sangiovese (from the Tuscan region)Silverado, La Familia (Mondavi's other winery), Atlas Peak are very good! Cakebread, Frog's Leap, and Rombauer are good wineries to visit also. Really the best places are off Silverado Trail. It's not as populated (with tourist) and most of us that live here in Napa stick to the Trail. Signorella has awesome Pinot's. The tours mentioned earlier are good, but once you've seen one, you really have seen them all. There is just a little difference, maybe a cave to go through, but relatively all the same. The best part is the tasting! I worked at Silverado Vineyards for 2 years and just loved it. Tough job! Having to taste the wine before you serve it....just gotta hate that!!! If you can remember, try to get some Merlot (or Cab) filled chocolates. They are just incredible!

As for restaurants, they are endless! Bistro Don Giovanni, Piatti's, Bistro Jeanty, Bocochini, Foothill Cafe just to name a few that we go to frequently. Sorry for rambling on, but I just love this area!

Have fun,

Penny

[Cory]

Dry Creek winery in Healdsburg is wonderful. As Gail suggested, you can pick up food at the neighborhood store. The winery has picnic tables, & makes a wonderful spot for lunch.

[debg]

We (hubby & friends) have spent MANY years travelling to Napa/Sonoma drinking and doing bike rides. WE LOVE IT THERE! It's our favorite long weekend spot to retreat to. I always wanted to get married there too - but found a wonderful winery here in San Diego (where I live) which made it more convenient for planning! Anyway, I'm not an expert, but consider myself fairly well versed in the area. I'd look at Penny's response pretty closely as she lives there and probably knows the best "non-tourist" places to visit. We always seem to like those the best anyway.

Looks like you've got plenty of recommendations for wineries...but, may I offer some suggestions. we have always had the most luck with the "off the beaten path" type of wineries. Some of our favorites are de Lormier, (you'll have to look it up on a map) where an adorable cat resides in the tasting room; and Merryvale! Also, we REALLY like to tour not in Napa proper, or Sonoma proper, but in Alexander Valley (somewhere between the two!) . You'll find some really terrific red wines in this area. Also, I'd recommend calling or looking up on the internet as well as some places require: reservations, or are closed on specific days, etc.

As for cheese, the Vella Cheese Factory in Sonoma is tops over the Sonoma Cheese Factory.

The other recommendation I'd give you is to find a place to rent some bikes. It's beautiful country and depending on your level of exercise capability you can find some really challenging areas in which to ride. Also, it helps to make you feel less guilty about spending all day drinking! We have travelled by car or air with our bikes, but unless you have really good bikes you probably don't want the hassle.

I'm VERY jealous as it's been a couple of years since we've gone. We used to go every year, but you know how time gets away! My hubby has close relatives in Santa Rosa, which should be a great excuse to get us out there. Keep us posted on your trip!

P.S. Which winery will the wedding be held at?

[This message has been edited by debg (edited 01-03-2001).]

[MaryH]

I love Napa and agree with the following: Domaine Chandon - sparkling wines; Cakebread - excellent cabs; ZD - very very good; BV also very good; Sattui for the picnic grounds and Mondavi for the grounds. In Sonoma - Chateau St Jean and Monticello. Also try to get to:

Hakusan - sake tastings - very south part of Napa (south of the city of Napa)

Domaine Carneros - iambic distillery - makes cognac (i.e. brandy - but only liquor made in the Cognac region of France can be called that - just like champagne) Has a great tour. Only drawback is that you can't taste because alcoholic content is too high.

There was a thread here before mentioning a lot of these.


Enjoy.



[This message has been edited by MaryH (edited 01-04-2001).]

[coyoyaya]

I was in San Francisco for New Year's & dragged my bf to Napa Valley on New Year's day....although most everything was closed. It was nice to just drive around the area. One winery that was open (I see it's already been mentioned) was V. Sattui. It was very beautiful & relaxing. I can't wait to go back. The school I saw mentioned near St. Helena is the Culinary Institute. The building is quite impressive & they do have a restaurant on-site. Have fun!!

[Beth]

We lived in the area, so I can't help with places to stay, but I second the recommendations for V. Sattui (wines available only at the winery and selected restauraunts, plus picnic area and deli, one of the few with muscats), Ravenswood (good reds), Domaine Chandon (a nice tour and a patio where you can sip sparkling wine, nibble an appetizer and watch the sunset at the end of your day), and Whitehall Lane (they were remodelling last time I was there, I remember liking their whites more than the reds).

I would also recommend Viansa, another picturesque site with picnic areas and a deli, and good Italian style wines. It's near the Sear's point raceway on your way into Sonoma from SF and Petaluma.

Past Viansa but before you get to SOnoma, there's SOnoma Creek Winery. We first found them several years ago when their t-shirts and labels caught our eye in a Cost Plus display. Turned out they were one of the nearest wineries to us, and it's a small family operated place (they had 2 tanks when we were first there). One our last trip, they still didn't have an official tasting room, just a corner of a storage area. The dad was a vet who grew grapes on the side and sold them to other wineries. They got into the business and have really come along. They enjoy talking about their wines, and let us taste freshly crushed juice out of the tanks on one trip, and unbottled wine from the barrels on another. They even gave us a couple of bottles of muscat to take home and try.

DH says Gundlash Bundshu (I think the spelling is at least pretty close). They make some good reds, and it's a smaller winery too.

Be aware that September could put you in the middle of the crush. The harvest and crush time is very hectic, and the folks are often working around the clock. It is also a popular tourist time because the weather is usually so nice. Try to understand and be patient. It's a time when patience toward pushy tourists is at a minimum. Go with the flow, and you'll be appreciated.

On the cheeses, if you wander out of Sonoma and Napa, there is a cheese factory on the road out from Petaluma to the lighthouse at Pt. Reyes. I don't remember the name, but it's a good stop too. Very different cheeses from the Sonoma Cheese factory. I remember a soft French style breakfast cheese and that style. They sell sourdough to eat it with and have a picnic area, or take it on out to the lighthouse.

Wandering the other way to Fairfield, there is the Jelly Belly factory, in case you need a break from the wines. You can take a tour, get a sample, and shop, both for first rate goods and their seconds, called Belly Flops.

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 01-04-2001).]

[Jessica]

Leanne--
We went to Napa and surrounding areas in September 1999 for our honeymoon. You will love it. We stayed at a B&B called Deer Run. It is five miles up a steep hill in St. Helena (north of the city of Napa but still in the valley) and you get a private cabin. Great accommodations, good continental breakfast and a nice hideaway. I surprised my husband with a balloon ride--this is a cool thing to do in Napa, although it is pricey (everything in wine country is expensive). For great wine, go to V. Sattui on the main road (29?). It has one of the best tastings and a nice garden for a picnic. Domaine Chandon and Robert Mondavi had terrific tours. And, don't miss the Oakville grocery for great samples and yummy picnic food. Napa also has a Dean & Deluca where you can sample hundreds of cheeses. September is a great time to go--have a fabulous trip http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Leanne]

Thanks Jessica. I'm trying to organize the wine tour for all of my friends who will be out there too. Always good to have input. I had no idea that Dean & Deluca was out there too. Yum!

I'll look into Deer Run too.

[Vanessa]

Have a fun time. Maybe Gail can recommend some places to visit, eat etc. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Laura Wick]

Originally posted by Leanne:
Next September, my husband & I will be in Napa for our first anniversary & another good friend's wedding.
Any recommendations on a hotel or B&B, wineries, and/or restaraunts?
The bride-to-be gave us some hotel suggestions that will be near the place they're getting married - but I'd love to find a great place for the other days we're there.
Dear Leanne:

September is a great time to go to Napa and Sonoma (just a short drive away). Our favorites in Napa are Cakebread, Z.D., V.Satui, Opus and B.V. There is an incredible cooking school in Napa with a restaurant, just outside of the town of Helena. In Sonoma, which is pricier and also even more beautiful, be sure to visit Ferari Carano--great wines and it looks like a Tuscan country castle. If you are into really complex reds, try Ravenswood. Be sure to take layers of clothing, as it can be quite cool, especially at night. St Clement's wine tasting facility is a beautiful old white frame house on a hill with a wide porch and a wonderful swing--very romantic!

Have a great time!

[Leanne]

Laura - I have actually been to Sonoma before (another friend's wedding!)We fell in love with Ravenswood then. It's a wine we keep on hand at all times - cheap & tasty - gotta love it! I've heard of Opus - that was one I was thinking of. I will definitely look into the others.

[Leanne]

Great info so fars!

This is for those who have asked - I don't have the info on exactly which winery the wedding/reception will be in.

The places the bride recommended to stay were the Vintage Inn in Yountville (where the wedding party will be staying), the Ink House, and the Wine Country Inn.

I'm sure they're all nice - we just wanted something special for Sunday night, which is our anniversary.

[Peggy]

Leanne,

Check out my Napa Valley winery recommendations on page #2 of the "Calling All Winos" thread. I just bumped it up to the top. I wrote an extensive list of all the places we like to frequent along with some "unique" experiences. Too much to retype!

We visit Napa at least once a year, so I can also give you some B&B recommendations. WIll get to it a little later. I'm running to work now!

Peggy

[This message has been edited by Peggy (edited 01-04-2001).]

[Leanne]

Originally posted by Peggy:
Leanne,

Check out my Napa Valley winery recommendations on the "Calling All Winos" thread. I just bumped it up to the top. I wrote an extensive list of all the places we like to frequent along with some "unique" experiences. Too much to retype!

We visit Napa at least once a year, so I can also give you some B&B recommendations. WIll get to it a little later. I'm running to work now!

Peggy

Thanks Peggy - I saw you bump the other one up. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Cyn]

Definitely stop at V. Suttui! It has great wines and is a great place for picnic lunch - cheese, salami, fruit, fresh bread...

For B&Bs, the Cinnamon Bear in St. Helena was nice but my favorite is in a small place with wonderful renovated traincars in Yountville(?). Sorry, but I don't remember the name.

[Gail]

Leanne,

You didn't mention whether or not you'd looked at the web sites for any of the hotels you'd mentioned. Each has one, and they all look promising. In perusing an old Food and Wine Magazine I have, I note on the subject of the Vintage Inn, the following:

"...I argued futilely with the desk clerk over my "vineyard view" room, which turned out to be a parking-lot-and-Highway-29-view room, beyond which were the vineyards. Attempts to switch met with no success.

"Rooms in the Napa Valley are not only pricey but also booked far in advance, particularly on busy summer and fall weekends. If you choose the Vintage Inn as a base for your vacation, you will very very satisfied if you insist on accomodations facing the courtyard at the time you make your reservation. The hotel is laid out in a serious of semidetached villas, and the high-ceilinged, knotty-pine quarters are bright, airy and comfortable." (Note to Leanne: this was a 1992 mag. They may have changed décor since.)

The magazine also describes the grounds of the Chateau Montelona winery as follows:
"Actually, this is more than a picnic spot, it's paradise. Chateau Montelena, in a corner of the valley near Calistoga, offers two private picnic sites, both on tiny islands on man-made lakes. Each island comes equipped with a Chinese pavilion and is besieged by hungry swans and ducks. Insasmuch as the attraction is free, fabulous and limited to one party per island per day, weekends are booked months ahead. I suggest a weekday alfresco outing accompanied with a bottle of the winery's Zinfandel." (Again, keep in mind date of publication. If this interests you, I'd certainly try contacting the winery to find out if the same accomodations and situations exist.)

Upon wracking my brain, I thought of a couple of other places to investigate and have provided web sites. There's the very upper crust Meadowood, recommended highly to me by an employee of what was then Le Meridien in Coronado. I haven't been there, but I've seen their brochure. Check out www.meadowood.com/indexEx.html (http://www.meadowood.com/indexEx.html) and http://bayarea.citysearch.com/profile?fid=24&id=988756 for an overview. Another one which came to mind was the Vintner's Inn, which must be the sister property of a place I stay in the city-- again, I haven't been there but it looks lovely. Web sites to check are www.vintnersinn.com/ (http://www.vintnersinn.com/) and http://bayarea.citysearch.com/profile?fid=9&id=1171573
for overview. The aforementioned magazine also mentioned Auberge du Soleil, described as "an elegant, rustic hillside retreat." He further states the room was "surprisingly small but otherwise delightful, with piped-in music, a small working fireplace with wood so exquisitely cut it might have been done by a sculptor, a bowl of candy and dried fruit, slippers and even a welcome note. The next day my newspaper came tied with a ribbon." My friend in the wine country gave a thumbs up to the Auberge du Soleil, Chateau Montelena and the Wine Country Inn, by the way. Web site for Auberge du Soleil is www.aubergedusoleil.com/html/frame-pn.htm (http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/html/frame-pn.htm) with regrettfully, no photos of rooms. Overview at http://bayarea.citysearch.com/profile?id=988163

Although I visit the wine country at least once yearly, I usually stay on the coast or occasionally with friends. Although I've traveled Highway 29 up and down repeatedly, I tend to avoid its congestion like the plague, preferring the less frequented Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley areas. Are you planning on sticking close to the Napa/Sonoma area or branching out a bit?

PS On the subject of Ferrari-Carano winery, which is absolutely exquisite and the maker of some of my favorite whites, I failed to notice that it seemed almost implied that the winery is in Sonoma. Not so. It's nowhere near, rather off in Healdsburg, a bit distance but worth the drive-- plus you can visit another wine region!




[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 01-08-2001).]

[LGBurns]

I am so jealous. Just reading this post takes me back. As a Sonoma County native (and now sadly transplanted), I would echo Gail's recommendation of trying some places outside Napa Valley. I have always found it so crowded -- sort of the Disneyland of the wine country (in its crowds, not to imply that the wonderful wines, people, and places to stay are somehow cartoonish). However, I would highly recommend driving out toward the Russian River. Some great wineries in that area are DeLoach Vineyards, Rafinelli (the best Zin there is), Davis Bynum, and Hop Kiln (the last two were there 8 years ago, I can't vouch for there existence now). If you have time, drive all along the river until you get to the ocean (at Jenner), it's a beautiful drive through redwoods, pasture land, and vineyards). I want to say you follow Guerneville Road but it's been quite a few years so I'm not sure if that's right. Oh boy, now I'm really homesick. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

[Gail]

Originally posted by LGBurns:
...Some great wineries in that area are DeLoach Vineyards, Rafinelli (the best Zin there is), Davis Bynum, and Hop Kiln (the last two were there 8 years ago, I can't vouch for there existence now). If you have time, drive all along the river until you get to the ocean (at Jenner), it's a beautiful drive through redwoods, pasture land, and vineyards). I want to say you follow Guerneville Road but it's been quite a few years so I'm not sure if that's right. Oh boy, now I'm really homesick. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

Yeah, yeah, yeah. NOW you're talking my language! And it's all still there as of barely two months ago... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Beth]

Lots of good advice above, and I hope I can go back soon and take advantage of some and visit some old favotrites. I wanted to mention one place NOT to go to. I would not go to Tattinger. They are on the road between Sonoma and Napa, big house-like structure. The grounds are not that appealing, the wine is fine, but they are pricey and snobbish. Domaine Chandon is a much more pleasant experience on all levels.

We took guests there one, and they really made all of us unhappy. Glad to return the favor for them. Now I will be nice again.

[KimKelly]

Wow! I'm so jealous... when my husband was based at Travis AFB we spent many a weekend perusing the Napa Valley area. You will definitely love it! pvavricka had many good suggestions... as did everyone else. I agree that many of the best places are off the beaten path, but if one has never been to the valley before there is no problem seeing the big tourist attractions as well. I also agree with Beth about Tattinger and Domain Chandon... we much prefer Domain Chandon. We also enjoyed the V. Sattui winery as it had a nice picnic ground... and beautiful roses. Whatever you do take lots of film, there are so many photo ops.

Debg... mind of I ask what winery you chose in the San Diego area??? I would love a nice place to visit here as well.

Enjoy your trip Leanne! I found a bb in the AAA guide. Can't remember which one it was, but after reading about many of them and then ordering brochures we found so many that looked good. If I remember correctly, I was able to get a AAA guide of just Napa Valley, it was helpful.

Kim

[Leanne]

Thanks for the continuing wealth of knowledge. I print this every-so often to make sure I have all of the info.

I have looked at the internet sites for alot of places. Of course they'll take the best pictures to put on the web. You don't always get a feel for a place though their "advertising". I want to know about the true setting & atmosphere at a place - are they nice or not - is it quaint, or do you see parking lots.... that kind of thing.

So you all are right on target - thanks a bunch!

[MaryH]

KimKelly,

The wineries in San Diego county are primarily in Temecula (head north on 15 like you're going to Riverside and you'll hit it about 45 min to an hour later - that's from downtown). Get off on California Ave and head east. Can't miss them.

I have not been in many years but there used to be about 12. Callaway (previously of golf club fame) had a winery there but I thought I heard it was sold. Compared to Napa, they are all fairly close and you could easily see them all (may not want to taste at all but if you're so inclined go for it!) in two days. (One, if you just drive by.)

Sorry I can't give a specific recommendation for a particular winery as that was too many glasses of wine ago and the brain cells just aren't what they used to be.


[This message has been edited by MaryH (edited 01-09-2001).]

[cjm]

Leanne - sorry for the delayed reply hope I'm not too late... My DH & I were in San Francisco over New Years. Instead of dinner and dancing for a New Years Eve celebration, we decided to do something we couldn't/wouldn't do here at home (Kansas). We took a hot air balloon ride down Napa Valley New Years Eve morning. It was beautiful. We used a company called Above the West Hot Air Ballooning in Yountville, CA Phone #: 800-627-2759 or 707-944-8638. We were very pleased with their entire operation. "Donna" was our pilot. We were able to fly 1 1/2 hours after which we had a champagne breakfast at a great Mexican restaurant at Vintage 1870 in Yountville.

After breakfast we toured the Robert Mondavi vineyards...recommended by "Donna". We've been on tours before but this one was good and informative PLUS the wine tasting was excellent.

Hope you have a good trip!!!

[debg]

KimKelly,

We got married at Orfilia Vineyards which is on the left side of San Pasqual Road as you approach the world famous Wild Animal Park! It is beautiful there, the wine is great (my sister still orders the Chardonnay by website!), it has a beautiful rose garden and picnic area. my neighbors frequently take out of town visitors there for a picnic. It can get very hot on a summer afternoon though! I hope you have a chance to visit! Please let me know your thoughts if you do!

As for Temecula...It is definitely quite small. If you get an early start you can hit most of the wineries in one day. Many do not have "my taste" in wines. One of my favorites is "Hart". Most are small and little known, but it is definitely a fun place to visit! Many police so be careful drinking and driving (which I'm sure you all do anyway!). Temecula is also known for it's antique area. Great weekend getaway - wine tasting and antiquing for those within driving distance. If there's a choice between Napa or Central CA coast & Temecula - I'd definitely pick one of the others!

Salude!

[KimKelly]

Thanks Debg! I actually know where that is. Seen it on our many trips to the Wild Animal Park but we have never stopped. Thanks for the description, it does indeed sound beautiful! And a must try for us this spring - think I'll wait for the roses to bloom and then check it out. As usual, thanks for the "review". Your's have been helpfull in the past... we still haven't tried that Armenien Cafe you recommended, but we do talk about doing it! I did try the Cafe Sevilla... don't waste your time. It was expensive and the food was just ok. My friend had a wonderful dinner, but mine was not enjoyable. And the help was not friendly at all.

Mary thanks also for you advice! We have not had time the check out that area yet, but it also is on my list. One of these days the grandparents will visit and we will have a tasting day all to ourselves, no kids to tag along!

Leanne.... I was telling my husband about this thread last night and about all the advice that has been given. He suggested the Berringer winery. It is big and mainstream, but the tour is interesting and the grounds are beautiful. That was the first winery I ever went to, I can remember my Dad taking me there as a kid so I have fond memories of it. Should be especially nice the time you are there.

Kim

[Gail]

Hi Leanne,

My buddy in wine country e-mailed me last night to recommend Tra Vigne (restaurant) in St. Helena to you. It's her favorite restaurant (since she's into wines and the growing thereof, I'll bet the wine list is good, too) which she terms "excellent" and says it requires reservations.

BTW, she also recommended Auberge du Soleil if you want someplace special to stay. The rooms are lovely, she says, and their restaurant is excellent with a great wine list. She said you couldn't go wrong with Auberge du Soleil, Meadowood or Wine Country Inn.

[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 01-17-2001).]

[Laura Wick]

Dear KimKelly

we drove up to Temecula just after Christmas, and spent the day there. As DebG said it is much smaller and less sophisticated than the wine areas in No. CA, but it is fun to visit of you don't have time to travel to No. CA and want a "fix". Callaway is still open, and the restaurant at Thornton is great. Due to the small number of wineries there, you could visit them all in 2 days.

ONe thing we all noted: the quality of merchandise in the gift shops in the Temecula wineries has definitely improved since our visit two years ago. No great wine discoveries at either visit, but Callaway gives away great glasses with their tastings!

Have any San Diegans visited Bernardo's Winery in Rancho Bernardo? There is a great farmer's market there on Friday mornings, and there are many quaint & unique shops and artisans to visit there.

[debg]

Laura b.,

Bernardo's is much like Orfilia. Quaint, nice wine, a most decent place to visit. I've been to many craft fairs up there! Especially this past holiday season. They also have a nice, but small restaurant (should i even call it that?) where you can get yummy sandwiches!

Sounds like you've enjoyed it also!

[Peggy]

Leanne,

I would recommend staying at the Cinnamon Bear B&B in St. Helena. We have stayed there the last few times we have gone to the wine country. The nice thing about it is, it is within walking distance to the town where you will find some great restaurants.

St. Helena restaurant recomendations: Tra Vigne, Terra, and Pinot Blanc.

Calistoga restaurant recommendations: Wappo Bar & Grill, and All Seasons Cafe.

Peggy