Wine country - CA

[MMiller]

Looking to go later this Summer. With the fires in recent history, what say the CA brain trust? Good idea, bad idea? Suggestions where to go/avoid? Stayed in Yountville a few years ago and really enjoyed....

Thank you

[gduke2010]

Originally Posted by MMiller

Looking to go later this Summer. With the fires in recent history, what say the CA brain trust? Good idea, bad idea? Suggestions where to go/avoid? Stayed in Yountville a few years ago and really enjoyed....

Thank you

Plan you're trip, you'll really enjoy it. You're wife will especially, enjoy it.

[Rick Lee]

Don't go to any wineries you've heard of via the big brands you see in your local stores. Go to the ones that only sell onsite and have no distribution. They're smaller, less crowded and pretty cool. Though even some of those are getting too well-known and I haven't been there in about 10 years.

[BeyGon]

If you are thinking SoCal then try Solvang to Los Alamos, Santa Maria to Arroyo Grande and all around Paso Robles. I could give you names but it would just start an argument.

[vash]

Good idea. The fires affected very few wineries. Only a few east of Santa Rosa along hwy 12.

You’ll be fine. I live here. Let me know if you need anything.

[Tobra]

Fires were generally on the other side of I-5

Some places have an area where you can have a little pick-a-nick basket, I seem to remember V. Sattui is like that.

If you are going in late summer, you could maybe take in the Louie Vermeil Classic dirt track racing, there is a brewery just south of there that fed us a good lunch, people had vintage race cars and hot rods in a little roped off area, a lot of fun, nice evening. Was glad I had ear plugs

I suspect some hotels might have limited availability due to the fires though. Rebuilding has gone very slowly.

[Steve Viegas]

i think it depends on what kind of experience you are looking to have. I have found that three wineries a day is a full day.

There are wineries that make great wine, there are wineries that have fantastic grounds, and there are wineries that offer both.

I think the above advice about going to smaller lesser know wineries is great for two reasons:
1. You get their time and attention
2. If you find a wine you like, it is a reason to go back or get on their mailing list.

[LWJ]

Sonoma is a lot less expensive than Napa. You may not notice the quality difference. Less crowds as well.

[vash]

Originally Posted by MMiller

Looking to go later this Summer. With the fires in recent history, what say the CA brain trust? Good idea, bad idea? Suggestions where to go/avoid? Stayed in Yountville a few years ago and really enjoyed....

Thank you

if you need anything let me know. i am at ground zero in Santa Rosa. where the fire was, and we bounced back awesomely. at this point i would almost have to point out where the fire was. it isnt visually obvious any more.

Just so you know. we are not all about the wine. we are hitting it out of the park with our local beers as well. Russian River Brewery is HERE!! hell, i'd buy you a Pliny the Elder.

[Rtrorkt]

avoid Napa, too pretentious. We would go to Dry Creek, up the 101 from SF, left at Healdsburg on Dry Creek road. Recommend wineries; Unti, Preston, Dutcher Crossing, Ridge. We particularly liked Unit, Italian family making great wines in the Italian style. George and Mic run it

[ckissick]

Originally Posted by vash

Just so you know. we are not all about the wine. we are hitting it out of the park with our local beers as well. Russian River Brewery is HERE!! hell, i'd buy you a Pliny the Elder.

Good tip. I might as well plug my nephew's brewery tour company, North Bay Brewery Tours. There's even a Porsche connection. My nephew's father was chief mechanic for Flying Lizard Racing and is an all around Porsche fanatic.

Welcome - North Bay Brewery Tours

[Scott Douglas]

Originally Posted by LWJ

Sonoma is a lot less expensive than Napa. You may not notice the quality difference. Less crowds as well.

But you have to go all the way up to Mendocino County to get the best wines.

[PorscheGAL]

We ate at the bistro for lunch. It was excellent!! Best meal we had in Napa. That balcony gives a great view of the vineyard.

https://aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil/dine/

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by vash

if you need anything let me know. i am at ground zero in Santa Rosa. where the fire was, and we bounced back awesomely. at this point i would almost have to point out where the fire was. it isnt visually obvious any more.

Just so you know. we are not all about the wine. we are hitting it out of the park with our local beers as well. Russian River Brewery is HERE!! hell, i'd buy you a Pliny the Elder.

I really appreciate this Vash and I'm sure that is a beer I would absolutely enjoy!

[MMiller]

Thank you all for the interesting suggestions. I will look into them as we make plans. Rough plans for now are to fly into San Fran or Sacramento rent a Sporty car and drive to a nice resort/hotel. We are not that invested in the winery experience as have done that previously. Really just want to come and relax and enjoy the CA countryside,weather and find some great food. We do like the Napa/Sonoma area in general is the reason I asked about the wine country, bad on me for not knowing there are multiple areas in CA considered wine country.

Thanks again