2006 Offline

[Glass_A_Day]

Too bad it wasn't the last week in June as the then bride and I will be on our honeymoon there touring all the best spots courtesy of the weener. We would have loved to met up with everyone.

[tw]

Put me down for 2.

Chris

[hotwine]

We should be able to make this one. Put us down for a pair.

[californiagirl]

Yes, dad. I'll be there. Don't know about my other half though. Any dates set yet? Obviously, we'll want to steer clear of the holiday.

Aren't there some July b-days other than KC?

[WileECoyote]

Put me down for 2 please. Is this usually a weekend shin dig?

[This message has been edited by WileECoyote (edited 03-17-2006).]

[This message has been edited by WileECoyote (edited 03-20-2006).]

[wondersofwine]

WileE, it's usually Friday-Sunday. Last year I arrived in Prosser, Washington late Thursday evening to get a running start on Friday morning winery visits. With so many wineries in Napa-Sonoma area, they will probably need as many days as they can squeeze out but you don't have to be there for all the visits. Dananne arrived in Prosser Friday afternoon and caught up with us where we had some food with a tasting, calling by cell phone to see where we were. They also missed the Sunday visits because they were going back to work on Monday and had to travel to Portland for their flight. I didn't depart from Prosser until Monday morning.

[Kcwhippet]

Second that. I think to cram everything I hope we can into a short period of time, I would suggest we come in on Thursday evening. That way we can probably do a few Napa things on Friday before the mad rush on the weekend. Sonoma would be easier on Sat. and Sun. because it's not quite as crowded. Any suggestions on housing and dining? We've found the Best Westerns are usually more economical and there's one in Calistoga and another in Santa Rosa. For food, Napa is rife with restaurants. Personally, I'd like to try Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena for a lunch. I've heard a lot about it and I just have to see it. It's owned by Joel Gott (Gott Wines) and his wife Sarah (former winemaker for Phelps - she made Insignia).Beyond that, the possibilities are virtually endless. I could name maybe fifty or more places we've eaten at that would be great for lunches or dinner. You know, it's too bad we don't have someone in the Napa/Sonoma area like Gene or Kathy that could shepherd us around. It would make things so much easier.

[WileECoyote]

I can't wait!!! My fiance and I love good food and good wine. Sounds like a weekend of great indulgance!!!

[This message has been edited by WileECoyote (edited 03-23-2006).]

[brappy]

I'm soooooo jealous......

[Kcwhippet]

Just to keep this moving, I checked on pricing for some Best Westerns in Napa and Sonoma. The least expensive I found were the BW Inn at the Vines at $120 week nights and $166 weekend nights (@$570 for the 4 nights), in downtown Napa just south of Copia. The other was in Santa Rosa at $95 week nights and $99 weekend nights (@$390). Maybe we could make Santa Rosa our base for the whole weekend at those rates. As well as being close to everything in Sonoma Valley, it's easy to jump over the mountain on St. Helena Rd. and down Spring Mountain Rd. into St. Helena and the rest of Napa Valley. I'm sure there are quite a few other places at lower rates, but do we want to risk some cutrate fleabag? For times, I'd suggest three weekends in July - 13-17, 20-24 and 27-31. Those are Thursday checkin dates through Monday checkout. Thoughts anyone?

[This message has been edited by Kcwhippet (edited 03-24-2006).]

[Innkeeper]

Who is organizing this shindig? Last I heard Jackie was thinking about putting something together further south.

[Bucko]

One suggestion -- places fill up three months ahead of time during the summer months.

Santa Rosa is a good location to tour from. I like Sonoma even better. It is a lot closer to the good restaurants (read Yountville).

[TheEngineer]

Bouchon?? Brix? [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img] I'm happy!

[winoweenie]

You'll kick sand in their face after a nite at Cyrus. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[Drew]

Once again I'm on the no list. I'm anticipating a hugh promotion, (sorry can't spill the beans untill it happens), and if this dream comes true it's all work and no play. (Don't know 'bout these 2nd. careers)

Drew

[winoweenie]

We know your type there Drewski....You just done' want enny-one to meet the lovely "Big E". WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[TheEngineer]

Cyrus eh? Definitely gonna have to hit it in April when I'm back there!!!

Thanks for the pointer Bucko!

[Bucko]

I've never heard of Cyrus, but I'll take the credit. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

[TheEngineer]

Oopps....sorry meant WW. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] Eyes getting all crossed up.

[winoweenie]

The new hot spot in Healdsburg. Whoda' ever thunk that sleepy lil' town would turn into a dining destination?. The two partners are from Gary Dankos jernt in San Francisco WW