Napa Tours

[PinotEnvy]

I'm going to have only an afternoon to visit a winery or 2 in the Napa region. Do any of you know about the Stonehedge Winery and their wines? They seem to have several varietals and they are closer in to SF, making them more convenient. Others near them are Rocca and HDV. Any comment or suggestions are appreciated. I've never been to Nappa. If there winds up being time for only one place, I want it to be worthwhile.

Thanks in advance.

[wondersofwine]

I've only had one Rocca wine and none from the others mentioned so can't really recommend them. One I would recommend is Sequoia Grove (about 90 minutes driving time from San Francisco according to their website.) They have a wine and cheese tasting on certain days and times and a wine and chocolate tasting. Website is http://www.sequoiagrove.com/sequoiagrove/index.jsp Beringer has a nice tour but I don't know if the wines merit a one-winery only status. Same with Sterling Vineyards.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 08-19-2008).]

[Jackie]

What are you actually looking for? Great wine or a lovely place to visit? Are you coming from the city? What about Sonoma county, which is a lot closer to San Francisco... Or is there a special reason to go to Napa?

[PinotEnvy]

I just got back last night. We drove up the Silverado Trail, crossed the Oakville Crossing and came back down Hwy 29. The scene was beautiful. It was also fun to be able to see the grapes hanging from the vines. We landed in Oakland that day and could not get anywhere in time to do an official tour. Then I had business meetings the rest of my trip, so that was my only opportunity. We were warned of rattlesnakes, so we couldn't wander too much. There was time to get in one tasting. My favorite was the Joel Gott Zinfindel ($16). You'll have to forgive my undeveloped tasting notes skills. It was a very nice bottle for the price.

[wondersofwine]

Several of us are fans of the Joel Gott wines for QPR (quality to price ratio.) I have liked his Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc and have a 2002 Cabernet in the lineup to drink before the end of September.