24 Aug Maureen knows Napa
I am often asked about Napa and Wine Tasting from friends. I am so out of the loop in terms of Napa, so I asked my friend Maureen Birdsall… GODDESS that she is. Here is what she wrote. From now on I can just send folks to this little post…. yay!
1) To stay: I like the Sonoma Mission Inn – they have a great spa & are pretty reasonable. I also like the romance of downtown Sonoma. If you eat at French Laundry, the Vellagio is right there in Yountville: http://www.villagio.com/villagio/home.html
2) Love Auberge for lunch (don’t miss their scallops). Great view & menu. They are very expensive to spend the night. BUT… if you do, get a couples 4 handed massage (ultimate in luxury & romance). If you do go the Meadow wood route, make croquet reservations (need to wear all white)
3) Wine Train = touristy & $$, but really is a fun way to spend an afternoon
4) Castillo de Armorosa: http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/ It’s an actual CASTLE – so very cool
5) Bubble Room = an amazing flight along with paired foods:
http://www.jwine.com/VisitUs/BubbleRoom/
6) Duck Horn (one of my favorite reds) has a nice tasting: http://www.duckhorn.com/DuckhornDNN/
7) Don’t miss stopping at Dean & Deluca and perusing their gourmet items
8) Call ahead to CSJ & request a private tasting on the patio. Simply beautiful:
http://www.chateaustjean.com/stjean/index.jsp
9) Napa Valley Grille (a napa staple) http://www.napavalleygrille.com/yountville/about.php
10) Sonoma Side: The girl and the fig: http://www.thegirlandthefig.com/html-sonoma/index.html
11) Bouchon (must het the tomato soup en croute): http://www.bouchonbistro.com/
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