If you had only one day in Napa/Sonoma, which wineries would you visit and why?

Question

I am thinking that I would like to visit one winery in Sonoma in the AM and maybe 2 in the afternoon in Napa. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think the best way to enjoy your self is just wing it. I don't think you can go wrong in either area....but also knowing you want to kind of plan ahead I suggest making an appointment and going here:

http://www.arafanelliwinery.com/

It is in Sonoma.  Great wine and a smaller family operation.

Answer 2

If you are doing both Sonoma and Napa in one day....I would go to Imagery which is located near Glen Ellen and not far from Napa.  Imagery has some great wines and there's interesting artwork on the walls.  Be sure to go inside the Members Only Tasting room (they won't mind) and have them tell you about the art on the walls.

I'd make reservations for lunch at Auberge du Soleil.  Dine outside overlooking the hills covered with vineyards.  It's a great view and wonderful food as well.

Then I'd head for Silver Oak...they make only one wine each year and it's a wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon.  Hess Collection would be my next stop.  They have a great Cabs and Chardonnays and are located in a wooded area.  They have a unique modern art museum that is free.

If time, I'd end the day at Domaine Carneros.  Sit at a table outside on the balcony and enjoy a spectacular view of the valley while sipping fabulous sparkling wine and munching on cheeses and fruit.

Answer 3

I can't quibble with the first answer.  But if you want to stick to the bigger, better known wineries, try Kendall-Jackson north of Santa Rosa in Sonoma.  Then go to Domaine Chandon and Robert Mondavi in Napa.  If you are new to wines, their tours are good.  The best road from northern Sonoma County to northern Napa county is Mark West Springs Road / Porter Creek Road to Petrified Forest Road to St. Helena Way in Calistoga.

Now for more offbeat choices:

A good choice in Sonoma County is downtown Healdsburg.  Many good wineries have tasting rooms there, so you can hit several within 2-3 blocks.  And downtown Healdsburg is a cute place.

My favorite wineries in Sonoma County (I live there, so I know it better than Napa) are in the Dry Creek region, which is absolutely beautiful.  Take Dry Creek Road west of 101 from Healdsburg.  If you like zin, which the Dry Creek region is know for, try Wilson on Dry Creek Road, and Mazzocco and Ridge on nearby Canyon Road.  For a beautiful spot to sip wine, try Dutcher Crossing winery on Dry Creek Road.

If it works better for you to stay in the south part of Sonoma County, a good winery is Valley of the Moon on Madrone Road just north of the town of Sonoma.  You can cross from Sonoma to Napa County on Route 12.  

If you want a really adventurous (very twisty although paved) and beautiful drive between Sonoma and Napa county, take Trinity Road / Oakville Grade Rd between Kenwood and Oakville.

Have a great time.  Wine tasting and tours aren't free anymore, so expect to drop a 5-10 bucks per person at each place.  Some places credit the tasting fee on a purchase.