My nephew will be in SF next month and wants to visit Napa for a day trip
He knows nothing about Californian wines and likes wine in a casual way.
I would like to steer him clear of expensive tasting experiences and hopefully find 2-3 places where can have a really good experience.
So what are the cellar doors to visit as a newbie?
Thnx
Lots of recommendations in the Travel forum, take a look
Thnx the link. Managed only to find two Napa winery recs; Failla and Mt Veeder.
Are there others worth going to (I like smaller, more personal places) ?
TIA
Brodie
Right in the heart of Napa Valley floor. $35 tasting fee which is like 1995 pricing these days. Family owned and operated with deep roots in Napa. Saddleback www.saddlebackcellars.com
Another family owned an operated winery in Napa right in the heart of the Valley. $50 tasting fee. Robert Biale Winery.https://www.biale.com/
Go up the valley and start at Schramsberg
A smaller unique old world style…School House Vineyard. Several well made varietals and pricing is good entry level for Napa. One of my long-term favorites. Usually get to take a UTV ride through vineyards!
Tell him to visit Vincent Arroyo in Calistoga.
Failla.
If he wants a chill afternoon in downtown Napa, Benevolent Neglect is fun (it looks like you are hanging out at a garage party in the 70’s and the Allman Brothers will probably be playing on the record player). If he is looking for vibes over typical winery experience, I definitely recommend it.
Pride was at one time a good and eye opening tour for newcomers. Im not sure what they offer for tasting though.
Not too personal for people not into the deep end but a fun jaunt around the vineyards and light education.
(I haven’t been in many many years though)
Our last visit to Pride (2018) was a cave tour and barrel tasting.
Dicostanzo!