Help with planning a winery tasting agenda in and around Napa

I am helping a friend plan her 40th birthday part in Napa next month. We would like to hit 5 or so wineries in 6 hours. The will be about 10 of us. I know of lots of Sonoma and Napa wineries but the geographic proximity to one another is where I fall down. I hae net to zero tasting experience in Napa and Sonoma aside from pickup days. No one is a hard core wine geek in the group, so we are pretty much open to anything as long as it is enjoyable and as unpretentious as possible. Also, $70 type AO tastings are probably not an option for some of the group.
Can anyone make some recommendations on some fun places to taste with a group that fit the above? Thanks!

I searched but didn’t find exactly what I was asking for which is a particular set of variables. I know napa tasting has been asked and answered before, but I thought a new thread in this instance would be ok. Thanks.

Five in six hours for that many people is pretty aggressive IMHO…especially for folks that have never been there and do not know The Valley very well.

Here is a good, interactive Napa map. You can find if wineries are open for groups and any associated fees. My biggest suggestion would be to start up in Calistoga and head back down toward Napa proper.


http://napavintners.com/maps/maps_of_napa_wineries.asp

I think you’ll get much better treatment if you don’t blitz.
Keever, in Yountville, is really beautiful and the Keevers are very nice. Wines are made by Celia Welch.

but I agree to start in Calistoga. Envy, Vincent Arroyo
Hall has a tasting room in St Helena (as do many others)
If the group isn’t particular about winery visits, perhaps one of the cooperative tasting rooms.

There are 3 or 4 within walking distance in Yountville (Jessup, Girard, HdV, maybe others). That would help you stay on pace and ease the challenge of moving that many folks each stop.

I would suggest a maximum of 4 wineries with lunch in between or boxed lunches. There are a few tours that offer both, if you want to spend a little extra money and leave the driving to somebody familiar with the area.

Shawnda Hansen drives for Platypus Tours. http://www.platypustours.com/

They have several package/tour deals and small buses suitable for a group your size.

I think it close to impossible to do this - unless you have VIP treatment no waiting at any location, and drinking very quickly - I meant tasting very quickly. I think that quality over quantity will make for a great day. Also make sure you have time to eat otherwise it might not be as much fun.
PM me if you want help doing this in Sonoma.

I’d also agree that probably four wineries in that time with food in the middle is more likely to be a better day.

In general Napa will have higher tasting fees than Sonoma. In general mid-to-large wineries will be better at accomodating ten people especially if you’re planning on a Saturday. In Sonoma plan on $10-20 pp and make reservations. Allow an hour per stop with travel time added onto that.

Search for napa or sonoma winery associations and check for any restrictions on larger groups. Maybe start at one of the larger bubbly places like Mumm or Domain Carneros?

Have fun!