USVI-On-Line

Hi, all! I am heading out to Mountain View, CA in less than 2 weeks to visit our great friends for a long weekend. We visit every year for the past 4 years. We always fit in a day in Napa or Sonoma Valley (it's my Disneyland). We love to find smaller, boutique vineyards that are off the beaten path. In the past, we found and love Bella Vineyards, Dutch Henry, Acorn, Vincent Arroyo (sp?), Cakebread, Pride, Silver Oak (last 3 are more well known). Anyone out there have any hidden gems that they'd like to share? We like both red and white wines - we stay away from sweeter wines.

I haven't been there yet, but my wine-loving boyfriend and I need to get out there.

We talked about going for my birthday, but now I want to drag him to STJ.

Nancy_B wrote:Hi, all! I am heading out to Mountain View, CA in less than 2 weeks to visit our great friends for a long weekend. We visit every year for the past 4 years. We always fit in a day in Napa or Sonoma Valley (it's my Disneyland). We love to find smaller, boutique vineyards that are off the beaten path. In the past, we found and love Bella Vineyards, Dutch Henry, Acorn, Vincent Arroyo (sp?), Cakebread, Pride, Silver Oak (last 3 are more well known). Anyone out there have any hidden gems that they'd like to share? We like both red and white wines - we stay away from sweeter wines.

have you ever ventured down Santa Barbara way? I'd like to do that.
We have someone around here from Napa. If anyone remembers who it is maybe you could PM them.

Mary Beth,

We haven't been to Santa Barbara (but Sideways made me want to go there It's a lot further drive from Mountain view - it's more doable if you're going from LA.

Nancy

yeah I knew it wasn't feasible for your 4 day jaunt was just wondering in general if you'd been there. I have a long list of places to get to

I know I have read about a winery where you take a gondola to the top of the mountain for the tour. Do you know what I'm talking about? I want to say it's Sterling but I can't swear to that. I will poke around and see if I can refresh my memory!

it is Sterling. have no idea where I pulled that one from deep in the recesses of my memory!

I found this with a little google help. I'm sure there's more info out there http://www.yelp.com/topic/los-angeles-w ... -calistoga

mbw1024 wrote:yeah I knew it wasn't feasible for your 4 day jaunt was just wondering in general if you'd been there. I have a long list of places to get to

I know I have read about a winery where you take a gondola to the top of the mountain for the tour. Do you know what I'm talking about? I want to say it's Sterling but I can't swear to that. I will poke around and see if I can refresh my memory!

Me too! Tuscany is one of them.

Sterling sounds right. I appreciate your help.

Hi Nancy---We've been to Napa/Sonoma about 6 or 7 times---next to St. John, its our favorite place (for different reasons). Love your Disneyland reference. We are going to Sonoma again for a few days in about 10 days.

On our last trip we took a culinary tour at Chalk Hill winery--great experience, gorgeoous winery, and delicious wines---requires prior appointment. Jordan is not especially small, but its beautiful and requires an appointment---would recommend. Also---J Vineyards and Lynmar are excellent choices in the Russian River Valley. In the Sonoma Valley, I like Matanzas Creek---pretty setting. We're targeting Hop Kiln, Merry Edwards, Iron Horse Vineyards, Hanna, Gary Farrell, all in Russian River Valley---for this upcoming trip.

Enjoy!

In Napa, you might try Staglin Family Vineyards---this is the winery featured in "Parent Trap," which my kids must have watched a hundred times. Requires a prior appointment.

ahhh...love sonoma! northern sonoma, but have only driven thru napa so have no suggestions for there. I have to agree that Matanzas Creek is a beautiful setting above their huge lavender fields. We have had some of their very high end wines, due to a generous couple who were sampling them and included us. I have to say I have some lovely photos taken there this time of year and the colors were spectacular! June will provide a different photo op w/ the lavender in bloom.

If you go up further north I have to recommend Wilson Winery

http://www.wilsonwinery.com/

up towards Healdsburg I think it is really Dry Creek Valley. There is nothing sexy about their tasting room itself, but the view is lovely and we like their wines. They produce award winning reds on the dry side which we find to our liking. The pourers are very knowledgeable and personable. They have a wine club (don't they all?) ... which we are members and it keeps our love for their wines alive. We have never seen Wilson Wines here in NJ, so the membership keeps us in supply.

Ravenswood is a funky Sonoma winery and we get their wines easily here in NJ.

Iowaguy we have been to Hop Kiln and stopped mostly due to how attractive it looks just passing by. Very pretty room and setting. OK wine. We can find 1 or 2 of their wines here.

We have been to quite a few other wineries but those are whats coming to the top of my preferences right now.

OH...have some dry red for me, while you enjoy that beautiful part of CA. I LOVE northern CA as much as I love St John. Can't wait for another trip out there.

Enjoy!

Carolyn

Our favorite is v.sattui. Great vineyard and great food shop along with wine tasting room. They have a great picnic area. Buy a bottle, and have them fix you up something from the deli.

They do not sell through distributors but only through their website, club or in person. If you're into Rieslings, some of the best I've had here in the USofA. In fact, most everything is great.

A must do.

Also, try to get into the French Laundry for dinner. Only a couple of 100.00 per person. Usually you need reservations well in advance so probably won't work.

A good friend and a few other folks just left or are leaving STJ to move to Sonoma. I am very excited to have a connection there.
I am looking forward to visiting them and drinking some wine!