Napa and Sonoma

[M_Meer]

That is is a LOT of visits in two days!

Yep, even with judicious spitting, I’d be more than a little tipsy. Would advise getting a car or designating a driver if keeping that tight of a schedule.

[Arv_R]

If you are there in person (Mon-Fri) also an opportunity to make pickups in person from retailers like Benchmark, WineBid, etc.

[NickRut]

Headed out there next week to celebrate my 40th birthday.

2 Nights in Healdsburg with tastings at Donum, Liocco, Williams Selyem, Copain and Idlewild. Dinners at Barndiva and Valette
2 nights in Yountville with tastings (thanks to Aaron and Claire Pott for introductions) at Otra Vez (V. Arroyo’s project), Perliss, Young Inglewood, Di Costanzo, Perliss and O’Shaughnessy, Dinners at French Laundry (thank you Amex) and Goose & Gander.

Alot of these thanks to all the good feeback on this board so thanks to you all!

How did AMEX get you a resy at French? I tried last month and it sold out in literally 12 seconds.

[Daniel_Walsh]

Surprised no one has mentioned Pride Mountain Vineyards yet.

[Daniel_Walsh]

In Dry Creek, I highly recommend Talty for Zinfandel. These are closer to “Zin for Bordeaux lovers” than rich, ripe, high octane wines. Shows a touch more oak than Once and Future, but far less than Ridge, and it integrates with time. He has an estate Zin and then I believe 3-4 other bottlings he does each year, and they’re always fantastic.

Thanks for the recommendation and I’m always looking for under-the-radar Zinfandel’s for my dad to try.

[KStuddard]

Headed out there next week to celebrate my 40th birthday.

2 Nights in Healdsburg with tastings at Donum, Liocco, Williams Selyem, Copain and Idlewild. Dinners at Barndiva and Valette
2 nights in Yountville with tastings (thanks to Aaron and Claire Pott for introductions) at Otra Vez (V. Arroyo’s project), Perliss, Young Inglewood, Di Costanzo, Perliss and O’Shaughnessy, Dinners at French Laundry (thank you Amex) and Goose & Gander.

Alot of these thanks to all the good feeback on this board so thanks to you all!

Hi Keith, looks like a nice visit to Sonoma-Napa. You probably already know this but just in case. Donum is located a bit south of the Town of Sonoma. It is a solid hour drive (or more on a weekend) to Healdsburg and surrounding area where all your other Sonoma Wineries-Tasting rooms are located.
I mention this to give yourself the needed time to get where you are going.

Enjoy your visit, it’s a nice time of the year…

Tom

Than you, Tom! Plan is to hit Donum on the way up from SFO!

[Tom_DeBiase]

In Dry Creek, I highly recommend Talty for Zinfandel. These are closer to “Zin for Bordeaux lovers” than rich, ripe, high octane wines. Shows a touch more oak than Once and Future, but far less than Ridge, and it integrates with time. He has an estate Zin and then I believe 3-4 other bottlings he does each year, and they’re always fantastic.

Thanks for the recommendation and I’m always looking for under-the-radar Zinfandel’s for my dad to try.

Daniel, if you are looking for really good zinfandel that is “under the radar”, look no further than Talty Vineyards and Winery in the middle of Dry Creek Valley. Zinfandel is essentially all they produce. Also a good place to visit if in the area.

Home - Talty Vineyards

Tom

[bradkaplan]

Any strong opinions on choosing one dinner in Healdsburg between Valette, Barndiva, Guiso, or the brand new Matheson? Celebrating a birthday and want balance of great food and celebratory environment. Not interested in spending the $$$ at Single Thread, partially because we are likely heading up to Harbor House after Healdsburg and they are somewhat similar in theme. If Scopa were still around, we’d be going there!

[Merrill_Lindquist]

Any strong opinions on choosing one dinner in Healdsburg between Valette, Barndiva, Guiso, or the brand new Matheson? Celebrating a birthday and want balance of great food and celebratory environment. Not interested in spending the $$$ at Single Thread, partially because we are likely heading up to Harbor House after Healdsburg and they are somewhat similar in theme. If Scopa were still around, we’d be going there!

Everyone who is a foodie is talking about Guiso. I have not been there, but all the reports are of excellence.

[Abbie_S]

Any strong opinions on choosing one dinner in Healdsburg between Valette, Barndiva, Guiso, or the brand new Matheson? Celebrating a birthday and want balance of great food and celebratory environment. Not interested in spending the $$$ at Single Thread, partially because we are likely heading up to Harbor House after Healdsburg and they are somewhat similar in theme. If Scopa were still around, we’d be going there!

I vote for Valette. We had a fantastic dinner there back in April. Guiso was great, too.