Napa Itinerary 2.0

Don’t worry about the day after TFL - we had a late reservation and a 10 am tasting the next day and it was just fine. I expected the next day to be rough, but it was fine. Morning after Bouchon was probably rougher since the food is much richer imo.

Day Three plan B would work out well if you picked up deli lunches on your way to pride and enjoy you lunch at Pride, on the way to or at Smith-Madrone.

Do you have a reservation at Pride? They can fill up.

You forgot to mention stopping by to say hi to us :wink:

Young Inglewood is wildly underrated and underdiscussed, always a high recommendation from me.

Nolan, I think it was actually one of your posts that turned me on to them in the first place!

Carrie, I will definitely pop in for a visit!

Not yet, as I’m trying to assess the likelihood of Plan A happening.

Big fan here and I could not agree more with this statement. Kelli White from PRESS turned us on to them.

It would be worth the time to find a slot for Domaine Carneros or Schramsberg and drink some bubbles. Then eat on the patio with some Rose or Le Reve.

That’s totally baller that you are leaving Napa by hot air balloon. Epic. champagne.gif

Don’t skip the cocktail at Auberge. Simply lovely.

Only because Screagle wouldn’t let me land the balloon at their property. So no copters or balloons…

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day 3 plan b perhaps lunch at the CIA around 7 miles and fifteen minutes away. Do the olive oil tasting for something a little different.
Speaking of food tastings I hope you get the butter tasting while at tfl. Also ask your waiter if you can thank the chef. Either you will be escorted to the kitchen or the chef will come out to you. When we went last we engaged in a good conversation which led to a little knowledge transfer which lead to a 2nd desert being offered somehow. (chocolate tart with icecream if I recall)

Thanks David. I think I am actually going to start a brand new thread about what to expect at TFL. One month from today!

Ive done the Pride thing many times. Good idea to do it first thing in morning and should not be tough to book. The ride up is a long twisty slow ride best done sober and before the road gets busy. We always pack a nice Dean and DeLuca lunch to enjoy in the picnic area in the vineyard which is lovely and peaceful.

I definitely would NOT come down the hill for lunch and drive back up for a Smith Madrone tasting. You will be hating life if you do - so plan on staying up on Spring Mountain.

If you want to add another tasting up that way check out Paloma. Its usually a low key tasting on the porch and pretty much a one wine tasting - Merlot. They make one of the best in the Valley. If you arent familiar with them, Barbara Richards was one of long time Napa Valley icons who took great pride in producing a WS WOTY for her 2001 Merlot. She finally passed last year and her son Sheldon has been carrying on the tradition of his parents. Its a nice small family owned winery worth supporting.

+1 for Schramsberg if you can still get a reservation that fits your schedule. Its tour gives you a bit of something different as you get to see the old caves with all the bottles stacked up. Plus they make some delicious wine.

We also always like to swing by Heitz. Its a free tasting and you don’t need a reservation so its a nice add on if you find yourself with free time between schedules stops.

Started a separate thread about dining at TFL. It can be found here - Advice for TFL Virgin - Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes - WineBerserkers

If you do get into MacDonald, and need a chauffeur , I’m available.

This is a very timely thread for me as I will be in Napa early November.

David I really like our idea of Olive Oil tasting - any suggestions on good places to do that?

Also thinking about the balloon ride- who did you book that through?

Thanks Guys!