The Southern Man's Guide to Napa and Sonoma

For the past several years, the Mrs. and I have taken a trip to Napa and/or Sonoma for rest, relaxation, food, fun and vino.  As a result, we are often asked for recommendations as to where to stay, eat, drink, etc. whilst in those areas.  Well, here it is.  This wine geek's "perfect" trip to Napa and Sonoma.  But first...a new discovery.

At a dinner party amongst friends last night, someone brought a bottle of Pinot Noir that was new to me:  2009 Del Dotta Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Cinghiale Vineyard.  The wine opened with a burst of cherry-vanilla on the nose and the palate, then sharpened to a savory, silky finish.  We enjoyed it as an aperitif, but I imagine it would be at least equally good with a meal.  I did a little research and, apparently, Del Dotto is a pretty cool winery to visit as well (how 'bout that segway).

Not the official wine of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Now, back to the itineraries.  My first recommendation is to do your research.  Be open to new things, but plan some things you know you'll enjoy, too.  In this age of blogs, mobile apps, and the like, it's easy to get lots of recommendations and reviews very quickly.  Just don't put too much stock into what "winezilla" from Omaha says.  It's a free-for-all out there.

Napa Valley:
Many consider Napa Valley to be the best wine-growing region in the U.S., and it's easy to see why.  Such a concentration of great wineries could only result from near-perfect growing conditions for some of the world's most high profile grapes, namely Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Somewhere in this picture, I'm frolicking in a vineyard.

Where to stay:  Doesn't really matter.  Just about everything is located on or in between Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail.  I say find a place somewhat centrally located in the Valley, like Yountville or Rutherford, so that you can easily explore half of the valley in a day without having to drive too far.

Where to eat:  There are a ton of great restaurants in Napa, and they range from uber-luxe to roadside stand.  Our all-time favorites are more on the casual side.  I love the tiny, funky Bounty Hunter in downtown Napa (city).  I know...we Southerners think we know BBQ and, believe me, I consider myself a connoisseur, but this stuff is really good, and they have over 100 wines by the glass, and they'll help you pair it with BBQ(!?!).  Heaven.  My wife loves Oakville Grocery right off of Hwy 29.  They have fresh, handmade sandwiches and the like, and you can bring your meal outside to one of their picnic tables and enjoy it with a newly-purchased wine in the great outdoors.  A fantastic lunch spot.  Of course, there's French Laundry (which we have never been to), Ad Hoc, Mustard's, Bistro Jeanty, Rutherford Grill, Gott's Roadside, and many, many more.

Where to drink:  There are WAY too many great wineries/tasting rooms to spend any amount of time detailing.  Here are some of our faves, working South to North:  Domaine Carneros, Acacia, McKenzie-Mueller, Etude, Ceja, Domaine Chandon, Miner Family, Provenance, Hewitt, Alpha Omega and Duckhorn.  Others that we have not yet visited, but enjoy their wines:  Elyse, Pine Ridge, Jarvis, Buehler, Amizetta, Chappellet, Round Pond, Quintessa, Del Dotto, and Saintsbury.

The humble abode of Domaine Carneros

Whew!  I'm tuckered out.  We'll tackle Sonoma County in Thursday's blog.  Feel free to share your recommendations for "must-do's" in Napa.