Blog - Wine Country Getaways

What Does it Cost to Taste Wine in the Napa Valley in 2020

February 22, 2020 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

napa valley tasting room fee index — Provenance winery and tasting room in Rutherford, Napa Valley

Napa Valley Tasting Room Index 2020

We created the Napa Valley Tasting Fee Index in 2014. Our Wine Country Getaways’ Website contains useful planning information for those who wish to visit the wine country. Why not give these folks an idea of what it will cost to taste wine in the Napa Valley.

There was once a time when wineries in the Napa Valley did not charge visitors for sampling wine. They were happy to show off their wines, hoping visitors would buy a few bottles. Then the mobs came to the Napa Valley, and the wineries could not afford to give their wine away. Tasting fees became the norm.

For the Index, we are using ten wineries along Highway 29. Each of these wineries welcomes visitors without a reservation or appointment. Most wineries have different levels of tasting choices. For the Index, we are using the basic, or least expensive, tasting that the winery offers to visitors. Here they are as of February 22, 2020.

Alpha Omega – $50
Beaulieu Vineyards – $30
Beringer Wines – $25
Grgich Hills – $40
Louis Martini – $30
Peju Province – $40
Provenance – $30
Pestoni Family Estate – $25
Sequoia Grove – $30
Whitehall Lane – $25

Many wineries in the Napa Valley have optional wine tasting experiences beyond the basic tasting. Wine and food pairings seem to be a favorite for many visitors. Then there are the tour-and-tasting packages. Some wineries offer a tasting of their Library or Reserve wines. These tasting choices are expensive. Here a few examples.

Beaulieu Vineyards – George De Latour Legacy Tour and Tasting – $125 per person
Louis Martini – Underground Cellar – wine and food pairing with Chef Jeffery Russell, 3 hours in duration – $250 per person
Alpha Omega – Library tasting of 4 wines – $75 per person
Grgich Hills – Wine and Cheese with 4 wines and a host – $50 per person
Beringer – Taste of Beringer Tour, one hour – $65 per person
Whitehall Lane – Cabernet Flight – $65 per person

The average tasting room fee is $32.50 per person in our unofficial survey of what it costs to taste wine in the Napa Valley. Back in 2014, when we first began the Napa Valley Tasting Fee Index, the average cost of a basic tasting was $18.50. That very much sums up how the Napa Valley wine scene has changed in the last several years. It has become a rich person’s paradise.

Other helpful hints on the Napa Valley

Why You Should Visit Navarro Vineyards

February 12, 2020 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Navarro Vineyards in Anderson Valley — Enjoying the Chardonnay at Navarro Vineyards – View from the picnic area

Why you should visit the Navarro Vineyards in the Anderson Valley

Small and Family-owned winery
Sustainable farming practices
Outstanding wines including Alsace varieties
Unbelievable vineyard views
Nicest people working the tasting room
No fees for tasting wines
Other quaint wineries nearby in the Anderson Valley

Navarro Vineyards is one of our favorite wineries to visit. We visit at least once a year and sometimes more often.

Are you old enough to remember Pacific Stereo? This successful company had several high fidelity stores scattered around the San Francisco Bay Area. Those stores were owned by Ted Bennett, who sold the business in the early 1970s for a considerable price. In 1974, he used his profit to create Navarro Vineyards in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County.

Today, Navarro is the most-visited winery in the Anderson Valley and has an extensive mailing list of loyal customers. The wines are sold only online, out of the tasting room, or from the mailing list. A few restaurants also carry their wines. Ted Bennett and his wife Deborah Cahn have been loyal to their land, farming organically before anyone else in the Anderson Valley.

The tasting room staff at Navarro is knowledgeable, friendly, and always enthusiastic. The picnic area is one of our favorites of any wine country and, when we visit the Anderson Valley, Navarro Vineyards is where we picnic no matter what the season. There are picnic tables in front of the vineyards and a few others scattered in the gardens. It is one of the most serene settings for a wine country picnic. It is so delightful! The setting in the tasting room at Navarro Vineyards is spectacular. There are wonderful vineyard views, with a backdrop of the mountains dotted with oak trees.

As of the posting of this article, tasting room fees are non-existent. You can try any wine they have open, which on most days is at least eight. Can you find this in the Napa Valley?

Navarro vineyards and anderson valley — View from the tasting room area at Navarro Vineyards

Wines of Navarro Vineyards

We like the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines at Navarro. They are excellent, and the price is right compared to many other nearby wineries. Chardonnay, and especially Pinot Noir, have a great reputation among Anderson Valley wineries.

Not getting the respect they deserve are the Alsatian wines from Navarro and other Anderson Valley wineries. These wines are fantastic, and one should make sure to taste and purchase these terrific wines. Navarro Vineyards makes a Gewurztraminer, a Pinot Gris, and a Riesling.

Other Anderson Valley Wineries

Years ago, there was just a handful of wineries along Highway 128 in the Anderson Valley. Today there are many wineries, including some from Napa Valley vintners. These include Golden Eye (Duckhorn) and Lichen Estate (Cliff Lede). Two other terrific wineries, very similar to Navarro, are Husch Vineyards and Handley Cellars.

Tourist Information – Anderson Valley

Navarro Vineyards and the Anderson Valley are approximately 120 miles from the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. In Cloverdale, take Highway 128 towards Mendocino. Along this route is the Artevino Maple Creek Winery we recently wrote about. Stop and have a visit there, and then continue on to Navarro.

Not too late for Valentine’s Day in wine country

February 7, 2020 by Joe Becerra 1 Comment

On Valentine’s Day, make it to the wine country for some bubbly

Valentine’s Day Wine Country

So you blew it, and it’s too late to find lodging and dining in the wine country for Valentine’s Day. But, it is never too late to plan a fantastic and romantic one-day getaway. A visit to a sparkling wine producer that will make for an excellent Valentine’s Day. You might also consider a romantic picnic among the vineyards.

Sparkling Wine

The Carneros wine region of Napa and Sonoma County has two enjoyable sparkling wine houses. From the Golden Gate Bridge or the Bay Bridge, Gloria Ferrer and Domaine Carneros are just about a 45-minute drive. Gloria Ferrer is on the Sonoma County side, about six miles from the Sonoma Raceway on Highway 121.

On Highway 121, the Carneros Highway is Domain Carneros. It is a majestic chateau, and a visit there is the perfect way to spend an afternoon of tasting sparkling wine. The views from atop their terrace are stunning, and so is the sparkling wine.

On the Silverado Trail in the Napa Valley is Mumm Napa. This winery has a lovely terrace and beautiful views. If you are interested in lunch, downtown Napa is your best bet. Lunch reservations should be plentiful, as most folks opt for a fancy dinner for Valentine’s Day.

These sparkling wine houses require reservations. Do this now by booking online at the winery’s Website.

Romantic picnic lunch among the vineyards

If the weather is appropriate, a picnic lunch among the vineyards is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Prepare a cheese and charcuterie plate or gourmet sandwiches. The best wine regions for finding picnic areas are in Sonoma County. Here are links to the best picnic wineries in the Russian River/Healdsburg area and Sonoma Valley.

A beautiful hidden winery for a picnic is the Martin Ray winery in the Russian River Valley. It is off the beaten path, quiet and serene. Another fun winery for a picnic is in the Dry Creek Valley at Preston’s Vineyards.

Other options

Artevino – Maple Creek Winery

January 30, 2020 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

artevino winery in Yorkville Highlands — Yorkville Highlands AVA

Art and Vino at Maple Creek Winery

Once in a while, a wine traveler will feel the need for something different in a winery. A visit to Artevino – Maple Creek Winery is one of those wine experiences that will linger.

Artevino winery is off the beaten path in the Yorkville Highlands AVA. Yorkville Highlands is in southern Mendocino County and just outside the border of the Alexander Valley AVA. Take Highway 128 in Cloverdale to the west. You can take Highway 128 all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Artevino Maple Creek is 30 minutes from the Cloverdale turn off. You will love this rustic little winery.

Artist Tom Rodrigues decides to make wine

Tom Rodriguez at Maple Creek — Tom Rodrigues tends to the tasting room at Maple Creek

It all began for Tom Rodrigues in 2001. An artist by trade in Marin County Tom decides to move from a busy lifestyle to a more quiet life in Mendocino County. He buys the old Maple Creek winery and begins to learn how to make wine with the help of a consulting winemaker. With his skills as an artist, he adds his art work as a refreshing touch to the wines and the winery.

Our first visit to Artevino was in 2008. We recently visited again. It was quite an enjoyable trip, with Tom Rodrigues working in the tasting room. Tom feels his best wines are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His vineyards are in a cool climate area of the Yorkville Highlands. There is one wine at Artevino that you are unlikely to find in any other wine travels. It is Symphony. Symphony is a California grape that is a cross between a Muscat and Grenache Gris. The Symphony vineyards were on the property when Tom took over. The Artevino Symphony matches perfectly with spicy foods. Bringing home a bottle or two of Symphony leads to great conversation with friends.

Symphony grape vine at Maple Creek Winery — Symphony grapevine at Artevino

The tasting room has many of Tom’s artworks, and they are a pleasure to browse. Besides the paintings, the tasting room is friendly and welcoming. A sign on the door reads, “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends!” If you plan to visit, the tasting room is open daily 11am to 5 pm. Travelers can combine a visit to Artevino with other wineries in the Yorkville Highlands, or wineries in the Anderson Valley just 20 minutes away.

Check our map below to view a list of wineries along the famous Highway 128. Many folks head to the romantic town of Mendocino on the Coast. Stopping at one or two wineries along the way always adds enjoyment to a visit to Mendocino.

Additional Mendocino Information

Yorkville and Anderson Valley Wine Map

New Wine Trails on Wine Country Getaways

January 16, 2020 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Country and Insider News

We have added four wine trails to Wine Country Getaways. These four wine trails are not only new, but these trails are in hidden wine country. These wine trails are “Off the Beaten Path” and away from where the majority of tourists go to visit wineries.

Yes, Napa Valley, Sonoma and Paso Robles are all fantastic wine country regions. But perhaps you’ve thought, “Been There, Done That.” For something different, try one of these new wine trails. Have you been to Hollister wine country? How about Hopland? What about Fair Play? You probably have been to the Russian River Valley in Sonoma. We have some really hidden wineries in the Russian River Valley to visit.

For each of these new wine trails, we recommend places to stay and dine. We describe each winery and explain why you should visit. Here they are.

Off-the-Beaten-Path-Wine Trails

Hollister – San Benito County
Hopland – Mendocino County
Sierra Foothills in Fair Play
Secret Russian River Valley

More Insider Information

Quick Getaways to Wine Country

We recently revised these quick winery trips. These trips are for folks on a business trip to the San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, or Sacramento. These are half-day trips, enough to visit a couple of wineries and explore the great California wine country. See Quick Getaways to Wine Country.

Greeter at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars — The Greeter at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

When to Visit Wine Country

Ever wonder what the best time to go to the wine country is? Our handy guide will explain what it is like in wine country each month of the year. We even have a little video that depicts each season of the year in the vineyard.

Which Wine Country to Visit

Are you trying to decide which wine region to visit? We outline the Pros and the Cons of touring each of the major wine regions in California. We think it is an excellent checklist for determining where to go in the California wine country.

Wine Fun in the Alexander Valley

January 12, 2020 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

January and February is an excellent time of the year to visit the Alexander Valley and the surrounding communities. Why now? This is a particularly beautiful time of the year in these parts. The air is clean and clear. The traffic is less on the roads and in the tasting rooms. Most of all, the communities of Geyserville, Healdsburg and the Alexander Valley need your business.

Alexander Valley post-Kincade Fire – View of Geyser Peak

The Kincade Fire and the evacuations are having a substantial financial impact on businesses and wineries. You probably know that the historic Jimtown Store on Highway 128 closed its doors on December 31, 2019. Soda Rock Winery down the road from the Jimtown Store felt the wrath of the Kincade fire, with the cellar and winery burning to the ground. This is still a beautiful area, far from the media images of the fire that we’ve seen.

It is time to spend a few days in the Alexander Valley, as we did a few weeks ago. Here are some ideas for your trip to the Alexander Valley.

Things to Do in the Alexander Valley

Geyserville – where to stay, dine, and taste wine

Geyserville is a terrific little wine town, living in the shadow of Healdsburg. Geyserville is just a few minutes north of Healdsburg. Currently, and through the end of March, the Geyserville Inn has a special for returning guests. A standard room midweek is less than $100. The Geyserville Inn was recently remodeled. It is a fantastic deal.

For dining in Geyserville, there are three options. We list them in the order of our preference.

Diavola Pizzeria – locals love this place
Catelli’s – an old family-run restaurant with an outdoor garden
Geyserville Grill – next door to the Inn, serving breakfast and lunch. The Grill is also open for dinner Thursday through Monday.

Wine Tasting

There are many excellent wineries in and around Geyserville. In Geyserville, there are four tasting rooms to enjoy. Meeker Vineyard serves wine in a very old, former bank building. It is a lot of fun to visit. Locals Tasting Room is more a wine bar serving up “Local” wines. Checkout the Geyserville Wine Trail for the best wineries to visit.

Alexander Valley

Take a ride along Highway 128. We like the southern end of the Alexander Valley beginning at Healdsburg Avenue and running to the Hanna Winery to the south. You must visit the Soda Rock temporary tasting room. The old barn at Soda Rock survived the fire, and the owners, Ken and Diane Wilson, have set up a cozy and fun tasting room. Wine tasting at the barn is an excellent way to help bring the winery back to life.

Joe and Janelle at the barn at Soda Rock Winery

We also like Medlock Ames, the Alexander Vineyard Winery, and Hanna Winery. If you are excited about Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, try Jordan Winery. Make a reservation for a tasting there. Check out our Alexander Valley Wine Trail for more information on the local wineries.

Healdsburg

There are plenty of excellent restaurants and boutique shops in Healdsburg. It is always fun to spend an afternoon walking around the Plaza. There are enough tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg to make your head spin. There are many options for accommodations in Healdsburg.

One novel way to taste wine in Healdsburg is Bike Healdsburg. We have not done this as yet, but it looks like fantastic fun for a group of wine travelers. Peddle around the Plaza and stop off at various tasting rooms.

More Information on the Alexander Valley

Fun things to do in Healdsburg
Westside Wine Trail
Dry Creek Wine Trail
Play Bocce at Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Sonoma or Sonoma Valley, what’s the difference

January 2, 2020 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Santa Rosa is to the north, the town of Sonoma is to the south. Both are in Sonoma County

This very confusing for wine country travelers. We recently met a couple in a tasting room on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. They mentioned they were staying in a B&B in the town of Sonoma. When they decided to visit this tasting room from their B&B, they had no idea that it was an hour’s drive away. When people say Sonoma wine country, what does that mean: Sonoma, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, and what’s the difference? Let’s clear up where is Sonoma wine country.

Where is Sonoma Wine Country?

Let’s start from the largest to the smallest of Sonomas

The County of Sonoma

Sonoma County is a large geographic area, almost double the size of Napa County. The southern portion of Sonoma County begins at the San Pablo Bay near Highway 37. To the north, Sonoma County stretches to the town of Cloverdale. From Highway 37 to Cloverdale (south to north), the distance is about 60 miles. The County stretches west to the Pacific Ocean and east to the Mayacamas Mountains and the town of Sonoma. There are several distinct geologic areas of Sonoma County. On the west side of Sonoma County, the Pacific Ocean means very cool temperatures, wind, and fog. On the east side of Sonoma County to the south, you have warm temperatures in the Sonoma Valley formed by the Mayacamas Mountains on the east side of the Valley and the Sonoma Mountains on the west side of the Valley. Along the San Pablo Bay, we have the cooling temperatures. The wine region here is the Carneros area of Sonoma County. To the north, it is the influence of the Russian River. The Russian River begins in Mendocino County to Healdsburg, and then west to empty into the Pacific Ocean at Jenner. In addition to the famous Sonoma Valley, other famous valleys in Sonoma County are the Dry Creek Valley, the Alexander Valley, and Russian River Valley.

Dry Creek Valley, one of several valleys in Sonoma County

Sonoma Wine Country

Let’s keep this simple: Any winery or tasting room that operates within the boundaries of Sonoma County is in Sonoma wine country. There is a Sonoma wine country association that lists all its winery members. SonomaWine.com

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley is a small valley in Sonoma County that runs along Highway 12. On the east side are the Mayacamas Mountains. On the other side of the Mayacamas Mountains is the Napa Valley. There are many beautiful wineries to visit along Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley. Sonoma Valley is 15 miles long and includes the wine towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood.

View of the Sonoma Valley looking to the west.

The town of Sonoma

The town of Sonoma is historic. It is famous for the Mission San Francisco Solano (21st Mission), the Sonoma Plaza, and three of the oldest wineries in California. Some wine historians claim that the city of Sonoma is where the California wine industry began. In the city of Sonoma there are numerous excellent restaurants and accommodations.

Sonoma City Hall on the Plaza

How to travel the Sonoma Wine Country

We treat the Sonoma wine country as two distinct wine venues: 1. Sonoma Valley and the town of Sonoma. 2. Healdsburg and the Russian River wine area. Within each of those, there are several wine routes that we suggest so you can get the most fun from your wine country vacation. We suggest that you try not to do both of these areas unless you’re taking an entire week to travel. If you only have two days, you could quickly visit each area for a day. Ideally, you should take a separate vacation to each of these two fantastic wine regions.

healdsburg tasting rooms — This is the Healdsburg Plaza. Around and nearby the Plaza are several wine tasting rooms

Sonoma Wine Region Map

Fun Things to Do in Wine Country in January 2020

December 30, 2019 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

fun in january in wine country — A spa in winter is ideal – in Calistoga

Some very fun Things to do in wine country in January

There are plenty of fun activities to do in January in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County. January is very quiet in the wine country. There will be days of inclement weather but, then comes sunshine, clear air, and spectacular views.

There are lodging deals. We use Travago to find the best rates. In some cases calling the hotel and asking about winter specials will yield the best price. We just found a great room rate of $95 for a midweek room at the newly remodeled Geyserville Inn.

Here are several suggestions for fun things to do in January in wine country.

Bare vines with cover crops just beginning to grow

Help Wine Country Recover

The Kincade Fire in October of this year was devasting in many ways. Travelers are staying away from wine country because the media has given the impression that Sonoma and Napa have widespread damage. This is not the case, and the wine country needs your support. One winery that did burn to the ground is the Soda Rock Winery. Soda Rock is now serving their wines out of an old barn that did survive the fire. Visit them and buy some wine. Soda Rock is on Highway 128 near Healdsburg.

Joe and Janelle at the Soda Rock temporary tasting room – The old barn is still in service

Take a hike

Yes, it may be chilly, but hiking in wine country is invigorating. Work up an appetite and take in views most travelers do not see in wine country. Check our “Things to Do” in each of our wine regions and you will find some very nice hiking paths and trails. We like hiking the Napa Vine Trail from Yountville toward Napa. In Healdsburg, we love the Healdsburg Ridge Hike.

Winter is Spa Weather

Spa treatments can be found in any of the wine regions. Napa Valley and Sonoma are particularly known for their many spas. Calistoga in the Napa Valley has made the mud bath and hot springs an inviting activity.

Art Galleries in Healdsburg and Napa Valley

Each wine country town has an excellent collection of boutique shopping and art galleries. Around the Plaza in Healdsburg, the Sonoma Plaza, or Paso Robles City Park, you can shop all day long. Antiquing is also a good choice. The bonus in January is that there are fewer travelers and more time to browse and get great deals. If you want to combine wine tasting and art, follow the Art and Wine Lovers Trail in the Napa Valley.

In Healdsburg, be sure to visit the Paul Mahder art gallery. Not only does the art gallery have spectacular works of art, one can taste wine in the gallery. See the Grapeseed Wine Fund.

Things to do in January in wine country — At the Paul Mahder Art Gallery – GrapeSeed provides wine tasting

Head to Mendocino

Mendocino is a very romantic town on the Pacific Coast, but getting there adds to the experience. The Anderson Valley is on the way to Mendocino. It is the land of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian white wine varieties. Highway 128 to the coast is breathtaking. The town of Boonville in the Anderson Valley is a delight. We love what we call the Big Three wineries. Pack a lunch and, even in cold weather, picnicking among the vineyards is rejuvenating.

Head to romantic Mendocino, and on the way taste wine in the Anderson Valley

Events in January 2020

Because January is the quietest month in wine country, several wine regions schedule planned events. Here is a list:

Napa Valley Restaurant Week January 21 to February 1
Enjoy lunch and dinner with multi-course, prix-fixe menus. Lunch $20, dinner is $38 or $48. See details at Napa Valley Restaurant Week

Winter Wineland January 18 and 19 in Healdsburg Area – this can get crowded and hectic, but folks love this annual event. See details

Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport
This event runs from December 7 to February 9, 2020. Purchase passports and enjoy activities at 17 Calistoga wineries. See details at Winter in the Wineries Passport 2019 – 2020

Tastemaker Weekend in Healsburg
This is a first ever event intended to bring visitors back to the wine country. The Kincade fire took a toll on local businesses. This will be a fun packed weekend. Pick and choose among fantastic food and wine activities, plus more. Tastemaker Weekend in Healsburg

January in wine country what to do — Lunch at Costeaux Bakery in Healdsburg – nothing like freshly baked bread

Fun Things to Do in the Napa Valley in December

December 1, 2019 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Mumm Art Gallery — Visit the Mumm Gallery – then taste sparkling wine

Fun Things to Do in the Napa Valley Now!

December and January are the slowest months for tourism in the Napa Valley. That is why it is a good time to travel to the Napa Valley. There are many beautiful days in December. The vines always look lovely when bare and dormant for the winter. Here are seven fun things to do in the Napa Valley in December.

1. Visit wineries and tasting room with art galleries and exhibits

There several wineries in the Napa Valley that have art galleries and art exhibits. These wineries are usually bustling with visitors during the high season but not in December. Two favorites or ours are Mumm Napa and Hess Collection winery. Check out the Art and Winery Wine Trail.

2. Calistoga Winter in the Wineries Passport

fun in december in the napa valley — Castello di Amorosa is on the Passport list

Each winter season, 16 wineries in the Calistoga AVA provide what they call a Passport Season. For $60 travelers can purchase a Passport that provides free tasting fees at each of the wineries. In addition, the passport provides free corkage at participating Calistoga restaurants and discounts for lodging. The Passport begins on December 7, 2019, and runs to February 9. 2020.

With the tasting fees at Napa Vallely wineries averaging $30, the price tag of $60 is a fantastic deal. Check it out here.

3. Paupers Feast at the Calistoga Inn

The Pauper’s Feast is held every December in the restaurant at the Calistoga Inn. The date for 2019 is Wednesday, December 18. There is a set menu at a very reasonable price and a local group that sings Holiday cheer. The Pauper’s Feast is such a fun event. It is mostly locals, and everyone is bursting with joy. The evening is memorable.

Reservations are recommended at the Calistoga Inn Restaurant. If you cannot make the Pauper’s Feast, you can substitute a walk up and down the streets of Calistoga. Calistoga is much more laid back than the rest of the Napa Valley. There are plenty of tasting rooms, boutique shops, quaint restaurants, and even a museum. Calistoga rocks!

fun things december napa — Calistoga Inn on Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga

4. Wild Mustard Scene

Towards the end of December, wild mustard will begin to grow in between the rows of vines. Wild Mustard is one of the most beautiful scenes to witness. The beauty is remarkable and it will cheer the soul. Take a drive up some of the mountain routes to catch Mustard on the hillsides.

mustard wine country — Mustard growing in vineyards next to Whitehall Lane Winery in St. Helena

5. Yountville Stroll

Look for the French Laundry Restaurant’s vegetable garden

Yountville has many quaint shops, art studios, and tasting rooms.
We like to stroll Yountville from the landmark V Market Place (1870) north to the trendy R & D Kitchen restaurant. It is about a mile, and there is so much to see. If you have some extra time for a walk or run, take Yount Mill Road. Look for the Bardesanno Hotel and start your trek there. More on Yountville.

6. Take a wine tour

Wine tours are better in December. You will get more attention. There are fewer crowds; therefore, more time to spend with you. We like the tour at Hendry Ranch; it is the best. We also like Beringer Vineyards and Schramsberg. Book ahead for these tours.

in december have fun in napa valley — Tour at Beringer Vineyards is tops

7. Cocktails and Appetizers at the Acacia House

It is always a great time to cozy up in a friendly, warm lounge with a fireplace. One of our favorite spots is the Acacia House. It is also an excellent place for dinner. The Acacia House is an enjoyable spot for a glass of wine or a cocktail along with some nibbles. Relax and enjoy this serene spot.

december in napa valley fun things to do — Appetizers and wine at the Acacia House in St. Helena

Additional Napa Valley resources

Two Throwback Wineries in Dry Creek Valley

November 13, 2019 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Please give us back the good old days of wine tasting. Please, no more plush tasting rooms with exotic appetizers paired with outrageous tasting fees. Cut the chicness and give us plain wine speak.

Here are two wineries in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County that will put back the fun in wine tasting. These two wineries are family-owned and do things the old-fashioned way, treating tasting room folks with good hospitality.

The amazing and fun Dry Creek Valley wineries

Preston Farm and Winery

Way down at the end of West Dry Creek Road is where you will find the Preston Farm and Winery Start your journey at the Madrona Manor Inn off Westside Road near Healdsburg. The trek down West Dry Creek Road to Preston is four miles. This bucolic road is one of the most beautiful backroads in all wine country. Watch for walkers, cyclists and joggers. The road is a favorite for outdoor activity.

Lou Preston working the winery and farm — Lou Preston loving his wines and farm

Lou and Susan Preston’s terrific small winery and vegetable farm is something out of the past. Quiet and peaceful are the watchwords at Preston. All of the land is Biodynamically farmed. At one point the Prestons were making 30,000 cases of wine. They found this to be overload for the other farm products, so they cut wine-case production to 8000 cases. The wine is delicious and reasonably priced. The tasting fee is $20, but purchase a bottle and the fee is waived. It is almost as good as a free tasting. Tasting room hours are daily from 11 to 4:30 pm.

One of the most delightful pleasures is to pack your picnic lunch, buy an excellent bottle of their chilled white wine and enjoy the wonders of the farm. Chances are you will see Lou Preston on the grounds. Lou does it all on his farm and winery. There is also a Bocce court. Play a game with your family and friends; it adds to the enjoyment of the wine experience.

Before you leave Preston, stock up on freshly baked bread and some fantastic olive oil. Check out the veggie offerings.

The next tasting room stop is Unti Vineyards. From Preston Farm and Winery head back on West Dry Creek Road. Turn left on Yoakim Bridge Road. Turn right on Dry Creek Road and head to Unti, about 5 minutes away.

Unti Vineyards

Until Vineyards is another family-owned winery, run by George and Linda Unti and their son Mick. The vineyards were established in 1990 and the winery followed in 1997. Today Unti grows and produces a remarkable mix of wine varieties, some of which are seldom found. Have you tried Fiona, Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, Montepulciano, and Mourvedre? You will have your chance at Unti.

Unti Vineyards is open by appointment only, 10 to 4 pm. Call a few days or weeks ahead to book your visit to the tasting room. Like Preston, the tasting style is casual and laid back. The good old days are alive and well in the land of Unti.