Napa Valley

Wine train. Just don't talk too loudly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSXP8tkWdtM

Sounds like time for a Calistoga mud bath/hot spring! In all seriousness, order a tourist catalogue (see link below) or look at it online. It's very comprehensive, including maps of the area, towns, activities, itineraries. Then once you do some initial research (I assume you haven't really dug in yet) and have additional questions, come back and post them. Everyone has their favorite spots but the whole area is lovely.
https://www.visitnapavalley.com/travel-tools/planning-resources/visitors-guide/

I am curious----why Napa? Did you also consider other towns such as Sonoma or Healdsburg? I prefer either of those to Napa, both for the town itself, and for the wineries.

When are you going? And what would you like to do besides wining and dining? Spa experiences, hiking in the redwoods, a walk on a beach? Healdsburg has a free concert in the town square on Tuesdays in summer. Families bring picnics and sit on the lawn, and lots of people ) including us) dance.

And is there a particular wine you favor? Some of the areas favor one type of grape over another, and many of the smaller boutique wineries specialize in one or two.

Edgar, Thanks -- that was funny.

Agnes, thanks, I've downloaded the 150+ page brochure. Now to find time to review in the middle of a move.

Lola-----thanks.
"why Napa", you ask-----frankly because I'm from Hawaii, never been THERE (did land in Santa Rosa once and headed straight to Mendocino)----and didn't know the difference. In my small Hawaiian world, Napa was all I knew of....till I looked at Agnes' post. Call me 'wine country illiterate".

Did you also consider other towns such as Sonoma or Healdsburg?--------- No, I did not....as above paragraph explains...... I prefer either of those to Napa, both for the town itself, and for the wineries.

When are you going? ------------so far it's looking like summer 2017 sometime

And what would you like to do besides wining and dining? -----------well, some are hikers; some would like spa treatment--although most now live on the mainland, we all grew up here on the beaches of Hawaii so the beach part - probably not so much. But it'll just be a couple three days.

And is there a particular wine you favor? --------- Yes, all---and I speak on behalf of the whole group LOL---when we were teens it was vodka and tequila----but we've matured since LOL

From this event those who wish to continue will head to Mendocino where one of the pals live for more birthday partying....I had wished that one of the girls would have taken this task away from me as I am truly the worse. I'm happy camping and pooping in the woods...but I am sure ALL the other would love some kind of spa treatment.....the train thing sounds intersting but I can't see a large group that isn't split up on several tables??? I don't want to do that on the short time we will have. That can be done individually for those who wish. I truly appreciate your (and others') kindness and willingness to assist and offer ideas. Mahalo.

You don't need to do the touristy train, just have a designated driver from the group. Part of the fun is driving around the valley and seeing the different wineries...I wouldn't trade that for anything. Mendocino (and Mendocino County), which is not in Napa Valley, is beyond gorgeous if you get a chance to make it there. In Napa/Sonoma Valley, I really enjoyed Calistoga, St. Helena, Healdsburg, Sonoma, and Petaluma.

Most locals prefer Sonoma to Napa.... I don't really drink wine, so I have no preference, haha! Enjoy the trip!

kim

The wine train is fine, but I agree that it's not the best option for a largish group of friends. Napa and Sonoma are pretty close together and you could easily do both with 2-3 days. The possibilities for wining and dining are endless. Maybe your group should consider hiring a private car or van and customizing your own trip. I suspect the brochure you downloaded will have some information on private guides/drivers.

One of my favorite things about Napa/Sonoma is that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great meal with great wine. You can easily spend a fortune in search of same, but you don't have to!

What sort of lodging are you thinking of? Budget? That may help narrow it down a bit. I am picturing something with nice grounds and outdoor space where your group can gather, but maybe that is not what you have in mind at all. How many people in all? Do you want nice restaurants within walking distance?

As Kim stated, "locals" tend to favor Sonoma, but I will add that "local locals" like our friends who live near Sebastepol, also like Healdsburg. He led us a nice tour in the Dry Creek Valley, visiting small friendly wineries producing mostly Sauvignon Blanc. Another day we went with my oenophile Brother-in-law and his wife to some high-end places close to Sonoma, where we could not afford the wine. So you need to be selective---and check the tasting fees ahead of time if you do not like surprises.

I much prefer having a designated driver and have never taken a tour--- but we have the benefit of our local friends and my husband's brother, who are happy to pick the wineries to visit. We just show up and are happy. But for you a tour with driver may be preferable.

Hi Kari,

I've been there many times & am in the process of moving there as we speak! Here is my list of places to go. If you have the time, you can drive up further to the north, see the redwoods & drive back down the Pacific Coast Highway (hwy 1). I like downtown Sonoma also. Just make sure you have a car. :)

Re lodging, it's quite expensive around Napa. I love the Victorian B&Bs, but it depends on your price range. What are you looking to pay per night?

Wineries:

Chateau Montelena - they're the ones who won the Judgment of Paris & are in the Bottle Shock movie. They still have awesome Chardonnays.

Grgich Hills - Mike Grgich was the winemaker at Chateau Montelena when they won the Judgment of Paris.

Schramsberg - They have a huge variety of sparkling wines.

Castello di Amorosa - Italian wines in a real castle that you can tour. Enough said. :)

Domaine Chandon - they have a food menu to match their sparkling wines.

Domaine Carneros - They're owned by Taittinger of Champagne, so good bubbly here & I love their Pinot noir.

Dutch Henry (big reds), Viansa, Flora Springs, Duckhorn, Failla, Far Niente, Beaulieu, Beringer, Stags Leap, O'Brien, Mumm, Stony Hill, Frogs Leap, V. Sattui, Cakebread, Hall, Krug

Food:

Oxbow Public Market - Ca' Momi (their own Italian wines & food), C CASA (the best tacos I've ever eaten), they also have a seafood place with an oyster bar, an organic cupcake place I like and vendor stalls around.

Gotts Roadside - it's an institution for burgers and shakes. They have one in Napa by the market but I like the big one on the highway in St. Helena better.

Lunch/Dinner:
Tarla Mediterranean Grill - lesser known/not as popular but I love their food and environment
Ristorante Allegria - upscale Italian
Bistro Don Giovanni - casual Italian bistro food
Bottega - Michael Chiarello's restaurant
Bouchon - Thomas Keller's French bistro, much more affordable & without a 6 month waiting list like the French laundry
Bistro Jeanty - French Country
Mustards Grill - Californian
Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen - Californian
Oenotri - Italian
Solbar - great for sitting outside & I love their fish tacos
Morimoto - Japanese

Breakfast:
Alexis Baking Company & Cafe
Grace's Table
Napa Valley Roasting Company - good coffee with some pastries
Soscol Cafe
Boon Fly Cafe - their homemade doughnuts are awesome
French Blue
Napa General Store
C CASA - they have awesome breakfast tacos also
The Model Bakery
Kitchen Door - also in the market, good brunches
Lulu's Kitchen
Pacific Blues

Wow.....I am thoroughly appreciative of all the great support. Outstanding!

Agnes: love the idea to hit a bunch of wineries and a 'designated driver'. Maybe, for once, the DD won't have to be me. ;-)

Traylaparks: I appreciate the knowledge that Napa and Sonoma are in close proximity. These are definite points plus.

Lola: You have a point there---the "grounds" of where we stay are indeed important as is walking to town and restaurants. I really like this concept. Tasting fees? Oh my, a big thanks for that tip. What Hawaiian gal would have thunk? Not me! Every winery here in Hawaii (all 2 of them ;-) ) do not have a tasting fee. But they do hope you buy merchandise. Also good to know about 'family assistance'. Valuable!

Mende: Awesome list you've provided. Will search these places out. Cost per night? I don't know what the others' expectations are? I'll seek a place where 'group rates' are offered. On top of that, we are turning 60---so, frankly, I don't give a hoot about expense. I've lived a frugal life and it's time "for me"... ;-)

To all: I will be printing everything and researching as much as I can during these holidays. Your suggestions and offerings have not been taken for granted. I will, at some point, present a package to the gals.

From the bottom of my heart, a BIG MAHALO to all!!!!

Kari

We had a wonderful time in Sonoma. We stayed at the Hidden Oak Inn, a bed and breakfast only a few minutes from the center of town. Great accommodations in a gorgeous Craftsman house and gracious innkeepers.

I always enjoyed visiting the Korbel Winery, though I don't think it's technically Napa-Sonoma. The tour is very interesting - more about the history of the area and the remarkable family. Besides the bubbly (lots of options there), they produce some good table wines, were always generous with tastings and they have a good Italian deli . . . for lunch.

I will just mention the inn I had in mind when I asked about beautiful grounds and outdoor space to gather. This is a place I would look at if I were doing a small reunion with old friends in Wine Country:

http://www.macarthurplace.com/index.php

Guest rooms start at $399 a night---but they may have group rates as they do host meetings and weddings. Maybe some of the the guys would be interested in the Performance Car Driving School on the race track? ( Look under Meetings for information on that).

We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Calistoga. It was wonderful. Definitely do the wine train. Castello di Amorosa was one of our favorite winery tours and the Beringer tour was fabulous, you get to taste the wines among the vines. You will have a great time.

If u do decide on Napa be aware traffic is very heavy almost always. So particularly stay away from fri, sat, sunday there.

I can't help with a place to stay, but I can chime in on a few of the comments. I would definitely go to Grgich Winery. Fantastic winery, family run! Eat at the Oxbow market, or at least peruse the aisles. Skip the train. We did that last fall. It's very expensive and highly over-rated. The train tracks basically follow the highway, so you're not seeing anything new or exciting that you couldn't see from a car. Also, hire a car/driver to wine taste. Traffic is VERY heavy in Napa. A driver means you wouldn't have to worry about who is the DD, nor would you have to fight the other cars. Also, not sure if you're aware, but a DUI with injuries is close to 80k in CA (yes, that much. I haven't had one but I know people who have). Not worth it.
Have fun. Napa is very pretty! (I live close to Lodi, which is also a FANTASTIC wine destination).