Napa Winery Recommendation?

Angie, It really depends on what kind of wines you like, and what you look for in a visit. FWIW, here are my thoughts:

for tours/history: Beringer, Mondavi, Schramsberg for "high end" wines: Chateau Montelena, Joseph Phelps (by appt), Duckhorn (by appt) for Zinfandel: Storybook Mountain (by appt) for sparkling/food: Domaine Chandon, Schramsberg for low cost wines: Raymond, Hess Collection for wines you won't find in stores: Milat, Dutch Henry, Vincent Arroyo, Volker-Eisele, V. Sattui

I realize that that's more than three wineries, but I suspect that once you decide what you're looking for, you can narrow it down to three.

Mark Lipton

in article snipped-for-privacy@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com, snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com at snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote on 8/25/06 9:29 AM:

ies, but I was overwhelmed by the amount of tasting rooms

If you are able to call ahead and secure reservations, my favorite "by appointment only" wineries are: Stony Hill, Jarvis and Shafer, All 3 great wines,and Jarvis is all in caves.

For "walk-in", I'd agree with most of what's been posted and would add Silver Oak, Robert Sinskey, Arger-Martucci, Hall, Prager Port Works, and Franciscan (especially since you can taste many other labels that are part of the Icon Group there).

Don't forget Elyse about 6 blocks from Domaine Chandon in Yountville.

Having just returned a few weeks ago, the visit is still very fresh in my mind.

I very much enjoyed Domaine Carneros. A beautiful view, very nice tasting, and surprisingly good Pinot Noir on the still wine side. Robert Sinskey was terrific. A beautiful open kitchen, knowledgeable staff, and nice little hors d'ouevres served with the tasting. Fine wine. Joseph Phelps has a beautiful view, a nice outdoor tasting, and of course, very steady and excellent selections. Frank Family was a very informal place, with very unusual, big wines, nice sparkling selections, and a generous tasting. Clos Pegase was magnificent, with gorgeous artwork. Hess Estate was likewise a very good quality tasting, with a spectacular modern art gallery and beautiful grounds.

The choices are many, of course. Don't miss a hearty lunch at Rutherford Grill or outdoor dining for lunch at Taylor's Refresher.

Thanks for your info!