Planning 3-day trip to Laundry, need help with specifics...
Going to drive up from L.A. to eat at Laundry for first time. Any links as to what else to do in Yountville or surrounding area? I've heard wine tasting in Napa is nothing like it used to be...where do we stay? Where else to we eat? (something remotely affordable preferred before/after splurging)
Thanks!
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Tasting is better than ever in Napa, you just have to go to the right places and stay away from all the touristy places like Mondavi and Beringer. Try going north of St. Helena and even north of Calistoga. North of Calistoga is Bennett Lane, Summers, Calistoga Cellars, all have great wine, well crafted and fun tasting rooms. Head over to the Silverado Trail and head south, stop at August Briggs, wonderful wines, might even get a barrel tasting, we have on occasion. Turn down Larkmead Lane and hit Frank Family Winery, outstanding and other old but nice tasting room. Back to the trail and head back down towards Yountville. Stop at Miner Family winery, a beautiful winery with a wonderful view. Great wines across the board, award winning cabs, pinots, excellent sauv. blanc. Sinskey is just a little past the Yountville crossroad that will take you into back Yountville. Super winery, grapes all organically grown, wonderful pinots and a great pinot blanc. Just after you turn onto the Yountville crossroad Cliff Lede winery will be on your left. It's a must stop, beautful new tasting room and outstanding wines plus they still make the S, Anderson sparkling wine which is wonderful.
So, that should keep you busy and I'd bet you won't be disappointed at any of these choices.
Bistro Jeanty is excellent and if you're into "raw bar" the one at Bouchon is outstanding as are the pomme frites. Taylor's refresher is very good. For a more upscale dinner spot, try Terra in St. Helena, very good.
Have a wonderful time and report back.
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emily
Aug 21, 2006 09:08 PM
For a nice diversion, we really enjoyed the small plates at ZuZu in Napa. Lots of delicious dishes like air dried beef with whole-grained mustard aioli and roated trumpet mushrooms with asparagus, truffle vinaigrette and cheese.
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Non Cognomina
Aug 20, 2006 08:54 PM
Ditto on not eating too much the day of TFL day.
If you are staying in Yountville, something from the Bouchon bakery would be perfect. If you need something of a little more substance, try breakfast at Gordon's on the north end of town. You will probably not be too hungry the day after TFL, so perhaps a pastry at the bakery the next day would be better. I also like Bouchon--one of my favorite restaurants. If you go, order one of the specials. They have a new chef in the kitchen and I've been getting some great chow there. The service has been lagging a little, though. Redd is also nice and not too expensive if you sit at the bar. They don't take reservations so go early to get a good seat.
Wherever you go, aviod Pacific Blues and Hurley's in Yountville. I always want to grab tourists when they wander in that way.
Everyone's got their favorite winery to visit up here, but I always suggest Schramsberg for the tour and tasting. It's by appointment only so be sure to call for one. I suggest going on a Sunday if you will be up here. The guy who gives the tours that day is great.
Robert Sinskey winery is another winery to consider. Very good wine, some available only at the winery.
Have a fun trip!
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The Chowhound Team
Aug 20, 2006 08:10 PM
A reminder- our focus on Chowhound is the pursuit of good food. Discussion of accommodations is off topic here, so please keep replies focused on chow. Thanks.
