439961 Mon Sep 10 14:40:45 -0700 2007 11 34 Wine 0 2928036 I've got about 5 days in December where I'll be staying at the Carneros Inn- I'm looking for some other vinyards to visit besides Corison. Any suggestions? We're open to all varietals. Mon Sep 10 14:40:45 -0700 2007 49180 jpschust 1 2928384 Make an appointment at each: Joseph Phelps Caymus Cain Stop in at: Milat Sullivan Prager Port Works St Clement Hunt Mon Sep 10 16:23:28 -0700 2007 2928036 11329 Bill Hunt 1 2928443 I think Hunt's recomendations are right on the money. Cain is hard to get to, when you think you have made a wrong turn going up the hill, you still have to go another mile. I would add FreeMArk Abbey and Silver Oak to the list. We are members of the Phelps wine club and we love therre stuff. Mon Sep 10 16:35:48 -0700 2007 2928036 21396 normalheightsfoodie 1 2928585 You'll find a ton of info on Napa wineries if you search the San Francisco Bay Area board. Sonoma too. Mon Sep 10 17:29:06 -0700 2007 2928036 18222 maria lorraine 2 2929478 Here are some links to make it easier: Napa Wineries http://www.chow.com/search?search%5Bquery%5D=title%3ANapa+AND+wineries&options%5Bboardgroup_id%5D=1&options%5Bfrom%5D=1+year+ago&options%5Bsort_mode%5D=desc&options%5Bboard_id%5D=1&options%5Bmodels%5D=Topic&x=26&y=6 Sonoma County Wineries (Sonoma, Dry Creek, Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, etc -- please bear in mind that Sonoma County is huge): http://www.chow.com/search?search%5Bquery%5D=title%3ASonoma+AND+wineries&options%5Bmodels%5D=Topic&options%5Bfrom%5D=1+year+ago&options%5Bto%5D=now&options%5Bsort_mode%5D=descending&options%5Bboardgroup_id%5D=1&options%5Bboard_id%5D=1&x=23&y=9 You'll also find restaurant recommendations in the threads for each search. Mon Sep 10 23:37:53 -0700 2007 2928585 18222 maria lorraine 1 2928738 Pride Mountain is a favorite. It's in the Spring Mountain area of St. Helena. I think there are a handful of other good spots on Spring Mountain as well. Also, Rutherford Hill is great. Mon Sep 10 18:12:36 -0700 2007 2928036 104895 jlevine 2 2929170 Yes, Pride Mountain/Spring Mountain - good call ! Hunt Mon Sep 10 20:30:07 -0700 2007 2928738 11329 Bill Hunt 1 2929472 Here's the deal... as you get nearer your arrival date (about 2 weeks prior or so) start checking the calendars for "reserve tasting" events. You will usually have better wines opened at those events, not always, but usually... well worth checking out, otherwise you will often find yourself sampling very pedestrian wines. The calendars change, so trying to forecast December events at this date is premature. Also, check out local restaurants and wine shops that may be hosting some great tastings. The Back Room for one has a steady calendar of interesting events at reasonable prices... not always Napa-focused, but interesting nonetheless. http://www.backroomwines.com/events/index.php Again, you just have to check the calendar as your departure nears. Mon Sep 10 23:26:05 -0700 2007 2928036 42549 Chicago Mike 1 2929494 In the Carneros area is the Tattinger winery wich has beautifel scenery anyway. Worth a glass of bubbly to take in the view! Mon Sep 10 23:57:34 -0700 2007 2928036 67706 WCchopper 2 2930635 If you're in Carneros and want a view, make a quick trip up to Artesa. Great view and wonderful wines. Their Estate Pinot is great. They also have some wonderful sparkling wines. It's certainly worth a stop since you are so close. No appointment needed. If you have time, go up to the far north end of the valley, to Calistoga and beyond. Hit Frank Family, Bennett Lane, August Briggs. All are small wineries with outstanding wines and fun tasting rooms that don't require a reservation. Have a great time. We just moved from there after 8 years and already miss it. Tue Sep 11 09:56:39 -0700 2007 2929494 10925 rtmonty 2 2930806 The sparkling wine producer which is owned by Taittinger is called Domaine Carneros, and you're right -- it's well worth the visit: best sparkling wine in the Napa Valley, IMHO. Tue Sep 11 10:28:50 -0700 2007 2929494 28122 zin1953 3 2931139 Moreso than Schramsberg? Tue Sep 11 11:51:51 -0700 2007 2930806 49180 jpschust