Time for a tasting?

[KateMW]

My husband and I are coming to Napa for a long weekend {Th-M} in September to celebrate our anniversary. Our flight will land around 1:30 and after getting our bags and rental car, I expect to be on the road by around 2:30-3pm. First off, does that seem right? We're renting a convertible from City Rent-A-Car, but they're bring it to us at the airport. We have to call them when we land and they say it's 20 minutes to the airport from their location. If the timing is right, we should be on the road by 3 at the latest I think, then the drive to Napa will take about an 1 and a half right? With traffic? Last time it took us FOREVER {2+hours}, but I blamed it on it being a Friday and the fact that there was a big triathlon that weekend.

If we hit Napa around 4:30-5, is there anywhere that will still be open? We like great wine and we don't really go for all the show, etc. I rather have a great wine in a crappy building instead of the other way around. I don't mind paying whatever for a tasting, but saving money is always good. If there is nothing open, I guess we'll just check into the hotel {staying at AVIA Napa} and then head out to dinner after we freshen up? I'm thinking of doing Ad Hoc the first night, since I'm sure I won't be lucky enough to get a FL reservation. Have any other recs on the same level as Ad Hoc, in case I need a backup?

Thanks!

[Melanie Wong]

Domaine Carneros is south of Napa and will pour for your until 5:45pm. If you get very delayed, you might want to check out one of the urban wineries, such as Rosenblum in alameda. Click on the blue Places links below for more info and maps.

Here are the freshest reports on Ad Hoc for your reference,
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6251...

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Rosenblum Cellars
2900 Main St # 1100, Alameda, CA

Domaine Carneros
1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA

[KateMW]

Thank you Melanie. You are very helpful! I just read the thread about Ad Hoc and Redd a few minutes ago and I definitely still want to try Ad Hoc. I actually get the menus sent to me daily and have for about a year, so I am looking forward to it very much. I think it will be a good first meal for our trip. Not too over-the-top, but something special that we'll remember. I've always wanted to try Domaine Carneros, so maybe we'll try there. I really hope we make good time from the airport. I hate to waste any of our precious wine time!

[Ruth Lafler]

I think the timing should be fine in the middle of a weekday afternoon. If you call the car rental people when you land, it should be there by the time make your way through the airport and collect your luggage.

[KateMW]

That's what I'm hoping. I finally won't feel bad about checking my bags either, since we have to wait anyway. It's an extra charge to have it delivered, but I think it will save time in the long run and I really have zero desire to take suitcases on BART.

[Ruth Lafler]

I agree -- you're on vacation, why knock yourself out struggling with suitcases? I checked my bag on my most recent trip even though it qualifies as a carry on -- but it was heavy, and besides, if I check it I can pack stuff that I couldn't take through security. Bringing my own sunscreen to Hawaii saved enough money to cover the baggage checking fee!

I almost always end up buying some kind of foodstuff that needs to be checked, so I just plan on checking my bag. In particular, I like to buy local honey, which needs to be checked (I bring along extra freezer-size Ziploc bags to protect against potential honey disasters in my suitcase, but so far everything has come through just fine).

[jsa7405]

You should have a good shot at getting a French laundry reservation if you try for thur/mon. You will need to call 2 months to the day at the minute lines open and may have to settle for 530, but I got one no problem recently. It just depends how bad you want it!

[PekoePeony]

That said, I think Ad Hoc is a better bet than French Laundry. Just went to FL a couple weeks ago and was distinctly unimpressed; had a much more enjoyable dinner at Ad Hoc about a month before.

[KateMW]

Have you been to FL many times? It just wasn't good this time or do you just not enjoy that kind of food? I will probably still try, no matter what you say, but I'm just curious. It's on my list of things to do before I die FL and Per Se and I keep missing them when I'm in SF/NYC. So, I'll try this time again, but if I don't get it again, I'll live. :) We're going to do Ad Hoc, no matter what. It sounds wonderful and I enjoy getting the menu every day.

[Ruth Lafler]

Coupld of things to remember in trying for a TFL reservation: there are a few reservations available on Open Table -- those open up at 12:01 a.m. on the day two months to the date in advance of the day you're trying to book. In addition, it's easier to get reservations for lunch than for dinner (same menu -- many people believe it's actually better to go at lunch, since you have more time to recover from your meal). If you don't get through on the actual booking date, keep checking Open Table.