mcrk@rruxo.UUCP (C Koster) (03/29/85)
[thanks to the bug for not eating this...] First, thanks to all the people out there who replied to my original request for information. Bellow is a brief summary of their replies: ROBERT MONDAVI This winery had the most recommendations. It is one of the biggest wineries in the valley but offers an "excellent" tour and has good to great wine. DOMAIN CHANDON This is a champagne winery that was also on most folks "must see" list. The charge a small fee for the tasting and have an excellent winery. BERRINGER A "good" winery but not a first choice for most people. OK as a third or fourth visit. BEAULIEU VINEYARDS (BV) A "good" winery with a nice multi-media presentation and good wine. STERLING VINEYARDS Has a cable car ride to the top that provides an excellent view, also has a good wine and tour. Other wineries named were: Inglenook Rutherford Christain Brothers St. Helena St. Jean Heitz Some tips for the trip: 1. Only plan to visit 3 to 5 wineries in a day. 2. Get a copy of the "Valley Guide" (apparently available in the area...) 3. Best to drive your own car and go on a weekday to avoid the crowds. 4. Plan a picnic lunch. The area offers some really beautiful areas to picnic. 5. Buy you wine in a discount store NOT the winery. This will save you money! Thanks again to all who offered info and GOOD TASTING!!! (sorry for any spelling errors) Chris Koster Bellcore {inhp4}!rruxo!mcrk [Don't fotget to DRIVE SAFELY...and SOBER!]
chuqui@nsc.UUCP (Chuq Von Rospach) (04/01/85)
One final winery that I love to plug is Valley in the Moon-- in Glen Ellen in the Sonoma valley instead of Napa, but they make a columbard to die for... > > 5. Buy you wine in a discount store NOT the winery. > This will save you money! This assumes it is available in a liquor or discount store. Valley of the Moon is a winery more interested in making wine than money, so they sell only through their cellar on the winery-- if you don't get it there, you don't get it (at least, last time I checked...). Major wineries aren't as much trouble, but their lesser known wines are sometimes hard to find. Robert Mondavi makes a dessert wine called 'Muscat D'oro' that is wonderful, and I have never found it anywhere except the winery. Before you leave the winery, you had better check about distribution of the wines you're interested in-- the aren't as interested in selling you wine on site as they are in selling you the wine, so they don't mind these kind of questions. chuq likely -- :From the closet of anxieties of: Chuq Von Rospach, National Semiconductor {cbosgd,fortune,hplabs,ihnp4,seismo}!nsc!chuqui nsc!chuqui@decwrl.ARPA "I can call spirits from the vasty deep." "Why so can I, or so can any man; but will they come when you do call for them?" -- Henry IV, part I