sjones@mcnc.UUCP (Sue K. Jones) (05/01/84)
(Walt Barnes' question/net.travel)
Luckily, a large majority of Napa Valley wineries are open on
Saturdays and Sundays. Visit the "major" wineries such as Beringer,
Mondavi, Christian Bros., etc., but also be sure to catch some of the
smaller wineries such as Heitz (superb vintage Martha's Vineyard cabernet
sauvignons) and Grgich Hills (wonderful buttery chardonnay).
It's fun to stay in country inns in the Napa Valley. We have stayed
at Chalet Bernensis, St. Helena (707/963-4423), Burgundy House,
Yountville (707/944-2711), and Wine Country Inn, St. Helena (707/
963-7077). Recommended restaurants include Miramont, Domaine Chandon,
French Laundry, and Calistoga Inn. Innkeepers will make dinner
reservations for you.
Another interesting side trip is to the Gold Rush Country (Hwy 49)
where you can visit some small Amador County wineries (Amador Foothill..
Fiddletown vineyard Zinfandel, Shenandoah Vineyards, etc.)
Stay at Sutter Creek Inn (209/267-5606), an old-timey inn with unusual
beds suspended from the ceiling by chains and fabulous family-style
breakfasts.
Incidentally, you can purchase styrofoam six-pack carriers to
transport wine in as checked baggage on the airplane. We usually
check about 3 cases each trip and have never had any breakage.
Also, the prices at the wineries are NOT cheaper than prices at
other California locations such as Liquor Barns. However, some of the
smaller wineries, such as Amador Foothil, do not have distribution
throughout California, much less the rest of the country. Each winery
can tell you the closest distributor for their products in your area.
Have fun!
Sue & Gary Jones
Microelectronics Center of North Carolina
sjones.mcnc@csnet.relay