Trip Report

We got to Calistoga at 3pm checked into our B%26amp;B ';Brannan%26#39;s Cottage'; %26amp; walked the area for a bit ate at ';Busters bbq'; very good. It%26#39;s a nice little area all walking distance from our B%26amp;B. We had wine %26amp; cheese hr %26amp; got to know some of the guests. That night I went to the ';Golden Haven'; spa %26amp; took advantage of their facilities. Used the Jacuzzi which is availalbe for guests of the B%26amp;B %26amp; met some locals.

The next morning we drove down the Silverado Trail %26amp; stopped at ';Mumm'; we had a wonderful time there great sparklings. Then we stopped at ';ZD'; great service %26amp; we purchased a bottle. We also stopped at ';Miner Family'; did not like it. We had a wonderful lunch at ';Mustards Grill';, you have to try the steak! It was great! Then we went to ';Mondavi'; great grounds but did not like the wines. We ended the day at ';Domaine Chandon'; great grounds %26amp; at 6pm they play music %26amp; it turns into a lounge. We purchased some small roses for gifts %26amp; a bottle of their sparkling wine. Then I went to the jacuzzi %26amp; relaxed.

The next day we stopped at ';CIA'; to take a look at their grounds, we were having dinner there that night. Then we stopped at downtown St Helena %26amp; walked the stores. Our first wine tasting was ';Robert Sinskey'; good wines, then we had a tour at ';Pine Ridge'; we had not tried very many whites %26amp; we decided to try theirs which was great. We took the tour of their caves which had good reviews in these forums, %26amp; I am happy we did. It was very good you taste different wines with cheese %26amp; crackers %26amp; learn about their winery. The tour guy was very nice, we ended purchasing a couple of bottles even the white, %26amp; joined their wine club. We then went to ';Monticello'; did not like it, %26amp; to ';Andretti'; did not like the wine but their tuscan style villa was beautiful. We had pizza at ';Tra Vigne'; %26amp; it was great! Then our last stop was ';V.Sattui'; did not care for their wines but no charge for tastings. For dinner we went to ';CIA'; %26amp; it was great! The food was very tasty %26amp; the service was perfect.

Our last morning I went for a mudd bath at ';Golden Haven';. Like many others have said it was an experience but will not do it again. Great for the skin but very, very hot! I got some burn rashes but went away in a couple of hours. It was so hot that I could not relax, I got to relax when they wrap your body for the cool down session.

We then packed our bags %26amp; headed out. We did make one last stop back to Geyserville %26amp; went to ';Rosso %26amp; Bianco'; Coppola%26#39;s new winery. We enjoyed it very much, beautiful grounds %26amp; great new ';Sofia sparkling wine';, we purchased a couple of bottles %26amp; a small 4pack for gifts. Had lunch at their cafe %26amp; took off to Sausalito!

We enjoyed Napa better than Sonoma. We found it much easier to navigate since all the winerys are near %26amp; the food was much better.

Thanks for your your insights!

Trip Report

Thanks for another great TR. I personally prefer Sonoma over Napa, but truly understand your reasons. I will add some of your Napa spots to my next trip, such as ';CIA';.

For me, Napa has become so commercialized. The tour buses put a damper on things.

Glad you hit Geyserville. Too many people miss it. Haven%26#39;t been to R%26amp;B yet, but hope to make it there next time.

Trip Report

Jim ...... although Napa has become commercialized, those r the tour buses perhaps, which cudn鈥檛 make the Napa trip memorable trip 2u .... Otherwise, Napa%26#39;s alwaz one of the best choices for holidays. To avoid issues coming up later, in my opinion, one can make proper planning b4 the trip. Also gathering much information about the place helps . You can take help of tripwiser.com . U can have a virtual tour there i.e. u can view and list down multiple destinations, hotels, restaurants, see spots, customize itinerary. Moreover u can even reserve your hotels, cars, activities at tripwiser ..... You can also calculate the route and the driving directions as well ...

Sounds really fun, we also enjoyed our time at Domaine Chandon this past March when we stayed in Yountville. Great report! :)