Help! Surprise birthday trip to Napa Valley & San Francisco

I just found out my sister and her husband are surprising me for my BIG birthday with a trip to Napa Valley and San Francisco. I have printed the most recent LTH threads (Napa Valley Trip..Davooda's Guide to Napa Valley and San Francisco Getaway...help with my itinerary).

Normally I would take weeks or even months to research such a trip, but I will be gone this coming week (participating in an MS-150 Ride from Duluth to the Twin Cities) and I don't have as much planning time as I'd like.

Our hotels and flight have been arranged. We'll be flying in a.m. June 24 (Wed) and staying in San Francisco's marina district for one night (Hotel Del Sol). The next morning we'll drive to Napa Valley (staying one night at Yountsville Inne). We'll have that day and the next to visit wineries. Then back to San Fran for one more night at Hotel Del Sol and our flight leaves at 1:30 that afternoon(three nights, four days total). My sister told me to pick out the wineries and the restaurants.

Because we are there such a short time, I'm hoping you can shoot a few great suggestions my way. (I've seen your winery and restaurant recs, but perhaps those of you in the know can further direct me so we can maximize our time there.)

I'm looking for casual spots (no French Laundry for us, my husband has been out of a job for almost a year and money is tight to say the least!!). I took note of Zuni Cafe, Yuet Lee and Capp's Corner in San Francisco. But I have no idea if these places are anywhere near our hotel.

Also, if you have one night for dinner in Napa, what would you suggest that won't break the bank? Yountville recs? The hotel has a list of "partner wineries," but there must be 75! If you had two days, what would be your line-up? (dinners, lunches) I have never been to Napa Valley (or California) and I'm not sure how many wineries you can enjoy in two days (I don't want to set a frantic pace). Honig, Cakebread and many others look great. I guess it would be helpful for me to hear, for example, that 5 per day is realistic and if your driving up from San Fran and staying in Yountsville, here are some for your list!

I appreciate all your great posts in the above threads. Thanks if you can help focus my itinerary.
Janey

Though I can't speak from experience, if you want a bit of the Keller finesse without breaking the bank, there's always Ad Hoc:

http://www.adhocrestaurant.com/

Dmnkly wrote:Though I can't speak from experience, if you want a bit of the Keller finesse without breaking the bank, there's always Ad Hoc:

http://www.adhocrestaurant.com/

I dined at Ad Hoc once, last November. It was only okay. Their deal is that they have a new menu everyday and that they don't post it until that day. You won't have any options. Okay if you eat everything; not a good idea with picky eaters. When we went, we had an 8pm res, and they ran out of the main course. Yes, at 8pm. Huh? You'd think they'd be able to plan for service at least until 8pm. In any event, we were given two other options. We said we wanted to try both and were accommodated. A few minutes later, we overheard the next table (seated after us) being told that they could only pick one of the two new options. The food was fine; good even. But I wouldn't run back.

Liked Ad Hoc better than Ubuntu, though (in case that's being considered).

I'd say you could easily do 5-6 wineries/day. It depends on how much driving you do and how long you spend at the wineries. If you haven't been before, I'd strongly recommend at least one winery tour with barrel tasting and a walk into the vineyards. On our last visit, we only dedicated one wine day to Napa. I enjoyed Raymond, ZD, and Mumm Napa, which were within minutes of each other. Great cabs at Raymond, pinots at ZD, and bubbly at Mumm. Mumm is nice if the weather's cooperating. We brought our puppy and sat at an outdoor table, sipping sparkling and enjoying the weather. The employees couldn't have been friendlier.

In downtown Napa, I recommend at stop at the Oxbow Market. You could definitely grab lunch there. Or make a picnic of provisions from the Fatted Calf.

Enjoy the trip!

Ronna

You'll need to make an appointment, but the tours at Reverie Winery near Calistoga are unlike any I've experienced anywhere else. Think of it as a walk through the woods coupled with a scavenger hunt. The wines are excellent, too (although not cheap).

We had tapas at the bar at the CIA in St. Helena.
did not break the bank and was tons of fun, and super delish!

Janey,
Here are a few places to think about in SF, I will try to find my most recent list for napa, enjoy....

Boulevard
http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/

A16
http://www.a16sf.com/

Incanto
http://www.incanto.biz/

Piperade
http://www.piperade.com/

Slanted Door (in the ferry building)
http://www.slanteddoor.com/

Zuni Cafe
www.zunicafe.com

Coi
http://www.coirestaurant.com/

Plumpjack Cafe
http://www.plumpjackcafe.com/plumpjackcafe/

Quince
http://www.quincerestaurant.com/

Ame
http://www.amerestaurant.com/

Michael Mina (in the st regis hotel)
http://www.michaelmina.net/mm/

Taylors Refresher (it's in the ferry building, there is the original in St Helena as well. Great for lunch.)
http://taylorsautomaticrefresher.com/

Fra' Mani Salumi (Paul Bertoli used to be the chef at Chez Panisse. He recently started his own Salumi company located in Berkley)
http://www.framani.com/paul_bertolli

Ferry Building has lots of cool shops, wine, cheese and the like
http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/

I just found these winery notes from last November. I don't know if the info is still current, but hope it's helpful (and if there isn't a price, that doesn't mean it's free - just means I didn't find a price online):

Mumm – Daily 10-5 - 1.866.783.5826 - $6-25 (free tours on the hour from 10-3) – call ahead
Robert Craig – M-Sat by appt only - 707-252-2250, extension 1
Scott Harvey – Avail daily 10-4 at Silenus Vintners by appt - P: (707) 299-3930 – 5225 Solano Ave
Rombauer – Daily 10-5 - (707) 963-5170 - $10
Schramsberg – By appt only w/ mandatory tour (10, 1130, 1230, 130, 230) - 707-942-4558 - $35
Pride Mountain – By appt only - (707) 963-4949 - $5
Vincent Arroyo – By appt only - 707.942.6995 – Free
Casa Nuestra – Daily 10-5 - 866-844-9463
Cuvaison – Daily 10-5 - 707.942.6266 – also in Carneros (but need appt for Carn) - $10-15
Dutch Henry – By appt only Daily 10-430 – 707-942-5771
Graeser – Daily 10-5 - 707-942-4437 - $10 for stand up tasting (call ahead for $20 sit down tasting)
Markham – Daily 11-5 - (707) 963-5292 – $10-20
Rust Ridge – By appt - (707) 965-2871
Sullivan – By appt - 1.877.BIG-REDS
Alpha Omega – Daily 10-6 - 707-963-9999
Benessere – Daily 10-5 - (707) 963-5853
Bennett Lane – Daily 10-530 - (707) 942-6684 - $10
Bourassa – Daily 10-4 - 707 254-4922 - $10-25 variety of options, incl cooking demo
Chateau Boswell – By appt - (707) 963-5472
Cliff Lede – Daily 10-4 - 1-800-428-2259
Ehlers Estate – Daily 10-4 - 707.963.597 – proceeds benefit heart research
Fleury – By appt 1030, 12, 130, 3 - 707.967.8333 - $25
Girard – Daily 10-6 - (707) 968-9297 - $10
Jax – by appt - 415.699.2293
Keenan – by appt - 707-963-9177 – free
Larkmead – by appt - (707) 942-0167
Long Meadow Ranch (farm) – 1030am-1215pm Sats $35 wine and olive oil tour - (877) 627-2645, 1796 So. St. Helena, Highway (SR 29), just north of the intersection with SR 128.
Merryvale – 10-630 Daily - $20 sat 1030am-1230pm wine component seminar - 707 963 7777
Monticello – 10-430 Daily - 707-253-2802
St. Clement – 10-5 Daily - 707.265.5000 – $10-15 – won best boutique winery 07 & 08
St. Supery – daily 10-5 - (800) 231-9116
Turnbull – Daily 10-430 - (707) 963-5839 - $10
Frank Family - no appt – 10-4 Daily - 800.574.9463 - free

Let me know if you have any problems deciphering my notes.

(Also note, these aren't necessarily the "best" wineries. We were traveling with pooch, and so were seeking dog-friendly vineyards - - which some, but not all of these are. And, yes, our dog is spoiled.)

Ronna

Craig B wrote:Janey,
Here are a few places to think about in SF, I will try to find my most recent list for napa, enjoy....

Boulevard
http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/

Plumpjack Cafe
http://www.plumpjackcafe.com/plumpjackcafe/

Just a couple of notes on these two places since I've eaten there recently- Boulevard felt pretty tired and boring on their menu last time I was there (March). Also, last time I was at Plumpjack I really liked my food, but I found it pretty expensive for what it was.

If you are more interested in the tour than the wine, Mondavi is not to be missed. Like Disneyworld, only wine.

Clos Pegase is nice, they have a beautiful building - see if you can get their art tour. Hess also has great art. (Both also make good wine). Jarvis is amazing (tho we weren't thrilled with the wine others love it). The bathroom is on the tour, with good reason. They used the machines that dug the Channel Tunnel to create their caves - there's a natural (or fake?) underground river that takes care of their humidity.

If you had two days, what would be your line-up? (dinners, lunches) I have never been to Napa Valley (or California) and I'm not sure how many wineries you can enjoy in two days (I don't want to set a frantic pace). Honig, Cakebread and many others look great. I guess it would be helpful for me to hear, for example, that 5 per day is realistic and if your driving up from San Fran and staying in Yountsville, here are some for your list!

Suggestions for day one:

Picnic Lunch at Oakville Grocery - or buy your food and park somewhere alongside Rutherford Road under one of the big oaks
Honig - (need reservation) excellent SauvBlanc and good Cabernet
Nickel and Nickel (need reservation) - powerful single vineyard reds
Schramsberg (need reservation)
Dinner at Redd, Rutherford Grill, or Zin's Valley in Napa (least expensive option and no corkage fee) We really liked Zin's valley outdoor patio dining and since there was no corkage fee, we splurged on a Spottswoode Cab from the winery to drink with our dinner.

Suggestions for Day Two (abbreviated, since you're driving back to SF):

St. Supery - we really liked the tour and enjoyed their reds and whites equally
Lunch at Oxbow Market in Napa
Robert Craig - last stop before heading to SF (tasting room is in Napa)

Only two wineries due to driving - wouldn't want to flirt with DUI!

Hope this helps

Davooda

Davooda wrote:Only two wineries due to driving - wouldn't want to flirt with DUI!

Or just have a designated spitter!

Ronna

I went to wine country last June. I did a ton of research for both Sonoma and Napa. We went for four days and there was no way to cover everything, so we concentrated on Sonoma. But, I have the research on Napa and would be glad to share my research.

Good information and lots of coupons are available at http://www.napavalley.com/freestuff/freestuff.html

http://www.Cheers2wine.com has some wine tasting discount coupons on their website. You'll need to sign up to get the access code. There is no fee. Check with your hotel; they may offer coupons for complimentary tastings as well. We found our that our hotel offered them when we checked out.

Frank Family Vineyards (1091 Larkmead Rd., Calistoga, 1-800-574-9463, hours 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) original stone winery is on the National Register of Historic Places. They have Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and vintage cars. I believe the tastings are complimentary and no appointment is needed unless your party has more than six.

Clos Pegase Winery (1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, 707- 942-4981, hours 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) offers free guided tours. There is a sculpture garden and art gallery on site.

The Hess Collection Winery (4411 Redwood Rd., Napa, 1-707-255-1144, hours 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) has a museum quality art collection and free self-guided tours. It is recommended by Foder's, Frommer's and Backroads.

Luna Vineyards (2921 Silverado Trail, Napa, 1-707-255-5862, hours 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) The have highley regarded Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Pinot Grigios.

Artesa Vineyards & Winery (1345 Henry Road, Napa, 707-224-1668, hours 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) Beautiful sculptures, waterfalls, reflecting pools and breathtaking vistas. They actually have an artist in residence.

Mumm Napa Valley (8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, 1-866-783-5826, hours 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) is also highly recommended. They have an art gallery with Ansel Adams prints.

Frogs Leap (8815 Conn Creek Rd., Rutherford, 1-800-959-4704, hours 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., closed Sundays) offers tastings by appointment. Call them or e-mail at ribbit@frogsleap.com. They are known for their great sense of humor and that it is a great choice for novices. Last time I checked, the tastings were free.

V. Sattui Winery (1111 White Lane, St. Helena, 1-707-963-7774, hours, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) self-guided tours, guided tours on weekends. Known for their Johannisberg Riesling and Gamay Rouge. Frommer's gives them two stars.

If you want to taste a lot of different wines without travelling to all of the vineyards, you can go to Napa Wine Merchants (1146 First St., Napa, 1-707-257-6796) and sample wines from over a dozen wineries.

The Nap Valley Wine Train offers luncheon & winery tours and dinner tours (1275 McKinstry St., Napa, 1-800-427-4124).

As far as tastings go, the wineries have no problem with sharing. My husband and I would split the tasting so that neither one of us would drink too much. There is also the option of spitting. Make sure you eat and just take your time and soak it all in.

Another place you may want to visit is the Jessel Gallery (1019 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa, 1-707-257-2350, hours 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). This is a free gallery with great paintings and prints.

If you want to soak up some nature, go to the Skyline Wilderness Park (2201 E. Imola Ave, Napa, 1-707-252-0481, closes at 7:00 p.m. ) It is $5 for a day pass. There are hiking trails and disc golf available.

Boothe-Napa Valley State Park (Route 29, five miles north of St. Helena, 1-707-933-1600, call for hours) $4 per car. Hiking, birding, picnicing, swimming, and horseback riding available.

For something completely different: Lito's Hubcap Ranch (6654 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley) 30 years of collecting hubcaps!

Free rides available on the downtown Napa trolleys. Farmer's market in downtown Napa on Tuesday 7:30 a.m. - noon and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. - noon.

It is very expensive to eat in Wine Country. Everything is quite pricey, but you can find places that are reasonable. These are some of the more affordable places that I found:

Sweets - Annette's Chocolate & Ice Cream Factory (1321 First Street, Napa, 707-252-4228, Hours: Monday - Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11:30am-5:30pm )

Woodhouse Chocolate (1367 Main Street, St. Helena, 800-966-3468, RETAIL STORE HOURS 10:30am to 5:30pm)

Bakery/Cafe - Alexis Baking Company (1517 Third St., Napa, 707-258-1827, Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30 am-4 pm, Saturday 7:30 am-3 pm, Sunday 8:00 am -2:00 pm ) Bakery and cafe. Great place for breakast. http://www.alexisbakingcompany.com.

Foothill Grille (2766 Old Sonoma Road, Napa, 707-257-2270.) Neigborhood place with a variety of food made by a very good chef.

Bistro Don Giovanni (4110 Howard Lane, Napa, 707-224-3300). Highly rated Italian restaurant. Pasta dishes run $14 - $22, grilled and wood oven items run $18.50 - $36.00.

Pizza Azzurro (1260 Main St., Napa, 707-255-5552, closed Sundays) Thin, thin pizza rated 4/5 stars.

Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen (1327 Railroad Ave., St. Helena, 707-963-1200) California based American cuisine. Choose from small plates, sandwiches, salads, or large plates. Reviews are mixed. Popular with locals. Need reservations.

Pizzeria Tra Vigne (1016 Main Street, St. Helena, 707-963-4444) Decent priced menu, no corkage fee for wine. Food gets better reviews then the service.

Taylor's Automatic Refresher (933 Main St., St. Helena, 707-963-3486 or 644 First Street, Napa, 707-224-6900) Gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches, fish tacos, ahi burger, fish & chips, milkshakes and beer and wine by the glass. Very affordable.

In Yountville you've got:

Mustard's Grill (7399 St. Helena Hwy, 707-944-2424) Entree's run in the mid-twenties, sandwiches run between $12-$14. Great reviews.


Have a great time. Post back after your trip and let us know where you visited.

One of our favorite restaurants in Napa is Bistro Don Giovanni. Moderate prices and beautiful setting. Cal-Ital cuisine with wood burning oven. It's about a 10 minute drive south of Yountville. Have breakfast at Bouchon bakery in Yountville.

http://www.bistrodongiovanni.com/

Back from my 150-mile bike ride, feels great to sit in a chair! I'm reading your responses on my lunch break. I have to say LTH blows me away. I am awed by how generous you all are to take time to share your thoughtful responses. I will print our your ideas and start planning. Your great ideas will help me so much.

You are too amazing for words.
Thank you!
Janey

I really loved Mustard's Grill in Yountville. The food is creative, the wine list is great, and the place is a lot of fun. I didn't care for Bouchon. I though the steak with the steak frites was mediocore and my monkfish special was quite bland.

In San Francisco I really enjoyed Fresca (Peruvian) and Rose Pistola (Italian).