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EXPERIENCE WINE COUNTRY NEWS
Top Wine Country Picks from Platypus Guide Courtney
Napa Valley and Sonoma have so much more to offer and our guides are the key. These local experts have uncovered every nook and cranny of the region from the best restaurants and romantic wineries, to the best picnic and nightlife spots. They’ve led California...
Fireside Crimson Mocktail
Empty heading Fireside Crimson MocktailEmpty heading Winter Pomegranate and Black Cherry Mocktail with Orange-Spice Sugar Rim A cozy, jewel-toned winter mocktail that’s gently mulled with warm spices, brightened with cranberry and orange, and finished with a subtle...
Platypus Perks
A Little Something Extra for Our Guests—Starting in HawaiiEmpty heading Platypus Tours has never been just about a day of wine tasting. It’s about connection and memories that stay with you long after the trip is over. In 2026, we’re excited to introduce...
Bright & Creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese
Empty heading Pairs well with Alsace or California dry rieslingServings: 6Total Time: ~1 hour This Bright & Creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese is rich, comforting, and brightened with sherry, lemon zest, chives, and sumac. It’s an elegant but easy dish. Left over...
The Little Things That Make a Wine Tour Perfect
Lessons from 20 Years of Platypus ToursEmpty heading Over the years, we’ve noticed that the little, often ineffable things are what consistently turn a wine tour into a perfect and memorable day. Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country tours are social, engaging,...
Vinyl & Wine Tasting Experiences
There’s something so human about the way we return to the things that slow us down. Vinyl and wine share that same soulful quality — both enduring time, both made to be experienced without a fast-forward button. You don’t just consume them; you let them fill a space,...
Roasted Honey Nut Squash
Roasted Honey Nut Squash with White Bean Purée and Toasted Crunch by Morgan Remondino, creator of Dinner, solved a newsletter for busy home cooks who already know how to cook and want new meal ideas for the weekly rotation. Pairs well with a Pinot...
Napa Valley Wine Tours from San Francisco
The Easy, Affordable, and Fun Napa Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and dreaming of including nearby Napa Valley, you’ve probably run into the same question: How do you actually get there without renting a car, paying for...
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
Pumpkin Spice CheesecakeA rich but light pumpkin spice cheesecake with gingersnap crust, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg dusting.Pairs well with Gewürztraminer Equipment9-inch springform panStand mixer or hand mixer Ingredients Crust 1 ½ cups gingersnap crumbs...
Explore Napa Like You’ve Got a Friend On The Inside (You Do!)
Explore Napa Like You’ve Got a Friend on the Inside (You Do!) Your perfect trip to wine country — and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Napa Valley isn’t just about wine; it’s a lifestyle. One that celebrates the best things in life: beauty, nature, play, community,...
Quinoa Salad
Recipe for the Platypus Quinoa Salad Ingredients One cup of “regular” quinoa Two cups of vegetable or chicken broth One small onion, coarsely chopped Two cucumbers, peeled and chopped Two yellow/summer squash chopped One red bell pepper chopped 3-4 scallions chopped...
Sonoma: the Town, the Valley, the County
When you say “Sonoma” to a local, we assume you mean the town of Sonoma. Like NYC—when someone says “New York,” they usually mean the city, not the state or the county. So if a wine country local asks, “Sonoma-Sonoma?” with a curious, cocked head, it’s because they’re...
Which Napa Valley Town Is Right for You (If You’re Visiting Without a Car)
Napa Valley, with its world-renowned wineries, Michelin-rated culinary experiences, and breathtaking scenery, is a must-visit destination for many. But each town within the Napa Valley holds a unique personality and feel, which deserves a thoughtful look when planning...
Maize Pizza
Childhood summers and grown-up indulgence all in one bite. With a chef’s touch and a deep love of seasonal ingredients, Taylor Madden transforms those simple flavors into something extraordinary. Maize Pizza by Chef Taylor Madden of Oenotri, Napa Makes...
How a Wine Tour Can Surprise You
From the unexpected to the unexplainable In the 20-year span of my wine career, I’ve witnessed some fascinating tendencies that I feel are worth noting. Most people expect a fun day—some wine, some pretty vineyards. That happens. But somewhere between the first...
Farmers’ Markets & Farm Stands of Napa and Sonoma
'Empty heading Before the wine, there was the land—and it’s still feeding more than just grapes. Napa and Sonoma are home to a thriving network of farmers’ markets and roadside stands, each one brimming with whatever’s freshest, ripest, and most delicious that week....
High Summer Shrub for Cocktails and Mocktails
Wait--What's a Shrub? Before "shrub" meant something leafy and low to the ground, it was a clever (and delicious) way to preserve fruit in early America. Traditionally made with fruit, sugar, and vinegar, these sweet-tart syrups were used in everything from mocktails...
The Benefits of Hosting Wine Tours for Corporate Gatherings
The Benefits of Hosting Wine Tours for Corporate Gatherings The best team-building experiences don’t feel like exercises—they feel like something worth remembering. Corporate wine tour excursions create the kind of relaxed, shared experience that naturally...
