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EXPERIENCE WINE COUNTRY NEWS
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...
What You Wish You Knew Before Booking a Wine Tour (But Were Afraid to Ask)
What You Wish You Knew Before Booking a Wine Tour(But Were Afraid to Ask) Insider answers from the Platypus Tours crew to help you plan the perfect day in wine country. Empty heading You've booked a Napa or Sonoma getaway (cheers to that!) and you're...
Spring Fattoush Salad
Chef Cristina Topham layers texture and bold flavor in this springtime take on Fattoush—crisp za’atar-dusted pita chips, shaved fennel and radish, peppery arugula, and a vinaigrette that sings with pomegranate molasses and sumac. It’s herbaceous, tangy, and wildly...
Is Napa Worth It?
Is Napa Worth It? Napa Valley has long been synonymous with world-class wines, postcard-worthy vineyards, and a laid-back yet energizing atmosphere. But if you’re planning a visit in 2025, you might be wondering: Does Napa live up to the hype? The short...
Herbed “Beggar’s Purses” with Asparagus & Goat Cheese
Straight from the gardens of Sonoma and the heart of wine country hospitality—this fresh, seasonal dish from Executive Chef David Frakes of Lynmar Estate is pure springtime on a plate. It’s vibrant, elegant, and rooted in the kind of farm-to-table authenticity that...
Pairing Wine Tasting with Your Passions
Platypus Tours - Pairing Wine Tasting with Your PassionsWine country isn’t just about sipping and swirling—it’s an adventure waiting to be tailored to your passions. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, music enthusiast, art lover, equestrian, film buff, outdoor...
Gluten Free Persian Love Muffins
Who needs a love potion when you have these gluten-free Persian Love Muffins? 💕🍰 Fragrant with cardamom and rose, they’re proof that the way to anyone’s heart is through a perfectly baked, love-filled treat! 🌿💫 Wine pairing: Reisling, Chenin Blanc, or...
THREE, It’s a magic number – How many wineries to visit in a day.
Why Three is the Magic Number for a Perfect Day of Wine Tasting We've been curating wine tours for 20 years and want to give you our experienced guidance. When planning your wine country adventure, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how many wineries...
Avocado Toast with Truffle Salt
Shawnda here with Platypus Wine Tours sharing a beloved California recipe with a twist, avocado toast. The addition of earthy, roasted beet hummus along with the truffle salt makes for a rich, velvety culmination. I added micro-greens for a slight bitterness and...
