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EXPERIENCE WINE COUNTRY NEWS
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...
Cozy, Fireside Wine Tasting Picks
There’s something so enchanting about winter in wine country—a time when the vines sleep and tasting rooms offer a warm, welcoming escape. Pair that with the tranquil glow of a warm fire and a glass of exceptional wine, and you have the perfect recipe for a...
Southern Caviar for New Year’s Day
Shawnda here with Platypus Wine Tours sharing my southern heritage and a tradition; eating black-eyed peas on New Year's day for good luck! The origin story of the tradition is debated: both versions are tied to Black history. Serves 8-10 as appetizer ...
Cranberry and Brie Pull-apart Sourdough
Recipe for Cranberry and Brie Pull-apart Sourdough Bread with Wine Pairing
Friendsgiving Fondue
Hey folks, Shawnda here with Platypus Wine Tours offering you an epic way to share good wine and food with those you love this Thanksgiving, and beyond. Celebrate Friendsgiving with this simple fondue recipe which is all about bringing friends together and is...
Top 6 Ghost Wineries of Wine Country
Many died, and some survived…divinely, creatively or illegally. Ghost wineries are those that carved their way through, or were resurrected after Prohibition (1920-1933). Some were granted special dispensation to make sacramental wine for the church. Others sold...
Calabaza en Tacha (Mexican Candied Pumpkin)
Recipe for Calabaza en Tach with suggested wine pairing of Petite Sirah
Top Picnic Spots in Sonoma Valley
Platypus Tours - Top Picnic Spots in Sonoma ValleyLiving and working in the bucolic and historic Sonoma Valley for over 20 years, one becomes savvy with the fine art of picnicking. Al fresco dining is a way of life here, and I hope these special picnic places inspire...
Crème de Ricotta recipe by Sonoma chef Sheana Davis
Sheana Davis of the Epicurean Connection in Sonoma has graciously shared her recipe for Creme de Ricotta. Ingredients: 1 gallon whole milk 4 cups cream 2 cups distilled white vinegar 2 teaspoons kosher salt Instructions: Using an enamel, glass, cast iron or copper...
A Deep Dive into California’s Premier Wine Region: The Napa Valley AVA
Napa Valley, a globally renowned American Viticultural Area (AVA), is a small yet illustrious region celebrated for its exceptional wine production. Nestled in Northern California, this picturesque valley spans approximately 30 miles and is home to a unique terroir...
Escape the Ordinary: Uncover Sonoma’s Wine Tour Gems with Platypus
Sonoma County, which offers rolling vineyards, small charming towns and world-class wines, draws visitors from across the globe. The region is home to some of the country’s finest vineyards, and visitors who want an authentic experience in wine country will be happy...
Best Napa Valley Wineries near Calistoga: A Traveler’s Guide
The world-famous Napa Valley is known for its beautiful landscape, fantastic wines, and charming towns. Calistoga is at the north end of Napa Valley and perfectly represents all the beloved facets of Napa Valley. Rustic living coupled with hot spring resorts create a...
A Symphony of Flavors: Exploring Wine Pairing Tours at Napa Valley Wineries
Picture this: the rich, fruity notes of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon dance across your tongue alongside the taste of a gourmet cheese plate. It’s an experience that one cannot help but return to over and over: wine‑pairing tours at Napa Valley wineries. With the...
