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EXPERIENCE WINE COUNTRY NEWS
Featured Tour Guide: Chris Largent
I started with Platypus in 2013. Prior to coming to Platypus I worked in the corporate world for about 30 years. I was in the TV and Movie industry for 15 years where I worked on TV shows such as “The Wonder Years” as well as movies such as “Robocop” and “Lethal...
Moments of History In Wine Country
The Bear Flag Revolt. This almost-revolution took place in the village of Sonoma in June-July of 1846, which was the same year the Donner Party became trapped in the high Sierra on their way to this region. The area was governed by the Mexican government, having...
Featured Winery: Charles Krug Winery
The history of Napa Valley starts at Charles Krug Winery. Founded in 1861 by a Prussian immigrant, this iconic winery and historic Redwood Cellar and Carriage House represents the great legacy of a visionary man. After Prohibition ended, another 1st generation...
RECIPE: Spring Roasted Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms and Flank Steak
Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Sauteed Mushrooms and local roasted asparagus We are all about sharing simple and fun pairings and recipes so that you can recreate your Wine Country experience at home and revel in the memories you created here. During the springtime,...
Featured Winery: Lasseter Family Winery
Lasseter Family Winery strives to make honest, balanced, graceful wines, and to refresh and replenish the resources from which these wines are made. Since acquiring the property in 2002, the Lasseter’s embarked on an environmentally sensitive upgrading for their...
7 Hidden Gems that you will find in Sonoma Valley
In all its splendor, Sonoma Valley, has more to enjoy than just wine. When you explore here, you are going to want to plan for a few days to visit the many unique offerings in Sonoma Valley. Morton’s Warm Springs Resort-A family friendly place, Morton Warm Springs,...
What is going on in the vineyards right now
Coming to you with exciting news from Napa Valley and Sonoma County and a live update from the captivating rolling hills of vineyards. Mark your calendars because it is officially bud break and flowering season in the vineyards! What does this mean in terms of wine...
How are you looking to celebrate Lover’s Day?
Now this may come as a surprise, but did you know that Valentine’s Day has a close relative in terms of special holidays designated for celebrating love? That’s right! Set a calendar reminder because Friday, April 23rd is known as National Lover’s Day and what better...
Planning your next weekend getaway to the Napa Valley
As the warmer weather continues to make its way to Napa Valley and the guidelines allow for 100% capacity at wineries and restaurants it is time to start planning your next weekend getaway and Napa Valley wine tours! Now, the beginning stages of planning your getaway...
Mother’s Day in Napa
A special holiday is quickly approaching this Spring, can you guess which one we are talking about? The one and only Mother’s Day of course! A day dedicated to celebrating your mother, whether it is your biological mother or someone you identify as a motherly figure...
Top 7 places to Hike in Wine Country
Moore Creek Park This park is located in the Chiles Valley in Napa county. Some of the trails skirt Lake Hennessy, a large water source for the Napa Valley. You may find sweeping views of a canyon while hiking to the ridge line in this special park....
Napa Valley: Where the soil tells a story
There are over a hundred different soil variations in this very small wine region, thirty miles long and five miles wide. About half of all soils that exist in the world are present in the Napa Valley! Some examples of soils in the Napa Valley are: Valley Floor : Sand...
Tres Sabores
Distinctive, truly enticing, and unconventional. A "hidden gem" in the Napa Valley The Vineyards and Winery of Tres Sabores are nestled against the western hills of Rutherford where the winemaker and owner, Julie Johnson, and her family live and grow dry-farmed,...
Top 7 Women Winemakers in Wine Country
Photos by: Corison.com, Inman Family Wines, WineBusiness.com, ChimneyRock.com, JordanWinery.com, KenzoEstate.com, Interview Magazine Heidi Barrett is one of the most sought after winemakers in Napa Valley. She consults and makes wine for several wineries in the...
What to Expect at Wineries When Wine Tasting This Summer
In the ever changing society we are currently living in surrounded by the regulations of COVID-19, we wanted to share some of the updates happening across the Napa Valley. During these unprecedented times, one thing remains a constant, wine country wants to share...
Changes in Wine Country
Wine lovers from across the globe have traveled near and far, packed their bags, and have headed to the beautiful Napa and Sonoma valleys for a wine tasting getaway. A getaway with memories filled with incredible food, world renowned wineries, beautiful resort...
Top 7 Lists:
Photo Credits: Oxbow Public Market , Stone Brewing Napa , St. Claire Brown Wine & Beer There’s a saying in winemaking : It takes a lot of good beer to make good wine. Find your new favorite beer at one of Napa or Sonoma's breweries. Top 7 Breweries in Napa...
Featured Team Member – Alison Johnston plus St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
Featured Platypus Team Member - Alison Johnston After years as a tour guide Alison is now our Director of Operations. She basically does it all and happens to also be Irish. So if you call us here in the office and hear an Irish brogue, you are lucky enough to be...