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EXPERIENCE WINE COUNTRY NEWS
Small-Production Sparkling Wines from Hidden Gem Wineries
The world's most recognizable sparkling wines often come from famous houses with centuries of history. But some of the most memorable bottles are quietly being crafted in small-production wineries tucked into the backroads of Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country. Here,...
Top Wine Country Picks from Platypus Guide Andy
Andy Hyman has spent more than 13 years sharing the wineries, history, and stories of Napa Valley and Sonoma with thousands of guests. A former teacher and longtime education leader, he has a gift for making wine approachable and enjoyable. Andy is also the co-author...
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Sweet, savory, and kissed by the flames, this easy summer dinner tastes like vacation. Juicy chicken thighs soak up a simple pineapple-soy marinade, then get finished with warm pineapple, buttery scallions, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serves 4–6 Ingredients...
Top Wine Country Picks from Platypus Curator Dustin
Dustin grew up in the small farming town of Winters, just outside Napa Valley. Some of his earliest memories are of visiting Napa with his father and grandfather, filling jugs of wine at V. Sattui and stopping at the Olive Oil Company in St. Helena, where his...
When Wine Tour Packages Make Sense
When Wine Tour Packages Make Sense — And When They Don’t All-inclusive vacation packages have the appeal of convenience, predictable pricing, and the benefit of no planning stress. But there’s a way to achieve all that without sacrificing an authentic and...
Savory Cherry Compote
Cherries don’t always have to be a dessert. This savory cherry compote pairs rich goat cheese, toasted sourdough, fresh herbs, and bright lemon zest for something rustic, unexpected, and incredibly wine-friendly. It’s the kind of simple appetizer that feels...
Spring Risotto with Asparagus
If you’re looking for something fresh but still comforting, this spring risotto is for you. Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 TBS olive oil 2 TBS unsalted butter 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 lb asparagus (spears separated for roasting - stems chopped...
Is a Private Wine Tour Worth It?
A Napa Valley or Sonoma wine country private tour is about experiencing the aspects of northern California wine country that best match your interests and desires…and perhaps introduce you to a few that you wouldn’t have thought of, or sought, on your own. And...
Top Wine Country Picks from Platypus Guide Luis
"I moved here to wine country to learn more about wine and wine-making. After working at a handful of wineries and being a tour guide for ten years I have indeed learned a thing or two and I enjoy sharing that with Platypus' guests. It’s all too easy for me to get...
Napa Valley or Sonoma Wine Country Small-Group Tour
If you’re deciding between a Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country small-group tour, it helps to know they’re not identical—but the differences are nuanced. They show up in the scenery, the wines, and sometimes the experience itself. While Sonoma County is often...
Top Wine Country Picks from Platypus Guide Steve
Steve Hunter has been a Platypus Tour Guide for over 15 years—and still genuinely loves every minute of it. Originally from Central Florida, Steve earned a Humanities degree from the University of South Florida—a path he jokes didn’t exactly lead to a clear career,...
Pink Grapefruit and Rose Palomas
Pink Grapefruit and Rose Palomas By Shawnda Hansen Napa and Sonoma may be known for wine, but they also have ties to standout tequila brands like Tres Agaves Tequila, El Negocio, and Penta Tequila—all produced in Mexico, as required, with Northern...
Dublin Coddle, St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
A Traditional Irish Potato, Sausage and Bacon Stew by Alison Honey Ingredients 8 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces 1 pound high-quality pork sausages (see notes) 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 bottle Guinness beer (see notes) 2 pounds potatoes,...
Using AI to Plan Your Wine Country Trip
Planning a day in Napa Valley or Sonoma wine country sounds simple. Until you open your browser. Search “best wineries in Napa” and you’ll get: Polished travel blogs Curated “Top 10” lists Beautiful photography Highly Google-optimized articles...
Top Wine Country Picks from Platypus Guide Jason
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 wine...
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...
