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 old-school Italian grandfather insisted on buying the very best olive oil, cheese, and salami.
Those trips sparked a lifelong appreciation for wine, food, hospitality, and Napa Valley’s rich history. To this day, Dustin still visits the Olive Oil Company and looks for his grandfather’s business card among the thousands displayed on the wall. It’s a tradition that keeps him connected to both his family roots and the wine country he loves sharing with guests.
Napa Valley and Sonoma have so much more to offer than just wine, and our curators and 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 nightlife spots. This month, we caught up with private tour curator Dustin and got his top picks.
- Production Tour:
GC Lurton / Acaibo Trinite Estates Located in the Chalk Hill district of Northern Sonoma Valley. Known for their French varietals. The Gonzague Family owns chateaus in Bordeaux and also their winery here in Northern Sonoma.
The Private Estate Experience includes a tour of their vineyards (with an in-depth explanation of their farming practices), their production facility, which also includes an in-depth barrel tasting experience where host Pascal explains the differences and characteristics of barrel toasting and how it affects the wine.
The tasting culminates in a barn adjacent to their production facility where multiple estate wines are poured alongside wines from their chateaus in Bordeaux. Guests can experience the characteristics of Sonoma terroir compared to Bordeaux wines from France. And the best part, outside of Pascal and the amazing wines, is the fresh French baguette (he bakes every morning) and the incredible cheese and charcuterie board he creates for guests daily.
- Food & Wine Pairing:
Clif Family Winery Enoteca A MUST culinary experience! Clif Family Winery (founded by the creators of Clif Bars and Luna Bars) focuses on organic farm-to-table pairings curated by winemaker Laura Barrett and Executive Chef Magnus Young.
They offer several wine and food pairings, but I highly recommend the Pasto E Vino Lunch Pairing, a seasonal experience showcasing the wines and the farm’s offerings. Clif Family sources the majority of its food from its many properties throughout Napa, focusing on organic and regenerative farming.
The experience is a full five-course luncheon held at the back of their private Enoteca overlooking the Dr. Sellers vineyards and the beautiful Mayacamas Mountains. Several wines are poured to pair with each dish. Your host shares the family story and keeps guests engaged on a variety of topics. They always ask about your favorite music artists and curate a playlist to accompany the experience.
- Family Run Winery:Aonair is a throwback to what Napa Valley was 40 years ago. Located at the base of Howell Mountain and operated by Grant and Megan Long.
If you asked me to visit one property in either Napa or Sonoma, Aonair would be at the top of my list. The tasting starts in their home tasting room, where they invite guests onto the back deck overlooking Conn Valley and the vineyards below.
After a sip of wine and an introduction to Grant and Megan’s story, guests are offered a ride (group size dependent) on an all-terrain vehicle that includes a vineyard tour and a stop at a lookout with sweeping views of Lake Hennessey. Once concluded, guests return to finish the tasting on the back deck.
Make sure to ask about their speakeasy
- Romantic Winery:
B. Wise Wine Caves Located atop Moon Mountain in Sonoma Valley, this property offers one of the most spectacular views in either valley.The tasting includes a cave tour where guests are guided into a private room and treated to the story and vision of Brion Wise. Each room is decorated seasonally, adding to the ambiance.
The wines are outstanding, and the views outside the caves overlooking the valley, San Francisco Bay, and on clear days the city itself, are unparalleled.
A must when in Sonoma.
- “Wined-Out”, Where Else to Enjoy Adult Beverages:
The Napa Yard – Oxbow Gardens Located in Napa across from Oxbow along the Napa River, The Napa Yard is an outdoor beer garden that also offers a full bar, wine, a kitchen, and seasonal live music.
There is plenty of seating, river views, and activities including cornhole. Beer is always a great palate cleanser after a day of wine tasting. Also, their Old Fashioned is delicious.
- Favorite Restaurant:Brix Restaurant & Gardens
Located in Yountville, Brix is owned by the Kelleher family, who also own the 20 acres of vineyards planted behind the restaurant.
The gardens are beautiful and intimate, offering views of the Mayacamas Mountains. The California cuisine menu changes seasonally.
Try the Pan-Seared Alaskan Halibut or the Forest Mushroom Risotto with a glass of Kelleher Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
A can’t-miss destination for ambiance, quality, and hospitality.
- Non-Wine Experience:Johnson’s Beach
Kayaking the Russian River.
There are several places throughout the Russian River area where you can rent kayaks, from Healdsburg to Jenner. The river has a gentle flow during the summer, moderate water temperatures, and is easy to navigate.
I’ve been visiting Johnson’s Beach since I was a kid. My grandparents owned it for more than 40 years before selling it in the mid-2000s, so I admit I’m biased.
I still visit several times each summer. I love renting a kayak from the Snack Shack (food, beer, and wine available), paddling upriver a few miles to Stumptown Brewing, grabbing a pint and lunch, and enjoying the music along the riverbank.
Always a fun adventure.
- Night Life Spot:
Folklore has it all: drinks, food, and vinyl records.
I’m a vinyl enthusiast with more than 2,300 records in my collection, and I absolutely love this concept. Grab a drink and relax while they spin records from the DJ booth, or browse their extensive vinyl collection for sale.
They also host live music, trivia nights, and record-release parties.
If you’re still feeling energetic afterward, head next door to Bilco’s Billiards for darts, pool, and more than 50 beers on tap.
Dustin is one of our expert curators who has helped make Platypus Wine Tours what it is today.
So whether you hop on one of our join-in California wine tours or book a private tour, don’t miss Dustin’s recommendations. Explore Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries, dine at amazing restaurants, go on local adventures, and experience wine country like never before!
