“I have been creating and guiding wine tours for the last 11 years and it is the best job ever! Every position I have ever held has been service related, but this career allows me to fulfill my desire to create joy and lifelong memories for the people I interact with. Of all the places I have ever been, I feel that Napa Valley has the most “spirit to serve” that I have ever seen. We work as a team to bring the magic and I couldn’t be happier to be part of it all.
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 Laura and got her top picks.
- Production Tour:
Palmaz in Napa is one of the coolest tours. They have proprietary technology like no other place. Add on the delicious wine and food pairing and you will be “Wow’d”.
- Food & Wine Pairing:
My favorite Winery for a food and wine pairing is Capo Creek. They are located in Sonoma Valley in the West Dry Creek area. Every experience they offer comes with bites or lunch pairing ranging from $55-$350 per person. Mary Roy was a doctor in her previous life turned Winery owner, winemaker and chef. You have to meet her!
- Family Run Winery:
Fortunati Vineyards in Napa is one of my favorite family owned wineries. Ellen and Gary Luchtel, the owners of Fortunati, are wonderful people and they have the best team! It is such an educational tasting experience with a lovely cheese and wine pairing for only $50 per person. They are very small production, but make a lot of different varietals. Their wines are delicious and so well priced.
- Indoor / Outdoor Picnic Spot (non-winery):
The Plaza (also known as The Square) in Sonoma is one of the very few public parks in California where you’re allowed to have alcoholic beverages. This adorable town square is surrounded by boutique shops, restaurants and tasting rooms. Bring a blanket or grab a picnic table and enjoy your lunch and a bottle of wine.
- Romantic Winery:
I am all about the view. Amizetta in St. Helena is one of the most romantic wineries. They have comfy outdoor couches, delicious wines, and an expansive view of rolling vineyards and Lake Hennessey… Magical!
- “Wined-Out”, Where Else to Enjoy Adult Beverages:
Wilfreds Lounge will quickly transport you from Napa Valley to Honolulu! Set down your cabernet and enjoy one of their island inspired cocktails. They also have some really fun food, including spam fries!
- Favorite Restaurant:
TORC Napa – they have an elevated AND relaxed environment with amazing cocktails. Farm to table cuisine…definitely get the risotto. It doesn’t matter what they put in it on any given night, it is always amazing. And you must try their deviled eggs. I guarantee you have never had one like them and they are so delicious!
- Non-Wine Experience:
Spa! Maybe the only thing that comes close to the joy of winetasting is a day at the spa. We have so many to choose from, but if you head to Calistoga, you will also have the option for a mud bath, which is very unique! The spa at Solage is one of my favorites. They offer incredible treatments and they also have five different pools for you to enjoy. They range in temperature from a very invigorating 50°F cold plunge to a jetted mineral pool heated to 104°F.
- Nite Life Spot:
Not a lot available because we start drinking at 10am, so early to bed. The Fink in downtown Napa is a fun option. They have award-winning cocktails, and often live music ranging from jazz and Hawaiian to swing and rock ‘n’ roll.
Laura 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 Laura’s recommendations. Explore Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries, dine at amazing restaurants, go on local adventures, and experience wine country like never before!
