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 of Snob-Free Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a Day and leads the Sonoma Plaza Experience, a popular walking tour celebrating Sonoma’s history, food, and wine.
Andy says what he loves most about the job is helping guests discover that wine doesn’t have to be intimidating. “I want every guest to leave with a better understanding of wine and wonderful memories of California wine country.” He strives to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests feel like friends while learning about wine, the region, and the people who make it so special.
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 spots. They’ve led California wine tours through countless Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries. This month, we caught up with our guide Andy and got his top picks.
- Production Tour:
One of the best production tours in Napa Valley is at Vincent Arroyo Winery. Not only are the wines fabulous, but the tour of the winemaking facility is clear and easy to understand. Guests are guided through the entire production process, learning about each piece of equipment and finishing in the barrel-aging room.
- Food & Wine Pairing:
B Cellars offers one of the best food and wine pairing experiences in Napa Valley. The winery’s chef prepares a fresh dish to accompany each wine being tasted. The winery also offers one of the most beautiful settings in Napa Valley. It is an elevated service and well worth visiting for both the outstanding food and the wine.
- Family Run Winery:
Backstage Winery is beautifully run by the Pero family. Its terrific wines are made in small lots, and tastings take place in a Tuscan-style villa surrounded by vineyards. Most guests are reluctant to leave and would happily remain there much longer. The tasting experience is excellent, and the family has assembled an outstanding hospitality team.
- Indoor/Outdoor Picnic Spot:
My favorite picnic spot is Sonoma Plaza, an eight-acre park in the center of the town of Sonoma. Adults are permitted to enjoy an open bottle of wine with their picnic. The plaza is surrounded by beautiful buildings dating back to the mid-1800s and is rich in history. There are many fascinating stories about early Sonoma and the beginnings of California wine country.
- Romantic Winery:
My favorite romantic winery is Pride Mountain Vineyards, located at the top of Spring Mountain above St. Helena in Napa Valley. From there, you feel as though you are on top of the world. The wines and cave tour are fabulous, and the winery’s picnic area overlooks beautiful rolling vineyard-covered hills. The views in every direction are hard to beat. Pride Mountain is very popular, so reservations should be made well in advance.
- “Wined-Out”, Where Else to Enjoy Adult Beverages:
The Girl & The Fig serves French country cuisine in a beautiful setting. Its back patio is the place to be on a warm summer afternoon or evening.
The duck is fabulous, and the cocktail and wine menus are terrific. It is truly one of the finest restaurants in Sonoma and a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion.
- Favorite Restaurant:
My favorite restaurant is Sweet T’s Restaurant + Bar near the Russian River Valley. Sweet T’s specializes in Southern comfort food, including fried chicken, chicken and waffles, barbecue ribs, chocolate mousse, Mississippi mud pie, key lime pie, and pecan pie. I have visited the restaurant many times over the years, especially when getting together with other Platypus tour guides in northern Sonoma County.
- Non-Wine Experience:
My favorite non-wine experience is enjoying chocolate truffles and ice cream around Sonoma Plaza. Wine Country Chocolates and Sweet Scoops are two fabulous spots located near each other, offering locally made chocolates and ice cream made with local ingredients.
Andy is one of our many talented and lovable tour guides who helps make Platypus Wine Tours what it is today. So whether you hop on our join-in California wine tours or book a private tour, don’t miss Andy’s recommendations. Explore Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries, dine at amazing restaurants, go on local adventures, and experience wine country like never before!
