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 tours through countless Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries. This month, we caught up with our guide Courtney and got her top picks.
- Production Tour. My favorite production tour of course is Tedeschi! We see the whole process from start to finish in the micro winery starting with the crush pad. I believe you can still stomp grapes at their crush party!
It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the winemakers and owners of this small family vineyard in Calistoga. - Food & Wine Pairing. My favorite food and wine pairing I would have to say is Quintessa. They make two wines so the line up is simple and modern but the selections are phenomenal. These cheese pairings alone are very memorable along with the wines. The whole visit and tour takes you through the magic of a great story, vision and biodynamic farming practices of Augustin Huneeus. The pond, the cows and the buildings are as elegant as the wines. The best sauvignon blanc in the valley.
- Family Run Winery. My favorite family run winery, which I can’t get enough of these days – especially the cooler months – is Varozza Vineyards. A long standing stop with Platypus that never disappoints. The wines are fabulous. A very small boutique winery with old stone buildings and farmers who have been tending vines since the early 1900’s. It’s a great first stop of the day for a first time visit to Napa. The old growth petite syrah is a lovely wine to go with the chocolate.
- Romantic Winery. The most romantic winery, hands down, is Backstage! A Tuscan Italian villa right on the edge of town, drinking amongst the redwood trees. The fountain with the cherubs and a killer lineup of wines from lovely whites that go with just about anything in space and time and reds that will definitely steal your heart. These cabs can be kept for years if you want to make an anniversary wine out of them. Just really fabulous selection from all over Napa and each one very unique and made with expertise.
- “Wined-Out”: Where Else to Enjoy Adult Beverages. Switch it up! Don’t stay with wine after a tour! My favorite go-to is The Bitter Bar! Great drinks while you recover and wait for your table next door at ZuZu’s which is a lovely tapas style restaurant. A perfect way to end a day of wine tasting in the valley.
- Favorite Restaurant. If you want a real lovely dinner experience that’s very Napa, I’m going to have to say Rutherford Grill, you won’t be disappointed and the atmosphere is very romantic for a perfect movie-star-ending to a great wine country day. The prime rib is fabulous, the artichokes…all of it! And it’s such an interesting experience: a cozy dark booth with a great atmosphere. Perfect for a cold brisk evening with your special date. 10 stars in my book definitely. Take a cab for the prime rib!
- Non-Wine Experience. My non-wine activity is hiking, and of course the best of the best is the Robert Louis Stevenson park up on Mt St. Helena. Or go to the Petrified Forest! Both have lovely views and unique history that can only have happened here in Napa Valley! Such unique volcanic landscapes that makes this valley so special.
- Night Life Spot: Well, my night life spot is actually walking along the river in the evening. It’s lovely to watch the river flow by and the gondolas pass by. But if I had to go inside, I’d go to Folklore and listen to some vinyl records; buy some for my collection and have a drink. Or the rooftop view isn’t so bad at the Archer. Other nightlife spot? There is always karaoke somewhere to be had. If that’s not your thing, try Cadet Wine and Beer Bar! Wandering around is my go-to and finding some kind of adventure. Napa has its fair share of charming spots to step into.
Courtney is one of our many talented and lovable tour guides who helps make Platypus Wine Tours what it is today. We strive to bring our customers the best experiences. So whether you hop on our join-in California wine tours or book a private tour, don’t miss Courtney’s recommendations. Explore Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries, dine at amazing restaurants, go on local adventures, and experience wine country like never before!
