Top Wine Country Picks from Platypus Guide Linda

Jul 27, 2026 | Blog, Driver Spotlight

Linda, a Platypus Wine Tours guide, smiling inside the tour shuttle with autumn vineyards and Napa Valley hills visible through the window behind her.

One of the things Linda loves most about guiding is that every tour gives her a fresh perspective on the place she calls home. “Since I live in Napa, I love seeing it from the perspective of my guests. When they point out certain architecture or landscapes, sometimes I’m noticing them myself for the first time.”— Linda

 

Napa Valley has 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 Linda and got her top picks.

 

              1. Production Tour:

                 

                Palmaz has a fascinating tour. It’s a gravity flow winery built into a mountain. I’m also looking forward to checking out the recently renovated Robert Mondavi Winery.

                 

              2. Food & Wine Pairing:

                 

                The food pairing at Round Pond is excellent and you tour the garden with the chef.

                 

              3. Family Run Winery:

                 

                I’m going to go with Goosecross. I’ve seen firsthand how Dave and Christi Ficeli are involved in the winery and how they treat staff and guests.

                 

              4. Indoor/Outdoor Picnic Spot:

                 

                It would probably be lovely to find a spot in the grass overlooking the river or a vineyard but I’ll be inside the restaurant.

                 

              5. Romantic Winery:

                 

                Since I had a guest propose at Viansa I’m picking that one!

                 

              6. “Wined-Out”, Where Else to Enjoy Adult Beverages:

                 

                I’ll be at Chispa sipping tequila! ArBARetum and the Fink are fun too.

                 

              7. Favorite Restaurant:

                 

                So many!!
                Celadon for brunch
                A16 for Italian
                Don Perico for Mexican

                 

              8. Non-Wine Experience:

                 

                I love walking downtown Napa. Great shops and food options…good bookstore and tasting rooms. 

                 

              9. Night Life Spot:

                 

                I’m in bed at 8pm!

                 

                10. Linda 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 small-group California wine tours or book a private tour, don’t miss Linda’s recommendations. Explore Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries, dine at amazing restaurants, go on local adventures, and experience wine country like never before!