Mike “Pav” has always loved driving, but after 20 years in Napa Valley, it’s sharing the place he knows so well that keeps him behind the wheel. He loves introducing guests to the history, winemaking and stories of the valley—and credits a twist of fate for landing him here. As Pav puts it, “I thank my ex-wife weekly for leaving me here.”
That sense of humor is very much part of a day with Pav. And there’s usually at least one Pav story guests don’t see coming: before his Wine Country days, he was a floor trader on the stock exchange. From the trading floor to the vineyard backroads, Pav has collected plenty of stories along the way—and he’s always happy to share them.
Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country 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 Mike “Pav” and got his top picks.
- Production Tour:
G&C Lurton Estates, Healdsburg
- Food & Wine Pairing:
The Mandilli silk handkerchief pasta with zinfandel at Bistro Don Giovanni, Napa.
- Family Run Winery:
- Indoor/Outdoor Picnic Spot:
Yountville Park at 2900 Lincoln Avenue
- Romantic Spot:
- “Wined-Out”, Where Else to Enjoy Adult Beverages:
- Favorite Restaurant:
- Non-Wine Experience:
Golfing at Vintner’s Golf Club in Yountville
- Night Life Spot:
Trancas Steak House, Napa – In Pav’s words “old man’s hangout”
Pav 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 Pav’s recommendations. Explore Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries, dine at amazing restaurants, go on local adventures, and experience wine country like never before!
