posted 06-29-2011 11:23 AM            

We took the wine train once for lunch. I am glad we took it but would not do it again. I could visit 3 wineries for the time it takes for lunch. Plus, you will have seen all the scenery driving up and down Hwy 29. As you probably know, it is not cheap either.

posted 06-29-2011 06:36 AM            

Let me see if I can help a little. If you are going to be in Napa for 3 days, I would suggest that you choose 3 areas (not necessarily appellations) to visit.

Maybe pickup a picnic lunch as there are not restaurants on the lower Silverado Trail.

For one day, one of the most amazing wineries that I have visited is Hall Rutherford. They also have another tasting room in St. Helena, but you want the one in Rutherford. By appointment only. You will travel up Rutherford Hill until you think you are on the top of the world . . . you wonder if you will ever get there . . . then, all of a sudden, you come over the crest of the hill and there it sits. You are greeted with a glass of Chardonnay in a small building that house some of the Hall's art. The Halls love art. The views of the Napa Valley from that height are incredible. If that were not enough, you are then led down to the caves and the working winery. At the end of the cave was a dinning room with the most beautiful grape vine chandelier one could imagine. The roots of the vine contained the little lights and the Swarovski crystals that provide the light and glitter. Here you will taste their higher end wines which include some incredible Cabs. A little expensive, but definitely worth it.

From Hall Rutherford, I would continue south on the Silverado Trail to the Stags Leap Leap appellation where they are known for their bold Cabs. I would start with Clif Lede, then Robert Sinskey, then Baldacci. If you have some time left, catch Regusci on the way back to your hotel. If you will go to http://napavalley.com/visitorsinfo/Napa_Valley_Winery_Map.pdf you will find a map with the wineries on it. A black dot in front of the name indicates open to the publis. A burgundy triangle means you need an appointment. However, Clif Lede and Robert Sinskey both show they are by appointment but if you look at their website, you can walk in.

Another day. Completely opposite, but an incredible visit is the very small Chase Family Vineyards in St. Helena (by appt). You are led out into the 100 year old Hayne Vineyard made famous by Helen Turley and her Zinfandel from there. After seeing these amazing vines, you are shown the wine making process then led into their small tasting room for a sampling of their outstanding wines.

After Chase, there are many wineries around St. Helena that you can just walk into.

Day 3. Maybe spend the day in Yountville and visit the tasting rooms there. There are many including, Girard, Jessup, HOpe and Grace, Chiarello, Cornerstone, Hill Family, etc. These are all within walking distance so you can just leave your car parked. Plus, there are many award winning restaurants in Yountville including the Famous French Laundry.

Or, day 3 could be spent doing the tasting rooms in downtown Napa.

This should give you a good feel for Napa Valley for this trip. Next trip, stay up in Calistoga.