California, Oregon, Washington Wine Tour

[KyGuy]

Heading out next week for a 10 day 3-state wine country tour. Celebration of 20 years of marital bliss (more or less). Taking the W124 as I find it a more exciting road car.

Anyhoo, any "don't miss" ideas on either wineries or restaurants from y'all. This is the 8th or 9th trip to Napa, but first to Oregon and Walla Walla region of my own state.

Thanks,

[jcyuhn]

In Napa/Sonoma I'm partial to Chandon, but then I've not been known to turn down a glass of Champagne. (Oops, sparkling wine...) They have a nice 4-star restaurant on site.

Everyone has their favorite winery - mine is Cakebread cellars. While noted for their Chardonnay, I prefer their red wines. This is one you visit for the wine, not the location or view. Across the street from Mondavi, next door to Opus One, as I recall.

For a great view and/or picnic site, try the Mondavi family winery. (I probably don't have the name right, but it's something like that.) It's on one of the crossover roads that run over the hills between 29 and Silverado Trail. They sell modest table wines, but the view is to die for, with a nice shady picnic area.

My $.02. Enjoy, I am envious.

- JimY

[Kuan]

For a change of pace, try the Hakusan sake brewery.

[MTI]

For snacks . . . Oakville Grocer on St. Helena Hwy. Roast turkey sandwich with brie and cranberry sauce . . . great stuff. If you have any interest in the bubbly stuff, I would recommend the tour at Domaine Chandon.

[Kuan]

Originally Posted by MTI

For snacks . . . Oakville Grocer on St. Helena Hwy. Roast turkey sandwich with brie and cranberry sauce . . . great stuff. If you have any interest in the bubbly stuff, I would recommend the tour at Domaine Chandon.

Hey I have a shirt from Domaine Chandon!

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy KyGuy,
This is a little vague but you might search Paso Robles, Cal. for wineries. Then in northern Cal. is the Benbow inn for food. It has been 30+ years since I have been there so I hope it is still open. I think it was near Garberville.

[CMuc]

You should check out the Okanagan as well!

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy Again :-)
The Benbow Inn is very much open. Try this site.
www.Benbowinn.com

[KyGuy]

Got back to Sea, Wash Wednesday afternoon (April 27th). Logged about 3,000 miles. Fantastic trip. Russian River and Alexander Valley, Napa, Monterey, Willamette Valley and Walla Walla area. Great wines and food.
Jimtown Store -Alexander Valley wine country
Central Market in Petaluma (who knew?)
Sardine Factory in Monterey (not a tourist trap, the real deal)
Caruso's in Salem, OR
26 Brix in Walla Walla
Creek Town Cafe in Walla Walla

If anyone's heading to any of those locations, let me know. The advice and recommendations are free

Ciao for now,

[big jake]

Originally Posted by MTI

For snacks . . . Oakville Grocer on St. Helena Hwy. Roast turkey sandwich with brie and cranberry sauce . . . great stuff. If you have any interest in the bubbly stuff, I would recommend the tour at Domaine Chandon.

Oakville Grocery is good, lots of good eateries in Yountville, great deli sandwiches at The Ranch Market Too.

I work right next door to Domaine Chandon at The Vets Home, largest Veterans Home in the US.


big jake