Napa Valley

 We started to explore and appreciate wine when we moved to the Bay Area 16+ years ago after living in NYC and Tokyo.   Napa Valley at that time was still relatively small, unknown with no need for reservations and less than $25 tastings or even better, free tastings.   We still remember when we went to Trefethen and Alpha Omega when there were no tasting rooms and only the barrel room where you can taste for free.   Those days are long gone but there are still some areas in wine country such as Russian River Valley and Andersen Valley where it's not as touristy.   The following is a list of wineries that we have grown to love over the years and by no means complete.   I'll continue to update this list as we continue to explore new wines!

Champagne

- Schraemsburg: hidden in Calistoga, this is a bit far to get to but when we did a full tour for our anniversary a few years ago, I simply fell in love.   The sweet Cremant is simply my favorite champagne and it goes well with everything!  It doesn't hurt that this is served at the White House.  This is part of the Davies family and their wines are included in the wine club.   The Davies also has a tasting room in Yountville which is much easier to get to and wonderful way to introduce friends to Schraemsburg.  

Pinot Noir

- Flowers: one of my favorite wine and winery for a variety of reasons.  Located in Healdsburg, the winery has variety of tasting options including wine pairing and bottle tasting (for large groups).   Lots of outdoor tasting space and a great outdoor kitchen for events although we haven't been to one yet.

- Kosta Browne:  a member only tasting, even to get on the membership list is around 2 years.   You can ask for a tasting in their tasting room in Healdsburg once you're on the membership list.   This is our go-to for special occasion, food pairing, and with special friends.  We found that it's especially delicious with Korean BBQ, with jowl specifically.

- Donum: located in Sonoma, this winery has beautiful grounds with sculpture across the vineyards.  The tasting includes the sculpture tour which is a must.  

Zinfandel

- Biale Family: Roger found this winery almost 10 years ago and this is our go-to if we want zinfandel.  Very small winery best known for their "Black Chicken" zinfandel.  Every bottle we've had have been delicious.  Best paired with pork. 

- Ridge:  I know this is not located in Napa and it's in the peninsula (Cupertino to be exact) but this is one of our go-to for easy and convenient wine tasting that also still allows kids.  They have plenty of outdoor picnic table that you don't have to reserve.  Great way to be drinking wine outside.

Cabernet Sauvignon:

- Quintessa: my ultimate favorite for great outdoor elegant wine tasting experience, wine pairing and robustness of wine.   They only make two wine - a white called Illumination and the red.  It ages well and we haven't been disappointed by any vintage we've tried.   Best tasting was still the birthday tasting in 2020 where we were right next to the lake with view of the Napa Valley hills.   

- Caymus: second favorite in regards to a wine that just doesn't disappoint.   Tasting is a no-frill outdoor garden setting with a combination of their cab and lesser known collection of wine.   We usually forego the tasting and just purchase wine in the wine store.   They make a Zinfandel that cannot be purchased outside of their tasting room which we stock up on.

- Joseph Phelps Insignia: the wine tasting experience has increased significantly since we first tasted at Joseph Phelps.  They re-built their wine tasting rooms ~10 years ago.  Although it can be pricey, Insignia simply does not disappoint.  This is the wine that we are holding for our daughters in their birth year.  

- Far Niente: beautiful historic grounds with lovely garden and a collection of vintage cars.   Tasting can set you back over $100 but provides overview of their collection of wine including Nickel & Nickel, Etude, and others. 

- Cakebread:  cannot talk about Napa without mentioning Cakebread which continues to have a variety of wine.   Our favorite wine is their blend called Rubiayat for easy weekday drinking and less than $40/bottle.  Their other wines are great but easy to get at local Safeway, wine stores.