We hit too many spots to mention, but these are worth mentioning, for whatever reason!

We favor Pinot Noir, so we focused on the ‘appellations’ of CA best suited to the grape:

STANDOUT WINES and why…

Dutton-Goldfield

 

• Russian River Valley
• Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• the tasting room is hideous
• http://www.duttongoldfield.com/

Twomey

 

• Napa & Russian River Valley
• Pinot Noir
• http://www.twomeycellars.com/

STANDOUT WINERIES and Why…

Lynmar

• Russian River Valley
• they had an OK rose, didn’t love the Pinot
• Gardens and Vineyard View
• gorgeous tasting room
• http://www.lynmarwinery.com/

Clos Pegase

• cool grounds/sculpture/landscaping
• NYC Artist on site
• wine sucked
• http://www.clospegase.com/vineyard.html

Ferrari-Carano

• Dry Creek Valley
• formal gardens
• a fresh crystal glass for every taste at the bar
• a tad tacky, OK more than a tad – it was NJ mob-style
• http://www.ferrari-carano.com/

Mumm

• Napa Valley
• VIP seating with Jen
• views
• great aged champagne tasting
• http://mummnapa.com/

Sebastiani

• walking distance from hotel
• fireplace on a rainy day
• http://www.sebastiani.com/