Scholarship table
I concur that Napa trumps SF (though I disagree with 84 - SF is also a gem.)In Napa there are lots of great venues for dining but make Bottega in Yountville one of your dinners. It is superb.As for wineries there are so many excellent choices but Merryvale in St Helena is a must stop. Do the barrel tasting.
"the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.. " be sure to take warm clothes.
That's true, but this is the best time of year out there. It's unpredictable but Sept/Oct tend to be some of the Warner months. Last time I was there in Mid-Oct temps were near 90. That's unusual, but your going at a very good time.
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny. Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.
hire a limo driver for an afternoon.
sterling and plump duck-2 opposites of the spectrum. sterling is more modern, upscale with a cable car taking you to the top and plump duck is old school, small time, family run with limited output. both excellent wineries
Went to Sterling when I was out there. Loved the view (cable car ride gives great views), had better wine on the trip though. It's worth it for the view alone. In fact, they say they charge you for the view but the wine is free.
Napa is touristy. Go to the smaller towns a bit north like Yountville or St. Helena. Depending on how much time you have there, hire a limo driver for an afternoon. He'll obviously know the area and be able to find wineries and/or sites that fit with whatever you're looking for. Tastings can add up fast so don't be afraid to be cheap and split tastings with the wife. Have a great trip!
Tasting fees in Lodi are $5, refundable with a bottle purchase. 85+ wineries of all varietals.
The Lodi old vine zins are excellent but my favorites are from closer to the coast. Seghesio from Russian River is my favorite but the Rancho Zabaco from Sonoma is a solid second choice. Lodi gets acclaim for its old vines but it is far from the only valley growing world class zin grapes.
You guys are making me thirsty. My favorite zins are Ridge Lytton Springs, Woodenhead Martinelli Old Vines Russian River, and the holy grail, Martinelli Jackass Hill.
My couple days in the area, for what it's worth:Lunch in Sausalito at Spinnaker... for the view, not the food. Ages ago when I lived there it was a Chart house, but those went downhill and ultimately it changed hands.China town is still a must.Lombard street. Ghiradelli chocolates so you have gifts to bring home (and some for yourself)Wine - V. Sattui. Buy a bottle and sit on their lawn and eat it with some cheese and sausage from their little shop. Don't go for the expensive stuff... just a Sattui family red is good enough. (St.Helena)Battery Spencer. above and to the west of the golden Gate bridge, on the Marin side. Best views of the city. Cold as hell due to the wind, especially in early evening. Fun to watch the fog roll in from there. Great place to admire the GG bridge.If you both golf - go play 18 at the Presidio... one of the most amazing courses I've ever played. The generals must have seriously hit 'em straight... narrowest fairways I've ever seen!Have Fun!
Funny you mentioned Sattui.Was talking to someone who knew the daughter (who apparently was a former teacher) and said she had dated Dick Nolan's son.