San Francisco

[Sheriff]

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.

And Orin Swift.  Also in St. Helena.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

If you're going to Sausalito and you have the time, think about renting a bicycle and riding across the Golden Gate Bridge. You can take the ferry back. That's a half day or so though.

And if you're in the neighborhood, here's a unique pie and ice cream place.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/chile-pies-baking-co-san-francisco

[keefe]

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)

My wife and I would never leave Napa without a case of Sattui Cabs. I think they only sell through their winery. Brilliant wines.

[Freeport Warrior]

And Orin Swift.  Also in St. Helena.

Right on, The Prisoner! Love the Papillon label.

[WarriorFan]

My wife and I would never leave Napa without a case of Sattui Cabs. I think they only sell through their winery. Brilliant wines.

Sounds like we have similar taste.  I "discovered" it in '93 as a great place for good wine and picnic when I was living in the bay area.  Left the bay area in '95 and have ordered a case a year ever since... they sell from the vineyard or on-line.    My fave was Suzanne's vineyard Cab but I don't think it's even available any more... or maybe the vineyard has been re-named, but it was always smooth and drinkable. 

[keefe]

Forgot about Sattui.  Great place to stop for lunch, cheese, wine, walk the grounds...

Sattui makes some great wines

[Sheriff]

Right on, The Prisoner! Love the Papillon label.

Papillon, Palermo, Machete, Abstract and Mercury Head are all outstanding.  David Finney sold The Prisoner and Saldo brands but The Prisoner has held its own since. 

We need a wine thread on this board.

[Sheriff]

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.

I agree the Seghesio zins are excellent.  Michael David out of Lodi produces some very good and reasonably priced cabs (Freakshow and Earthquake).

[keefe]

I agree the Seghesio zins are excellent.  Michael David out of Lodi produces some very good and reasonably priced cabs (Freakshow and Earthquake).

The Seghesio zins are always spot on. And for a carnivore and Asian food hound like me they stand up to the boldest dishes. Seghesio's are big wines that finish longer than almost any other varietal I have had.

Russian River and Dry Creek produce spectacular grapes. Freeport mentioned Jackass Hill grapes from Martinelli. I have had Martinelli Pinot Noirs...I may get up off my wallet and find a Jackass Hill zin from the aughts.

[Sheriff]

Absolutely agree on the Martinelli.  Another Dry Creek zin to consider is Rage from Michael David.  The 2010 vintage was really good. 

[Strokin 3s]

Pezzi King Zin was a favorite of ours.