Any reccomendations on must sees? I think we are just going to stay in a holiday inn since it seems to be the cheapest option...unless someone can reccomend anything. Going mid march.

This one might help:

http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=1038287&forum_id=54

http://www.texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=956426&forum_id=54

Here's another.

V. Sattui has a great deli: http://www.vsattui.com/

Sterling Vinyards is nice. Great view from the tasting deck.

Go to the Hess Vineyards. It is a little out of the way up a mountain (so go there first before you get too tipsy from too many tastings) but the guy is a Swiss Billionaire with an impressive modern art museum built into his winery. Simi is supposed to have one of the best tours but we missed the last tour that day we were in the area. Ferrari-Carano is an impressive winery with nice gardens.

A couple of smaller wineries I liked were Pina and Frank Family. Domain Chandon has a nice facility, it is sparkling wine so not for everyone.

Eat at Mustard's.

We did a wine appreciation "class" at Cakebreak Cellars that was a lot of fun and learned a lot about wine and wine making if you don't know a whole lot.

Tastes vary but I think V Sattui is the worst winery in California. And its not just because I avoid places where bus after bus of tourists are dropped off. The food is not great and the wine is horrible. But don't take my woes for it, ask the health department what they (and the rodents) think of the deli meat.

For a much better deli experience, stop by Oakville Grocey. I like Rutherford Grill, Brix, and a Thai restaurant in downtown Napa (name escapes me) as well.

Agree with Sr.

Also try Cuvee and Zinsvalley for dinner.

A good day (in this order because it is the easiest):

Start at Sterling before it gets too crowded. The experience and scenery is great, but the wine isn't all that great.

After Sterling, stop in Twomey. It's small, but friendly, has great wine, and your tasting fee includes a branded wine glass as a souvenir.

Stop by Frank Family and enjoy their wonderful chardonnay and sparkling.

Head over to Oakville for some groceries and wine and picnic outside.

After lunch you can make your way to Chauteau Potelle (see my link above). There are a few other wineries, but if you work your way south you can hit Hess family last (it's open later than a lot of others).

ttt for bigAl