https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:18:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations/page/2#post-2836653 Sat, 28 Jul 2018 21:31:28 +0000 imadreamer 2836653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey everyone! I'm going on a girls trip to Napa/Sonoma soon. We are staying in an air b n b in Sonoma, and have already booked our winery tours/tastings.</p> <p>Loved the recommendations above, and was wondering if anyone had any additional dining recommendations closer to Sonoma? We will probably do quick breakfasts, picnic lunches or get apps at wineries if possible, but would like to go to dinners. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1802456 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 06:43:46 +0000 My Only Sunshine 1802456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry for two posts but I feel like I must share this last tip with you - There's a cheese shop in Oxbow Market in Napa, and a tour guide at a winery recommended we ask them for "crack cheese." We did and it was amazing! It's some sort of marinated feta goat cheese thing - they knew what we were talking about when we said someone told us to ask for crack cheese. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1802450 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 06:39:27 +0000 My Only Sunshine 1802450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Happy Anniversary! We honeymooned in Napa and had the best time. Here are a couple random recommendations:</p> <p>-The garlic french fries at Gott's Roadside<br /> -Lunch at Bottega in Yountville. It's Michael Chiarello's restaurant and we loved it. Lunch was a lot more reasonable than dinner. They also have a great store right next door to the restaurant. We loved the stainless steel water glasses at the restaurant so much that we went next door and bought some for home!<br /> -Mumm winery has a big patio where you can just sit at a table and drink sparkling wine and eat snacks and look at the pretty view<br /> -Del Dotto Vineyards has a cool cave tour and barrel tasting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1802351 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 23:36:09 +0000 gingerbebe 1802351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get the 1 bedroom - we had the King studio initially and then paid a little extra to upgrade and the difference is huge - the condo is PALATIAL. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801893 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 18:19:19 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1801893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: I'm so glad you mentioned the Vino Bello Resort! There's a groupon out for it right now, but I wasn't sure about it bc the reviews mentioned timeshare - <a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-bk-vino-bello-resort-2" rel="nofollow">http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-bk-vino-bello-resort-2</a> - $119/night for Napa sounds like a steal. I've had three twins ice cream from our local Sprouts grocery store - it's soooo good! Um, you make me want to just copy/paste everything you wrote and follow it to the tee. :)</p> <p>@Ree723: Their 4-poster beds look so luxurious there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801874 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 18:11:07 +0000 gingerbebe 1801874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: For purely Napa Valley, we usually do 3 days, but the first time we did 4. I think going longer than that either gets too expensive and/or you get wined-out. Try to group your tastings/food outings in the same geographical area because its time consuming to drive back and forth between towns.</p> <p>We've also stayed at the Napa Marriott and the Vino Bello timeshare resort attached to the Meritage Resort - if you like having a condo. Both were nice. The Vino Bello is at the southernmost part of the valley, making places like Yountville further, but its a good middle point if you also want to hit up Sonoma.</p> <p>We usually strive to do a cheapish breakfast with the pastries/bread/coffee and then make our own lunch using leftovers or charcuterie/bread. Its nice to nosh on a purse sandwich between tastings because the cops do enforce if you drive - esp. around closing time at the wineries (they all close around 4-5pm). Then we have a nice dinner out. </p> <p>We love the salmon rillettes appetizer at Bouchon because its WAY too much to eat in one sitting - so we take it home, spread it on baguettes with arugula the next day for lunch, and nom away. DH loves the standard steak frites and I really like the trout.</p> <p>Oh, also, Three Twins ice cream inside Oxbow Market is SOOO good. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801780 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 17:19:27 +0000 Ree723 1801780@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We loved the Pink Mansion as a place to stay in Calistoga! We stayed in their largest suite (can't remember the name of it) and it was so romantic and lovely - highly recommend it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801729 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:36:03 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1801729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMcD: Thank you for the info! I'm no wine connoisseur, so I will probably be pretty easy to please in the wine department at Napa. :)</p> <p>@gingerbebe: So much great info, thank you! We're definitely going to Ad Hoc and Bouchon, and I've heard good things about Gott's Roadside and Hog Island Oyster (I'm a huge fan of oysters so I'm drooling at the thought of it already). My friend was just telling me about Fatted Calf - she took a pig butchering class there. So many great recommendations here! How many days in Napa would you recommend to a first timer? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801444 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:23:29 +0000 gingerbebe 1801444@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're semi-local, so we do Napa pretty often.</p> <p>To stay: We love the Westin Verasa - walking distance to the market, salt water pool, daily wine tastings in the lobby, and the rooms come with a small kitchenette (no stove) so you can eat all the goodies you pick up.</p> <p>Meals: We like Bistro Jeanty and Bouchon (both French) in Yountville, or Ad Hoc in Yountville (they had a great brunch!). Hog Island Oyster Co. inside the market. Gott's Roadside either at the market or St. Helena is delish if you want some casual/less expensive eats. We've never been, but friends have raved about Morimoto in Napa. </p> <p>Nosh: Go to Model Bakery next to the market and get some fresh baked goods for breakfast (the strawberry custard danish is TO DIE FOR) and grab a pour-over at Ritual Coffee inside the market. Get some good bread from Modern to make sandwiches using yummy charcuterie from the Fatted Calf next door (their mortadella and pates are the bomb!). Bouchon Bakery for macarons in Yountville. </p> <p>Wineries: If you like red wine, make an appointment at Judd's Hill. They have small, private tastings and the wines are delicious. You can also make an appointment to blend your own wine! Domaine Carneros and Mumm Napa are both beautiful for champagne tastings, although Domaine Chandon is a great place to have a glass of bubbly before any dinner reservations in Yountville. We are wine club members at Artesa, which is in Napa and sorta hidden away, but surprisingly large and modern and beautiful (which gorgeous views of the valley). We really like their red wines (their Pinnacle is amazing) and their bubbly - lots of Spanish influence. You can do a day in downtown Healdsburg in Sonoma where a lot of wineries have tasting rooms and just knock out a bunch there if you want - Bear Republic brewery is also there if you want some hoppy beers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801416 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:17:08 +0000 lady grey 1801416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oooh, following! I've always wanted to go to Napa! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801382 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:07:05 +0000 deactivated_account 1801382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: Shoot! I just looked online and I see the tastings are now $35.00. Sorry about that. When I last went for my mini-moon not too long ago, it was free but a bit of a hassle to arrange. Cain is my favorite wine, though, so I'm partial to favoring that experience. </p> <p>I've not had any experience with bike rentals. But a lot of the wineries are for sure within biking distance of each other. So many, though, are a bit of a drive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801321 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:51:59 +0000 hilsy85 1801321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: the solage calistoga has free bikes that you can use! So fun!</p> <p>ETA they also have nice sports cars (mercedes convertibles, audi, etc) that you can use to drive around, to the wineries, etc. DH had a lot of fun with that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801256 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:31:38 +0000 LindsayInNY 1801256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: Hey, it's way better and safer than driving I'm sure?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801252 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:28:34 +0000 MrsPastryLady 1801252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Clos du Val is a gorgeous winery and vineyard in th stag's leap district. i am a wine club member and their wines are awesome, but the property is also gorgeous. </p> <p>I also love Mumm Napa if you like sparkling wine </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801247 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:27:14 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1801247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: LOL ok you have a point! I'm laughing at that image now too! Might not be the best idea, hahaa :silly:</p> <p>@septca: WOW.. that's all I've got to say! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801239 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:24:23 +0000 septca 1801239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: I wouldnt say it's dirty or gross, but it's built-up and not as quaint as you'd like. </p> <p>Re: bikes, it totally depends which vineyards you want to visit. The *best* way to do Napa is with a driver. </p> <p>If you can swing it, this is an unbelievably incredible place to stay (or just have a drink/meal):<br /> <a href="http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801238 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:24:21 +0000 LindsayInNY 1801238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: The bike question made me LOL because I'm imagining you and DH (and I have no clue what you even look like!!) drunk bike riding, LOL!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801231 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:21:18 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1801231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septca: @MrsMcD: My coworker said the same thing about Calistoga and the outskirts of Napa. He said, "don't even bother with Napa City - it's dirty and gross!" - don't know how true that is? Not sure if we'll be there for only 1 night or 2 nights, so I really want to make the most of our time there. </p> <p>@MrsMcD: Is Cain Winery is free - as in, the tastings are free too?</p> <p>Has anyone had any experience with bike rentals in Napa? Are the wineries close enough so you can bike from place to place? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801202 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:05:53 +0000 deactivated_account 1801202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: I was oddly less than impressed with Carneros Inn after being so pumped about it during the times I was obsessed with wedding blogs. But Calistoga is amazing. On a way lesser scale, the Westin is just as nice as well. The French Laundry is a dining experience of a lifetime. Cain Winery is amazing, and free, but you have to check out their website to get a reservation. (FYI, the drive to the winery is not as treacherous as yelp reviewers say.) Caymus Vineyards has a great tasting experience as well for the price. And if you like champagne, I love the Domaine Carneros vineyard. Its right near the Carneros Inn. Have fun, you lucky girl! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801194 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:04:27 +0000 septca 1801194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely stay somewhere that isn't in Napa. Calistoga and Healdsburg are both amazing and have more charm. </p> <p>Eat at the very best restaurants you can afford. </p> <p>Take a champagnerie tour. Super interesting and a totally different experience than a regular winery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801163 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:52:00 +0000 Freckles 1801163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: I'm so excited for you! Have fun with the planning! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801150 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:46:40 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1801150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone who weighed in - these are a ton of recommendations! It's going to take me awhile to weed through them all, but you guys are getting me excited! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801148 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:45:29 +0000 T-Mom 1801148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have only been up there once but I second the Carneros inn.. their Farm restaurant was so good .. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801144 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:44:25 +0000 LindsayInNY 1801144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: I changed it last week maybe? But when I found the one with wine, I knew I needed it! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801141 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:43:55 +0000 BKCaribBaby 1801141@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wine Country Inn in St. Helena (accommodations)</p> <p>Wineries<br /> Duckhorn<br /> Frog's Leap (mentioned before)<br /> Cakebread<br /> Robert Sinsky<br /> Arger Martucci (if they are still open) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801140 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:43:24 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1801140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: did you JUST change your icon today, haha? I don't recall ever seeing the wine part til now. :silly: too funny!</p> <p>@Freckles: Stags leap looks gorgeous. Another friend recommended V.Sattui too - good to know it gets crowded during lunch though.</p> <p>@rahlyrah: The French Laundry... sigh.... in my dreams. One day! :happy: I met Thomas Keller once at his Ad Hoc book signing, and I was pretty starstruck.</p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: That sounds like a great way to do everything at once! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801136 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:43:07 +0000 LindsayInNY 1801136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This blogger honeymooned in Napa: <a href="http://blairsheadband.blogspot.com/search/label/travel" rel="nofollow">http://blairsheadband.blogspot.com/search/label/travel</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801132 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:41:56 +0000 hellobeeboston 1801132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh I love napa!!! I have been twice and stayed in Yountville which I would highly recommend. </p> <p>Lots of things to walk to right near by. The second time we were there I dont think we even left Yountville. </p> <p>@rahlyrah: so jealous you went there!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801123 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:39:16 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1801123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: when I return to Napa, I want to finally do this the train ride is scenic, wine tasting on board as well when the train stops at wineries, and lunch or dinner is served on board. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/napa-recommendations#post-1801120 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:38:32 +0000 Ra 1801120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The French Laundry was delicious! </p>