Sonoma/Napa wine tastings?

We're planning a trip to Sonoma/Napa in October and want to target wineries that don't distribute (or don't distribute within our region - Kentucky/Ohio). We know of V. Sattui and Ledson - what others would the group suggest that we visit?

[Jenise]

Linda, to really help you out we'll need more information. "Napa/Sonoma" is actually two fairly big places, not one.

1. How long will you be there?
2. Where are you staying? Napa is one place, Sonoma another, and you can't go to both in a day. Nor is it advisable to stay in one and drive to the other since you'll be tasting wine.
3. What kind of wine do you like?

We are staying in Sonoma, but plan to spend one of our three days in Napa - fortunately there are 5 of us and we'll take turns being the designated driver. And, yes, we do realize the size - that's one of our dilemmas - how to narrow down to the places we really, really, really don't want to miss. In general, we have a preference for red wines - but one likes pinot, one goes for old vine zins, one is a cab freak AND one likes merlot! - so we've agreed to not be picky about the type of red - just something that someone else has agreed is worth our time. (We do trust the readership here - they've led us to some wonderful finds!)

Does this help?

Sounds like a fun trip--hope you have a ball! There is a fairly recent thread here on the Sonoma side of your question.

And a note with my recommendations both there and here is that I am rather lousy at describing my own palate preferences, so caveat lector!

It depends on where you are staying, I guess, but I have always found the areas surrounding Healdsburg (eg Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley) to be very pleasant parts of Sonoma County to explore. It can be quite a drive to get over to the Napa side (depending what part of Sonoma you stay in), and alas, have had more difficulty finding stuff I enjoy on the Napa side (but there are others who are much better informed and hopefully they can chime in). Halfway up the valley, I think Mumm Napa does a very admirable job (though many of their wines are widely distributed, my favorite--the blanc de blancs was available only at the winery). Up around Calistoga I particularly enjoyed Vincent Arroyo (the cabernet sauvignon and petit sirah 'port' still linger in my memory) [but one should note that I think Arroyo has achieved somewhat of a cult status, so you need to hit it the right time of year to actually be able to taste and purchase before it has sold out--I went in August which worked out perfectly].

And something to consider if you are interested in obtaining wines that are less available back home are the new multiple-winery tasting rooms that seem to be popping up all over Sonoma and Napa (though perhaps I did not notice them before). I had excellent experiences at both Locals in Geyserville and Family Wineries of Dry Creek Valley outside Healdsburg. It, of course, doesn't give you that "I've been there" experience, but, quite frankly I don't know where else I would have had the opportunity to buy, nevermind try before I buy, a wonderful Duxoup Charbono that I picked up at Family Wineries (I hadn't even heard of the grape, nevermind the winery!)

fortunately there are 5 of us and we'll take turns being the designated driver

Bravo and thank you! Happy travels!

Linda -

If you're up for spending a few bucks on research for that Napa portion of your trip, I'd recommend picking up a copy of "A Movable Thirst". The latter third of the book has reviews of just about every Napa winery that's open to the public. There's also a lot on the history of the valley, the people there, geography, etc. I wrote up my impressions of the book earlier on the WLDG. That thread is here.

You can pick it up here on Amazon.