- 11,315
- 57
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2004
Domaine Carneros.. Napa, CA.. everyone goes there.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: this_feature_currently_requires_accessing_site_using_safari
Originally Posted by Mojodmonky1
OP - I go wine tasting bout once a year, not cause I am a wine connossieur, but moreso cause I'm a drunkard.
In terms of "what to do" theres only one real answer - HAVE FUN. Dont get intimidated or discouraged by trying to be in the know. Its fun to just try a lot of different types of wines (varietals and price range) to get a feel for what you like, what you dont like, and more importantly, why you like/dislike certain types of wines. Once you start to develop a feel for the types you like, it becomes easier to buy and drink without running into too many "craptastic" wines.
It depends on where you're located, but if youre in SoCal I would recommend the Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez area. Its a short hop from LA, has somewhat of a smaller intimate feel (than say Napa), and they have some pretty good wineries. I'll usually stay in or around the Buellton/Santa Ynez area. There isnt a ton in terms of 4 star resorts, but if you dont mind slummin it, there is a decent Holiday Inn Express in Solvang. My wife and I are members at a couple of wineries up there. Obviously your tastes might be different, but the ones we really like are Sunstone (their tasting room is kinda nice too) and Artiste. We also really like Foxen (slightly off the beaten trail) but the damn wait list to join the club is ridiculous and we just gave up on that one. Extra bonus at Foxen, they usually have their winery dogs chillin out on the deck and I'm like a damn child and get genuinely happy to see dogs. The Firestone winery is one larger ones in the area, and is definitely worth a visit. I'll usually stop by Firestone just cause I like the winery itself (nice scenery), and to stock up on some grapeseed oil and cases of cheap daily drinking wine. There is an awesome sandwich shop in Los Olivos (the name escapes me) that I will usually stop by first, and then just eat/picnic out at Firestone.
Another area you didnt mention, but might be worth a visit is Paso Robles. It's been awhile since I went to Paso so things may have changed, but it definitely had an even more small town cozy feel than the Santa Ynez area. One difference I noticed in the Paso wineries is that a lot of them dont charge for tastings (in Santa Ynez most if not all will charge). If you decide to go to Paso Robles, I would definitely recommend you check out Justin Vineyards. Excellent wines.
Originally Posted by Mojodmonky1
OP - I go wine tasting bout once a year, not cause I am a wine connossieur, but moreso cause I'm a drunkard.
In terms of "what to do" theres only one real answer - HAVE FUN. Dont get intimidated or discouraged by trying to be in the know. Its fun to just try a lot of different types of wines (varietals and price range) to get a feel for what you like, what you dont like, and more importantly, why you like/dislike certain types of wines. Once you start to develop a feel for the types you like, it becomes easier to buy and drink without running into too many "craptastic" wines.
It depends on where you're located, but if youre in SoCal I would recommend the Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez area. Its a short hop from LA, has somewhat of a smaller intimate feel (than say Napa), and they have some pretty good wineries. I'll usually stay in or around the Buellton/Santa Ynez area. There isnt a ton in terms of 4 star resorts, but if you dont mind slummin it, there is a decent Holiday Inn Express in Solvang. My wife and I are members at a couple of wineries up there. Obviously your tastes might be different, but the ones we really like are Sunstone (their tasting room is kinda nice too) and Artiste. We also really like Foxen (slightly off the beaten trail) but the damn wait list to join the club is ridiculous and we just gave up on that one. Extra bonus at Foxen, they usually have their winery dogs chillin out on the deck and I'm like a damn child and get genuinely happy to see dogs. The Firestone winery is one larger ones in the area, and is definitely worth a visit. I'll usually stop by Firestone just cause I like the winery itself (nice scenery), and to stock up on some grapeseed oil and cases of cheap daily drinking wine. There is an awesome sandwich shop in Los Olivos (the name escapes me) that I will usually stop by first, and then just eat/picnic out at Firestone.
Another area you didnt mention, but might be worth a visit is Paso Robles. It's been awhile since I went to Paso so things may have changed, but it definitely had an even more small town cozy feel than the Santa Ynez area. One difference I noticed in the Paso wineries is that a lot of them dont charge for tastings (in Santa Ynez most if not all will charge). If you decide to go to Paso Robles, I would definitely recommend you check out Justin Vineyards. Excellent wines.
Originally Posted by TennHouse2
Mascato>
Originally Posted by TennHouse2
Mascato>