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From: bateman@hplabs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.travel
Subject: Re: Napy Valley winery tours
Message-ID: <93900004@hplabs.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 13-Mar-85 16:44:00 EST
Article-I.D.: hplabs.93900004
Posted: Wed Mar 13 16:44:00 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 28-Mar-85 03:00:33 EST
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Nf-ID: #R:rruxo:-16400:hplabs:93900004:000:1557
Nf-From: hplabs!bateman    Mar 25 13:44:00 1985

The first question is whether you have your own transportation.  If
not, you will want to take one of the tour busses from San Francisco.
I have no experience with them so I can't be of much help.

If you have a car, though, you need to decide whether you're interested
in a good tour or in good wine.  The larger wineries usually offer the
most interesting tours.  The smaller wineries frequently make better wine,
but have no tour.  Both offer tasting at the winery.  Maps are available
in San Francisco or at any of the wineries which show the locations and
hours.

As far as tours go, I would recommend Robert Mondavi.  They are located 
at the southern end of the valley (nearest San Francisco) and spend the
most time explaining wine making and tasting.  Berringer and Christian
Brothers also have interesting old buildings to tour, but are not as 
strong on the wine making aspect. 

Wineries that you should not miss for tasting (no tours) are V. Sattui
and Sutter Home.  Sattui sells only at the winery and will pack anything
you choose to buy for taking back with you on the airplane.  Sutter Home
specializes in Zinfandels.

General notes: Tours and tasting are free, but bring your checkbook.
Much of what is sold at the winery can be had at a cheaper price 
elsewhere, but occasionally you may run across a clearance sale where
you can pick up some bargains.  Also, during a full day of tasting
you will probably get to only four or five wineries (including one
or two tours which take 30 minutes to an hour) so plan carefully.

--Mark Bateman