Going to Napa, CA

[shilala]

Can anyone suggest any awesomeness?
So far we're gonna see Alcatraz on the way from the airport to Napa, then we're staying at some spa/resort that I've completely forgotten the name of.
There's 6 of us going, all brothers and sisters in law.
The girls have planned a couple wine tours, I think.
I'm the designated driver for this whole drunken affair, so I'm sure I'll have the power of detour so long as I keep them all nice and drunk.
Anything around Napa that's an absolute don't miss?

[T.G]

I live about an hour from Napa, aside from the Napa Smith Brewery tasting room and Bob's house, I don't know crap about the place. How long will you be around for and do you think you might be able to work a cigar or two in?

[shilala]

I'd love to work a cigar in, Adam. I'll see how the schedule goes when we get out there. It's hard to plan anything with 6 people, ya know?
The heck is Bob's Place? I'll google it...
I think ya tricked me. You meant Bob Bobarian Bob's place, didn't ya?

This is the place we're staying, the Silverado resort (http://www.silveradoresort.com/).

[T.G]

I hear ya brother. If we can work something in, that would be great, but if not, I totally understand.

Bob's is Bobarian.

[pektel]

Remember, if the gubmint doesn't reopen, Alcatraz might not be an option for visit.

[shilala]

Remember, if the gubmint doesn't reopen, Alcatraz might not be an option for visit.
Ya know what? If that happens, my brother-in-law will go insane.
He's paid for Alcatraz tickets twice so far and never got to see the place. No refunds, either. He's got $400 invested now and still hasn't got a whiff of the place. :D

[shilala]

I hear ya brother. If we can work something in, that would be great, but if not, I totally understand.

Bob's is Bobarian.
I'm pretty damned proud of myself for figuring that out. After I googled it and didn't find nothin. :D

[T.G]

Looks like Alcatraz is closed at the present time, but they are issuing refunds and also have a bay cruise tour option.


Travel Advisory - Alcatraz Island is closed due to the US Government Shutdown.

Alcatraz Island is closed for tours until further notice. This is a result of the Government shutdown that began at 12:00am Tuesday, October 1, 2013. Alcatraz Cruises will be unable to reschedule existing reservations or take new reservations for tours to Alcatraz Island during this time.

Those holding Alcatraz Island Tour tickets for dates during the shutdown, will receive a refund which will be posted to the account used to make the original purchase. If you purchased tickets with cash, please come to the Alcatraz Cruises Ticketbooth, located at Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33, on The Embarcadero.

Alcatraz Cruises is offering a 90 minute bay cruise during the shutdown timeframe. Our fully narrated bay cruise, Guardians of the Gate, is a combination San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz Island tour from the water. This tour does not dock at Alcatraz Island, but does circle Alcatraz Island twice and provides information about the history of Alcatraz Island. Please click on this link to find additional information and to purchase tickets, Guardians of the Gate Bay Cruise (http://www.alcatrazexcursions.com/product/bay_cruise_sf).

Thank you for your patience during the shutdown. If you have questions or require additional information, please call 415 981-ROCK (7625).

http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

[shilala]

That sucks.
Thanks a million for catching that, Adam. We'd have showed up for our tour and been royally bummed. I told the whole tribe, we blamed it on Frank.

[T.G]

That sucks.
Thanks a million for catching that, Adam. We'd have showed up for our tour and been royally bummed. I told the whole tribe, we blamed it on Frank.


Actually, Peter (pektel) deserves the credit here, it didn't even register with me that the rock would be closed until he mentioned it.

[big pete]

Check out Artesa Winery. One of the smaller ones but it's beautiful there

[shilala]

Thanks to Peter, too. :tu

Artesa Winery does look beautiful!!!
Thanks, Pete!!! :tu

[bobarian]

When is this trip happening Scott? Too many wineries to give suggestions without knowing what kind of wine you like. Napa Valley is mostly known for its Cab's but there are many wineries that have other fine varietals.

IMHO a few cant misses are:

http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/
http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/
http://www.mummnapa.com/

If you search "Napa" here there are several other places to check out.

Restaurants to try:
Mustard's Grill
Bouchon
http://reddnapavalley.com/

Would love to get together for a smoke. Just let us know when you are near.

[big pete]

Go eat at Ad Hoc. Same owner as Bouchon and French Laundry. $50 (+\-) set menu. My favorite place to eat up there. The Bouchon bakery is good too

[shilala]

We're coming from the 5th to the 12th, Bob.
Thanks for the suggestions, I'm making a list. The Castello I gotta see!!!
I've got Adam's number and I'm gonna try and figure out a way for us to get together and have a smoke. I'll drop you a pm and get your number, too.

[pnoon]

We're coming from the 5th to the 12th, Bob.
Thanks for the suggestions, I'm making a list. The Castello I gotta see!!!
I've got Adam's number and I'm gonna try and figure out a way for us to get together and have a smoke. I'll drop you a pm and get your number, too.

You won't be sorry, Scott.

[GWN]

We found Rubicon cool when we visited. Hell, the whole place is pretty neat. Kinda fun to just drive around and pop into the wineries that look interesting.

[bonjing]

We're coming from the 5th to the 12th, Bob.
.

This month Scott?

[shilala]

This month Scott?
Yes, sir. The day after tomorrow.

[bobarian]

We'll be up in Chico Sarurday @Darrell's place herfing.

[Skywalker]

We'll be up in Chico Sarurday @Darrell's place herfing.

Come on by!!!:tu

[montecristo#2]

I always like walking around Dean and Deluca - a little pricey, but you can sample cheeses and they have good breads you can buy.

Sandwiches are not bad it you are looking for lunch.

[shilala]

You guys are batting 1.000, I can't thank you all enough.
Castillo di Amorasa was awesome. We just got done at Artesa, it was breathtaking. I took tons of pictures, my best yet.
My whole party is asking me what you guys suggested at this point. Nobody wanted to go to Mumm because they don't like sparkling wine. Now they can't wait to get there.
We stopped at both wineries on either side of the Mustard Grill, but we'd already eaten. You can't miss with the food here, it's all way above board.
We're over in Sonoma now. No clue where we're going.

Tonight is Don Giovanni's in Napa. It looks great. :tu

[hammondc]

Sterling has a nice tour with a gondola ride

Small wineries that I liked
Peju
Salvestrin
Robert Biale
Cliff Lede was VERY good
Merryvale is my favorite
Trefethen
Del Dotto is a fun one. It is long too and you tour the underground cellars.