As a Napa Valley native, I cannot agree with this more!!! Please respect that we live and work here; don’t drink and drive and please eat between tastings (we don’t want to watch people vomit wine)!
YES! Reservations! It's a hike to get out to Napa or Sonoma so don't drive all the way there for naught. For us: don't forget to manage expectations. Especially if you are visiting during a busy time, the main road through Napa is very busy, there is a lot of traffic, and it can take a lot of time. Some of the wineries are really beautiful and picturesque while others are little more utilitarian in appearance. The guides are all great, but you may not have as intimate of an experience as you would like if it is a busy day. Overall, it's definitely something fun to do and if it's your dream to visit, do it!
@@nickpvb the first time I went to Napa was driving through and just went to the Coppola vineyard to see the movie museum. Since then I've only been to Sonoma vineyards.
For my 21st birthday I went up to SF and stopped in Napa and did a wine tour. I hate alcohol and the wine tour was a waste of money. But then I found a cute vintage store and bought a velvet dress I still have 11 years later
Excellent video, as always. Having been to that area numerous times, the only "don't" I would add is "Don't think California Wine Country is just Napa and Sonoma." Just to the west of there are the Russian River and Alexander Valleys, which are less touristy, have beautiful scenery, and make excellent wines! If you like Pinot Noir, the Russian River Valley makes some of the finest in California! Cheers! 🍷
I live in Napa and work in the industry and I second all of your advice! Love your videos and if you ever need winery recommendations, I am happy to help!
We’ll be in Napa two full days at the end of this month. What are your top five things to do (besides the train, hot air balloon / helicopter rides, French laundry, etc). Basically we know it’s expensive but don’t want to throw loads of money at everything. Thanks in advance.
-If you have kids and/or non-drinkers along be sure to plan some activities they can participate in too because wine tours can be *incredibly* boring for them otherwise; -Don't think you'll be able to walk into Bouchon for lunch or even grab a sandwich at their deli unless you're there before 10am; -Wine country is technically part of the Bay Area, which means Bay Area pricing for everything; -There's a decent amount of affordable local wine you can get with some searching even in Safeway. Grab that to crack open in the hotel room instead!
Man you always give some awesome tips!! I’m a California guy and still haven’t been up north but thank you for this video! Definitly would love to see some more videos of solo travel trips!
I saw the website. Unless I’m mistaken, the all day multi stop gourmet meal “experience” starts at $575 per person. The two hour packages start at just under $200 per person. We can afford this, there are many who can, but I place this in the category of a helicopter or hot air balloon ride.
Agree with a lot of these recommendations. I honestly would immerse myself in Sub Ava’s and perhaps try to go to 3 wineries on Spring Mountain, or 3 Wineries on Howell Mountain or 3 wineries in Oakville etc. Trying to bounce all over the place in a day is futile plus your palate gets whacked/ fatigued after 3 or 4 wineries especially if you are drinking full glasses of wine at each stop.
Message: for wine regions through the world, the spit bucket is not particularly for wines you don't like. If you are tasting a lot of wines and don't want to get inebriated, it is quite usual to spit each wine tasted. This is what professional wine tasters do.
Golden Europe for us wine drinkers! I'm from Moravia - it's a region where the conditions are like in Champagne and the results as well - and we drink excellent wine every day the whole day, if we want. I also lived in Portugal - another country with perfect wines - where the people say that Portugal is the only country in the world where the wine is cheaper than gasoline - and they are not far away from the truth. In Europe, wine is everywhere and the Californian wines are of course available too, though they are a bit pricey. I like them. 🙂
The north end of Napa valley is generally a little less busy and has more smaller, less corporate vineyards. Pretty much St. Helena and north. Also quite surprised that Calistoga didn’t get a mention. Definitely notable due to number of hot mineral spring hotels and resorts. Also just a bit more chill and affordable than the rest of the valley though even Calistoga is getting more expensive and upscale every year.
As a boring teetotaller, this looks interesting and fun. However, a sip is alien to me. Like Barney Gumble in The Simpsons; the'd have to carry me home 😅 looks a cool place to visit, Mark🍁🍂🙏🎶
Been there at the best time of the year: February. Stayed in Calistoga town and explored Napa with zero crowd. We even managed to walk into a winery without a booking and got a personalised tour and tasting. Ended up buying a special edition bottle. Go during winter if you want to escape the heat and crowds.
As a long time local and tour driver, February is always my first recommendation for what you described and …MUSTARD BLOOM! Prettiest time of year here IMO.
I totally agree. Calistoga is great. Plenty of wine tasting within walking distance. Lots of great restaurants. I live about 30 minutes away and we head there for impromptu weekend getaways.
Pine Ridge Winery and Rutherford Hills in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley Winery in Sonoma are my favorites, but I also love the wine from the east coast, especially western North Carolina like Laurel Gray Vineyards in Hamptonville or Six Waterpots in Hudson. You should try some of these out some day.
Been to napa a few times. Headed out there next month. One other tip: hit a walmart around there and get a cooler (for us out of towners), get bread, lunchmeat, chips, cheese, crackers and water and get ice from hotel. You'll save money and time and ensure you stay hydrated and keep food in belly. Hydration as mentioned, is key. This will help you stay in control as you will taste a lot of wine. Great video...ill take the cash as tip recommendation under advisement. I like that idea. Ive usually added a tip to my wine order.
Thank you for the great video, exactly what I need to know. I'm going to SF next month and planning on doing a Napa/ Sonoma wine tour. Any recommendation on which travel agency I should go with?
This was honestly one of the best videos out here for Napa/Sonoma! Do you have another for bachelorette recommendations? Basically groups of 5 or more?
We will be at Napa Valley in late March for the first time, and we from Southern California. We like this video and a lot of his recommendations, and just common senses: Be courteous, follow the local laws, and nothing is free. We will be staying at the Alila Napa Valley Hotel. Are they any good? Please tell the truth now. I have been in the cage (cubicle), not in the slammer, and just can't wait to go driving around up to Northern California.
The Sonoma Cheese Factory store has since gone out of business and the popular place is now terribly missed. it was a hot spot for tourists and locals and for everybody else. Also, at Sonoma Plaza, arrive early to find car parking. Trust me, just allow yourself more than plenty of time devoted to just finding a parking spot. The homes on the east side of the plaza are historic and are amazing to go see. I would love to live in one. The Sunflower Caffe on the west side of the plaza is excellent and fun for breakfast and lunch.
Informative video. I have to say that Uber/Lyft are not reliable, especially when you get away from the towns. If someone is going to spend the money to enjoy a place like Napa and Sonoma (no one goes there to save money), don't skimp out on your transportation provider. That's also usually the people who know all the best places to go anyway. I have had nightmare experiences and good ones with Uber/Lyft in Napa and Sonoma. Trust me when I say you're rolling the dice. Some of their drivers are sketchy and smell like weed. They do NOT drug test employees, and if they offer to turn off their Uber app and just drive for you, they are no longer covered under the proper insurance and you will be hosed if something happens. Lived in Napa a long time and I have seen it all. I would also wager that 1 out of 100 people spit out anything ;-)
2 In the instructions on prophetism and dreams and visions, I am now going to talk about dreams and visions. Every human being has dreams or visions, no matter his race, nation or religious affiliation.
Last time I was in Napa even a glass of opus was only $20. Now the average tasting prices are 80-120. F that!!! No chance of me going again at those prices for a “tasting”
Just a word of caution - many wineries now require reservation for tastings and cost are substantial considering the small amount of each pour. Without the tasting reservation, you may not even tour the vineyard. Not sure if I want to return.
I'm honestly not a fan of wine. I've tried a few here & there but it's just not for me. I'm only watching this bc Mark delivers his videos with such enthusiasm, I couldn't miss it.
we live in Sonoma wine country. Napa is out of control, one big tourist trap-$25-$40 for a tasting and they try to push you for a "cheese pairing" for another $25. The big well known vinters are the worst. CA wines are grossly overpriced. We have some local favorites but I prefer cheaper french wines that are just as good.
The harvest starts in September and goes through November. If you book a tour during this time a lot of wineries will show you the process. De-stemming, crushing the fruit etc. It is one of the most busy times here in the valley.
4 Now I am going to take Genesis 11. At the tower of Babel, those men said: "By the grace of god, and with the help of our scholars and engineers, we will build a tower that touches heaven. We will do such and such a thing... We already have the support of men of God, all religious denominations combined. The mayor will come and lay down the first stone of the tower with the blessing of the greatest theologians. Some prophets have had revelations in which angels of God will take part in the construction of this tower...". You see? And the Bible says that at that time, God confused their language. # PKPCHANNELTV
2 But our spirit that is accepting the midnight Cry was already there before the foundation of the world. Our spirit was already there when God created our body. And thus it is by predestination that one accepts the Gospel of his time according to Acts 13:48 and Romans 8:29-30 or that one accepts seduction according to Revelation 13:8.
Sonoma Valley is 100% God Created. Logan Lerman was in Oakland and was fighting the Evil Spirit off and won against Elizabeth II. He won with God as Creator.
The "Don'ts" of Napa Valley should include not tasting there at all. Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties all have generally superior wines... at lower prices.
As a Napa Valley native, I cannot agree with this more!!! Please respect that we live and work here; don’t drink and drive and please eat between tastings (we don’t want to watch people vomit wine)!
And Mark, let me know next time you’re here; I would love to show you around!!!
Hi Karen
YES! Reservations! It's a hike to get out to Napa or Sonoma so don't drive all the way there for naught. For us: don't forget to manage expectations. Especially if you are visiting during a busy time, the main road through Napa is very busy, there is a lot of traffic, and it can take a lot of time. Some of the wineries are really beautiful and picturesque while others are little more utilitarian in appearance. The guides are all great, but you may not have as intimate of an experience as you would like if it is a busy day. Overall, it's definitely something fun to do and if it's your dream to visit, do it!
Go to the small family vineyards and not just the big ones - my experience is they don't rush you, are more personal and have fun stories!
Do you have two or three you might recommend in Napa Valley?
@@nickpvb the first time I went to Napa was driving through and just went to the Coppola vineyard to see the movie museum. Since then I've only been to Sonoma vineyards.
For my 21st birthday I went up to SF and stopped in Napa and did a wine tour. I hate alcohol and the wine tour was a waste of money. But then I found a cute vintage store and bought a velvet dress I still have 11 years later
Excellent video, as always. Having been to that area numerous times, the only "don't" I would add is "Don't think California Wine Country is just Napa and Sonoma." Just to the west of there are the Russian River and Alexander Valleys, which are less touristy, have beautiful scenery, and make excellent wines! If you like Pinot Noir, the Russian River Valley makes some of the finest in California!
Cheers! 🍷
I usually prefer Mendocino and Lake county wines myself
I live in Napa and work in the industry and I second all of your advice! Love your videos and if you ever need winery recommendations, I am happy to help!
We’ll be in Napa two full days at the end of this month. What are your top five things to do (besides the train, hot air balloon / helicopter rides, French laundry, etc). Basically we know it’s expensive but don’t want to throw loads of money at everything. Thanks in advance.
-If you have kids and/or non-drinkers along be sure to plan some activities they can participate in too because wine tours can be *incredibly* boring for them otherwise; -Don't think you'll be able to walk into Bouchon for lunch or even grab a sandwich at their deli unless you're there before 10am; -Wine country is technically part of the Bay Area, which means Bay Area pricing for everything; -There's a decent amount of affordable local wine you can get with some searching even in Safeway. Grab that to crack open in the hotel room instead!
Man you always give some awesome tips!! I’m a California guy and still haven’t been up north but thank you for this video! Definitly would love to see some more videos of solo travel trips!
I visited Napa in early 00’s, loved it. I remember paying a few bucks and they’d open expensive bottles and pour huge glasses 😂
At $75 for 3/4 small pours of wine... I'm definitely not spitting that out! :)
Amazing cover of EVERYTHING you need to know about Sonoma and Napa touring ! thanks so much dude...
There is a train that runs through the wine country. Check it out. It is supposed to be fantastic.
We've been on that with a silver service 3 course dinner, fantastic.
I saw the website. Unless I’m mistaken, the all day multi stop gourmet meal “experience” starts at $575 per person. The two hour packages start at just under $200 per person.
We can afford this, there are many who can, but I place this in the category of a helicopter or hot air balloon ride.
@@nickpvb crikey we certainly didn't pay those prices, it was a long time ago now back in 2002 so maybe prices have shot up now.
The price is almost a round trip ticket to Paris in low season.
Agree with a lot of these recommendations. I honestly would immerse myself in Sub Ava’s and perhaps try to go to 3 wineries on Spring Mountain, or 3 Wineries on Howell Mountain or 3 wineries in Oakville etc. Trying to bounce all over the place in a day is futile plus your palate gets whacked/ fatigued after 3 or 4 wineries especially if you are drinking full glasses of wine at each stop.
Message: for wine regions through the world, the spit bucket is not particularly for wines you don't like. If you are tasting a lot of wines and don't want to get inebriated, it is quite usual to spit each wine tasted. This is what professional wine tasters do.
Golden Europe for us wine drinkers! I'm from Moravia - it's a region where the conditions are like in Champagne and the results as well - and we drink excellent wine every day the whole day, if we want. I also lived in Portugal - another country with perfect wines - where the people say that Portugal is the only country in the world where the wine is cheaper than gasoline - and they are not far away from the truth. In Europe, wine is everywhere and the Californian wines are of course available too, though they are a bit pricey. I like them. 🙂
The north end of Napa valley is generally a little less busy and has more smaller, less corporate vineyards. Pretty much St. Helena and north.
Also quite surprised that Calistoga didn’t get a mention. Definitely notable due to number of hot mineral spring hotels and resorts. Also just a bit more chill and affordable than the rest of the valley though even Calistoga is getting more expensive and upscale every year.
As a boring teetotaller, this looks interesting and fun. However, a sip is alien to me. Like Barney Gumble in The Simpsons; the'd have to carry me home 😅 looks a cool place to visit, Mark🍁🍂🙏🎶
Been there at the best time of the year: February. Stayed in Calistoga town and explored Napa with zero crowd. We even managed to walk into a winery without a booking and got a personalised tour and tasting. Ended up buying a special edition bottle. Go during winter if you want to escape the heat and crowds.
As a long time local and tour driver, February is always my first recommendation for what you described and …MUSTARD BLOOM! Prettiest time of year here IMO.
I totally agree. Calistoga is great. Plenty of wine tasting within walking distance. Lots of great restaurants. I live about 30 minutes away and we head there for impromptu weekend getaways.
Great video!!!
Superb suggestions!🎉
Hey Mark, great video
Tip about wine club: know your state’s laws regarding shipping wine. Alabama is one of several states that has issues with this.
Pine Ridge Winery and Rutherford Hills in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley Winery in Sonoma are my favorites, but I also love the wine from the east coast, especially western North Carolina like Laurel Gray Vineyards in Hamptonville or Six Waterpots in Hudson. You should try some of these out some day.
A tip. Sonoma wineries are more fruit forward where most Napa and Howell Mountain wines are more tannin forward. The more you know…..
Been to napa a few times. Headed out there next month. One other tip: hit a walmart around there and get a cooler (for us out of towners), get bread, lunchmeat, chips, cheese, crackers and water and get ice from hotel. You'll save money and time and ensure you stay hydrated and keep food in belly. Hydration as mentioned, is key. This will help you stay in control as you will taste a lot of wine. Great video...ill take the cash as tip recommendation under advisement. I like that idea. Ive usually added a tip to my wine order.
Another banger.
Thank you for the great video, exactly what I need to know. I'm going to SF next month and planning on doing a Napa/ Sonoma wine tour. Any recommendation on which travel agency I should go with?
gatorade and pedia lite can also help prevent hangovers; get that too while at CVS (or wherever)
Also not mixing drinks...
Great video! ❤ Can you recommend a Napa Valley vineyard in the Fall picking season that showcase the production process..for 1st timer?
Few things I retreat doing in Napa
1. Wine Train
2. Visiting Opus one
3. Booking tasting more then 3 wineries a day
If you want the best wines go to Howell Mountain wineries. Smaller and more exclusive
This was honestly one of the best videos out here for Napa/Sonoma! Do you have another for bachelorette recommendations? Basically groups of 5 or more?
I just love seeing the 1M next to the channel name! 😊
I was just thinking the same thing
How pretty. I've never been there.😊❤
You’re in my neck of the woods!!
This reminded me of Giamatti in Sideways drinking from the spit bucket
That voice 11:59 - 12:04 👏🤣
Any recommendations for places with family friendly a little for everyone to enjoy wine tasting and the view
❤❤❤❤❤
We will be at Napa Valley in late March for the first time, and we from Southern California.
We like this video and a lot of his recommendations, and just common senses: Be courteous, follow the local laws, and nothing is free.
We will be staying at the Alila Napa Valley Hotel. Are they any good? Please tell the truth now. I have been in the cage (cubicle), not in the slammer, and just can't wait to go driving around up to Northern California.
Hey mark. I have a question: which countries/ regions would you recommend taking a suitcase with wheels vs a travel backpack?
Ive wanted to visit this area for a long time. Now i feel like i know what to expect. Thanks for another great video
good video! do you have a food tasting recommendation list? { meaning the best places to go around to...} 🌟💚
The Sonoma Cheese Factory store has since gone out of business and the popular place is now terribly missed. it was a hot spot for tourists and locals and for everybody else. Also, at Sonoma Plaza, arrive early to find car parking. Trust me, just allow yourself more than plenty of time devoted to just finding a parking spot. The homes on the east side of the plaza are historic and are amazing to go see. I would love to live in one. The Sunflower Caffe on the west side of the plaza is excellent and fun for breakfast and lunch.
Informative video. I have to say that Uber/Lyft are not reliable, especially when you get away from the towns. If someone is going to spend the money to enjoy a place like Napa and Sonoma (no one goes there to save money), don't skimp out on your transportation provider. That's also usually the people who know all the best places to go anyway. I have had nightmare experiences and good ones with Uber/Lyft in Napa and Sonoma. Trust me when I say you're rolling the dice. Some of their drivers are sketchy and smell like weed. They do NOT drug test employees, and if they offer to turn off their Uber app and just drive for you, they are no longer covered under the proper insurance and you will be hosed if something happens. Lived in Napa a long time and I have seen it all. I would also wager that 1 out of 100 people spit out anything ;-)
2 In the instructions on prophetism and dreams and visions, I am now going to talk about dreams and visions. Every human being has dreams or visions, no matter his race, nation or religious affiliation.
Take the wine train!
Last time I was in Napa even a glass of opus was only $20. Now the average tasting prices are 80-120. F that!!! No chance of me going again at those prices for a “tasting”
Spirits of God run the Wineries 🍷
Just a word of caution - many wineries now require reservation for tastings and cost are substantial considering the small amount of each pour. Without the tasting reservation, you may not even tour the vineyard. Not sure if I want to return.
Go to Lodi, the Sacramento Delta, or the foothills around Placervile. These places are less touristy and like Napa used to be.
Elizabeth II put the Rules into place of 5pm end of wine tasting and 35 dollar wine tastings. The Racket is by her solely.
You should have mentioned visiting the California mission in Sonoma. Or even the casinos in that area.
I'm honestly not a fan of wine. I've tried a few here & there but it's just not for me. I'm only watching this bc Mark delivers his videos with such enthusiasm, I couldn't miss it.
Most of it is pure do do. Have to spend the big bucks now.
we live in Sonoma wine country. Napa is out of control, one big tourist trap-$25-$40 for a tasting and they try to push you for a "cheese pairing" for another $25. The big well known vinters are the worst. CA wines are grossly overpriced. We have some local favorites but I prefer cheaper french wines that are just as good.
Do any wineries show the making process?
The harvest starts in September and goes through November. If you book a tour during this time a lot of wineries will show you the process. De-stemming, crushing the fruit etc. It is one of the most busy times here in the valley.
Who needs some wine?
Pour the wine into spit bucket. Don’t actually spit in the bucket..
Embarrassed? I would never spit out wine!
Not much Napa in there...
4 Now I am going to take Genesis 11. At the tower of Babel, those men said: "By the grace of god, and with the help of our scholars and engineers, we will build a tower that touches heaven. We will do such and such a thing... We already have the support of men of God, all religious denominations combined. The mayor will come and lay down the first stone of the tower with the blessing of the greatest theologians. Some prophets have had revelations in which angels of God will take part in the construction of this tower...". You see? And the Bible says that at that time, God confused their language.
# PKPCHANNELTV
2 But our spirit that is accepting the midnight Cry was already there before the foundation of the world. Our spirit was already there when God created our body. And thus it is by predestination that one accepts the Gospel of his time according to Acts 13:48 and Romans 8:29-30 or that one accepts seduction according to Revelation 13:8.
Sonoma Valley is 100% God Created. Logan Lerman was in Oakland and was fighting the Evil Spirit off and won against Elizabeth II. He won with God as Creator.
dont forget to go to the toilet 😂
The "Don'ts" of Napa Valley should include not tasting there at all. Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties all have generally superior wines... at lower prices.
That’s disgusting.
I think it’s disgusting too but one time I went wine tasting and one of the wines tasted like liquid plastic.