The vineyards begin to blanket the hillside with seasonal color just 30 minutes north of The Inn Above Tide making a day trip leisurely and enjoyable. Between Napa and Sonoma there are hundreds and hundreds of wineries from which to choose based on individual tastes and desires. www.winecountry.com is a reliable source of information on wineries and activities complete with detailed maps.
A few of the wineries offer exclusive private tastings providing an intimate experience for the discerning traveler. Hotel guests frequent Swanson Vineyards in Napa (www.swansonvineyards.com) and Ferrari Carano's Enoteca (www.ferraricarano.com) on the Sonoma side for the more exclusive approach to a wine country experience.
ARCHITECTURE LOVERS WINE TOUR
This tour focuses on Napa Valley and is a good day trip if one departs the hotel around 10am. Tasting fees range from $15 - $40 per person per winery.
- ARTESA WINERY in Carneros region of Napa Valley is the newest adventure for a 15 generation wine making family. Modernistic winery with award winning architecture and wines with extensive outdoor sculpture experience. Known best for Cabernets, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
The winery is approx 40 mi and 1 hr from The Inn Above Tide
For directions: www.artesawinery.com/about/contact/directions/
- DARIOUSH WINERY along the famed Silverado Trail in Napa Valley is visually commanding from the road. The exotic Persian influenced architecture is combined with modern sensibilities to create a compelling presence. Noted for excellent award winning cabernets, the winery is about 50 miles and just over an hour from The Inn Above Tide.
707-257-2345 Open Daily 10:30am - 5pm
For printable directions: www.darioushwinery.com/visit-us-driving-directions.html#sfggb
- RUBICON ESTATE - NIEBAUM COPPOLA is located on Hwy 29 in Napa Valley and is owned by famous film director Francis Ford Coppola. The estate dates its wine and architecture to 1882. Coppola's inspired and extensive restoration has created a classic in the valley. Don't miss the caves or the fascinating museum of memorabilia from his career. The wines are respected are there are a number of private tours limited to small groups available.
800-782-4266 Open Daily 10am -5pm
DIRECTIONS: From Silverado Trail cross over at Rutherford Cross Rd.
- QUINTESSA WINERY is located along Silverado Trail toward the north end of the Napa Valley. Essentially the entire winery is a futuristic cave built with environmental sensitivity into the hillside. Uncrowded and by appt only, the tour and tasting gives the guest a close up and personal experience of the making of Meritage Reds. Limited production and high end award winning wines.
707-967-1601 By appt Small groups tour at 2:30 daily an additional tour is offered Sat at 10:30am.
DIRECTIONS: Just north of the Rutherford Cross Rd on the Silverado Trail side.
www.quintessa.com/CMS/Content/UploadedDocuments/Quintessa-Map.pdf
- LUNCH
Rutherford Grill - Napa Valley Cuisine with a wide range of robust flavors. Outdoor Tables and Handsome Convivial Indoor Dining. Open Daily and easy access between Coppola Winery and Quintessa Winery stops at the Rutherford Cross Road on Hwy 29
707-963-1792
30 El Portal Sausalito, California 94965 - Reservations 800.893.8433
Phone 415.332.9535 - Fax 415.332.6714 - Email: stay@innabovetide.com