Here are some of my possible choices for good quality and experience: white rock,tulocay, midsummer,james cole,vincent arroyo, seavey, chase, david arthur,gargiulo,

also want to try del dotto- any opinions?

thanks

I like Newton Unfiltered, Rombauer, Sbragia Gamble ranch, Jarvis reserve. Basically big oaked chardonnays are my preference over the more in vogue Burgundian ones more in the French style, High quality to me means these wines for the most part have enough body, aging, and acidity to avoid the sickening sweet chardonnays that cost under $20.

We are interested in visiting places that offer tastings of high quality chardonnays that also have interesting surroundings if possible. Our price range is generally $20 to $50 but still would appreciate at least tasting something we would not ordinarily purchase.

I apologize, just did not realize who I was replying to. It took me almost 3 years to get on Kosta's list and they gave me a very limited allocation.

OK Terry How do I get to visit Kosta Browne?

So why suggest it as a place to visit?

How does one get to visit Kosta-Browne?

We are going to this area last week in August and am looking for good places to dine ranging from burgers to upscale. I'd like a good steak house, seafood, French, Italian, bar food.

Thanks so far to all who have responded. I just like the Napa Cabs. My friend shared a Sterling 1999. While I have more expensive wines in my cellar I thought it was great and wondered where I could buy older vintages of moderately priced wines.

I am looking for very good Cabs that are ready to drink now for under $30. I was also wondering how one good get a moderate priced Cab with a vintage less than 2000.

Jarvis Reserve Chardonnay 2005 ( a very big chardonnay)

Martinelli Evo or Guiseppe Zinfandel

Ancien Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

I agree with Cruz completely. The only reason to eat there is to get one of the few reserved seats and if you are really interested in the performers, then its worth it.

Just got back. Eric said Augest West not there anymore so we just tasted Freeman. We enjoyed their pinots and Eric was very nice. It was a fun time. Lynmar also very good and a pretty place. Bought wines from both places. Moshin had a very nice tasting experience but I did not like any of their wines.

Thanks so much!! We are now in Ca (from NJ). I will e-mail him.

Eric, the asst winemaker at Freeman, is giving the tour. Should I ask him?

Paul,

I made an appointment at Feeman and decided to do all 3 wineries. Thanks!

My friends and are spending a day in the Russian River Valley/Healdsburg area. We have an opportunity to do a tour/tasting at Freeman. We do like Pinots. If we go there we will have to forgo other places, Lynmar and Moshin. Is Freeman worth it?

yes, my wife and I dined at Rosemary's on Sunday not knowing beforehand about the half price wines.

Beso is the place to go in New Paltz. Its upscale with an inventive chef who prepares very filling and delicious meals. i had a charbroiled rib steak in a balsalmic reduction sauce with a small equisite mac and cheese cassorole and sauteed brussels sprouts. They have a good wine list. ZD chardonnay for example. Bacchus is just horrid, a hangout place for the college crowd. The food was almost not edible.

Rosemary's is very good. I agree with the previous post. However, its 15 minutes from the strip.

I thank everyone who responded to my post. Last year we bought 5 cases of differenrt wines and had them shipped by one shipper to NJ without a problem.

I went to Rochiloi last year and they had a rose and a blend of syrah/zinfandel. I agree, it is not the place to go for a tasting.

Yes, I did call and put myself on their wait list. They did offer me a tour but have no wines to sell.

My wife and I will be in the area in October and want to do tastings and purchase wines that we would have trouble getting in NJ. My problem is that when I read about a highly rated pinot or chardonnay, I contact the winery either by phone or e-mail and find out that they are not open to the public. Some of them have waiting lists. Such wineries include Kosta Browne, Rivers-Marie, Radio-Coteau, Tor, Kistler, Kongsgaard, William Selyen, Chasseur, Hollywood and Vine. Has anyone have any suggestions for smaller, more exclusive wineries that make pinots or chardonnays that I can buy wines from that I can not get esaily at home?

Steve,
I take it that you do approve of Barnett as well as Paloma? Any other s? Thanks!

I am interested in a tour and tasting at this winery. Can anyone out there comment on the setting, experience, and tasting?

Terra is a given, defintely on my list so I did not need to ask about it!

I am looking for the best tasting food. Its OK if its expensive but I have a big appetitie and do want to walk out hungry after spending $100 a person or more.

Celedon
Zu Zu
La Toque
Bisto Jeanty
Angele
Brannons
Cindys
Coles
Redd
Press
Bouchon

Thanks and any other suggestions appreciated!

Bill, Thanks for your suggestions. We will defintely go to Phelps and I'll investigate the others.

Maria, Thanks. My wife and I did go to Napa a year ago and I found your recs for the chardonnays to be very helpful. William Hill, Frank, Ronbauer were all to my liking. We liked the tour and tastings at Chappellet but were not at all impressed by any of their chardonnays. We will check out Miner on our upcoming visit this fall. We really enjoyed the cab franc at William Hill even more than the chardonnay.