Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A tasting at Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa.
slope over the horizon. The complex has a
variety of tasting venues, staffed by a troop
of wine educators who take the wine nov-
ice by the hand and demonstrate how it is
done. There is even a mini-vineyard with
grape varietals to illustrate their differ-
ences. Inside you'll find a long, vaulted wine
cellar with wine-striped barrels and an
ample tasting room that serves wine
between nibbles of risotto balls, bread, and
cheese. It is worth paying for the “Pleasure
in a Glass” tour. Though a little steep at $55,
it includes five-star treatment and the
chance to taste the winery's top Reserve
and Spotlight labels.
The huge crowds and scripted tours
may make you feel as if you have taken a
wrong turn and entered a Disneyland of
wine. Yet even the most cynical wine snob
will find it hard not to enjoy relaxing in
front of the open fire, or wandering the
beautiful grounds, or just sitting back with
a glass of Reserve Cabernet to people-
watch. While touring the facility, you will
come face to face with a poster of the man
himself, wearing a suit of corks—a fitting
tribute to someone who was both flam-
boyant and unstoppable.
Robert Mondavi Winery,
7801 St.
Helena Hwy., Oakville (
&
707/259-9463;
www.robertmondaviwinery.com).
(
San Francisco International (71
miles/114km).
L
$$$
Napa Valley Lodge,
2230 Mad-
ison St., Yountville (
&
707/944-2468;
www.NapaValleyLodge.com). $$$
Mai-
son Fleurie,
6529 Yount St., Yountville
(
&
707/944-2056;
www.foursisters.com).
