California Wine Country...

[dj_stouty]

Mrs. DJ and I are headed there this winter. Probably staying in Russian River Valley but will check out Napa/Sonoma wineries as well.

Any "must-visit" wineries or restaurants we should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

[Booser]

There are tons of great places - you guys are going to have a really good time! I own a home there; and of all the wineries I visited, I only joined one as a member: Kuleto's. It is off the Silverado Trail near Lake Henessey and is a fantastic place to visit.

For an incredible place to have drinks and look out over the Napa Valley, go to Auberge de Soleil. The bar has a deck with some of the best views in the area.

For great food it doesn't matter where you go - it is everywhere. One of my favorites is the Rutherford Grill (in Rutherford). Right across the street from the Grill is another excellent restaurant called Brix. Of course, if you really want to impress the Ms. try to get reservations at the French Laundry - supposedly the best restaurant in the United States.

[dj_stouty]

There are tons of great places - you guys are going to have a really good time! I own a home there; and of all the wineries I visited, I only joined one as a member: Kuleto's. It is off the Silverado Trail near Lake Henessey and is a fantastic place to visit.

For an incredible place to have drinks and look out over the Napa Valley, go to Auberge de Soleil. The bar has a deck with some of the best views in the area.

For great food it doesn't matter where you go - it is everywhere. One of my favorites is the Rutherford Grill (in Rutherford). Right across the street from the Grill is another excellent restaurant called Brix. Of course, if you really want to impress the Ms. try to get reservations at the French Laundry - supposedly the best restaurant in the United States.

Thanks for the advice! Auberge de Soleil sounds great...and I'll add Kuletos to my list of places to visit.

Its funny you should mention French Laundry. I am a huge Thomas Keller fan after going to his Bouchon restaurant in Vegas in January. I also recently picked up his French Laundry cookbook and I'm blown away by the recipes. Unfortunately, dinner STARTS at $500 a couple...and that is before you add drinks/wine. lol. Maybe not on this trip...but I'll make it out there eventually for the meal Anthony Bourdain says is the best he has ever eaten...

[Booser]

Awesome. I know you guys will have a great time out there - enjoy!