Adam – Russian River is one place I have not spent much time at. That one is on our list for the next Napa area trip. Russian river and Alexander Valley probably have the best bargains in the valley. You already know about Hartford. One of my favorite (cheap and fun) wineries is Fieldstone. They are in the Alexander Valley area next to Jordan. Definitely swing by this one. Make sure you have a DD or spit though. They pour a lot and are not bashful with the pours. Please give us a report of what you find in the Russian River area. Make sure you eat at Cyrus, if you can get reservations. Fantastic place to eat.

I just got back from a property hunting trip in northern Idaho and North West Washington. I was very surprised to find some great wineries in Idaho. They were cheap too. Then I spent a day in Walla-Walla. I’m looking forward to spending more time in Washington this fall. – I’ll be sure to let you know when I’m in your area Tom.

Excellent, Mike. I will look forward to it.

Last week as a birthday treat we ate at the Napa Rose in the Grand Californian, we had the Vinters Table which was 4 courses with appropriate Napa wines.

Probably the best meal I have ever eaten, I wish I could remember all the pours, but the one that really stood out for me was a Faust 2005 Cab.

Tonight we are going to our local wine cellar for a Wine Makers Dinner from the Langtry/Guenoc Winery, they are somewhere north of Napa.

It will be interesting to compare the meals since the Napa Rose meal ran $350 for two, and this meal is costing $60 for my wife and I.

Tom, what's with the new avatar?
I see big jugs...of beer, and in the wine thread no less.

I have a Faust cab in the cellar, uh, cellaring. Waiting to nip into that one, once the 5 year old graduates from high school.

I also got a 30 year German riesling in the racks and for the life of me i don't know why i bought it. I preferred the 5 year bottle.
Oh, now i recall, wine festival, closing minutes, staggering through the crowd grabbing festival special bottles, friend puts it in my cart telling me i need it...

Chess, just squint and pretend they are big jugs of wine. . .

I didn't think a riesling would hold that long. I had a 10 year old riesling once: very sweet. It was like an icewine. Very tasty, but only in small amounts.

Looks like a lot of good info on here. I tend to be a red wine person, cabs, shiraz, and merlots in that order. I will say, one of the best wines I have ever had was a Penfold Grande - incredible (and even better that I did not have to pay for it!!) I am decidedly a Nappa Cab person (big, earthy, oaky, lots of tannins), but I did pick up some bordeaux's today to try...I am looking forward to learning about some different wines on here (all the while on what seems to be a great audio community board!)

Welcome to the fold, Shaun. Next you'll be drinking all your wine only after it has gone through a Vinturi.

Oh Peter, statements of bastardization!
I want to start hearing about how the beer quaffers are using the Vinturi to open up their brews!

On a thread related note, another trip to Niagara is on for the week after next, one day side venture.
I should have time to visit 4 maybe 5 wineries.
On the list for sure:
Marynissen (Niagara on the Lake)-few tastings here, some must purchases
Lailey (Niagara on the Lake)-few tastings here, some must purchases
Peller (Niagara on the Lake)-no tasting here, just a must purchase

Need one or two more to slot in.
Anyone have some opinions?
http://www.niagarawineries.ca/

fredk weighed in on going to Crown Bench, but i can get some of their wines locally. Still open for tastings depending on where they are located.