Definitely eat lunch and taste at V. Sattui
http://www.vsattui.com/
You can picnic on the grounds and they do free tastings (as much as you like.) It’s laid back and FUN and the food and wine are excellent.

I think the best tour we went on wine-production-wise was at Ferrari Carano, which is actually in Sonoma County
http://www.ferrari-carano.com/
They are a little less well known, but have FABULOUS wine and the tour we took (off season, in March) was just us.

If you are interested in a sit-down dinner place, let me know. My husband will remember names better than I (he’s a Sonoma County native, so he always chooses where we eat in Napa and Sonoma!)

This is a tough choice… I saw another entry you wrote mentioning Sonoma County too… Both valleys have amazing wines, however they are two different experiences. The Napa Valley consists of one valley and the wineries are concentrated and is easier to navigate. Sonoma County wineries are spread out and is divided into many different appellations and regions, and geographically are different. It would be very difficult to choose “one”. That would be difficult, are you going to experience a winery, and the ambience, or are you a connoisseur of wines? If you have a prefered wine that you drink, you may want to visit a winery known for cabs, The Russian River Valley is known for Pinots… For a dining experience, Charlie Palmers Dry Creek Kitchen in the hamlet of Healdburg… or the French Laundry in the Napa Valley. Sonoma County Winery Association has guide books that could help you… As well as Napa Valley. After you get some names of wineries check them out on line too as well as some of the restaurants, you can check out menues! I know I did not answer your question, I would just need more info to help. Enjoy your trip…

Domaine Chandon for sparkling wines;

Don G’s for fried olives and almonds.

For food: The French Laundry. It’s often picked as best restaurant in the country, and that’s well deserved. You usually have to make reservations 6 months in advance so this would only work if you can plan far ahead.

Much easier is the Culinary Institute at Greystone. Amazing setting in a huge stone building, the food is some of the best I’ve ever had and the the staff is wonderful. You should call ahead at least a few weeks in advance for this one.

Try Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, 5766 Silverado Trail, in Napa. We went over the holidays and it was amazing. Definitely opt for the $30 “Estate Tasting,” it’s actually a great value; the wines we tried were truly wonderful. Have fun!

I was in Yountville earlier this week and ate at Redd and I certainly did not regret it. The food and service were excellent. They were able to whip up some modified tasting menus for us (my wife is vegetarian while I also eat seafood); not all places are able to do this. They had five and nine course options (I had the five with paired wines). I almost wish I had not spent the day drinking wine and stuffing myself in general so as to have room for the nine course option.

I also ate at the restaurant at Auberge du Soleil. It was excellent as well, both food and service, but it was a different kind of experience (more formal, for one). They were not able to modify their normal tasting menu, but were able to whip up some other things for my wife.

I would have liked to try the French Laundry, but reservations are hard to come by. I believe you can try going there right before 11am to see if there are cancellations if you really want to go.