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Reply to "Best California Wineries"

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Article in the San Franciso paper today I thought ya'll might appreciate...

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ON THE TOWN
With Jeff Morgan
Where to go in Wine Country? He has a few ideas ...
- Aidin Vaziri, Chronicle Staff Writer
Sunday, January 21, 2007



Jeff Morgan is the author of "The PlumpJack Cookbook: Great Meals for Good Living." The book, which includes a forward by Mayor Gavin Newsom, features more than 75 local recipes, as well as suggested wine pairings. Morgan, a Northern California author and winemaker, is the former West Coast editor of the Wine Spectator and he has also written "Dean & DeLuca: The Food and Wine Cookbook" and "Rosé: A Guide to the World's Most Versatile Wine." Naturally, we asked for a list of his favorite regional dining and tasting spots.

Hess Collection Winery, 4411 Redwood Road, Napa. "Donald Hess began collecting art in the early '60s, and it has grown into the most amazing modern and contemporary private collection. With works from such artists as Robert Motherwell and Francis Bacon, it makes for a wonderful day of art and good wine."

Ad Hoc, 6476 Washington St., Yountville. "It might be a temporary restaurant, but Thomas Keller's impromptu new spot in Yountville, with a single four-course daily changing menu, allows you to put your taste buds in the hands of an amazing chef, which is sometimes a good thing if you eat out every night."

Auberge du Soleil, 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford. "It has an amazing deck where you can look out at the fabulous view of the valley and have a great glass of wine. You'll think you have been transported to Europe."

Bistro Don Giovanni, 4110 Howard Lane, Napa. "This restaurant is the fave of the locals. With protected outdoor seating and traditional wood burning fireplace, this place creates a mood that is Italy at its best."

St. Helena Farmers' Market, Crane Park, St. Helena. "The best place to pick up regional, seasonal and organic foods, which will help you recreate, in the comfort of your own home, an amazing dinner you would get at one of the many four-star restaurants in the valley."

Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg. "With its unique design features, combined with its rustic elegance, it's a perfect haven for travelers and locals alike. There is nothing better than to meet friends in the Grand Lobby by the wood-burning fireplace and listen to some great live jazz."

Jordan Winery & Vineyard, 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg. "A beautiful estate winery, this is a great place to take out-of-town guests for a truly unique and highly personal tour and tasting unlike any other. Guests are treated to a private tour of the grounds and a thorough explanation of Jordan's well-honed winemaking traditions before adjourning to the formal European-style library for a tasting."

Press Restaurant, 587 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena. "A great restaurant that embodies elegant American cuisine where the amazing dishes usually serve two or more people and a great wine list to complement the food. This place welcomes long lunches or dinners with good food and wine and conversation."

Martini House, 1245 Spring St., St. Helena. "Chef Todd Humphries' menu is based on best-loved foods of the Wine Country that incorporates locally sourced produce and foods, but what really reigns supreme are the mushrooms."

Darioush Winery, 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa. "Persia meets Napa Valley in this phenomenally original and exotic winery. Not only is the architecture stunning but so are the wines."

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