In late January of 2026 Sarah, Darian, Ryan, and I took a trip up to Napa. Ryan was in town on business so we decided to make a weekend of it. We opted for a wine tour with Platypus Tours (your guess is as good as mine 🤷♂️) and stayed at a local Airbnb in town, both of which I can easily recommend.
The other times Sarah and I visited Napa, we did not use a tour service and instead just sorta jumped around to some of the larger vineyards. This time, through Platypus, we got to see the smaller family owned spots and I have to say I think the smaller places are the way to see Napa. The wine was just as good, if not better, but you get a much more personal experience and the tastings are way more affordable.
Rutherford Ranch
Our first stop was at Rutherford Ranch where we got an arguably too personal tour by a guy named Doug, who was the best attraction on the tour. Combine one part Bill Cowher with 2 parts Danny Tanner (Bob Saget from Full House) and you have yourself one Doug.
This part will be lost on anyone not on the tour but the sexual tension between Doug and Mama Linda (our driver, her nickname for herself) was palpable. Unrelated, we fed goats.
Side note – I did a terrible job taking photos on this trip so there aren’t many interiors shots or context photos. Guess you’ll just have to go and take your own pics.
I thought their Sauvignon Blanc was some of the best I’ve ever had but I make video games for a living so do with that what you may.
Napa Wine Company
Our second stop was at Napa Wine Company which is family owned going back something like 100 years, has a very wacky interior, hosts 3 separate labels by 3 different vintners, and was the lovely setting for our lunch (which was delicious).
At this point you must be thinking… kitschy decor that one could describe as texas-ranch-meets-the-macabre and quinoa salad, here come some sweet pics. You would be totally right if I had not selfishly been living in the moment. Instead here’s one photo of Ryan and some math I thought was interesting.
I remember Darian liked a wine they called Chocoblock and… I think they also sold other wine.
Backstage Winery
Our final stop was at Backstage, the name of which had something to do with another music venue they owned or something music venue themed… something about music. As an inside joke, this place got saddled with the name “backstage”, although the setting clearly demands center stage. Walking into Backstage feels like stepping into a genuine Italian vineyard, which was fitting because of our guide Gabriel; an energetic Mexican dude who decided to pretend he was Italian (accent and all… he made it work).
This is the kind of place you’d want to get married and as it turned out, they were setting up for a wedding while we had our tasting. I’ll let the pictures do the talking because I actually remembered to capture more than a sign and a brother this time.
Muir Woods
On the way back to SFO we stopped off at Muir Woods, just as it was closing. We did not have a reservation which, per the signs in the parking lot, made us a bunch of hooligans. Please excuse us for failing to fill out the requisite nature paperwork.
That last photo was taken in downtown Napa, yet another area I did a horrible job documenting. We played Hanabi. We shopped at a local bookstore. And for some reason, we bought yet more wine. Oh! And we stopped off at the Oxbow Market which I totally recommend checking out. It was giving me Redding Terminal vibes… but cleaner and with way more kale. #california
Hi mom 👋