Domaine Carneros — Restaurant in Sonoma

I've come here twice. I remember my first time being swept away by the beauty of the grounds and highly enjoying their wines as well as their food plates of cheeses, salmon, meats, etc. Not many wineries serve food so Domaine stood out to me for this. The view is fantastic too.

I was excited to come a second time with a group of friends and we came late in the afternoon. We were the last reservation time slot and were lucky that we all got seated. I originally booked a reservation for 4 and was told multiple times the tables for 6 were not available. We were also told that other people couldn't just walk around and hang out. Okay but Opus One didn't put up a fuss and made every effort to have us grouped together despite their limited capacity. Anyway, when we showed up, we inquired anyway and they did have a table available for 6. Lucky us we thought!

1 STAR: However, despite our luck we could be seated as a full party, we found out there was a table minimum spend of $40 pp. This was unfortunate since in all of the wineries I've gone to I had yet to encounter this. We had 2 non drinkers with us and had to make up the lack of alcohol spending in ordering more food.

2 STARS: We had really slow service. Maybe it was because it was a busy and late afternoon - the end of the day can be exhausting. Whatever it was our man, George, was not showing up with food or our first pours for a very long time. In fact another kind staff member poured us our first glass and assured us George would come to distribute the rest. This particular unnamed very blonde staff member was super nice, attentive (noticing we were just sitting around) and when he came with the first pour he was generous in his pour and friendly with us. Again, dunno where our guy George was. After our first pour we sat around awhile waiting for the rest of the drinks and food.

3 STARS: George showed up at some point. He was fine (maybe I shouldn't have anchored my expectations based on my interactions with the first staff member). He responded with some interesting facts when I asked about some of the wines. We had 3 flights. Each of us noticed on our own observation that the pours were increasingly stingy. If you can see from my photos the remaining 3 pours of the flight that George poured were DECREASING IN LIQUID VOLUME. NOTICEABLY. Not a big deal honestly but I figured I'd inquire. I mean we had waited around a while I think it's fine to ask for the service I'd hoped for. I asked him if he could just pour us a little bit more in our last glass. I didn't want him to think we were being nit picky so I mentioned that we would be interested in buying a bottle of the last glass (in earnest) and we all noticed it wasn't as full a glass as the other glasses (mind you ALL the glasses were plummeting in volume like a stock market crash). And George hesitated, looked at me calculatingly, and then made a rather unnecessary comment about how it's not a huge difference in liquid ounces is it really a big deal? (really it wasn't a very gracious way to respond). All he had to say is: I'll see what I can do. I could tell he wasn't happy with my request. And after he pointed out it wasn't a lot of difference but he would check back, he turned away took no more than 3 steps and came right back to me and said, ooh sorry the kitchen is closed now so I can't.

NEEDLESS TO SAY we did not purchase a bottle. I tried not to frown while eating my food which was quite less enjoyable after that interaction. Honestly the entire table felt insulted.

I totally get that we have our days, and maybe it was a long day and hectic and whatnot. What I couldn't let go was a lack of apology/recognition/awareness for us waiting a long time, and then rather rudely insinuating that I was asking for too much when I asked for a more EQUITABLE POUR. And yes I'm calling him out by name here because his attitude is what ruined a once loved Domaine Carneros for me. I've gone to 20+ wineries in napa and sonoma and when the staff aren't kind or hospitable it really stands out...

Our visit to Domaine Carneros was marred by a series of disappointments that culminated in our decision to leave before beginning our tasting. The treatment we received upon arrival, coupled with a noticeable lack of warmth or genuine interest from the staff, set a tone of disenchantment that persisted throughout our brief stay. A reservation made by a friend without a local 707 area code seemed to earmark us for a less-than-ideal experience, contrasting sharply with the renowned hospitality and engagement celebrated across other Napa Valley wineries.

Seated fifteen minutes late in a neglected back room, we felt immediately like mere numbers rather than guests. This depersonalized treatment starkly contrasts with the rich, welcoming experiences that define the essence of Napa Valley's wine community. The service, particularly from an individual whose name begins with 'A', was especially disheartening. It became evident that our attire had led to snap judgments about our knowledge and spending capacity, affecting the level of service and respect afforded to us.

Moreover, the approach to wine presentation, notably a flight of sparkling wines left to lose their sparkle, highlighted a prioritization of turnover over the art of wine appreciation and education. Such carelessness in presentation and overall dismissive demeanor from the staff are indicative of a misplaced focus, one that undermines the celebratory culture of wine that Napa Valley prides itself on.

As we left the establishment, I expressed to 'A' that their demeanor and lack of personability were key reasons for our departure—an impromptu feedback I now think should have been reserved for this review. However, it felt important that 'A' understood how their attitude significantly detracted from our experience. Hospitality, especially in a region as devoted to exemplary guest experiences as Napa Valley, requires a level of pride, warmth, and engagement that was sorely lacking.

To 'A', and indeed the management of Domaine Carneros, consider this feedback not as a mere critique but as a call to reflect on the values that should define every interaction within the hospitality industry. I take great pride in my work and expect the same from those representing the heart of Napa Valley's wine country. To future visitors of Napa, I encourage exploring the myriad of wineries that embody the true spirit of hospitality and passion for wine, qualities that were unfortunately absent during our visit to...

Had an absolutely amazing food/wine tasting with Cory this evening!

We booked the wine and food pairing a couple weeks ago and arrived this afternoon to enjoy it. The food pairing was Southeast Asia, and it was to die for. We were greeted by our food/wine guide Cory, who guided us through each wine and food pairing. This tasting was more of a tell you about the wines, and then leave you alone while you explore, type of tasting and it was exactly what my wife and I wanted. And when I say leave you alone, I don’t mean ignore and neglect you. No, Cory was attentive, welcoming, knowledgeable, and the perfect amount of involved in our tasting. He checked on us often, enthusiastically answered our questions and engaged with us the perfect amount. After our tasting he poured us an additional sample of a wine not offered on the tasting, and opened up a room not normally involved in our tasting for us to see their production floor and bottling area. It was a great treat to round out an amazing dinner. Here are a few more details:

The wines were amazing. Owned by Taittinger, one can only expect great things. We only sampled their sparkling wines this trip but none of them disappointed. So good. They were all also hefty pours. I would go as far as saying that these were all full glasses of wine, so we definitely got our moneys worth (see pics). We especially loved their Brut Rose and Estate Brut Cuvée and brought a bottle of each home with us.

The food pairing was amazing. We absolutely loved the flavors of Southeast Asia with each pairing. It doesn’t look like a ton of food, but as with the full wine glasses, it added up to what I would call “almost” a full meal which was absolutely perfect. The chefs outdid themselves.

The grounds are stunning, absolutely beautiful chateau and gardens. The views of the southern valley and vines were amazing from every possible seating area. This may be a new favorite place for us.

Cory was awesome. I’m sure they have many great servers and guides here but he was perfect for us. His attentiveness and engagement was perfect. Knew when to approach and give info, and knew when to give us space to enjoy our date night.

Overall, could not have had a better first experience at Domaine Carneros. Can’t wait to recommend it to our friends and family and to anyone looking on google/yelp/etc. Thanks Cory and Domaine Carneros for a...