Gotcha on the smaller places. Are you more interested in the wine(and purchasing) or more the process and touring the vineyard?
Without a doubt the French Laundry is worth the premium. Many celebrity chefs have rated this among the very best restaurant experiences in the world. Now that El Bulli in Spain has closed, FL could be back on top once again.
I'll try and come up with a few places that might peak your interest.
