Napa is one of my favorite places to travel to in the US. It's easy to unwind, unplug and indulge on great food and wine.
Napa Valley is known as the AVA (American Viticultural Area) that put American wine on the map in 1976, during the famous blind tasting where American wines defeated old world French wines (check out the movie "Bottle Shock").
Drive down Highway 29 in Napa Valley and you'll see tall trees, mountains, and vineyards of chardonnay and cabernet grapes as far as you can see. The air is fresh and the climate is perfect for making some of the best wine in the world. It's one of the best places to relax, dine, drink and bask in all of U.S. grape glory. I've had the privilege to explore this area over several trips, and I attended Bottle Rock Music festival in 2023. This article is to let you know some of my favorites in the area and let you confidently plan your own journey in #Napa.
Where I stayed: Senza Hotel
Located on the north side of the city of Napa, the Senza Hotel is a great place to set up shop. It is a quaint hotel built right up against vineyards, and includes a spa, outdoor pool, daily wine tastings, and FREE partnership tastings at several predominant wineries in the area (best perk - call them to set it up).
The modern rooms with spectacular views of vineyards showcase the breathtaking views of Napa. It was easy to grab an Uber/drive north to towns like Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, or go south and easily access downtown Napa.
Wineries we visited
When we venture into Napa Valley, we step into a magical realm where grapes reign supreme and wine flows like the Salmon of Capistrana.
Far Niente
This is my happy place. From the dramatic tree-lined entrance to the cool wine caves, and fantastic tradition of premier wine making, Far Niente is a magical property. It helps that I love their wine, too. They offer all different types of tastings - there isn't a bad choice. But the tasting with food and cave tour was a knockout. Give yourself some extra time so you can wander throughout the gardens or check out the exotic car collection in the barn. Did I mention female wine maker too?
Far Niente's Magic
Darioush
Imagine being swept into a Persian kingdom without having to leave Napa. Sip outstanding Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier and other blends surrounded by imported mideastern stone. Don't forget to wander around their vineyard, It's spectacular!
*Available to book through Senza Hotel for free tasting
Nickel and Nickel
The sister brand to Far Niente, Nickel and Nickel Branding Iron was the first cabernet I tasted while starting out in the restaurant business years ago in Chicago. Nickel & Nickel does single vineyard cabernet REALLY well. They have grapes growing all over the valley, which gives you an excellent opportunity to understand how different terrain can impact taste. Plus, the vintage house, new barn and flower gardens make for a charming visit.
Alpha Omega
This private winery with high end chardonnay and cabernet is located in the heart of the Valley. There is plenty of shade if it's too hot outside. I really enjoyed the views and fountain while tasting some great wine. I bought some Chardonnay and it did not last long in my fridge.
*Available to book through Senza Hotel for free tasting
Grgich Hills
Grgich Hills is run by legendary wine maker, Mike Grgich, from the famous Napa 1976 tasting competition between Napa and France. They have tons of history and plenty of great wines. It's a Napa staple and has a lovely Italian cobblestone patio for tasting. This isn't your best photo opp spot, but the wine is fantastic and you won't be disappointed with the Fume Blanc in the summer.
Chandon
If you're in the mood for bubbles, look no further. Chandon is one of the top sparkling wine producers in the US and they have lots of beautiful, shady outdoor seating available surrounded by lovely gardens. I was surprised by how high-end their wines could be.
Ashes & Diamonds
I didn't go to this mid-century modern tasting room, but it's on my list! It's located right next to the Senza hotel. This appointment-only tasting room is a part of the Darioush family.
Hall
This is a huge tasting area near downtown St. Helena. They have a large modern building with a full food menu and multiple tiers of tastings to order. I went with a Reds tasting on a really hot August day while sitting outside, and that was a mistake. It was incredibly hot out and that doesn't mix with red wine, especially a heavy one like Hall's. This tasting was booked through the Senza.
*Available to book through Senza Hotel for free tasting
Restaurants I Ate At
Boon Fly Cafe
Located at the Carneros resort property, this is one of my favorite breakfast spots EVER. I love how they elevate breakfast but keep it approachable to the point that we ended up venturing here twice on a recent trip to the Valley. Favorites were Green Eggs and Ham, Smoked Salmon Flatbread and the Corned Beef Hash. And don't skip on the Doughnuts or Coffee!
Ad Hoc + Addendum
This is Thomas Keller's upscale comfort food spot in Yountville. They change up the menu daily, but always offer their famous Fried Chicken to make for a memorable meal.
Bouchon
Thomas Keller's French bistro in downtown Yountville is a great place to dine at during your visit to Napa. I had lunch here and really enjoyed sharing Escargot, Mussels, Bread and Butter, and Salade Lyonnaise. Bonus points for visiting the Bouchon Bakery next door!
Reservations on Tock
Cole's Chop House
This is a classic Steakhouse located in downtown Napa. Tall ceilings with big booth tables make Cole's feels like "the place to be." I enjoyed their large wines by the glass list and had a great steak. They have a ton of classic steakhouse seafood as well. Don't miss out on the Oysters Rockefeller or the Shrimp Cocktail.
Bistro Don Giovanni
A quick walk down the road from the Hotel Senza whisks you away to Italy! This restaurant is really great if you want a pizza or fresh pasta made in-house in a more relaxed setting. I shared a classic Margherita Pizza and some Bolognese Pasta and really loved it. They have a huge covered patio and indoor space, too.
The Charter Oak
Located in the heart of St. Helena, the Charter Oak is a beautiful California style restaurant with a grand vibe. I loved the Caviar with Ruffles, the Grilled Avocado, Mission Figs, and Burger.
"The Restaurant" @ Auberge Du Soleil
What an amazing property. Driving up the hill you pass the luxurious guest rooms and private pool (if you're able to stay at this hotel, DO IT!). I The views from the restaurant are breathtaking. I highly recommend getting a patio table and taking in that view with some wine. I loved my experience. Fantastic sharables Included Oysters, Smoked Salmon and a Beef Tar Tar.
Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch
This restaurant/store/property is a great place to hang out for a couple of hours. In fact, with so much heat at Hall before dinner, I came here early and grabbed a bottle of white wine and drank it beneath a giant shady tree in on the property. They grow their own produce on-site, and their farm at Longmeadow Ranch provides all their meat. This farm to table restaurant serves up Southern fare in a relaxed atmosphere. Spend some extra time here exploring their vegetable and flower gardens out front. The fried chicken was by far our favorite of the night.
Other things to do
Auberge Solage Spa, Calistoga
Step into pure luxury by treating yourself to the Spa Solage at the Auberge Solage, which gets you a spa pass for the full day. I enjoyed a rain bath and gravity chair relaxation ritual, and took advantage of their outdoor geo-thermal pools with different minerals and temperatures. They also have a small in ground plunge pool that is incredibly refreshing. I spent the morning here, went to a tasting nearby, and then headed back here to soak and bask in the fun again before dinner with our day pass. I loved it here (and I'm pretty sure I saw Serena Williams here).
Via Sattui Picnic
This winery and a restaurant includes a market and huge picnic area. The deli counter packed with Italian specialties, meats and cheeses for charcuteries, and tons of wine/bubbles to enjoy outside on a picnic table with friends and family. Highlights include the fresh sliced prosciutto, garlic shrimp, pasta salad, arancini and bread from Bouchon. I come here every time I'm in Napa for lunch.
Learnings
Research the weather before your trip. Don't make assumptions. I went mid-September and it was in the 100's. Be cautious of which wineries you visit when its hot! Heavy cabs and 104 degrees do not mix.
Ask your Uber drivers for their contact information! You can arrange transportation with them, which is helpful since Ubers can be limited or a far drive away depending on where you are
Bring these with you - WineSkin to protect your wine if your flying. You're going to want to buy the wine you are trying since you cannot get a lot of the vintages or bottles at home.
Sacramento is an easy airport with less traffic than San Francisco. I noticed there is less traffic coming from the east (Sac) instead of driving through San Francisco.
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