A Taste of Napa Valley
Since the shop’s inception, now 14 years ago, I imagined that it was more a center for conversation about wine than simply a place to buy it, and I appreciate all of you indulging me in my musings about wine, food, and the people I have met along the way in this crazy and fun business. To keep the conversation interesting for you and me, I have taken time to travel to a wide variety of wine regions to learn and seek inspiration. As I sit on the plane now on my return flight from SFO, I am finally jotting down some suggestions for your next journey to Napa Valley. I apologize for it taking me this long!
The following is not meant to be a complete list of must do, sip, and taste when in Napa; rather it is only meant as some suggestions to get you started and not in any particular order. If anything, I hope that it just encourages you to explore and find your own favorites. Thankfully, there is much more to see and do, but I am often asked for suggestions, so here they are. I have included websites, when I was able and suggest making reservations well in advance.
When in Napa:
As a lover of fine foods and the aesthetics of beautiful culinary accoutrements, I stop at OXBOW Market every time I am in the area. Start with some oysters at Hog Island. They have a great wines by the glass list! Then walk around get provisions for the trip or to take home. The list of options seems endless from interesting pantry items to sweet delights, fresh produces to linens and great market bags. I suggest a a coffee from Ritual—intense and delicious!
Take a sip at OUTLAND Wines Tasting Room. This is a collaborative project of three rockstar wine makers in California: Sam Sheehan of Poe Wines, Matthew Rorick of Forlorn Hope, and Tom Farella of Farella Wines. The design is great; it is a sun filled, modern space with so many great wines to taste that you may go back for a second flight! I suggest reserving in advance.
TORC is worth seeking out for dinner. If you are looking for a serious dining experience, I suggest that you check it out. Farm to Table food and wine that is simply delicious and satisfying. A bit spendier, but certainly worth it. Hands down the best meal I have had in Napa.
A little further North:
If taco truck is up your ally, then make it to the northern end of Yountville for @tacosgarcia.official. The green chili is fantastic. I am not exactly sure the hours, but you will find them in the Panchos parking lot.
BOTTEGA for pasta is always on my list. Beautiful space, great food and wonderful wine list.
BOUCHON BAKERY—just trust me, don’t skip this one. It is not exactly a suggestion. It is mandatory for your spiritual well being. The pastries are worth every calorie and the line. It is next door to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro, which is also wonderful, but everyone already knows that! And, no, I have never eaten at The French Laundry. I am sure it is worth it, but I have to sell a lot more wine before I can do that!!
The Oakville Market is a great place to stop before making a turn on the Oakville Grade and heading up to taste wine at Mayacamas or Hendry. The market was sold a number of years ago, and they expanded under new management. The food selections are vast with great quality “grab and go.” It can get busy, no doubt, but it is filled with savory and sweet treats, wines, coffee, and artisan crafts for your table. It is always a stop for my “R&D” work;)
Need some coffee yet? I suggest that you try Station in St Helena, Joel Gott’s new café. The coffee is the best I had on this past trip. I love Ritual, but is very robust and sometimes I want a more mild cup, and Station delivers. Also, their pastries are divine and the design is beautiful.
For a quick snack in St Helena, you have two extremes with Gott’s is always reliable for burger and fries and, of course, a good glass of wine. For those who seek a plant based option that is compelling and tasty, try Crisp. They have delicious GF pastries and bread, fresh salads and sandwiches, and a yummy can of wine, too!
Other Tasting Suggestions
On The Trail! Hands Down the Best Tasting Room Experience that I have had is at Robert Sinskey Vineyards. The winery is stunning, the wines are even better, and the staff will make you feel comfortable and welcome. They aim to teach you a little about wine, but without pretense. Keeping it simple is their style. There are several tasting options, but they all involve food, as is their philosophy that wine and food are meant to be enjoyed together. Plan to spend a little time here, it is a peaceful respite and the wine and food are exceptional. They are known for their reds, and I love them, but don’t skip the whites. Jeff makes aromatic whites that are remarkable.
Spring Mountain—Keenan, Pride, Paloma, Smith Madrone
Valley Floor—Corison & Spottswoode
A great place to eat a yummy lunch and have a splash is at Cliff Family Tasting Room &
Howell Mountain—Dunn, just go if they have time to see you, it is Napa Cab at its very best.
Who’s Still Thirsty?
You are undoubtably out there to drink wine, but tasting rooms can sometimes be a bit of a commitment, (and once in a while you might just want some European wine), so I have a handful of places that I just love for eating and enjoying the work of some really talented wine professionals. (I like St Helena for a base camp, so many of these places are admittedly close by.)
The Charter Oak is exceptional. The food is made simply with farm fresh ingredients, much of which they grow themselves. Their wine list is a thoughtfully curated one, the cocktails are made with fresh juices and house made bitters, and the setting is beautiful. Did I mention the hand cut fries?
I rarely go to Napa and not eat a burger at Farmstead, Long Meadow Ranch’s restaurant. It is a sustainable project that sources nearly all (if not all) their ingredients from their own organic farm and ranch. the food is fun, hearty, and satisfying. I would call it comforting even, though I don’t mean to suggest a down grade the quality. They feature their own wines by the glass, which are solid, but I generally go to the bottle list here, as it is a good one with a wide variety of options.
Brasswood, Brix, Don Giovanni, Sam’s Social Club, and Cook all make the short list because of the ambience, quality of food and service.
If a cocktail is more your cup of tea? Solage is a special, fancy, and kind of dreamy. It is where the elite meet to eat & grab a cocktail! That said, Anna’s Cantina in St Helena has a nice list of Tequila and a decent pool table; it is a funky and friendly dive bar. It depends on my mood, not going to lie, I like them both with equal vigor.
I am sure to add to this, so reread it. And, please share your experiences, too!
Cheers, Maria
morning coffee on Spring Mountain
Not a bad view, and the fresh figs make me swoon, but still I ❤️ NY! This East Coast Girl loves being out in Napa, but my heart is in the east;)
A couple of Resources…
For reliable restaurant reviews, follow @christin-julian on Twitter.
If you need a ride while tasting, call Catalina at 707.696.6395, she is reliable, reasonable and nice to chat with!