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Growing up in Northern California, I have been visiting Napa since I was a young girl. However, since I turned 21 a couple of years ago, I've been able to experience the beauty and wine culture of Napa in a whole new way— both with family and friends. For today's post, I've put together a guide of California's most beautiful Wine Country establishments for eating, drinking and lodging. Cheers!
Napa Basics
There are seventeen distinct appellations (wine growing regions) in the Napa Valley. However, I see the valley as more of two distinct sections that diverge at the city of Napa itself. Heading up the Saint Helena Highway through Downtown Napa, you will find most of the commercial and some boutique wineries (my favorite area) in the cities of Yountville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Calistoga. If you want something more off the beaten path, head toward Sonoma Country (home of the legendary Fremont Diner) for smaller scale wine production and lots of charm.
Wineries
Always call before you visit and make reservations. Even if you're headed in during the middle of the week, tasting rooms are small and often have limited hours.
1. Frog's Leap (Rutherford)
2. Jessup Cellars (Yountville)- tasting room located on quaint Washington Street near many delicious restaurants!
3. Cakebread Cellars (Rutherford)
5. Nickel and Nickel (Oakville)- single vineyard wines
6. Domaine Carneros (Sonoma)
Restaurants
1. The French Laundry (Yountville)- Classic Thomas Keller restaurant. You'll need reservations months in advance.
2. Addendum (Yountville)- Thomas Keller's more affordable fried-chicken and sides take out lunch stand.
3. Archetype (St. Helena)
4. Mustard's Grill (Napa)- my family's favorite!
5. The Fremont Diner (Sonoma)
Lodging
3. Bardessono (Yountville)
Activities
1. Stop by Dean & Deluca or Oakville Grocers for picnic supplies.
2. Explore downtown St. Helena or Washington Street in Yountville.
3. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
4. Visit the petrified forest in Calistoga.
5. Head to the spa at Auberge du Soleil!
What are your favorite places in wine country?
xoxo,
Ashley
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