Wine(ding) Down in Napa

As a self-proclaimed wino and viticulture nerd, a visit to Napa Valley has been on my bucket list for quite some time. As a leader in New World wine-making and forward-thinking cuisine, Napa has everything you could possibly want for a vacation filled with food and drinks. And let’s not forget the beautiful weather, sunshine and rolling hills. I quite literally had to pinch myself once or twice as I sat outside sipping my Cabernet overlooking acres of vines and bright yellow mustard fields. Visiting Napa in the off-season meant enjoying a quiet, serene paradise with intimate tastings in some of the country’s best wine houses.

The Wineries

Deciding which wineries to visit was the hardest part of the entire trip. There are hundreds to choose from and each offers something unique, whether it’s a special blend or a beautiful view from the tasting room. I suggest mapping your route each day, and planning strategically to allow for ample time at each vineyard.

Now, my strategy involved limiting myself to a small handful of wineries, with the goal of taking in each location at a leisurely pace. The first stop of the trip with an art-deco tasting room with a sleek take on both the wine and the label’s branding. Ashes and Diamonds vineyard is located just outside downtown Napa, and we were lucky enough to catch a breath-taking sunset over the mountains at dusk. While it was certainly one of the more expensive tasting experiences, it was also one of the most enjoyable. Our lovely host gave us more than our expected share of tastings, including two styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, a Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend and a delightfully light and crisp Rosé. And the cherry on top? Two thick slices of freshly-baked foccacia with hand-churned butter. It was the perfect start to three days in the valley.

Next up was a very special stop, Domaine Carneros, a vineyard owned by the legendary Tattinger Champagne house, which I happened to visit during my visit to France’s Reims and Epernay. Perched on top of a hill, this opulent winery is all about luxury, with tastings held in a beautiful solarium. The Sparkling Wine Tasting consisted on four styles: an Ultra Brut, Brut Cuvée, Brut Rosé and Verméil Demi-Sec, all in order from driest to sweetest. Just as I would expect from Tattinger, they were each delicate, refined and so delicious.

The following day included an adventure up north, and an aerial tram ride up a mountain, to Sterling Vineyards, a lovely winery modeled after the architecture of Mykonos. Here we tasted five classic Napa wines, a sparkling Rosé, Chardonnay, Viogner, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each was delightfully smooth and fresh, but the highlights for me were absolutely the Rosé and Viogner.

The last stop of the trip was V. Sattui Winery, which may have been my favorite venue in terms of setting. The tasting room is in the middle of a beautiful gourmet market where you are encouraged to buy some artisan cheese or snacks and sit outside with your favorite bottle of wine. It’s a quintessential Napa experience not to be missed. I also enjoyed the ability to choose my wine tastings here, which included a Sauvignon Blanc, a sweet Sangiovese Rosé, a Bordeaux-Blend and a beautiful Port.

The Food

The restaurants in Napa Valley are almost as plentiful as the wineries, and needless to say, you will not go without a great meal at any point in the day. As you might expect, many of the area’s restaurants are as posh and pricey as the surrounding vineyards, so plan your meals accordingly and do your research!

For a casual breakfast I recommend Buttercream Diner in Napa or Bouchon Bakery in nearby Yountville. Both quite different, yet both will satisfy your need for morning carbs. Oh, and if you need a mid-day pick-me-up, go to Bouchon for a coffee and Beef Bourguignon-stuffed bun. Yes, you read that right, it’s a soft pillowy roll filled with delicious beef stew. But if you’re more of the brunching type, Boon Fly Cafe at the Carneros Resort is the perfect spot for a leisurely meal and morning mimosa. Because vacation in Napa means wine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

When you’re ready to hit the town at night, head back to Yountville for gourmet pizza and pasta at Redd Wood, or enjoy a luxurious meal underneath chandelier-lined trees at RH Restaurant, a hip dining experience from Restoration Hardware. You can also enjoy a wine tasting and cheese board in RH’s quaint tasting room located next door. It’s probably the most romantic spot in town!

When you’re ready for a new flavor profile, you must try Miminashi in downtown Napa. Japanese izakaya at its finest, Miminashi offers bold flavors and perfectly grilled meat. You’ll also find classic like potstickers and rich, pork-filled ramen. You can also wander through town after for an ice cream or drink at the Oxbow Public Market, a lovely indoor foodie wonderland where you can dine or grocery shop, whatever your fancy.

What Else is There?

I’m going to be honest, there’s not a whole lot else to do in Napa besides eat and drink, which is what I prefer, but may be a bit monotonous for others. Take some time to wander through the quaint towns of Napa and Sonoma, just 30 minutes away, and enjoy the local shops and art galleries. I also suggest a visit to the Culinary Institute of America, which hosts revolving art exhibits and classes.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, strap on your sneakers and go for a hike or book a vineyard trail ride with one of the many stables in town. There’s a lot of land in Napa, and walking is the best way to see it all. But when you’re ready to rest your weary feet, I highly encourage a movie at one of the old-time theaters in Napa or Sonoma. A vacation in Napa means slowing down and enjoying life, so kick back and relax!