Megan
Reston, Virginia
I'm visiting Napa soon with 3 other adults. We're going for the food and wine but don't know where to go for either, aside from the Thomas Keller spots. I'd appreciate any recommendations for your favorite restaurants or wineries to visit. Thanks!
Oxbow Public Market
Nosh the local institution of Gott's Roadside
Chill at the hippest spot in the wine country: Scribe Winery
Feel like a movie star at Ram's Gate Winery
Stroll the best downtown in wine country in Healdsburg
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Napa is the smallest county in California. North of the town of Napa the two main roads through the wineries are Highway 29 and the Silverado trail. Silverado Trail is on the east side of Napa valley, it is a beautiful old road with views across the vineyards. Highway 29 can get very crowded. I recommend you travel north on Silverado and south on 29.
Several roads cross the two north/south routes, such as the Yountville crossing, the Oakville crossing and a few more.
There 400+ wineries. I enjoy Clos Pegase Winery, Beringer Vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate, Rutherford (California), Andretti Winery and Mumm Napa.
In addition to wine tasting, you can enjoy a mud bath, massage or other spa treatment in Calistoga. Dr. Wilkinson's has been in business for decades and is an authentic spa experience. If you visit the spa you can also access their thermal pool for the entire day.
Napa is known for food and wine so most places serve high quality meals. Mustards Grill has been successful for decades. Bouchon in Yountville has amazing bread. There is a Dean & DeLuca in Oakville.
Auberge Du Soleil is a beautiful hotel off Silverado Trail with a view restaurant and sculpture gardens. Bardessono in Yountville is also a 5 star property with tranquil bar and restaurant. Thursday is "dog day" when pets are allowed.
A hot air balloon ride over the valley is a fantastic addition to the trip. The balloons go up every sunrise, weather permitting.
I am sure you will enjoy exploring this beautiful area.
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Hello Megan! We enjoy a variety of places in Napa. Off the top of my head, Caymus Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, Alpha Omega Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, Mumm Napa, Joseph Phelps Vineyards. I'm sure Jacey can add a few! For food outside of Thomas Keller, I would say, Gott's Roadside, Oakville Grocerym Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ, multiple places inside Oxbow Public Market. Oh, and one of our favorite "boutique" wineries is Crocker & Starr Wines. I hope Joseph Phelps is done with their renovations. Even if they are not, they are one of my favorites. Fantastic Cabs and Bordeaux blends like Insignia. They also own vineyards in Sonoma and make really good Pinot and Chardonnay that you can taste at the Napa sight. And we really enjoy their staff. Francois in particular.
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There are so many favorites, I will try to keep this brief!
Caspar Estate Views, views, views. HDV Wines for the wine, the private experience and the great history of how they came to be.
Boon Fly Cafe I didn't expect to like this place but ended up loving it, casual but yummy.
Redd and finally 'the girl & the fig"
Oh yes, I also liked SIGH. Champagne & Sparkling because it was a cute spot, low key and I was craving champagne by the end of our trip!
Cheers Megan!
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I love Preston Family Vineyards - they have an awesome property, great wines, and amazing cheese/bread/olives/fruit. Spending a Sunday in the garden for a picnic is idyllic!
Artesa Vineyards & Winery , and CADE Winery. Food - Bottega, and Press Restaurant
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check out Silverado Vineyards for some beautiful views (and pretty good California wine!)
Megan
Krista
Ronelle
Valerie
Diana
