Napa and Sonoma are premier destinations for California lifestyle lovers, attracting men in polo shirts and loafers as well as women in straw hats and long floral dresses. There is a lot to discover in this region and people keep coming back to find the perfect vineyard, but also simply to have a drink in the middle of the vineyards and palm trees.
Eat
– The Charter Oak. Nestled Saint Helena, this is the rustic version of The Restaurant at Meadowood (a renowned three-Michelin star restaurant). Beautiful pieces of meat and fish cooked over wood fire, produce sourced locally and even from their own farm, reflecting a generous and simple vision of what Napa can be.
– Addendum. Buckets of fried chicken and other variations of Southern cuisine, but reimagined by Thomas Keller, one of America’s most famous chefs. This spot is perfect for lunch, with large picnic tables that make you feel like you’ve been invited to the coolest barbecue on the West Coast.
– Ad hoc. Right next to Addendum, a family-style take on Thomas Keller’s kitchen. Excellent produce in a simple and heartwarming environnement.
– Scribe Winery. Probably the most Instagrammable vineyard: a beautiful white hacienda surrounded by vineyards, palm trees and vegetable gardens. Here, natural-style wine tasting comes hand in hand with a light menu of local and seasonal ingredients.
– Valley. A charming patio and an excellent list of natural wines. The menu reflects a strong Californian spirit, full of flavors and creativity.
– Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar. An ice cream parlor in Healdsburg, creamy as it should be and with contemporary flavors: matcha, black sesame, cardamom…
Drink
– Coturri Winery. At the helm of the last natural vineyard in Napa, Tony Coturri welcomes guests in his cellar, among the middle of wine boxes and his adorable dogs. His Zinfandels are fresh, very different from what one can find elsewhere in the region. A beautiful moment of authenticity.
– Matthiasson Winery. One of the most influential wineries in the new California scene, with balanced wines, respectful of the vines and their environment. They are affordable for those overly attached to the Napa label, and hit the nail on the head for European wine lovers.
– Turnbull. Wineries are plentiful in Napa and it can be difficult to choose, this one is a very nice introduction. It is a family-run vineyard, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon but also Merlot and Petit Verdot. What makes all the difference is this beautiful garden and the fantastic staff who take care of the vines right through to bottling and sale.
– Ashes & Diamonds. This winegrower brings us back to the early days of Napa, with accents of color and mid-century furnishings. The staff is young and trendy, and the wines are less opulent and more balanced than from neighboring winegrowers, perhaps because of Steve Matthiasson’s legacy.
– Tank Winery. They source their grapes all over California to make bottles with evocative names: The Revolution will Not be Televised for a blend made from Pinot Noir or Thundercloud for a fantastic one made from Syrah and Viognier in the style of a Côtes-du-Rhône.
– Lola. A stone’s throw from Tank in Calistoga, this is a charming little house with a garden that makes everyone feel at home. Simple and well-made wines, without all the flashy side of Napa.
– Auberge du Soleil. One of the most beautiful sights in the area: you can sit on the huge terrace sipping a cocktail or a glass of rosé and admire the vineyards that stretch out as far as the eyes can see.
Do
– Robert Mondavi’s estate. From guided tours to tastings, one can learn about the history of the region, understand how wines are made and get lost in the impressive cellar of this mythical (yet sometimes controversial) vineyard.
– Hess Collection. An estate that makes organic wine, but which is especially interesting for its contemporary art gallery spanning several floors.
– Kortum Trail. A short hike along the Pacific Ocean, perfect at the start or end of the day.
– Oxbow Public Market. The indoor market in Downtown Napa, with stands of specialized products and food options.
– CIA at Copia (Culinary Institute of America). One of the best cooking schools in the country, where it is possible to sign up for classes in their professional kitchens.
– Silverado Trail. A scenic route for a bike ride, or car ride, in the middle of the vineyards.
– Armstrong Redwood State Reserve. A redwood forest for a breath of fresh air and to take a break from the vines.
This review was written by In The Loup contributor Sylvia Rabemanantsoa.