April 15, 2015
Napa Valley Tips + Recommendations Welcome!
(Photo via William Hill Estates)
Hi Friends! I am heading to San Francisco and Napa Valley for a much-needed vacay soon. I am SO ready for some sun and a change of scenery. Do you have any tips for places I must see in Napa? I would love to hear any and all suggestions. I love wine, riding bikes, and anything to do with being outdoors and enjoying good food. I’ll be sure to report back after our trip. Thanks in advance!
(image via Swanson Vineyards)
Obviously this 24-hour itinerary from Alexis Swanson looks amazing. If it was created for Ina I’m sure that means I’d like it too!
Kelsey: Make sure to stop for a meal at the Culinary Institute of America
+1 for a stop at the CIA. The bakery cafe is a bit cheaper than the restaurant, but just as gourmet. They always have a fresh, seasonal menu.
Restaurants: Goose and Gander, Farmstead in Saint Helena. Both are amazing.
Wine:
– Grgich Cellars: best reds you have ever tasted. Mike Grgich was the winemaker who made the chardonnay that put Napa on the map in the eyes of the wine world at the 1976 Paris tasting (also featured in Bottle Shock).
– Chandon: pretty busy, but they have a sparkling red that is unlike anything I have tried anywhere else.
– Robello Winery in Sonoma: the tasting room is in a barn, but the varietals were more rare and delicious. My favorites were the Tempranillo and the late harvest Sauvignon Blanc.
Bakery: Model Bakery in Saint Helena: BEST. ENGLISH MUFFINS. EVER.Seriously worth a stop. SO soft and fluffy.
Spa: if you want a truly indulgent experience, stop in for a treatment at Solage Calistoga. They have pools fed by hot springs, plus the on-site restaurant has a Michelin star.
I sound like a tour guide or a travel agent. Napa is one of my favorite places.
THanks SO much for this. I am loving all these recommendations!! Having this list is a great way to plan!
We will be in Napa tomorrow, on the 17th – will you be there?
Make sure to eat lunch or dinner at the Rutherford Grill! So so so good. I grew up in Napa!
HI Megan,
Awesome! We just saw that yesterday and plan to try it! How amazing to grow up here!