‘Gaux-To Napa Valley: Our Guide To Napa Wine Country

‘Gaux-To Napa Valley: Our Guide To Napa Wine Country

For wine lovers looking for a domestic, vino-soaked getaway, Napa is simply a no brainer. Home to some of the country’s most talented producers (and iconic bottles of wine), this little gem appellation of northern California is synonymous with world-class wineries, stunning weather, and countless luxurious accommodations.

Although planning a trip to Napa can be slightly pricey, the region always offers an unforgettable experience. With numerous tasting rooms, spas, and outdoor activities beyond wine tasting, this stunningly beautiful area promises the trip of a lifetime – especially for those looking to do so in a lavish fashion (though casual travelers, worry not – there are plenty of low-key places to indulge your wine craving).

If planning a trip to Napa is on your to-do list, today’s your lucky day. Our California-based gals regularly hit the region to taste, dine, and take in a good dose of R&R. We’re sharing our insider list of top places to go for an indelible trip to California wine ccountry, here.

The Bigger Picture:

For many wine lovers—novices, daily consumers, and long-standing collectors alike—Napa is considered the cream of the crop in the realm of domestic wine. Located north of San Francisco and due east of Sonoma, this world-renowned wine region is home to a small-yet-fierce production of iconic wines, the best known of which are crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. The region’s volcanic soils and ideal location near the Pacific Ocean and Mayacamas / Vaca Mountain ranges create pristine conditions for cultivating grapes; it’s no surprise that some of the wine world’s best producers have chosen to call this region their home.

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day

Beginning the day with coffee and a bite to eat is simply non-negotiable when traveling. Whether looking for a sit-down meal or quick pastries to go, here are a few of our favorite spots to start the day in Napa:

• Napa General Store
• Jax White Mule Diner
• Sweetie Pies Bakery
• Boon Fly Café

A Solid Lunch Foundation:

To ensure that you’re prepared for a long day of tasting ahead, savoring a solid lunch is key. Here are our favorite places to get satiated prior to a wine-soaked day ahead:

• **Oxbow Public Market: Co-op of several different vendors. Fun & casual for lunch.
• **Oakville Grocery: Grab & go for lunch. Great sandwiches to pick up for winery tour or sit on their patio between tastings
• ZuZu – Tapas, small Spanish-style plates, very authentic
• Tarla – Mediterranean food
• Eikos – Excellent sushi, fun environment
• Bounty Hunter – Solid BBQ
• Olive & Hay – South Napa, a little off the beaten path, but located in the Meritage hotel. CA flair. Everything is a hit.

*** Pro tip: Eat where you’re staying! So many resorts have incredible restaurants located right on their properties.

Wine Tastings Galore:

No visit to Napa is complete without a tasting (or few) at one of the area’s many incredible wineries. We recommend steering clear of the bigger names and looking to smaller, more artisanal-focused wineries for an authentically good time. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Ashes & Diamonds – Insanely cool property. Mid-century modern architecture. Will want to sit and stay for a while.
  Wine is very high quality. Made by Napa legend Steve Matthiasson.Tastings start at $45.
• Hendry – The Hendry family has been farming the same vineyard in Napa since 1939. They are known for their old-school Napa Zinfandels but their Cab and red blend are killer too! $50-$75 tasting fee. Waived with a purchase.
• BCellars – Beautiful property… 5 star wine & food tasting experience. Chef and open kitchen in the tasting experience in their tasting room. Each wine comes with small bites to pair. $95 tasting fee.
• Anomaly – Very small production, cult Napa Cab producer. Not open to the public. If you want to taste here let Team Argaux know, tastings can be set up by private appt for you with their manager. No tasting fee – with the expectation of making a purchase.
• Matthiasson – Small producer, sustainable agriculture. IN-PERSON TASTING FEE: $65
• Also: Frog’s Leap, Littorai, Corrturi, and Opus One

Pre-Dinner Drinks / Nightcap Spots for Cocktails

Starting (or ending) the night with something a bit stronger is always a good idea. Here are four of our favorite cocktail bars to kick off (or finish) your evening with a bang:

• Mercantile at Andaz Napa
• The Mule Bar
• The Arboretum
• Whiskey Bar at Sky & Vine

Dining In Napa :

While Napa is certainly more known for wine than food, its outstanding culinary scene is not to be missed. Check out our unmissable spots for top-notch dining in the region here:

• **Press – Iconic! Simply unmissable
• **Oenotri – Great Italian for dinner
• Torc – More on the elevated side – try happy hour for fun cocktails and small bites – think locally-inspired seasonal dishes. Try the short rib!
• Coles Chop House – Upscale steakhouse
• Angele – Authentic French cuisine – must order: espresso martini
• Don Giovanni – Staple local joint for Italian food
• Ristorante Allegria – A crowd pleaser – great at taking walk-ins if you forgot to make a resy
• FARM at Carneros – New American. Breezy, stylish eatery serving farm-to-fork New American fare paired with a broad wine list.

*** Reminder, eat where you’re staying! So many resorts have incredible restaurants located right on their properties.

Additional Things to Do (beyond eating and drinking):

• Hop a bike tour
• Visit an exhibition or a museum – Napa Valley is home to a ton of art, film, music and architecture!
• Enjoy some downtime while golfing
• Take a hike (literally)
• Experience a view from above via a hot air balloon ride
• Shop the local boutiques in downtown Napa
• Relax with a massage or facial at one of the area’s many spas
• Take a culinary class
• Beer lovers – indulge in a multitude of craft breweries (Napa Valley Distillery & The Hollywood Room, Napa Valley Brewing Company at the Calistoga Inn, St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery, and Trade Brewing are just a few of our favorites!)

Our Favorite Hotels:

While a good amount of wineries offer on-site accommodations, we recommend staying at a spa or resort to rest, relax, and prepare to retox. Here are some of our favorite places to chill out and reset:

• Auberge du Soleil – Sophistication of the South of France, superb wine list, michelin-starred restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menus.
• Hotel Bardessono – Yountville, One of only 28 LEED Platinum–certified resorts in California. Ethos that combines luxury living with eco-minded design and art. Lucy Restaurant & Bar, which uses produce from an on-site organic garden.
• The Meritage Resort & Spa – The place that you never need to leave.
• Carneros Resort and Spa – private retreat that delivers a relaxed and luxurious quintessential Napa experience.
• Meadowood Napa Valley – village-like Relais & Chateaux property and private country club set over 250 acres and featuring luxury lodging, golf, tennis, croquet, and a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
• Solage, Auberge Collection – Detox, retox and repeat.
• White House Napa Valley Inn – Charming, traditional meets modern, nearby Napa River
• Stanly Ranch – Auberge, new generation Napa resort driven by active and bold experiences on a historic working ranch.
• Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa – Cool, cute, affordable. Channels a classic mid century motor lodge
• River Terrace Inn – 4-star in Napa proper!

No matter where you end up visiting, Napa Valley always promises a good time. Cheers!