With my wonderful job, I travel to Napa at least once a year, and this week I am heading out for my 2nd time of the year. I frequently get asked what wineries to visit, restaurants, where to stay, etc. Here some secrets I also tell friends and family to make your stay more enjoyable than it will already be.
First off, when booking your flight, look into flying in and out of Sacramento, it's roughly the same amount of time in the car as if you flew to San Fran, and less of the hassle, traffic, and cost. I also recommend Oakland as a backup choice. But, if you're going to spend an extra day in San Francisco, then by all means.
Second up, where to stay? I highly recommend the town of Yountville. Every February I stay in a B&B called Petit Logis. It's directly behind Bouchon's Bakery, which is amazing! Not to mention the countless 5 Star restaurants all within walking distance. And lets be honest, you are going there to enjoy the wine, so it's best to walk (or stumble) home than to get in the car and drive. If you can't find a good deal, or you have more in your party than a 4-some, then I recommend staying at one of the many great hotels in Napa. If you do stay in Napa, please plan to have a driver in the day if at all possible.
On to the wineries... Highway 29 is the main road that all of the visitors travel along as many of your big and memorable wineries are along it. Such as Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Rubicon, Merryvale, Trinchero, etc. I recommend visiting Bonded Winery #9. Make sure you try Ghost Block Caberent Sauvignon while you are there. You can also taste Switzer Family Vineyards (yes, this is Coach Barry Switzer's wine). Salvestrin is a great family owned winery in St. Helena, that is also worth the stop. When I am traveling there, I like to take the Silverado trail, it runs perpinduclar to hwy 29, but there is less traffic and you can come across many other amazing wineries.
Napa is just like any city, it has its appellations (sub-cities) that bring out different characteristics to the wines. Being from Tulsa, I describe this as Napa is Tulsa, then you have Jenks, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Owasso, Sand Springs, etc. Those are our appellations. You might find yourself enjoying several wineries in the same area, that's a clue to find out what appellation you are in, and then you will know you enjoy that style. For instance, aside from the Mountain fruit, along the Valley floor, I love wines from the Oakville appellation. To me, they produce some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon's you can find.
Back to visiting wineries. Below is a small list of some of my favorite wineries to visit. I have not seen them all in the least bit, so I am definitely leaving some out. Also, make sure you make reservations to visit these. Some allow walk-ins, but many require an appointment. When visiting Napa, or anywhere for that matter, you must visit a sparkling house. Mumm Napa and Schramsberg are the 2 I have visited. These are incredible. I know that Schramsberg books up 3 months in advance because everyone enjoys getting to travel through the caves. Next up, along the Silverado trail, visit Silverado winery. Some of you might notice this winery/building is somewhat familiar. The owners are Ron and Diane Disney Miller. That's right, Diane is the elder daughter of Walt Disney. Not to mention the views from the winery are breathtaking and the wine is fabulous. Traveling down the road, I love stopping at Pine Ridge. The roses alone before you go into the winery are enough, but the wine is incredible! Make sure to try the port they only sell at the winery.
A little further down the road in St. Helena, is a small family owned ranch called Titus. You are not visiting this place to see some amazing winery, these guys are true farmers and put all of their love and money into the grapes. You will see why after you taste them. The Zin and Merlot are some of my favorites.
Next up, if you decide to make your way up either of the mountains, make sure you are not a car sick kinda person. Going up Mt. Veeder, I like to go by Hess Collection. Donald Hess is a collector of rare and interesting art. He has a complete museum that changes frequently of the collection and is exquisite to see.
Spring Mountain is another great mountain to travel up. Some of the my favorite wineries along this mountain include Pride Winery, which covers both Napa and Sonoma. (You can actually stand on both at the same time); Barnett Vineyards, Fisher Vineyards, and Fantesca (one of Heidi Barrett's projects).
Lastly, lets talk about food! Stop by early in the trip to Dean and Deluca. Pick up some cheese, meats, and a baguette. These are very useful to keep in your hotel refrigerator. TRUST ME. You are more than likely going to buy several bottles of wine at the wineries, so you will want some food on hand when you decide to have a picnic.
If you travel when it's a bit cooler outside, you must go to Bistro Jeanty to have a bowl of their tomato soup. If you enjoy oysters, I highly recommend stopping by Bouchon's for some oysters and Schramsberg. Bouchon's also makes the best moscow mule. (google it). Bouchon's has a restaurant for lunch and dinner, and then the bakery for breakfast, which is amazing. The line is typically down the street and worth every minute. However, across the street from Bouchon's bakery is a trolley car that serves the best French Press coffee. That too is worth the 4 minute wait.
This past February I had the pleasure of eating at Morimoto in Napa. He is one of the Iron Chef's and is occasionally at the restaurant. Do not skip the toro tartare, this was by far amazing and the presentation is incredible. Also, the ishi yaki buri bop (you will remember it when you see it on the menu) was the best thing EVER. My boss and I were fighting over this dish.
For lunch or just a casual dining experience, it's a must to go to Taylor's Refresher (or now called Gott's) for hamburgers and french fries. I also loved the pizza at Tre Vigne, which is where Michael Chiarello was chef at before he opened his own place, Bottega.
Obviously I can go on and on about traveling to Napa, so hopefully for those of you lucky enough to go. Make sure to do it right and see and do everything you want to. You only live once, make sure to make it memorable. I know I try :)
