Two Napa Valley destinations earned national recognition in Travel + Leisure’s 30th annual World’s Best Awards for 2025. The annual roundup, selected by readers, highlights the top-rated hotels, spas, cities, transportation and more around the globe. The awards reflect travelers’ favorite national and international spots and, this year, two Wine Country locations won three awards.

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collections, Calistoga

This luxury wellness retreat in Calistoga landed the No. 9 spot in the “Readers’ 15 Favorite Resorts in the Continental U.S.” category and also earned a spot in “Readers’ 100 Favorite Hotels in the World.”

The resort features 100 studio-style rooms and spacious suites with private patios, outdoor showers and sleek interiors inspired by the surrounding landscape. Guests are welcome to a 130-foot heated pool and the 20,000-square-foot wellness center with geothermal soaking pools, steam rooms, saunas and various spa treatments.

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collections has two places to dine: Solbar, which offers local, seasonal fare with indoor and al fresco dining areas; and Picobar, the poolside eatery serving contemporary Mexican cuisine.

A stay at Solage includes complimentary yoga and fitness classes, cruiser bikes, pickleball courts and curated outdoor experiences. The resort is a family- and pet-friendly space with thoughtful amenities, views of the Mayacamas and plenty of Wine Country charm.

Rates start at $765 per night. 755 Silverado Trail N., Calistoga, 866-942-7442, aubergeresorts.com/solage

Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train rolled in at No. 3 in the “Readers’ 5 Favorite Trains in the World” category.

This Wine Country leisure transit staple delivers an elegant regional journey that blends gourmet dining, vineyard views and vintage luxury aboard restored 1915 Pullman railcars.

Guests are welcomed aboard then treated to multicourse meals prepared by executive chef Rodrigo Cuadra, with optional curated wine parings from Napa Valley’s top wineries. The six-hour Legacy Experience includes three winery stops with onboard narration about the region’s history. Other trips last up to three hours and include a variety of immersive, seasonal experiences.

A trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train starts at $202, depending on the experience and date selected. 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, 707-253-2111, winetrain.com

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I vividly remember the first-ever BottleRock Napa Valley, held in May 2013. A friend flew in all the way from New York to join me for what sounded like an exciting extravaganza — but after an hour of wandering through the dusty, bare dirt lot that was the Napa Valley Expo grounds, we left.

At that point, we had already spent a good amount of money on mediocre sandwiches from what looked like shipping container booths, along with warm, grocery-store-quality wine served in plastic cups. (I recall shelling out $20 for skimpy pours.)

That first BottleRock was nearly a Fyre Festival. Today, the music, culinary, wine and nightclub-style celebration feels more like posh Pebble Beach. I’ve gone every year since the inaugural event and it just keeps getting better — especially for general admission attendees, who don’t have access to the fancy Skydeck, Suites or Platinum Lounge, where top-shelf food and drinks are served to those willing to pay up to $8,995 for a three-day pass.

It’s still pricey for us everyday folks — one-day general admission tickets are $233 and parking isn’t cheap, either. Last year, food and wine prices remained firmly in the double digits — even a warm pretzel required an extra charge for cheese sauce.

Expect to pay around $16 for two average chicken tenders and a handful of fries, $13 for a mainstream Cabernet Sauvignon, $12 for a 12-ounce can of beer and $18 for a cucumber lemonade gin cocktail.

Best bets at BottleRock

So here’s my tip: before diving into the eats and drinks, take a stroll around the sprawling property. Scope out what really appeals to you and plan your budget carefully — there’s some excellent fare to be found amid the more state fair-style offerings.

Keep your eyes peeled for sure bets like Morimoto Asia, Chispa, Loveski Deli, Ristorante Allegria, Boon Fly Café, Sarmentine Artisan Boulanger, Gerard’s Paella and Compline.

There’s also Sumo Dog, which serves up head-scratching but delicious creations — like their signature Angus beef frank topped with wasabi relish, pickled peppers, spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, furikake, minced onion and nori (they offer pork sausage or Beyond Meat dogs, too).

Don’t be shy about hovering near the picnic tables in the culinary gardens and asking guests how they liked their meal. Over the years, I’ve never had anyone be offended when I asked for advice — like whether last year’s birria grilled cheese from El Garage was worth the $20 price tag (a resounding “yes,” even at $20).

An improved wine lineup

On the wine side, the lineup has seriously improved, now reflecting the prestige of BottleRock’s location in one of the world’s finest wine regions.

This year’s festival will feature over 100 vintages and varietals, including premium brands like Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc at the main concession stands. Wine cabanas on the General Admission lawns will offer selections from Clif Family Winery, Schramsberg Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyards, Venge Vineyards, Mumm Sparkling, Silverado Vineyards and Bennett Lane Winery.

Be sure to swing by the wine garden to check out new additions like Bella Union by Far Niente and Cliff Lede Vineyards — labels typically reserved for the Skydeck, Suites and Platinum Lounge.

Like nearly all large-scale Wine Country events, participation is expensive for vendors — it can cost thousands just to get on BottleRock’s approved list. So it’s understandable that many smaller, boutique restaurants and wineries have been priced out in the past.

But now, at least, our hard-earned money is delivering much better bang for the buck.

2025 BottleRock Napa Valley

Where: 575 Third St., Napa (at Napa Valley Expo)

When: May 23-25

Tickets: bottlerocknapavalley.com

The post Food and Wine Is Expensive at BottleRock. Here’s How to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Pop quiz: What’s the most expensive wine grape in Napa Valley by the ton?

Cabernet Sauvignon would be a good guess, but it would also be incorrect. The priciest grape is actually Cabernet Franc at more than $10,000 per ton, with Cabernet Sauvignon ranking second.

Once relegated to blending status, Cab Franc has seen a surge in popularity lately due to its bright acidity, earthy tones and red berry flavors.

Lang & Reed Napa Valley has been putting Cabernet Franc on a well-deserved pedestal since the ‘90s — long before the cool kids caught on.

The story

Kansas City native John Skupny first visited Napa Valley in the late ‘70s, on a wine-buying mission for a restaurant group. Quickly realizing that California was where he wanted to be, he moved to the Bay Area in 1980 to work in wine marketing.

Skupny made his first wine — an amateur effort he calls “dreadful” — the same year. He later made his way to St. Helena and spent the next decade working for Caymus Vineyards, Clos du Val and Niebaum-Coppola before teaming up with his wife Tracey in 1993 to create the prototype for Lang & Reed Napa Valley. They launched the winery, named for their two sons, a few years later.

Knowing they’d need to do something different to stand out among the region’s famous Cabernet Sauvignon producers, Skupny focused on Cabernet Franc and added another unsung hero, Chenin Blanc, to the lineup in 2013. The Skupnys opened their St. Helena tasting room in 2021.

The vibe

If you’ve ever wanted to pretend you live in one of those charming vintage homes in downtown St. Helena, the Lang & Reed Tasting Salon is a great place to do it.

Set just off the town’s main drag, Lang & Reed sits inside the historic Spring House. The home, built in 1902 by Swiss entrepreneur John Battista Salmina, now features multiple sipping spaces, from the charming front porch to the cozy living room to a boardroom lined with historic photos of Spring House and the surrounding neighborhood.

If you like the idea of booking two winery appointments in a single location, you’re in luck: Lang & Reed shares the space with The Debate, another boutique producer.

On the palate

When I wrote that Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc are the focus at Lang & Reed, what I meant was this: That’s all the winery makes — and I don’t mind. (OK, OK … If you absolutely must taste something else, you can also sample the Rockhound Pinot Noir, made by the Skupnys’ son Reed.)

The 2022 Napa Valley Chenin Blanc ($75) is a beautiful wine with vibrant color, a rich texture and delicious pear notes. The winery also offers a pretty 2023 Chenin from Mendocino County (the grape is increasingly scarce in Napa Valley, with less than 20 acres remaining), brimming with stone fruit flavors and lively acidity ($35).

The 2022 North Coast Cabernet Franc ($60) is structured and rich with dark cherry and berry flavors. For a real showstopper, try the 2019 Two-Fourteen Napa Valley Cabernet Franc ($90). Named for the clone from which it’s made, the wine is silky-smooth, combining savory notes with juicy raspberry fruit.

Tastings range from $75 for a flight of current releases with nibbles of dried fruits and nuts, to $175 for a pairing with Tsar Nicoulai caviar and potato chips.

Beyond the bottle

Goose & Gander is directly across the street from the Tasting Salon, so you can book a late afternoon wine tasting and then just pop over to the “neighbor’s” 1920 bungalow for an early dinner or a pre-dinner snack.

The restaurant’s pub-like atmosphere, adorned with plenty of dark wood and brick accents, is ideal for a chilly winter evening. A glass or two of Cab Franc sure would make a tasty match for G & G’s house burger (go ahead and add bone marrow, if that’s your thing) or a juicy steak.

Lang & Reed Napa Valley, 1244 Spring St., St. Helena. Tastings by appointment. langandreed.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, HuffPost, and Sonoma magazine. Follow Tina on Twitter @winebroad, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

The post Lang & Reed Excels at Napa’s ‘Other’ Cabernet appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Napa Valley is widely considered one of the premier wine destinations in the world. Millions of people come here each year to sip wine, eat good food and stay in luxury resorts. But with over 400 wineries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to plan a first visit.

To help visitors create a perfect trip itinerary, we have put together this list of Napa wineries that offer a great introduction to the superlatives of the region. And, because the ambiance and setting is just as important as the wine, we have created a photo gallery above that offers a peek at each winery.

Domaine Carneros

Every visit to Napa Valley should begin with bubbles. Founded by the famed Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros produces French-style sparklers from sustainably grown estate vineyards. Take in the vineyard views from a table on the patio — you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a French countryside chateau.

Tasting to try: Domaine Carneros’s “A Journey to Southeast Asia” pairs sparkling wines with a menu inspired by the cuisines of Vietnam, Thailand and India. It includes savory and sweet bites and four sparkling wines: Ultra Brut, Estate Brut Cuvée, Brut Rosé and Verméil Demi-Sec. $99 for a 90-minute experience.

1240 Duhig Road, Napa. 800-716- 2788. domainecarneros.com

Schramsberg

Founded in 1862, Schramsberg is one of the oldest sparkling wine producers in California. The historic property was purchased by Jack and Jamie Davies in 1965 and is now listed as a California Historical Landmark, complete with a Victorian mansion. Shortly after buying the winery, the Davies made their first vintage of Blanc de Blancs — the first commercial use of chardonnay in a sparkling wine made in the United States.

Tasting to try: The cave tour experience at Schramsberg is educational, starting with a tour of the historic property and caves followed by an all-sparkling wine tasting, or three Schramsberg sparkling wines and three red wines from sister winery, Davies Vineyards. Cave tastings start at $85. By appointment only.

1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga. 800-877-3623. schramsberg.com.

Artesa

Both locals and visitors to Wine Country tout the views and wine at Artesa, where the hillside tasting room and winery overlooks 350 acres of vineyards. Opened in 1991 by Spanish winemaking family Codorníu Raventós, the winery offers estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir crafted by winemaker Paula Borgo. (“Artesa” means “handcrafted” or “artisan” in Catalan.)

Tasting to try: After snapping selfies by the winery’s impressive entrance, enjoy the classic “Taste of Artesa” pairing of Ibérico ham and wine by the modern Mediterranean tasting bar, or on the patio, which offers 360-degree views — on a clear day you can see San Francisco. $105 per person. Reservations recommended.

1345 Henry Road, Napa. 707-224-1668. artesawinery.com

Ashes & Diamonds

Midcentury-modern design and excellent wines make this one of the hottest destinations in Wine Country. The winery has been featured in a variety of lifestyle publications, including Architectural Digest, Vogue and Goop, but tastings here remain relaxed and casual, and come with great music playlists curated by winery owner Kashy Khaledi.

Tasting to try: It’s hard to go wrong with pizza and wine. The “A&D Wines + Shroomy Schmaltzy” tasting features pizza with locally foraged wild mushrooms, aged mozzarella and crème fraîche paired with three wines. Yum! $45 per person. Reservations required.

4130 Howard Lane, Napa. 707-666-4777. ashesdiamonds.com

Beaulieu Vineyard

“Beau lieu” means “beautiful place” in French, which was an apt name for this Rutherford property thought the de Latour family when they bought it in the early 20th century. One of the oldest wineries in California, Beaulieu Vineyard (or simply “BV”) is a must-visit for wine lovers seeking a touch of heritage with their estate Cabernet.

Tasting to try: The reservation-only “Legacy Experience” starts with a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of a selection of reserve wines in the winery’s Legacy Room. $130 per person. Reservations recommended.

1960 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford. 800-373-5896. bvwines.com

Beringer

The first winery to have both a red and a white wine named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator, Beringer has been crafting wines for nearly 150 years, making it the oldest continually operating winery in California. If that isn’t enough to convince you to visit, the gardens and the stately Victorian-era tasting rooms, housed in the Beringer family’s former home — the Rhine House — should seal the deal.

Tasting to try: The “Legacy Cave Tour” winds through the old winery and into the cave to explore the hand-carved tunnels. The tour includes a tasting of three wines. $35 per person. Reservations recommended

2000 Main St., St. Helena. 707-257-5771. beringer.com

Castello di Amorosa

It’s no surprise that some refer to Dario Sattui, a fourth generation vintner and the man behind Castello di Amorosa, as a modern-day Don Quixote. Sattui spent 15 years building this medieval-style Tuscan castle in Napa Valley as a place to showcase his wines. The result: a 107-room, eight-level, 136,000-square-foot building complete with drawbridge, secret passageways, torture chamber — and tasting rooms.

Tasting to try: The “Diamond Estate Tour” includes a guided tour of the castle and its production area, followed by a tasting of five current-release reserve and small-production wines. $75 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

4045 St. Helena Highway, Calistoga. 707-967-6272. castellodiamorosa.com

Charles Krug

Charles Krug, an immigrant from the German state of Prussia and one of the pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking, founded this winery in St. Helena in 1861. Robert Mondavi, another winemaking legend, got his start here after he convinced his parents, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, to purchase the historic winery in 1943. The winery has remained a Mondavi property for over 75 years and four generations.

Tasting to try: Charles Krug’s “Tour and Tasting” experience offers a taste of winemaking history and five signature, current release wines paired with a gourmet cheese and charcuterie board. $90 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

2800 Main St., St. Helena. 707-967-2229. charleskrug.com

Chateau Montelena

We can thank this Calistoga winery, founded in 1882, for putting California wine on the international wine map. Yes, there once was a time when American wine was the laughingstock of France and its wine producing neighbors. But that all changed when Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay won the famous Paris Tasting. Today, the winery continues to produce delicious and accessible wines, including their legendary Chardonnay and collectible Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting to try: The “Montelena Estate Collection” showcases the winery’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon by offering a comparative tasting of four vintages. Don’t worry, you will get to taste the Chardonnay, too. Don’t leave the property without exploring its beautiful Chinese garden, lake and vineyards. $125 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga. 707-942-5105. montelena.com

Duckhorn

Wine lovers flock to Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon, but on a first visit it is also worth seeking out Merlot. The best place to taste the resurgence of the ruby red is at Duckhorn Vineyards in St. Helena. Duckhorn Merlots have been named “wine of the year,” “Merlot of the year” and “just plain darn delicious” by a variety of publications, including Sonoma Magazine, so you don’t want to miss a taste while in Napa Valley.

Tasting to try: The unpretentious tasting room at Duckhorn is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Make a reservation on the veranda for the “Portfolio Tasting Experience” and enjoy five current-release wines: Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration, Decoy, Canvasback and Calera. Splurge on a cheese plate; it is a good excuse to linger. $65 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

1000 Lodi Lane, St. Helena. 707-963-7108. duckhorn.com

Far Niente

Another Napa Valley landmark, Far Niente was founded in 1885 by John Benson, who made his money in the California gold rush. (Another fun fact: Benson’s uncle was famous American impressionist painter Winslow Homer.) The historic winery, surrounded by 13 acres of landscaped gardens, is located next to a hillside with 40,000 square feet of caves that age the winery’s award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Tasting to try: The 90-minute “Tour and Tasting” experience boasts a sweet ending — a tasting of the winery’s lauded late-harvest wine, Dulce. Don’t miss a chance to see the oldest bottle of wine in California, an 1886 Far Niente Sweet Muscat, which the winery proudly displays. $130 per person. By appointment only.

1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville. 707-944-2861, farniente.com

Hall Napa Valley

One of the best things about Napa Valley is the diversity of wine tasting experiences available here. One minute, you’re sipping sparkling wine in a 100-year-old wine cave; the next, you’re tasting bold red blends surrounded by contemporary art. At Hall, pair eco-friendly wines with fine art — the winery is the brainchild of Kathryn Walt Hall (philanthropist and former ambassador to Austria) and her husband, Craig.

Tasting to try: The “HALLmark Tour and Tasting” includes a tour of the innovative production facilities in St. Helena, which will impress any techie, as well as the organic gardens. Then, enjoy a seated tasting where you will nibble on cheese alongside a flight of four wines. And don’t forget to snap a selfie with the Bunny Foo-Foo sculpture outdoors. $75 per person. Reservations recommended.

401 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena. 707-967-2626. hallwines.com

Inglenook

Founded in 1879, Inglenook was the go-to wine for the American elite — including presidents — by the turn of the 20th century. Today, Inglenook wines are among the most collected in the country. The winery was purchased by filmmakers Francis Ford and Eleanor Coppola in 1975 with profits from The Godfather films. Dress up and charge your phone for pictures — the property looks like a movie set.

Tasting to try: During the “Private Library Tour and Tasting” explore the chateau and grounds, wine in hand. Then visit the caves, the vineyards and one of the oldest winemaking facilities in the country, with huge redwood barrels. End the experience with a seated tasting of library wines paired with artisan cheese. $150 per person. By appointment only.

1991 St Helena Highway, Rutherford. 707-968-1161. inglenook.com 

Robert Mondavi Winery

One of Napa’s most well-known wineries has temporary downtown digs. Robert Mondavi Winery’s Arch & Tower has moved into the city’s historic Borreo building. (The space was formerly occupied by Stone Brewing Co.). Mondavi’s wine tasting experiences will take place at the downtown Napa location while the namesake winery property in Oakville undergoes a multi-year renovation.

Tasting to try: Robert Mondavi founded his namesake winery in 1966, planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The “Napa Exploration” tasting introduces you to four Estates-tier wines. Snag a seat on the River Terrace and take in views of the Napa River while you sip and swirl. $65 per person. Reservations required.

930 Third St., Napa. 888-766-6328, robertmondaviwinery.com

Silver Oak Cellars

This Napa Valley winery was founded in 1972 by onetime Colorado oil prospector Raymond Twomey Duncan and winemaker Justin Meyer. Their goal: to make Cabernet Sauvignon aged exclusively in American white oak. Today, Silver Oak Cellars is operated by Twomey Duncan’s  sons, David and Tim Duncan, who are committed to sustainable winemaking practices and operations and continue to focus on Cabernet from Napa Valley and Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley.

Tasting to try: The “Silver Tasting and Tour” allows visitors to observe the winemaking process from a glass-enclosed cellar while sipping cab in a modern tasting room built from hand-quarried limestone. Pinot lovers will enjoy the opportunity to taste bottles from Silver Oak’s sister property, Twomey. Tastings start at $65.

915 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville. 707-942-7022. silveroak.com

Spottswoode Winery

This family-owned and operated winery is setting the standard for sustainability in Napa Valley. In 1985, Spottswoode was the first in Napa Valley to farm organically. In 2020, the estate earned biodynamic certification and became the first Napa Valley winery to earn B Corp Certification. Most recently, Spottswoode added Regenerative Organic Certification to its long list of eco-friendly accomplishments.

Tasting to try: Private “Estate Tastings” are hosted by appointment Monday through Friday. After touring the estate and learning about the winery’s farming practices, you’ll enjoy a seated tasting of current-release Spottswoode wines. $150 per person.

1902 Madrona Ave., St. Helena. 707-963-0134, spottswoode.com

Tres Sabores 

This family-owned, woman-led winery produces organically farmed wines in a postcard setting. Along with vineyards, owner and winemaker Julie Johnson tends to pomegranates, Meyer lemons, olives and more. A plus: leashed dogs are welcome with advance notice.

Tasting to try: Grab a seat on the sunny patio or at a shady picnic table and sip on five current releases while watching hummingbirds in the heirloom garden, sheep “mowing” in the vineyards, and red-tailed hawks soaring above. $60 per person. A locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie platter large enough for four can be reserved for an additional $28. Reservations required.

1620 South Whitehall Lane, St. Helena. 707-967-8027, tressabores.com

Dana Rebmann contributed to this article. 

The post The Best Napa Wineries for First-Time Visitors appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

It wasn’t so long ago that many Wine Country tasting rooms began rolling out cheese plate pairings, and guests were thrilled. Then some wineries upped the amenities to charcuterie. Next, “small bites” became the norm at higher-end spots, offering little nibbles of varying fanciness to complement wine flights.

These days, if a winery wants to impress us with food pairings, they have to be on their game.

The snacks don’t have to be fussy, just interesting. At Silver Trident Winery in Yountville, for example, there’s a longtime favorite Potato Chip Extravaganza. That’s a guided, high-end “picnic” of five chips and wines where you’ll find that Symphony No. 9 Sauvignon Blanc goes well with Route 11 Sour Cream ‘n’ Chives chips, and Benevolent Dictator Pinot Noir matches with Zapp’s Cajun Dill ($65).

Or, for about five years now, the Priest Ranch tasting room in Yountville has found fans for its Bacon Experience ($85), tempting with four sumptuous, thick cuts of differently flavored pork belly with four red wines.

“It’s our most popular experience, selling out weekly,” said Tasting Room Manager Cory DeLoach. “It started out with the small, crispy breakfast bacon. But (Executive Chef) Dan (Solomon) has completely elevated that. Now we bring in an entire pork belly slab, sous vide cook it, then do a different glaze for each and finish them to order in the oven.”

I recently visited a slew of interesting Napa Valley wineries, to discover what’s new and most mouthwatering. Here’s what I’m loving right now.

Priest Ranch Winery & Tasting Room

The original Priest Ranch was established in 1869 by James Joshua Priest, a Gold Rush prospector. Today, the 1,682-acre estate is farmed with 242 acres of vineyards spanning the eastern hills of the Vaca Mountains above St. Helena.

I like to bring friends to take a tour and tasting starting at the Somerston Estate (somerstonestate.com). It’s an extraordinary experience for the spectacular wilderness beauty, and historical lore you’ll learn.

Then we head to the Yountville tasting room for the new, ultra-luxurious Caviar Experience ($125).

This is pinkies-in-the-air stuff, as we sip a single vineyard, oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc sparkling, presented with classic Siberian reserve caviar dolloped atop tangy lemon-chive crème fraîche on a pillowy, warm blini. Next up is a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir rosé, partnered with a delicate wheat crisp layered in a curl of Cambridge House Royal smoked salmon, mascarpone, golden Kaluga caviar, a bit of preserved lemon and dill leaf.

Then chef Solomon shows his playful side, offering a housemade, nacho cheese chicharron curl capped in Siberian reserve caviar and diced chives. Surprise — I really like the chip’s salty, faux-cheesy crunch, especially matched with strawberry-crisp Brut rosé.

The finale: traditional blanc de blancs with brioche crisp spread in truffle honey fromage blanc, golden Kaluga caviar, a strip of sun dried tomato and chives.

6490 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-8200, priestranchwines.com

Arch & Tower

The legendary 1966 Robert Mondavi Winery on Highway 29 in Oakville is undergoing an extensive renovation that will take several years. So the team did a natural thing — they opened a lavish new tasting room in the historic 1877 Borreo Building overlooking downtown Napa and the Napa River.

The 10,000-square-foot multi-floor structure looks like a castle from the outside, built of stone quarried from the Soda Canyon area. Inside, it’s rich with dark wood, golden-hued accents and modern, roll-up walls for open-air views.

I like to indulge in The Legend Lunch ($165), a three-course, wine-paired meal from Executive Chef Jeff Mosher. Menus change seasonally and it’s a full feast — I started with local asparagus atop baby lettuce laced with salt-cured egg yolks, sauce gribiche and Meyer lemon vinaigrette. To sip: the winery’s signature floral Fumé Blanc.

Then the chef sent out a thick slab of roast Berkshire pork loin topped in mildly spicy salsa verde and framed with French green lentils, carrots, peas, favas, spring onion and radish in a splash of red wine jus. To sip: A robust red blend of all five Bordeaux varietals.

A summery strawberry shortcake was a not-too-sweet finish, gussied with slightly tart, macerated local berries and tarragon-spiced Chantilly cream. To sip: Sauvito, a Sauvignon Blanc dessert wine kissed with notes of apricot, honey and spice.

930 Third St., Napa, 888-766-6328 ext. 2, robertmondaviwinery.com

Theorem Vineyards

Perched high on the northern slope of Diamond Mountain, the family-owned estate has just introduced a Garden and Glass Pairing Experience, bringing a five-course dive into winery chef Josh Mitchell’s seasonal favorites ($95, in addition to Theorem’s standard $200 tasting fee). Much of the produce comes from the onsite gardens, with a centerpiece of Theorem Beef, a product that vintner-owners Kisha and Jason Itkin have been cultivating at their sister property, Theorem Ranch, in Big Timber, Montana.

Plan for a hearty meal. A few highlights I enjoyed included a spicy fried chicken slider with pickled slaw and fermented spicy aioli on a housemade Hawaiian brioche bun (alongside Theorem’s Moon Mountain Sauvignon Blanc); and lacquered beef short rib with crispy shallots, carrots and Hawk’s Prey Cabernet demi-glace (alongside Theorem’s Hawk’s Prey Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon).

255 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga, 707-942-4254, theoremvineyards.com

Calistoga Depot Distillery

Just debuted from Jean-Charles Boisset and his Boisset Collection, this over-the-top destination wows as a collection of historic rail depot and train cars transformed into fantastic shops, wine and spirit salons, tasting rooms, restaurants and beer garden.

Pick your sipping place from nearly a dozen salons and bars. That might be the Distillery Bar brimming with signature malted barley whiskeys, rye whiskeys, gin, brandies, vodka and rum, crafted in Boisset wines, port or sherry casks ($75 to $300 a bottle). Or it might be the JCB Parlor Car, beckoning with Boisset French Champagne ($13-$150).

Then choose your food. At the Distillery Bar you can dig into comfort dishes, including a grass-fed beef burger topped with cheddar and brown butter mayo ($21) with optional bacon ($4) and flavor-bomb bone marrow ($8). At the Parlor Car, the eats are elevated, for the luxuries I adore like raw or grilled oysters and clams ($27-$110), a caviar flight ($210, and an exquisite pizza, the crispy crust mantled in lemon crème fraîche, smoked salmon and caviar ($51).

1458 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707-963-6925, calistogadepot.com

St. Clair Brown

Winemaker/brewmaster Elaine St. Clair and President Laina Brown just celebrated their 10th anniversary, but every month, there’s something new at their winery, nanobrewery, and culinary garden in Napa’s Rail Arts District (just 4 miles from their estate vineyards in Coombsville).

Wine tastings ($60-$125), beer flights ($30) and by-the-glass pourings are held in a darling greenhouse nestled in the organic garden and fruit orchard. You can also order from a delightful garden-to-table food menu that rivals a restaurant. I really appreciate that guests can now get zero-proof garden cocktail tastings, too ($30).

Your server will suggest wine and beer pairings for nibbles like roasted almonds tossed with rosemary, lemon zest and lemon infused organic olive oil ($6). Or more filling fare like rustic pork rillette served with sel gris flatbread crackers, and crab apples pickled in a symphony of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, ginger and Rustic Bakery olive oil ($24).

816 Vallejo St., Napa, 707-255-5591, stclairbrown.com

The post 5 Napa Valley Wineries with Excellent Food appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

The past few years have certainly been a time of change, but one change is for the better: we spend more time outdoors now than we did before the pandemic. From dining to wine tasting to weekend excursions, we want to soak up the scenery and fresh air every chance we get.

The town of Yountville is built for an alfresco lifestyle and can easily be added to a Sonoma County getaway. In this walkable village with dramatic mountain views, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants and many of Napa Valley’s top wineries. Make it a day trip or a full weekend of outdoor activities. Here are our top picks in Yountville.

Dine

Yountville is known for its many excellent restaurants, and here’s a fun fact: the Napa Valley town boasts the most outdoor dining spots per capita in Wine Country, with all of its restaurants and cafés offering open-air seating.

Famous French Laundry owner and chef Thomas Keller debuted his new Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge as a pop-up last June. This summer, he decided to make the destination restaurant permanent. Lucky us, because this is a delight for lovers of the salty fish roe.

The caviar and champagne lounge features Keller’s own Regiis Ova brand in Siberian, Royal, Ossetra, Hybrid and Supreme styles. The caviar is served with classic garnishes and potato blinis (15 grams for $50-$65), or stuffed into darling little waffles, laced into crab on Parker House rolls, atop French onion dip with kettle fried potato chips, or as a crown to deviled eggs.

To sip, choose the Champagne flight ($65), bringing 2 ounces each of three elegant quaffs. Relax on the all-season patio, complete with shade, a fountain, and a cozy fireplace.

6480 Washington St., Yountville, 707-947-7181, regiisova.com

Chef Michael Chiarello owns Yountville’s popular Ottimo and Bottega. Now, he gives us the new Coqueta, boasting delectable Spanish cuisine. This is food for sharing, in bold flavors like Spanish white anchovies with Manzanilla olives, piquillo peppers, Basque piparra peppers and pickled kumquat; or olive oil-poached, head-on gulf prawns in robust black garlic-chile sauce.

Dig into paella Valenciana, too – it’s a marvelous mélange of grilled rabbit, snap peas, carrots and Spanish Bomba rice cooked in roasted carrot sofrito and rabbit broth. To sip, sample housemade sangrias (try the Basque favorite mix of Mexican Coke, red sangria and cinnamon), or a margarita topped in “salt air” (a tasty dollop of salted foam). The shaded, wood plank deck is the place to sit.

6525 Washington St., Yountville, 707-244-4350, coquetanv.com

Just a minute southwest of town, the Lakeside Grill at Vintner’s Golf Course is off the radar for most people, but it’s a terrific, retro-style spot for comfort eats like golden crisp onion rings, nachos of housemade tortillas smothered in melty Jack and Cheddar, and a truly great Chinese chicken salad with cellophane noodles and housemade Hoisin dressing. You know, the stuff we all secretly love.

Other favorites include a terrific taco salad brimming with spicy carne asada, rice, beans, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, cheese and salsa; and a big, juicy burger with bacon, onion ring, mushrooms, Swiss cheese and ranch dressing on a French roll. To sip, order an ice cold beer. To sit, kick back on the patio with views of the ninth hole, flower gardens and lake.

7901 Solano Ave., Yountville, 707-944-1992, vintnersgolfclub.com

Wine

Across from Yountville’s North Block hotel and restaurant, you’ll find an elegant compound housed in charming stone buildings. This is the home of Southside café and coffee bar, plus the Stewart Cellars tasting room.

Reserve a seat on the flagstone courtyard for a first-rate Portfolio Flight wine tasting, and request sips of two brand new releases, as well.

The NV Sparkling Riesling is the winery’s first-ever sparkling wine, and it’s enchanting, bright and bioche-y with hints of apple and pear. The 2021 Sonoma Mountain Rosé is a rarity, too, made of 90% Pinot Gris and 10% Pinot Noir, fermented for just 15 days on the skins for a pale pink color and crisp, beautifully floral character.

6752 Washington St., Yountville, 707-963-9160, stewartcellars.com

Certainly you know that Zapp’s Cajun Crawtators potato chips are the perfect pairing for an elegant rosé. Oh, you didn’t? Then head over to Silver Trident Winery for the Potato Chip Extravaganza featuring artisanal potato chips paired with Silver Trident wines.

Through the guided, high-end “picnic,” you’ll find that Symphony No. 9 Sauvignon Blanc goes well with Route 11 Sour Cream ‘n’ Chives chips, Benevolent Dictator Pinot Noir matches with Zapp’s Cajun Dill, and Playing with Fire red blend likes Zapp’s Voodoo smoky paprika and garlic. For al fresco finery, you can choose a seat on the patio overlooking excellent people-watching on Washington Street.

6495 Washington St., Yountville, 707-945-0311, silvertridentwinery.com

Play

Embrace all of the outdoors via a hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft. You meet the flight crew at V-Marketplace in Yountville, then head to a remote wilderness launch site.

Depending on the weather, you might reach heights of up to a stunning 4,400-foot elevation, soaring over mountaintops, vineyards, water reservoirs and forests.

The big wicker basket transporting you is sturdy, the hour-long flight surprisingly smooth, and the landing is actually graceful, thanks to your seasoned pilot manning the whoosh-roaring propane burners.

6525 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-4400, nvaloft.com

The post Best Places to Eat and Drink Outdoors in Yountville appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

With nearly four million visitors in 2023, there’s not much of Napa Valley that remains undiscovered but we’ve managed to round up 9 hidden gems that locals probably wish we wouldn’t mention. From grungy dive bars to the area’s best burrito and, yes, a burger with a cheese skirt, here’s where you can do Napa Valley like a local.

La Luna Market & Taqueria, Rutherford

Mexican markets are a dime a dozen in Napa Valley, but ask a local where to find the best burrito in town and they’ll probably direct you to La Luna, which sits in the middle of Napa Valley off the Rutherford Cross Road (a few blocks down from the iconic Rutherford Grill). Head to the back counter, where you can choose from over 20 types of meat — from carne asada to tongue to cheek — and build your own burrito, tacos, quesadilla or torta. This spot tends to get extremely busy around lunchtime, so you might want to call in your order ahead of time for pickup. Don’t leave without a bag of housemade tortilla chips. 1153 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, 707-963-3211, lalunamarket.com

Turtle Rock Bar & Cafe, Napa

The world’s best egg rolls, according to Napa locals, can be found at Turtle Rock, a 1960s institution that’s one part bar, one part general store. Hundreds, if not thousands, of dollar bills hang from the ceiling of this divey biker’s haven, which is a popular stop-off for locals heading to and from Lake Berryessa. In fact, it’s really the only place to pull over for a snack in the rural area. Turtle Rock’s giant egg rolls are so notorious that they sell over a thousand on summer weekends, but they often have other specials too, like burgers, tri-tip, pulled pork, and monthly Taco Tuesdays. 2000 Capell Valley Road, Napa, 707-966-2246

Squeeze Inn Hamburgers, Napa

This hole-in-the-wall burger joint has made appearances on multiple national media outlets, but it remains mostly undiscovered. Tucked away in North Napa’s Bel Air Plaza, the interior is nothing special, but it’s the burger with a cheese skirt (a giant ring of crispy, melted cheese that protrudes from the bun) that people come here for. There are three signature ways to eat it: fold it into the burger, wrap it over your french fries, or pull it off and eat it as a side. And while Turtle Rock has dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, Squeeze Inn has hundreds of toothpicks. You can leave your own mark by shooting one up through a straw. 3383 Solano Avenue, Napa, 707-257-6880, squeezeinnhamburgers.com

Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company, St. Helena

Hidden down a residential St. Helena street (a few blocks from Farmstead), the Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company is housed in an unassuming white barn. The company has been in operation since 1931 and remains family-owned and operated. This authentic Italian grocery carries salumi, sausage, bread, cheese, pasta, and more, all imported from Italy, but they are locally-famous for their olive oil, sold in multiple sizes – from souvenir and carryon-friendly mini bottles to giant jugs that will last for months. It’s also made in a myriad of flavors, from garlic and black truffle to basil and blood orange. Note: they are cash only. 835 Charter Oak Ave., St. Helena, 707-963-4173, nvoliveoilmfg.com

Cordeiro’s Steakhouse, Napa

Most Napa Valley tourists in search of a steak dinner will head to Cole’s Chop House or Charlie Palmer Steak in downtown Napa, but you won’t find better hospitality than at Cordiero’s, a classic steakhouse — think, white table cloths and Ceasar salad prepared tableside — nestled off-the-beaten-path in the east side of Napa. The meat is cooked to perfection, the service is top-notch, and they even roll out a bar cart of after-dinner drinks before bringing you the check. 2025 Monticello Road, Napa, 707-224-1960, cordeirosssteakhouse.com.

Mozzarella “al Minuto,” St. Helena

It isn’t exactly a place, but this plate of cheesy goodness is one of the most locally-beloved eats in Napa Valley and the trick is knowing where to find it. This hand-pulled, warm, gooey, and made-to-order mozzarella drizzled in olive oil and served on a garlic crostini was a signature dish at the now-defunct Tra Vigne restaurant, but luckily the tradition lives on at two other locations: sister restaurant Pizzeria Tra Vigne and Brasswood Bar + Kitchen (it’s a secret menu item here, so you’ll need to ask for it), both in St. Helena.

Linda Falls, Angwin

Skyline Wilderness Park, Bothe-Napa Valley, and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park are Napa Valley’s most frequented hiking spots, but only one local hiking trail has a waterfall and it’s not the easiest to find. Linda Falls is located in Angwin, a small town on Howell Mountain, northeast of St. Helena. The moderate trail to waterfall is short—less than a mile-and-a-half round trip—though you can extend it and the best time to go is in the spring or after rain. More often than not, you’ll be the only hiker(s) there and many people like to wade around in the pools at the bottom. To find the trailhead, you’ll need to park on the side of the road off Howell Mountain and enter the bike trail located just south of Bishop Place (we recommend parking at the open fields across from the salmon-colored house, which is just next to the trail).

Clemente’s at Val’s, Napa

This isn’t a place you’re likely to stumble upon accidentally, but inside Val’s Liquor in downtown Napa hides some of the best Italian food around—and at half the price of the local eateries. At the back of Val’s is Clemente’s, which serves up traditionally-made Italian food to go, including the notorious malfatti, which was invented in Napa in the 1920s. Named for the Italian slang word for “mistake,” malfatti is basically ravioli filling without the pasta, invented on a night when founder Theresa Tamburelli ran out of ravioli at Napa’s historic Depot Restaurant. Grab a bottle of Italian wine before you go and you’ve got the makings of a perfect night in. Lawler’s Liquors is another, perhaps even lesser-known Napa corner store offering made-from-scratch Italian takeout, located just outside downtown. Clementes, 1531 3rd St., Napa, 707-224-2237

Pancha’s of Yountville

Yountville is by far Napa Valley’s most glitzy town, packed with high-end hotels, shops and wineries — but one spot is totally unlike the others. Pancha’s is a local institution that has managed to stick around throughout Yountville’s evolution from a blue-collar farming town to a luxury destination.

At nearly 40 years old, it is indeed the oldest business on Washington Street, the town’s main drag, and it looks it. This is the definition of a dive bar. It’s cash only and, until recently, patrons were actually still allowed to smoke inside. Even if it’s not quite your scene, a quick beer at Pancha’s at the end of the evening is the best way to rub elbows with the locals. If it is your scene, you’ll want to check out Napa Valley’s other iconic dives: Anna’s Cantina in St. Helena and Susie’s Bar in Calistoga.

After shuttering during the pandemic, locals feared Pancha’s would be torn down and replaced. But Ren and Marilyn Harris, owners of Paradigm Winery in Oakville, acquired the bar in October 2023 and kept it the same — with one or two exceptions. To follow current mandates, smoking inside is no longer permitted and two ADA bathrooms have been installed. 6764 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-2125

The post 9 Napa Valley Spots Locals Like to Keep Secret appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

After being stopped in its tracks at the onset of the pandemic, the Napa Valley Wine Train is once again inviting wine (and train) enthusiasts to hop on the one-of-a-kind attraction starting Monday.

The train is a popular way to explore Napa wines and cuisine, while taking in the views of the valley’s rolling hills and vineyards. The first experience to be relaunched Monday is the fan-favorite Legacy Tour, which begins with sparkling wine, is accompanied by a four-course gourmet meal and tour of Napa Valley, and ends with a photo opportunity and exclusive tastings at local wineries.

More winery tours and even a Murder Mystery Tour will be opening in mid-June.

To give back to the community after months of pandemic struggles, the Napa Valley Wine Train has partnered with OLE Health to host a temporary vaccination clinic at their train station since mid-April. Additionally, health care workers will be offered complimentary tickets to celebrate the train’s reopening, as a way to thank them for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

The train’s antique rail cars became a space for dining service in 1989, but the railroad they travel on opened in 1864 as a route to take passengers from south Napa to Calistoga. The 16-car train is one of a few historic passenger trains that are still in operation in the United States. Visit winetrain.com for more information or to reserve your spot.

The post All Aboard! Napa Valley Wine Train Resumes Operations appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Trying to be kind to the planet and make eco-friendly choices can be challenging when you’re at home but it seems next to impossible when you pack up for vacation.

Thankfully, many wineries, restaurants and hotels in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country are going above and beyond to make it easier to travel with good conscience. Among the hospitality businesses that stand out in this regard is  Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Yountville, recognized as one of the greenest properties in the United States.

Bardessono is one of only eight LEED Platinum hotels in the country, the highest certification for green buildings. From office buildings to schools, any type of building can seek LEED certification. Hotels are unique: since they’re occupied around the clock, they consume resources at a higher rate.

Built on land farmed by the Bardessono family after they arrived from Italy in 1926, the Yountville hotel has always made sustainability a priority — from construction through the 2009 opening to today.

“Sustainability was at the core of Bardessono’s inception, before many of the environmental initiatives we’re familiar with today gained the momentum they have now,” says Stephanie Leavitt, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bardessono.

The hotel was built using 100,000 square feet of salvaged wood — Monterey Cypress, California Bay Laurel, Redwood, Eucalyptus and orchard Walnut trees –- obtained from a nearby stretch of the original Bardessono homestead that was cleared to make way for residential development. The wood is used in everything from custom-designed bedside tables and guest room desks to flooring, dining room tables, and exterior siding.

Proof of the Bardessono’s commitment to sustainability can be seen throughout the property: The atypical flat rooftops house photovoltaic solar collectors, which provide about 20 percent of the hotel’s energy supply. Low emissivity glass in guest rooms let in a generous amount of natural light, cutting the dependency on daytime lighting. Low water flow fixtures and dual flush toilets are the norm and all of the hotel’s bed linens, towels and robes are made with organic cotton.

“As a pioneer of this effort in the hospitality industry, maintaining a sustainable environment within our operations has not only been necessary but a constant source of inspiration to our team, and even our guests,” says Levitt. “[We want to] give back in every way we can.”

Click through the gallery above to see other ways Bardessono makes sustainability a top priority.

Do you know a local hospitality business that is leading the eco-friendly charge in Wine Country? Let us know.

The post This Napa Valley Hotel Is One of the Most Sustainable in the United States appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Whether you’re a Wine Country visitor on a Thanksgiving getaway or a local looking to get away from relatives, there are plenty of winery tasting rooms that are open this Thursday. A Thanksgiving visit to Sonoma and Napa wineries is also a good excuse to start your Black Friday shopping early and bring home bottled gifts (to yourself, or someone equally deserving of a special treat). Click through the gallery for details.

The post Take a Break from the Turkey: These Local Wineries Are Open on Thanksgiving Day appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.