Travels to Napa Valley, California (Part 3)

Some charms in Napa Valley are the same year-round: a bucolic setting, stellar hospitality, world-class wine and food.  The summer months in wine country promise the most temperate weather, with rain a rare intruder, although temperatures are known to soar north of 100 degrees every once in awhile (pack accordingly!). Thanks to the characteristically cool nights, however, hot days are tempered by comfortable evenings.  We visited in early September when most of the wineries were just starting their harvest.  Continuing from Part 1 and Part 2 of our travels to Napa Valley, we started out our second day of tours...

Travels to Napa Valley, California (Part 2)

Most of the wineries in Napa Valley are easily accessible from the main road (29) and the Silverado Trail.  We appreciated the intimate feel of the wineries, and were able to chat with the actual wine makers rather than shuffle through a self-guided tour with 100 other tourists. Many wineries request that you make a reservation. Don’t be scared; go ahead and make a reservation. Chances are that you will have the place to yourself.  Continuing from Part 1 of our travels to Napa Valley, we headed to our second winery of the day...

Travels to Napa Valley, California (Part 1)

Whether you are wine tasting or dining at renowned restaurants Napa Valley is one of the premier travel destinations in the world.  Breathtaking views abound at every turn with picturesque rolling hills planted with vineyards year-round and wineries of every stature dot the landscape.  Located just north of San Francisco, the Napa Valley has a history dating back to the early 19th century. Today Napa features more than 400 wineries and grows many different grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, and other popular varietals.

Bottega

Bottega showcases Chef Michael Chiarello's signature bold Italian flavors with a refined twist. Bottega's menu highlights the bounty of artisanal and house made ingredients, as well as local produce. Bottega is part of the historic Vintage Estates, located in one of the oldest wineries in the Napa Valley. Chef Chiarello has created a menu of micro-regional Italian cuisine, selecting the best dishes from across Italy and anchoring them with artisanal, heritage, or house-made ingredients.

étoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon

As the only fine dining restaurant within a winery in Napa Valley, étoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon epitomizes the very best that wine country dining has to offer.  étoile’s unique position within a winery allows daily collaboration between the culinary team and Domaine Chandon’s winemakers, resulting in innovative, wine-inspired cuisine.

Mustards Grill

Mustards Grill was named for the wild mustard flowers that bloom in the vineyards every spring, which help to nourish the soil. Mustard is an integral part of Napa Valley's wine growing diversity. After 30 years of feeding Napa Valley and its visitors, Mustards Grill is still the hub of the food and wine community where winemakers lunch with truckers and chefs come to dine on their night off.

Addendum

True to its name Addendum is an addition or footnote to the Thomas Keller family, serving boxed lunches to go Thursdays through Saturdays. Tucked behind his restaurant Adhoc is a small shack serving two items for $16.50 each: buttermilk fried chicken and bbq pork ribs or pulled pork. Orders can be picked up from 11:00am-2:00pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only.  Each selection comes with potato salad, cole slaw and corn bread, the perfect sides for these picnic favorites. You can enjoy your lunch at one of the many tables available in the sun and the shade or take your meal to go and create your own picnic and any number of wineries in Napa Valley.

Bouchon

Bouchon offers traditional French bistro fare with a menu that showcases the best products available each day. Bouchon, located in Yountville, CA - the heart of Napa Valley - also features a raw bar with select oysters on the half shell and many other Fruits de Mer. Seasonal offerings change throughout the year and are complemented by Vin de Carafe, a unique wine program that brings recognition to local wine producers.