72 hours of PERFECTION – Napa Style
The Capricorn dynamic duo (Douglas and myself) headed to Napa with some of our favorite friends to celebrate our dual birthdays. This is where Town & Country intertwine, creating the perfect atmosphere to celebrate what makes life truly beautiful.
While it’s impossible to visit all of our favorite restaurants and wineries, we managed to execute a pretty solid itinerary.
Here are the cliff notes and some of my favorite spots:
Tip #1 – Everything worth experiencing requires advanced coordination so plan ahead!
Stay at The Poetry Inn, Auberge Du Soleil or Calistoga Ranch depending on where you would like to be situated.
Pick up a cheese & charcuterie platter from the Oakville Grocery then head over to Gamble Family Vineyards. Book a tasting with Ania and experience some mighty fine Oakville Cabernet. Cairo is my personal fave!
A Garden or Olive experience at Round Pond Estate is highly recommended. Consider leaving with the 2009 Cab, 2008 Reserve Bovet and the garlic infused olive oil. All are über FAB!
If you are unable to score reservations at the French Laundry (THE FINEST DINING ESTABLISHMENT IN MY BOOK), then head over to the Restaurant at Meadowood. A sensational “option B” because there’s nothing “option B” about it.
Coordinate a tasting at Ma(i)sonry. This art / lifestyle / wine-tasting gallery is located inside a historic stone building in the heart of Yountville. Check out their website www.maisonry.com then contact Arwen to book a private event. Otherwise, stop by and sample a Blackbird Cab or the latest TOR Chardonnay. Then walk to Bouchon for a late lunch. This creature of habit (moi) always starts with a Grand Plateau of Fruits De Mer followed by Poulet Roti with extra truffle fries. Pair with a bottle of Chassagne-Montrachet, Pierre Yves Colin-Morey and you are in business!
If you want to treat yourself to some of the finest limited production wines in the valley, head to Pritchard Hill. One of our favorite cabernets, Bryant Family Vineyard, is located there.
Best breakfast Boon Fly Café at the Carneros Inn. Chilaquilas & fresh proper margaritas = Breakfast of champions. If you’re more of a donut & coffee type, they have you covered too.
Best Sunday brunch Auberge Du Soleil. Food, wine, service, view ßALL are fabulous
Ideas other than wine & feasting…
Spend half of a day at The Indian Springs Spa, Calistoga. I highly recommend the Volcanic Ash Mudbath followed by a massage with Jona.
Take a hike – Bothe State Park
Miniature golf and or croquet at Meadowood
The Playlist – Ray LeMontage & Mumford & Sons radio on Pandora
Last great tip…
Hire a DD Designated Driver. You car…Our Driver (707) 483-0123
Cheers. AT
A. Tesselaar 