Handsome and I take an annual trip to Napa with our good friends P & B.
On these trips there is always exceptional wine, brilliant conversation, and sublime cuisine.
I know Napa is known for their wine around the world, but it’s the farm fresh food that has me mesmerized. In fact, I can say with out a doubt I have never had a mediocre meal in Napa, they have all been quite outstanding! From the road side BBQ to the make sure you have reservations establishments, each and every one has been outstanding enough to add to my “must go back there” list.
And the wine, there are no words for the exquisite wine that comes from the Napa Valley.
I will let you know about the welcoming wineries and the not so friendly wineries (I wish there wasn’t this list, but there is). Their wines might be good , but their staff needs a lesson on how to treat customers.
Over the next few months I will be highlighting the following establishments that Handsome and I enjoyed.
So, let’s get started…
Where To Drink:
Envy
T-Vine
Frank Family
Tinchero
Markham Vineyards
Black Stallion
Quintessa
Where To Eat:
Busters
Mustards Grill
Goose and Gander
Redd Wood
Farmstead
Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen
Melted
Brix
Where To Stay:
Andaz
Places To See:
Oxbow Public Market
The Wineries I Didn’t Have a Pleasant Experience At:
Tamber Bay Vineyards The nicest thing I can say about this winery is the horse stables are beautiful and if you get a chance to meet Ace (a horse) he is the most pleasant person there!
Castello Di Amorosa – A total tourist trap! You are met at a podium prior to entering the winery (which is built like a large castle, it’s exterior is quite impressive). They collect a $25.00 fee whether you will be wine tasting or not, and a $15.oo fee for all child no matter of the age. It’s definitely a place where the busses drop off hordes of visitors on winery tours.
Chimney Rock – I heard wonderful things about this winery, their wines, and their fun members only wine parties. Handsome and I intended to try their wines and join their wine club. When I went to visit them upon a new friends recommendation, (I had met this couple at the Quintessa Members Only Harvest lunch, after that conversation Handsome and I drove straight over to Chimney Rock) I was met at the door by a woman named Julie who was extremely rude to Handsome, I and another couple visiting from England that had walked up about 5 minutes after we arrived. All 4 of us left their parking lot and went to another winery together.
The next day I did call and leave a message for the manager, but I never heard back. I am planning on giving this winery one more try the next time we are in Napa (hopefully Julie won’t be at the door again!)
So there you have it, for now. As I post about each place we visited I will be highlighting the name.
Where are your favorite places in Napa?
Oh I so love Napa. We went there on our honeymoon. I have been back but not for a very long time. I”m inspired to return sooner rather than later!
What a wonderful place to honeymoon! You should make it a anniversary trip in 2016. Happy New Year!
I adore Napa and have been there several times but not in many years. I have fond memories of Mustard Grill. If I ever go back I know who to speak to! Happy 2016, Mary.
Thank you,Cathy! May your New Year be filled with good health,happiness,and prosperity!
I’m definitely holding on to this post; I hope to make it to Napa in the coming year!
This is great! I want to run up there ASAP when I read this! Thanks
I have never been to Napa. But when I FINALLY get there, I plan to put your recommendations to good use!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Oxbow Market is so amazing. I get bottles of Napa Valley Distillery brandy there for everyone at Christmastime!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Thanks for the heads up on the good and bad! Wishing you a happy and healthy new year, Mary!
What a great post about Napa! I live in Sacramento, and my husband and I are due for another wine trip soon. I am especially grateful for the tips on great wineries to visit and the ones to avoid. I am making a screen shot of the rude ones and keeping that list on my cell phone so I can avoid patronizing those establishments – they don’t deserve our business. And I also will share that list with my friends. Thank you again for sharing your experiences and expertise. Happy New Year!
I’ve never made it to Napa yet, but it’s definitely on my must do list for sure. I’ll definitely be saving this post for future reference. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m so interested in your POV–we became Sonoma fans over Napa years ago. Spend quite a bit of time there, too. Looking fwd!
I haven’t explored Sonoma quite as much as I would like too. I would love any suggestions you might have for me.
I’ve never been to Napa but it’s on my list of places to go. Thanks for the tips. Did you get any good pictures?
You must go, Dia, it is beautiful! As I highlight each winery I will be adding the pictures I took. Check back.
Thanks for giving us that information. I have been looking into visiting Napa soon. I also love the term “handsome”:)
Great information about the vineyards.
Thank you, Jenny.