Here is a list of the best places to visit in Napa county from Stephanie Block of Tango Diva.
Wineries:
Coppola Winery, or Rubicon Estate as it is now called, is the perfect winery—it’s beautiful, the wine is good, the grounds are lovely, the shop is fun, and best of all, it has a museum full of famous relics from various Coppola movies: Dracula, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather and more.
1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford
800.RUBICON
Opus One is one of the valley’s premier wines, and the expensive tastings are by appointment only.
7900 Saint Helena Hwy, Oakville
707.944.9442
Sterling is not the best wine on the planet but its grounds are gorgeous, and the main attraction is a serious tram ride up a mountain to the tasting room with gorgeous valley views.
1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga
800.726.6136
Domaine Carneros is a beautiful chateau and is one of the first wineries you come to, the perfect stop at the beginning or end of your trip. I always like to start off my day with a little bubbly…
1240 Duhig Road, Napa
707.257.0101
Mumm is on the Silverado Trail and is a classic maker of California sparkling wine in the great French tradition. Take a tour and learn how the bubbly is born, sit for hours on their gorgeous terrace overlooking the vineyard, and be sure to check out their impressive art gallery.
8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford
800.MUM.NAPA or 707.967.7700
Darioush is also on the Silverado Trail and is a hot, new winery founded by a Persian family with a pension for Roman empire decor. Their boutique features unusual and special items not found in most Napa wineries, and for a real treat, make sure you stop by on Fridays at 3 pm to experience your tastings with Cowgirl Creamery representatives, makers of unbelievable cheeses.
And did you know: Syrah is probably the French interpretation of the word Shiraz, which is a varietal originally from Persia? So taste Shiraz at Darioush as it was meant to be tasted.
4240 Silverado Trail, Napa
707.257.2345
Restaurants:
Luscious Lunches
Brix is a great place to eat an easy and casual lunch on the terrace and then wander through their lovely vineyards after your meal or between wines.
7377 Saint Helena Hwy
Napa, CA 94558
707.944.2749
Auberge du Soleil offers arguably the best lunch in the wine country. Its sumptuous fare, unbelievable wine list and terrace seating overlooking the valley is second to none. Perfect for romance or a decadent afternoon with the girls!
See below under ‘Overnight’
Tra Vigne is an old family favorite of ours. We love to have lunch on their patio beneath a canopy of grape leaves and enjoy our fabulous Napa outing. If you can only go to Napa once, have lunch at Auberge. If you can come a second time, have lunch here.
1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St. Helena
707.963.4444
Domaine Chandon is a fabulous all-in-one house of sparkling wine where you can wine taste, tour and then settle in for a delightful lunch. Oh, and more bubbly …
One California Drive
Yountville, CA 94599
French Laundry is open for lunch on the weekends, Friday-Sunday. It might be slightly easier to secure lunch reservations than their famous dinner reservations. Look for yummy recipes on the website!
6640 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599
707.944.2380
To Die For Dinner:
French Laundry
6640 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599
*707.944.2380—Choose your desired date and then count back the calendar days 2 full months. Mark that date in red and begin to call IMMEDIATELY the minute the phone lines open for reservations, 10:00 am Pacific Standard Time.
