This past weekend I took a quick three day trip to Napa valley for MLK weekend. Needing a break from the forever winter months in NYC, I found a great points deal with Delta Skymiles to SFO, and off I went! This time of year is considered off-peak, which meant less crowds, pleasant temps and tons of deals.
I stayed at a charming inn called Maison Fleurie, which is located in Yountville (north of the city of Napa and centrally located in Napa valley). Maison Fleurie has one of the BEST breakfasts I’ve experienced at an inn or B&B – every day there was a different varied menu and it was delicious (served buffet style). The service was great and the inn was extremely cozy, with numerous fire places and sofas. I stayed in the carriage house king room, which is actually not in the main house of the inn, but right near by, with its own private entrance and a location right next to the pool (extremely convenient for the summer months!).
We ate two dinners at restaurants while in Yountville, which is the heart of fine dining in Napa valley (containing restaurants such as The French Laundry, a three star Michelin restaurant). The first was at Bottega, of Michael Chiarello fame, and the second was a more casual pizzeria, Redd Wood. Both were very good, but if I had to pick a favorite, I would say Bottega hands down. Top picks for Bottega dining if you make it over: Shortrib Meatballs, Calamari Fritti, Insalata di Cavolini di Bruxelles, Raviolo di Uovo and Ricotta Gnocchi della Nonna.
Finally, the wine! Here is a rundown of the breathtaking vineyards I visited:
1. Frog’s Leap Winery
Frog’s Leap offers tastings on the patio and in the garden, both of which require a reservation. The garden is more casual, and though you will quite often read reviews recommending the garden to the patio, I personally think the patio offers the best of both worlds – All four tastings are poured at once and you are given the freedom to drink at a spacious table on the patio and/or wander the vineyard grounds at your own pace. The red barn on the property is of particular importance to it, you can’t miss it!
2. V. Sattui Winery
V. Sattui Winery has the same owner as Castello di Amorosa (see below). V. Sattui Winery is much more outdoorsy casual than Castello (which boasts stone brought over from Italy) and is a great place to stop by for lunch, offering a broad array of food for those looking for a wine + a food pit stop during the day.
3. Opus One Vineyard
Opus One creates only one bottle of wine a year, and boy does it sell! The bottles sold here average at least $200 a bottle, and although some say the wine is overrated and the people here are pretentious, I think the vineyard is worth at least a visit. A collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, the vineyard is a smooth mix of California and France, and Mondavi and the Baroness made sure they were on equal footing throughout the collaboration, which is evidenced by the antique yet modern feel of the building as a whole. An interesting fact – If you look at the vineyard from above, it is supposed to depict the shape of a wine glass!
4. Robert Mondavi Winery
Outfit details: Blazer, Rebecca Minkoff (available in different colors here); Dress, HD in Paris, from Anthropologie; Bag, Tory Burch (similar here).
I have to say, I was disappointed by the wines at Robert Mondavi Winery – The wines here are on the lower end of all of the wines produced by the Mondavi name. But, the grounds are gorgeous and I wasn’t disappointed for stopping here.
5. Round Pond Estate
Can you believe this entrance? Make a reservation for Round Pond’s wine and olive oil tasting (the two tastings are across the street from one another) or make a reservation for a combined tasting out on the balcony of this astounding vineyard. Over 300 acres of grapes and palm trees make this a true California vineyard.
6. Mumm Napa
You have to visit at least one sparkling wine vineyard while in Napa valley. Mumm = Yumm!
7. Castello di Amorosa
A castle in the middle of Napa valley? You better believe it! Although recently built, it contains stones that are 700-800 years old. Take a look – you may even discover some goats or peacocks walking about. The tasting room is in the basement and standing room only – I recommend the dessert wines.
8. Alpha Omega Winery
Alpha Omega is the perfect place to end your day. The wine is amazinggg (well worth the approx. $100 price tag on reds but their whites are less – check out the Chardonnay) and the place is open later than most.
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