Napa Valley Life Magazine – Best Of Napa Valley 2024 by napavalleylifemagazine

BEST OF 2024

PLUS+

Lake Tahoe: A Winter Wonderland

PRIEST RANCH’S NEW GROOVE:

The Kitchen at Priest Ranch

Wine Country Romance: Napa Nuptials

When you’re ready to make a difference, we’re ready to help We are proud to support Justin-Siena’s Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship Program. The Gonzales Group Eric F. Gonzales Senior Vice President Senior Resident Director – Wealth Management Advisor 707.254.4606 eric_gonzales@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Riverfront 700 Main Street Suite 200 Napa, CA 94559 fa.ml.com/gonzales_group

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value MAP5448947 | AD-11-23-0462.D | 470945PM-0323 | 12/2023

LOVE IN VERONA

3341 Solano Avenue (Redwood Plaza) Napa, CA | 707-252-8131 | www.creationsfinejewelers.com

Collective Napa Valley is a community that celebrates wine enthusiasts who enjoy doing good. By joining, you will receive special perks like limited wine offerings and access to our most sought-after events. Membership is complimentary; all that’s needed is your email address. CollectiveNapaValley.org

Contents

F E AT U R E S

2024

T H E B E S T O F N A PA V A L L E Y I S S U E

26 Cover Story

Priest Ranch’s New Groove: The Kitchen at Priest Ranch

30 The 2024 Annual Best Of Napa Valley Readers’ Choice Awards

48 Wine Country Romance Napa Nuptials

82 Side Trip

Lake Tahoe: A Winter Wonderland N A PA V A LLEY LIFE

BE ST OF 20

M AG A Z I N

BEST OF 2024

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

PLUS+

Lake Tahoe: A Winter Wonderlan d

PRIEST RANCH’S NEW GROOVE: Th

e Kitchen at Priest Ranc h

Wine Country Romance: Napa Nuptials

NVL contents

D E PA R T M E N T S

2024

T H E B E S T O F N A PA V A L L E Y I S S U E

NV Scene • 12

What’s Been Happening Around Town

Things To Do • 16

16 Calendar of Events 17 Inside Track: What the Locals are Doing 18 Explore the Historic Fuller Park Neighborhood 21 Napa Valley Mustard Celebration

What’s Hot • 22 Special Feature: Napa Nuptials • 48 57 Alila Napa Valley 58 Silverado Resort 60 Napa Valley Country Club 62 V. Sattui

SIP • 64

64 Chandon California 66 Sire Estate 70 Oakville Wine Merchant 72 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

74 Kukeri Wines

Spotlights

68 Miguel Caratachea

EAT • 80

80 Cooking with Karen Crouse 81 The Best of Eiko's 85 Incline Village's Sage Leaf Restaurant

Beyond the Valley • 76

76 Discover Italy's Lazio Region 79 Ômina Romana

Real Estate • 86

86 Napa Tracy Style: Anticipating a Positive Turn in the Napa Valley Housing Market in 2024

Local Business • 88

88 Kimberley Harris Interiors

Local Community • 90 90 Senior Helpers

Wealth & Finance • 92 92 5T Wealth, LLC

Dining Guide • 94 6

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

EMBARK ON A

CULINARY ADVENTURE

on the Napa Valley Wine Train

WINE TR AIN.COM | 8 0 0.427.4124 | NAPA , C A

NVL editor’s letter

CELEBRATING NAPA’S BEST A

Photo by Lowell Downey

s we embark on the new year, we pause to celebrate the best of Napa Valley, which we commemorate in our annual Best of Napa Valley Readers’ Choice Awards issue. The annual Readers’ Choice survey is a grassroots poll fueled by our readers who are given the opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite people, places, products, and services among Napa’s local business community. We are honored to have the opportunity to orchestrate the project and reveal the winners in our first issue of the year. We want to thank our readers for your active engagement and support of Napa’s local businesses and congratulate all the winners (and nominees) who made the shortlist this year. Our cover story features one of Napa Valley’s legacy winery properties’ newest projects, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch. The new kitchen complements the Priest Ranch Tasting Room, a popular locale along Yountville’s busy Washington Street, and Somerston Estate, the 1682-acre property 10 miles east of the Silverado Trail. Under the purview of Chef Don Solomon and winemaker Cody Hurd, The KPR concept is not just a place that serves food but emphasizes Priest Ranch’s mission to bring people together, encourage epicurean curiosity, and act as an accessible gathering hub. According to CEO Judd Wallenbrock, the company’s ethos revolves around rethinking wine pairings—where the wine elevates the food, and the food elevates the wine. At the new Kitchen at Priest Ranch, one can get a flavor of both with an exciting new menu and gathering place. Napa has always had a romantic allure, whether for wine, food, or a special occasion. It is also an ever-growing popular destination for weddings. We are excited to present our first dedicated feature about planning a wedding in the region— an insider’s guide to tying the knot in Napa. From venues, lodging, catering, transportation, and other essential logistics, with the right amount of planning and research, Napa is the perfect place to say “I Do.” During the winter season, locals and visitors gravitate to the appeal of Lake Tahoe. Just a few hours’ drive from wine country, consider a side trip to this winter wonderland that features activities to please every interest: miles of hiking and biking trails, marinas, golf courses, and, of course, skiing. In addition to our regular feature series, this issue is chock full of articles featuring some of Napa’s best places to sip, eat, shop, and play. We hope you will take the time to explore some new places or rediscover an old favorite. And to all the readers who provided thoughtful input to our annual Best of Napa survey, we thank you for your continued support of the publication and the Napa community. Happy New Year!

Laura Larson Editor 8

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT:

www.napavalleylife.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING THE BRIDGE M E M O RY C A R E

When is it time to make a move? A N E X C LU S I V E LU N C H A N D L E A R N I N V I TAT I O N D AT E & T I M E Wednesday, February 28th 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Be our guest for a delectable gourmet luncheon from our signature restaurants and learn how to find the best senior living community for you or a loved one. Hear from our current members and their families about the physical, mental, and emotional reasons that influenced their move, and discover the distinct levels of care to best meet your needs. Empower yourself to enjoy an active lifestyle filled with countless opportunities for engagement, enjoyment, and exploration.

Call 707-244-3924 to RSVP by February 23rd.

watermarknapa.com | 707-244-3924 4055 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558

23-NVN-2059A | RCFE LICENSE #286803919

You could

Be There Already.

Your Concierge Katelyn Schanze

866-Fly-Napa (866-359-6272)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Derek Wright CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Candi Thomas EDITOR Laura Larson laura.larson@napavalleylife.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Hayden Seal OPERATIONS MANAGER Jackie Cyr jackie.cyr@webmediagroup.com ADVERTISING SALES Doris Hobbs – 209-207-4876 doris.hobbs@napavalleylife.com EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT/PARTNER Kevin Evans CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fran Miller Layne Randolph Charlene Peters Jillian Dara Chris Andrews CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Art & Clarity – Lowell Downey Bob McClenahan Robert Holmes ABOUT THE COVER

ski weekend in Telluride, a destination wedding in Grand Cayman or a scuba expedition in the South Pacific? Private Jet Charter is your answer. Whatever your destination, don’t waste valuable time waiting in an airport lounge for a missed connection or lost luggage. Let our friendly family of aviation professionals put 40 years of experience to work to make your air travel smooth, seamless and swift. Call us for a personalized quote, 1-866-FLY-NAPA !

Priest Ranch Winemaker, Cody Hurd and Chef Don Solomon at the Kitchen at Priest Ranch Photo by Robert Holmes

Napa Valley Life Magazine is published six times a year. We have four quarterly publications and two annual publications. Copyright 2024 by Napa Valley Life Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Subscriptions are available for $12/year by visiting napavalleylife.com and clicking on subscriptions at the top. 1370 Trancas Street #770, Napa, CA 94558 Corporate Headquarters: 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Suite 125, Austin, TX 78752

/NVLife

www.FlighTime.com

@napavalleylifemag

Indulge. Charles Krug has added a delightful new way to experience the Valley. Napa Valley’s oldest winery now offers a wine and caviar tasting featuring caviar hand-selected for Charles Krug. Calvisius Caviar is expertly paired with our exclusive, small-lot sparkling and white wines, taking you on a sensory journey of flavors and aromas seamlessly complementing each other. Book your experience at our legendary estate. Make your reservation now. charleskrugcaviar.com

St. Helena, CA CharlesKrug.com © Charles Krug Winery. Please enjoy responsibly.

707.967.2229

@CharlesKrugWinery

NV Scene

What’s Been Happening Around Town 5TH ANNUAL WINTER WINE & FOOD FÊTE

# PHOTOS BY BOB MCCLENAHAN COURTESY OF THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

Wine industry tastemaker Kerrin Laz hosted the fifth annual Winter Wine & Food Fête on December 9. The Fête brings the grand total of the Inspire Napa Valley series, which features events in the spring and winter, to more than $6 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 250 guests gathered at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone and enjoyed a world-class VIP lunch followed by a walk-around wine tasting. Curated by Laz, founder, and proprietor of K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION, the lunch highlighted current and library offerings shared by vintners and winemakers from Abreu Vineyards, Bryant Estate, Dalla Valle Vineyards LAZ Wine, Realm Cellars, Screaming Eagle, VHR, Vine Hill Ranch, followed by a walk-around wine tasting from 37 of California’s most exceptional vintners and winemakers. // www.inspirenapavalley.org Francoise Peschon

Inspire Napa Valley Committee

Brad Grimes & Guests

Josh Phelps, Kerrin Laz, Lynne Carey, and Mark Thoma

Maya Dalla Valle & Nick Gislason

Inspire Napa Valley Sommelier Team

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Kerrin Laz & Bettina Bryant

Hill Family Grapevine Wreath Class

HOLIDAYS IN YOUNTVILLE # PHOTOS BY BOB MCCLENAHAN

From November 19, 2023, through January 1, 2024, the Town of Yountville became the “Brightest Town in Napa Valley” during Holidays in Yountville. Visitors and locals enjoyed the thousands of twinkling holiday lights while exploring Yountville’s many tasting rooms, restaurants, shops, hotels, events, activities, and fun for the whole family. Town events included the Town & Tree Lighting with special guest Santa Claus, a special holiday performance by the Transcendence Theater Company, wine tastings and pairings, holiday movies and music performances, cooking classes, grapevine wreath making, holiday trivia night, cookie decorating, the 3rd Annual Latke Throwdown, a festive chocolate seminar, holiday Wine Train experiences, special Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner menus, Napa Valley Wine Trolley holiday lights tours, letters to Santa, photo opportunities all around town, and much more.

Latke Throwdown Bardessono

Performance by Transcendence Theater Company

Town of Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler, Congressman Mike Thompson and Senator Bill Dodd

BEST OF 2024

NV scene

Luncheon Chefs

Chef Bob Hurley (r) with Veterans Home Resident

2023 CELEBRITY CHEFS VETERANS DAY LUNCHEON # PHOTOS COURTESY OF CALVET

Chefs and dignitaries from the Town of Yountville, Napa County and the State of California saluted residents of the Veterans Home of California – Yountville, on November 8th, by preparing a multi-course feast for the 2023 Celebrity Chefs Veterans Day Luncheon. The Yountville Chamber of Commerce’s 19th annual luncheon featured celebrity Chefs Cary Delbridge of Brix Restaurant & Gardens, Phillipe Jeanty of Bistro Jeanty, Alex Espinoza of Bottega Napa Valley, Octavio Alcantar of Bouchon Bakery, Michael Foster of Mustards Grill and Kirby Lopez with the Veterans Home Culinary Team. Chef Rick Edge of Lucy Restaurant & Bar at Bardessono prepared the vegetarian menu, and restaurant veterans Matt Guyot of Brix Restaurant and Chef Bob Hurley led the culinary and service teams. Chandon, Charles Krug, and Duckhorn Vineyards provided the wines that perfectly complemented the menu. The Veterans Home of California - Yountville currently houses nearly 600 aging and/or disabled United States military veterans and their spouses or domestic partners, nearly a third of the town’s population. // www.calvet.ca.gov Brix Chef Cary Delbridge

Luncheon Chefs

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

CALISTOGA LIGHTED TRACTOR PARADE # PHOTOS BY TIM CARL

Voted as one of Napa Valley’s favorite local holiday events, the 27th Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade on December 2 did not disappoint. Crowds lined Lincoln Avenue to cheer on over 50 spectacularly decorated tractors, fire engines, floats, and marching groups to celebrate the city’s agricultural heritage and compete for big prizes. Neighboring businesses joined the festivities by offering special menus and libations before and after the parade. This family-fun event is a special Calistoga tradition that is recognized nationwide. // www.visitcalistoga.com

BEST OF 2024

NV Calendar

Upcoming Parties, Concerts, Celebrations and Events Event dates subject to change. Please check event websites for current schedules.

NV Lighted Art FestivalNapa Lighted Arts Festival Touch the Sky-by Martin Taylor Photo by Bob McClenahan

Find Your Heart in Yountville

Fridays through April • 8:00am-12:00pm

FARMSTEAD FARMERS MARKET

Local purveyors join Long Meadow Ranch at Farmstead’s “pop up” farmers market on Friday mornings through April. Fresh seasonal vegetables, exotic mushrooms, local honey, hand-made pasta, chocolates, pastries, seafood, and other seasonal items are presented each week. // 738 Main St., St. Helena // www.longmeadowranch.com January 20- February 18

NAPA LIGHTED ART FESTIVAL

The Napa Lighted Art Festival is a celebration of creative arts, technology, and lights, and it supports innovative techniques using light and light technologies as a growing art medium. This walkable outdoor experience is FREE in Downtown Napa, featuring ten lighted art sculptures for five weeks and projection artwork on three iconic downtown buildings for the first nine nights of the festival. Bring the family and experience the magic. Sun-Thu 6-9pm /Fri- Sat 6-10pm. // www.donapa.com/lighted-art-festival/

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Photo courtesy of the Napa Valley Marathon

Through March 31

NAPA VALLEY MUSTARD CELEBRATION

The 2024 Napa Valley Mustard Celebration runs from January through March all across Napa Valley. Each city hosts special events from American Canyon to Calistoga, and businesses offer unique mustard-themed products and services. Highlights include the Atlas Peak Road’s Opening Celebration Weekend (Feb 3-4), full of art & wine events, Downtown Napa’s Celebrate Mustard Season (Feb 10-11) with participating restaurants offering special menus, Yountville’s Mustard Celebration Evening (Feb 28) with food & wine tastings, Photo Finale’s 2024 Photography Exhibition (Mar 1-31), Jessel Gallery’s Artist Demonstration Days (Mar 3-4), St. Helena’s Weekend Celebration (Mar 8-10), and much more. // www.napavalley mustardcelebration.com/events.html Weekends in February

FIND YOUR HEART IN YOUNTVILLE Yountville Arts Presents Find Your HEART in Yountville on weekends

during the month of February. Each weekend, beautiful glass hearts that Napa Valley Glass Artist Patti Wessman has individually created will be hidden along Washington Street for all to find. Stroll through town enjoying the Art Walk and find these lovely, pocket-sized treasures hidden in plain sight by Yountville Arts Commissioners. // www.yountvillearts.com February 24

NAPA VALLEY PREMIERE

Hosted by the Napa Valley Vintners Association, Premiere Napa Valley is an auction of one-of-a-kind Napa Valley wines offered as futures to members of the wine trade each February. Known as the “best week in the Napa Valley wine business,” Premiere brings wine business leaders from all around the globe to Napa Valley. This year, Premiere Napa Valley will showcase the 2022 vintage and culminate with the live-streamed auction on Sothebys.com on Saturday, Feb 24, in St. Helena, California,

with virtual and in-person events taking place in the days and weeks leading up to the auction. // www.premierenapavalley.com March 3

NAPA MARATHON

The Napa Valley Marathon is back! Popular for its reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course along the Silverado Trail, runners from all over the country sign up to participate in either the marathon, half marathon, or 5K. The marathon is a non-profit, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years back into the local community of Napa Valley. // www.napavalleymarathon.org March 23 6:00-8:30pm

APPELLATION ST. HELENA (ASH) BASH 2024

Appellation St. Helena’s annual food and wine pairing competition, bASH, is returning for its 13th season to the barrel room at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. This unique event is a mash-up of select ASH wines presented by local vintners and a gourmet bite prepared by CIA student chefs or esteemed local restaurant chefs. The fun part is the guests are the judges! Throughout the event, attendees/judges taste the curated pairings and vote for their favorites, and the lucky winners are presented with prizes and accolades. // CIA Greystone 2555 Main St., St Helena // www.appellationsthelena.com/ events March 23 • 1:00-4:00pm

HOWELL MOUNTAIN BUD BREAK CELEBRATION

Treat yourself to world-class wines from 30+ Howell Mountain wineries in San Francisco, where guests can taste, purchase, and take home exclusive Howell Mountain wines. Each winery will extend exclusive offers on Howell Mountain wines and the opportunity to bid and win rare wines and winery experiences in the Silent Auction. Gourmet small bites will be available from McCall’s Catering. // Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco // www.howellmountain.org

Inside Track

What the Locals are Doing C CASA Street Tacos C CASA’s new Street Tacos bring global flavors to new heights. Starting in January 2024, their Taco Tuesday program expanded to every day of the week. Embark on an exciting foodie adventure with specialty tacos with flavors from Mexico to Asia, Greece to France. //

Photo courtesy of C CASA

610 FIRST ST./ OXBOW MARKET, NAPA • WWW.MYCCASA.COM

Downtown Joe’s Karaoke Downtown Joe’s is the place for some of the best live music in Napa’s downtown. The brewery/restaurant/ pub is a family-owned neighborhood gem where “locals meet, and visitors come to feel like a local.” While live music is the attraction on weekends, Tuesday and Wednesday nights are reserved for karaoke fans. 9:30pm Free entry // 902 MAIN ST., NAPA • WWW.DOWNTOWNJOES.COM

North Napa Bar & Grill Burger Night Burger lovers unite! Neighborhood bar and grill, North Napa, serves up burgers every Monday for $10. The base burger comes with cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickles with a side of French fries. Add bacon, avocado, fried egg, mushrooms, jalapenos, or caramelized onion, among other toppings. For the less carnivorous, sub out an Impossible burger. Other options also available. Mondays 4:00-9:00pm // 1540 TRANCAS ST., NAPA • WWW.NORTHNAPA.COM

Photo courtesy of North Bar & Grill1

Vault Calistoga Live Music Stop by Calistoga Vault on Saturdays between 4 and 6 pm. to enjoy some of Napa’s small, premiere wine labels accompanied by live music. Local artists take the stage each week to create a chill, cool vibe while guests relax with wines from some of Napa’s best vintners. // 1124 LINCOLN AVE., CALISTOGA • WWW.VAULTCALISTOGA.WINE

Azur Wine Lounge Game Night

Photo courtesy of VAULT Calistoga

Elevate Your Mondays at downtown Napa’s Azur Wine Lounge, where the perfect blend of sophistication and fun awaits. From 5:00-7:00pm, guests are invited to immerse themselves in Azur’s exclusive Game Night while sipping wines and engaging in friendly games, trivia, laughter, and competition. No reservations needed; dogs are welcome // 1014 CLINTON ST., NAPA • WWW.AZUREWINES.COM Photo courtesy of Azur Wine Lounge

NVL things to do

Exploring the Historic

FULLER PARK NAPA ABAJO NEIGHBORHOOD  BY CHRIS ANDREWS

Photo by Chris Andrews 18

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

It’s time to put on a favorite pair of walking shoes and get acquainted with the Fuller Park – Napa Abajo Neighborhood, an area rich in history. A quick drive-through might give one the impression these are just blocks of beautiful homes, but look more closely and discover a slice of Napa richly layered with interesting things to do, a thriving business community, and an urban forest.

y design, the heart of this neighborhood is Fuller Park itself. The park occupies one entire city block in downtown Napa on grounds originally part of what was known as Campbell’s Grove, an area with orchards and open spaces, some of which were used by Napa’s early baseball and football teams. Eventually, this parcel of land was cleared in anticipation of an extensive park development, though the first iteration with a lake and plant conservatory never materialized. In 1919, the City of Napa purchased the property, and Oak Street Park was born. It was later renamed Fuller Park after Mayor C.H. Fuller. Over the years, Fuller Park has seen a variety of recreational attractions come and go, but the park’s distinctive and varied trees, its broad stretches of lawn, bocce ball, rose garden, enclosed playground, and picnic table areas, have over the years, made the park the place locals gather. Also of interest is the quarter mile of smooth, flat walking path on the park’s perimeter, a great spot to pack in those 10,000 steps the doctor ordered. Plan to bring a blanket for those considering a picnic in case the ever-popular picnic table areas are occupied. There is ample room on the lawns, in the shade or sun. Consider swinging by Winston’s Café and Bakery for “farm-to-table” style sandwiches. In the evenings, enjoy the tacos, local-made tamales, and fresh fruit juices from street vendors on the park’s perimeter. The wafting aroma of carne asada and carnitas is irresistible. The two neighborhoods surrounding the park are collectively called the Napa Abajo – Fuller Park District by the National Register of Historic Places. They are bounded by the Napa River on the east, Highway 29 on the West, Imola Avenue on the south end, and Division Street on the north. This 1200-acre district was settled in the mid-19th century before Napa was incorporated, and today, as it was then, it is primarily a residential neighborhood, affluent in examples of architecture from that period. Within this relatively small footprint are an impressive 295 buildings listed on the National Register. That alone makes these neighborhoods worth a long and studied stroll.

History and architecture buffs will enjoy the National Park Service’s fascinating description of the neighborhood and these historic homes. The National Register of Historic Places Listing details significant addresses and the dates when the structures were completed, their functions, and, in some cases, the first owners and architects of the properties. Pull up the NRHP listing on a smartphone and explore Napa’s living “museum” of homes for the afternoon. // www.npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/ b370d2d7-bef5-45df-9cf3-8681a6b7a438 For those who prefer guided tours of the neighborhood, a number are available throughout the year. Favorites include the Photography Tour of Historic Homes, the Fuller Park Historic District Walking Tour, and the Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour, which, at some homes, includes walkthroughs of the interiors. One of Napa’s most beloved summer traditions also takes place in this neighborhood, namely Napa Porchfest. Every year, on the last Sunday in July, Fuller Park streets are cordoned

Photo by Chris Andrews

Porchfest // Photo by Art & Clarity

BEST OF 2024

NVL things to do

a fun place to pick up inexpensive “souvenirs” or to find bric-a-brac and home essentials. After shopping, meet up with friends for an espresso and pastries and to shoot the breeze at Napa Bookmine. One might also find a great title or two to pick up from the their thoughtfully curated collection. Two outstanding tasting experiences in the District are the Napa Valley Distillery and Ackerman Family Vineyards’ Heritage House, an 1889 Queen Anne Victorian at the epicenter of the Napa Abajo neighborhood. Heritage House hosts exceptional wine-tasting and food pairing experiences and high tea with all the to-do and fixings, including crumpets, finger sandwiches, and organic teas.

Photo courtesy of Ackerman Family Vineyards Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Yacht Club Photo courtesy of The George by Cultured Vine

off, and Napa Valley musicians perform on porches at many historic homes. For more information on neighborhood tours and special events, visit www.donapa.com and www.napaporchfest.org. And why just look at historic homes when one can actually stay in them? The Napa Abajo is where many of the region’s best B & Bs are located, all in homes on the National Register. The George and McClelland House are especially beautiful and recently restored. Visitors to the region will be pleased by these luxurious accommodations, situated in a peaceful residential setting and just a five-minute walk from the 20

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

city’s best shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Other beauties in the Abajo neighborhood are side-by-side mansions, the White House Inn, and Churchill Manor. Other neighborhood features worth a gander are the Napa Valley Yacht Club and Riverside Park Boat Launch. The yacht club hosts hundreds of guest boats each year, bringing together boating enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area. This is an ideal location to set anchor as the docks are just a few blocks from downtown Napa’s many amenities. With nearby parking, the boat launch is perfect for those looking to kayak or canoe on the Napa River. Other neighborhood attractions include everyone’s favorite thrift store, Community Projects. The store showcases high-quality used household items, clothing, artwork, collectibles, jewelry, books, and more; it’s

Napa Valley Distillery is proudly the first distillery in the county since prohibition, producing artisan whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy, and barrel-aged cocktails. Libations can be enjoyed in the cocktail lounge, and the Hollywood Room is now offering concerts and comedy, with tickets available online. Lastly is the district’s newly renovated Food City Shopping Center. This new community hub is at a corner of town, previously wanting for good eateries. Naysayer Coffee is the area’s new spot for the perfect cup of joe and super tasty breakfast foods, while La Hacienda Bar and Grill offers generously served Mexican classics. And Rutherford Family Pizza will indeed become a family favorite with its authentic New York-style pies, with slices so large one is often enough.

Bask in the Glow of the

MUSTARD NAPA VALLEY

Celebration

Photo by Bob McClenahan

he Napa Valley Mustard Celebration is a valley-wide three-month event held yearly from January to March. It is a joyous season to behold as the valley floor explodes in a sea of yellow mustard blossoms, the first hint that Spring is right around the corner. It’s also a very busy time in Napa for both locals and visitors. From American Canyon to Calistoga, each city celebrates the season by hosting seasonal events, and businesses across the valley promote unique offerings good only for this limited time. Highlights include the Atlas Peak Road’s Opening Celebration Weekend (February 3-4) full of art & wine events, Downtown Napa’s Celebrate Mustard Season (February 10-11) with

participating restaurants offering special menus, Yountville’s Mustard Celebration Evening (February 28) with food & wine tastings, Photo Finale’s 2024 Photography Exhibition (March 1-31), Jessel Gallery’s Artist Demonstration Days (March 3-4), St. Helena’s Weekend Celebration (March 8-10), and so much more. With new events being added all the time, one is sure to find a special way to share in the season. So take the scenic route. Whether by car, bike, train, or on foot, don’t miss the opportunity to bask in the glow of wine country’s Mustard Season and all it has to offer. See the full calendar of events: https:// www.napavalleymustardcelebration.com/ events.html BEST OF 2024

NVL what’s hot

Photo by Tim Carl

Slanted Door After much anticipation, Chef Charles Phan launched the third iteration of his popular Vietnamese restaurant, Slanted Door, in the former Kitchen Collective location on Soscol Avenue. The sleekly designed restaurant shares space both inside and out in the roomy courtyard, creating an inviting space to serve Phan’s signature menu, which, among other mouth-watering selections, includes his famous Shaking Beef, Dungeness Crab with Cellophane noodles, Chicken in a Clay Pot, and Slanted Door Spring Rolls. The bar menu focuses on traditional cocktails and a wine list curated with terroirdriven and sustainably farmed wines selected to complement the flavors of their modern Vietnamese cuisine. Open daily for drinks and dinner (lunch and late night coming soon).

Studio 1299A Wine industry veteran and Co-Founder of Jameson Humane, Monica Stevens’ newest venture, Studio 1299A - a private, by-appointment tasting experience in downtown St Helena, was launched to connect wine collectors + enthusiasts with incredible small producers from Napa + Sonoma Valleys. Stevens’ longstanding vintner relationships that she and her late husband David established allow the opportunity to pair wines with each guest’s individual preferences. The concept expands upon Stevens’ All Access business, a concierge service that connects wine collectors with Napa and Sonoma’s premier vintners. Studio 1299A is designed to offer a brick-and-mortar space to host and nurture those relationships. Although the direct sale of wine is transacted between the vintner and the consumer, a portion of each transaction supports Jameson Humane, “pioneering a business model that blends personalized, curated wine experiences with a robust sense of social responsibility.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

1650 Soscol Ave., Napa www.slanteddoor.com/napa Photo courtesy of Slanted Door

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1299A Main St., St. Helena // monica@allaccessnapavalley.com

Armistice Brewing Company Armistice Brewing Company recently opened on downtown Napa’s hoppin’ Clinton Street. The brewery serves fresh beers made with heritage barley grown locally in the Sacramento Valley. Their selection includes hazy and West Coast IPAs, lagers, English-style ales, saisons, and experimental beers such as a Michelada sour with Michelada gushers. They also have a curated wine program featuring small, family-owned French and Italian producers. Their food partner is El Garage, so guests can order delicious, insta-worthy quesabirria with their IPA or Beaujolais. Open seven days, 11am - 9pm. Sun - Thu and until 11pm on Fri - Sat. Check the website for special deals such as $6 Mondays and Taco Tuesdays. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1040 Clinton Street, Napa // www.armisticebrewing.com Photo Courtesy of Armistice Brewing Co. 22

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Bob McClenahan

photography

________________________

bobmcclenahan.com

Photo Courtesy of the Bungalow

NVL what’s hot

The Kitchen at Priest Ranch Priest Ranch Winery recently opened The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, a unique eatery located in Yountville, the food center of Napa Valley. Headed up by Executive Chef Dan Solomon, The Kitchen combines the vibrant flavors of seasonal American cuisine with the regional influences of the Midwest. Using only the freshest locally grown ingredients, the approachable menu includes breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, a few entrées, and even a kid's menu, available on-site or grab-n-go. Open daily from 10am - 6pm

Gentleman Farmer Bungalow

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 6488 Washington St.,

Yountville // www.thekitchenatpr.com

The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, A Studio for Gustatory Well-Being, is a reimagined 1926 California Craftsman bungalow in downtown Napa. Vintners Joey Wołosz and Jeff Durham will share Gentleman Farmer wines with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Jeff & Joey prepare several-course home-cooked meals while sharing background notes, colorful stories, and detailed, down-to-earth answers to wine questions. They pull from family recipes (Joey has a sweet tooth, so save some room) to pair with Gentleman Farmer Wines. It’s neither a restaurant nor a tasting room but a hybrid of both- a space to host private experiences, salon soirées, live music, burlesque, magic, and much more.

Photo courtesy of The Kitchen at Priest Ranch

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1565 First St., Napa

www.gentlemanfarmerwines.com/experiences/

Roman Holiday Gelato St. Helena’s café scene welcomed a new addition for gelato lovers in October. Owner/Chef Elisha Smiley started her career 20 years ago at Model Bakery and studied authentic Italian gelato making at the Gelato University in Bologna, Italy. The colorful space, inspired by the iconic Audrey Hepburn movie of the same name, offers freshly churned, original artisanal gelato flavors in the shop daily. Flavors get their hues from all-natural coloring, and ingredients are sourced from local purveyors, such as Somnium Cabernet Sauvignon for the blackberry cabernet sorbet or Moung Saetern’s strawberries from the Silverado Trail. The café also serves espresso drinks from Sebastopol’s Retrograde beans, boba drinks, and cookies baked in-house. Open 12-7 every day but Wednesday. FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1336 Oak Ave., St. Helena //

www.romanholidaygelato.com

Photo courtesy of Roman Holiday Gelato 24

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

FULL BAR & KITCHEN - OPEN LATE NIGHT CRAFT COCKTAILS & BARREL AGED CLASSICS WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY KITCHEN 3:30 PM - 11 PM FULL BAR 3:30 PM - 2 AM HAPPY HOUR 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM 505 LINCOLN AVENUE NAPA, CA 94558 • @THELINCOLNNAPA

THELINCOLNNAPA.COM

The Spa at The Estate Photo by Will Pryce

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

T RANCH S E I

’S

NEW GROOVE The Kitchen at Priest Ranch Encourages Guests to Eat, Drink and Gather  BY JILLIAN DARA | PHOTOS BY ROBERT HOLMES

t the end of last year, Priest Ranch debuted their new restaurant, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch. But the concept helmed by Chef Dan Solomon is so much more. In fact, it embodies all that of a home kitchen: It’s not just a room that serves food; it emphasizes Priest Ranch’s mission to bring people together, encourages epicurean curiosity, and acts as an accessible gathering hub. “Accessibility, comfortable, effortless, quality” are all terms that were mentioned several times when speaking to the Priest Ranch team as they opened The Kitchen in response to “what locals wanted” with the elevated convenience that the new space brings to Yountville. “There’s so much excellent food here but not a lot of elevated fast casual,” said Judd Wallenbrock, who joined the Priest Ranch team as CEO in 2023. On the same street as The French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro, and Bistro Jeanty, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, or KPR, saw an opportunity to offer something different for

the town. “It’s easy but still high quality,” added winemaker Cody Hurd on the operations. They aren’t trying to lure customers away from these existing businesses; in fact, they’re uniting with the long-established eateries here, like sourcing baked items from Bouchon Bakery and spotlighting California purveyors like Marin’s artisanal cheeses and Mary’s Chicken used in both their front-ofthe-house takeaway counter and back-ofhouse experimental kitchen. “It’s about getting away from the standard expectation and doing something different,” said Chef Solomon, who’s created a menu that he refers to as “going against the grain,” changing with the seasons to accommodate the best pairings. “Everyone expects to see braised short ribs and Cabernet, but what if it’s the middle of July and it’s 100 degrees in the sun, and you’re planning a lunch on the patio?” He poses the question, referring to The Kitchen’s sizable patio area and secondfloor rooftop that coaxes customers to enjoy his food alfresco.

BEST OF 2024

Although Chef Solomon prides himself on inventive, daily specials, fan favorites have emerged from his signature offerings. Like the Smashburger – a brisket and chuck blend – with grilled onion, American cheese, house pickle (Solomon ferments his own pickles and kimchi), lettuce, tomato, and KPR sauce on a Bouchon bun. “I love making pickles, hot sauces, and all other varieties of fermented foods,” shared Solomon. “Something magical happens when you take something as simple as cabbage, add a little salt, and exercise the patience to let it hang out in a dark place for a few weeks (or months) while it transforms. This is what really pulled me into this style of food in the first place: the virtue of patience and the level of trust that’s needed to just let it go. Fermented foods are kind of “punk rock”

“ We zig while everyone else is zagging. We’re trailblazers. We’ve done it with our wines; now we do it with foods, and when you combine the two, you take it to another sublime level; that’s what’s so exciting about this opportunity.” in that way – they’re just doing whatever they want, not worried about anyone else’s input or opinion, wild and free. I’ve always had a wild side, so expressing that through food is fun.” There’s also the ham panini, layers of Parisian jambon, Marin French brie, and caramelized onion on a telera roll smeared with pumpkin seed pesto and Calabrian chili maple glaze. Even the steak frites, seemingly a more popular sit-down, stayawhile dish, are presented in an elevated fast-casual way with seasonal butter, fries, and KPR sauce. Every dish comes with suggested wine pairings, which customers can order by the glass or pick up a bottle. For example, 28

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Smashburger’s complement is Priest Ranch’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, while its 2018 Double Barrel is for the ham panini. A lighter dish like the roasted squash panzanella salad with baby lettuce, farmer’s cheese, and sweet maple vinaigrette is paired with their 2018 Brut Rosé. “We think that wine is food; it’s not an accompaniment to the plate; it’s a part of the plate,” Wallenbrock proclaimed. He emphasized how wine pairings are particularly important at Priest Ranch. As overstated as it may be, Wallenbrock explained that their ethos revolves around what it’s like to rethink wine pairings – where the wine elevates the food and food elevates the wine.

– Judd Wallenbrock, Priest Ranch CEO Visitors will notice this immediately when browsing Priest Ranch’s tasting room offerings. A recurring hit is their Bacon and Wine experience that pairs four signature wines with four seasonally updated sous vide pork belly flavors. Past glazes include chocolate raspberry, cherry ras el hanout (an Arabic spice blend of cardamom, cumin, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, and more), and plum and black pepper gastrique. Right now, it’s a mustard variation that will run through March to coincide with

the Napa Valley Mustard Celebration. And Chef Solomon doesn’t exclude the winery’s vegan friends; he’s simulated the bacon tasting with mushrooms, which still enables guests to partake in the incredibly sensory experience. A forthcoming way that Priest Ranch will continue to encourage guests’ curiosity with wine and food – viticuriousity as they call it – is with their new mystery dinners. At these weekly dinners, guests will choose the wine, permitting Solomon and his team to pair their culinary course accordingly. Whereas most restaurants choose the food first, and the sommelier pairs the wine, Priest Ranch flips this on its head. “We zig while everyone else is zagging,” said Wallenbrock. “We’re trailblazers. We’ve done it with our wines; now we do it with foods, and when you combine the two, you take it to another sublime level; that’s what’s so exciting about this opportunity.” Chef Solomon said he’s thrilled to offer this to guests as it is another opportunity to showcase seasonality and the abundance of hyper-local ingredients throughout California and Yountville. “We have a small garden up at the winery that I intend to utilize for some products, as well as the farmers’ markets throughout the valley and other relationships that we have with different producers in the area,” he explained. To approach the pairings, Solomon sits down regularly with Hurd and the team in the tasting room for a discussion. “I prefer a collaborative approach because, at the end of the day, I can only cook how and what I want to eat, so I believe it’s vital to get input from a broad group,” once again stating the unexpected quality to these mystery menus. As for what guests can expect, Solomon teases a past pairing of a grilled swordfish steak in a coffee-maple glaze with grilled asparagus and ramp salsa verde that paired beautifully with Priest Ranch Cabernet. “I tend to lean into the more subtle flavors of the wines and find a pairing to complement those, and sometimes I’ll have fun with it and contrast the bigger, bolder flavors that are coming.” These mystery menus are slated for Thursday nights – along with the majority of the winery’s unique programming. Wallenbrock explained their goal is to “own Thursday” nights year-round. “When I was in college, that was the party night. We want to bring that to Yountville, having some fun with things,” he said.

Other forthcoming happenings include their Smashburger kick-off with TV personality Liam Mayclem, a leap into spring dinner on February 29, and a speaker series about food fermentations. “We’re bringing culture to SoYo as I call it (South of Yountville),” but at the same time, we are always incorporating the wine and food as stars,” said Wallenbrock. Hurd said that aside from all the new additions last year, there’s even more to be excited about on the horizon. “2023 was our largest harvest to date,” he said, comparing it to a wetter harvest like 2011, yielding fruit with mellow tannins and great acidity. Also, he said, Priest Ranch is reintroducing Grenache Blanc to their predominantly Bordeaux portfolio this

year. “People previously loved this, but we had to yank out the vineyards and replant them; the anticipated release date for that is April 2025.” And while there’s plenty of newness at the ranch, there are some existing offerings that the winery is just as excited about since launching them – like their four-wheel vineyard tours that take guests 1000 feet up into their vineyards as well as their private group winemaker lunches and dinners that further explore the parallels between wine and food with a fourcourse meal by Chef Solomon. “The combination of the tasting room, restaurant, and 1,682 acres is like a little jewel you weren’t expecting to find,” said Wallenbrock. “We’re adventurous and here to satisfy the viticurious.” FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.priestranchwines.com

BEST OF 2024

2024

Napa Valley Life always kicks off the year with our annual Best of Napa Valley Readers’ Choice Awards. The Readers’ Choice Awards is a community project that offers us a unique opportunity to collaborate with our readers and followers to support and promote Napa’s local businesses. The survey is launched in the Fall through all our channels (print, social media, website, and email) and runs until December 1st. It contains a formidable list of categories where readers nominate and vote for their favorite people, places, products, and services in Napa Valley. At the end of the survey period, we count all the votes in the represented categories, comb through all the write-in nominations

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

to tally candidates who weren’t on the published list, and, if applicable, consider them for the following year’s survey. As a result of last year’s write-in requests, we added a new category for 2024, Best Candy/Sweet Shops. Napa Valley has no shortage of fantastic local businesses offering some of the best hospitality, goods, and services that can be found across the globe. Our readers’ participation and thoughtful input are represented within this list, and we are honored to have the opportunity to share the results. Please join us in congratulating all the winners and the many nominees from which there were to choose.

BEST

Downtown Tasting Room Bubbly Napa Valley P Be 1407 2nd St., Napa www.bebubblynapa.com Located in downtown Napa’s trendy SoFi District, Be Bubbly is Napa Valley’s first and only dedicated sparkling wine lounge. Among a wide selection of global sparkling wine and Champagne available by the bottle or glass, Be Bubbly is a popular gathering spot for happy hours, live music, and social events, encouraging patrons and loyal fans to “live life to its bubbliest.”

Acumen Wine Gallery • 2nd 1315 1st St., Napa www.acumenwine.com Alpha Omega Collective Napa • 3rd 1245 1st St., Napa www.alphaomegacollective.com

BEST

Hidden Gem Winery Winery P Chappellet 1581 Sage Canyon Rd., St. Helena www.chappellet.com For an unforgettable Napa Valley experience, take a trip up to Pritchard Hill and discover Chappellet Winery. The family winery, founded in 1967, is dedicated to maintaining sustainable farming techniques and creating quality, mountain-grown wines that reflect Pritchard Hill’s terroir with depth, longevity, and elegance. Private tasting experiences are hosted with a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour- on foot or via ATV, with curated tastings that include current and library releases and their Signature Cabernet Sauvignon.

A.X.R. Napa Valley • 2nd 3199 St. Helena Hwy. N, St. Helena www.axrnapavalley.com Porter Family Vineyards • 3rd 1189 Green Valley Rd., Photo Napa courtesy of Vintners Collective www.porterfamilyvineyards.com Photo by Bob McClenahan

BEST OF 2024

Photo courtesy of Sequoia Grove Winery

BEST

Estate Winery Tasting Room Grove Winery P Sequoia 8338 St. Helena Hwy., Napa www.sequoiagrove.com Sequoia Grove Winery retains its top spot as Napa Valley’s Best Winery Tasting Room in this year’s survey. Sequoia Grove’s elegant yet approachable wine portfolio is presented to guests through curated tasting experiences in their lively tasting room or among the shady redwoods surrounding the property. Tasting experiences include ‘A Taste of Sequoia Grove’- a selection of four winemaker reds, ‘Wines + Bites,’ which includes four varietal wines paired with small bites, the ‘Cambium Vertical Tasting,’ and ‘The Ultimate Wine & Food Experience: A Taste For Cabernet,’ a multi-course odyssey of unconventional food pairings crafted by winery chef, Britny Maureze paired with the winery’s limited production Single -Vineyard and Reserve wines.

Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards • 2nd 680 Rossi Rd., St. Helena www.connvalleyvineyards.com

tie

Schramsberg Vineyards • 3rd 1400 Schramsberg Rd., Calistoga www.schramsberg.com Aonair Wines • 3rd 647 Greenfield Rd., St. Helena www.aonairwine.com 32

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

BEST

Wine Collective Collective P Vintners 1245 Main St., Napa www.vintnerscollective.com Vintners Collective reigns as the People’s Choice winery collective and tasting room. Known for its selection of interesting wines produced by small, family-owned wineries, VC has developed a loyal following. The tasting room is conveniently located in a historic building on downtown Napa’s Main Street and touts a colorful past as a saloon and brothel. VC’s wine club is also a big draw, with a unique collection of wine in every shipment and a busy calendar of vintner-hosted event events for members.

Brasswood • 2nd 3111 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena www.brasswood.com The Wine Thief • 3rd 708 1st St., Napa www.twtnapa.com

BEST

Outdoor Wine Tasting

P 1155 Mee Ln., St. Helena

Alpha Omega Winery www.aowinery.com Experience the best of Napa Valley terroir while sipping award-winning Alpha Omega

wines at their picturesque Rutherford Estate. Among private tasting rooms and a lively indoor bar, Alpha Omega touts one of Napa Valley’s most expansive patio/terraces, overlooking a fantastic ‘Las Vegas-esque’ fountain and their estate vineyards, where wine educators present curated selections of AO’s current and library wines from many of Napa’s most renowned vineyards. For chilly afternoons, choose a seat at one of the firepits. Alpha Omega is family and pet-friendly; dogs are welcome on leash.

Shadybrook Estate Winery • 2nd 100 Rapp Ln, Napa www.shadybrookestate.com Domaine Carneros • 3rd 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa www.domainecarneros.com

BEST

Wine Bar Bubbly Napa Valley P Be 1407 2nd St., Napa www.bebubblynapa.com Located on 2nd St, right off the main drag in downtown Napa, Be Bubbly offers an extensive selection of sparkling wine and Champagne produced worldwide, which can be purchased by the bottle, glass, or flight. They also offer still wines (mostly local labels) and an eclectic menu of small bites, including everything from caviar to tater tots. The tasting room is a popular gathering place with weekly live entertainment, unique wine and food pairing events, and a Boujee Bubbly Sunday Brunch.

Market St. Helena • 2nd 1347 Main St., St. Helena www.marketsthelena.com Cadet Wine & Beer Bar • 3rd 930 Franklin St., Napa www.cadetbar.com

CONNECT. INSPIRE. CONNECT. ENJOY. ENJOY. INSPIRE. Experience has been beenrecognized recognizedasas Experiencewhy whySequoia Sequoia Grove Grove has “The Best Napa “The Best BestEstate EstateWinery WineryTasting Tasting Room” “The Best NapaValley ValleyTasting TastingRoom” Room” and “The Room” for years! for four years!

Sequoia Grove Sequoia Grove w ii n e r w r yy

book yourreservation, reservation,scan scan the the QR QR code, ToTo book your code, visit visitwww.sequoiagrove.com, www.sequoiagrove.com, call 707-339-5757 or email concierge@sequoiagrove.com call 707-339-5757 or email concierge@sequoiagrove.com OPEN WEDNESDAY - MONDAY, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | 8338 ST. HELENA HIGHWAY, NAPA, CA 94558

OPEN WEDNESDAY - MONDAY, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | 8338 ST. HELENA HIGHWAY, NAPA, CA 94558

BEST

Bar/Cocktails Don Giovanni P Bistro 4110 Howard Ln., Napa • www.bistrodongiovanni.com Belly up to the bar at locals’ favorite, Bistro Don G’s, for a handcrafted cocktail, a glass or bottle of wine from their extensive wine list or settle in for a while and order lunch or dinner. Along with its award-winning reputation as Napa’s best Italian restaurant, this local gem has been a neighborhood hangout for locals and vintners since it opened over 30 years ago.

Goose and Gander • 2nd 1245 Spring St., St. Helena www.goosegander.com

Auberge du Soleil • 3rd 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford www.aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil

Photo courtesy of Shadybrook Estate

BEST BEST

Boutique Winery Estate Winery P Shadybrook 100 Rapp Ln, Napa www.shadybrookestate.com Shadybrooke Estate Winery sits among the Rapp Ranch Vineyards in the heart of Coombsville. Plan to stay awhile and book a wine-tasting or cheese and charcuterie pairing experience in one of the conversation pits on their patio that overlooks Coombsville’s pristine rolling vineyards. Heighten the experience with the Estate Cave Tasting, which includes a tour and tasting current and library wines paired with cheese, caviar, and chocolates. For the equine enthusiast, the Ultimate Ranch experience includes a horseback ride along the Cabernet vineyards, followed by a curated selection of Shadybrook Estate and Rapp Ranch wines.

Local Winemaker Rivers Brown | Mending Wall Winery P Thomas 3730 Silverado Trail North, St.Helena Thomas Rivers Brown’s passion for wine took him to start his career in the wine business when he began working at Turley Wine Cellars in 1997. He developed his reputation as one of Napa’s most successful winemakers through his work at Schrader Cellars, Outpost, Maybach, Pulido-Walker, Revana, and many other brands, including his own Rivers-Marie, Aston Estate & Caterwaul. Brown’s unwavering dedication to detail, making wine that is the purest expression with minimal intervention, and expertise overseeing all aspects of vineyard operations contributed to his history-making accolades as the youngest American winemaker to score two perfect 100 point ratings from Robert M. Parker and the only two 100 point ratings from James Laube at the Wine Spectator. He is also well known for his efforts to give back to the community through sponsorships of local charitable events and mentoring and training the next generation of winemakers.

Rudy Zuidema • 2nd Shadybrook Estate Winery 100 Rapp Lane, Napa www.shadybrookeestate.com

Cathy Corison • 3rd Corison Winery 987 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena www.corison.com

Sill Family Vineyards • 2nd 2929 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa www.sillfamilyvineyards.com Krupp Brothers • 3rd 1094 Hardman Lane., Napa www.kruppbrothers.com

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Thomas Rivers Brown, Photo by Jimmy Hayes

Shadybrook EStatE

thE CavE

Napa vallEy trail ridES

This hidden gem is found secretly nestled in the eastern hills of Coombsville, Napa Valley’s newest and highly sought after AVA. Here you will be treated to a hosted wine tasting experience showcasing award winning wines from both our Shadybrook Estate and Rapp Ranch wine labels paired with seasonal cheeses, charcuterie and accompaniments while enjoying the panoramic view from our grand tasting terrace.

Shadybrook Estate invites you to heighten your wine journey with our new, elevated, wine tasting experience in our 16,000 square foot cave. This 2-hour experience is limited to only eight people and includes a short tour of our Estate Vineyard followed by a tasting of our current release and library wines - paired with a specially curated selection of caviar and accompaniments.

Experience Napa Valley from the original rancher’s perspective - riding through the vineyards on horseback! Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a 30 or 50 minute scenic trail ride before leading you to our Grand Tasting Terrace overlooking the breathtaking 82 acres of vineyards and gardens on our historic Rapp Ranch property.

100 Rapp Lane | Napa, CA 94558 | (707) 255-5661

www.shadybrookestate.com | www.napavalleytrailrides.com

BEST OF 2024

BEST

Brewery

Family Restaurant

Brewing Company - Napa P Fieldwork 1046 McKinstry St., Napa www.fieldworkbrewing.com/napa

933 Main St., St. Helena www. gotts.com

Located in downtown Napa’s bustling Oxbow Market District, Fieldwork Napa’s Taproom offers an ever-changing list of beers on tap to order by the glass or flight. Specialty brews include Lagers, Sours, Belgian Ales, and an excellent selection of IPAs. A light menu of salads, pizza, and snacks is available to order, or patrons can bring in nosh from a local Oxbow establishment and enjoy it with a delicious beer. Growlers, 16 oz. cans, and 32 oz. Crowlers can be packed to go or ordered online and picked up for those on the go.

Gotts Roadside is Napa’s favorite family restaurant. With two locations—one in downtown Napa and the other in St. Helena—the lively roadside restaurants serve a classic gourmet diner menu with something for everyone. Also voted as Napa’s best place for a burger, the options are many, and the handcrafted shakes are calorie-worthy. For the healthconscious, their delicious salads are made to order, as are the fresh seafood tacos and poke bowls. Also impressive is their beer and local wine list.

Clair Brown Winery & Brewery P St. 816 Vallejo St., Napa www.stclairbrown.com Opened in 2013 by longtime friends Winemaker/Brewmaster Elaine St. Clair and President Laina Brown, St. Clair Brown is Napa’s only boutique urban winery, nano-brewery, and culinary garden. The small (two-barrel, all-grain nano brewery (launched in 2018) brews 60 gallons of beer per batch. It includes a weekly rotation of 14+ beers, which can be sampled by the flight or purchased by the bottle to-go. All beers are handbottled and hand-labeled by Elaine and Bren in 750ml champagne bottles.

Mad Fritz Brewery and Malthouse • 2nd 393 La Fata St., St. Helena www.madfritz.com

BEST

Wine Tour Wine Tours P Platypus 182 Camino Oruga, Napa www.platypustours.com Platypus Wine Tours is known for its small-group wine tours designed to show clients a picture-perfect day in Napa and Sonoma wine country. Each ‘joinin’ tour is designed to appeal to each group and is a fun/social way to discover a hand-picked selection of hidden gem 36

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Roadside-Napa P Gotts 644 1st St., Napa

Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery • 3rd 1250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga www.calistogainn.com

wineries that many would not find on their own—along with a picnic lunch. Platypus offers customized private and group tours for corporate outings and events such as birthday parties, wedding guest groups, and more.

Beau Wine Tours • 2nd 1754 2nd St., Suite B, Napa www.beauwinetours.com Napa Valley Wine Train • 3rd 1275 McKinstry St., Napa www.winetrain.com

Filippis Pizza Grotto • 2nd 645 1st St., Napa www.realcheesepizza.com Hop Creek Pub • 3rd 3253 Browns Valley Rd., Napa www.hopcreekpub.com

BEST

Mexican Food Calenda P La 6518 Washington St., Yountville www.lacalendamex.com Named after an Oaxacan parade that kicks off celebrations, Thomas Keller’s La Calenda is a cheerful gathering place with indoor and outdoor seating and a lively bar. The restaurant specializes in traditional Oaxacan dishes prepared with fresh, artisanal ingredients. The menu presents an ample selection of Antojitos ( Appetizers) that run the gambit from fresh chips and guacamole, quesadillas, tostadas, colorful salads, and pork or fish tacos. The Platos Fuertes are artfully prepared with fresh chicken, slow-cooked pork, and seafood with flavorful accompaniments. The restaurant also touts an ambitious beverage program, with a full-service bar specializing in tequilas and mezcals. Beer and local wines are selected in partnership with the MexicanAmerican Vintner’s Association.

Fridas Mexican Grill • 2nd 1533 Trancas St., Napa www.fridasmexicangrill.com C CASA • 3rd 610 1st St., Napa www.myccasa.com

tie

Don Pericos • 3rd 1106 1st St., Napa www.donpericos.com

BEST

Italian Restaurant

P 4110 Howard Lane, Napa Bistro Don Giovanni

www.bistrodongiovanni.com Bistro Don Giovanni has been recognized for its outstanding menu and convivial neighborhood atmosphere for three decades. Frequented by locals, guests may dine inside the lively restaurant, at the bar, outside on the deck, or the expansive garden

patio with fountain seating. Don G’s menu offers fresh, seasonal interpretations of traditional Italian dishes that are sustainably farmed and organically sourced. Favorites include hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and daily fish and meat specials, all expertly presented by their professional staff (and even Giovanni himself as he’s often on site.) Bistro Don Giovanni has all the ingredients for a memorable dining experience— a lively atmosphere, an outstanding menu, and impeccable service.

Bottega Napa Valley • 2nd 6525 Washington St., Yountville www.botteganapavalley.com Oenotri • 3rd 1425 1st St., Napa www.oenotri.com Scala Osteria & Bar • 3rd 1141 1st St., Napa www.scalaosteria.com

tie

BEST

Asian Food Asia P Morimoto 790 Main St., Napa www.morimotoasianapa.com Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s namesake restaurant on the Napa River offers an intimate dining experience, an eclectic menu, and a casual atmosphere. The sleek dining room invites guests to dine at a diverse selection of community tables, a generous bar, or private cubbies where hearty appetizers, delicious soups, dim sum, and signature dishes that highlight Chef Morimoto’s favorite Asian flavors are served. The drink menu includes an excellent selection of beer, wine, whiskey, and sake.

Empress M • 2nd 221 Silverado Trail, Napa www.empressm.us Eiko’s Napa • 3rd 1300 1st St., Suite 385, Napa www.eikosnapa.com

BEST OF 2024

BEST

or the BLT- heirloom tomatoes, guanciale, arugula, and burrata. Enjoy a fresh pie indoors or outside on the garden patio, or order a couple online and take them home to enjoy.

Local Burger Roadside P Gotts 644 1st St., Napa 933 Main St. (Hwy.29) St. Helena www.gotts.com

BEST

Sushi Napa P Morimoto 610 Main St., Napa www.morimotonapa.com Iron Chef Morimoto’s Napa restaurant has been a popular spot to dine and hang out since its opening on the Napa Riverfront over a decade ago. The creative menu offers a wide selection of Asian dishes, but the biggest draw is the high-end, inventive selection of sushi, sashimi, and maki preparations served in artful preparations. The ambiance of the restaurant adds to the allure. After enjoying some sake from the Sake and Japanese Whiskey Bar, the open-style, warm, yet modern décor invites guests to dine at one of the group tables, a private banquet, the sushi bar, or the outdoor patio, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

R + D Kitchen • 2nd 6795 Washington St., Yountville www.rd-kitchen.com Eiko’s Napa • 3rd 1300 First St., Suite 385, Napa www.eikosnapa.com

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Filippis Pizza Grotto • 2nd 645 1st St., Napa www.realcheesepizza.com

Gotts Roadside is undoubtedly the best-known place to go to grab one of Napa Valley’s best burgers. Gott’s prides itself on using locally sourced, fresh ingredients and its knack for creating gourmet roadside specialties. The beef burgers are 100% Niman Ranch and are topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, and a secret sauce. Among the many creative options to take it to the next level, the California Burger is topped with a fried egg, bacon, and balsamic onions. Try one with blue cheese, avocados, pickled jalapenos, BBQ sauce, or Kimchi with spicy gochujang mayo. All burgers are available on a fresh roll or lettuce wrap, and for the less carnivorous, Impossible meat or veggie burgers are also on the menu.

Pizzeria Tra Vigne • 3rd 1016 Main St., St. Helena www.pizzeriatravigne.com

BEST

Barbeque Hunter Wine Bar P Bounty & Smokin’ BBQ 975 1st St., Napa www.bountyhunterwinebar.com

R + D Kitchen • 2nd 6795 Washington St., Yountville www.rd-kitchen.com Goose & Gander • 3rd 1245 Spring St., St. Helena www.goosegander.com The Charter Oak Restaurant • 3rd 1050 Charter Oak Ave., St. Helena www.thecharteroak.com

BEST

Local Pizza Don Giovanni P Bistro 4110 Howard Lane, Napa www.bistrodongiovanni.com Bistro Don Giovanni’s pizzas are made fresh to order in their wood-fired oven and include a selection of popular flavors such as the Margherita or the Bambini with pepperoni, tomato, mozzarella, and french fries on top. Menu options change with the season, including mouth-watering choices like Proscuitto and Figs with Gorgonzola

tie

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ is a staple on downtown Napa’s restaurant scene. It’s a place to sit down, relax, and enjoy some delicious BBQ while accessing an impressive wine selection featuring over 400 highly allocated wines with 40 wines available by the glass. Local menu favorites include the BH Beer Can Chicken, smoked brisket, and St. Louis Ribs. Keep an eye out for their Prime Rib specials. Bounty Hunter hosts fun events and has a top-notch catering team to bring the smoker and BBQ to any party or event.

Red Rock Café & Back Door BBQ • 2nd 1010 Lincoln Ave, Napa www.backdoorbbq.com Busters Southern BBQ • 3rd 1207 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga www.busterssouthernbbq.com

BEST

Place to Eat Seafood Waterfront Seafood Grill P The 720 Main St., Napa www.waterfrontseafoodgrill.com Matt Cordeiro’s seafood restaurant established itself as a flagship culinary destination when it opened on Napa’s

BEST

riverfront almost two years ago. The restaurant, headed by Executive Chef Jesus Mendez, focuses on fresh, classic seafood dishes. The airy restaurant boasts inside dining and outdoor patio seating and a formidable bar featuring six outdoor seats sequestered for prime riverfront views. Specialties include a raw bar menu, caviar, oysters, crab, and shrimp, a bountiful selection of appetizers, and main courses, including lobster, shrimp, fresh catch, pasta, and a handful of steaks and chops.

Vegetarian Menu Options + D Kitchen P R 6795 Washington St., Yountville www.rd-kitchen.com Part of the Hillstone Group, R + D Kitchen in Yountville is one of three locations in California. The popular neighborhood restaurant on Washington Street brings “sophisticated and fresh cuisine to a smart and convivial crowd.” Inspired by California’s indoor/outdoor culture, the menu includes an eclectic selection of appetizers from sushi to meatballs but is best known for its sandwiches, as the bread and rolls are baked on-site. For the vegetarian, the choices are plenty, starting with the Vegetable or Avocado Roll sushi, the jalapeno queso and guacamole Dip Duo with hand-cut tortilla chips, the Emerald Kale Salad with roasted peanut vinaigrette, the Veggie Club sandwich with feta, pickled onion

Hog Island Oyster Co. • 2nd 610 1st St., Napa www.hogislandoysters.com Morimoto Napa • 3rd 610 Main St., Napa www.morimotonapa.com

tie

Celadon • 3rd 500 Main St., Napa www.celadonnapa.com

and avocado and a myriad of options among the recently added Honor Pizza selection, which can be ordered to go.

Yak and Yeti • 2nd 3150B Jefferson St., Napa www.yakandyetinapa.com C CASA • 3rd 610 1st St., Napa www.myccasa.com

BEST

Bakery Bakery P Bouchon 6528 Washington St., Yountville www.thomaskeller.com Since its opening in 2003, Thomas Keller’s famous Bouchon Bakery in Yountville has been a tourist and local favorite attraction. In the style of classic French boulangeries, the bakery features a wide selection of artisanal breads and classic desserts inspired by Chef Keller’s memories of

FOUR GENERATIONS

OF OUR FAMILY... SERVING YOURS.

YOU R BUSIN E S WEDNESDAY, MAY

Dow Jones 25,965.09

WATERCOOLER

473.39 | S&P 500

8, 2019

2884.05 48.42

Books for millennial women launching careers

napavalleyregis

ter.com

| Nasdaq 7963.76

SECTION C

159.63 | Russell 1582.31

32.66 | NYSE MKT

2553.128.18

KARLA L. MILLER

Special To The

Washington Post

Q: My grandda graduating from ughter is spring and will college this her first professibe starting a male-dominatedonal job in field. I am hoping you can recommend a book or website to help her navigate any sexism she might encount er in the workplace. She’s a Jersey tends to be outspokgirl and en, but not necessarily way. I am concernin a tactful make her situatioed she may n worse if she responds in an aggressi ve manner. Any advice you can offer would be helpful. A: News flash: If your granddaughter is breaking into a traditionally male Tom Finch’s son, field Michael, prepares I’m betting college of study, a pizza at Filippi’s has already introduced her Pizza Grotto in downtown JENNIFER HUFFMAN to MicroaggresNapa. sions 101, Compara PHOTOS, REGISTER Standards, Applied tive Double Principles of Lewd Conduct, and or two on You’re a colloquium cause Quotas. Only Here BeShe may be more prepared than you realize. Will her lack of when she encountetact backfire rs postgraduate gender conflicts ? Maybe. But while diplomac skill, I don’t want y is a valuable restaurant there. notion that it’s to promote the After four years possible for her there, he decided to say Just the Right put his hard workit was time to Thing in Just the Right Tone CRAIG SMITH to enlighten peopassion, carrying into his own ple who have no for the Register on the family traditions. intention of improving themselv Tom Finch, owner es. “I was working Dependin of Filippi’s g on the work environm way too hard Pizza Grotto for somebody ent, a dose at else, and decided of Jersey girl may started working 645 First St., it was time to for the open called for. So trust be just what’s family a Filippi’s business when here.” he was only 9 way in her own her to find her years old. style. Before he could Encourage her “That’s probably to see my familydo so, “I went not even nections at work to make conto get their legal today,” he blessings. One said, grinning uncle asked me senior colleague with trusted . “I came in every if I s who can help still remembered how her get the lay of to make shelves and clean day to stock meatballs, and the the walk in, another asked as sounding boards land and act and got a silver if I had my own when dollar she’s money. My Unfrom my unsure how to grandmother. respond to a sitcle Roberto said, I felt like a rich uation. Having ‘Everybody man.” should be a millionai female mentors at work can give re – go do By 13, he was a it,’” Finch said, her someone to full-time dish- Filippi’s Pizza Grotto owner Tom laughing through emulate, but she washer, earning Finch and his two Matthew. the telling. needn’t rule out $1.35 an hour sons, Michael and men for support after school and Any restaurant And odds are, and coaching. Humble beginnin on weekends. change with her industry has you the businessowner will tell it, and he began gs, but all part a national or is risky and of the family business. to pursue his true local hard work, but passion, making fired all the time, then made Finch was never group for women. networking When Finch opened sauce and up worried. the next day and went back to Filippi’s the store. pasta in the back of work. And believe it in Napa in 2005, or not, Grand“People asked I got fired now one of 15 mama, you’re me if I was restaurants bearing The family recipes just didn’t come one time and afraid I might a valuable rethe family back.” fail. It never ensource all on he introname, all run by At first, his family tered my mind.” your own. Ask descendants of duced to his customers were her about her couldn’t the founders and an instant hit, and work; share links Finch’s grandpar the only one became the fo- believe it and figured that Finch to Web articles outside of Southern cus of his efforts. would quickly married and raised ents were relevant to her Californi come struggles. Encourag their chilto a, he his knew exactly what “My senses, but the e her and young man, then dren in the Bronx, New York, he wanted crediblygrandfather was an incheer her on it to be. and in his 20s, to Filippi’s hard worker. He lifted, and share keep her upworked for himself.set out on a new path York-styhas always served a New A single father all day at the your history le pizza. “We make Deli and night to keep her grounded Napa resident, of three and a in a machine at ours “I went to culinary as a pizza pie.” he couldn’t afshop. Then he of how my grandmo . Stories school, got ford to take his a business and The ingredien own family out would drive to L.A. at 3:00 in culinary degree, keep her marriage ther had to ts are under the and then to dinner. morning to buy cheese, and worked the tect her job and secret to pro“I wanted to for the Deli, using needed items great restauran at some of the brick oven it’s all baked in a how a landlord open a family allowing that ts refused to rent that all of the were a flavors restaurant. Filippi’s ceipts to buy tomorrow day’s re- growing trend an to develop. in San Francisco my breadwinner apartment to ’s pasta,” did an to bring your kids, is a place said Finch. . I is made in-house Everything mother will forinternship at the go for a date ever remind me , starting Four night, Seawith To this day, that sons’ Clift Hotel or after a soccer how that turned into their sauce or “gravy”, as some original Deli game.” life I take for granted much of the Finch opened and Filippi’s restauran a job there. Italians call it. is the result of hard-fought t are still perience It was an amazing exusing “the nuts his restaurant there, still thriving, protests and legal “We make for me. and bolts of the battles. family business ing recipes created and still us- so later, MarriottSix months or people love huge meatballs that with to in the family. tions that fit Napa.” a few addiFinch’s mother, recruited me to International that they drive talk about,” and join them. That miles It’s proven to brothers all workedsister and five turned into a Please see GOSSIP, “We get people to enjoy. Page C2 17-year be just what in the family all the time, Napa wants. business, and Finch returned career.” from all over four of the boys the Bay Area, to Southern The first Filippi’s went on to open their own Filip- California with Marriott and who’ve eaten at Filippi’s Finch’s grandfat opened when pi’s in San down worked as executive south, and they Diego and the her bought come chef surat a rounding area. here for delicatessen on several different Tom India Street in properties there. the experience. Our custome If you’re looking San Diego in 1950. in Napa in 2005, Finch opened He transferr rs are loyal, too. to ed but We’ve got a cusative with break get creHe sold meats, long absence from only after a as the opening to Napa in 1994 tomer who time, lives in Washing cheeses and director of food the sure you’re complying make other Italian favorites ton “We were a really business. and beverage when Marriott state. He’ll call every couple close family, to local any laws your state with fishermen who of months bought groceries and there was the drama people bought the Clarion, and timing meal breaks. has about stayed down, and say, ‘I’m coming from him before associate with there for six years. Tom.’ I know Also, for going Italian families nonexempt, overtimewithout As the fishing industryout to sea. yelling, hugging, – Marriott recogniz asking that he eligible wants a dozen ed Finch’s half-bake workers, there are change, his grandfat began to it,” said Finch. crying – all of contributions laws about d pepperoni pizzas and promote her had to how long an uncompen d “We all either him to the San to sated Ramon Marriott take back.” quit or got break must be. , and to also help re-concept the

Pizzas fly at Filip pi’s

Finch credits restaurant’s succes s to family values

Pro tip

NAPA STAT

10 QUESTIONS |

TIM MCDONALD,

Please see FILIPPI’S,

Page C2

WINE & SPIRITS SPOKE N HERE

Every wine has a stor

Small business owner is sharing that story. uses story-telling 1. What was your” first job? to Food server at help sell wine Hotel Las Vegas, the Stardust Nevada.

3.85M

Number of visitors in 2018. They spentto Napa Valley a total of $2.23 billion. M 1

Source: Visit Napa

2. What’s the worst job you ever had? Summer job as a drapery inIn 2006, Tim staller Caesars McDonald esPalace Las Vegas tablished his business (no air condition ing). Wine & Spirits Spoken 3. How did you Here. The comget into the pany provides public relations wine industry? and reputation As a restaurant management to manager in Las the wine and spirits Vegas and Honolulu McDonald said industry. tion with the liquor , my interacsales reps alelements of his one of the key ways made me work centers on smile and thought story telling. it would be nice M. J. WICKHAM to have a 9-5 sort PHOTOGRAPHY “Telling your of job. story is step one,” said McDonal d. “Step two Please JENNIFER HUFFMAN

jhuffman@napanews.

Valley Tim McDonald

com

HOURS: MON-TH 11AM-9:30PM, FRI-SUN 11AM-10PM

see QUESTIONS

, Page C2

707.254.9700 | 645 FIRST STREET, NAPA | REALCHEESEPIZZA.COM

BEST OF 2024

breads. Specialty sandwiches include a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and antipasti, such as sundried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, roasted peppers, grilled eggplant, and anchovies, served on a generous selection of breads and rolls. Genova’s homemade pasta, lasagna, and imported Italian delicacies such as cakes, cookies, olive oil, crackers, and a bountiful wine selection are popular among Napa’s locals and wine country picnickers.

BEST

Place for Breakfast/Brunch Café P Gillwoods 1313 Main St., St. Helena • www.gillwoodscafe.com For over 30 years, St. Helena’s Gillwoods Café reigns as one of Napa Valley’s local treasures. Family-owned and operated, owner Jennifer Fradelizio, her mother Debbie, and most of their staff have been serving up sumptuous breakfasts and lunches in their cozy diner on Main Street to a loyal following of regulars and visitors where everyone feels at home. Favorite breakfast items include their house-baked cinnamon rolls, smoked salmon eggs benedict, bacon bloody Mary, and anything covered in their Country Gravy. (In January, The Fradelizios announced they were selling Gillwoods to local entrepreneurs Julio Sarabia and Arely Guzman, who will be carrying on the Gillwoods legacy.)

The Model Bakery • 2nd 1357 Main St., St, Helena 644 First. St. Napa 6523 Washington St., Yountville www.themodelbakery.com

Boon Fly Café • 3rd 4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa www.boonflycafe.com

Photo courtesy of Gillswood Cafe St. Helena

life in France. An espresso or custom blended coffee alongside one of Pastry Chef Nicholas Bonamico’s handmade viennoiserie, confections, pastries, tarts, and cookies keep the sidewalk on Washington Street very busy as anxious patrons line up to order their delights.

The Model Bakery • 2nd 1357 Main St., St, Helena 644 First. St. Napa 6523 Washington St., Yountville www.themodelbakery.com Buttercream Bakery & Diner • 3rd 2297 Jefferson St., Napa www.buttercreambakery.com 40

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

BEST

Place for a Sandwich Delicatessen P Genova 1550 Trancas St., Napa www.genovadelinapa.com A Napa institution since its opening in 1985, the DeVincenzi family’s Genova Delicatessen is known for its fresh sandwich bar, where patrons take numbers and wait in droves to custom-order sandwiches and salads from a cornucopia of choice meats, cheeses, accoutrements, and

Oakville Grocery • 2nd 7856 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville www.oakvillegrocery.com Sunshine Foods Market • 3rd 1115 Main St., St. Helena www.sunshinefoodsmarket.com

BEST

Upscale Restaurant French Laundry P The 6640 Washington St., Yountville www.thomaskeller.com/tfl Since its opening in 1994, The French Laundry has set the bar for fine dining, not just in Napa Valley but around the world. Its prestigious reputation revolves around its distinctive menu, curated daily, many ingredients from its on-property organic gardens, and intense focus on impeccable service. Whether booking a table inside the historic dining room or dining al fresco on the balcony or courtyard, scoring a seat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. The three Michelin star restaurant is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024.

Coles Chophouse • 2nd 1122 Main St., Napa www.coleschophouse.com Press • 3rd 587 St. Helena Hwy. www.pressnapavalley.com

BEST

Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch • 3rd 738 Main St., St. Helena www.longmeadowranch.com

Outdoor Dining Don Giovanni P Bistro 4110 Howard Lane, Napa www.bistrodongiovanni.com Voted this year by readers as Napa’s Best Italian restaurant, Best Bar/ Cocktails, and Best Local Pizza, Bistro Don Giovanni’s expansive outdoor seating has also won it the top choice for outdoor dining. The restaurant significantly invested in expanding its garden terrace during the 2020 COVID pandemic to accommodate outdoor seating, and it seems to have paid them back in spades. Guests are seated at cozy tables surrounded by fragrant rosemary bushes, protective draping to thwart sun and inclement weather, and a lovely fountain to complement the al fresco experience. The popular restaurant, open daily for lunch and dinner, presents fresh interpretations of traditional Italian dishes, all sustainably farmed and organically sourced.

BEST

Local Coffee Shop/Bar Model Bakery P The 1357 Main St., St, Helena

Auberge du Soleil • 2nd 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford www.aubergeresorts.com

644 1st St. Napa 6523 Washington St., Yountville www.themodelbakery.com With three locations up and down Napa Valley, the popular Napa Bakery serves up some of the best coffee in the area. Its proprietary blend of coffee beans custom-roasted by Seattle-based coffee company Caffe Vita offers a multi-layered combination of medium and dark-roasted coffees with toasted hazelnut, vanilla, and cocoa aromas with medium body and moderate acidity, with a smooth, buttery finish. The menu includes choices such as the Americano, an espresso, a café au lait, a latte, and a delectable pastry and dessert selection to enjoy alongside.

Napa Valley Roasting Co. • 2nd 710 Main St., Napa 1400 Oak Ave., #A, St. Helena www.napavalleycoffee.com Barnhouse Napa Brews • 3rd 1004 Clinton St., Napa www.barnhousenapa.com

BEST

Local Food Truck Family -Bruschetteria P Clif 709 Main St., St. Helena www.cliffamily.com Cliff Family’s famous Bruschetteria won the top ranking again this year for its unique and ever-changing menu of bruschetta, rotisserie chicken, salads, and sides. Overseen by Chef John McConnell, he uses a creative approach using seasonal ingredients sourced from the certified organic Clif Family Farm and trusted local purveyors. Popular menu items include the Funghi Bruschetta and the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, served with either the Polenta Tots or crispy Brussels Sprouts. On

BEST

Candy/Sweet Shop Chocolate & Ice Cream P Anette’s 1321 1st St., Napa • Oxbow Market: 610 1st St., Napa www.anettes.com Since opening in 1991, Anette Madsen Yazidi, her brother Brent Madson, and Mary Stornetta have worked together to share their passion for creating a fantastic ensemble of handmade, artisan chocolates, truffles, brittles, dessert sauces and ice cream. Their award-winning chocolates are made with the finest ingredients, are locally sourced, and are known for their rich flavors and smooth textures. The original location downtown offers handcrafted ice cream and mocha, and the Oxbow location carries a condensed menu of the shop’s most coveted items. Among the most popular are the Chocolate Truffles, available in a wide selection of flavors, the peanut brittle, and chocolate sauces, several wine-infused.

Kollar Chocolates • 2nd 6525 Washington St., Yountville www.kollarchocolates.com Photo courtesy of Anette's Chocolate

Woodhouse Chocolates • 3rd 1367 Main St., St. Helena www.woodhousechocolate.com BEST OF 2024

Wednesday, loyal followers line up for their weekly Street Food menu, which celebrates seasonal ingredients and global flavors with a specialty menu.

BEST

Wine Country Event Napa Valley P BottleRock Napa Valley Expo, Napa www.bottlerocknapavalley.com Produced by Latitude 38 Entertainment and JaM Cellars, in 2023, BottleRock marked its 13th season in Napa Valley. The six-stage event attracts over 120,000 concert-goers for the three-day music, food, and wine festival who come to experience some of the world’s top name bands with headliners such as Robert Plant, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Lizzo to name a few. However, the festival is much more than a concert. It is also one of the region’s hottest food and wine attractions, featuring local vintners and culinary creations from many of Napa’s top restaurants and chefs. The Culinary Stage is a show of its own, featuring celebrity chefs such as Snoop Dog, Giada De Laurentiis, Jose Andre, Michael Mina, and Guy Fieri, among others.

Napa Valley Porchfest • 2nd Downtown Napa Fuller Park Neighborhood www.napaporchfest.org Music in the Vineyards • 3rd www.musicinthevineyards.org

Imagination on Fire • 2nd 1790 Soscol Ave., Napa www.imagination-onfire-com The Original Burgerdog • 2nd 1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa www.theoriginalburgerdog.com Tacos Chavez • 3rd 75 Coombs St., Napa @tacos Chavez Di Filippio's Woodfired Pizza • 3rd Napa www.difilippopizza.com

tie

BEST

Hotel/ Resort du Soleil P Auberge 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford www.aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil Dubbed “the Quintessential Napa Valley Adult Getaway,” Auberge du Soleil is one of Napa’s most beautiful resorts. Showcasing breathtaking views, the 50-room property offers private cottages, deluxe rooms and suites, and an award-winning finedining restaurant beloved by visitors and locals. Nestled among 33 acres of heritage olive and oak trees, Auberge du Soleil offers guests a taste of Provence in California wine country and a feeling of relaxed sophistication and understated elegance, earning its reputation as wine country’s most iconic property.

The Estate Yountville • 2nd 6481 Washington St., Yountville www.theestateyountville.com Silverado Resort • 3rd 1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa www.silveradoresort.com

Photo courtesy of BottleRock Napa Valley

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

tie

Indian Springs • 3rd 1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga www.indianspringscalistoga.com

BEST

Boutique Lodging Block Hotel P North 6757 Washington St., Yountville www.northblockyountville.com The North Block Hotel in Yountville offers comfortably chic accommodations conveniently located in Yountville, the center of Napa Valley, and within walking distance of some of Napa Valley’s most iconic restaurants, shopping, and winery tasting rooms. Twenty guestrooms along the courtyard offer private entrances and balconies or patios so guests can enjoy the beautiful California weather. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, a heated pool and hot tub, a fitness studio, a Spa, and cruiser bikes for leisurely rides through Yountville or, for the more adventurous, a jaunt along the nearby Vine Trail.

The Vintage House at the Estate Yountville • 2nd 6541 Washington St., Yountville www.theestateyountville.com

and Golf Week’s Top 200 Resort Golf Courses, to name a few. Limited to members and resort guests, a day on links promises an exclusive and all-time classic golf experience.

Harvest Inn • 3rd 1 Main St., St. Helena www.harvestinn.com

BEST

Golf Course Resort P Silverado 1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa www.silveradoresort.com/ napa-valley-golf Home to the PGA Fortinet Golf Championship, Silverado’s two championship golf courses—designed by Johnny Miller—make it the only Napa Valley Resort with 36 holes of championship golf. Surrounded by the golden hills of Atlas Peak and oak-lined fairways, both courses offer dozens of water crossings, elevation changes, and stunning visual routings as far as the eye can see. The course has been recognized for its many accolades, including the NGCOA Regional Golf Course of the Year, Best Golf Weekend Getaway -San Francisco Magazine,

Napa Valley Country Club • 2nd 3385 Hagen Rd., Napa www.napavalleycc.com Chardonnay Golf Club • 3rd 2555 Jameson Canyon Rd., American Canyon www.chardonnayclub.com

BEST

Day Spa/Salon Spa at Solage P The 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga www.aubergeresorts.com/ solage/spa/ Inspired by Calistoga’s natural hot springs, the Spa at Solage invites guests to “detox, retox, and repeat” in their award-winning 20,000-square-foot

A Destination for Lifelong Play Silverado Resort - the home of golf in wine country

Thank you for voting us Best Golf Course in Napa Valley

Experience Silverado Resort and book our Golfer’s Getaway package.

Scan to learn more and reserve

www.silveradoresort.com | @silveradoresort

BEST OF 2024

spa. The Spa features the renowned Calistoga mud and mineral water therapies that have attracted spa-goers to the northern stretch of Napa Valley since the 19th century. At the heart

of Solage is The Bathhouse, which delivers the ultimate wellness experience, featuring exclusive geothermal pools with temperatures ranging from 98° to 103°. It is a sensational start or end to one of their many relaxing massages or wellness treatments.

The Spa at the Estate Yountville • 2nd 6481 Washington St., Yountville www.theestateyountville.com The Spa at Silverado Resort • 3rd 1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa www.silveradoresort.com

BEST

Boutique Shopping for Women Lifestyle P BoHo 1012 1st St., Napa www.boholifestyle.com

BEST

Dog-Friendly Hangout Park P Alston 2099 Dry Creek Road., Napa www.cityofnapa.org North Napa’s 157-acre Alston Park is a favorite attraction for walkers, hikers, picnickers, and their four-legged family members. Owned by the City of Napa, the open park contains three miles of winding trails for walking, hiking, and dog walking with various elevations, terrain, and sweeping views of Napa Valley. Canine Commons is a dedicated area where dogs can roam and run off-leash and a popular spot where locals gather–especially on weekends.

Oxbow Public Market • 2nd 610 1st St., Napa www.oxbowpublicmarket.com The Studio by Feast it Forward • 3rd 1031 McKinstry St., Napa www.feastitforward.com 44

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Boho Lifestyle is one of downtown Napa’s busiest boutiques. Opened in 2013, the shop is operated by a team of ten women trained to dress women best based on trends, body shape, and personality—and it appeals to customers of all ages. Touted as a lifestyle shopping experience, its owner has created a bohemian vibe with the creativity of her product selection and every element of the shop. The affordable clothing, shoes, hats, and jewelry, combined with their friendly fashionistas, attract its loyal following.

Muguette Renee Boutique • 2nd 1409 2nd St., Napa Helen Lyall Clothes for Women • 3rd 650 Main St., Napa

tie www.helenlyallclothesforwomen.com Elyse Walker • 3rd 1381 Main St., St. Helena www.elysewalker.com

BEST

Jewelry Store

P 3341 Solano Ave., Napa

Creations Fine Jewelers www.creationsfinejewelers.com

As the third-generation owners and operators of their family business, Brian and Melissa Doughty uphold the legacy Creations Fine Jewelers has defined since its founding—quality, style, service, and craftsmanship. The full-service boutique jeweler welcomes clients with a warm and beautiful showroom full of luxury designer lines and handcrafted pieces that can be designed and customized by a staff of GIA-certified experts and craftsmen. They also provide repair and appraisal services.

Napa Valley Jewelers • 2nd 1300 1st St., Suite 365, Napa www.napavalleyjewelers.com Padis Jewelry & Tasting Room • 3rd 1400 1st St., Napa www.padisgems.com

BEST

Art Collection & Galleries Huether Studio P Gordon 1821 Monticello Rd., Napa www.gordonhuether.com Gordon Huether, German-American artist and CEO of Gordon Huether + Partners, Inc., opened his Napa Studio on Monticello Road in 2008. Huether is best known for his large-scale sculptures, privately commissioned pieces, and fine art – many of which are designed and fabricated in the Napa studio by a team of artisans. The 15,000-square-foot facility houses a design studio, project gallery, fabrication facilities, and the Hay Barn Gallery, which features a revolving collection of Huether’s fine art.

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art • 2nd 5200 Sonoma Hwy., Napa www.dirosaart.org Yountville Art Walk • 3rd Washington St., Yountville www.yountville.com/ explore/arts&culture

2024 OF NAPA VALLEY

Editor's Picks Napa Valley presents many interesting people, places, and things to do, making narrowing down the voting categories in our Readers Choice Awards challenging. So, as a consolation, in this section, we supplement the readers’ picks to recognize a handful of noteworthy contenders that did not fall into the parameters of the designated categories but deserve an honorable mention.

Photo courtesy of the Slanted Door

BEST OF 2024 2023

BEST

MOST

New Place to Hang Out

Anticipated Restaurant Opening

Lincoln Napa PThe 505 Lincoln Ave., Napa • www.thelincolnnapa.com

Door PSlanted 1650 Soscal Ave., Napa www.slanteddoor.com

Established in 2023 by industry veterans Mike LeBlanc and Adam Snyder, The Lincoln is a casual American gastropub with a warm and inviting atmosphere welcoming families, friends, locals, and visitors with an extensive menu that puts a spin on classic favorites and an extensive beverage menu showcasing local beer, wine, and spirits. Situated along the scenic Napa River, a seat inside the cozy interior with a floorto-ceiling fireplace exudes a speakeasy vibe while offering views of the river and an expansive patio, where patrons can dine, hang out at the fire pits or play engaging games like oversized Jenga, Connect Four, Corn Hole or Ping Pong.

tie

After ten years of planning, Chef Charles Phan opened the third iteration of his popular Vietnamese restaurant, Slanted Door in Napa. Opened at the former Kitchen Collective space on Soscol Avenue, the sleek, new space makes excellent use of the inner courtyard, bar, and inside dining area. For Slanted Door fans, the innovative menu includes many familiar dishes, such as Shaking Beef, Chicken Claypot, Slanted Door Spring Rolls, and Crab Cellophane Noodles. The wine list is extensive, featuring local Napa and Oregon wines with a few European labels and over 20 wines by the glass. The bar program focuses on traditional cocktails with a fresh twist.

Napa Valley PCharlies 1327 Railroad Ave., St. Helena www.charliesnv.com

The Lincoln Patio - Photo by Kristen Loken

BEST

New Food Truck

P 728 1st. St., Napa Joella’s Deli

BEST

Wine Shipping

P 3250 California Blvd., Napa Cartons & Crates

www.joellasdeli.com

www.cartonsandcrates.com

Joella’s Deli is one of Napa’s 2023 new additions to the gourmet food truck scene. Launched in May, the bright orange truck, known for its “big flavors,” specializes in the highest quality soups, sandwiches, and salads. Proprietor/chef Ian Rosenstrauch makes everything from scratch- including the buns for his famous fried chicken sandwich and meatball parm sub, the hot sauce, and even the pickles.

Known as one of the area’s wineries’ favorites, Cartons and Crates has been helping customers fulfill and ship wine and other packaging and shipping services for premium wine, fine art, antiques, and wine country products for over 37 years. The Cartons and Crates team is personable, knowledgeable, and committed to excellence. And the best part— They are open seven days a week.

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Ox and the Fox // Photo by Lisa Fonville

After much anticipation, the beloved home of Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen was relaunched as Charlie’s in Fall 2023. Opened by French Laundry chef Elliot Bell, the globally inspired, communitydriven menu is sourced from local purveyors and colleagues, and the interior is designed and appointed by local artists. The wine country casual décor is designed to feel like a friend’s dinner party and complements the coastal-inspired dishes on the menu.

BEST

New Wine Bar Concept

PFolklore 1226 3rd St., Napa www.folklore-napa.com Folklore Napa is a hidden gem for lovers of great music, food, wine, cocktails, art, and more. The brainchild of owners Faith Henschel-Ventrello and Steve Ventrello, this unique spot offers guests an inviting space to grab a bite, coffee, cocktail, or wine from

an impressive selection of local and international labels while browsing through an eclectic collection of new and pre-loved vinyl records and CDs. The nonprofit public radio station KCMU 103.3 FM, which HenschelVentrello started around 2017, also broadcasts from the space.

Founder of Jameson Humane, Monica Stevens with Tacoma the cat and Naomi the sheep Photo by Thomas Machowicz

BEST

New Restaurant Osteria & Bar PScala 1141 1st. St., Napa www.scalaosteria.com Bistro Don Giovanni’s sister restaurant, Scala Osteria, opened in downtown Napa’s burgeoning restaurant scene with much acclaim. The bistro focuses on traditional Southern Italian seafood-centered recipes meant to be shared with family and friends. Guests are invited to relax in the warm and vibrant dining room, which includes a beautiful oyster bar and a delightful menu with something for everyone, including fresh seafood, salads, house-made pasta, and Neapolitan-style pizzas.

BEST

Animal Welfare Organization Jameson Animal P Rescue Ranch www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org

Founded in 2014 by Monica and David Stevens, Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (Jameson Humane) was established to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. Guided by instincts, Jameson has not followed the traditional path of “animal rescue” but instead listened to the community and responded holistically to the needs of animals and their human guardians. The impact-driven nonprofit organization collaborates and educates to inspire change in animal welfare and includes various novel solutions for adoption, fostering, community and animal assistance, disaster preparedness, and approaches driven by education, prevention, and intervention.

BEST

Place to Go Late Night & Vine PAce 505 Lincoln Ave., Napa • www.aceandvine.com In a town where most eating and drinking establishments close by 10 pm., Ace & Vine stands as the premier entertainment destination in Napa Valley. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the casino/sports bar offers non-stop excitement at various gaming tables, where patrons can try or showcase their gambling skills playing Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, Blackjack California, Pat Now, and Baccarat. In addition to the exhilarating gaming action, Ace & Vine provides a remarkable sports viewing experience. Guests can watch the most significant sporting events on giant HD screens strategically placed throughout the card room and all bar areas. Ace & Vine is the place for those seeking entertainment after a day of experiencing all Napa Valley has to offer. It welcomes visitors to unwind and enjoy a vibrant environment, making it the go-to spot for gaming enthusiasts and sports fans. Ace & Vine, Photo by Kristen Loken BEST OF 2024

Photo Courtesy of V. Sattui 48

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

•

A NUPTIAL P A S N

•

High Romance in WINE COUNTRY  BY CHRIS ANDREWS

••• Searching for an amazing backdrop for a wedding, one with scenery as varied as it is breathtaking? Envision lush vineyards, majestic mountain ranges, leathery chapparals, towering coastal redwoods, colorful gardens, and groves of ancient olive trees. Add in a sprinkling of palatial estates, lavish resorts, opulent wineries, and rustic chic ranches. Don’t forget extraordinary gourmet cuisine and world-renowned wine. The idyllic setting for that most important day? Napa Valley.

BEST OF 2024

NVL nuptials

All of this is a prelude to understanding how events occur in the region, namely where they can be done and how they are produced to comply with the essential ecological restrictions. Important to consider: the beauty and caliber of experience visitors to the region enjoy is a direct result of these restrictions; they ensure Napa Valley maintains the qualities for which it is revered. Before embarking on a frustrating attempt to find a winery willing to take on a wedding event, it is essential to understand the landscape surrounding the county restrictions. For those that don’t comply, the county may impose significant fines, and in the rare case an event takes place at a venue not in compliance, there is an underlying threat the event could be closed down mid-celebration. It happens.

WHERE TO HOST A WEDDING

Silverado Resort, Photo by Rebecca Yale

or decades, from early spring through late autumn, throngs of weddinggoers have filled Napa Valley hotels and resorts, indulged in epicurean delights, luxuriated in the spas, and enjoyed invigorating excursions into pristine natural habitat. Perhaps a new winery or wine is discovered, creating a loyal fan. And then there was that celebration of a lifetime, immortalized in photos and videos. Destination weddings and other life celebrations are an essential part of Napa Valley culture. No one getting married here will be wanting for anything, be it sophisticated photography and florals, memorable catering experiences, inspiring music, or transformative beauty services. Expect world-class hospitality from start to finish. 50

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

WINE COUNTRY CELEBRATIONS Every year, nearly 4 million tourists from around the world visit Napa Valley to take in the region’s spectacular scenery and the bucolic agricultural setting, whose grapes produce some of the world’s premier wines. Early on, vintners and others in the region thought to protect the 23,000 acres (now 32K) of premium agricultural land in the valley and foothills, pushing back against the urban development that had spoiled other regions. In 1968, the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve was established. In tandem with The Napa Land Trust, it has kept the region’s pastoral beauty intact and preserved the quality of the land, water, and air.

There are three categories of settings available in Napa Valley appropriate for weddings: resorts, wineries situated outside Ag Preserve boundaries (only a handful), and then a sprinkling of assorted venues that range from a historic ranch setting to a culinary institute in a castle-like edifice. Resort settings, by far, dominate the wedding scene in Napa Valley, and for good reason. They offer the spectrum of services destination wedding clients need—on-site catering, bar service, indoor and outdoor event spaces, furniture, tabletop and linens, accommodations, spa, and recreational services. All resorts in Napa Valley are outstanding, not only for the beauty of their structures and gardens but because they are thoughtfully designed to take advantage of the vineyard and mountain views couples desire for their wedding backdrop.

RESORT SETTINGS Many of the region’s top resorts can be found in Yountville. This quaint village is surrounded by vineyards, has a European vibe, and has the highest level of Michelinrated restaurants in Napa Valley – remarkable for a town of fewer than 3400 inhabitants. At the center of the village is The Estate Yountville, an expansive resort campus interspersed with luxurious and varied accommodations, gardens and vineyards, and intriguing indoor and outdoor event spaces. The Estate’s catering is on par with any of the world-famous restaurants down the street, and the resort can host weddings from 50 to 300, with a

variety of spaces for ceremonies, dinner receptions, dancing, and afterglow parties. // www.theestateyountville.com Also desirable are sister properties Bardessono Hotel and Spa and Hotel Yountville. Bardessono can accommodate a variety of celebrations, but the intimacy of the property makes it preferable for smaller gatherings of 50 – 60 guests. The ambiance is modern chic, and deeply green, both in aesthetic and in its mindful commitment to natural elements and the environment. Hotel Yountville, conversely, exudes classic wine country style with architectural features that include rough-hewn walls of native rock and European-style terraces

catering, full bar, tabletop, and furnishings, though most clients enjoy making the event spaces distinctively their own with custom decorative elements and upgraded furniture rentals. For overnight guests, there is a formidable collection of luxurious suites, dining options, spa services, and a worldfamous golf course, racket sports, and bocce ball. // www.silveradoresort.com On the south end of the valley, in Los Carneros AVA, are three distinctive resort settings: the Meritage Resort and Spa, Stanly Ranch Napa, and the Carneros Resort and Spa. Stanly Ranch is new to the region and has quickly grown in popularity. This highly versatile property is ideal for every type of

wedding-related gathering, including the big event. The resort provides impeccable catering, plus exceptionally beautiful and distinctive event furniture, linens, and tabletop-components that perfectly complement the venue’s “modern ranch” aesthetic. Intimate weddings and elopements are available for 2 – 20 guests, and the resort can readily accommodate larger celebrations of up to 300. Event spaces include the Garden House Complex and the Glasshouse Barn, which opens up to an elegant patio and Cutting Lawn, where wedding ceremonies are held. // www.aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley

Photo courtesy of Bardessono

lined with manicured cypress. The property is perfect for intimate weddings of 30 to 40 guests. // www.bardessono.com // www.hotelyountville.com One of the region’s busiest wedding destinations is the Silverado Resort, conveniently located at the north end of the city of Napa—right off the Silverado Trail and close to downtown. Silverado’s most popular and scenic wedding venue, The Grove, can accommodate up to 280 guests and is surrounded by vintage oak trees and lush floral plantings. Near its ceremony area is a brick courtyard where receptions are typically held. Other spaces include the elegant Mansion Ballroom and Garden, which has been recently renovated and can accommodate 300, and the resort’s intimate wedding spaces, The Arbor and Vintner’s Court, where 90 – 100 guests can be hosted. Wedding packages include

Photo by Nneka Cortney, courtesy of Estate Yountville

BEST OF 2024

Photo by Ken Viale Photography courtesy of V. Sattui

NVL nuptials

amenities include honeymoon-worthy cottages, pools, exceptional spa services, an expansive fitness center, and multiple dining options. Event catering emanates from the resort’s award-winning restaurant kitchens. // www.carnerosresort.com On the valley’s north end is the region’s newest gem, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. This impressive facility is located in Calistoga and looks out onto lush vineyards and the awe-inspiring Palisades mountain range. Resort architecture pays homage to majestic Civilian Conservation Corps projects, like those in Lake Tahoe, with carved stone masonry, massive vaulted ceilings of natural wood, and masculine furnishings reminiscent of the national park lodges of old. The resort offers 85 guest rooms, an on-site spa, three restaurants, a fitness center,

Silverado Resort Photo by Rebecca Yale

Photo courtesy of Alila

The Meritage Resort is an expansive complex with over 40 unique venues for weddings and auxiliary wedding events. Notable are the Vineyard Deck on a hillside populated by grapevines, the romantic cave setting, the Village Lawn, and two grand ballrooms. The Meritage can take on every manner of event, from elopements to large gatherings of up to 700 guests, and the resort kitchen is uniquely able to accommodate a variety of cultural traditions. In addition 52

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

to 467 guest rooms, the resort also offers an array of amenities: numerous dining options, pools, spa services, bowling, shuffleboard, and a “village” of tasting rooms highlighting boutique wines of Napa Valley. // www.meritageresort.com The Carneros Resort, now over 20 years old, is well-established in the region and sits on 28 acres of rolling Carneros hillside, with idyllic ranches and vineyards as a backdrop. Carneros Resort is popular both for elopements and honeymoons, as well as weddings of up to 300. Celebrations take place in a combination of the resort’s nine indoor and outdoor spaces. Resort

and a wine-tasting room. Event spaces include the Vineyard Barn and Lawn and the Lakeside Lawn, a pastoral setting on the resort’s lake. The Four Seasons is ideal for weddings of up to 220 guests and is also available for elopements. // www.fourseasons.com/napavalley

WINERY SETTINGS Of the almost 475 wineries in Napa County, only a handful are licensed to host wedding events. Beringer Vineyards, V. Sattui Winery, Charles Krug Winery, and Merryvale Vineyards are among those.

Charles Krug was founded in 1861 and was Napa Valley’s first winery, followed shortly after by Beringer Vineyards in 1876. Ironically, Jacob Beringer had been the cellarmaster at Krug before opening his winemaking facility. Both wineries sit on historic acreage on the north end of St. Helena, with structures dating over 150 years in age. The Beringer Vineyards property has a number of beautiful settings for wedding events. A fitting spot for the ceremony is The Grove, a sacred circle of 100-yearold redwoods. Once the ceremony is over and guests are enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres at the Wine Caves, this elegantly landscaped and private inner courtyard is transformed into a dinner and dance reception area. Other lovely spots to consider are the winery’s grand lawn, which overlooks vineyards, and the historic Hudson and Rhine Houses. Rhine House, built in 1884, is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the property and the iconic spot for wedding portraiture. The capacity for indoor weddings at Beringer is 90 guests, while the outdoor setting can accommodate up to 200.

Beautifully pairing up with Beringer is neighboring Alila Resort, which offers services and amenities, as well as additional event spaces, which complement Beringer’s offerings. The resort’s 64 rooms and suites are perfect for wedding guests, with a picturesque walking bridge between the properties eliminating the need for transportation. Alila’s contemporary and spacious Acacia Barn is a great place to host a welcome dinner or post-wedding brunch and can accommodate up to 140 guests, while the intimate Patio setting can host 40. Wedding groups will find the resort a great spot for socializing, with firepit lounge areas, an inviting pool, and the highly-rated Acacia House restaurant. // www.beringer.com // www.alilahotels.com/napa-valley A stone’s throw away from Beringer is the Charles Krug Winery. Though the property is of a similar vintage, Krug has an entirely different ambiance and layout. From Highway 29, guests traverse a long and dramatic drive-up to the event area, the Great Lawn and Carriage House. The massive Victorian carriage house structure is offset by the aptly named lawn area bordered by towering redwoods and other

old-growth trees. Beyond this lush and shady lawn are vineyards as far as the eye can see. This inspiring setting is ideal for large groups of up to 800. Smaller events (under 100) will likely feel dwarfed or find the site fee disproportionate to their use of the facility. An important consideration: this property is “bare bones” and will require the full gamut of event rentals and decorative detailing. // www.charleskrug.com V. Sattui Winery is Napa Valley’s most popular wedding venue and one of the most visited wineries in the region. The appeal is in its classic Tuscan vibe, reflected in roughhewn stone masonry structures, an abundance of flowers and herbs, ancient olive trees, and rustic Italianate fountains. The venue is best for groups of 100 – 200, though smaller events are also possible but still require a full venue buyout. Elopements are also very popular at V. Sattui and take place year-round. Popular event spaces on the winery campus include Vittorio’s Vineyard Lawn, which is adjacent to Vittorio’s Terrace, a popular spot for a wine reception. The majestic Tower Lawn and Lower Courtyard are the most popular ceremony areas, while the Barrel Cellar’s romantic

Fresh Ingredients, Innovative Menus, Flawless Execution

707-603-1400

www.elainebellcatering.com

info@elainbellcatering.com BEST OF 2024

NVL nuptials

Photo by Nneka Cortney courtesy of Estate Yountville

Photo Courtesy of Elaine Bell Catering

Photo Courtesy of Elaine Bell Catering Photo by Mike Larson courtesy of La Saison Napa Valley

ambiance is perfect for a candlelight dinner reception. Unlike other wineries in the region, V. Sattui provides in-house catering during high season. Michelin-starred chef Stefano Masanti oversees exquisite multicourse dinners that resonate with V. Sattui’s wines. // www.vsattui.com Merryvale Vineyards is located in the heart of St. Helena and is another renowned event venue popular for its dramatic cask room. Merryvale is ideal for a rehearsal dinner or an intimate wedding dinner reception for up to 112. Couples can 54

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

preface their dinner with a wine and hors d’oeuvres hour in the tasting room, and if desired, a dance reception can also be held in that same space post-dinner. Merryvale’s indoor setting is desirable for winter and spring events and is an ideal reception site for couples who’ve had a ceremony at one of St. Helena’s beautiful churches. // www.merryvale.com

WORLD-CLASS CATERING Napa Valley hosts thousands of events each year, yet many of the venues in the region do not have in-house food service. For events at wineries, ranch settings, and private estates, outside catering services will need to be employed. Fortunately, Napa Valley has many excellent catering options, most on a par with the region’s top restaurants.

Elaine Bell Catering is renowned for exceptionally flavorful dishes, cutting-edge recipes, elegant presentation, and versatility in food service styles, from multi-course plated dinners to festive family-style presentations to stations and passed hors d’oeuvres. Also outstanding is the company’s mastery of numerous ethnic cuisines, including Indian, Greek, Persian, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, and more. The Bay Area is diverse, and Elaine Bell seeks to provide world-class cuisine for every type of celebration. // www.elainebellcatering.com Tre Posti’s roots run deep in Napa Valley; the current operation has evolved from Tra Vigne Restaurant, a culinary landmark in the region for 30 years. Tre Posti takes advantage of local food purveyors, creating a seamless blend of classic Napa Valley and Italian fare, which pairs beautifully with

regional wines. Full-service catering is their specialty, and that includes full bar service. // www.tresposti.com Relative newcomer La Saison is a boutique catering company offering elegant California cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farmers. Recipes reflect Italian and French influences but are inspired by that which is seasonal. La Saisson specializes in more intimate affairs but can accommodate groups of 8 – 200 guests. Passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and dessert bars are specialties of La Saison, and its custom catering can be presented as multi-course plated dinners, family-style service, as a buffet, or in a themed format. // www.lasaisonnapavalley.com

ALL THOSE OTHER GREAT EVENT VENUES Triple S Ranch, a historic private estate in the mountains above Calistoga, has become one of Napa Valley’s most popular wedding venues. Clients rent this expansive property for the weekend, making their celebrations a multi-day affair. In addition to the 2,200-square-foot event barn and over 10,000 square feet of outdoor event

spaces, there are assorted accommodations for up to 60 guests, and the ranch includes luxurious amenities similar to neighboring resorts. The centerpiece of the property is a Victorian farmhouse that has been lovingly restored. In addition, all structures on the property have been detailed with antique decorative elements and vintage furniture. Triple S is perfect for wedding groups of up to 150. // www.triplesranchnapa.com Other distinctive event properties in Napa Valley include the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone and COPIA campuses. CIA Greystone is a castle-like edifice with massive event spaces that lend themselves to dramatic staging. Modern and stylish, CIA COPIA offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for weddings. The Amphitheatre sits behind the property with the Napa River as a backdrop, providing a natural yet elegant setting for the ceremony. At the same time, the Atrium, with its tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, is ideal for a cocktail hour and, later, the dance reception. The Grove, sprinkled throughout with olive trees, is a favorite space for wedding dinners. As one might imagine, the catering at both Culinary Institute

locations are some of the best in the region. // www.ciaatcopia.com // www.ciachef.edu Other notable non-winery venues in the region include Beaulieu Garden in Rutherford, with its posh European-style garden setting, and Farmstead, whose event spaces and grounds exude a classic American farm aesthetic. Farmstead’s popular restaurant kitchen pumps out some of the best NorCal farmhouse cuisine in the region. Luxurious Churchill Manor in downtown Napa has probably seen more weddings than any other venue and is popular for elopements and boutique weddings. This beautiful Victorian is adorned with elegant period furnishings and is a perfect spot for weddings and honeymoons. // www.beaulieugarden.com // www.longmeadowranch.com/eat-drink/ restaurant // www.churchillmanor.com Perched near the top of Mount Veeder and surrounded by vineyards are the Christian Brothers Retreat and Conference Center and Mont LaSalle Chapel. The Retreat offers numerous indoor and outdoor event spaces, full-service catering, and well-appointed accommodations. In the center of the complex is the magnificent

Located in the hills above Calistoga, this historic boutique resort is the perfect setting for a destination wedding. Couples get the exclusive use of this magical 1860's estate for the entire weekend. They can host their rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and Sunday brunch on the Triple S Ranch property as well as lodging for up to 60 guests. Photo: Roberta Nicole Photography

triplesranchnapa.com | info@triplesranchnapa.com BEST OF 2024

Photo courtesy of Tres Posti

NVL nuptials Mont LaSalle Chapel, available for Catholic wedding masses with up to 200 attendees. // www.christianbrosretreat.com/property

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS All venues in Napa Valley require professional event planning services and liability coverage. Planners are essential not only for negotiating fair pricing and highquality services but also for bird-dogging problems and keeping snafus invisible on the big day. Highly regarded planners found on most preferred vendor lists include Cole Drake Events, which specializes in large ultraluxury weddings, and Lovely Day Events, which produces intimate to medium-sized celebrations that embrace the organic look in sync with regional venue styles. Intimate Weddings Napa Valley is popular with locals and known for its inclusive events in all sizes and price points. // www.coledrake.com // www.lovelydayevents.com // www.intimateweddingsnapavalley.com

Good to know: Not all venues in Napa County allow a full bar. At play is the common liquor license available to wineries and event venues for fermented beverages, i.e., beer and wine. In these scenarios, “fermentation bars” are allowable, and a number of regional catering services support this type of beverage service. Transportation is also of great concern for events in Napa Valley, especially when coordinating group events. In addition,

With so many venues, vistas, and wedding services to choose from, there is one thing all couples who get married in Napa Valley can agree on – when all good things converge, there is nothing better. 56

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

some wine country roads are pitch black at night and full of unexpected twists and turns. Add to that hours of alcohol consumption, and the picture is clear— arranging transportation is crucial. Beau Wine Tours is the region’s top wedding transportation service, with an assorted fleet of vehicles, from coach buses and Mercedes Sprinters to stretch limos. Their “Napa Valley Wine Trolley” is fun for daytime events and great for photos. Also popular in the region is Classic Convertible’s fleet of 1947 cream-colored Packard Convertible Limousines. // www.beauwinetours.com // www.ccwinetours.com Napa County’s marriage license process is simple: contact the Napa County Clerk (recorder-clerk@countyofnapa.org) with images of both parties’ government-issued photo IDs. An invitation will then be sent with instructions for submitting the marriage license application online. Final step: scheduling an in-person appointment to present photo IDs and pay for the license. Complete instructions for procuring the license can be found on the Napa County website. // www.countyofnapa.org/1327/ Marriage-License-Ceremony Finally, if lush vineyards are a must-have for wedding portraiture, plan accordingly. Vineyards in Napa Valley are fully leafed out from late March through mid-October. Though weddings take place all year, couples looking to have a primarily outdoor event should set a date from mid-May through mid-October while scenery is at its peak and the threat of inclement weather is minimal. With so many venues, vistas, and wedding services to choose from, there is one thing all couples who get married in Napa Valley can agree on – when all good things converge, there is nothing better. Napa Valley is truly the quintessential setting for the celebration of a lifetime.

S AY YO U R V O W S

AMONG the VINES at Alila Napa Valley  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTO COURTESY OF ALILA NAPA VALLEY

apa Valley boasts any number of luxury hotels poised to take advantage of vineyard views, but few are nestled so closely amongst the vines as Alila Napa Valley. The resort is adjacent to historic Beringer Vineyards, and many of its sumptuous guest rooms are within arm’s length of the winery’s grapes, making it a particularly picturesque site for weddings. The three-acre property is steps from St. Helena’s quaint downtown district, yet its vineyard location, with views of the Mayacamas mountains, feels like a world away. For those desiring wine country nuptials, Alila Napa Valley is ideal, providing a wide variety of ceremony and reception venues that take full advantage of its stellar setting. And with an intimate 64 rooms, the resort is a perfect choice for wedding buyouts. Alila offers what is perhaps one of the most unique ceremony settings in all of Napa—a theatre-like option that allows for three-tier seating. Utilizing the wraparound, second- and third-level balconies of four corner king rooms, guests are offered a birds-eye view of the “I dos,” which take place poolside below. If elevation is not a priority, other site options include

The three-acre property is steps from St. Helena’s quaint downtown district, yet its vineyard location, with views of the Mayacamas mountains, feels like a world away. the expansive Acacia Lawn or the Acacia Barn with its dramatic, vaulted ceilings. A neutral color palate of gray and beige provides an ideal backdrop for preferred florals and linens. Many wedding parties opt to utilize all of the spaces: ceremony by the pool with vineyard backdrop, followed by cocktails on the lawn, and within a new adjacent outdoor lounge, followed by dinner in the barn. “The flow is exceptional,” said Mary Carley, Alila Napa Valley’s Director of Sales, Marketing and Events. Additional options are afforded by Alila’s close partnership with neighboring Beringer. Many guests choose to hold a rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, or reception at one locale, followed or preceded by the

other. A walking bridge that connects the two properties makes for easy transitions. Whatever the order, food and beverage at either promises to be stellar. At Alila Napa Valley, Culinary Director Thomas Lents oversees events with the same attention to detail he provides the resort’s lauded Acacia House restaurant. A former chef de cuisine of Joel Robuchon’s namesake restaurant, Lents was the first American hired by Robuchon as a chef. His cuisine is local, seasonal, and artisanal, and the presentation by his culinary team replicates that of a fine dining restaurant. As expected within wine country, the vinous options are plentiful, as are the crafted cocktail choices, many of which utilize herbs and botanicals found on the property. “The cuisine, beverages, place settings (we use Heath Ceramics), and décor experienced at one of our events are exactly what you would experience within our restaurant,” said Carley. “The presentation and the food are second to none.” While Alila Napa Valley is an adults-only property (18 and above), young guests are more than welcome at special events. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.alilahotels.com/napa-valley BEST OF 2024

NVL nuptials

Destination Weddings are a Specialty at Silverado Resort  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF SILVERADO RESORT

ew Northern California wine country venues are as well equipped for destination weddings as Silverado Resort, a California landmark since 1870. Featuring 340 guest rooms spread throughout its bucolic acreage and offering a variety of activities, Silverado is ideal for multi-day celebrations. Between tennis, golf, pickleball, swimming, bocce, cycling, and spa treatments, wedding guests will find themselves more than entertained before and after the big event. For the actual wedding ceremony and reception, Silverado has options. Nestled within the two PGA championship golf courses and surrounded by large oak trees and seasonal flowering plants, The Grove accommodates up to 280 guests. The recently renovated Mansion Ballroom, with space for up to 300 guests, has high ceilings and crystal chandeliers that set an elegant tone. An open-air deck overlooking the golf course is ideal for cocktail hour. And the adjoining Mansion Garden Lawn is another al fresco possibility. 58

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

For smaller weddings, the Arbor provides an intimate atmosphere where up to 100 guests can gather in the round brick courtyard with greenery-covered walls. Additional options include the 90-seat Vintner’s Court with its sophisticated black and white dining room and the 40-seat Royal Oak, a contemporary space with large windows overlooking the golf course. And, unlike many Napa Valley venues, Silverado can host indoor gatherings until 1:00 a.m. It’s not uncommon for outdoor events to move inside at the 10:00 p.m. mark to continue the festivities. “Adding to the celebratory nature of any Silverado event is a back-of-house team that truly enjoys their jobs,” said Andrea Luke, Silverado’s director of wedding sales. “From our executive chef, Patrick Prager, to the bussers, we have a family-like team whose joy is infectious. They really enhance all of our events.” Prager, who has worked with some of the country’s leading chefs, including

Wolfgang Puck, Bradley Ogden, Michael Mina, George Morrone, and Traci Des Jardins, oversees the catering for weddings; his vast menu of options includes local, seasonal, farm-fresh items that showcase the best cuisine of the region. Start with delectable hors d’oeuvres such as mini grilled cheeses with brie and fig jam, and move on to braised short rib bourguignon and panseared Alaskan halibut. Accompany dinner with a choice of wines from a vast list of local and global varietals. And finally, Silverado’s options for photo backdrops—what some might consider the most essential aspect of a wedding—are innumerable. From Silverado’s iconic and stately Napa landmark Mansion to grassy meadows to sunset-poised staircases, a wedding photographer will have their selection of venues in which to capture the special day. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.silveradoweddings.com

Legendary. Charles Krug’s legendary estate provides an unmatched ambiance for weddings and private events. Family-owned for five generations and counting, Napa Valley’s oldest winery is known for its exceptional wines, stunning design, and storied heritage. Plan your legendary day at Charles Krug’s historic Carriage House, intimate Guest House and majestic Great Lawn.

St. Helena, CA CharlesKrug.com 707.967.2229 @CharlesKrugWinery © Charles Krug Winery. Please enjoy responsibly.

Photo by Ken Viale

NVL nuptials

Photo courtesy of Detailed Dreams Events

UNVEILING NAPA VALLEY’S HIDDEN GEM:

Weddings at the Napa Valley Country Club W

ith its sun-kissed vineyards and endless charm, Napa Valley is undoubtedly a haven for romance. But nestled amidst the iconic landscape lies a property whispered about solely amongst discerning locals - a true sanctuary called the Napa Valley Country Club (NVCC). With a golf course often referred to as one of Napa’s “hidden gems,” NVCC also harbors a select, exquisite wedding venue that captures the essence of Napa Valley in a wholly unique way. Forgo the rows of grapes and step onto the club’s emerald wedding lawn, framed by the verdant expanse of the golf course, where a breathtaking panorama unfolds, with Mt. George looming majestically in the background. Hole #11 unveils another particularly stunning vista, stretching to the horizon where, on a clear day, the iconic silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge shimmers like a promise on the sky’s edge. It’s the perfect location for those ‘first look’ photos, capturing the excitement and anticipation of your wedding day. “People often come to Napa for the agricultural scenery,” shared the club’s 60

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

General Manager, Ari Kreisler, “but the locals know the true essence of the valley lies in the privacy, the intimacy, and the sheer beauty of the preserved nature. Our club combines the best of both, offering venues on unblemished lands with a polished golf course backdrop directly adjacent.” This intimacy extends beyond the ceremony. Picture the bride and groom stealing away for a photo shoot, their love story unfolding against the backdrop of sun-dappled fairways and meticulously sculpted bunkers. Imagine the click of the camera capturing their joy amidst the emerald oasis, a whisper of their vows echoing in the gentle breeze. And then, the feast. NVCC’s acclaimed chef weaves magic in the kitchen, crafting bespoke menus that celebrate the valley’s bounty, all tailored to the couple’s unique preferences. “Because we only host a select few weddings every season,” confided NVCC Executive Chef Brandon Hughes, “the kitchen doesn’t think of weddings as a standard banquet. Instead, we pour our hearts into making

each one an unforgettable culinary treat for the guests.” NVCC’s magic extends beyond weddings. The staff, seasoned in the art of event alchemy, transforms the club into a canvas for memories. From high-octane golf tournaments to whimsical brunches with Santa (he parachuted in this year), they weave experiences that linger long after the last toast is made. So, if you seek a wedding that whispers Napa Valley elegance in a voice distinct from the rest, a haven where privacy meets breathtaking beauty and culinary artistry reigns supreme, look no further than Napa Valley Country Club. This hidden gem awaits, ready to unfold your own fairytale amidst the emerald embrace of the golf course. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit the Napa Valley Country Club website or contact their wedding coordinators. Let them unveil your perfect Napa Valley wedding day. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.napavalleycc.com

NVL nuptials

VOWS at V. SATTUI

Tie the Knot at This Unique Napa Valley Locale  BY JILLIAN DARA | PHOTO BY KEN VIALE PHOTOGRAPHY

hen it comes to wedding destinations, it doesn’t get more idyllic than Napa Valley. Yet, there are only a few wineries permitted to offer weddings on-site here, and among them, V. Sattui Winery has been recognized as one of the top five wedding venues in the world. This accolade isn’t surprising given the St. Helena property’s backdrop of expansive vineyards, rolling hills and a Tuscaninspired stone tower complete with lush vineyards, decorative fountains, and a barrel room that provide options for the ceremony and reception. “It’s an amazing opportunity for couples to enjoy a Napa Valley destination wedding where an iconic winery is exclusively theirs for the evening,” shared Monica Flick, director of winery events at V. Sattui Winery, who adds that their tower lawn accommodates up to 200 guests while the courtyard is more intimate; only available to host up to 135 guests for the ceremony. V. Sattui’s experience with weddings dates back nearly 40 years, having hosted over 2000 weddings since 1987. Despite its popularity, when a wedding takes place at V. Sattui, it is singular; the winery isn’t hosting simultaneous events, ensuring that couples receive undivided and personalized attention from the events team throughout the 62

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

The entire experience, from initial planning through the wedding event, exudes contemporary elegance with an old-world flair. day. With the winery to themselves, couples gain exclusive access to the vineyards for portrait sessions and the scenic grounds, including the ancient olive tree grove, tower lawn, interior tower, fountain areas, aging cellars and Vittorio Terrace and gardens. In addition to its prime location, attention to detail, and distinction in the Valley, couples exchanging vows at V. Sattui Winery can curate the wines for their reception and dinner from the winery’s portfolio of 70 varietals, including the likes of Prestige Cuvée Brut and Blanc de Noir that make for a bubbly toast, as well as bold Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends and unique white offerings of Albariño and Riesling. To narrow their selections, V. Sattui arranges a wine tasting with every couple, maintaining their diligent level of personalization. To add to its Italian charm, V. Sattui presents couples with their 15-time Michelin

Star Chef Stefano Masanti, from Italy’s Lombardy region, where he’s renowned for his restaurant, Il Cantinone. From 2019 to 2022, he also won the title of Italy’s best bresaola producer – air-dried, salted beef often on charcuterie boards, which he assists with at V. Sattui. When couples lock in their wedding date at V. Sattui, they are treated to a Chef’s Table tasting with Masanti, who will guide them through a tasting menu and work with them to create their ultimate wedding day menu. Masanti is an early adopter and champion of the Slow Food movement so couples can expect thoughtful and traditional courses. The entire experience, from initial planning through the wedding event, exudes contemporary elegance with an old-world flair. Decorative fountains, candlelit dining, elevated cuisine, refined wines, and gracious hospitality set the tone for the newlyweds’ new chapter together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.vsattui.com

Estate Yountville

Where your dream wedding becomes reality. theestateyountville.com

NVL wine

Myriad Experiences Dominate

CHANDON CALIFORNIA  BY CHARLENE PETERS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHANDON CALIFORNIA

n the heart of Napa Valley, amid hundreds of Napa Valley wineries, Chandon California’s bubbly presence stands out among the rest, thanks to Pauline Lhote, Winemaking Director. While Lhote crafts wines of elegance, the Chandon team has implemented its innovative prowess with the creation of new guest experiences that best highlight Chandon’s sparkling wines. Following three years of renovation, the doors of Chandon are fully open for guests to sip elegant wines amid various spots on the property. This year, the winery celebrates 51 years in business in its new, reimagined home. Creating special-designated spaces with tailored menus for tastings is a way Chandon can accommodate several groups and pair its wine and food. For instance, one group of guests can book a tasting flight in a designated area on the property while another group settles in a spot for a sparkling wine-tasting lunch. The winery also has cabanas on the sprawling grounds of the Chandon Garden that have been redesigned 64

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

an elevated sense of welcoming. And then there’s the wine and food pairing.

CULINARY EXPERIENCES

to accommodate spaces for private groups and are especially alluring in the spring. Immersion in nature has been a significant focus of Chandon’s objective in reimagining its home. The idea was to create purposeful, functional, and breathtaking outdoor living spaces to host an array of wine-tasting experiences and to do so with the incorporation of natural elements. Inside, the color palate and textures were selected to emit

Chandon offers a five-course Culinary Journey with a price-fixed, wine-focused menu. Collaborating with Lhote, the wine flights are selected before a team of chefs pairs seasonal culinary flavors. The Chandon team supplies its own produce but collaborates with local farmers, vendors, and their international community to better share its global story. The Culinary Journey carries on the tradition of exceptional cuisine at Chandon, highlighting limited edition sparkling and still wines from the cellar, all served in the winery’s newly renovated Epicurean Hub with panoramic garden views. Garden Cabanas are where guests relax during the spring/summer season that begins in April, with a popped cork of Chandon Brut and Rosé to kick off an effervescent celebration for a dozen or so guests.

A communal style Togetherness Lunch is also offered with dishes inspired by the flavors of Chandon that span four continents. Guests will discover the house style from the garden’s edge over a paired farmto-table menu. Each grape harvested from the vineyards tells a story of the sun-soaked days and cool nights that define Napa Valley. To best convey bud break to veraison to picking, Harvest Time Events are seasonal favorites in August and early September. Groups can experience the feeling of harvest in the valley, beginning with an early morning walk downhill to the vineyard before heading for a tasting and light bites.

of Chandon’s 50th Anniversary Winemakers Blend. Chandon Mavericks adds a twist to tasting with its experimentation of Garden Spritz Tea. Chandon also offers a Nature Series experience to educate guests on its sustainability efforts. This includes a pairing of wines with talks from Chandon partners.

UNDER THE OAKS From the main arrival courtyard to the property’s oak grove, Under the Oaks is Chandon’s bespoke experience under the majestic oak trees that offer an exquisite view of Yountville, in the heart of Napa

Valley. Reservations for this tasting may be made for 12 guests to enjoy curated food and wine pairings while perched on an elevated, private platform. The idea is to share a private sensory adventure amid the sounds of gentle music in the midst of nature’s breeze to revel in the effervescence of Chandon wines. Guests can indulge in off-menu library cuvées paired with layers of flavors that capture the essence of each sparkling wine. With any experience on property, the clinking of glasses and laughter echoes through the winery, a testament to the enduring spirit of California winemaking. And within its atmosphere of creativity and conviviality, Chandon California guests are guaranteed to savor the beauty of life, one sip at a time. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.chandon.com

TASTING FLIGHTS With a variety of experiences, there’s something for everyone at Chandon California, including tastings catered to casual walk-ins. The winery is a masterpiece of architecture, seamlessly blending modern design with the rustic charm of wine country. Guests are delighted to stroll through the manicured gardens while sipping Chandon’s finest sparkling wines. Three tasting options include Chandon Signatures, meant to explore Chandon’s mastery of the Method Traditionelle and the local creativity that goes into its portfolio of exceptional wines. Be prepared to sip étoile Rosé with its cocoa notes and raspberry palate for this flight. Chandon Terroirs highlights the estate’s lands with its breezes, rugged mountain tops, and warm valley floors, represented by a tasting BEST OF 2024

NVL wine

THOMAS BUCK’S SIRE ESTATE

Creates Thoroughbred Wines  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF SIRE ESTATE

he creation of Sire Estate was nearly inevitable. As proprietor of Beau Wine Tours, Sire founder Thomas Buck was more than well acquainted with the Valley, where he has shuttled visitors since 1996. Wineries, estate vineyards, winemakers—Buck knew them all through his tour vocation, and thus, his venture into winemaking might be called evolutionary. An avid collector of California cult wines for more than 20 years, he initially desired to make wine for family, friends, and tour clients. “I just wanted to try my hand,” said Buck, a certified wine educator. “I wanted to see if I could make a decent wine.” And he did. His understanding of the industry and close friendships with many vintners provided an inside track. With fruit from some of Napa’s most famed sites, such as the Houyi Vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and Julian Fayard as his winemaker, Buck produced his first vintage in 2012. It was more than he had hoped for. “Once I realized how good the fruit was, I knew this was more than a vanity project,” said Buck. “I needed to get serious about it, so 66

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

“Each vintage of Sire is a purebred. An uninhibited expression of the vineyard site’s terroir.” – Thomas Buck I got a real team together.” He and Fayard originally intended to blend fruit from the many vineyards they sourced, but high fruit quality led them to create single vineyard and varietal bottlings. Thoroughbreds, if you will, the origin of the name Sire. “Each vintage of Sire is a purebred,” said Buck. “An uninhibited expression of the vineyard site’s terroir.” Today, Buck sources from five different vineyards and his wines reflect what Mother Nature gives him year to year. He produces

about 500 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon annually and is proud to have recently made his first Chardonnay, sourced from Sonoma Coast’s Ft. Ross/Seaview AVA. He sells primarily direct to consumer but also via high-end wine retailers such as ACME Fine Wines and V Wine Cellar. Sire can also be found on the wine lists at restaurants such as PRESS and The French Laundry. Still, the brand has flown mostly under the radar since its inaugural release. Sire is an “in-the-know” gem. “Sire is a brand that exemplifies the Napa dream,” said Liz Murray, managing director at ACME Fine Wines. “Put all of the glitz and glamour aside, and Napa Valley is, at its core, an ag community fueled by relationships. Tom has spent decades fostering genuine friendships here that have led him to this point. Sire is the real deal, a brand built on deep connections and a lifetime of work committed to our valley. These are the kinds of brands that stand the test of time.” FOR MORE INFORMATION www.sireestate.com

DISCOVER THE GEM OF STAGS LEAP DISTRICT Visit our Stags Leap District estate to experience an intimate seated tasting and enjoy exceptional wines with magnificent views of the Palisades. Crafted by esteemed winemaker Elizabeth Vianna, our wines are made with the perfect balance of power and grace. DISCOVER MORE

OPEN 10-5 DAILY Call 800-257-2641 for an appointment

5350 Silverado Trail | Napa, CA | 94558 | C H I M N E Y R O C K . C O M

NVL winemaker spotlight

M I G U E L C A R ATAC H E A : LO C A L H E R O

“American Wine of the Year” I N T E R N AT I O N A L S O M M E L I E R C H A L L E N G E  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTO COURTESY OF DAKOTA SALAZAR

apa Valley attracts the most renowned winemakers worldwide, from U.C. Davis megastars to “flying winemakers” from abroad. And yet, in the prestigious Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition founded by famed critic Robert Whitley, a humble alumnus of St. Helena High School took the top prize in American wine. Miguel Caratachea has been making wines as a trusted consultant, helping client wineries chalk up over 100 scores of 90-plus points from the three leading wine publications. He is so respected that the Smithsonian Institute chose his wines made for Punch Vineyards to open its Napa Valley Museum exhibit in 2017. At last, Miguel has started making wine under his own name—and his inaugural vintage 2019 Miguel Caratachea “Venerable Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon is already winning wide acclaim. “I grew up in a small village in Mexico, the youngest of 11 children. I was most interested in fútbol, but my mother tells me I wouldn’t get out of her way in the kitchen, always fascinated by flavors and textures.” At age 14, he joined his brother in Napa Valley and enrolled in St. Helena High School. “I was the only boy in cooking class, and not just to meet girls. I needed to earn money, so I worked in the Frog’s Leap Winery cellar after 68

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

2019 Miguel Caratachea “Venerable Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon ($295) American Wine of the Year & Best Cabernet Sauvignon Worldwide Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition 2023 •••

“Your first guess would be France on a blind whiff, with a rather classic Bordeaux character jumping out of the glass, slowly giving way to a deeply layered, perfumed mix of fruit and brown spice. Great depth and supple texture. The finish goes on and on – it’s the most unique Napa Cab I’ve tasted, and it’s certainly a cellar trophy if you roll in this price tier. Bravo!” 98 Points Rich Cook WineReviewOnline.com September 27, 2023

school. It was natural. I learned to make wine before I learned to speak English.” Notably, Caratachea is an entirely selftaught winemaker. “I didn’t get a winemaking degree, so I never learned a ‘recipe.’ But I started young and have been able to work with over forty winemakers with so many styles. Some made great wines back in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. They showed me techniques that have been lost to time. But they are part of me now, along with modern techniques and discoveries of my own.” That expansive know-how contributes to Caratachea’s personal style, and it shows up in the glass. “For ten years, I focused on mouthfeel. Think of a silky, aged Bordeaux or a rich, snuggly Pinot Noir. Tannins totally hidden. Then, flavors from the grapes only—many flavors. Mouthwatering acidity, but not sharp, and never tiring on the palate. This is my style.” The “sacred heart” on Miguel’s label symbolizes the small church in his native village and signifies his extreme passion for making wine. When asked how he felt about winning American Wine of the Year on the first release under his own name, he said, “I’m glad the sommeliers like my wine. After my family, winemaking is my life.” FOR MORE INFORMATION info@miguelnapavalley.com

NVL wine

OA K V I L L E W I N E M E R C H A N T

TASTE WINE from 16 NAPA AVAs  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTO COURTESY OF BOISSET COLLECTION

n one stop along Highway 29-Saint Helena Highway in Oakville, California, there is the Valley’s best restaurant, best sandwiches, and a serve-yourself tasting of wine from every appellation in Napa Valley, including several 100-point wines, offered by the Oakville Wine Merchant. Talk about one-stop shopping. Oakville Grocery, California’s oldest continually operating grocery store, has served the community since 1881. “The community” started with gold rush crews buying pickaxes and some pioneers using the grocery postal service to send telegrams. Today’s community includes visitors to one of America’s top tourist destinations, Napa Valley, and locals with higher-than-average standards for wine and cuisine. It is a modern hub for delicious food and wine, but it retains its original charm thanks to careful restoration and attention to period details. It is all part of the vision that the owner and Napa historical preservationist Jean-Charles Boisset of the Boisset Collection imagined, which aims to preserve the past while adding a twist to make it relevant to the present day. The Boisset Collection includes notable wineries and tasting rooms such as Buena Vista Winery, JCB, the Calistoga Depot, DeLoach Vineyards, Elizabeth Spencer, Raymond, and Chateau Buena Vista, to 70

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

It is a modern hub for delicious food and wine, but it retains its original charm thanks to careful restoration and attention to period details. name only a few. Boisset’s commitment to excellence is only exceeded by his passion for historic preservation, and he blends the two beautifully in every location. As evidence, in 2023, Oakville Grocery won a Best of Wine Tourism Award of Excellence for Napa Valley restaurants by Great Wine Capitals. It also has placed in the top three of Napa Valley Life Magazine’s People’s Choice Awards year after year for the Best Place for a Sandwich, winning the #1 spot in 2023. Next door to the Oakville Grocery, the original owner’s former residence is now Napa’s first wine history museum (1881 Napa Wine History Museum) and tasting room (Oakville Wine Merchant). Here, Boisset has created an environment where guests can experience the depth and breadth of the region’s wines and get a glimpse into California history while sampling and

comparing wine from the Valley’s wide variety of appellations and terroir. “We invite everyone to explore the diversity of Napa Valley’s wines in an amazing space where they can relax and discover the magic of our elixirs as well as our rich history,” said Boisset. To do so, Oakville Wine Merchant has 12 Napa Tech machines installed on the ground floor of the Victorian home (the 1881 Napa Wine History Museum is upstairs) filled with wines grouped by Napa Valley’s sub-appellations. Displays around the tasting room highlight each AVA’s unique stories and soils. Guests can purchase a card with various denominations and select a taste, half glass, or full glass from the machines. With glass in hand, guests lounge at the outside bistro and picnic tables to savor the combination of heralded fares and wines. There is even an outdoor pizza oven, making the Oakville Grocery/Wine Merchant/1881 Napa Wine History Museum the ideal spot for a casual yet upscale stop that has it all: A tasting room highlighting Napa Valley’s distinct sub-appellations, a museum where guests can explore Napa’s rich wine history, and curated food options from the awardwinning Oakville Grocery. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.boissetcollection.com

FrankFamilyVineyards.com

1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA

/frankfamilyvineyards

NVL wine

ENJOY FINE WINES and FINE VIEWS at

STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS  BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTO COURTESY OF STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS

hen Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars first opened its FAY Outlook & Visitor Center in 2014, guests reveled in the glorious views of the winery’s FAY Vineyard. Designed by Barcelona-based architect Javier Barba, the space featured a large tasting bar, behind which floor-toceiling glass windows showcased the grapes and mountains. Nearly a decade later, while the view has not changed, the visitor center interior has received a slight re-do, making it one of the most ideal spaces to sample some of wine country’s most revered wines. A wine bar, once a Napa Valley staple, used to stretch the width of the tasting room. But it has since been removed to provide an unobstructed and picturesque view of the famed vineyard. In its place are furnished seating areas with panoramic vineyard views of where the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars story began. Established in 1961 by pioneering grape grower Nathan 72

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Fay (who bucked the belief that the region was too cool for Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen properly) the vineyard’s first output in 1969 proved the naysayers wrong. Fay’s stellar bottlings proved the region capable of producing a wine that could rival the best in the world. The following year, the founder of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars purchased the adjoining ranch, Stag’s Leap Vineyards, or S.L.V., after meeting with Fay and tasting wine made from Fay’s vineyard. S.L.V. achieved international fame in 1976 when three-year-old vines from the 1973 harvest produced a wine that triumphed over France’s greatest Bordeaux in a blind tasting known as the “Judgment of Paris.” The stunning victory launched Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars into the ranks of the world’s most noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Today, this history-making vineyard continues to produce complex wines of excellent structure, each promising long life

and age-ability. The FAY and S.L.V. vineyards remain two of Napa Valley’s greatest and most esteemed, from which winemaker Marcus Notaro coaxes wines of classic beauty—those with balance, complexity, and harmony. His signature style has been described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove,” a reference to the artful balance between ripeness and restraint, softness and structure. He achieves that style due to the detailed attention of an entire dedicated team. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars invites guests to experience the serene beauty of the estate while savoring exquisite wines during their tasting experiences. Enjoy The Estate Collection Tasting and Tour ($95pp), which showcases the winery’s finest Napa Valley wines from the FAY and S.L.V. estate vineyards. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.stagsleapwinecellars.com

EXPERIENCE AWARD-WINNING CABERNET SAUVIGNON, INDULGE IN WORLD-CLASS TASTING FLIGHTS, AND SAVOR CULINARY DELIGHTS IN THE HEART OF NAPA VALLEY.

NVL wine

A DECADE OF KUKERI A Momentous Milestone Deserves a Spectacular Celebration  BY JILLIAN DARA | PHOTO COURTESY OF KUKERI

t’s been ten years since Kukeri Winery’s founder and winemaker, Petar Kirilov, began his operation with 50 cases of 2010 Kukeri Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, he’s producing around 1500 cases of different subavailable Napa Cabs, in addition to Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay from Sonoma County.

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

“Ten years is a big achievement for us as a company, and it is one of the most important milestones in my career in winemaking,” said Kirilov. “It has been a long journey and many hours of hard work that kept our company alive and successful during the past ten years, and it’s important for us to take some time to appreciate and celebrate that moment.”

Kirilov moved to Carneros from his native Bulgaria in 2003, where he started at Truchard Vineyards. After this first successful stint in the Valley, he returned in 2005, where he worked for Vinovation, Meadowcroft Wines, and Foyt Wines before venturing off on his own to establish a brand that focused on “unique wines created through passion, dedication, and long hours.” The winery’s name reflects the diligence and optimism a winemaker starts every new year with, in relation to the Kukeri festival held in Bulgaria at the beginning of January, a celebration of life cycles. The festival is defined by animal-looking masks that often are designed with two sides, one to represent good and one to represent evil, as a symbol of the balance of these forces in nature. And with winemakers relying on nature, the Kukeri name is a reminder of this. “We treat the fruit as gently as possible, producing small lots of quality wines that show the power, complexity, and distinct terroir of a specific region,” says Kirilov. Kirilov’s first expansion outside Cabernet Sauvignon was personal – his 2016 Kukeri Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir was created for his wife as it’s her favorite wine. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and a Sonoma Coast Rosé from Pinot Noir have since joined the portfolio. However, its flagship, small lot Cabernet Sauvignons are undoubtedly still fan favorites, sourcing grapes from Mount Veeder, Stags Leap, Rutherford, and Los Carneros. “I am a big fan and Cabernet drinker myself, and for me to make so many different sub-AVA Napa Cabernets under Kukeri is to show the complexity and the terroirs of these different sub-appellations in Napa Valley and to give our clients a chance to enjoy and appreciate each of them,” said Kirilov. “Some of our wines are more intense and concentrated, others are darker and fruit-forward with mysterious undertones, and this is what I believe makes our Cabernets so unique and popular.” Though his winemaking journey started in Bulgaria, Kirilov acknowledges that California is where he made his dreams come true – a reality where he makes “the best wines possible.” In celebration of their decade milestone, Kukeri is designing a special label and a Bordeaux blend from Howell Mountain that they will release in 2024. “Stay tuned, as it will be something spectacular,” he teased. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.kukeriwines.com

Your

WINE RELOCATION

EXPERTS

White-glove packing, unpacking, inventory and door-to-door, temperature-controlled transport of your treasured wine collection.

800.965.1488 THEWINEMOVER.COM [ Domestic and International shipping ] BEST OF 2024

Wine Regions Series

volcano

to the sea Discover Lazio’s Castelli Romani and Latina  STORY AND PHOTOS BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Ômina Romana Vineyards

omans sometimes call their city Caput Mundi—the capital of the world in Latin. And for centuries, it was just that. Romans famously moved, traveled, and conquered lands across the mundi, but there was nowhere more Roman outside the city than the Roman countryside. It is a pity that more visitors do not travel past metropolitan Rome to see it, but it is understandable when there is so much to see and do in Rome and so little is known about its surroundings. Rome’s winemaking past, going back to at least the Empire, is such a part of its history that to symbolize the fact, Parco Archeologico del Colosseo partnered with Cincinnato Winery to plant a small vineyard of Lazio’s native Bellone on Palatine Hill, in the same spot where Emperors Augustus, Nero, and Tiberius built their palaces and temples. Setbacks to Lazio’s wine industry occurred during and after WWII when vineyards were destroyed, abandoned, or used for mass production. The region is slowly gaining recognition for its wine again, particularly its ancient grape varieties grown in rare microclimates that only the Romans knew about until recently. The Castelli Romani area is about ten miles southeast of Rome. The Lazio Volcano created this area hundreds of thousands of years ago and left beautiful “crater lakes” Albano and Nemi. Southern Lazio’s volcano-to-the-sea area begins at the Castelli Romani and extends to the adjacent Latina region that hugs the coastline from Nettuno to Gaeta. Here, Lazio producers are experimenting with rare and little-used native varieties, and this, coupled with the volcano-to-sea terroir, is elevating the region to a new echelon. Although there are excellent, larger producers here, much of the local production is limited or not distributed outside Europe. Visitors will find generational wineries, vineyards tended by grandfathers, and grandchildren learning how to run a business from the roots to the shelves. A palpable energy, commitment, and sweet, cautious pride surges from volcano to sea.

its volcanic past—all of which create ideal conditions for producing excellent wine.”

Jacobini, Genzano di Roma Count Alessandro Carafa Jacobini and his wife, Countess Nina Farrell, have revived the label Jacobini after it halted production years ago. They have centuries of history to guide them on their venture, as evidenced by the family’s 17th-century Palazzo Jacobini in Genzano di Roma. Jacobini hosts tastings inside the palazzo, which gives an intimate glimpse into the life of an Italian aristocrat, complete with busts and portraits of their ancestors, including a Cardinal. The Jacobini label was highly successful pre-WWII, but afterward, the family was forced to regroup and form a cooperative instead. Alessandro and Nina restarted production of Jacobini wine with the local variety Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico) and released two vintages: 2021 and 2022. The wines have the beautiful minerality one would expect from the terrain’s volcanic soil. Try the 2022 Jacobini Bianco. // www.jacobini.it Visit Genzano di Roma. Each June, the city of Genzano di Roma throws the festa “Infiorata” (decorated with flowers). As the name implies, the city is covered with flowers, and some streets are covered as well.

Lazio area, fell in love with its wine, and commissioned a soil study on an available piece of land. Anton discovered that the mineral-laden volcanic soil would make for exquisite wine, bought the property, and built the winery Ômina Romana from the ground up. Latin for good Roman omens, Ômina Romana nods to the gods with fanciful wine names like Janus Geminus and Diana Nemorensis. Börner’s level of detailed analysis continues today through his CPA-trained daughter Katharina, CEO of the winery. With Katharina’s oversight, the winery runs like a well-oiled machine—utilizing the winery’s philosophy of “mens

Ômina Romana, Velletri Velletri, where Ômina Romana winery is located, is on the southern border of Castelli Romani. Their story is unique to the area: German-born Anton Börner and his Italian wife, Anna Maria, visited the

CASTELLI ROMANI The sixteen towns of the Castelli Romani are where popes and aristocrats spent their summers and where beautiful lakes were once volcanic craters. Giovanna Trisorio of Cincinnato Winery explained, “Southern Lazio has a diverse landscape of hills, lakes, coastline, and remnants of 2024 Picariello 77 Palazzo JacobiniBEST FoyerOF - Antonio

NVL beyond the valley

Valle Marina, Terracina

Cincinnato Lineup

Ninfa Tower

et manus”—mind and hand. It works: Ômina Romana has won multiple wine awards in less than ten years, including Tre Bicchieri. Try the Tre Bicchieri awardwinning 2021 Hermes Diactoros Bianco. // www.ominaromana.com Dine at the Capodiferro Restaurant overlooking the breathtaking Lake Nemi.

LATINA Cincinnato Winery, Cori Cori is the epitome of picturesque, with its pastel homes and buildings blanketing the hill from top to bottom, and the 78

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

renowned Cincinnato Winery sits at its base. The name Cincinnato honors the Roman senator and farmer Cincinnatus, who retired to Cori 2000 years ago. Cincinnato is a cooperative of 100+ farmers growing indigenous grapes like Bellone, Cesanese, and Nero Buono. There was a time when these grapes were not in demand, but Cincinnato continued to buy them from their growers, sometimes at a price higher than that of more fashionable varieties, solely to keep the native grapes alive. The winery’s faith was rewarded; today, the wine from those grapes is in hot demand. The winery produces a gamut of sparkling wines from Bellone, from Bombo (bumblebee) Pet-Nat to Kori Brut Metodo Classico. Try Kori Bellone Brut and Castore Bellone. // www.cincinnato.it Stay at Cincinnato Farmhouse. Cincinnato offers authentic wine tourism with lodging on the winery property at the foot of Cori, which is worth visiting for reasons other than wine; the temple of Castor and Pollux and the temple of Hercules top the list. Visit the Gardens of Ninfa. In the Middle Ages, Ninfa sat along the path that linked Rome to lower Lazio, and centuries later, it became an aristocratic estate before falling to ruin. Due to its singular ecosystem, plant life flourishes, and the effect is ethereal, with bright, clear streams and flora mixed amid the ruins. In 2000, it became a Natural Monument of the Italian Republic, and in 2002, The New York Times named it the most beautiful garden in the world. Guided tours only.

Valle Marina, in Monte San Biagio, is sandwiched between the Lepini Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. This small family business has been running for generations, and grandfather Giovanni Boccia, is still pruning the vineyards. His granddaughter Marina gives guests the ultimate treat; she hosts dreamy wine tastings in their 70-year-old vineyard. Valle Marina is well-known for its Moscato di Terracina, which is only grown in the area and made by three producers. Try the Moscato di Terracina Donna Marina, which is sublime. // www.vinivallemarina.it Visit the Riviera di Ulisse. The coast near Valle Marina is known as the Riviera di Ulisse, the “Coast of Ulysses.” The beaches of Gaeta win Blue Flags for their pristine beauty, and beach town Sperlonga has been named one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. The nymph-sorceress Circe bewitched Ulysses in the nearby Pontine Islands. The town of Nettuno was named for the Roman god of the sea, Nettuno (Neptune).

Vigne Toniche, Esperia There are many things to love about Vigne Toniche, from its wine quality to its story of reclaimed ancient grapes. The winery is rooted in the small medieval town of Esperia, 1200 feet high on Mount Cecubo in the Aurunci mountains, just one hill away from the sea. Siblings Stefania and Roberto Vallone are the fourth-generation stewards of the family vineyards, producing wine from two indigenous varieties found on their land that, to date, do not have a genetic link: Olivello di Esperia (Raspato Nero) and Reale di Esperia. This is an ancient land, fitting for hiding away ancient grapes. Dinosaur footprints found near Esperia date 120 to 140 million years ago. The location above the sea provides a lush environment for agriculture; the family also grows olives, saffron, and honey on their historical piece of paradise. Stefania Vallone shared, “What distinguishes [our wine] most is the microclimate and healthiness of the air.” Try the Reale made with Reale di Esperia and the Hesperum made with the Olivello di Esperia grape. // www.vignetoniche.it Visit Cassino and the Abbey of Montecassino, the second oldest monastery in Italy and famous for the WWII Battle of Montecassino.

ÔMINA ROMANA

Good Omens Abound in Castelli Romani  BY LAYNE RANDOLPH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ÔMINA ROMANA

he Castelli Romani, just south of metropolitan Rome, has a long, distinguished history. This grouping of hill towns in the Colli Albani (Alban Hills) is best known as the location of the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo and as the setting for sought-after wine since the Roman Empire. Millennia of volcanic eruptions left their mark with crater lakes Nemi and Albano and mineral-rich volcanic soil throughout the region. This is where ancient Roman nobility and popes sourced the most prized wine, and here, near the town of Velletri, the Ômina Romana (Roman Omens) winery and vineyards thrive. The vines—planted in volcanic soil, warmed by the Mediterranean sun, and cooled by sea breezes—grow in an optimal micro-climate that allows them to express their full potential. And it has—Ômina Romana used the fruit from these vines and state-of-the-art tools and scientific research to produce wine worthy of Italy’s highest rating: Tre Bicchieri. When the 2023 Gambero Rosso Guide awarded the 2020 Ômina Romana Ars Magna Viognier with “Tre Bicchieri,” it

marked a significant achievement for CEO Katharina Börner. When her parents unexpectedly purchased the Lazio land and set out to start a winery, no one in the family had wine experience. Half-Italian and half-German, Katharina had grown up and trained as a CPA in Germany. She helped her parents with the finances, and her sister MariaTeresa became an enologist. The planting began in 2007. “For our first vintage, we made a microvinification of wines to understand the varieties and see what we could do. In 2013, we were ready to present the first vintage.” That was when tragedy struck. “Just one week before we took the wine to market, my sister had a severe stroke,” Katharina explained, and her sister was no longer able to work with the winery. Katharina’s role expanded considerably while dealing with concern and care for her sister. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, I have to look after my sister (they both live in Italy) and support my parents. I can’t let the winery fail.” She got to work with her team, including Agronomist Paula Pacheco and

Enologist Simone Sarnà. “I said, ‘I can’t make wine, but I can do the management and do sales.’” Speaking in her third language, English, Katharina hit the road. “I traveled a lot in the first years. I went to China and the US and all the shows like Gambero Rosso, wherever they were. I went to everything.” Eventually, Katharina hired a salesperson. “She knocked on doors and said, ‘Look, I have a wonderful product—try this. And people would say, ‘Oh, you’re from Lazio. No, there’s no good wine there; we won’t even try this.’” But she would leave the wine. “They would taste it, call her, and say, ‘Please come back. I could not imagine that you could make this kind of wine.’” The top scores followed. “The first great score that we got was 96 points from Decanter, and I was really, really proud,” Katharina gushed. Today, the wine continues to receive awards and acclaim. While rooted in Lazio, Ômina Romana is now distributed globally. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.ominaromana.com

BEST OF 2024

NVL food

TOMATO “JAM” EQUIPMENT NEEDED • 9 x 13 Cookie Sheet pan • Parchment paper or foil • Basting brush • Large mixing bowl • Large silicone spatula • Airtight containers INGREDIENTS • 2T Olive Oil • 1 T Coarse or flaky salt • 32 oz Cherry tomatoes (whole)

Cooking with

KAREN CROUSE

ith this recipe, you can add flavorful garden-fresh or storebought tomatoes to any dish all year. When baked, the tomatoes sweeten; when mashed, they are spreadable. Since it’s sweet and spreadable, I call this Tomato Jam. It is a staple in my refrigerator. It’s easy, inexpensive, and also makes a great hostess gift. I make mine plain with just a little olive oil and salt and add herbs or spices when I use it. Adding garlic, onion, basil, thyme, chili pepper, vinegar, etc., makes it a perfect addition to any cuisine type, and a little goes a long way. One of my favorite ways to use it is in a grilled cheese sandwich. It gives a rich flavor and beautiful color to a classic comfort food. FOR MORE INFORMATION napavalleylifestylewithkarencrouse.com

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

TIP: Leaving the tomatoes whole when cooking them enhances the flavor and nutrients. PREPARATION Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line the sheet pan with parchment paper or foil and brush with the olive oil. Add the tomatoes in a single layer and sprinkle with the coarse salt. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350 degrees. When the tomatoes start to brown and the skin is dimpled, turn off the oven, leaving the tomatoes inside. Remove them when you can touch the tray with your bare hands. Pour the tomatoes into the bowl and lightly mash them with the silicone spatula until they are thick yet spreadable. Use the jam on sandwiches, burgers, pizza, bruschetta, pasta, eggs, chicken, and rice. Enjoy. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

The BEST of EIKO’S Come for the Food, Stay for the Cocktails, Return for the Hospitality  BY CHRIS ANDREWS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF EIKO’S

t’s no mystery why Eiko’s Modern Japanese Cuisine is one of Napa Valley’s most popular restaurants. The food is irresistible, the drinks delectable, and the staff makes customers feel like part of the family. So when the cool, damp air of late winter chills to the bones, stop in to warm body and soul. Locals love Eiko’s – it’s where friends meet to enjoy a drink, good conversation, and Japanese tapas. Some like relaxing at the bar and kibitzing with the familiar face behind the counter, while others enjoy sitting out on the patio where the fire pits are stoked up; plenty of cozy lounge furniture, a big game screen, and dogs are welcome. For those needing space for a generous spread of food, ample seating is available in the dining room. Start the evening off right with some great cocktails in exotic flavors. Eiko’s Lychee Martini with Japanese Haku Vodka and Perfect Purée Lychee is delicately sweet and floral, while the Espresso Martini invigorates on a cold night. Some enjoy wrapping their hands around a warm mug of green tea, and Eiko’s has a fabulous selection of imported

Japanese variations to choose from. And who could turn down sake? Eiko’s carries a variety of premium chilled sakes, as well as Ozeki warm sake, all of which can be enjoyed throughout the meal. Consider sharing a mix of Japanese tapas as a starter. An enticing combination might include the ever-popular Crispy Chili Rock Shrimp. These deep-water rock shrimp are fried, then tossed in a sweet, spicy glaze, and finished with sesame seeds and chives. Add to that an order of the Blackened Edamame with Japanese 7-spice lime zest butter and Eiko’s incomparable, sushi-grade Fresh House Made Ceviche with snapper, octopus, and shrimp, served with yuzu salsa, wonton chips, and avocado. Eiko’s is renowned for its tapas, with over twenty options on the menu at any given time. A second course in this friends-andfamily scenario might be an assortment of “Signature Rolls.” These sophisticated combo rolls are as satisfying as they are entertaining. A can’t-miss is the Ricky Ricardo Roll with tempura shrimp inside, topped with Hamachi, Maguro, and crab,

drizzled with sesame sauce, green onion, and tobiko. Another favorite is the Wagyu Beef Roll, with sautéed American wagyu, butter lettuce, grilled green onion, Kewpie mayo, and Japanese 7-spice. And a few of “The Classics” rolls are always in order, like the Poke Roll with spicy tuna and cucumber and the Negihama Roll with yellowtail, green onion, and wasabi. All items on Eiko’s menu are prepared to order with the highest quality sustainable seafood, premium Calrose rice, and top-grade produce and staples. Surprisingly, one of Eiko’s greatest assets is the dessert menu. Indulge in the Coconut Rum Rice Pudding, whose crispy brulée crust is topped with fresh berries. Or consider a not-on-the-menu dessert revered by locals: Tempura-Fried Brownies with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream. For those seeking a traditional ending, Eiko’s premium matcha green tea ice cream will not disappoint. Open seven days a week. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.eikosnapa.com

BEST OF 2024

Winter Wonderland:

LAKE TAHOE  BY FRAN MILLER

Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

ne of the country’s top recreation destinations, Lake Tahoe is a mere three-hour drive from Napa. From north to south, the region features innumerable activities to please every interest: miles of hiking and biking trails, marinas, sandy beaches, golf courses, and, of course, skiing. Heavenly Mountain Resort looms large over the South Shore; its hilltop runs visible from across the lake, while North Shore’s Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) features a rich ski culture legacy that dates to the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. Whichever side of the lake one chooses, and whether a skier or fireside book reader, a winter wonderland of warm and cozy hotels and restaurants in which to stay, wine, and dine await. Here are a few favorites:

NORTH TAHOE Where to Stay: Nestled mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is an allseason recreational wonderland with coveted ski-in/ ski-out access to the slopes. Located just six miles from historic downtown Truckee and the North Shore, the resort features a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center and an inter-mountain gondola connecting the resort to the nearby Village at Northstar. What sets the resort apart from others is its service. It’s easy to source hiking, biking, and skiing within the Sierra Basin, but it’s not so easy to find the sort of luxury afforded by The RitzCarlton. // www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ rnorz-the-ritz-carlton-lake-tahoe/overview/

Where to Wine: Tahoe Wine Collective, a community gathering spot features limited-production wines and beers from little-known regions and producers. Fans love the laid-back, carefree vibe and the weekly (and sometimes daily) events such as comedy nights. // www.tahoewinecollective.com

Where to Dine: The welcoming Fire Sign Café has been a Tahoe breakfast and lunch tradition for 45 years. Featuring handcrafted baked goods, varied Benedicts, scrambles, and omelets, Fire Sign is all about comfort food. // www.firesigncafe.com Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique, another 45-year Tahoe mainstay, is considered North Shore’s premiere restaurant. Chef Douglas Dale fuses Asian, European, and California influences in a menu that accommodates gluten-free and vegan guests. // www.wolfdales.com BEST OF 2024

NVL side trip

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is within walking distance of some of the area’s top attractions, including Heavenly Mountain Gondola. The resort fuses a classic island vibe with distinctive Lake Tahoe charm. It features a variety of thoughtful amenities for all ages, including an indoor, heated pool and a nine-story open-air atrium. // www.margaritavilleresorts.com/ margaritaville-resort-lake-tahoe

Where to Wine:

Coachman Hotel bar, Photo by Luke Beard

The Idle Hour, a “wine and bubbly bar” offers guests an array of boutique wines to be enjoyed by the glass or bottle while soaking up sunset views from its lakefront location. // www.theidlehourlaketahoe.com

Photo courtesy of The Landing

Edgewood Tahoe Great Room, courtesy of the hotel

Lara and Shane Hammett’s Incline Village restaurant, Sage Leaf Tahoe, is a beloved North Shore gathering spot serving hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees. It’s an intimate, friendly space where menu items are made from scratch with love and care. Don’t miss Shane’s sage and cheddar biscuits with gravy. His 1/3 lb. “The Burger” is also a fan favorite. // www.sageleaftahoe.com

SOUTH TAHOE Where to Stay: Edgewood Tahoe’s sumptuous and sustainably designed mountain lodge treads lightly on its 235 South Shore acres while delivering service worthy of its Preferred Hotels & Resorts, LVX Collection affiliation. Upon 84

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

arrival, guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and the 38-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the lake. This chaletlike Great Room features cozy seating areas warmed by a mammoth fireplace. Design elements throughout are inspired by the setting: deep blues, dark woods, and neutral leathers. // www.edgewoodtahoe.com Baby boomers may remember the Coachman Hotel as the Green Lantern Motel. Centrally located by the lake and nearby Edgewood golf course, the Coachman is hip, with sleek rooms that feature luxury linens and fully stocked minibars. The check-in desk doubles as a bar serving local draft brews, and the lobby opens to a cozy seating area and outdoor fire pit where guests enjoy complimentary s’mores. A pool and hot tub soothe sore muscles after hiking or skiing. // www.coachmantahoe.com In the heart of South Lake Tahoe, at the base of Heavenly, the newly rebranded

Where to Dine: Jimmy’s Restaurant, The Landing Lake Tahoe features perhaps Tahoe’s most impressive wine collection, showcased in a spectacular 1,500-bottle wine vault, Jimmy’s is a fine dining favorite. Try the Braised Short Ribs or the Maine Lobster Pappardelle. // www.thelandingtahoe.com Call ahead if you want to snag one of the 11 tables at what is considered one of Tahoe’s finest restaurants, Evan’s American Gourmet Café. Continental cuisine is served just west of the “Y” in a vintage cabin surrounded by towering pines. // www.evanstahoe.com. Zephyr Cove Restaurant, a rustic Tahoe classic, is a local favorite, voted multiple times as the “South Shore’s Best.” No visit is complete without ordering one of their famous, old-fashioned milkshakes. // www.zephyrcove.com

Incline Village’s

SAGE LEAF

Has Napa Valley Pedigree

Photo courtesy of Sage Leaf

 BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS BY LAUREN LINDLEY

t takes guts to open a new restaurant during a pandemic, and that’s precisely what Lara and Shane Hammett did in June of 2020. Of course, when they planned their new Incline Village eatery, remodeling and outfitting the leased space just east of the California/Nevada border, they had no idea the country would come to a standstill. But their Nevada address would prove serendipitous, as Covid restrictions in the state were not as rigorous. And so, their Sage Leaf Tahoe restaurant thrived. And it has continued flourishing since, becoming a beloved gathering spot on Tahoe’s North Shore. The duo met in Napa when both worked at Yountville’s former Napa Valley Grille. At that time, Lara, a Vintage High grad, had worked her way through various Napa restaurants, and Shane, a new California Culinary Academy grad, was starting his career. Shane went on to enjoy several chef positions within varied Napa and Bay Area restaurants before the couple moved to Tahoe, finding positions at Incline Village,

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, and Lone Eagle Grille—Shane as chef de cuisine, and Lara as the hotel’s assistant director of revenue. All the while, they dreamt of owning and running their own place one day. Friends and family thought it crazy for them to leave these coveted jobs to open Sage Leaf Tahoe. “The community here in Tahoe is small,” said Lara. “Everyone knows everybody, and when Shane left Lone Eagle Grill at the top of his game, there was a lot of buzz.” (Lara stayed with Hyatt until March of 2021 and left her job to run Sage Leaf full-time with Shane.) They signed their Sage Leaf lease in February 2020 and started building their dream space from scratch. And then Covid hit. But adhering to Nevada regulations, they managed to open at low capacity. “We called it a really, really long soft opening,” said Shane. “We remained successful because there really were not too many other places to dine at the time. We already had notoriety within Lake Tahoe

and received amazing support from our community. Supporting small businesses is big in Lake Tahoe.” Today, Sage Leaf Tahoe is a beloved spot offering hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s an intimate, friendly space where food is made from scratch with love and care, using only the finest ingredients. Casual but with fine dining standards, Sage Leaf is known for Shane’s sage and cheddar biscuits and gravy. The dry-aged prime flat iron steak served with duck fat fried steak fries is also a favorite, as is “The Burger,” a 1/3 lb. beauty. “Sage Leaf is an extension of my home,” said Shane, who knew early in life that a desk job was not his style. “I find great satisfaction in feeding people and making them happy, and I love teaching others to cook, giving them a livelihood. When I’m here, I’m home.” FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.sageleaftahoe.com BEST OF 2024

NVL real estate spotlight

Anticipating a

POSITIVE TURN in the Napa Valley Housing Market for 2024 F

or those considering diving into the real estate arena in 2024, a peek into the recent trends and expert projections can be invaluable. Reflecting on the challenges faced in 2023—ranging from surges in mortgage rates to perplexity over fluctuating home prices and a scarcity of available homes—buyers and sellers are eager to see what lies ahead in the coming year. The heartening news is that many experts are optimistic, indicating that we may have navigated the challenges and are poised for a positive shift.

Mortgage Rates Poised for a Descent One promising indicator is the recent easing of mortgage rates. A beacon of hope for those grappling with affordability concerns, this decline has instilled confidence among potential buyers. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, notes the retreat of mortgage rates from recent peaks, expressing the possibility of further decreases. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), emphasizes that this market shift is particularly favorable for

homebuyers navigating the intricacies of mortgage rates.

Potential Growth in the Supply of Homes As mortgage rates show signs of relaxing, the housing market anticipates a surge in activity. This is expected to occur as more buyers and sellers, who had been biding their time, re-enter the market. If this happens, the supply of homes for sale is projected to expand—a trend that has already begun. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, foresees a loosening of supply in 2024. Even homeowners previously “locked in” at low rates may find changing family and financial circumstances prompting increased movement and fresh property listings, especially with rates inching closer to the 6.5% mark.

Moderating Home Price Growth The positive trajectory isn’t limited to easing mortgage rates. Affordability is expected to experience a boost with the moderation of home price growth. While inventory remains somewhat constrained, improvements are anticipated. According

to the Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae, a panel of over 100 experts predicts home price growth to moderate at 5.9% in 2023, followed by a slower growth rate of 2.4% and 2.7% in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Prospects for 2024: A Brighter Horizon In summary, expert projections paint an optimistic picture of the housing market in 2024. The early signs suggest a turning point, with a forecast of slight home-price gains, a gradual easing of inventory constraints, and a modest increase in transaction volume. Mike Simonsen, President and Founder of Altos Research, encapsulates the prevailing sentiment, indicating that as we step into 2024, the U.S. housing market is showing signs of improvement. If you’re navigating the Napa Valley real estate landscape, partnering with a trusted local agent is critical to staying abreast of the latest forecasts. Let’s connect and explore the exciting prospects that 2024 holds for our fantastic community. Tracy Warr // Napa Tracy Style Napa Valley Real Estate Specialist

My mother was a REALTOR®, I’m a REALTOR®, and my daughter is a REALTOR®, so you could say that real estate is in our blood. Having pursued this profession for more than 17 years, my passion for the Napa Valley began in 1985, when I bought my restaurant in Calistoga. While food and beverage hospitality allowed me to share my love of our Valley with visitors and locals, I have found that helping people sell and buy real property affords me the best opportunity to get more folks to fulfill their dreams experience their own Napa Valley passions. 86

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

(707) 287-1994 // TWARR@CBNAPAVALLEY.COM // NAPATRACYSTYLE.COM // DRE# 01443203

Experience the credit union difference.

Redwood Credit Union believes in people over profits. This means lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, higher rates on savings, and low or no fees on banking services you use every day.

If you’re ready to bank differently, we’re ready to help.

1 (800) 479-7928 redwoodcu.org/join Federally insured by NCUA.

NVL local spotlight

GET CREATIVE with Kimberley Harrison Interiors Imagining The Home You’ll Love  BY CHRIS ANDREWS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIMBERLEY HARRISON INTERIORS

t Kimberley Harrison Interiors, the design process reflects the aesthetic and energy of the imagined end goal. All flow together as one. That process begins with Harrison getting to know her clients: meeting them in their space, picking up on the energy they exude, discovering what they want to say, getting a taste for their lifestyle, and finding what piques their interest. While some of this discovery comes about through conversation, physically interacting with clients in their homes is the true tell of how Harrison can accurately assess the look and feel they want and pinpoint how they will use and live in the space. Clients typically seek out an interior designer when they have grown tired of the appearance of their home, have moved on to a new phase in their life, or because their space needs a bit of spark. Harrison’s gift is helping clients navigate outside their comfort zone into this new territory. “To do my design work well, I take time to understand who people are, what pleases them, and what brings them comfort. And fortunately, for this, I have an instinct. The bottom line: this is their home. And I want them to love it.” 88

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

The “kick-off” for the design process is gathering inspirational images, samples, and the like, then laying everything out for the client at the studio. Harrison and the client build ideas together, adding alternate samples and visuals as the project evolves. Once a consensus is reached on the elements, a more detailed process of envisioning the space begins. This includes consideration of how the space will be used and for whom. All of these details inform the layout and ultimately determine which components are appropriate, necessary, and desirable. Harrison and her team then coordinate all technical aspects of making these concepts a reality. Harrison’s projects range from singleroom redesigns to all-new furnishings for multiple rooms or an entire house. Harrison often teams up with contractors and architects on structures built from the ground up and on gut-and-remodel projects. Harrison noted: “The best projects are those where the team is formed at the onset. This leads to more unity on the design, and everyone’s professional input results in more precision on the end product.” Harrison’s business has enjoyed its own refresh in the way of a recent remodel of her

design studio in the East Bay. Clients that visit the studio emanate from the surrounding counties of Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and San Francisco, an eclectic mix of communities and lifestyles that keep Harrison on her toes with challenges that have contributed greatly to her artistic growth. In addition, Harrison has recently realized a longtime dream of launching a retail extension of her design business. The new shop, Apricity, whose sales are primarily online, also enjoys a space at the design studio, where Harrison displays all manner of home accents and décor, from vases, throw pillows, and sculptures to artisan barware and eye-catching entertainment pieces. Apricity provides customers with an introduction to Harrison’s style and allows her to develop relationships that often lead to design work. Kimberley Harrison Interiors is ready to take on the challenge of any design project, be it creating an invigorating new look for a home or bringing a favorite living space to life. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.kimberleyharrison.com // www.apricityshoppe.com

1040 Main Street Suite 105 • Napa, CA 707-690-2028 www.whirlwindblowdry.com

BEST OF 2024

NVL community

QUALITY of LIFE Helping Seniors Flourish in Napa Valley  BY CHRIS ANDREWS | PHOTOS BY AMAYA JOSEPHS

ne would be hard-pressed to find someone more immersed in senior living issues than the CEO of Senior Helpers, Bob Nations. No matter the issue, Nations is on top of it, a font of information and someone who has thought long and hard about what is best for seniors in the community. Nations’ knowledge and experience result from his 16 years of running the agency and years of work as president of the boards of directors for Share the Care, Napa Valley Support Services, and Senior Access and as the commissioner for

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

“The people we hire are a unique breed. They are experienced caregivers drawn to the work because they take pleasure in making a difference in people’s lives.” -Bob Nations

the Napa County Commission on Aging. Nations has also hosted “Aging Matters” programs on KVON AM 1440 and KRON 4 and “The Aging Boomer” on KSVY FM 91.3. No matter the issue, at some point, Nations has researched it, considered its ramifications, and discussed it with the public. He is a rare person in his level of knowledge, expertise, and experience. Nations was drawn to the caregiving field after watching his grandmother have dementia—the importance of caring for others and improving their quality of life Photo by Aaron Jay Young

emerged as a priority and took precedence over his corporate career. In the early days of Senior Helpers, Nations did it all, from need assessments to all the in-home tasks, billing, and bookkeeping. The business proliferated as there was a great need in the region, and soon, Nations had to bring others on board to help with the workload. Those same employees remain at the core of Senior Helpers management today, even as the agency has grown to over 350 employees and offers caregiving services throughout Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, and Solano Counties. Nations noted: “The people we hire are a unique breed. They are experienced caregivers drawn to the work because they take pleasure in making a difference in people’s lives. Our caregivers are thoroughly vetted and must have impeccable references, and the agency provides yearly training to ensure employees are up-todate on important new techniques and approaches.” Senior Helpers’ mission is to provide a level of support that will allow seniors to stay in their homes, where they derive comfort from familiar surroundings and routines. Recognizing that each client

has unique needs, Senior Helpers’ caregivers strive to assist in any way needed, from cooking, cleaning, and shopping to organizing weekly medications, attending doctor’s appointments, and seeing clients to social activities. Caregivers can also assist with personal tasks such as hygiene and exercise, implementing safety adaptations around the house, and organizing the living space generally to make it accessible and adapted to the client’s physical limitations. Caregivers also seek to keep clients involved with daily living routines, like running errands and gardening, and they act as liaisons with the family, communicating information from health professionals and giving updates on all that is happening in the household. Nations pointed out, “At least 95% of people want to stay in their home for the remainder of their life. Our goal is to make that happen and for our clients to thrive and fully enjoy their golden years.” Napa Valley is fortunate to have Senior Helpers’ caring services in this community, whose citizens greatly value quality of life. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.seniorhelpers.com/ca/napa

Collabria Care is now part of Providence “I recently had a family experience with Collabria, now Providence, and the level of care and dignity they provided. Not only was is it incredibly important for our loved one, but it gave the family conﬁdence that we did all that we could at a very difficult time. It's important to know that when you're in need of end of life care, that you have choices. Let us be that choice.” —Jeff Gerlomes, CEO and Trustee Tulocay Cemetery Association Foundation Board Member

707-254-4157 Community Health Foundation Napa Valley Adult Day Health | Palliative Care | Hospice | PACE

foundation.providence.org/ca/Napa BEST OF 2024

NVL money & wealth

5 T W E A LT H , L L C

Celebrating 25 Years of Serving the Napa Valley  BY CHRIS ANDREWS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF 5T WEALTH, LLC

Chris Roth

nderstanding client’s needs, expectations, and aspirations and then fully committing to meet them is at the core of what 5T Wealth is all about. CEO Paul Krsek is that unique financial adviser who has his feet planted in two worlds: one in the financial epicenter of Wall Street and the other firmly planted in the community he knows well. Krsek arrived in Napa Valley in 1990, having spent the 1980s working with Wall Street’s largest financial firms while president and CEO of Angeles Securities Corporation in Los Angeles. Krsek makes no bones about it; he was “disgusted” by the practices at these larger firms, especially their tendency to line their own pockets instead of acting as fiduciaries and being true advocates for their clients. Napa Valley was the perfect antidote – a tight-knit community aligned with his values that offered a more meaningful and satisfying lifestyle. Krsek’s wife, Meghan, a Napa native, cofounded 5T Wealth and is its CFO. She heads up the Family Office Services team. She also manages the finances and operations of 5T Wealth. Meghan brought impressive credentials and many years of accounting experience to the firm. Her efforts and those of her 92

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

Meghan Krsek

team allow Krsek and 5T partner Chris Roth to focus on what they do best: successfully managing money for clients, in accordance with customized long-term financial and estate plans. Krsek pointed out, “5T Wealth’s success has come about through the efforts of our entire team. Each member brings important skills, experience, and education to the table, ensuring our clients have their needs met from every angle. The atmosphere in our office is truly a family affair. We all feel part of it, and so do our clients.” 5T Wealth’s deep ties to the Napa community are essential to their clients, as many want to use a portion of their wealth to benefit the community. Krsek noted, “Many clients have wondered how best to contribute financially to local causes but were unsure how to translate their interests into action. We have considerable experience in this arena and can help in proper planning, whether for a one-time donation, an annual gift, gifting to other foundations, or setting up a donor-advised fund.” A favorite project of 5T has been managing the assets and beneficiary relationships for the Roger J. Trinchero Family Foundation, which was formed by the Chairman of the

Paul Krsek

Board of Trinchero Family Estates in 2017. Mr. Trinchero had been a generous donor to individuals and organizations in Napa Valley for 30 years. The Foundation assures that his philanthropy will survive long beyond his lifetime. His sons, Mario and Gino Trinchero, sit on the board of the Foundation and are involved in every decision. Current beneficiaries include Community Resources for Children, ParentsCan, Voices, Preschool for All (St. Helena), Community Action of Napa Valley, 10,000 Degrees, St. Helena Cooperative Nursery, Howell Mountain School, and more. Krsek said, “Focusing on the Foundation has inspired our team to be more relevant to the community both in terms of our personal actions and giving and also in encouraging our clients who are able to do the same.” 5T Wealth seeks to be the trusted primary advisor for individuals and families seeking long-term financial security and wishing to use their personal and financial resources to make their lives more meaningful for themselves, their families, and their community. FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.5twealth.com

Investment Management

Wealth Planning

Family Office

VISIONARY WEALTH MANAGEMENT Our mission is simple: to be the trusted primary advisor and wealth manager for individuals and families who are seeking long term financial security and wish to use their personal and financial resources to make their lives more meaningful and productive for themselves, their families and their community.

Above all else, we work as your team to create an integrated financial plan. Contact us today to learn more.

BEST ( 7 0 7 ) 2 2 4 - 1 3 4 0 • 5 9 5 C O O M B S S T R E E T, N A PA , C A 9 4 5 5 9 • 5 T W E A LT H . C O OF M 2024

NVL dining guide

AMERICAN

SOLBAR RESTAURANT Solbar divides its menu into light, delicate flavors to stimulate your palate and bold, savory dishes, all with ingredients that showcase the best of what’s fresh and seasonal in the Napa Valley. Enjoy outdoor dining on the sunlit Solbar patio, or the new Picobar, for dining al fresco or relaxing by the firepits overlooking the landmark pool.

FIRST & FRANKLIN Downtown Napa’s newest Marketplace and Deli features the best of the Napa Valley. The Marketplace offers a full-service deli and a specialty Grocery Store selling local wine and craft beer. The store is filled with grab-and-go or made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and picnic side salads for you to take home or enjoy on either of their two patios.

755 SILVERADO TRL, CALISTOGA // 707- 226-0860 // AUBERGERESORTS.COM

1331 FIRST ST., NAPA // 707-252-1000 // WWW.FIRSTANDFRANKLIN.COM

Photo by Darren Brazil

G LO B A L

THAI

HERITAGE EATS Heritage Eats offers a fast-casual, globally-inspired menu that thinks and acts locally. The popular restaurant serves up tacos, wraps, baos, rice and salad bowls made-to-order with choice of protein, toppings and sauces with unique flavor profiles from all over the world. The Dirty Fries, Papa K’s Burger and Haven Wings are local favorites.

OSHA THAI Led by renowned Chef Lalita Souksamlane, the menu highlights her award-winning flavors and showcases dishes never before tasted at her other restaurants. Sourced with ingredients grown in her own personal garden and partnering with local vendors, Osha Thai provides an authentic farm-totable experience with quintessential wine country flair.

3824 BEL AIRE PLAZA, NAPA // 707-226-3287 // WWW.HERITAGEEATS.COM

1142 MAIN STREET, NAPA // 707-253-8880 // WWW.OSHATHAI.COM/NAPA

A M E R I C A N - L AT I N F U S I O N

I TA L I A N

SOUTHSIDE CAFÉ Southside is a community-centered café and coffee bar with three locations: Carneros, Yountville, and Century in South Napa. They serve a chef-driven menu of authentic California cuisine with a Latin influence, specialty coffee from Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters, and beer & wine from friends in the Napa Valley. Open for breakfast, lunch, and Century is also open for dinner.

PIZZERIA TRA VIGNE For the past 25 years, Pizzeria Tra Vigne reigns one of St. Helena's local treasures. Guests of all ages enjoy the pasta, pizza, or a fresh daily special to go at this vibrant, family restaurant. Their pizzas are a crowd favorite to eat in or carry out. There's plenty of seating outdoors on the beautiful patio, complete with a bocce court, or inside with family and friends.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS // WWW.SOUTHSIDENAPA.COM

1016 MAIN ST, ST. HELENA // 707- 967-9999 // WWW.PIZZERIATRAVIGNE.COM

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM

MEXICAN

AM E RICAN

C CASA “Reimagined Mexican Flavors, Globally Inspired Ingredients.” Feast on a menu of innovative tacos featuring housemade white corn tortillas, deliciously nutritious salads, and spice-rubbed rotisserie chickens and woodfired entrées. Enjoy margaritas, craft cocktails, tequila flights, and patio dining. Vegetarian/Vegan offerings, 100% Gluten Free and ROCKIN’ DELICIOUS!

NAPA GENERAL STORE Proudly supporting local food purveyors and locally sourced ingredients, Napa General Store’s riverside patio is an ideal spot for enjoying a meal with family and friends (including four-legged ones). Join them for breakfast and lunch during the week and award-winning brunch on weekends. Come for the food and stay for the great wines and artisan gifts.

OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET // 610 1ST ST., NAPA // 707-226-7700 // MYCCASA.COM

540 MAIN STREET, NAPA // 707-259-0762 // WWW.NAPAGENERALSTORE.COM

AME R I CA N

AMERICAN

NAPA PALISADES SALOON Located in downtown Napa, Napa Palisades is a local gourmet grub pub serving American comfort food with a twist. Their full bar serves up their own Napa Palisades Beer Company house brews, over 30 local craft beers and many guest taps. They boast 16 big screen TV’s, weekend brunch and a popular happy hour.

GRILLE 29 Nestled in Embassy Suites Napa Valley, Grille 29 offers a casual, friendly space ideal for a business lunch, after work drinks or dinner with the family. The tall rustic ceiling with chandeliers, sofa seating and beautiful oak bar add an old-world charm to the intimate dining room and lounge. Enjoy delightful entrees using fresh products and herbs grown from its very own garden!

1000 MAIN ST, NAPA // 707-492-3399 // WWW.NAPAPALISADES.COM

1075 CALIFORNIA BLVD., NAPA // 707-320-9520

THE

S I LV E R A D O

R E S O R T

A N D

S P A

AMERICAN

AS IAN F U S ION

THE GRILL AT SILVERADO A one-of-a-kind Napa Valley restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar appetizers, The Grill at Silverado features Wine Country Cuisine, emphasizing fresh and sustainable products. Just minutes from downtown Napa, the Grill overlooks one of the most beautiful golf courses on earth and offers a respite from the daily routine for everyone who visits.

NAPA NOODLES Eiko’s sister restaurant, Napa Noodles, is an Asian Pacific Rim-style restaurant that fuses the delicious taste of Asian noodles with Napa Valley cuisine. Specialties include house-made noodles, savory soups, slow-roasted meats, seasonal salads, duck, flavorful rice dishes, Asian beers, Sake, and local wines.

1600 ATLAS PEAK RD, NAPA // 707-257-5400 // WWW.SILVERADORESORT.COM

1124 FIRST ST, NAPA // 707- 492-8079 // WWW.NAPANOODLES.COM BEST OF 2024

subscribe TODAY

1 YEAR • 6 ISSUES $15 // 2 YEARS • 12 ISSUES $24 // 3 YEARS • 18 ISSUES $32

NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM/SUBSCRIBE/

Photo by Bob McClenahan

B R I NG N A PA VA LLE Y to YOUR FRONT DOOR

$18,500,000 Generous Purchase Terms or Seeking Investor HISTORIC MOSS CREEK WINERY

Contact Agent for Pricing EAGLE EYE WINERY & VINEYARD 6595 Gordon Valley Road

6015 Steele Canyon Road

• 2 Parcels / 31.19 +/- Total Acres

• 30,000 Napa AVA fully vested permit, at entry level price

• 24 +/- Planted Acres in Cabernet Sauvignon

• 13-acre property, 9 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon & Petit Verdot and 2 acres of Tuscan olives

• 100,000-gallon Napa Valley AVA permit • Grandfathered “rare” commercial permit

• Highly sought after grapes sold to prestigious winery

• Turnkey production facility/tasting room/caves

D OL

Sold $34,000,000 840-844 MEADWOOD LANE

SOLD $7,105,000 1079 HEDGESIDE AVENUE

Represented the Seller and Buyer

Represented the Seller

L SO

SOLD $2,995,000 34 WILDWOOD WAY

Represented the Seller

SOLD $3,765,000 1359 & 1385 SILVERADO TRAIL

SOLD $475,000 342 LOS ALAMOS

Represented the Buyer

“

Understanding what it means to be transparent and act as a fiduciary are the cornerstones of the real estate experience I strive to provide to my clients. –Damian

”

SOLD $2,600,000 1104 CLARK STREET

Represented the Seller and Buyer

DAMIAN ARCHBOLD | CA DRE# 00984748 | (707) 339-3550 | DAMIAN.ARCHBOLD@COMPASS.COM 1300 FIRST STREET, STE. 462, NAPA 94558 | DAMIANARCHBOLDGROUP.COM