wine country
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
From 95+ point wines to falconry experiences— discover what sets us apart.
BEYOND the VINES
An insider’s guide to unforgettable California wine country.
Just an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most celebrated wine regions on the planet. Napa and Sonoma sit side by side, connected geographically yet displaying entirely di erent personalities. Napa impresses with world-class wineries, upscale hotels, and cult-favorite cabernets, while Sonoma moves at a gentler pace, where country roads wind through vineyards and tastings last all a ernoon. Together, they form a region ripe for exploring.
Napa Valley
SIP
AMIZETTA VINEYARDS
Panoramic Napa Valley views set the stage at this 40-acre hillside estate overlooking Lake Hennessey in Conn Valley. Estate-grown reds— among them a lovely cabernet sauvignon with notes of Tahitian vanilla and brambleberry and richly layered Bordeaux-style blends—can be sampled during personalized ights at the winery. e setting may be less buzzy than larger Napa tasting rooms, but it’s precisely this intimate experience that makes a visit to Amizetta (amizetta.com) so memorable.
GOOSECROSS CELLARS
e family-owned tasting room and winery east of downtown Yountville pairs old and new Napa sensibilities. On a ne day, there’s no
better place for tasting some of the Bordeauxstyle reds or micro-lot merlots than on the vineyard’s terrace, gazing out over the vines and bucolic countryside. Come to Goosecross (goosecross.com) for an experience that’s both relaxed and re ned as well as a chance to try nontypical Napa varieties, among them an easydrinking rosé made from whole-cluster, pressed pinot noir grapes.
SEVEN APART
Rise above the coastal fog line east of Napa for an evocative tasting experience high in the Vaca Mountains at this estate vineyard and winery known for powerful cabernet sauvignons and limited-production bottlings. Guests are welcomed for tastings at Seven Apart’s (sevenapart.com) Base Camp Vineyard at the bottom of Atlas Peak along the scenic Silverado Trail that connects Napa
Above, from left: The terrace at Amizetta; the barrel room at Seven Apart. Opposite: The vineyard at Seven Apart.
and Calistoga. In addition to the winery’s renowned and bold cabernets that appeal to collectors, limited bottlings of aromatic sauvignon blanc with notes of lemon curd and tropical fruits are also worth seeking out.
BENCHMARK WINE GROUP
is leading retailer of 100-point wines from all over the world has a walk-in visitor lounge, e Parker Room, where you chat with members of the sales team to nd the perfect bottle to take home. For peace of mind, Benchmark’s (benchmarkwine.com) Provenance Guarantee ensures that all wines have been transported under ideal conditions and hand-inspected to meet the utmost of standards.
FREEMARK ABBEY
One of the oldest and most iconic Napa Valley wineries, Freemark Abbey (freemark abbey.com) traces its roots in the region to 1886 and is largely credited with launching Napa wines onto the global stage. e historic
St. Helena winery was among the rst to open a tasting room a er the Prohibition era. Open by appointment only, seated, 60-minute appellation tastings feature six current-release red wines that showcase the region’s varied terroir. Other tasting options include a cabernet comparison and a tasting featuring wines from three di erent decades that plays out in the winery’s intimate Library room.
CARDINALE
Historic stone architecture mixes with a modern interior at this recently renovated winery—a favorite among collectors and set atop a hill in Napa Valley’s Oakville District. Cardinale’s (cardinale.com) estate vineyards cra only a single, coveted cabernet sauvignon from each vintage. Appointment-only tastings go deep on the philosophy behind the wines and the variations between vintages, with some tastings also paired with seasonal small dishes to complete what can only be described as a journey for the senses.
A food-and-wine pairing at Cardinale.
JARVIS ESTATE
An underground marvel carved into the Vaca Mountains, Jarvis (jarviswines.com) o ers an immersive cave tasting that feels theatrical yet serene. With estate reds cra ed from classic Bordeaux varieties to rich, old-vine chardonnays aging deep within its natural stone walls, the seated experience in its Tasting Chamber is a must.
BOUCHAINE VINEYARDS
e Carneros District’s oldest continuously operated winery, Bouchaine (bouchaine.com) has the same view it had when grapes were rst planted here in the 1880s: overlooking rolling hills where fog dri s in on bay breezes. Sustainability drives its winemaking, with chardonnay and pinot noir capturing coastal freshness. e hospitality is warm, pairing wines with sweeping vistas of 87 acres of vineyards and occasional falconry demonstrations.
SAVOR BEAR
At Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection (auberge.com/stanly-ranch), Executive Chef Anthony Stagnaro and Farm Director Nick Runkle present a seasonal menu that
celebrates Northern California bounty with elemental cooking techniques. Expect hearthred dishes (don’t miss the wood- red oysters spiced with annatto), market vegetables, and such covetable options as a cowboy-cut rib eye dry aged for 28 days. Set within Auberge Collection’s most contemporary Napa property, indoor and outdoor seating options invite comfortable lingering, while the wine list spans both local treasures and remarkable international nds.
Bear, the seasonal restaurant at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection. BRYAN GRAY
COMPLINE
Part wine bar, part classroom, Compline (complinerestaurant.com) embodies Napa’s downtown renaissance. e all-day menu is elevated yet unfussy, with eclectic wines by the glass that showcase both local and global producers, curated by a master sommelier partner. Grab a world-class Champagne paired with the duck-fat fries, then dive back into Napa classics. Just steps away, the adjoining Compline Wine Shop showcases California bottlings and an international selection that’s second to none.
CICCIO
A Yountville favorite with a cult following, Ciccio (ciccionapavalley.com) is guided by managing partners Christopher and Martina Kostow (of Michelin-three-starred Meadowood fame), whose warmth and vision infuse the restaurant with a convivial spirit. Wood- red pizzas and rustic Italian plates
headline the menu, while the wine list is a treasure trove of well-priced global gems that make every visit feel like an insider’s discovery.
CHARLIE’S NAPA VALLEY
is buzzy St. Helena newcomer blends seasonal California cuisine with a lively, modern ambiance. Charlie’s (charliesnv.com) is as much about gathering with friends as it is about inventive food—think Regiis Ova caviar with potato skins and caramelized onion dip, and to-die-for hearth breads, like Hawaiian rolls brushed with charred-pineapple pork fat.
STATION
A chic roadside cafe and provisions spot from Joel Gott (of Gott’s Roadside), Station (stationsh.com) is ideal for a morning espresso or picnic provisions. Favorites are the baconand-egg biscuit, almond croissant, chicken Caesar salad wrap, and New York–style pizza— especially the hot honey pepperoni.
Fresh seafood and raw bar at Charlie’s.
Discover the Sonoma Coast in the heart of downtown Healdsburg. Single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from some of coastal California’s most revered vineyards—elegant, expressive, and deeply rooted in place.
Book your visit today at marinelayerwines.com. 308 B Center St. Healdsburg, CA 95448 · 707.395.0830
EXPERIENCE
OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET
A hub of artisanal energy, Oxbow (oxbowpublicmarket.com) brings together local purveyors, from cheese mongers to co ee roasters. Ideal for grazing or sourcing gi s, it captures Napa’s thriving culinary culture in one bustling marketplace.
BIKE THE VINE TRAIL
Cycling through Napa Valley o ers fresh air and vineyard views at your own pace. e Vine Trail (vinetrail.org) connects towns with scenic paths, making it a perfect way to balance indulgence with heart-healthy movement.
CREATIONS FINE JEWELERS
In its third generation of ownership, this locally owned, independent, ne-jewelry store has served Napa and surrounding
communities since the 1970s with personalized attention that keeps loyal customers returning to round out their heirloom collections. From OMEGA timepieces to ready-to-wear jewelry by renowned designers such as Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, and FOPE, Creations Fine Jewelers (creations nejewelers.com) is a onestop shop for all that dazzles.
MONTECRISTI PANAMA HATS
Master weavers from the cities of Cuenca and Montecristi in Ecuador create the covetworthy handmade Panama hats for sale at this downtown Yountville purveyor. A familyowned business, Montecristi Panama Hats (panamahatsco.com) has the largest inventory of Panama hats in the United States and was the rst company in Ecuador to export them on a global level.
Above, from left: Oxbow Public Market; the Oak Knoll section of the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
We invite you to visit our Napa Valley boutique, Montecristi Panama Hats, located in the charming wine-country town of Yountville, California.
Our store offers a distinguished selection of genuine Panama hats, handcrafted from the fnest toquilla straw. We also feature luxurious natural fbers from Peru, including coats made from the fnest alpaca wool and rare vicuña pieces—men’s jackets, as well as scarves and shawls for women—among the most exclusive fbers in the world.
Our boutique also presents refned European menswear from prestigious Spanish and European brands, beautifully crafted leather goods, and an elegant summer linen collection for ladies and gentlemen.
Montecristi Panama Hats
Sonoma SIP
MARINE LAYER WINES
Lovers of pinot noir and chardonnay should seek out this downtown Healdsburg tasting room showcasing wines heralded among the nest along the Sonoma Coast. Marine Layer Wines’ (marinelayerwines.com)
ambiance is curated to conjure a laid-back coastal lounge more than a stu y cellar experience, with walk-ins welcome for tastings when space allows. Over a ight of pinot noirs, you may nd yourself pondering subtle di erences in taste that arise from the varied microclimates and soils of the surrounding terroir. Seek out cool-climate chardonnays, like Marine Layer Aries, for a bright acidity that pairs well with seafood.
THREE STICKS
e wine tastings at ree Sticks (threestickswines.com) are staged inside the Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe—a restored 1842 home just o Sonoma Plaza, where reservations are essential and parties are limited to just six guests at a time. ree Sticks farms all its own fruit and is known for terroir-driven pinot noirs and chardonnays from the celebrated Durell, Gap’s Crown, and Walala vineyards.
SCRIBE WINERY
Scribe’s (scribewinery.com) hacienda estate draws a young, creative crowd. Picnics, rosé on the lawn, garden-driven Hacienda menu, and a free-spirited ethos make it a quintessential Sonoma stop. ere’s just one caveat: You must be a member. Trust us— join up. e fee includes up to 12 bottles per quarter and members-only dinners at the estate.
Landmark Vineyards in Sonoma Valley.
LANDMARK VINEYARDS
Landmark (landmarkwine.com) has two quintessential Sonoma estates. e Hop Kiln property, set along Highway 12, features expansive lawns, bocce courts you can reserve with tastings, and grounds as gorgeous as the wines. Personalized experiences are elevated with charcuterie boards and hand-painted chocolates. e Kenwood Estate has a similar charm—bocce included—and both locations are peaceful, family-friendly havens for savoring chardonnay and pinot noir amid serene landscapes.
SAVOR
VALLEY BAR & BOTTLE
Inside a historic adobe structure, Valley (valleybarandbottle.com) o ers soulful, seasonal fare with global in uences. Natural wines complement a vegetable-forward menu that feels intimate and quietly trendsetting,
with dishes like duck breast served with cherries and wild greens.
ENCLOS
Michelin-lauded Enclos (enclos-sonoma.com) captures Sonoma’s terroir through hyperseasonal tasting menus featuring local and organic dairy, produce, meats, and sh that channel chef Brian Limoges’s New England heritage (think lobster roll reimagined with Paci c spiny lobster). Dining here feels immersive and poetic, blurring the lines between food and landscape.
BARNDIVA
Set within a lush garden setting, Barndiva (barndiva.com) epitomizes Sonoma’s farmto-table spirit. Local author and renowned mixologist Scott Beattie conducts interactive cocktail classes—a worthy a ernoon respite from wine tastings.
Above, from left: Fresh corn soup at Barndiva; cooking over an open fire at Enclos.
RAMEN GAIJIN
Ramen Gaijin (ramengaijin.com) is an unassuming Sebastopol institution, blending Japanese tradition with Californian creativity. Known for rich broths and vibrant izakaya dishes, it’s the perfect casual counterpoint to wine-country dining.
EXPERIENCE
SOUTH SALMON CREEK BEACH
Sonoma’s rugged coast invites exploration, and South Salmon Creek Beach is among its most tranquil. Long stretches of sand and dramatic Paci c views make it ideal for a meditative walk.
THE BARLOW e Barlow (thebarlow.net) pulses with energy. Breweries, distilleries, boutiques, and farm-to-
table eateries converge at a 12-acre open-air marketplace of artisans, o ering a taste of Sonoma’s creative spirit.
SINGLETHREAD FARM STORE
A charming extension of the acclaimed Michelin-three-starred restaurant, Single read’s (singlethreadfarms.com) Healdsburg farm store o ers produce, preserves, and owers—but it’s the Farm La-Yu almond, garlic, and chili oil you need to take home (two jars, at least).
E. R. SAWYER JEWELERS
A heritage jeweler with modern sensibility, E. R. Sawyer (ersawyer.com) pairs cra smanship with curated design. It’s an elegant shopping stop that feels distinctly Sonoma.
Above, from left: The dining counter at Ramen Gaijin; the farm at SingleThread.
FROM LEFT : SIERRA DOWNEY; JOHN TROXEL
Concierge in Napa. vintages and collector bottles directly to your home or Auberge residence.
Ready to open at the perfect moment.
STAY
STANLY RANCH, AUBERGE COLLECTION
A modern retreat where vineyards meet wellbeing, Stanly Ranch (auberge.com/ stanly-ranch) o ers private cottages, an array of holistic wellness treatments, and immersive dining. Beyond keystone restaurant Bear, guests can linger at Gavel café for co ee and pastries or bask by the resort pool with vineyard views and cra cocktails. It’s Napa luxury with a relaxed, sun-kissed ease. Be sure to ask about the Harvest Grange Dinner Series: Each autumn at Stanly Ranch, this event turns the chef’s garden into a seasonal stage—inviting guests to savor multicourse feasts paired with acclaimed Napa vintages under the open sky. With so much to enjoy, you may never want to leave—and you don’t have to. e Vineyard
Homes at Stanly Ranch present a rare ownership opportunity: Modern, three- to six-bedroom luxury residences nestled among vineyards o er expansive indoor-outdoor living and full access to Auberge resort amenities.
AUBERGE DU SOLEIL,
AUBERGE COLLECTION
An icon of wine-country luxury, Auberge du Soleil (auberge.com/auberge-du-soleil) o ers
Provence-inspired design, Michelin-starred dining, and sweeping valley views. Its cellar is among Napa’s most extensive with over 15,000 bottles—a masterful mix of local legends and global benchmarks. Here, the wine list alone can feel like a journey through the world’s most storied vineyards. is November, don’t miss
Gathering in the Grove: Olive Harvest, where 33 acres of heritage olive trees set the stage for an Olives Six Ways tasting menu and hands-on learning moments. Every May, the resort turns Rosé All May into a monthlong, blush-tinged celebration with daily courtyard tastings, thematic cocktails, rosé-paired dining, and spa rituals inspired by the season’s signature hue.
SOLAGE, AUBERGE COLLECTION
Laid-back luxury de nes Solage (auberge.com/ solage), with geothermal pools, a destination wellbeing retreat, and contemporary casitas. Its signature restaurant, Solbar, delivers vibrant, globally inspired cuisine that balances light, delicate avors with bold, soul-soothing dishes, all cra ed from farm-fresh Napa Valley produce and cross-border in uences (recent dishes have included miso-carrot dip, shrimp tartare, olive oil–poached halibut, and an herbed pork schnitzel). Dine indoors or on the chic patio, where repits and garden views set the stage for re ned yet relaxed indulgence.
The swiming pool at Solage, Auberge Collection.
