Explore NapaFood & Wine Tasting Experiences

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

There is an undeniable vibe in Napa Valley of casual sophistication. The soil is the foundation of great wine. The character and charm of Yountville, St. Helena or Calistoga embody the soul of wine country. Experiencing the vibe of the valley through reserving a wine and food pairing experience is a unique, memorable, and extremely enjoyable activity for food and wine enthusiasts.

Hubby and I have continued our monthly jaunts to Napa Valley to explore this local jewel destination. With my inaugural article for Northgate Living in October, I shared three incredible wineries that offer a bespoke food and wine experience. You can read online at www.northgatelivingca.com under the October issue to learn more about B Cellars, Handwritten Wines and Sequoia Grove Winery. Since then, I have three more fantastic wineries to share with all of you.

Trefethen is one of Napa Valley’s pioneering wineries that practices sustainable farming, precise winemaking, and gracious hospitality. We had a curated tour of the property and history of the winery while ultimately being seated at a poolside table for an extraordinary food and wine experience. We started with a spicy eggplant dumpling paired with a dry Riesling and red kuri squash soup with a perfectly buttery chardonnay. Next, we tasted a cabernet franc, merlot, and reserve cabernet. The pairings were phenomenal, which included crispy brioche with sage compound butter and a fresh fig along with a brown butter almond biscuit with mushroom mouse and handmade beef jerky. I highly encourage you to put this on your “must go” list. (www.trefethen.com)

Clif Family in St. Helena is owned by the folks who create Clif Bar. Clif Family is guided by their values to sustain the planet through organic farming methods. They strive to have an immense enjoyment of wine, food, and connection. Right when we walked through the door, this imprint was quite prevalent. Our wine host Tyler was so welcoming and started us off with a glass of tasty chardonnay before delivering a beautiful plate of small bites to pair with our wines. Our small bites comprised of a lamb meatball, imported prosciutto shaped into a flower with spiced almonds, cowgirl creamery red hawk with house made fig jam and a gougere with gruyere and mushroom. We enjoyed the Croquet, Cold Springs, and Cima cabernet sauvignon wines – all were simply divine. Next time you are in St. Helena, plan a visit to Clif Family. (www.cliffamily.com)

Priest Ranch tasting room in Yountville is a bit of uncommon Napa that is a comfortable and sophisticated space to enjoy fantastic wines and unique food pairings. During the January storms, we ventured to this beautiful winery with another couple to celebrate a special birthday and chose the “Bacon and Wine Experience”. We started with a brut rose to kick off the day with a toast to the birthday boy. The individual plates of flavored bacon arrived, and our eyes immediately lit up. The plate comprised of “Chinese 5 spice BBQ”, “Honey Mustard”, “Spicy Tamarind” and “Black Pepper Strawberry Fig” and each was paired with a tasty cabernet sauvignon – “2019 Double Barrel”, “2019 Cabernet Sauvignon”, “2018 Peacemaker” and “2015 Coach Gun”. This is a concealed gem that can’t be hidden anymore. (www.priestranchwines. com) authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com authenticsuburbangourmet@gmail.com

With Spring around the corner, it is a perfect time to visit Napa Valley. I encourage you to make your reservation a few weeks ahead of your visit. Cheers!

Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the Head of Talent Acquisition for Mechanics Bank with headquarters in Walnut Creek. She is the President of California Recruiters and on the board for Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is Food, Wine and Entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw elegant dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine and cook great food.

Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet