A few weeks after the frenzy of grape harvest in Napa Valley. The Olive Mill Tour & Tasting at Round Pond is the only in-depth tour available of a working mill; however, numerous local producers have storefronts in the valley where visitors are invited to taste and learn what distinguishes a good quality oil from the mass-marketed impostors. A bottle of locally made olive oil also makes a great gift
There is no better way to celebrate the bounty of Harvest in Calistoga than at a 1,000-foot-long dining table set up along Main Street (Lincoln Ave.) under a harvest moon. At least a dozen restaurants and more than three dozen wineries serve guests throughout the evening for a memorable night of food, wine and friends. Tickets for this one-night event, held annually in September, go on sale in July (tickets
It’s virtually guaranteed that after your first long day of wine tasting, come 4 o’clock or so, you’ll be looking for an afternoon pick-me-up. Thankfully, there are plenty of great places to get a decent jolt of caffeine throughout the valley. And a bag of local beans makes a fun gift for your coffee-loving friends back home. Learn More: Ritual Coffee Roasters, Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Co., Calistoga Roastery,
After a long weekend of wine tasting, you’ll want to reserve your last morning in Napa for sleeping in and making plans to fortify yourself for the journey home with an epic brunch. A wide array of options has you covered from avocado toast to Eggs Benedict on fluffy homemade biscuits and even fried chicken and waffles – and it wouldn’t be a wine country brunch without a proper mimosa.
While only a handful of local wineries offer a composed chocolate & wine tasting experience (see Rutherford Ranch, Robert Mondavi Winery and Hess Collection for options), there’s no shortage of of artisan purveyors of fine chocolates in Napa Valley. Innovative truffle flavors such as Espellette Chili and Earl Grey will inspire you to create your own wine pairings. Learn More: Kollar Chocolates, Woodhouse Chocolates, Earth & Sky, Anette’s, La
Enjoying a wine country picnic is a quintessential experience. Of course, it takes a little planning to pull it off – especially when you’re away from home. Fortunately, there are a great number of local resources for procuring a proper picnic feast. Note: If you plan to picnic at a winery, be sure to choose a winery that is permitted to allow picnicking and secure an appointment in advance of
When it comes to picnicking in Napa Valley, V Sattui Winery and its onsite deli is the undeniable hot spot. But if you’re looking for a winery with a picnic area that’s a little more low-key and off-the-radar, look no further than our favorites listed here. Note: Always call ahead; picnic areas are reserved for guests participating in a tasting and sometimes are reserved for wine club members only. Also
Whether your taste for baked confections trends toward the sweet or the savory, Napa Valley is home to a wide array of artisan bakeries that will tantalize your tastebuds. These are the places to discover your new favorite morning pastry or grab a still-warm baguette before heading to a to a local park for a lazy afternoon. Learn More: Alexis Baking Company, Sweetie Pies, Monday Bakery, Bouchon Bakery, Model
A food & wine pairing experience is essential in taking your wine knowledge to the next level. Enjoy small bites or a sumptuous, multi-course meal especially prepared to accompany specific wines. It’s a revelatory experience, and no doubt you’ll be eager to apply what you learn to your own entertaining. Learn More: B Cellars, Pine Ridge, Piazza Del Dotto, Signorello, Robert Sinskey, Round Pond Estate, Hess Collection, St. Clair
While in Napa, why not take the opportunity to heighten your culinary skills in a state-of-the-art kitchen under the tutelage of a professionally trained chef and with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients at your fingertips? Cooking classes are a romantic date activity, a fun social outing with girlfriends and great for team-building with professional colleagues. Learn More: Silverado Cooking School, Village Napa Valley (at Vista Collina), CIA at Copia, Cooking
