There is a reason Brandon proposed here - we think Quintessa is the most beautiful estate in Napa! Their 280 acres sit at the base of the Vaca Mountains in Rutherford, and their hilltop gives you a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire valley, while you sip amongst the ancient oak groves. The founders realized the privilege of their land, and have aimed to be the most eco-conscious stewards of this estate for the last 30 years. The land, the plants and animals it sustains, and the people that cultivate it, truly all exist as one, interconnected ecosystem. A “sustainability-first” philosophy isn’t just in the best interest of the land. This biodynamic and holistic approach grows the best grapes! Quintessa makes just two phenomenal wines that you get to taste from their open-air pavilions – a Bordeaux-style red blend, and a sauvignon blanc. Their highly sought-after Rutherford Red Blend always garners annual accolades and their Illumination sauvignon blanc follows close behind.
For millennia, wine was associated with all things celebratory in Persian culture - and Darioush continues this tradition well. Established by a first-generation immigrant from Iran, Darioush Khaledi aims to transport you back to ancient Iran with the Persepolis-style architecture and hospitality that makes you feel like a king. Darioush produces a wide array of grape varietals, from Ellen’s favorite cabernet, to shiraz, and even their highly acclaimed viognier. Not just great wine – but great food too! Darioush is home to Michelin-starred Chef Sean Massey and his seasonally-curated menus. The food-paired tasting experiences won’t disappoint.
Hoopes takes all things pretentious out of wine tasting, and we’re here for it! Luckily, laid back and casual doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality grape juice. Hoopes’s Oakville vineyards are just a stone’s throw away from those of Napa’s cult heavy hitters. The best part is they’re both a winery and a 501(c)(3) animal sanctuary. So, you get to sip and say hello to all the four-legged friends! This winery is also a must if you’re a fan of rosé. Hoopes’s rosé is bone-dry, bright, crisp, and acidic – in other words, it’s perfect for a Napa summer day. And, instead of charging the typical tasting fee like every other winery, they just ask for a two bottle minimum purchase, so you’re guaranteed to take a souvenir home with you.
Are bubbles more your thing? If so, try Schramsberg in Calistoga! While their sparkling wine can’t technically be termed “champagne,” they are one of the few producers of sparkling wine that follow the “Méthode Champenoise,” and thus it’s made under the same strict standards required by the French region. Schramsberg is also home to the oldest real wine caves in all of Napa. The educational tasting and cave tour combines some of the finest bubbles with the history that will make you appreciate their craftsmanship that much more. And yes – you can eat the mold growing on the cave walls if you’re brave enough! (we double-dog dare you).
Amulet Estate is a small-production boutique winery focused on producing site-specific expressions of cabernet. Their portfolio consists of four single-vineyard bottlings, which they round out with a fifth proprietary red blend of the best grapes from all sites. Amulet intentionally sources their grapes from four vineyards with completely distinct terrior, ensuring each of their portfolio wines have a completely different profile and reflect their unique place. We’ll be honest – this private one-on-one tasting experience is nothing flashy. But what they lack in frills, they make up for with what we believe are some of the best under-the-radar cabernets (and heaviest pours) in the valley.
The buttery, oaked chardonnays that lead to the ABC (“anything but chardonnay”) movement are a style of the past. Many North Coast wineries are producing more Burgundian-style white wines, and no one does it better than Stony Hill Vineyards in our opinion. Their hillside vineyards produce a chardonnay that is lean and mineral, without losing any of the complexity or texture. And if this still hasn’t convinced you to give chardonnay a second chance, then Stony Hill has a phenomenal lineup of other age-worthy whites as well, like their riesling, gewurztraminer, and dessert-style semillon. You get to taste these amazing wines in a stunning mid-century modern structure located in the middle of Spring Mountain that would make Charles Eames, Frank Lloyd Wright, and even Mason Bikshorn pull architectural inspiration.
Charter Oak is always mentioned in every local’s list for the best burger in the valley, but we’d be lying if we said our love for Charter Oak didn’t stem from their stunning patio. The ivy covered buildings and patio walls make for a picturesque spot for lunches, dinners, or even just a craft cocktail.
Mustard’s Grill is “where winemakers lunch with truckers, and chef’s come to dine on their night off.” Appropriately named after the region’s blanket mustard flower bloom in the spring, Mustard’s is simply put - a Napa classic. They serve the best pork chop we’ve ever had, and it’s only matched by their lemon-lime tart with mile-high meringue
Sure, maybe we’re a bit biased toward Boon Fly, but you don’t have to stay at Carneros to enjoy a bloody here! The donuts are a must. Just look for the big red barn!
For you St. Louisans, think Hi-Pointe…but better. This American-roadside classic makes a top-notch burger, but it doesn’t stop there – tacos, sandwiches and franks – they’ve got it all!
This is your quintessential deli and it always has a long line for a reason. No matter which sandwich you get, just make sure you order it with Guigni Juice. Trust us.