Lena Maria & Jacob Jong-Koo
Things To Do
Castello di Amorosa
This was the first winery Jacob and I visited. The sister winery of our wedding venue. Castello di Amorosa, the only authentic medieval (13th-century) Italian Tuscan castle and winery built in America. After several decades of personal adventure visiting and studying medieval castles and wineries throughout Italy and Europe, Dario Sattui, a successful 4th-generation Italian winemaker and entrepreneur, began building Castello di Amorosa in 1994. For all late bookers: This winery has the most space and availability up to two days in advance.
Chateau Montelena
The famous winery that put Napa on the map of international wine connoisseurs. Anything with (Monte-)Lena must be good ;-) One of the most historic & peaceful settings in the Napa Valley, Chateau Montelena is a stone castle carved into the hillside overlooking a Chinese garden, lake, and vineyards. The winery is most famous for winning the white wine section of the historic "Judgment of Paris" wine competition. Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay was in competition with nine other wines from France and California under blind tasting.
Chateau St. Jean Winery
The gracious style, exquisite architecture and inviting gardens of Chateau St Jean convey the beautiful grace of Sonoma Valley. This “must-see” winery evokes the atmosphere of a European chateau and gardens. Chateau St. Jean is known for its outstanding reserve wines, vineyard designated wines and blends.
Domaine Carneros
There’s a reason why this stunning estate is so popular amongst visitors — Domaine Carneros is home to the most majestic château in Napa Valley. Inspired by the 18th century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France, guests are invited to enjoy their sparkling and still wines in the Louis XV-inspired salon or on the terrace overlooking the vines while contemplating what it must feel like to be born into French royalty.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Situated along the Silverado Trail in the heart of the famed Stags Leap District is the historic Stags’ Leap Winery. With roots tracing back to 1893, the picturesque 19th century stone winery is worthy of a visit in its own right, featuring buildings with castle-like details, coffered ceilings, and stained glass windows, but add in an impressive portfolio of cabernets and it’s no wonder why this storied property has remained a top destination in Wine Country for years and years.
Darioush
Darioush is the passion project of Iranian wine collector Darioush Khaledi and is a place where the traditions and heritage of wine's rich history are energized with modern winemaking techniques. The brand's Bordeaux style of winemaking produces unique, collectible reds and whites that are worth exploring via Darioush's stunning estate. The estate's architecture and interiors reflect Khaledi's upbringing and wine's early beginnings in ancient Persia and has become a true "destination winery" for visitors from around the world.
Oxbow Public Market
A delicatessen food hall with loads of local products from oysters to honey to soaps.
The French Laundry
If you ever wanted to eat in one of the best restaurants in the world, this is your chance. The French Laundry is a food mecca in Napa Valley — a legendary Michelin three-star restaurant that helped establish modern fine dining in the United States. Reserve early as they book out fast!
First Street Napa
Stroll down First Street in downtown Napa for wine tasting rooms, shopping, cafes, dining, and more.