Just a Quick Trip
If you have 24 hours in Napa, or any other city or town, you definitely need to maximize your time. A trip to California isn’t complete without a stop in wine country. Napa Valley is the perfect place to try some quality and diverse wines. With so many vineyards and wineries, it can be overwhelming. I highly recommend every one of these places below, if you want the best culinary, wine and lodging experience in the Napa Valley.
First Stop
Krupp Brothers Winery and Estate
1094 Hardman Ave.
Napa, CA 94558
707-225-2276
Winery information and tours
We started our Napa Valley wine adventure with a private tour of Krupp Brothers Vineyards. This particular winery does private sales and a top-notch wine club, with limited availability in stores. Their smaller batch production makes their wine even more coveted.
You can reserve a tour and tasting at their Hardman Avenue location. They also have a tasting room in downtown Napa (714 1st St., 707-266-1233). Our wine tour began at Hardman Avenue. It felt as if we had been transported to a Tuscan village. Beautiful statues and fountains everywhere.
After a a quick history lesson about the vineyard and a short drive up the mountain, we arrived at our own personal outdoor tasting room. The view was really amazing (see below). And we couldn’t have asked for better weather (sunny and in the 70’s).
The wines
For our tasting, my friend and I were partnered with a couple from out of state. Our charming sommelier showed his love for the wines Krupp Brothers creates. He briefly described each wine we would be trying, adding in his own personal flair, as we eyed the classy, detailed wine bottle labels.
Each wine was distinct, nothing like what I had tried before. The winery takes pride in creating quality wines, in smaller quantities. You are truly getting wines that will add to any celebration or a relaxing evening at home.
Second Stop
1111 White Ln.
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-7774
Winery information
V. Sattui has been in the wine business since 1885. They began in San Francisco and now have a winery and retail store in St. Helena. V. Sattui touts itself as a purveyor of gourmet take-out. The items you will find in its market are a perfect pairing for the fine wines you will try.
The large tasting area sits in the middle of the retail area. You can sample a number of their wines, complete from a long list of what is available. They have a wide array of red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines from which to choose.
Wine and food options
There are also reserve wines, prepared in smaller batches. If you’re looking for bigger bottles, check out their selection of magnums, double magnums, and imperials.
After your tasting, do the following:
- Purchase a bottle of wine.
- Grab some delectable meats, cheeses, salads and breads from the market.
- Head outside and find a spot to set up for a picnic.
Third Stop
8492 Zinfandel Ln.
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-3141
The most eclectic vineyard of the ones we visited in Napa would have to be Raymond Vineyards. There are plenty of opportunities for pictures outside, including free-hanging frames and a large white peacock. The interior at Raymond Vineyards is modern and elegant. You feel as if you have walked into a museum of sorts.
Winery information
Raymond Vineyards has plenty of options to make your experience memorable. If you are looking to entertain with family and friends in a private, elegant setting, you can reserve the Red Room. The Crystal Cellar offers a tasting room environment unlike any other.
There are also other areas such as the Barrel Tasting Cellar, the Library, and the Main Tasting Salon. If you’re interested in trying something different, the Theater of Nature and the Corridor of Senses are also available.
The wines
The Crystal Cellar is where we tasted the wines that Raymond Vineyards has to offer. (Be sure to bring something warm to wear. The Crystal Cellar lives up to its name.) Take your pick between 2 pre-set tasting menus. Admire the sculptures, crystal wine decanters, and fine jewelry all within a working wine-making cellar.
A Quick Break (Back at the B&B)
After sampling all of these wines and taking in the perfect California weather, it was definitely time to start thinking about food. We just needed to check into our place for the evening, relax a bit, then get ready to go.
399 Zinfandel Ln.
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-1190
We couldn’t have picked a better place to relax, while touring this area of Napa Valley. Shady Oaks Country Inn is the place to be if you’re looking for a great location and superb accommodations. It is close to numerous wineries and great restaurants. The rooms are spacious and quaint, with some suite options available.
The owners provide a late afternoon wine and cheese tray. This was a welcome gift (and much needed), after spending most of the day sampling wines and traveling from one vineyard to the next. Speaking of food, the Shady Oaks Country Inn has the most amazing breakfast spread. Fresh marmalades and biscuits. Creamy yogurt parfaits with the perfect amount of sweetness. Fluffy waffles. With orange juice, mimosas or coffee to wash it all down.
Final Stop
180 Rutherford Hill Rd.
Rutherford, CA 94573
800-348-5406
Restaurant information
The foodie in me is always in search of the best places to eat. Auberge du Soleil has breathtaking views of the valley and has consistently been honored with numerous Michelin stars. The restaurant and resort are a short drive from the Shady Oaks County Inn.
As you drive up, you are greeted with stone and metal sculptures around the perimeter of the resort. Inside, you will find more art (including an upstairs gallery), and an ample dining area. To take in the cooler weather, we opted to sit outside on the patio overlooking the valley.
Food and drink options
The menu at Auberge du Soleil provides a variety of options for every type of eater. You will choose from three courses (appetizer, second, main) from an ever-changing menu. The following is just a sampling of what was available when we went.
If seafood is your thing, try the day boat scallop with white corn, snap peas, crispy onion and vanilla. Or maybe the seared ahi tuna with hearts of palm, crème fraîche, and ponzu wine sauce will strike your fancy. Or even northern halibut with string beans, shell beans, bacon and basil broth.
For the meat lover, there is wagyu beef with Romano beans, cherry tomatoes, basil and wasabi. You can sample the duck with Santa Rosa plums, Marcona almonds and ginger. Or how about bacon-wrapped veal with eggplant, Nicoise olives, gnocchi and bagna càuda?
Special dishes and desserts
There are also options such as cow’s milk burrata with grilled apricots, honey, almonds and mâche. The potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms, forni brown pea shoots and parmesan cheese looked amazing. The heirloom tomato risotto with lobster, bacon, Parmigiano-Reggiano and yuzu was mouth-watering.
Desserts, fine wines, tasty spirits and delicious coffee balance out your meal. You can sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery from atop the valley. This is one restaurant that needs to be at the top of your list, if you truly enjoy a fine meal.
Parting Thoughts
Any trip is based on personal preferences. I had a great friend to help guide where we would go. I trusted her opinions and experienced a truly amazing side of Napa Valley. Just 24 hours in Napa is all it took. I can’t wait to go back.