Recently someone asked me a tough wine question. I had to think long and hard before answering.
The question was this: “I’m going to have one day in Napa. It will be my first visit and I am wondering what wineries you might recommend I visit?”
Tough question as I said! I also needed to take into account he said this would be an off day during a business trip so I needed to refrain from suggesting doing too much, which I have been guilty of myself during past visits. I also wanted to take into account he is one of the much adored/maligned/misunderstood/desired/dreaded Millennials.
I decided a good itinerary would be three wineries, each offering differing experiences, plus a couple solid suggestions for meals.
DISCLAIMER: There are dozens of wineries/tasting rooms and many restaurants I adore throughout Napa Valley, but are not included in this one day, Millennial itinerary. NOTE: These wineries require appointments, so I suggest they get made early!
Breakfast:
A solid breakfast is a must for any day spent wine tasting in Napa and our favorite is the Alexis Baking Company, or ABC, in downtown Napa. I suggested an early arrival since it can get pretty busy, but no matter this local favorite is worth it even if you have to wait a bit. The menu changes, but luckily they always seem to have two of our favorites consistently. HOT TIP: Don’t miss our favorites, their Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and some version of Eggs Benedict. We also appreciate their coffee is nice and strong plus there is often a small art supply available for you to craft something while you await your order – and sometimes turning it in will get you a free cookie! (ABC does not take reservations.)
Three Wineries/Tasting Rooms:
Remembering my questioner is a Millennial I wanted to combine some price point appropriate wines, which combined with good experiences.
Del Dotto Estate Barrel Tasting: Start big and it is tough to go bigger than a barrel tasting at the Estate Caves of Del Dotto! Ever since my initial experience with Del Dotto I have been a fan and as they have added their Piazza location I am an even bigger fan! The food experience at Piazza is awesome, but for this individual I recommended the Barrel Tasting at the Estate. Upon entering you are immersed in stunning Italianate decorating and a quality staff. Then it is on to the Caves and wonderful barrel tastings!
It was during a Barrel Tasting here I had one of my earliest ‘ah-ha’ wine moments when I was given a taste of the same wine, from the same vintage, and even the same lot, but one was aging in American oak while the other was aging in French oak. HOT TIP: When you make your reservation, ask for Simon McAuley and you will get the best of their best for your experience!
Charles Krug and Cucina di Rosa: Napa Valley is rife with history and in our book there is no better place to get a good solid taste of this than at the Charles Krug Winery. They are the oldest winery, offered the first tasting room in Napa Valley, and is owned and operated by the famous Mondavi family. I like their tour, their atmosphere is lovely, yet relaxed, and Krug offers a really nice array of wines. They may be one of the larger producers in Napa Valley, but you don’t get that feel when you visit. The staff is top notch, friendly, attentive, and I seriously recommend you take at least one glass out onto their lawn, grab a lounge chair, and enjoy it al fresco!
Krug is also a great place to grab a very tasty lunch right in the winery at their new Cucina di Rosa, named after the family matriarch. If you are there after May 1st, they even fire up their incredible pizza oven and increase their food offerings! I also like the range of wines offered by Charles Krug for daily drinkers and those for special occasions! HOT TIP: In their Napa Valley line (don’t miss the Pinot Noir), to their Reserves (our favorite in this category is their Generations), and then up to their Vintage Selections (this Cabernet is incredible) there is something for everyone here!
Titus Vineyards: For my third suggestion I offer Titus Vineyards. This is my favorite afternoon, wind down (or is it wine down?) winery visit. As you turn in from Silverado Trail, you can’t help but immediately be impressed by the beautiful, more modern winery. Designed by legendary winery architect, Matt Hollis, it is nestled right among a good portion of the Titus vineyards themselves. HOT TIP: If the weather is nice, grab any chair on the patio and immerse yourself in fine wine, gorgeous vineyard and mountain views, and do not miss their marcona almonds, often called the Queen of Almonds. Titus also produces a wonderful Petit Verdot!
To finish off the wine:
Early evening:
I always remind visitors there are some tasting rooms, which stay open a bit later and also take walk-ins during the evenings. I suggest walking the main street of Yountville and making a stop at the Priest Ranch tasting room. A nice array of wines and in the case of my questioner I know one of his favorite wines is their Coach Gun red blend!
Dinner:
Tough call on recommending where to have dinner in the Valley. There are amazing, world-class restaurants all over. It all depends on your wallet and how fat it is! The Thomas Keller restaurants are incredible as are two more of my favorites, Bistro Don Giovanni and Bistro Jeanty. But in this case, for my Millennial, I offered the downtown Napa eatery, Eight Noodle Shop. Having eaten here multiple times I have yet to find a dish I didn’t adore. HOT TIP: If the Korean Spare Ribs special is offered go for them! After all, any place featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives is going to be special!
Now to wait and see if my suggestions are agreed upon and if so what reactions were to each! After all favorite wines and wineries are very personal things!