Some people do Malibu. Some do Aspen. And some, who more likely than not enjoy wine, head to Napa for the summer. We know, life is full of hard choices. But when in doubt, if even for a weekend, Napa is always a good idea. These are the latest restaurants and vineyards to put on the list.

Summer is incomplete without a weekend trip to Napa Valley. It’s the perfect luxury escape destination. The valley is the ultimate playground for wine lovers and food enthusiasts. Four quaint towns make the Napa Valley; Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, and Napa. And let me tell you, it isn’t just the weather that’s attractive in Napa. The culinary landscape here is pretty exciting too.

Each town proudly boasts upscale restaurants and idyllic wineries.  

Our friend Tom Jarman introduced us to some of these that should be on your list if you’re planning a trip to Napa Valley.

The French Laundry, Yountville

A dream come true for Chef Thomas Keller, the French Laundry is one of the most coveted places to eat in Napa Valley. Dubbed as ‘the best restaurant in the world’ by Anthony Bourdain, the restaurant exclusively serves French cuisine. The menu is changed daily so you’ll find novelty every day. In 2007, the Michelin Guide awarded three stars to the restaurant, propelling Chef Keller to be the only American-born chef to have two 3 Michelin-starred restaurants. 

The Restaurant at Auberge De Soleil, Napa

Auberge is synonymous with luxury and this particular post is as luxurious as auberge gets. The restaurant is one of the finest in Napa. With sixteen Michelin awards on its wall of fame, Auberge is one spot you can’t miss on your trip to Napa Valley. We recommend the three-course lunch pre-fixed by the Executive Chef Curry on the Terrace of The Restaurant.

Farmstead Long Meadow Ranch, St. Helena

Tom described this as a place that is on everybody’s list. And we see that the hype isn’t wrong. It is that place where you go to indulge in amazing food after long walks in the vineyards. Farmstead serves traditional American cuisine and has a Western charm to it. The Farmstead Live Fire is an event to look out for. They invite artisanal chefs from across the world who cook live. The event is like a grand bonfire party.

Evangeline, Calistoga

What can be the best end to a long day in a quaint town? A hearty meal on a long table surrounded by your friends. That’s the vibe that Evangeline has. They call themselves a ‘French Bistro with a Creole Soul’. True to that description, you will find their menu filled with dishes like shrimp etouffee and gumbo ya-ya. Head over to this place for a wholesome experience.

Napa Valley is the epicenter of the Californian wine country. Your trip here would be incomplete without including some of the best wineries. Here are our suggestions.

Flint Knoll

Their specialty is single vineyard wines. The Cabs are worth every sip with hints of raspberries, dark currants, plums, wildflowers, cacao, and spice. The winery was conceived as an idea by two people in love and that’s the exact vibe this place exudes. Flint Knoll is where you would want to go with your significant other for a romantic weekend.

Amulet Estate

This is your winery if you enjoy some fascinating historical stories with your glass of wine. Amulet Estate is made up of six vineyards and is one of the oldest in the area. Their name is an ode to the history of Napa Valley. Although five of their vineyards produce Cabernet, it’s the Chardonnay you would want to try here.

Memento Mori

Memento Mori is one of the most exclusive wineries in the area. To buy their wines you have to sign up for an allocation list. But don’t let that deter you from trying them. From what we’ve been told they have some of the best Cabernet in Napa.  

Theorem Vineyards

Housed in one of the oldest schoolhouses in the area, Theorem Vineyards is all about reinventing tradition. Does that sound paradoxical? Absolutely, but that’s literally what this place is. Their wines are made exclusively from mountain fruit. They have Thomas Rivers Brown as their winemaker who has managed to secure 100 point score in Wine Advocate twenty-five times. Add to this the rustic idyllic vibe of this place and you have the ideal place for escaping the mundane.

These are some of our suggestions to add to your list when you visit the wine country. But this is not all Napa has to offer. For getting a better insight into the charms of Napa Valley, we suggest you contact our friend Tom Jarman at Destination Napa Valley. We guarantee, that with Tom by your side, your experience at Napa will be an unforgettable one.

Other Articles You’ll Like

Where to Stay in Napa Valley
Napa Cult Wines You Have To Taste