Wine Country – Napa Valley – Personal Guide

This is my personal guide for Napa Valley.  I am a Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling Wine/Brut lover, so much of my visits were at these estates.

Lodging:

Budget Friendly

River Pointe Napa Valley:

Located less than 2 miles from downtown, the River Pointe Napa Valley Resort has everything you need to enjoy your stay in Napa.  The darling one-bedroom cottages are equipped with a kitchen and sofa bed and a private quiet escape from the city. These little gems can be booked for as little as $200 a night.

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Andaz Napa

The Andaz Napa by Hyatt is located in the heart of downtown Napa.  This boutique style hotel has everything you need to enjoy stay in Napa.  From the restaurant to the lounge and even a spa, this was by far my favorite hotel in Napa.  The rooms were spacious with modern décor.  While in the heart of Napa, the area was surprisingly quiet which made for an enjoyable and relaxing stay.  Nightly rates start at $300 a night.

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Vineyard/Wineries/ Tasting Rooms:

Depending on your budget, you can visit a tasting room or a vineyard.  Tasting start around $50 BUT this is usually comped if you purchase a bottle of wine.    Also, if you join the wine club and order wine during your visit your tasting will most likely be comped.  I have listed a few of my favorites below.

Robert Mondavi:  An absolute beautiful estate.  The reserve wines are bold, full bodied and reflect the true essence of Mondavi’s vision for wine.  Tastings start at $40, and go up to $100 for the reserve labels.  I would definitely pay the extra for the reserve tasting.  I’ve done both and the reserves are some of the best wines I’ve had in my life!

https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/

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Browns Estates:  Napa’s only black owned winery has a tasting room in downtown Napa. Each wine has a unique story and the tasting room is a cozy, dark escape complete with beautiful African American artwork, coupled with modern chic décor.  I highly recommend the “Big Dam Cab” ($125 retail). This is my absolute favorite Cabernet Sauvignon of all time.

https://www.brownestate.com/

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Domaine Chandon

https://www.chandon.com/

You can’t go wrong with Chandon!  The vineyard is absolutely beautiful.  I’ve been a member of the wine club for about 4 years now.  Definitely worth the price!

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Mumm Napa

https://www.mummnapa.com/

One of my favorite vineyards of all time.  Beautiful and picturesque! And the bubbles are heavenly.

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Domaine carneros

https://www.domainecarneros.com/

Oh the estate.  Pictures don’t do it justice.  Book a tasting outside and I promise you, you will not regret it!

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I few others I have enjoyed include:

Hagafen Cellars

https://www.hagafen.com/

Grgich Hills Estates

https://www.grgich.com/

Krupp Brothers

https://www.kruppbrothers.com/

Jessup Cellars

Girard Winery

https://www.girardwinery.com/

Frank family

https://www.frankfamilyvineyards.com/

Restaurants

Auberge de soleil

This is a 5-star hotel with an epic restaurant. I did Sunday brunch during my stay,  but oh the view…  I can’t tell you how beautiful it is.  The food is pricey but worth every penny.

https://aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil/

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Rh Yountville:

The beauty of the restaurant does not disappoint.  From the lighting, furniture and the breathtaking art, RH Yountville is known from is unique and timeless beauty.  And the food, I was less inclined to try a hamburger for brunch but after the recommendation from my server, I thought I’d give it a try. To say it was amazing is an understatement. Best burger I’ve ever had in my entire life!

https://rh.com/yountville/restaurant

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Tarla Mediterean Bar and Grill Napa

The calamari and pan salmon is everything!  Reasonably priced for Napa.

https://www.tarlagrill.com/

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Mustards Grille:

All I’m gonna say is, get the Pork Chop.  The end.

https://mustardsgrill.com/

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Cole’s Cop House

https://www.coleschophouse.com

I tried the NY Strip and it was phenomenal.  This place is pricey.

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Napkins Bar and Grill

https://www.napkinsnapa.com/