“No matter where I’ve lived in the world, coming back to Napa always feels like home. Here are my top tips but no matter where you go, you’ll love Napa!”
Wineries to visit:
- for the history – Inglenook ( https://www.inglenook.com/ )
- for the view – Joseph Phelps Vineyards (http://www.josephphelps.com/ )
- for the wines – Realm Cellars (https://www.realmcellars.com/ )
- for the fun – Raymond Vineyards (http://www.raymondvineyards.com/ )
Restaurants not to miss:
- Auberge de Soleil – go just before sunset for the breathtaking view, either in the Michelin-starred restaurant or the bar for a burger (http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/ )
- Press – great food and the most amazing wine list of old Napa Valley vintages (http://www.pressnapavalley.com/ )
- Angèle or SolBar – we love sitting out on these terraces for lunch (http://www.angelerestaurant.com/ and https://www.solagecalistoga.com/dine/ )
Off the Beaten Track:
- if you’re feeling adventurous, Mayacamas Vineyards is really worth a visit – great wines and one of the most beautiful settings in wine country (http://www.mayacamas.com/ )
- The Old Bale Grist Mill – a fun place to visit for a little local history and some nice easy hikes ( doesn’t have its own webpage however you can look at this http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=482 )
- Indian Springs – not so far off the track, but the mud baths are still done the old school way at this beautiful spa (https://www.indianspringscalistoga.com/ )
Jaime Araujo started learning about wine at her family’s winery in Napa, California before going on to study enology in Bordeaux, London and California. She has worked in Moet Hennessey, Terravina Wine Strategy, before rejoining her family as a Partner in their newest wine venture in the Napa Valley, Accendo Cellars.