With its mild temperatures and miles of gorgeous grapes, wine country makes for a serene escape. But rather than sticking to the same old vino-tasting trail this year, take a detour to some of these new Napa Valley spots for creative cuisine and refreshed favorites.
Cross Yountville’s Washington Street and you’ll find another stunning new eatery. Part furniture showroom (after all, “RH” does stand for “Restoration Hardware”), part lounge and part restaurant, this gorgeous setting is a place to see and be seen.
Fire pits, bubbling fountains, glittering chandeliers, olive trees and marble tables come together in a unique design that encapsulates luxurious wine country décor.
The menu is classic California cuisine — think burrata with tomato jam and charred sourdough, Little Gem lettuce with buttermilk herb dressing and seasonal vegetables, and roasted chicken with olive-oil-pureed potatoes.
Although Yountville always has had a thrilling dining scene, recent additions have taken the tiny town to new heights. From one of the valley’s most famous chefs, Thomas Keller, comes this trendy Mexican eatery that is open for lunch and dinner.
Debuted in December, La Calenda takes its name from an Oaxacan parade that traditionally takes place before large celebrations like weddings and graduations. This festive atmosphere is reflected in the lively environment, delicious cuisine and potent cocktails.
Oaxaca-born chef de cuisine Kaelin Ulrich Trilling serves an authentic menu of Mexican favorites like pillowy stone-ground tortillas filled with slow-roasted pork al pastor, enchiladas verdes stuffed with braised Swiss chard and shrimp in roasted garlic sauce.
Following an extensive renovation, this long-established farm-to-table restaurant at Kelleher Family Vineyard reopened in April with flair.
Shopworks Design Studio of Napa oversaw the transformation that expanded the dining room (both indoors and outdoors) to include even grander views of the surrounding vines, gardens and Mayacamas Mountains. The bar was also moved to the center of the restaurant.
Grab a seat on the redesigned patio to dig into chef Cary Delbridge’s eclectic California fare, from cabernet-braised beef cheeks with crispy onion strings, to Cajun red beans with smoked tofu and farro verde, and Dungeness crab fondue with melted leeks, Gruyère and Brie. The seasonally inspired menu proudly features produce grown on the 16-acre property.
Don’t skip the drinks here, either. While the wine is a standout (check out the flights), creative cocktails like the Smokin’ Passion Margarita (lemongrass-infused tequila, yuzu liqueur and vanilla bean-enhanced raw blue agave) are equally intriguing.
One of the first wineries in Napa to open after Prohibition, this 80-plus-year-old venue debuted a long-awaited makeover in March.
Carefully restored by local architect Howard Backen, the beautiful new space has an open floorplan with 30-foot-high glass windows that look into Martini’s barrel cellar. Vintage reclaimed materials mix with modern pieces, giving off a refined, contemporary vibe.
Stop by the stylish new tasting room for one of the brand’s signature experiences, ranging from a historic tour through the cellar (complete with sips) to an afternoon of food-and-wine pairings in the chic Heritage Lounge.
At this corner tasting room in a historic First Street building, savor pours from Alpha Omega and sister brands Tolosa and Perinet wineries. It’s a chance to taste the distinct terroir-driven reds of three different regions — Napa, San Luis Obispo and Spain’s Priorat, 90 minutes southwest of Barcelona — without leaving the comfort of this cozy NorCal spot.
The warm and inviting venue feels more like a sophisticated living room than a traditional tasting bar, with plush chairs, dark woods and contemporary chandeliers. Kick up your feet with a signature flight of four red and white releases from the three sister vineyards or create your own tasting adventure from the brands’ portfolios.
At this new multi-use downtown development (home of boutique Archer Hotel Napa), you’ll find an array of enticing eateries, including an outpost of Charlie Palmer Steak and the Mayacamas tasting salon.
One of the area’s most famous wineries, Mayacamas brings its mountaintop vineyards to this trendy urban setting. Sample the quintessential cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and merlot that the brand is known for. You also can try a curated selection of rare, older vintages and library wines.
Local designer Erin Martin was commissioned to create the Mayacamas’ lounge, which combines heritage furniture with futuristic accents — something that the winemaking team strives to deliver in every bottle.
