Last weekend, we went to Napa to celebrate my friend, Dorothy’s 60th birthday (her husband, Carlos surprised her!). They are a part of the Florida gang that we love to visit and spend group vacations with. The Napa Valley is basically a winery/farming community. The style there is a sort “California Modern Ranch” (with a lot of superb taste). Here are my observations of Napa California Style And Highlights.
You will see why I’m inspired to have a wine tasting party!
Accommodations
We stayed at the Napa Valley Lodge in Yountville. They check you in with a glass of sparkling rosé. A nice breakfast was included. There are also wine tastings in this room.
That’s the birthday girl on the left and Mercedes on the right.
Wineries
I’ve been to Napa several times before but not with the VIP treatment that Carlos arranged with his friends and associates in the wine business. What a treat!
Gargiulo Vineyards
The first winery that we visited was Gargiulo Vineyards at the top of a beautiful hill.
We had a lovely lunch prepared by Executive Chef Nash Cognetti and his staff from Tre Posti catering.
They make an organic facial serum here called Vintner’s Daughter. It feels great on my skin. Thanks, Dorothy, for buying me some!
On the second day, we visited…
Marciano Estate Winery
The Marciano Estate Winery, owned by Maurice Marciano (of Guess), is as beautiful to view (lots of modern art and architecture) as it is to taste. They also make a delicious olive oil.
Here is the guest book and look at how Carlos signed it for us with an olive tree (in seconds, I might add).
Zakin Family Estate
Next, at the peak of another mountain, we visited Zakin Family Estate and their striking modern home. The owner, Jan gave us a tour including their kitchen garden and hen house. Her husband, Jon joined us for a tasting of their premium vintage wines.
You can acquire their limited production by joining their mailing list as they are not available to retail.
It started to rain…which is a good thing.
Restaurants
Press
The first night we ate Press an amazing steakhouse with an exceptional wine list.
(Thank you, Mercedes, for making all the reservations–highly recommended).
Mustard’s Grill
We ate at Mustard’s Grill the second night. Order the pork chop. Delicious.
Farmstead Long Meadow Ranch
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch we had eaten here once before and I was happy to go back for lunch! Order the Bloody Mary and deviled eggs. They also have a cute shop.
Shopping
There was just a little time to peek into these places…
In St. Helena: Napa Valley Vintage Home • Acres Home and Garden • Carter and Company
Restoration Hardware in Yountville There is also a restaurant and tasting rooms. Very cool at night with lots of candles and lighted water fountains.
Kelly’s Filling Station and Wine Shop in Yountville We saw Thomas Keller filling up his tank here. They also have wine and fun housewares.
Thanks, Carlos, for planning this fun get-away for Dorothy’s 60th birthday!
That’s Napa California Style And Highlights from a fantastic weekend! And now Howard and I are on a belated Dry January 🙂
Some things that caught my eye in Napa…
Come back on Monday for “Project Design: Collected Look Fashion” with some stylish bloggers. We are “shopping” our own closets.
What a magnificent get away! The pork chop at Mustard’s is my absolute favorite. Gorgeous photos. xo
Now I want to go to Napa! Look so fun and beautiful!
What a fun weekend! We have been to Napa number of times, so I was delighted to see you recommend Mustard’s Grill. It’s a favorite of mine (and I think I also had the pork chops!). I always enjoy your posts.
Thanks, Janet, so much for your comment!
well, that looks perfect. In fact why weren’t we all invited to join this fun gang. I love Napa! What serum is La Coontessa talking about? Do I need it? All in all looks like fun people food and wine. Thanks for the peak into the fun.
Vintner’s Daughter serum…I like it! Thanks for commenting, Sandra!
Mary Ann,
My husband worked in the bay area for about 1 1/2 years and it was such fun. Each visit to the wine country we’d visit 2 or 3 vineyards. Newton Vineyard was a favorite. I will add these recommendations to my list for future visits. Thank you for taking us along on this wonderful weekend.
xo,
Karen
Thanks, Karen! We will have to go to Newton!
I think it’s just great!! Incredible work!!
What a wonderful post Mary Ann! You do go on the most glorious, 5 star getaways and this one makes me want to head straight to Napa. You certainly got the royal treatment.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful weekend.
Thanks so much, Gail!
I ATE AT MUSTARDS in 1977!!!!!!
THAT SERUM is suppose to be THE CATS MEOW!DO before and after photos!!!!!!!
THAT WOMAN DOES NOT LOOK 60!!!!!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOROTHY, you beat me by 6 months!
SHOPPING OUR OWN CLOSETS!!!!!!!
YES, I’m doing THAT but a NEW SHIPMENT OF CAFTANS JUST ARRIVED CAN I USE THEM?!!!!!!!!!
I HIT THE SALE BUTTON ON MY COMPUTER!!!OPPS!
WONDERFUL SAVINGS………AND I LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE!!!!!!!
CHEERS TO THE NAPA VALLEY!!!
IT REALLY IS CLOSE AND I NEVER GO!
SPENT MY YOUTH hanging OUT at an ESTATE in RUTHERFORD Before NAPA was NAPA!!!!!!
STONE HOUSE with a BALLROOM……………good memories!
XX
I’m EXPECTING caftans from you, Contessa! A stone house with a ballroom…how glamorous. Tell me more over lunch.
Beautiful photos and great tips for my upcoming return to Napa next month! Happy New Year!
Have a wonderful time, Aly!
I follow your blog and was in Napa last weekend too. Also ate ate Mustards on Saturday night. The pork chop was delicious.
That’s when we were there, Debra!!
What a beautiful post! Thanks so much for sharing all the details of your trip. I’ve never been to Napa, putting it on the short list for 2020 birthday.
Yes! It’s so close to us, I want to go more often.