Napa California Style And Highlights

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…

I will make a small commission if you purchase anything (thanks for supporting CCH).

Come back on Monday for  “Project Design: Collected Look Fashion” with some stylish bloggers. We are “shopping” our own closets.