Napa Traveler Suggestions (Vineyard, August, St. Helena: appointed, hotel, wages)

[Amazonchix]

Now that I have where we will play tennis all lined out ...I need some recommendations for our trip to Napa, CA in late August. Any suggestions for places to eat, activites or sites we should take in. As far as places to eat...I know that is such a general question, with regards to food type, expense, etc., but shoot away with whatever left a lasting impression for you. Is there a winery that shouldn't be missed?

Please also add anything we should consider that is important to the area, that we may over look or may not consider.

Thanks in advance for your input!!!

[gizmo980]

As I mentioned in your other thread, I used to work in Napa - but I never wandered far from "downtown" (historic downtown Napa), so my experiences are limited to that area. One of the most popular dining choices for my co-workers & myself was Small World, which is on Coombs near 1st St. It's basically a Middle-Eastern restaurant with falafel, shawarma, YUMMY warm salads, etc, and fairly reasonable prices. My other favorite was Sweetie Pies behind the library, at 5th and Coombs... it's a pretty amazing bakery, but they also make delicious grilled panini sandwiches until 2pm. The other places I usually ate were nothing unique, just the typical chain restaurants like Baker's Square & Denny's.

As for the wineries, just head up Silverado Trail, and you'll find most of the big ones there. I really liked the Coppola Winery and Hagafen, which is actually a kosher winery. The Culinary Institute in St. Helena is also worth a visit, since they have beautiful grounds and lots of good stuff to eat and drink. http://www.ciachef.edu/visitors/gs/
I'll let you know if I think of anything else, but this should get you started... have fun!

[gizmo980]

A few more ideas...

The Napa Valley Wine Train
Wine: Top 10 Lists Archives (this whole blog has some great stuff - from locals)
Beringer Vineyards
COPIA : The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts (a good place to go for advice & tour info)

[Amazonchix]

You are fantastic! Thanks for the heads-up! I will do some more "researching" now. More reps for you if I could, but it won't let me!!

[snappy]

Tra Vigne (ate there several times - never disappointed)
Mustards
Beaulieu vineyard
Robert Mondavi vineyard

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Amazonchix

You are fantastic! Thanks for the heads-up! I will do some more "researching" now. More reps for you if I could, but it won't let me!!

No problemo... as for the rep points, it's the thought that counts!

Here are a few others you might enjoy...
25º Brix » Home (ate here with my dad once, and it was very good - probably a bit expensive, though)
Welcome - CeladonNapa.com
Genova Delicatessen, 1550 Trancas Street (nothing fancy, just good sandwiches & deli stuff)
The Smoking Cat Cafe, 1502 Main St. (a nice place to sit and relax, play board games, drink coffee, etc)

[aqualung8705]

V. Sattui is great for a picnic. It's on Hwy 29, on the southern edge of St. Helena. They have beautiful grounds, great wines, and a world class deli, with over 150 different kinds of cheese. I don't know if they do samples, since it's been a little over three years since I lived in the Napa Valley. I lived in Napa Valley for 27 years, and worked in the hotel biz. I was a desk clerk at the historic Hotel St. Helena (built in 1881) for 9 years. These days I hang my hat in Lost Wages.

Be sure to take a hot air balloon fight. It's something you'll never forget.

Hmmm...a restaurant? I like the Rutherford Grill a lot. Besides great food, they make the best martini that I've ever had. Oscar Goodman would give two thumbs up.

[mdwstrnkid]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

25º Brix » Home (ate here with my dad once, and it was very good - probably a bit expensive, though)

25° Brix just reopened a few weeks ago after a remodel. I set up a group event there on the reopening night and it was *awesome*. The patio and gardens are absolutely stunning. My colleagues are still talking about the dinner that we had there that evening.

[Amazonchix]

I truly appreciate all the suggestions. All of us that are going have never been there. So everyone's heads-up ideas are bringing us even more awareness. My biggest disappointment on traveling is eating at a place that is a disappointment...or not knowing where the great places are to eat. I love food...and look forward to those times of talking, relaxing and taking in a good meal.

Looking at everyone's suggestions, are there any good places that have a nice veggie selections or yummy pastas w/o meat? Two of us are veggie and sea food people only and the other two will eat anything?????

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by mdwstrnkid

25° Brix just reopened a few weeks ago after a remodel. I set up a group event there on the reopening night and it was *awesome*. The patio and gardens are absolutely stunning. My colleagues are still talking about the dinner that we had there that evening.

We went there many years ago, but I still remember it being excellent too... I should go back! And to answer the last question, I can't think of any off the top of my head, but will let you know if I do. California in general is very vegetarian-friendly, so I bet most places would have a good selection for you. I have a very limited diet myself, and it's rarely an issue. I've always found Indian to be the best, since they're mostly vegetarians (I only eat poultry), and therefore have a wide variety of non-meat items. Yum!