Calistoga, Napa Valley

When my close family friends announced their son was getting married in Napa Valley, I couldn’t have been more excited for a chance to check out “Italy of the west” with one of my best friends, Phil J  While it was a very different experience from Tuscany, and in some ways more costly and difficult to reach*, we’re glad we went both to enjoy their special day, and also to explore local California wines and cuisine.

Wine tastings

Our first tasting was at Rombauer. The tasting room is small and quaint, with no fuss service and delectable wines, ranging from a light and refreshing sauvignon blanc to a hearty cab. The true artistry here though is in their buttery chardonnay! And the view is lovely.

Next we had a luxurious wine and food pairing in the beautiful dining room of Davis Estates. The floor- to- ceiling wooden doors in the entryway revealed one of the most stunning views of Napa. Take it in from the lovely lanai adjacent to the elegant dining room and enjoy some most divine food pairings (include carrot curry soup and filet mignon that practically melts in your mouth), along with wine that matches the sophistication of the venue. You will want to savor every bite! Plan to walk away with a membership (there’s no pressure, it’s just that good!), which includes a minimum of four bottles of wine shipped to your home throughout the year. While you’re savoring this food and wine divinity, the knowledgeable sommelier will educate you not only about the wine, but also the impressive history of the owner and all his entrepreneurial advenutres. From old cars to saving vineyards, it’s quite the story!

The View from Davis Estates

 Curry Carrot Soup

Feeling So Relaxed in Wine Country!

On our last day, we visited Pride Mountain Vineyards at the recommendation of a friend. Wind through the hills (with no cell service- look up directions before you leave!) until you reach yet another absolutely breathtaking view. Here, you will be greeted by a sommelier who is as passionate about the wine as the vineyard owners . This was our favourite tasting, because we enjoyed his fun personality as he took us on a tour of the wine cellar and explained in great detail how the wines are aged. If you purchase a bottle or two here, the tasting is likely to be comped.

The Wedding: 

It was beautiful, elegant, and everything you'd dream of for a destination wedding in wine country. The ceremony and reception were held at a private mountain estate about 30 minutes outside of Calistoga. The bride and groom were married at an intimate ceremony overlooking a small pond surrounded by flower gardens in full bloom. One hundred feet away,  cocktail hour was immediately in full swing where they served signature drinks, followed by an dinner of southern fare served buffet style and al fresco on the lawn of the estate. The tables were decorated with simple pink roses displayed in wine bottles. The fun-loving nature of the bride and groom was evident when a doughnut truck arrived to serve dessert, and the rest of the night was spent dancing under the stars and string lights on the brick area where the ceremony took place. 

Sylan Lake Estates-Wedding Venue

Where to stay: I really lucked out in stumbling upon the Cottage Grove Inn on Groupon! It was quaint, quiet, clean, and just so lovely all around. Our cottage was complete with a fireplace, whirlpool tub, spacious sitting areas and the sweetest little porch where we enjoyed our complimentary wine and cheese tastings each evening. The staff was warm and welcoming, and incredibly accommodating. They provide free bicycles, board games and books to enjoy during your stay. I can’t imagine a more perfect and romantic setting anywhere.

Our Cottage

Complimentary Wine and Cheese Every Day:) 

Dining:

The main street is lined with restaurants, clothing stores and wine shops, and you really couldn’t want for anything here. The Chinese restaurant Soo Yuan was authentic and great quality food, and Sam's Social Club at Indian Springs Resort offered a relaxing terrace with firepits, flatbreads, craft cocktails and some of the best churros you’ve ever had in your life.

By far though, Solbar  at the luxury Solage resort was one of the most incredible meals either of us have ever enjoyed. After being waitlisted for three days at the famed French Laundry, which should allegedly be on every foodie’s bucket list, we ‘resigned’ to try Solbar instead after being assured by several friends it would exceed our expectations of even the elite French Laundry. And they were right! From start to finish, each dish was a delightful surprise. Combinations you would never guess would work ended up sending our minds and tastebuds into a state of euphoria. Yes, it was THAT GOOD! Skip the fru fru restaurant even the stars can’t get into, and go to Solbar. You won’t regret it.

       
          Pork Belly with Berries and Pea Puree                           Salmon Crudo

Napa Valley was a wonderful trip- we wined and dined, went for walks, rode bicycles, napped, lounged in front of the fireplace reading books, and soaked up the sunshine and antioxidants from all that wine. We returned home after the six hour flight rested and relaxed with some really wonderful memories. I’m still daydreaming about that carrot curry soup… J

 *Getting to Napa: Rent a car in San Francisco. Preferably at the airport where you have options. We spent a night in the city before driving to wine country, so we rented a car downtown. They were oversold and didn’t have enough cars. We almost didn’t get one, but ended up with a gaz-guzzling SUV. It’s about a one hour and forty-five minute drive to Calistoga. Allow extra time to navigate the complicated road system if you’re leaving from downtown San Francisco, and for traffic leaving the city. We left around noon and it wasn’t too heavy.