I can’t leave Napa without sharing some thoughts on exclusive wine tastings, a new hotel and a new restaurant (new to me!). I suggest keeping this information handy, as I don’t plan on going back anytime soon since I’ve been traveling so much lately! Ha!
Hotel To Avoid
Bardessono is a modern-style hotel nestled in Yountville, CA where many of my favorite restaurants are located (French Laundry, Bistro Jeanty, and Redd). The property is beautiful and the rooms do have exquisite amenities – but the biggest issue? The staff is not up-to-snuff! When I pay top dollar for a room, I expect top service from the hotel personnel. This was not the case and I certainly cannot recommend a hotel like this when high expectations for stellar service are not met. There are many other places to stay in Yountville. Just Ask me, your adventure stylist!
Restaurant To Enjoy
Downtown Napa has a new restaurant in town! It’s called, Ninebark.** The roof-top bar and restaurant are charming with a view of Napa Valley that most post cards are famous for. But best of all, the food is incredible! The qualified and rising new chef brings culinary efforts and delights from abroad and from the Pacific Northwest. His most recent opening of Atera in NYC landed him two Michelin stars and his restaurant became one of the best 50 new restaurants. We first started with the flatbread with crab, asparagus and a garlic spread. At first it seemed like an odd combination on the menu, but ended up to be unforgettable. I also had a stone fruit Greek salad with peaches and plums and boy, was that a tasty, healthy dish! The best was the ice cream sandwich. All homemade, of course. Put this restaurant on your list the next time you venture to Napa.
Bike Riding To Experience
Ever ridden your mountain bike through a vineyard in Napa Valley? No? Well, now’s your chance! Reserve a spot with Cycling IN the Vineyards and request Lynn to be your tour guide. We biked up and down rows of grape vines and visited two wineries on our tour. Clink! A winery worth noting is Ceja Vineyards. Their story of a first generation Mexican-American family owned winery is beautiful. This would be a great venue for an event. Just Ask me and I’ll plan an exceptional wine tasting, bocce playing, salsa dancing extravaganza customized to your needs!
Wine To Remember
Exclusive wine tastings are hard to come by in Napa. One needs connections! Sheldon Richards of Paloma Vineyard poured me some of the finest Merlots. The winery is perched high atop the Spring Mountain District where the California merlot grapes thrive. The Paloma story is special, too. Sheldon learned how to farm, make wine and taste wine from his father and mother. They have both passed on but their legacy will always continue. Cheers to Sheldon!
Should you need any assistance with planning a trip to Napa, I’ve been drinking and eating my share of research. Just Ask me and I’ll help you nosh your way through Napa.
**Note: The restaurant is currently closed and will reopen at a later date.
