A Weekend in Napa Valley
A Weekend in Napa Valley
Good food, great wine, and an owl named Hootbert await you in St. Helena
A trip to Napa Valley is a bucket list item for anyone who loves good wine, world-class restaurants, and some beautiful vistas.
Located less than 90 minutes from San Francisco, Napa Valley is the perfect weekend getaway for Californians and most anyone — especially those in the Pacific Northwest.
Though Napa and Yountville get the most press, St. Helena is a lovely town in the Napa Valley. This little town of about 5,400 permanent residents boasts several wineries and tasting rooms minutes from the charming Downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and (you guessed it) more tasting rooms.
While Napa has a reputation for being expensive and burdened with traffic, St. Helena has a relaxed vibe that allows you to plan an itinerary that’s as busy or laid back as you want it to be.
Where to Stay
Alila Napa Valley
Walking distance from Downtown and adjacent to Beringer Vineyards, this adults-only (18 and over) hotel feels more like a lush lodge than a hotel in the Hyatt family.
The hotel has only 64 rooms and suites, each decorated in earthy tones to match the Napa Valley soil. The rooms are extremely comfortable and offer just about anything you could want — rain showers, soaking tubs, and a toilet that pre-warms the seat (and has a night light). A private balcony offers a gas-powered fire pit overlooking the Berringer Vineyards so you can enjoy a glass of wine while looking at the source of the liquid in your glass. Rooms also come with Nespresso machines, wine glasses, and an honor bar stocked with several local wines.
Where to Eat and Drink
Violetto at the Alila
Violetto at the Alila serves double duty: during the day it’s available for breakfast and lunch. In the evening, however, the restaurant really shines. Executive chef Thomas Lents, formerly of Chicago’s two Michelin-starred Sixteen, brings two decades of culinary expertise and care to the restaurant’s dishes. There are a la carte options, but opt for Lents’ seven-course tasting menu that combine French and Italian influences with California’s phenomenal bounty of fruit, vegetables, and protein. At a reasonable $145 per person, Lents’ menu is delightful from the “gifts from the kitchen” amuse bouche to dessert. Be sure to order the wine pairing for $85 — generous local pours are matched to each of the chef’s dishes.
Goose & Gander
This little gastropub is located on a side street in Downtown St. Helena and is perfect for when you need a break from wine (it happens). Enjoy pub fare (and a great burger) in the main area, or visit the secret basement bar for a Coastal Pimms Cup or Cucumber Collins.
Gott’s Roadside
For 25 years, Gott’s Roadside has been slinging burgers, fries, and salads in a classic, retro roadside setting. There are now several locations, but the one in St. Helena is the OG of the family. Whatever you do, don’t forget a soft serve cone, made by Straus Family Creamery in Marshall, California. Don’t let the humble white wood facade fool you — Gott’s offers some great local wines to wash your burgers down with!
Azteca Market
There are quite a few taco places in town, but Azteca Market continues to reign supreme. LIke the name suggests, this is primarily a Mexican market that serves some fine tacos and breakfast burritos. Corn tortillas are filled with your choice of asada, pastor, shredded pollo, pollo asado, buche (pork stomach), lengua (beef tongue), cabeza (beef cheek), saudero (thinly fried beef or pork), or chorizo. Pair your tacos with Azeta fries — a Mexican riff on disco fries.
Ana’s Cantina
The streets roll up early in St. Helena, but if you want to catch a late drink (and sing some karaoke), Ana’s Cantina is your best (and possibly the only) pick in town. The bar, established in 1987, is a locals’ hangout. You won’t find an extensive wine list or a smoked old-fashioned, but you will find bespoke bloody marys, beer, and a warm greeting.
Wineries
There are more than 170 wineries in a 10-mile radius of St. Helena, making it impossible to hit all (or most) of them in a weekend —or a year. Most wineries will also only accept reservations, so research before you get there. IF you stay at the Aliai, their concierge can assist in choosing the best itinerary for wine tastings, depending on your goals.
Beringer Vineyards
Of all the wineries in St. Helena, Beringer is, by far, the most famous. It’s also a great starting point, because many of the wineries and even the architecture around St. Helena connects to Beringer’s origins. In 1876, Jacob and Frederick Beringer immigrated from Mainz, Germany to Napa and founded Beringer Vineyards. Their love of their homeland can be seen in the exquisite Rhine House and along the extensive grounds. Beringer is one of the few wineries that takes walk-ins and if you want to just see the grounds you can purchase a glass and “sip and stroll” the lush gardens and pristine vineyards.
Spring Mountain Vineyard
There’s much to be seen at Spring Mountain Vineyard, founded 150 years ago by Charles Lemme. This reservation-only vineyard has an extensive cellar system (where tastings and even events can be held). Walk a few yards and you’ll come upon a familiar sight: The Falcon Crest home — now known as Miravalle Mansion.
Speaking of Falcons, you simply must take advantage of Spring Mountain’s Falconry and Wine Immersion where you don gloves and handle majestic birds of prey (and one super adorable owl named Hootbert). In case you were wondering, these raptors are perfectly content and are free to soar through the Napa Valley (but can be bribed with a tasty bit of mouse). After you have engaged with these intriguing birds, you’re invited for a tasting of rare vintages on the patio. If you’re lucky, Hootbert might also join in.
Orin Swift Cellars and Winery
Located in Downtown St. Helena, this isn’t your mother’s tasting experience. You’ll know you got to the right place when you see dozens of scissors on a wall, as if some angry seamstress was looking for someone inside. The main tasting room also allows you to sit and enjoy a glass or two, but indulge in the VIP “Scissors” experience and you’ll be whisked through a back alley to an unmarked door. There, you’ll be given an envelope and a pair of vintage scissors. Cut the envelope open to reveal what rare, limited-production Orin Swift wines you’ll be tasting.
Clif Family Winery
One of the most casual wineries in St. Helena, Clif Family Winery (yes, of Clif Bar fame) make accessible, affordable, organically farmed wines. The tasting room, located in Downtown St. Helena, offers tastings, including a “Rise and Wine” brunch tasting. Walk-ins are welcome and if you’re looking to bring some wines home from your journey but don’t want to break the bank, there are several offerings that cost under $30.
Car Transfer to Spring Mountain Vineyards
Meet at Reception Lounge
10:00 AM Exclusive Falconry & Wine Immersion at Spring Mountain Vineyard
Embark on a journey to Spring Mountain Vineyard to meet birds of prey during an exclusive
experience in front of the legendary Falcon Crest home, now the Miravalle Mansion. Get up
close and personal with these majestic birds and gain a deeper understanding of their role in
protecting the land. This engaging, informative, and hands-on experience will be followed by
a tour and tasting designed to immerse you within this legendary Napa Valley gem.
10:45 AM Tasting and Tour at Spring Mountain Vineyards
A tapestry of time and place, Spring Mountain Vineyard weaves together three distinct
chapters of history. Enjoy an ambassador-led estate tour, followed by a seated tasting of
Spring Mountain’s current releases, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy world-class
wines.
2:00 PM Group Explorations of Wine Through Scent & Taste Workshop