Napa Valley is one of the best spots in the world for a weekend getaway. It is most famous for wine tasting and good food but you can add in art, bike tours, olive oil tasting or hot springs. Here is my favorite version of the one day trip.
Arrive in the late morning (11 - 11:30) at Auberge du Soleil. This is a super nice hotel and restaurant, be prepared to see your Toyota parked next to a Ferrari, but don't flinch, in Silicon Valley you may be the next Zuckerberg. The key is to eat at the Bar & Bistro. The restaurant is pricy and requires reservations, but the Bistro makes delightful drinks and has an amazing view of the valley (or during the winter a cozy fireplace).
In California it is almost a requirement that one dish on the table have avocado
We like to use the margherita as our 'baseline' pizza. This crust is a bit thick to be my favorite, but nice use of thinly sliced basil.
The caesar has whole anchovies-very nice
Even the shadows look art-y in Napa
Most people go to Napa for wine, but I love Mumm for champagne tasting. They have amazing views of a vineyard, great seating indoors and out and an art gallery. The art gallery has windows into the holding warehouse so you can peak in at the barrels and containers.
These photos are from our most recent trip (March 2013) with our friends and relations, The Islanders. Note how relaxed we are and the great snacks.
Most excellent! I hope to get out there sooner rather than later!
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