Where to Stay

Carneros Resort and Spa

A stay at this luxurious resort in the heart of Wine Country should come with a warning: You’ll find it almost impossible to pull yourself away from the picturesque estate, which for a romantic weekend is perhaps actually perfect. Truly, there’s no need to leave as the resort has everything one could possibly want: charming secluded cottages with private front porches and backyard gardens, fire pits and fireplaces, and outdoor soaking tubs; two pools with hot tubs (one which sits atop a hill with vineyard views and is adults-only); a full-service spa exclusive to guests; and three farm-to-table dining experiences. If you do manage to venture away from the grounds, you’ll find plenty of world-renowned wineries nearby, as well as outdoor activities, like golf, horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking. But if you decide to enjoy breakfast in bed before making your way to a chaise lounge for the day (interrupted only by your couples massage), no one will judge you.

WineCountry Perks: Book using code ‘WINECOUNTRY’ to receive your third night free and complimentary daily breakfast.

4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559, (866) 860-2328

Poetry Inn

Romance is the name of the game at this hillside escape, perched above the Silverado Trail in Napa’s Stags Leap District. Offering both privacy and serenity, Poetry Inn pampers guests with luxury amenities and personalized hospitality, from the spacious suites with private terraces and wood-burning fireplaces, to the customized concierge services, to the gourmet three-course breakfasts served each morning. Enhance a stay with a romantic spa experience, like a side-by-side couples massage or couples spa shower treatment, and no doubt you’ll be rekindling the flame in no time.

WineCountry Perks: Make a reservation using the code ‘WINE’ to enjoy a complimentary cheese board upon arrival, as well as complimentary wine tastings at nearby Cliff Lede Winery.

6380 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 944-0646

What to Do

Getaway Adventures

Set pulses racing with an outdoor adventure that will allow you to experience Wine Country in a whole new way. Getaway Adventures has something for everyone, including tours where you’ll bike and wine taste in the morning and kayak in the afternoon, sip and cycle through Calistoga, or hike through the hills and valleys of Napa Valley. If you’d prefer to cruise around at your own speed, you can also rent a hybrid, e-bike, or road bike and enjoy the feel of the wind in your hair as you hit the open road.

61 Front Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (800) 499-2453

Napa Valley Aloft

Soar to new heights in your relationship (literally and metaphorically) during a hot air balloon ride over Yountville. Napa Valley Aloft balloon rides fly above the valley floor with panoramic views of Mt. St. Helena, the Mayacamas Mountains, and, if the weather cooperates, glimpses of the San Francisco skyline and the Sierras. After you safely land, you’ll enjoy a post-flight Champagne brunch where you can toast to more adventures to come. Most flights have around 8 to 12 passengers, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion and want to splurge, you can reserve a basket built for two.

6525 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-4400

Where to Eat

Press Napa Valley

If the way to your loved one’s heart is through their stomach, then don’t miss dining at Press, known for its award-winning (and extensive) wine list and its selection of Prime beef, free-range poultry, local lamb, and fresh local seafood, all cooked on a custom-built, wood-fired grill. Everything about this fine dining experience is utterly enjoyable, from the food to the moody, romantic ambiance, and makes for the perfect date night out.

587 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-0550

Angèle Restaurant & Bar

Transport yourselves to France while sitting in an old boathouse on the Napa River. Angèle is a charming restaurant in downtown Napa that has become a staple for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy wine and oysters on the heated patio overlooking the water or, on colder nights, tuck into some French onion soup or crispy duck confit in the rustic and cozy dining room.

540 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 252-8115

Where to Taste Wine

Stags’ Leap Winery

There’s just something extra romantic about sipping wine with your loved one at a historic winery in Napa, especially if said winery offers nostalgic details, sensory gardens, fruit trees, and sweeping views. Constructed in 1890, the Manor House on the estate is the ultimate place for Cupid’s arrow to strike. With its original stonework, English Renaissance style, and romantic history as a summer retreat for one-time owners, the Chase family, this picturesque building makes for an idyllic place to sample a mixture of the winery’s current release and library wines.

6150 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 257-5790

HALL Winery

HALL Winery in St. Helena pairs world-class wine with intriguing art for an experience unlike any others you’ll find in Wine Country. As you roam the lush 33-acre property, you’ll come across over 35 impressive pieces of contemporary art, including the famous metal “Bunny Foo-Foo” sculpture at the entrance. You can wander the grounds alone and steal kisses in the Olive Grove, but if you’d like a more in-depth look at the wine and the art, reserve the Wine and Art Exploration experience where you’ll be guided through the collection while sipping on some of HALL’s best wines.

401 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-2626

The post Where to Find Romance in Napa Valley first appeared on NapaValley.com.

Napa Valley may be known for its wine, but world-class dining is right on par. With abundant eateries speckling the landscape and restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred to delicious roadside stops, there’s a reason why foodies venture to Wine Country to eat their fill.

There’s a passion for food here, partially because of the bounty of delicious year-round produce and artisanal products, partially because Napa Valley has become a mecca for inventive cooking. But, the region wouldn’t have left its food-centric mark without talented chefs opening restaurants and calling Wine Country home.

We’ve tapped the creative culinary minds of four top Napa Valley chefs, curious to learn about their personal connection to food, the region, and their recommended local favs (beyond their celebrated restaurants) for travelers making their way to northern California Wine Country.

Chef Charlie Palmer

Image: Paige Green

You can find him in Napa Valley at Harvest Table and Charlie Palmer Steak.

What inspired you to get into cooking?

When I was in high school, I enrolled in Home Ec class on a dare from the football team. I thought it was a great opportunity to be one guy in a big group of girls, but I ended up loving it. My teacher, Sharon Crain, was my inspiration, and I still talk to her regularly and just put her Christmas card in the mail.

If not cooking, what else would you do?

I definitely keep busy. I’m in the kitchens a lot, but I’m also on a plane back and forth to NYC, Vegas, and more just as much. I also try and jog most mornings, whether that’s in Healdsburg or in NYC or somewhere in between. In addition, I’ve got 4 sons, grown now and ranging from 20 – 24, but I try and spend as much time with them and my wife Lisa as possible.

What’s your current favorite ingredient or dish?

I’m a huge fan of game birds, always. Especially in the winter. Right now I’d really like a roast quail.

How would you pair it?

I’d pair it with a really rich pinot. I think the gaminess and richness of the meat need a more robust pinot than a lighter one.

What’s your greatest extravagance?

I’m not really an extravagant guy, but I do love to travel with my family. My wife Lisa and I go to Paris once a year. We’re headed there in January, and we always stay at the Hotel Le Bristol.

What’s your favorite Napa Valley wine to enjoy at home?

So hard to choose just one, but if I’m drinking cabs, I usually go for Silver Oak or Raymond. On the white side, I’m usually a sauvignon blanc or chablis drinker, so Whitehall Lane or Twomey.

What would be three places you’d recommend for first time Wine Country visitors?

Raymond. It’s a trip and unlike any other winery or tasting room in Napa. Go visit the new CIA Copia. And finally, this is somewhat shameless self promotion, but this is what I would tell anyone who asks: come visit us at the new Charlie Palmer Steak at the brand new Archer Hotel Napa. The happy hour deal is incredible!

Follow on Instagram @chefcharliepalmer

Chef Christopher Kostow

You can find him in Napa Valley at The Restaurant at Meadowood and The Charter Oak.

What inspired you to get into cooking?

While working the register at a music festival, I quickly realized all the fun was happening in the kitchen. After frying chicken for several summers and graduating from college, I decided I wanted to immerse myself into the culinary world and I began working in restaurants from California to France.

If not cooking, what else would you do?

Be a nomad.

What’s your current favorite ingredient or dish?

Probably the new seasonal Dungeness crab dish at The Charter Oak. It’s grilled and served with Mendocino sea lettuce butter and toasted garlic babka.

How would you pair it?

Mad Fritz Beer. We’ve partnered with Nile Zacherle to create a selection of beers designed to match the flavors of our menu. Nile ferments the beer with an assortment of wild and foraged ingredients from our farm and from local growers.

If you’re not in the kitchen, where would we find you?

You would find me spending time with my wife, Martina, and two daughters, Daisy and Lulu.

What’s your favorite Napa Valley wine to enjoy at home?

There are so many amazing wines coming from the Napa Valley right now from both established and upcoming vintners. We like to support everyone, but we tend to drink more white wine varietals at home.

What would be three places you’d recommend for first time Wine Country visitors?

Bothe State Park where the old Bale Grist Mill is, hiking up Oat Hill Mine Trail, and scheduling a walking tour with one of the local historical societies.

Chef Christopher Cosentino

Image: Mark Mediana

You can find him in Napa Valley at Acacia House.

What inspired you to get into cooking?

I started cooking as a young kid in New England, working on commercial fishing boats and helping my great grandmothers, Rosalie and Helen, cook. It was so amazing to have two people who brought so much joy to people through food, whether the food was Italian or new England specialties, it was always made from scratch and with love. That was the game changer for me, everything made sense from there.

If not cooking, what else would you do?

If I wasn’t cooking, I’m not sure what I would be doing. As a young man, I had dreams of being a pro-athlete. In my late 20’s, I tried going pro as a cyclist but that was derailed due to injury. The whole time I was racing, I was working in the kitchen – I was working two full time jobs at once!

What’s your current favorite ingredient or dish?

Right now, I am enjoying working with chicories. They are so delicious and a true winter specialty. I also love castelfranco, treviso and puntarella, each has a great new use that can be so delicious when paired with rich foods; both seafood or meats.

How would you pair it?

Pairing chicories would really depend on what they are being served with. For puntarella, I would serve it with fish which I would then pair with a crisp, mineral driven white wine with no oak. For the Treviso, I would pair this with meat and then with a pinot noir.

If you’re not in the kitchen, where would we find you?

When I am not in one of my kitchens, Cockscomb in SF, Jackrabbit in PDX or Acacia House in Napa, I am either spending time with my family or riding my bike. Riding my bike gives me clarity so I can focus on all the things that are important. I find that being out of the restaurant is just as important as being in the restaurant, it gives you real perspective.

What would be three places you’d recommend for first time Wine Country visitors?

My first recommendation, I would say Terra Restaurant. It’s a must go to for sure, the food is always delicious, it’s a very special place for me. I think Hiro & Lissa are amazing and a very important part of the Napa culinary scene. I love the Oxbow Market, it’s a really cool place to get a great taste of the Valley. You can find local wines and beers as well as local meats, cheeses, produce and products. It’s also located in a really central place which gives you access to Napa. I would also recommend Mumm for sparkling wine. They have an amazing view of the entire Valley that you can enjoy while sitting outside, enjoying one of their sparkling wine flights.

Follow on Instagram @chefchriscosentino

Chef Sharon Li

You can find her in Napa Valley at PRESS.

What inspired you to get into cooking?

I went through a vegan phase in college, which forced me to cook a lot from scratch. My first knife was a butter knife I “borrowed” from the cafeteria so I could dice onions in my dorm. Originally I planned to study art and music, but after many changes in my major, I earned a B.A. in Business Management. I realized that by working in restaurants, I could combine my passion for an environment that fostered both the creative and managerial aspect of the business.

If not cooking, what else would you do?

If I was not cooking, I’d love to be a world renowned photographer and work for National Geographic or something of the like. Document life as it happens. Or, a spear fisherman.

What’s been your most memorable experience?

It’s hard to pick one. Every single day of my life is a challenge. I would probably say it’s the late nights at the bar with my sous chefs, when we laugh and cry and let our frustrations and fears go and realize it’s just food, and we’re still kicking.

What’s your current favorite ingredient or dish?

Cilantro. I almost don’t want to be friends with people who don’t like cilantro.

What’s your greatest extravagance?

Sushi. Caviar. Tomatoes. Food in general! I will spend $700 on a meal without batting an eye, but question my life existence if I have to fork over $300 for a new TV. Priorities.

If you’re not in the kitchen, where would we find you?

At a taqueria or at a restaurant at the bar, eating enough food for a family of four.

What would be three places you’d recommend for first time Wine Country visitors?

Besides PRESS (of course), my top 3 places that I personally love and would recommend:

Oenotri. Great wine list, charcuterie (get the selection of ten), Margherita Pizza, Mixed Greens salad and creamy polenta with parmesan.

Kenzo. Pricey, but absolutely worth every penny. Everything about this place is a choreographed ballet. Beautiful in every sense of the word.

La Taberna. Wine bar and tapas, order one of everything. Great late night vibe.

Follow on Instagram @shrncopter

— 24 Easy Reasons to Visit St. Helena, CA —

— Taste of Downtown Napa Foodie Tour — Wine Country Experiences —

The post Meet the Chefs Behind Some of Napa Valley’s Best Restaurants first appeared on NapaValley.com.

First off, Where Do You Want to Visit?

How to Get Here

Where to Rest – Lodging

How to Things To Do

Itineraries for a Week or Just One Day

Wineries to Sip and Savor

Final things to Consider When Planning a Trip

The post NapaValley.com: The Place to Plan Your Next Wine Country Vacation first appeared on NapaValley.com.