Charles Krug – NapaValley.com

Heritage Fire at Charles Krug Winery

WineCountry Collective — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Heritage Fire is an outdoor culinary experience that brings together local chefs and memorable brands for a live-fire celebration. With over 20 participants, guests will enjoy an all-inclusive feast while taking in the sights and sounds of an open flame. Savor the flavors of diverse cuisine and premium beverages, all in a unique and unforgettable setting.

After indulging in each dish, the ‘Best Bite of the Day’ will be determined by the crowd and one champion will be announced.

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What’s Going On In Napa Valley: March Events

blogger — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:00:36 +0000

The Napa Valley Marathon
March 5, 2017
P.O. Box 4307
Napa, CA 94558
707.255.2609
TripAdvisor (Silverado Trail): 4 stars, 17 reviews

Named one of Forbes’ “Top 10 Marathons Worth Traveling For” and the best road race in the country by the Road Runners Club of America, the 39th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon winds through pine forests and vineyards from Calistoga south to Napa along the Silverado Trail. Limited to just 2,300 participants, the bucolic, no-headphones race rewards the fastest male and female harriers with their weight in wine; more sedentary supporters can look forward to a lively afterparty scene in downtown Napa.

Insider Tip: After the race, runners and non-runners alike can soothe their sore muscles at Calistoga’s Baths at Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort.

Napa Wine Train Dinner with Charles Krug
March 25, 2017
Napa Wine Train
1275 McKinstry Street
Napa, CA 94559
800.427.4124
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 2,565 reviews

The Napa Valley Wine Train is popular throughout the year among oenophiles of all expertise levels, but on March 25, its “Private Reserve” series will stage an exclusive, three-and-a-half hour trip with winemaking royalty. The grandson of pioneering Napa vintners Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, Peter Mondavi Jr., will host a dinner featuring pairings from the cellars of the Charles Krug Winery and a seasonal menu from Chef Donald Young, offering an in-depth discussion of each vintage’s tasting notes aboard a beautifully restored, 100-year-old Pullman railcar.

Insider Tip: Known for its Cabernet Sauvignons and other varietals, the Charles Krug Winery is a regular stop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Cooking Classes at CIA Copia
Throughout March 2017
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia
500 First Street
Napa, CA 95476
707.967.2530
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 2 reviews

Located next to the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, the Culinary Institute of America has offered a variety of culinary experiences daily since moving into the former Copia museum late last year. This March, CIA at Copia will offer more than 30 short courses on topics such as food and wine pairings, wine tasting, and Irish mixology (in honor of St. Patrick’s Day); plus hands-on cooking classes covering brunch, fresh pasta, finger foods, kid cuisine and more. Most courses are just $25 to $50, including tastings and ingredients.

Insider Tip: Reserve a spot for same-day classes at the CIA’s expansive gourmet shop, or buy tickets in advance via Eventbrite. Chefs-in-training offer a full menu onsite at the Restaurant at CIA Copia.

Live Jazz at The Blue Note Napa
Throughout March 2017
The Blue Note Napa
Napa, CA 94559‬
707.603.1258
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 9 reviews

The Blue Note Napa blends jazz with — what else? — Napa Valley farm-to-table cuisine and the best in wine country ambiance, welcoming big-name musicians to the historic Napa Valley Opera House most nights of the week. This month, the legendary jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra will appear for a four-night, seven-show stand March 9–12; on March 25, husband-and-wife banjo virtuosos Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn will grace the Note’s intimate stage. Other acts scheduled in March include The Pat Martino Trio and Diane Schur.

Insider Tip: Going solo? Arrive early to snag a seat at the bar, or find three friends and reserve a booth for the ultimate Blue Note Napa dinner-and-show experience.

Oxbow Public Market Tour & Cooking Class
Throughout March 2017
Cooking with Julie
1039 La Quinta Court
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: 707.227.5036
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 71 reviews

Tuesdays and Fridays throughout March, Chef Julie Logue-Riordan of Cooking with Julie leads a tour of Napa’s Oxbow Public Market, helping aspiring foodies pick out the best fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses before heading back to her kitchen to train them in the theory and technique of cooking seasonal wine-country meals. Each six-hour class includes wine pairings, a souvenir apron and a three-course lunch made on the spot; past classes have dished out — and dined on — delicacies such as pan-grilled hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, cauliflower soup with chorizo picada, and a blood-orange tart.

Insider Tip: The market tour and cooking class is only offered through March, right before many outdoor farmers’ markets resume in the Napa Valley.

Ian P. Murphy is a freelance writer and editor who covers travel, design and other topics for a variety of publications.

The post What’s Going On In Napa Valley: March Events first appeared on NapaValley.com.

What’s Love Got To Do With It? 4 Unexpected Romantic Guides To Napa Valley

blogger — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 09:00:34 +0000

Wine and cheese is one of the greatest pairings in history. Although we’re not too keen on the high cheese factor that can accompany romantic gestures. Rose petals, soft lighting and Kenneth G(Kenny if you’re feeling sexy) are the typical building blocks of a romantic getaway, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s your only option for spicing things up. While you may be a fool in love, we’ll help you not be a fool when it comes to romance in the Napa Valley.

Check out 4 itineraries for romance that’ll be more than just wine and roses.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS

Image Source: Silverado Resort

If the idea of holing up in a hotel room for a week gives you a serious case of FOMO, the valley is a perfect place to let your spirit of adventure take the wheel. Check out this itinerary to get outside, get tasting and have some new experiences along the way.

Silverado Resort
1600 Atlas Peak Road
Napa Valley, CA 94558
(707)257-0200
TripAdvisor: 4 Stars, 2,650 Reviews

Silverado Resort might be relaxing but it’s far from slow and sleepy. Aside from the usual golf and tennis activities, they encourage guests to get out and have an adventure. With miles of hiking and jogging trails on property, as well as a spa, bocce ball court and lush vineyards, Silverado has something for everyone.

Insider Tip: Enlist one of Silverado’s Destination Coordinators to set up a personalized experience for you and your sweetie. From wine tasting to cheese making, canvas painting and horseback riding, get creative, they can make it happen.

Castello di Amorosa
4045 Saint Helena Hwy
Calistoga, CA
Phone: 707-967-6272
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 3,646 Reviews

Decompress as you head south to Calistoga and over the Castello di Amorosa Winery. Eye catching and unique, it’s the only winery in the valley modeled after a 13th century Tuscan castle. Their internationally acclaimed wines are primarily Italian varieties that pair well with foods from around the world. Since the Castello’s wines are sold only at the winery, pick up a bottle of the 2012 Barone Reserve; a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon with earthy, vibrant notes of blackberry, cinnamon cloves.

Insider Tip: If tasting in a castle isn’t exciting enough, book a spot on one of the tours to explore the venues secret passages, dungeon and gulp – torture chamber. Luckily for us, the only thing going into a press at this winery are the grapes.

Del Dotto – Napa Historic Vineyard and Caves
1445 Saint Helena Hwy
St Helena, CA
Phone: 707-963-2134
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 234 Reviews

If bold, vibrant reds get you going, Del Dotto is the perfect place to conclude. One of the most opulent stops in the Valley, Del Dotto is known for their small production, premium wines and reservation only tasting room. More than 350 feet long, Del Dotto’s impressive wine cave was hand dug in 1885 using only picks and shovels. In 1997 when renovation of the winery began, the cave was restored back to its original glory and is currently used to age wine today. CellarPass also voted it one of the valley’s most romantic destinations. Book a tasting or a food pairing and prepare to unwind in style.

Insider Tip: If this is your last stop of the day, it’s also a perfect place to grab dinner. With Delicacies by Dotto, guests are treated to a five course dinner in the caves prepared by Executive Chef, Joshua Schwartz, along with a barrel tasting of four exclusive wines.

FOOD AND DRINK AFICIONADOS

Image Source: TripAdvisor

If you knew about Cronuts before they were cool, consider brussels sprouts the vegetable of 2016 or feel like Rosé was so last year – this is the list for you. Food aficionados rejoice because Napa Valley has some of the best farm to table, organic, local, sustainable, you-name-it, food and drink options around.

The Carneros Resort and Spa
4048 Sonoma Hwy
Napa, CA
Phone: 707-205-3520
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 1,276 Reviews

For the guest who has everything else, book a room at the Carneros resort and spa. Oh, did we say room – we meant cottage! All the cottages have private gardens, patios and decks with gas heaters and romantic outdoor showers. And for a taste of farm to table, dine at their onsite restaurant FARM. The menu changes weekly, depending on the best local seasonal produce, as well as what is harvested from their culinary garden.

Insider Tip: Feel like taking some food to go? Let the Carneros concierge know and the hotel chef will prepare a picnic basket for you to take wherever you like.

Oxbow Public Market
610 1st Street
Napa, CA
Phone: 707-226-6529
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 761 Reviews

Start the day off right with a trip to the Oxbow Public Market. With a diverse mix of local food vendors, artisan cafes and an organic produce outlet for local farms, Oxbow Public Market and its artisans and purveyors passionately support the concept of sustainable agriculture and local harvest. The 40,000 square foot marketplace has become the local gathering place for great food and wine in downtown Napa. So whether you’re looking for the perfect cup of coffee, bottle of wine, or that local olive oil you just can’t find anywhere else, this is the place.

Insider Tip: Aphrodisiacs anyone? For the ultimate meal, check out the Hogs Island Oyster Bar for the fresh shellfish direct from their farm on Tomales Bay. Order a platter, grab a seat and slurp down these little gems all while taking in the view of the Napa River.

Charles Krug
2800 Main St
St. Helena, CA
Phone: 707-967-2200
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 95 Reviews

With breakfast firmly out of the way, take the scenic route north and stop at Charles Krug. As one of the oldest wineries in the Valley – founded in 1861 – it has come a long way since its humble beginnings more than a century ago. Krug is one of the few wineries the valley that runs on solar (more than 4,000 panels!) and looking at their past innovations, it’s no surprise they’re leading in the technology game. But what good is all this technology when it comes to wine? Taste their award winning Generations Bordeaux-style blend and Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and see for yourself.

Insider Tip: For an intimate experience, book a Family Reserve and Limited Release Tasting. Here you can sample their most-limited wines, including their prized Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc, and experience the taste of years of innovative wine-making first hand.

The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone – Wine Studies
2555 Main Street
St. Helena, CA
Phone: 800-888-7850
Trip Advisor: 4 Stars, 281 Reviews

A quick trip across the main road will land you directly at the CIA. Not that C.I.A., but rather the Culinary Institute of America. Here instead of government secrets they’ll let you on the magic of what happens behind closed doors in the kitchen. In addition to their culinary creations, the CIA also has an award winning wine studies program, where they host certifications, weekend classes and tasting events like Wine 101, a program that will teach you how to taste and pair wines like a pro. Everyone knows that smart is sexy, so take that romance up a notch with some new knowledge.

Insider Tip: If you’re lucky enough to be there on a weekend, join the CIA on Saturdays and Sundays for an hour-long cooking demo paired with a tasting of Greystone Cellar’s own wine.

RELAXATION JUNKIES

Image Source: TripAdvisor

If your idea of a romantic getaway isn’t complete without a trip to the spa, this is the itinerary for you. Go ahead and book a massage, unplug and let the expansive views of miles of open vineyard take away your troubles.

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
1006 Washington St.
Calistoga, CA
Phone: 866-822-1746
TripAdvisor: 4 Stars, 494 Reviews

Why stay at a regular hotel, when staying at a spa hotel is an option? At Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, visitors can choose to stay in one of their 56 renovated guest rooms that offer access to on site mud baths and minerals pools. So whether you’re looking to explore the best in mud bathing tradition, or enjoy the amenities of a full service spa, this is the place for you.

Insider Tip: For a real treat, experience a combination massage and bath treatment they call “The Works,” a true indulgence lasting over two hours.

Napa Valley Aloft Balloons
V Marketplace, 6525 Washington St,
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-4400
TripAdvisor: 5 Stars, 233 Reviews

There are few things more soothing than floating hundreds of meters in the air with not a sound to be heard. Motors? They don’t need them. With Napa Valley Aloft guests can explore Napa’s picturesque mountains and wineries, from a gondola high in the air! They offer flights seven days a week, weather permitting and are always flown by FAA certified pilots.

Insider Tip: Book early because they will up fast! As one of the few companies in the valley that fly small gondolas, with an either person max rather than 20, this is the place to get your romance on. Bonus – they end each trip with a complimentary bottle of champagne.

Domaine Carneros
1240 Duhig Rd
Napa, CA
Phone: 707-257-0101
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 1,023 Reviews

Ever wanted to visit France without the stress of travel? Then Domaine Carneros is the perfect escape. Inspired by the classic 18th century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France – home of Champagne Taittinger – the Domaine Carneros château is a taste of Europe in the heart of the valley. They specialize in methóde traditionnelle sparkling wine along with award winning Pinot Noir.

Insider Tip: You’ll need to make a reservation for the visit, but when you do check out The Sparkling Suite. It includes a private tasting for two of Domaine Carneros sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs, paired perfectly with caviar, charcuterie and all the necessary accoutrements. As a keepsake, you’ll be gifted with your most memorable wine of the day

Long Meadow Ranch
1796 St. Helena Hwy S
St. Helena, CA
Phone: 707-963-4555
TripAdvisor: 84 Reviews, 4.5 Stars

Long Meadow Ranch is a one of a kind estate run by proprietors Ted, Laddie and Chris Hall, who set out to produce world-class wine using sustainable, organic farming practices. While their original Mayacamas Vineyard is located high up in the Napa Hills – open to visitors by appointment only – the Long Meadow Ranch General store in St. Helena proper is just an impressive. Housed in a fully restored 1874 farmhouse, LMR doles out generous flights of estate-grown wines, food-centric varietals, and cellared specialties.

Insider Tip: Book a table at Long Meadow’s own restaurant, Farmstead, and check out the work of Executive Chef Stephen Barber. A Kentucky-native, Stephen brings an influence of Southern cooking styles employing our wood-burning oven, plancha, a cast-iron grill, and the biggest smoker in St. Helena.

SIMPLE LIFE FOR CITY SLICKERS

Image Source: SENZA Hotel

Sometimes you just need to turn the phone off and unplug. With this itinerary, get away from the tourist hype, enjoy some local tunes and sample some of the finest pours just outside of the big city.

SENZA Hotel
4066 Howard Ln,
Napa, CA 94558
707-254-9463
TripAdvisor: 5 Stars, 616 Reviews

Their elegant and modern hotel caters to the sophisticated traveler, offering luxury in a relaxed atmosphere enabling a one of a kind wine country experience, with 41 guest rooms and suites, an outdoor pool with cabanas and spectacular vineyard views. Guests at SENZA start the day off with an impeccably catered breakfast featuring items from the famous Bouchon Bakery. They also feature their very own blend of premium coffee, freshly baked pastries and much more to get their guests day started the right way.

Insider Tip: Guests who stay at the Napa River Inn receive complimentary nightly show tickets.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
5766 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA
Phone:
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 221 Reviews

Anyone who has a soft spot for modern architecture will love Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Nestled in the heart of the silverado trail and notably known for being the winery that won the Cabernet Sauvignon competition in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, the estate is breathtaking. From the visitor center to the caves, vineyards to the cellar, it is a literal feast for the eyes and palate. Beautiful design combined with award winning wine make this a must see stop.

Insider Tip: While you’re there, don’t miss out on the cave tour! At the center of the cave network is the Round Room, where a Foucault pendulum, one of only about fifty in the world, is suspended from the ceiling and marks the passing of time, and the aging of wine.

Napa Valley Bike Tours
6500 Washington St.
Yountville, CA
Phone: 707-944-2953
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 253 Reviews

For a slow taste of the outdoors, Napa Valley Bike Tours offers private and group cycling excursions around the valley. With two awesome Napa Valley locations (Napa and Yountville) and three levels of intensity to choose from, Napa Valley Bike Tours offers an array of experiences to suit every visitor and every budget. Join a Guided Bike Tour hosted by a knowledgeable Tour Guides, or go Self-Guided or Rent Bikes with the aid of our custom route maps and expert local advice.

Insider Tip: Take things up a notch and leave the pavement behind with one of their specialized vineyard tours. Get some dirt in the tires as you bike through the fields before grabbing some refreshment at three tasting room stops along the way.

BIO:

Nicole McLaughlin is a food and lifestyle writer from California. When she’s not in the kitchen testing her latest recipes, you can find her out exploring the wonders of fermentation happening in San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene.

The post What’s Love Got To Do With It? 4 Unexpected Romantic Guides To Napa Valley first appeared on NapaValley.com.

Best Place to Host Your Holiday Party

blogger — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 09:00:20 +0000

While we don’t quite have the bone chilling winter winds we do look for crispness to the air, when that starts to nip at our glass, it can only mean one thing – the holidays are right around the corner. While you’ll be hard pressed to find a better activity than an evening lounging in front of a fire with a glass of Cabernet, the season calls for a little socializing. Inject a bit of excitement into your festivities by hosting your next holiday shindig somewhere special. Or be the office hero and suggest wine country for your company’s holiday gathering. Check out the list below for some of the finest spots in the valley to kick off the season in style.

Image Source: Charles Krug

Charles Krug
2800 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707)-967-2229
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 89 Reviews

As one of the first tasting rooms in California, Charles Krug has history on its side. Overlooking the great lawn, the grounds include a completely restored 1881 Carriage house once built to house Carolina Krug’s horses. Boasting two levels of event space, the upper Great Room opens to soaring cathedral ceilings, old growth redwood floors and hand forged chandeliers while the lower level, surrounds guests with grand pillars and a view of the winery. Each floor can comfortably hold up to 250.

Insider Tip: For something extra special, book a private tasting in the Library Room. Sit down at their communal table, enjoy a flight and view a selection of Charles Krug wines that back to the 1940s, all of which are housed in their temperature-controlled reserve cellar.

Image Source: The Meritage Resort and Spa

The Meritage Resort and Spa
875 Bordeaux Way
Napa, CA 94558
(844)283-4588
TripAdvisor: 4 Stars, 1,542 Reviews

While a carved rock room might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of event spaces, the Meritage has done something special. Nestled under its nine-acre vineyard is the Estate Cave. Roomier than you would think, it’s almost 4,000 square foot entertainment space can accommodate up to 200 guests. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter, the Estate Cave is a truly unique space perfect for cozying up with friends and enjoying the warmth of the holidays. But if that’s not your style, they also offer the Vineyard Terrance a larger outdoor space with sweeping view of the lawn and grape covered hills.

Insider Tip: Hold your after party at Crush, the Meritage’s on site sports and cocktail lounge where not only can you score a glass of wine in a private venue, but also try your hand at earning some strikes at their very own bowling alley.

Image Source: Silverado Resort

Silverado Resort
1600 Atlas Peak Road
Napa Valley, CA 94558
(707)257-0200
TripAdvisor: 4 Stars, 2,650 Reviews

Silverado knows a thing or two about recreation. Aside from the usual golf and tennis activities, they encourage guests to get out and have an adventure. With miles of hiking and jogging trails on property, as well as a spa, bocce ball court and lush vineyards, Silverado has something for everyone. Their new events venue, Mansion Gardens, offers more than 30,000 square feet of usable space, and features Napa Valley style foliage – including a small vineyard – spacious lawns and a 5,000 square foot pavilion for receptions, dinners and meetings. If a grand space is something you’re looking for to make your party something special, there is no better place than Silverado.

Insider Tip: Enlist one of Silverado’s Destination Coordinators to set up a personalized experience for your group. They can arrange anything from canvas painting and cheese making, to a blind tasting competition amongst your peers. Who doesn’t appreciate a little friendly competition?

Image Source: Freemark Abby

Freemark Abbey
3022 St.Helena Highway N.
St. Helena, CA 94574
(800)963-9698
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 51 Reviews

Intimate events are something that Freemark Abby does well. While other wineries might overwhelm guests with the amount of space they offer, Freemark gives guests a personalized intimate tasting experience, and an even better space for events. With a lush, wood hewn bar and warm tasting room they can easily accommodate groups of 12-120. To soak up the winter sunshine, they also offer space on their patio.

Insider Tip: Check out the neighboring restaurant Two Birds One Stone for an innovative take on Asian Fusion. Bonus – complimentary corkage, so be sure to pick up a bottle of Freemark Abby’s highly reviewed 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon before heading over.

Image Source: Sinegal Estate

Sinegal Estate
2125 Inglewood Ave.
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707)244-1187

For those that appreciate the architecture of buildings as well as wine, look no further than Sinegal Winery. Designed by Signum Architecture of St. Helena this state-of-the-art facility boasts clean lines and a classic midcentury modern style. Newly renovated, their tasting lounge, terrace, wine caves and Estate Room are all open to the public. Visitors are welcome to pull up a chair on their patio or take a glass down to sip beside the on property lake. Hearkening back to a simpler time, this venue is perfect for intimate gatherings and holiday parties alike.

Insider Tip: After taking a tour of their newly dug 6,500 square foot wine cave, head back above ground to tour the edible garden. Vegetables from this site are sold and served at many local restaurants in the area.

Image Source: Safari West

Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707)579-2551
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 799 Reviews

Who would have thought that a little bit of Africa could be found in wine country? With Safari West, the savanna comes to you. Along with a whole host of animals, they offer multiple venues to fit any event. Their Elephant room offers a mixed meeting space with views of the aviary and outdoor patio while their newest addition, Flamingo Landing, boasts stunning view of their hillside giraffe enclosure, gazelle paddock and wildebeest viewing area. And if that’s not close enough, take your group on the ultimate tour by boarding one of their open air safari vehicles and going out into the park. For something truly unforgettable, Safari West offers the best in class and adventure.

Insider Tip: Book a night in one of their imported African Safari tents to snooze under the stars. Complete with plush bedding, wood floors and a copper soaking tub it is the ultimate glamping experience.

The post Best Place to Host Your Holiday Party first appeared on NapaValley.com.