Food and Wine Pairing – NapaValley.com https://www.napavalley.com Explore Napa Valley Fri, 23 Aug 2024 21:15:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 The Best Wine & Food Pairings at Napa Valley Wineries https://www.napavalley.com/blog/napa-valley-wineries-offering-food-and-wine-pairings/ https://www.napavalley.com/blog/napa-valley-wineries-offering-food-and-wine-pairings/#respond Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:00:15 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?p=21974 Wine and food go hand-in-hand in Napa Valley, and these Napa Valley wineries offer the best wine and food pairings to seek out in the region.

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Gone are the days when the only food you could procure at a Napa Valley winery was breadsticks, maybe a cheese plate, and, if you were really lucky, a gourmet picnic lunch. Today, more and more Napa wineries are leaning into the idea that wine is best enjoyed with food.

In fact, many wineries are hiring talented chefs to work directly with the winemakers to create food menus that pair perfectly with the wines and also showcase the region’s seasonal bounty—much of which is often grown on the Wine Country estates and is just as, if not even more, delicious than any meal one would get dining at a restaurant. It’s a chance for visitors to elevate the typical wine tasting experience while relaxing with a fantastic meal and learning more about the wine than they ever would standing in a tasting room. Read on to learn about 10 Napa Valley wineries that are offering exceptional wine and culinary journeys of all kinds.

Hess Person Estates
Photo Courtesy of Hess Persson Estates.

One of the region’s oldest wineries on Mount Veeder, Hess Persson Estates expresses this rugged terrain through its elegant and balanced wines. Hess provides several unique food and wine tasting experiences for visitors. Reserve the Tour of the Palate for a walking tour of the Hess Art Collection, followed by a tasting of limited-production, estate wines paired with a three-course menu from Executive Chef Chad Hendrickson. There’s also an ATV Vineyard Tour, for those gourmands feeling a bit more adventurous. After a tour of the estate on a luxurious ATV, you’ll sit down for a memorable food and wine tasting.

4411 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 255-1144

Sequoia Grove Winery
Photo courtesy of Sequoia Grove Winery

This family-owned winery in Rutherford is a picturesque stop in Napa Valley, thanks to its historic tasting barn—constructed in 1908—set amidst towering Sequoia redwoods and sustainably-farmed vines. Photo ops aside, Sequoia Grove Winery is a must-visit for its A Taste For Cabernet wine and food experience. During this paired lunch, you’ll enjoy four culinary delights prepared in-house by Sequoia Grove’s new Executive Chef, Spencer Conaty, whose expertise in Japanese and Michelin-starred cuisine brings a unique twist, complementing the flavors in the wines in unexpected ways. It all adds up to a delicious way to discover why and how Napa Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with a variety of foods.

8338 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94558, (707) 339-5757

Food and Wine Pairing Experiences at Clif Family Winery
Food and Wine Pairing Experiences. Photo Courtesy of Clif Family Winery.

Clif Family Winery strives to create a more sustainable world through the enjoyment of wine and food. Winemaker Laura Barrett and Executive Chef Magnus Young have created several exceptional tasting experiences that pair the winery’s small-production Howell Mountain Estate wines with organic, seasonal produce directly from the Clif Family Farm. The best way to start your day is with the brunch-inspired Rise & Wine tasting. For lunch, head to the Enoteca for their Pasta e Vino experience (there’s even a plant-based menu for the veg-heads). The culinary offerings change more frequently than the seasons, to keep things fresh and exciting, but one thing’s for sure: you can always expect a delicious, farm-fresh culinary pairing to go with your wine.

709 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-0625

Arch & Tower
Photo courtesy of Arch & Tower

Robert Mondavi, the first person to open a major winery in Napa Valley after Prohibition, was known for his appreciation of wine and food, so it only makes sense that his iconic winery would offer culinary experiences. While the actual Robert Mondavi winery undergoes renovations, visitors can head over to its brand-new location in downtown Napa, called Arch & Tower. Here, experiences are designed to take visitors through an exploration of wine, food, and culture. Don’t miss The Legend Lunch, a leisurely lunch that takes place at communal tables by the Napa River, showcasing three internationally-inspired (yet locally-sourced) courses paired with wines from The Estates Collection. For something on the lighter side, the Arch & Tower Golden Hour is a great option, featuring wines by the glass and snacks a la carte offered until 7:00 PM daily.

930 3rd Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 766-6328 x2

Silverado Vineyards
Photo courtesy of Silverado Vineyards

Nestled in the picturesque Stags Leap District, Silverado Vineyards has been dedicated to crafting exceptional small-lot, estate-grown wines for nearly four decades. Here, visitors are not only treated to breathtaking views of the Valley but can also indulge in the winery’s new Wine & Caviar experience. This luxurious offering features four white wines, a special pour of Cabernet, and indulgent caviar, accompanied by house-made potato chips and crème fraîche. It’s an opportunity to elevate the typical wine tasting experience, all while soaking in the stunning surroundings.

6121 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 257-1770

Peju Winery

Discover Culinary Excellence

Enjoy artisanal wines and local cuisine, where unparalleled hospitality awaits.

Round Pond Estate.
Sit on the terrace while you enjoy a culinary journey through Wine Country. Photo Courtesy of Round Pond Estate

Located in the prestigious Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley, Round Pond is known for its high-end Cabernet Sauvignon, gorgeous estate with views of the Mayacamas Mountains, and olive oil production. During the Il Pranzo food and wine tasting experience, guests go on a culinary journey that begins with a tour of the winery garden, vineyards, and olive grove, followed by a four-course food and wine pairing featuring ingredients seen on the tour. It’s a beautiful (and delicious) way to spend a day in Wine Country.

875 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 302-2575

Enjoy classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. PEJU
Enjoy classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Photo Courtesy of PEJU Winery.

Peju Winery makes excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and also focuses on the guest experience, which makes it a popular Wine Country destination. The Napa Valley Rutherford estate is home to immaculate lawns, gorgeous gardens, meandering footpaths, and a 50-foot tower with a weathered copper roof that is home to the tasting room. The Reserve Tasting Experience features five of the winemaker’s favorite reserve, small-lot wines and comes with seasonal culinary accompaniments. You can also add a cheese plate to your Classic Seated Tasting or the Chef’s Sampler, which is available from Friday through Sunday. If you’re a member, you can reserve the exclusive Wine and Food Pairing experience.

8466 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 963-3600

Louis M. Martini tasting experience
Enjoy a wonderfully prepared wine and food pairing experience. Photo Courtesy of Louis M. Martini.

Louis M. Martini has been crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon since 1933 and is one of Napa’s most iconic wineries. The winery offers several opportunities for food pairings, including the exclusive Underground Cellar Tasting, set in the historic underground cellar and featuring small-lot and library wines paired with fine-dining restaurant-worthy culinary creations. For a more relaxed visit that’s perfect for larger groups (up to ten people), there’s an Outdoor Cabana Tasting where guests enjoy a family-style, picnic-like meal of Italian-inspired cuisine paired with four wines.

254 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-3362

Brian Arden Wines in Napa Valley
5-Course Farm-to-Table Experience. Photo Courtesy of Brian Arden Wines.

Brian Arden Wines is a small family-owned business that produces less than 2,500 cases a year, and a relative newcomer to Napa Valley’s Calistoga region having “just” opened in 2015, but the winery has already made a name for itself when it comes to hospitality. The Chef Experience begins with a glass of wine and a tour of the property, which leads to a “substantial lunch” prepared by the winery’s own chef and pairings, all while watching them prepare the meal in their open kitchen.

331 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4767

Ashes & Diamonds Winery
Photo Courtesy of Ashes & Diamonds Winery

A relative newcomer to the Napa Valley scene, Ashes & Diamonds opened in 2017 to immediate fanfare. The winery has a mid-century modern vibe meant to appeal to a younger crowd, but wine enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate the casual, family-style “California Nouvelle-inspired” food experience. The Wines + Food experience includes a luncheon that features fresh and wood-fired dishes, all made with seasonal ingredients, paired perfectly with a selection of Ashes & Diamonds wine.

4130 Howard Lane, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 666-4777

Conclusion

Also worth noting are these Napa Valley wineries that serve tasty and elevated snacks for those looking for a pairing that’s on the lighter side. Handwritten Wines offers a Bread & Butter experience, featuring four wines poured side-by-side with white truffle potato chips, Bouchon Bakery baguette, artisan butter, Coppa Salame, and P’tit Basque cheese. Priest Ranch Winery goes bold with a Bacon & Wine experience, which is exactly what it sounds like. At Silver Trident Winery, the Potato Chip Extravaganza is a crunchy, fun, salty way to taste wine, as is the Savory Cookie Pairing that can be added to any tasting flight at Tamber Bey Vineyards. For those who prefer something a little more high-brow, Davies Vineyard hosts a Wine & Caviar Brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.

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Valentine’s Perfect Pair at Cuvaison https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-14/ https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-14/#respond Tue, 14 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2023-02-14#038;p=52726 We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines. Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., ...

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We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines.

Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. surrounded by our picturesque vineyards.

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Valentine’s Perfect Pair at Cuvaison https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-13/ https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-13/#respond Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2023-02-13#038;p=52726 We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines. Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., ...

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We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines.

Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. surrounded by our picturesque vineyards.

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Valentine’s Perfect Pair at Cuvaison https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-12/ https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-12/#respond Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2023-02-12#038;p=52726 We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines. Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., ...

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We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines.

Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. surrounded by our picturesque vineyards.

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Valentine’s Perfect Pair at Cuvaison https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-11/ https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-11/#respond Sat, 11 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?post_type=tribe_events&eventDate=2023-02-11#038;p=52726 We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines. Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., ...

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We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines.

Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. surrounded by our picturesque vineyards.

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Valentine’s Perfect Pair at Cuvaison https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-10/ https://www.napavalley.com/event/valentines-perfect-pair-at-cuvaison/2023-02-10/#respond Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=52726 We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines. Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., ...

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We invite you to celebrate St Valentine Perfect Pair Wine and Food Experience at Cuvaison in Los Carneros. Enjoy five delicious bites paired perfectly with five of our exceptional handcrafted wines from Cuvaison and Brandlin Estates wines.

Join us for a joyful and romantic experience on Friday, February 10 through February 14 at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. surrounded by our picturesque vineyards.

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Chappellet Joins Cheese O’Clock https://www.napavalley.com/event/chappellet-joins-cheese-oclock/ https://www.napavalley.com/event/chappellet-joins-cheese-oclock/#respond Thu, 13 May 2021 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=46313 It’s a wine and cheese party! Renowned cheese experts Janet Fletcher and Laura Werlin are partnering with Pritchard Hill’s acclaimed Chappellet winery to present Cheese O’Clock: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.Taking place during the month of May, which is American Cheese Month, this is the second in a four-part series of online tastings of exceptional cheeses ...

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It’s a wine and cheese party!

Renowned cheese experts Janet Fletcher and Laura Werlin are partnering with Pritchard Hill’s acclaimed Chappellet winery to present Cheese O’Clock: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.

Taking place during the month of May, which is American Cheese Month, this is the second in a four-part series of online tastings of exceptional cheeses from around the world. Discover four outstanding American cheeses and savor them alongside a selection of sought-after wines from Chappellet—one of the New World’s most iconic wineries.

Order the cheeses and wines now to taste along with Janet and Laura, or simply listen in as they share stories, tips and opinions. Bring your cheese questions for Janet and Laura and enjoy the conversation as they dish and riff about great cheese and wine.

As pioneers of high-elevation vineyard planting in California, the Chappellet family has spent five decades making some of California’s most sought-after wines, with an emphasis on cabernet sauvignons from Napa Valley’s famed Pritchard Hill. The Chappellets have been crafting extraordinary, age-worthy wines since 1967.

For the full experience, they encourage you to acquire a kit of the featured wines and cheeses, so that you can taste along.
  • Click here to order the Chappellet wine pairing selections: https://www.chappellet.com/product/cheese-o-clock-wine-pairing-kit

  • Click here to order the cheese pairing selections: https://igourmet.com/products/old-new-borrowed-and-blue

  • Click here to register for the virtual tasting event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GX3pMEqLTGWWICT5Z8J4Sg
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    Winter Wine & Food Pairings From Trefethen Vineyards https://www.napavalley.com/blog/trefethen-winter-recipes-and-wine-pairings/ https://www.napavalley.com/blog/trefethen-winter-recipes-and-wine-pairings/#respond Sun, 17 Jan 2021 21:53:34 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?p=45603 New year, new recipes! If you’re ready for some kitchen inspo, Trefethen Winery’s Wine Country recipes and wine pairings are sure to satisfy this winter.

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    It’s safe to say that our ovens saw a lot of action in 2020. Hello, sourdough bread making! Now that it’s a new year, we’re feeling ready to get back in our kitchens again to cook some delicious new recipes. Especially if those recipes are inspired by Wine Country.

    Luckily for us (and you!), our pals at Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa Valley are sharing three mouthwatering recipes fit for the season. Having devoted themselves to crafting impeccably balanced estate wines that are natural companions to different cuisines, the Trefethens know a thing or two about wine and food. In fact, Trefethen Family Vineyards has a long history involved in Napa’s culinary scene, having hosted the Napa Valley Cooking Class for 25 years and served as a location for cooking shows. Today, armed with their own talented chef, Chef Chris Kennedy, Trefethen offers a diverse array of culinary experiences for its guests (and a plethora of recipes you can make at home, too).

    Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal in order to stick to your resolutions, a comforting dinner to savor this winter, or a show stopping side you can transform into an entrée, Trefethen’s Wine Country-inspired recipes and wine pairings are sure to satisfy all season long. Bon appetit!

    Classic & Comforting

    Beef Daube Provençal

    Pair with: Trefethen Malbec

    Ingredients

    – 2 tsp Trefethen extra virgin olive oil
    – 10 garlic cloves, crushed
    – 2 lb boneless chuck roast, trimmed & cut into 2-inch cubes
    – 1½ tsp salt, divided
    – ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
    – 1 cup Trefethen Malbec
    – 2 cups carrot, chopped
    – 1½ cup onion, chopped
    – ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
    – 1 Tbsp tomato paste
    – 16 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
    – 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
    – 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
    – 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
    – dash of ground cloves

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 300F. Heat olive oil in a small Dutch oven over low heat. Add garlic to pot and cook for 5 minutes or until garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove garlic from pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.

    2. Increase heat to medium-high, add beef to pot, and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, taking care to brown all sides of the beef. Once cooked, remove beef from pot and set aside.

    3. Add Trefethen Malbec to pot, bring it to a boil and scrape pot to loosen browned bits. Add garlic, beef, carrot, onion, broth, tomato paste, diced tomato, chopped herbs, ground cloves, bay leaf, and remaining 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper to pot and bring to a boil.

    4. Cover and bake in oven at 300F for 2½ hours or until beef is tender. Discard bay leaf and serve over creamy polenta or with your favorite crusty bread, garnished with additional chopped fresh thyme, if desired. Enjoy!

    A Health-Conscious Main

    Trefethen Family Vineyards
    Photo Courtesy of Trefethen Family Vineyards

    Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Lettuce, Green Apple, & Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

    Pair with: Trefethen Dry Riesling

    Chicken Ingredients

       – 6 boneless chicken thighs, about 2¼ pounds
       – kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
       – 1 Tbsp vegetable oil

    Lemon Caper Vinaigrette Ingredients

       – 2 Tbsp capers & juice from jar
       – 1 tsp lemon zest
       – 2 Tbsp lemon juice
       – 6 Tbsp Trefethen extra virgin olive oil

    Salad Ingredients

       – 2 heads of butter lettuce, washed & pulled off stem
       – 2 cups green baby kale
       – 2 green apples, large dice
       – ¼ cup sunflower seeds, roasted & salted

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 375F. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large cast-iron or heavy nonstick skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Nestle chicken in skillet and cook on high heat for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue to cook for 5 minutes more.

    2. Flip the chicken over and place in oven. Roast for another 5-8 minutes, cooking the chicken all the way through. Remove from oven and let rest in the pan.

    3. Place the caper juice, zest, olive oil, and lemon juice into a pint-size mason jar. Mince the capers and add to mason jar. Put the lid on and shake vigorously to combine. Set aside.

    4. Add all salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Toss with desired amount of lemon caper vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning as desired with salt and pepper.

    5. Place the salad into your favorite bowl and cut the chicken thighs in half and add to salad. Enjoy with Trefethen Dry Riesling.

    A Versatile Side Dish

    Trefethen Family Vineyards
    Photo Courtesy of Trefethen Family Vineyards

    White Corn Polenta

    Pair with: Trefethen The Cowgirl and The Pilot Merlot

    Ingredients

    – 2 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
    – 1 cup heavy cream
    – 1 cup whole milk
    – 1 cup Anson Mills white polenta (yellow polenta may be substituted)
    – ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated plus extra for serving
    – 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
    – ½ Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
    – 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
    – ½ cup mascarpone cheese
    – salt and pepper

    Instructions

    1. Add the stock, cream, milk, and salt and pepper to a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

    2. Slowly pour the polenta into the hot liquid, whisking briskly to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low and continue whisking for about 10 minutes and cook until the liquid is absorbed.

    3. Add the herbs, cheese, and butter to the saucepan, stirring gently until incorporated.

    4. Serve polenta warm as a side dish, top with roasted mushrooms as an entrée, or pour onto a lined cookie sheet and allow to cool and firm. You can then cut the cooled polenta into any shape you desire and sear or roast in the oven.

    Looking for more kitchen inspo? Check out Trefethen’s pairings and recipes online, or explore our roundup of wine-friendly recipes to make at home. They’re sure to help you master your culinary skills in 2021.

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    New in Napa Valley 2021: Where to Sip, Savor, Stay, and Shop https://www.napavalley.com/blog/new-in-napa-valley-in-2021/ https://www.napavalley.com/blog/new-in-napa-valley-in-2021/#respond Sun, 03 Jan 2021 06:18:22 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?p=45479 Planning a trip to Napa Valley in 2021? Don’t miss these new great spots to sip, savor, stay, and shop in this iconic Northern California wine region.

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    After a challenging 2020 that included not only a pandemic, but several devastating wildfires, Napa Valley should be at the top of your list for 2021 travel. In spite of the hardships, plenty of exciting new businesses — from restaurants and hotels to wineries and boutique shops — opened their doors recently to further diversify Napa’s world-class offerings in all things wine, food, and R&R.

    While this Wine Country destination is unfortunately kicking off the new year under lockdown due to Covid-19, Napa Valley is expected to safely reopen to visitors by mid-to-late January and the time to start planning is now.

    Please note: Napa County is currently under a stay-at-home order. Non-essential travel is prohibited, but hotels are accepting reservations for future stays. Please visit our Covid news page for more information and updates.

    Stay

    There are three new hotels for you to consider when booking your Napa Valley accommodations. Bann at Oak Knoll Napa is a sweet little bed and breakfast that looks nothing like any other hotel in the area. Formerly the Oak Knoll Inn, Bann is decorated to reflect the traditional design of homes found in three different regions in Thailand. Each room and suite is unique with bright colors and an array of fun textures, materials, and patterns. The property has decks and pergolas for lounging, a pool and spa, and offers complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea service.

    Bann at Oak Knoll
    Photo Courtesy of Bann at Oak Knoll

    Napa Valley’s northernmost and arguably-sleepiest town of Calistoga is in the middle of a renaissance, thanks in part to new, luxury hotels. One of Calistoga’s oldest resorts, Dr. Wilkinson’s, has just wrapped up a head-to-toe renovation and will be open for reservations starting mid-January. The resort dates back to 1952 and was allegedly the town’s original wellness resort that tourists sought out for relaxation in the spring-fed mineral pools and mud baths. Post-makeover, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs stays true to its roots — and the iconic neon sign remains — but now it’s all shiny, contemporary, and new with a totally-chic, reimagined spa and a restaurant, House of Better.

    The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley on the edge of downtown Calistoga (Take the Silverado Trail north from Napa until it ends) was set to open in 2020, but like many new businesses, they were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The resort is now set to open in early 2021 and features a pool, spa, multiple dining options, and even a winery, run by top Napa Valley winemaker Thomas River Brown, who’s been awarded 23 100-point scores from wine critic Robert Parker throughout his career. When making your reservation, snag one of the vineyard view rooms — relaxing, light-filled accommodations complete with vaulted ceilings, in-room fireplaces, and stunning views of vineyards and the Palisades Mountains.

    Sip

    New Spots for Wine

    There are a handful of new Napa Valley wineries to visit and taste at. Please note: these are all appointment-only. One of the most exciting new winery openings is Faust Haus, a four-year restoration project in an 1800s Victorian that sits on a hilltop overlooking Hwy 29. It’s the first-ever home for longtime Napa cabernet brand Faust Wines, which specializes in wines from Napa Valley’s up-and-coming Coombsville AVA. The views of the valley and vineyards below are unmatched, while the sophisticated, simple, and at times eclectic interior is a design lover’s dream. Make sure you check out the Prohibition-era cellar before you leave.

    For a low key wine tasting of high-end vino, swing by the Oasis by Hoopes, which has stripped away all pomp and circumstance in favor of a more casual atmosphere featuring a regenerative farm, garden, airstreams, farm stand, and animal sanctuary (they’ve got a donkey, turkey, chickens, goats, and more).

    Oasis by Hoopes
    Photo Courtesy of Oasis by Hoopes

    BRION is unique in that the owner has recruited not one, but three rockstar Napa winemakers, each focused on crafting a single-vineyard cabernet sauvignon from a region of Napa Valley that they’re most familiar with. The winery and tasting room, which opened to visitors at the end of 2020, have been built into a carefully restored bank barn (one of just two remaining in California), offering a one-of-a-kind tasting experience that takes place far off the main road with a view of the estate vineyards.

    In St. Helena, longtime family-owned wine brand Lang & Reed recently opened a new, cozy tasting salon just a block off the town’s Main Street. Lang & Reed does things differently, focusing on the production of cabernet franc and chenin blanc, two grape varieties you won’t find bottled by themselves too often in Napa Valley. Sit out on the quiet front porch of the tasting room and sip away the afternoon in the bucolic St. Helena, where you can also do some shopping and dining when you’re done.

    BRAND Napa Valley | Tubay Yabut
    Photo Courtesy of BRAND Napa Valley | Tubay Yabut

    Finally, BRAND Napa Valley isn’t technically new, but it does have new ownership, which unveiled a stunning winery and tasting room redesign in 2020. Located high up on Napa’s esteemed Pritchard Hill, this is definitely one of those off-the-beaten-path gems for fine wine lovers and collectors.

    A Perfect Pairing

    Salt and acid are scientifically proven to be a great culinary match and this concept has inspired a trio of Napa Valley wineries to experiment with a different kind of food and wine pairing experience. Shaking things up from the standard wine and cheese experiences in Wine Country, Shadowbox Cellars, Silver Trident Winery, and Markham Vineyards have all launched unique and super-casual wine and potato chip pairings. Each wine is carefully paired with a different flavored chip, like Dry Aged Ribeye or Hawaiian Red Sea Salt at Shadowbox.

    Markham Vineyards
    Photo Courtesy of Markham Vineyards

    New Wine Bars

    There are two new wine bars in Napa and each is specifically catered to a certain type of wine lover. Bar Lucia in the Oxbow Public Market pours all things pink. Patrons can rosé all day year-round with more than a dozen of local, small production rosés produced several ways: still, sparkling, frozen, and sometimes in a can. There are a handful of whites and reds for those who are feeling more traditional and as for food, Bar Lucia has small plates like dips and charcuterie boards, salads, and sandwiches.

    Bar Lucia
    Photo Courtesy of Bar Lucia

    True to its name, Be Bubbly in downtown Napa proves that sparkling wine isn’t just for special occasions. The menu features bubbles from all over the globe — Champagnes, Proseccos, Cavas, and more — in a wide range of price points with small bites (caviar, charcuterie, cheesy sticks, etc.) to pair.

    Be Bubbly | Bryan Gray
    Photo Courtesy of Be Bubbly | Bryan Gray

    Something Different

    If you need a palate cleanser during a Napa Valley visit, head to the new California Brandy House, which opened downtown at First Street Napa at the end of 2020. Sip through a flight of California’s luxury brandies made from California wine grapes — including single-barrel samples that you can’t get anywhere else — from producers Argonaut and Germain-Robin. You can even take home a custom-engraved bottle to enjoy throughout the rest of the year (or give as a gift).

    Photo Courtesy of California Brandy House

    Eat

    EmpressM, a new, fine-dining dim sum and Chinese restaurant, offers traditional dishes that celebrate the “eight regional cuisines,” including Peking Duck, Sichuan Spicy Fish, and Mongolian Lamb Chops. Dim sum plates include vegetarian options like spinach, snow pea, and mushroom dumplings, seafood, and more adventurous bites, like chicken feet.

    EmpressM is just down the way from La Cheve, a Mexican bakery, brewery, and restaurant that opened this past summer inside Napa’s oldest building, an adobe that dates back to 1845. The beer is brewed in-house by owner Cinthya Cisneros, and her mother, Mama Juana, makes all of the pastries, including ones with booze in them.

    La Cheve
    Photo Courtesy of La Cheve

    For a quick, yet fulfilling bite between tastings, grab some authentic, Argentine empanadas from El Porteño in flavors like Carne, La Maradona (tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella), and Esparragos (asparagus, roasted red peppers, Gouda). El Porteño built up a loyal following at the Ferry Building in San Francisco and is now the newest vendor at the Oxbow Public Market with its second brick and mortar.

    While Napa Valley is known to be sleepy and limited on nightlife, a new card room and restaurant is opening to kick-off 2021 with a little more action. Operating outside (for now), Ace & Vine will stay open until 2 a.m. and feature Blackjack, Texas Holdem, and Baccarat tables. Food and drinks can be ordered from The Deck, serving up Asian and comfort food fusion dishes like lobster fish and chips, a dim sum-style steamed salmon basket, and the Nam Tok Burger with spicy pork belly and papaya slaw.

    Calistoga Motor Lodge
    Fleetwood, Photo Courtesy of Calistoga Motor Lodge

    In the spring, the Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa will open its new restaurant called Fleetwood, specializing in original craft cocktails and farm-to-table, wood-fired pizzas — which hotel guests can even order poolside — like Potato Leek with taleggio, bacon, chili flake, and parmesan or the Roasted Chicken with garlic cream, asparagus, pepperoncini, lemon, and herbs. For dessert, there’s even a 9-inch wood fire cookie.

    Shop

    First Street Napa, a high-end, outdoor shopping area full of boutique local retailers, continues to grow and evolve in downtown Napa. There’s a slew of new shops — 13 to be exact — that opened in 2020, making this destination worthy of an afternoon visit (there are plenty of restaurants and tasting rooms there, plus hotels, too). Notable newcomers include Honey Whiskey, I-Elle, and Tay & Grace clothing boutiques, Riza Plants, and Paint Nail Bar. There are some nationally-known brands to shop as well, and First Street Napa just announced that Anthropologie will be opening in mid-2021.

    First Street Napa
    Photo Courtesy of First Street Napa

    With so many new and beautiful wineries, restaurants, shops, and hotels to explore in Napa Valley Wine Country, this is the perfect destination for dipping your toes back in the travel game after a long year away.

    The post New in Napa Valley 2021: Where to Sip, Savor, Stay, and Shop first appeared on NapaValley.com.

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    Louis M. Martini Winery’s Outdoor Food & Wine Experiences https://www.napavalley.com/blog/martini-park-at-louis-m-martini-winery/ https://www.napavalley.com/blog/martini-park-at-louis-m-martini-winery/#respond Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:46:54 +0000 https://www.napavalley.com/?p=43851 Louis M. Martini's Martini Park has reopened for al fresco wine and food experiences and is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors this summer.

    The post Louis M. Martini Winery’s Outdoor Food & Wine Experiences first appeared on NapaValley.com.

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    Situated north of the city of Napa and just south of the town of St. Helena sits Louis M. Martini Winery, looming and impressive yet simultaneously sleek and modern. Since unveiling its restored winery and hospitality center last year, Louis M. Martini has become a go-to destination for wine aficionados and architecture buffs alike, drawing visitors to enjoy a variety of memorable tasting experiences set amidst the chic, contemporary design.

    After closing its stately doors due to Covid-19, Louis M. Martini Winery is once again welcoming visitors, though all tasting experiences are currently taking place outdoors by reservation only. Luckily, the winery’s picturesque Martini Park — a relaxing outdoor oasis ideal for safely enjoying al fresco tasting experiences — has reopened for its second season, and just in time for summer. Not only does Martini Park provide an idyllic outdoor garden from which to experience Louis M. Martini Winery’s iconic Napa Valley wines, but the expansive space is naturally conducive to social distancing.

    History

    Louis M. Martini Winery’s journey as one of the oldest and the longest continuously operated wineries in the Napa Valley to modern icon has spanned almost a century. Renowned for their small-lot and single-vineyard cabernet sauvignons and esteemed vineyard holdings such as the famed Monte Rosso Vineyard, this long-standing Napa Valley winery has been extremely influential throughout the region’s history. Beginning with the original founder Louis M. Martini and continuing with the two generations that followed after him, this historic winery and its founders have played an influential role in establishing Napa Valley as one of the world’s premier wine regions — especially as one recognized for its world-class cabernet sauvignon.

    Louis M. Martini
    Photo Courtesy of Louis M. Martini | Kristen Cropper

    Restoration

    Louis M. Martini Winery and Estate underwent a significant restoration, completed in early 2019. Last spring, the winery reopened with a contemporary winery and hospitality center featuring a series of new tasting, event, and education spaces, a restored underground cellar event room with private entry (for those who may need to arrive and depart privately), and an outdoor space including a state-of-the-art kitchen, cabanas, and outdoor courtyard seating.

    The new winery building, designed to showcase reclaimed materials while incorporating a modern and open style, features an impressive tasting room that offers views of the cellar beyond glass walls, a large tasting lounge designed to host guests for small-lot or reserve wine tastings, a special room for culinary demonstrations, a state-of-the-art Wine Study, and an executive meeting space. Adjacent to the newly constructed winery building sits Martini Park, the winery’s large outdoor area where guests can enjoy al fresco wine and food experiences, which originally opened in March of 2019.

    Crown Bar at Louis M. Martini
    Crown Bar at Louis M. Martini, Photo Courtesy of Louis M. Martini

    New Culinary Program

    Among the most significant additions to the winery during the redesign was the creation of a new culinary program, headed by Chef Jeffery Russell, a CIA alumnus with over a decade of fine-dining experience at restaurants such as Aureole in New York and Charlie Palmer Steak in Washington, D.C., and Napa. Chef Russell’s approach to food is inspired and innovative. For Russell, running the winery’s culinary program is a ‘dream job’. Not only is he able to source the best ingredients and work with an amazing space and team, but the ever-changing seasonal nature of the pairing menus he and his team create, assure that they are constantly moving, learning, and being challenged.

    Since last year’s launch of their new culinary program, Louis M. Martini has offered a selection of world-class wine and food tasting experiences. Among these new offerings are their outdoor Martini Park and Cabana Experiences (held in Martini Park).

    The Martini Park Experience

    The Martini Park wine tasting experience includes a tasting flight of three signature wines with optional food pairings, served al fresco at bistro-style tables in the Martini Park courtyard, which sits adjacent to Martini’s Heritage Lounge.

    Guests are seated at outdoor tables and served one white wine to taste, followed by two signature red wines and a plate consisting of three housemade food pairings designed to complement the selected wines. Guests are encouraged to relax and take their time while enjoying their wine and food, but should they desire to stay longer and enjoy more wine, bottle service is available.

    The Martini Park experience is offered daily by reservation. The cost of a wine and food pairing is $45, while a wine tasting without the food pairing is $30.

    Martini Park, Louis M. Martini
    Martini Park, Photo Courtesy of Louis M. Martini | Steve Orozco

    The Cabana Experience

    The Cabana Experience is an optimal choice for groups who would like additional privacy as well as a more extensive wine and food experience. Guests are led to a semi-private and covered ‘cabana’ seating area in Martini Park, where they are encouraged to relax on comfortable sofas, shaded from the sun, while enjoying a tasting of Louis M. Martini’s Napa Valley wines alongside wood-fired pizzas, spit-roasted meats, and drool-worthy, seasonally-inspired bites (including desserts) prepared by Chef Jeffrey and his team in the Park’s expansive outdoor kitchen.

    The Martini Cabana Experience is scheduled to resume in July. Cabanas will be available to guests for four hours at a time so that they can fully relax and enjoy a leisurely wine and food experience, conversation, and downtime before returning to the outside world. The cost per person (including all wine and food) is $150.

    Martini Park Cabana
    Martini Park Cabana, Photo Courtesy of Louis M. Martini

    The Heritage Lounge Experience

    In addition to the Martini Park tasting currently offered, the Heritage Lounge Tasting is also available to guests. Hosted outdoors on the serene Heritage Terrace looking out at Martini Park, this seated experience features five of the winery’s most sought-after small-lot wines, elevated by Chef Russell’s exquisite culinary pairings.

    The Heritage Lounge Tasting is available daily by appointment. The cost of a wine and food pairing is $90, though visitors can choose to experience the wine tasting without the food pairing for $60.

    Reservations for Louis M. Martini’s al fresco wine and food experiences must be made in advance and can be booked online.

    The post Louis M. Martini Winery’s Outdoor Food & Wine Experiences first appeared on NapaValley.com.

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