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Whether you're visiting Napa for the first time or the tenth
time, with a group of friends or that special someone, the
following is an example of how to spend one GREAT day in Napa
Valley.
Having grown up in Napa and explored the wine trails a time
or two; take it from me. And don't forget to start the day
right by grabbing a light breakfast. I recommend ABC
Bakery in downtown Napa. This is a popular spot with the
locals that serves some of the freshest and most amazing baked
goods around. You'll also be tempted by delicious pastries,
fresh coffee and creative twists on some typical breakfast
offerings.
Now that you have some food in your stomach, it's time to
get the adventure going and start exploring this legendary
wine valley. And what better way to travel around town than
in a limousine! Not only will you be traveling in style, you'll
be playing it safe and stress-free while visiting wineries.
So hop in that limo and start heading north on Silverado Trail
to the famous Stag's Leap Wine District.
Your fist stop should be at Stag's
Leap Wine Cellars to enjoy a tour and tasting of some
of the world's best Cabernet. On the tour you will be treated
to a glimpse of the magnificent caves and the incredible landscape
of their famed estate vineyards.
After an hour or so at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars head a little
bit further north to Silverado
Vineyards. You'll love tasting their wine out on the patio
where the view is amazing! And no drive on Silverado Trail
would be complete without stopping off at Mumm
Cuvée Napa. Grab a seat at one of the tables on the patio,
order one of their samplers of sparkling wine and take in
the breathtaking views of vineyards around you. This sight
truly encapsulates Napa Valley wine country.
After visiting three wineries, and no doubt many samplings
of great wines, it's time to replenish with a picnic lunch.
Take Oakville Cross Road to Highway 29 and stop at the famous
Oakville Grocery. Pick up an assortment of cheeses, meats
and bread (don't forget the water!). You can enjoy your goodies
right there on one of the picnic tables.
With a little rejuvenation it's time to be limo-bound again
and head north to the adorable town of St. Helena. Have the
limo drop you off on Main Street at the Spring Street intersection.
For the next three or four blocks you can enjoy the many shoe
boutiques, art shops and other stores that decorate Main St.
Or if the latest fashions are what you crave, stop in at Twenty-Six.
At this point you've tasted, toured, shopped and snacked.
Now it's time to give your mind and feet a rest. Get back
in the limo head back to Silverado Trail. Take some time to
visit the ultra-premium Augerge
du Soleil Resort in Rutherford. Only thing is that you
aren't going there to enjoy the luxury resort, restaurant
or spa. You're stopping in to sit on the terrace for drinks
and catch a glimpse of the sun as it sets into the surrounding
mountains. The terrace at Auberge is definitely where it's
at!
But wait. You've been in Napa for an entire afternoon and
have yet to dine at one of the many famous restaurants…. ah
ha, I've saved the best for last!
It's time for dinner and with just one day in Napa, it makes
picking only one restaurant difficult. The restaurant that's
always up to the challenge is Bistro
Don Giovanni. Located just off of Highway 29 before Napa,
you will definitely want to make a reservation at this restaurant,
as it's one of the hottest eating establishments in Napa.
While dining, someone at your table HAS TO ORDER the following:
Frito Misto, a to-die-for combo of lightly battered and fried
calamari, rock shrimp and veggies, the Beet Salad, and for
entrée, the Salmon. It is hands down the best salmon I have
EVER had. EVER.
Now if you still have a little gusto in you, perhaps even
a craving for a little desert, you should head back to St.
Helena and check out Martini
House. As one of the newest and hottest restaurants in
town, it will not disappoint. They have a great outdoor seating
area that is perfect for enjoying a Napa summer night, or
head inside to the bar area where you might be lucky enough
to find a table.
Indulge in some dessert or maybe one last glass of wine (c'mon,
you deserve it!). This is the perfect time to relish in what,
I hope, was a great day and experience in Napa Valley.
About the writer....
Carrie Shields is a "twenty something" who was born
and raised in Napa Valley. Carrie returned to her home town
of Napa in Spring 2002 after a number of years in San Diego.
She is a Public Relations specialist for a local marketing agency
that focuses on the wine industry.
Carrie can be found partaking in a variety of activities ~ visiting
local restaurants with friends, going to the gym or playing
volleyball, putting on and going to industry events, sampling
new wines and cheeses (although Goat is always a favorite!),
and traveling (Southwest Airlines practically knows her by first
name!).
Read More Perfect
Days in Napa Valley
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