Locals’ Secret Spots in Napa Valley, CA
With hundreds of premium wineries as well as plenty of fine dining and enriching tourist activities, Napa Valley has more than earned its title as a luxurious destination in Northern California for both locals and tourists alike. Located approximately an hour from the San Francisco and Oakland metropolitan areas, Napa Valley is known for its unparalleled views and upscale ambiance. Without further ado, here are some of the spots in the Napa area that locals swear by!
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil – Located in nearby Rutherford, CA, Auberge du Soleil is an unparalleled luxury resort that is known for its onsite fine dining eatery, The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil. This resort is known for having one of the most famous panoramic views in all of Napa Valley. Nestled within a sunlit hillside overlooking renowned vineyards on the valley floor and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west, the view offers an incredible tableau that shifts with the light. Executive chef, Robert Curry, has created a hand-crafted menu of cuisine, including ricotta agnolotti, liberty farm duck, sauteed foie gras, and even an artisanal cheese selection. Pair these delicious items with an item from the restaurant’s curated wine list, and you’ve got yourself an unparalleled gourmet meal!
French Laundry – Chef Thomas Keller’s iconic restaurant is located in scenic Yountville and offers a luxurious ambience for all diners. The restaurant is situated in a rustic, two-story stone cottage that was built as a saloon in 1900 by a Scottish stonemason. It was later used as a residence, and then was hand selected by Keller as the location for this fine dining venture. While the menu at French Laundry changes daily, the restaurant is committed to serving French inspired cuisine with the finest quality ingredients and impeccable service.
Louis M. Martini Winery – This historic winery has been in the Napa area since 1933, opening after the repeal of Prohibition. Louis M. Martini Winery is well known for its portfolio of red wines, including an acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon. Both the winery and grounds have been restored to their full glory over the years and offer both indoor and outdoor tastings, as well as personalized Martini Park Cabana food and wine experiences. Additionally, you can enjoy gourmet culinary pairings with your wine selections in the comfort of the newly opened Heritage Lounge. The Louis M. Martini Winery is the epitome of luxury vineyards in the Napa area!
Town of St. Helena– Nestled in the heart of the Napa Valley, the charming town of St. Helena is a delightful place to spend your day. Wineries, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and picturesque nature characterize this quaint, peaceful town. The town is most well-known for being the place that poet Robert Louis Stevenson stayed during his Napa honeymoon. Breathtaking, historic brick and gingerbread architecture is still prominent in St. Helena today, an ode to small-town America in the most expansive wine region in the country.
Have Fun!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of some of the best kept secret spots in the Napa Valley area! For more content on all that the Napa Valley region has to offer, check out my blog (link) or follow me on socials – and if you’re thinking about moving to the Napa Valley area, send me a message so we can get in touch to discuss your unique real estate needs!
