Napa Valley Travel Guide 2018 vol. 1
No wine region rivals the enduring appeal of Napa Valley, where exceptional wines are set against a backdrop of luxury hotels, unique winery tours and farm-fresh food from enticing restaurants. In downtown Napa, mid-century architecture and historic properties still populate the area, though new restaurants, tasting rooms and hotels and transforming the town into a modern hub. Let Cultured Vine guide you to the best Napa Valley has to offer. See our Napa Valley Travel Guide 2018 Vol. 1 below for an elevated itinerary and experience in Napa Valley. We want to give a huge thank you to our talented partner Ben Finch with Finch Photography for these amazing photographs!
Where to Stay
Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley, is a one-of-a-kind resort nestled in St. Helena, California. Occupying a stately, Georgian-style farmhouse originally constructed in 1907 and situated adjacent to the storied Beringer vineyards, the hotel offers guests a curated travel experience in the heart of California's Wine Country.
Elegantly designed using luxurious natural materials and a soothing, neutral palette, the historic resort boasts 68 rooms and suites, many of which feature a beautiful outdoor terrace and vineyard views. Enjoy a revitalizing treatment in atrio, our signature spa, savor world-class dining at Acacia House by Chris Cosentino, or celebrate a special occasion in one of our intimate event spaces. At Las Alcobas, every detail has been perfected, with exceptional service to match. The property has encompassed all that Wine Country has to offer to curate an experience to captivate all of your senses and provide service to exceed every expectation.
Where to Eat
The French Laundry is located in the heart of Yountville run by esteemed Chef Thomas Keller.
The French Laundry has received numerous honors and accolades. Most recently, the Michelin Guide San Francisco awarded The French Laundry their highest rating of three stars for the sixth year in a row, making Thomas Keller the only American-born chef to have two three-starred Michelin restaurants. In 2006, the James Beard Foundation gave The French Laundry the highly coveted “Outstanding Restaurant Award” and awarded Chef Thomas Keller “Outstanding Restaurateur” in 2007. Needless to state, this restaurant is a must when traveling to Napa Valley!
Through The French Laundry’s menu, which changes daily, the restaurant commits itself to creating classic cuisine with the finest quality ingredients, along with a similarly intense focus on impeccable guest service.
Insider Scoop: This 3 Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the most exclusive in Napa Valley, and is often named in the list of top ten most difficult restaurant reservations to book in the world. Although it may be very difficult to make reservations, you can work with Cultured Vine to make your dining dreams come true at The French Laundry.
Where to Taste
Tucked away on a steep hillside in the heart of Coombsville, Napa Valley, Covert Estate is a unique terroir perfect for winemaking. Their one-of-a-kind wines are a result of the collaboration and hard work of three families dedicated to the craft of winemaking. The Estate is located in Napa Valley on the eastern hills of the Vacas Mountain Range in the Coombsville Appellation. The winery sits underground between the vineyard and the oak grove, and can only be seen from a bird’s-eye view.
At Covert Estate, they utilize a very conservative and sustainable approach that respects the terroir and results in wines that are delicate and elegant with distinct personality.
What to Sip
Our partner Promise Wine is coveted by Oprah and even featured in the latest issue of Harper's Baazar.
Sometimes I’ll have a glass of rosé with lunch. My favorite is Promise “The Joy” rosé. It’s from Napa Valley. I like my wine very chilled, so when it goes into the glass you see the humidity on the outside. Wine—if it’s too warm—is the only thing I ever send back at a restaurant. - Oprah Winfrey
We love Promise Wine because we both share a deep respect, passion and love for the Napa and Sonoma Valley's. Their vision is to make world class artisan wines from amazing American vineyards in California. We are grateful to work with the wonderful people that make up this amazing wine community.
With three generations rooted in Napa Valley, Tres Perlas is a collection of luxury wines made with an extreme focus on quality. Their delicate matter and premium winemaking results in concentrated flavors that expand and evolve through decanting and into the glass.
What to Do
Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Yountville is home to some of the finest wineries, restaurants and hotels. The charming, small town provides a relaxing getaway for the tasteful traveler. Yountville’s central location makes an ideal base for your Wine Country adventure.
While taking a stroll in the heart of Yountville, make sure to stop in at the famed Bouchon Bakery by the renowned Chef Thomas Keller. From its opening in 2003, the bakery has served as a gathering place in the heart of Napa Valley for residents and visitors alike. Located alongside Keller’s Bouchon Bistro and just down the road from The French Laundry, Bouchon Bakery was first conceived as a way to provide these restaurants with one-of-a-kind breads. In the style of classic French boulangeries, the bakery features a wide selection of artisanal breads and classic desserts inspired by Chef Keller’s memories of life in France, as well as his own childhood in the United States.
Enjoy an array of sweet delights including croissants and pain au chocolat, breakfast items like muffins and coffee cakes as well as an ever-changing selection of tarts, cookies and other treats. The bakery also offers a full range of espresso drinks and coffee. For guests interested in enjoying a full meal, Bouchon Bakery offers savory items like sandwiches, soup, salads and quiche. Enjoy your pastries in the tree-shaded courtyard for a real treat!
Insider Scoop: Make sure to try some our favorite menu items while you are there! Angela likes the Foie Gras in a jar and the Bouchon Oh Oh (a take on the ho ho dessert). Raquel's favorite is the Tuna Niçoise Sandwich paired with a pistachio macaron for dessert!
The French Laundry Culinary Garden, located across the street from the esteemed restaurant, grows 30 percent of the vegetables that Keller serves at the restaurant.
Open to the public, this three-acre culinary garden is a test site to try new varieties of herbs, vegetables, and berries for Keller’s garden-to-table menus. The garden may have up to 200 products available to use in the restaurant on a typical day. Many of the chef’s favorite varieties are those whose flavor peaks when they’re very young.
Insider Scoop: We recommend visiting the garden near sunset to capture the best light. You might even cross paths with Thomas Keller himself!
Napa Valley is one of the world's great destinations, especially for lovers of great wine, fantastic food, and beautiful views. Allow Cultured Vine to take you inside Napa Valley to destinations and experiences you wouldn't normally have. Contact our concierge services at TEAM@CULTUREDVINE.COM for a curated experience like no other.