Community Guide

Napa is a destination that stands out globally, boasting locally-inspired upscale restaurants, trendy wine tasting rooms in Downtown Napa, and wineries located in Atlas Peak, Soda Canyon, Stag’s Leap, Oak Knoll, Coombsville, or Carneros. Visitors can indulge in browsing chic boutiques and admiring imaginative public art. For a change of pace, kayaking on Napa River or biking along Vine Trail or Silverado Trail are popular activities. Shopping enthusiasts can also explore the area’s art galleries or find stylish attire for dinner. Those looking for leisure pursuits can play a round of golf at Silverado Resort or unwind at Halehouse, Stanley Ranch’s spa.

Nick’s Favorite Restaurants:

Yountville, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, offers a luxurious escape with the cozy feel of a small town. If you’re on the hunt for Michelin-starred restaurants, Yountville will not disappoint. However, if you’re planning to cross The French Laundry off your bucket list, it’s important to make reservations well in advance. (Pro tip: Take a stroll through the culinary gardens located right across from the renowned restaurant.) When you’re not indulging in exquisite cuisine, take time to appreciate Yountville’s artsy side. Take a leisurely walk through the Yountville Art Walk and explore several tasting rooms.

Nick’s Favorite Restaurants:

The Rutherford region is renowned for its Cabernet wineries, famously producing the “Rutherford Dust” Cabernets, which are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts. The distinct soil of the area, which was once a riverbed, results in a unique flavor profile of the wines, with fruity and herbal notes complemented by a mysterious, spicy element known as “Rutherford dust.” If you’re curious about which foods best complement these wines, you can discover more during a lunch tasting on the terrace at Round Pond Estate.

Nick’s Favorite Restaurants:

• The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil
• The Rutherford Grill   

Angwin is the perfect starting point to explore Howell Mountain in the renowned Napa Valley. Located just below the summit of Howell Mountain, it rises to the east of Napa Valley and is one of the world’s most well-known wine-growing appellations. The mountain’s height allows for the grapes to be drenched in sun and cool mountain air, while its rocky soil forces the vines to root deeply, creating complex flavors that Howell Mountain wines are famous for. At an elevation of about 1,800 feet, Angwin is a quaint little town situated at a single crossroad, hosting a small shopping center on one side and the campus of Pacific Union College on the other.

Nick’s Favorite Wineries & Tasting Rooms:

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, The City of Healdsburg boasts of small-town charm, breathtaking views, and award-winning wines. Its town plaza is the hub of an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and bars. Healdsburg CA is a foodie and wine enthusiast’s paradise. It is conveniently located at the intersection of the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley wine appellations, making it a perfect base for wine tasting. The town’s dining scene is diverse, offering everything from casual burgers to upscale dining experiences. Art aficionados will appreciate the abundance of art galleries within walking distance of the downtown area. The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society feature exhibits showcasing the rich history of Healdsburg and its neighboring areas.

Nick’s Favorite Restaurants:

The Town of Kenwood, situated at the north end of the picturesque Sonoma Valley in eastern Sonoma County, is a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can indulge in wine tasting at in-town tasting rooms or visit world-renowned wineries along the outskirts of town. Swede’s Feeds is a must-visit place that offers hand-made folk art, artisan wine racks, garden and pet supplies, and colorful metal-welded animal sculptures in the store’s front yard. For outdoor enthusiasts, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, with miles of trails, a waterfall, and Bald Mountain, is an excellent place to explore. The Robert Ferguson Observatory is also located within the park. Wildwood Nursery, situated south of town, features sculptures scattered on trails throughout five lushly-forested acres and showcases more than 250 varieties of Japanese maples, many of them rare, as well as dogwoods, ginkgos, conifers, edible plant starts, and bonsai-style beech, maple, and evergreen trees. Accommodation options in Kenwood include bed and breakfast inns, vacation rentals, and winery cottages. If you’re looking for luxurious accommodation, the Kenwood Inn and Spa, a Mediterranean villa-style resort, consistently receives awards from Conde Nast Traveler and other travel publications. When it comes to dining, Kenwood offers farm-to-fork Wine Country comfort food inspired by southern cuisine at Tips Roadside, or burgers, barbecue, pizza, and other New American cuisine at Palooza Brewery & Gastropub, or the global California eatery and oyster bar, Salt & Stone.