To capture the pure, organic magic that is Napa Valley wine country, one learns to cherish more than a glass or two (or five) of wine. The entire experience, whether that’s learning about the lay of the land, tasting vintage reserves or strolling the property with the sun on your back, can transport you to what feels like a simpler time.
My Napa Valley, full of family-owned farms, is a place where nobody dresses up for dinner, instead they gather after a long day working the vines to unwind and enjoy the harvest. It’s a place that welcomes wine and food lovers alike, converging to share their passion and perhaps follow their dreams and belief that one grape, one varietal, can change their life.
As I plan my fifth trip to wine country, I wanted to celebrate this magical place and share my favorite ways (thus far) to enjoy Napa Valley to its fullest. As you’ll see in the slideshow above, I gathered my list of must-visit wineries, along with suggested restaurants and travel to-do’s to create the full, majestic experience that will be truly unforgettable.
It’s true that both novice and expert alike will find something to fancy their tastes in Napa. And while many flock to the region to brave the crowds with full glasses in hand living up to it’s sometimes obnoxious label “The Disneyland of Wine,” I find that the most magical moments can be found off the beaten path. Always appreciating the families that made Napa Napa, but always seeking Napa Valley‘s hidden gems.
My biggest piece of advice for you, whether it’s your first time in Napa Valley wine country or twentieth: don’t be afraid to ask questions. At the heart of it, these are farmers. This is their craft, they are immensely proud of their hard labor and rightfully so. You’ll most likely spend time in several beautiful tasting rooms, but when I’m there, I’ll always ask if I can walk the property. Most wineries have beautiful gardens to explore, and “Winery Dogs,” to pet who prove that life in wine country is about as good as it gets.
To me, Napa isn’t a place, it’s a mindset. A place where the rolling hills allow me to do something I can never do; disconnect. A place where I can truly soak up everything I can about the people, the food, the vines, and that dirt that make the wine I have grown to love. In a few weeks, I’m going back to both Napa and Sonoma, and with that comes our Guide to Napa Valley: Part 2. Any suggestions for my next visit, please share! Truly, MKR
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