Napa revisited
We have returned from our weekend touring the Napa Valley with our group of guests who had hired us to help them find the private side of Napa. We are happy to report “the Valley” is in great shape! Is it expensive? Certainly. Are there throngs of people, visitors and residents alike? You bet. Beyond that though it remains one of the most beautiful destinations anywhere, with wine produced there that is the envy of the wine world, and it will no doubt stay that way.
We had many highlights of the trip and we bet our guests did too and felt the way we did about our visit. First to the 2017 grape crop, as we reported a few weeks ago we have been getting great reviews of the prospects for the vintage. Being there though, seeing the grapes up close and talking to winemakers and growers in person confirmed all we have been hearing about the crop in Northern California. The heat spike that had gripped the area a couple weeks back has eased, temperatures are moderate and there is no sign of rain. This gives winemakers their much desired “hang time” allowing the chemistry of the grapes to come into balance and allowing the sought after flavor development. While whites are nearing completion, and early ripening grapes like Pinot Noir are well on their way to being fully harvested the fuller bodied varietals will have an extended period to develop to perfection.
The restaurant scene throughout Napa Valley was a highlight of the trip. There is a wide selection of fabulous places to eat. While many of our old favorites are still there and doing great, there are many new places added to the mix putting out wonderful meals if the size of the crowds enjoying them is any indication. When we arrived Friday evening we decided to visit one of our very favorite restaurants, Bistro Jeanty in Yountville where we were staying. It was an extraordinary meal with tasty and innovative food, accompanied by a wine list with wonderful depth and breadth of choices. I would place it on my list of “must eat at” places for any trip to wine country.
We also joined some family members for dinner the following night at Bottega, which is Michael Chiarello’s restaurant also in Yountville. Another winner! The restaurant is big and loud and exudes a vibrant energy that just makes you smile. It sports another epic collection of mostly Italian wines to go along with Chef Chiarello’s perfectly crafted food.
Our lodging for the weekend was at the Napa Valley Lodge located walking distance to all the town of Yountville has to offer. We have always been fond of this area in general as it is centrally located so whether your favorite wineries are in the northern part of the valley or the southern half they are easily accessible. The lodge is very nice, with a wonderful pool area and beautiful large and well appointed rooms. It is expensive by any standard but tough to beat with its location and beauty.
Tastings at wineries continue to get more and more expensive. This was a very exclusive group we were guiding so we were keenly focused on the high end. Tasting prices ranged from $75, to over $200 per person. Even with this steep cost of entry the wineries we visited all had big crowds, so it has become the norm and has not hurt the visitor count at all.
Even with the additional crowds and the building of wineries, resorts, and restaurants to accommodate them the valley remains stunningly beautiful. Late in the days and early in the mornings traffic is lessened enough that a drive up highway 29 or the Silverado Trail is still one of the most passion evoking and beautiful trips you can make.
We look forward to our next chance to show guests the private side of wine country that we know so well. Our recent trip reaffirmed all we felt about this area, and left us wanting for more. Our guess is you will feel the same.
If there is a topic you would like to read about or if you have questions on wine, you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d’Alene Press.
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George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party, a wine and table top décor shop located by Costco in Coeur d’Alene. George worked as a judge in many wine competitions, and his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. Be sure and check out our weekly blog at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com/home/blog-2. You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.