Often referred to as a “valley within a valley,” Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District offers unique, undiscovered wine country experiences that are hidden in the hills. There are few, but impressive destinations for Cabernet lovers and beyond that are not to be missed to have the perfect day in this world-class, yet discreet location.
Please consider the below wineries and eateries for any upcoming travel stories or roundups you’re working on for last minute summer, or future fall travel. If your travel plans bring you to Napa, please let me know and I’d be happy to create an itinerary for you to experience the following.
Tour and tasting experiences
- Pine Ridge Vineyards’ guided food-and-wine tasting, Savor Pine Ridge: Tucked into the deepest part of a network of caves is Cellar 47, an intimate VIP tasting venue with a floor-to-ceiling view of the hillside’s bedrock. This elegant yet rugged space provides the perfect atmosphere for guests to enjoy Savor Pine Ridge, a fully guided food-and-wine tasting hosted by wine educators. Guests taste five estate Cabernet Sauvignon wines, each expertly paired with small bites prepared by Pine Ridge Chef Susan Lassalette. Each experience lasts 90 minutes and is offered Thursday – Monday at 11:00 a.m.
- The Cabernet Experience at Odette Estate: The Cabernet Experience offers guests the unique opportunity to taste Odette’s most coveted wines while taking a look behind the scenes of their Stags Leap Estate, which is one of just a handful of wineries to feature a living green roof and a one-of-a-kind laboratory constructed from recycled shipping containers. This guided, intimate tasting focuses on and compares the different vintages and winemaking styles of their highly allocated Cabernet Sauvignons, with special attention paid to the nuances between each wine. Each experience is by appointment only, lasts one hour and is offered Monday through Friday at 10:30am and 1:30pm.
Auberge du Soleil
Dining
- Casual lunch – AD Hoc + Addendum: Renowned chef Thomas Keller’s seasonal, lunch-only shack has gourmet Southern-inspired boxed fare you can enjoy in one of their beautiful garden settings or you can take it to-go.
- Over-the-top lunch – Auberge du Soleil: If you’re looking for the ultimate over-the-top Napa Valley lunch experience, you’ll drive 10 minutes up Silverado Trail and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired fine dining lunch menu while gazing out over an awe-inspiring vista on the terrace at Auberge du Soleil. Reservations are strongly recommended for terrace seating.
