Quickie Napa trip - wine and food
Ok, I have (I really have) read through the many posts on this topic. My first problem is that I am completely unfamiliar with this area - I'm from Canada and have never spent time in California at all. And worse (if that's even possible) I don't really know California wines so can't zero in on specific beloved producers. As if that isn't all bad enough, we only have one night in Napa and, to add insult to injury, there are dietary restrictions to consider. Be gentle with me.
- We'll be leaving San Francisco (by car) mid morning on a Saturday, returning to SF after brunch on Sunday.
- Is Yountville the most practical spot for us to stay in terms of visiting a few wineries and getting a good dinner and Sunday brunch?
- Which wineries would it be possible for us to visit without making reservations? (We're notoriously distractable and would have great difficulty nailing ourselves down to a schedule.) I suspect we could possibly do 2 or, at most, 3 on Saturday. We're very partial to cabs and pinot noir, but would be very interested in a bubbly if convenient.
- Dinner on Saturday. I'm personally interested in Ad Hoc but their website is under construction at the moment. Anyone familiar enough with their menu to know if there would be something on the menu for the "kosher" eaters in the group (no meat, poultry or shellfish)?. Otherwise, if not Ad Hoc, where else would you suggest? I'm partial to Italian, or at least anything that isn't French. (Still recovering from a fall trip to Paris.)
Thanks in advance for any advice or itinerary suggestions.
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As Carrie says, Ad Hoc has a constantly changing menu - different 3 course (IIRC) option day to day. That said, it is not the just the web site under construction - the restaurant is closed until March. Unfortunate, as we are heading down next week and it was on our list too.
Also interested in Napa/Sonoma options, so will be following this thread with interest.
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re: rkmpaton
Well drat that. I was seriously considering it - but was unable to make a reservation. Guess that's why.
But I've just managed to make reservations at both Redd and Bouchon - for the same evening. Redd is too early in the evening, Bouchon is too late - will have to confer with others to decide which one we want to keep.
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CarrieWas218
Jan 13, 2012 12:22 PM
Yountville is a great central location - especially if you like bubbly because Chandon is literally walking distance from downtown Yountville and is a great and beautiful stop for California sparkling.
The thing with AdHoc is their menu changes almost constantly so the fact that the website is under construction doesn't mean much as far as you perusing what is available to eat. It is very low-key with family-style meals. For something more upscale, I would recommend Redd. and for great Cal-Italian, Bottega (Michael Chiarello's restaurant) - all in Yountville.
For brunch, ditch Yountville and hit Boon Fly Cafe on your way back to San Francisco. It is in the Carneros wine district. If you want a BIG BRUNCH, Brix is your place and is also just out side of Yountville en route back to the city.
Other wineries of note that fit your critera: Sinskey for Pinot. Cornerstone is in Yountville and can also be walked to (although if you are not leaving San Francisco until mid-morning, you will be limited to how many places you can visit before they close up in the early evening).
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