You came, you saw, you voted…and the results are in. With record-breaking numbers, Napa Valley Life is pleased to present our annual Best of Napa Valley Reader’s Choice Awards. This year we fine-tuned our voting categories to appeal to both our local and visitor readership and extended our reach for voting across the web, through our e-newsletter, and among our social media following. We were amazed at the responses we received and pleased to see so many new contenders with hats in the ring.
With such an abundance of extraordinary restaurants, wineries, resorts, and shopping choices, we offer our congratulations to not only the winners and top three, but also all the nominees. To our readers, we can’t thank you enough for your active participation in selecting your favorites. Your input helps us recognize the very best that Napa Valley has to offer and lets us share the love.
BEST Wine Country Event
1st • BottleRock Napa Valley
Napa Valley Expo, Napa
bottlerocknapavalley.com
Now in its eighth-season, every May over 120,000 concert goers flood downtown Napa to partake in the best event in Napa, BottleRock Napa Valley.
Produced by JaM Cellars, the event proudly wears the crown for sharing the best of music, wine, food, and beer with Napa plus all of their guests. Whether concert- goers are rocking to one of their many Grammy- award-winning, live music performances or indulging in their culinary stage, BottleRock is by far one of the most unique, entertaining experiences in the entire Bay area.
2nd • Napa Porchfest
3rd • Music in the Vineyards
– TIE –
3rd • Napa Valley Film Festival
BEST Cultural Venue
1st • The CIA at Copia
500 1st St., Napa • 707-967-2500
ciaatcopia.com
A food lovers paradise, The CIA at Copia knows what it means to entertain and provide educational and food-centric events. Whether it be creating a menu in a hands-on cooking class, attending an educational seminar, viewing historical culinary artifacts in the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum, or attending one of their many food and wine events in their culinary gardens or their outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Napa River, The CIA at Copia has all the bases covered.
Picturesque, unique and full of tasty ideas, The CIA at Copia makes any event a truly memorable one.
2nd • The Hess Collection
4411 Redwood Rd., Napa • 707-255-1144
hesscollection.com
3rd • di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
5200 Sonoma Hwy., Napa • 707-226-5991
dirosaart.com
BEST Live Music Venue
1st • Blue Note Napa
1030 Main St., Napa • 707-880-2300
bluenotenapa.com
Blue Note Napa’s live music jazz club/gourmet restaurant blends a Greenwich Village jazz club experience with a Northern California wine country ambiance within the historic architecture of Napa Valley’s nineteenth-century Opera House. The venue hosts national big-name performers as well as local bands and has an impressive menu and wine list. On Tuesdays, locals get free admission for musical performances and enjoy food and drink specials
2nd • Uptown Theatre
1350 3rd St., Napa • 707-259-0123
uptowntheatrenapa.com
3rd • Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series
7801 St.Helena Hwy. St. Helena • 888-766-6328
robertmondaviwinery.com
Photo courtesy of Sequoia Grove
BEST Winery Tasting Room
1st • Sequoia Grove
8338 St. Helena Hwy., Napa
707-944-2945 • sequoiagrove.com
Known for their elegant redwood tasting bar, family-owned Sequoia Grove Winery serves up some of the best wine tasting experiences in the Napa Valley area.
Tastings are hosted in a 110-year old former hay barn beneath a grove of sequoia trees, which makes Sequoia Grove a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere for an outing.
Enjoy a single-vineyard tasting of award- winning, world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and current selection of blends and estate varietals, which taste even better paired with one of their seasonal cheese and charcuterie plates.
2nd • Frank Family Winery
1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga
707-942-0859 • frankfamilyvineyards.com
3rd • Schramsberg Vineyards
1400 Schramsberg Rd., Calistoga
707-942-4558 • schramsberg.com
BEST Wine Bar
1st • Bounty Hunter
975 1st St., Napa • 707-226-3976
bountyhunterwinebar.com
An outstanding wine bar located in the heart of Downtown Napa, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smoking’ BBQ serves a line up of 400 highly-allocated wines, 40 wines by the glass and a killer BBQ which has earned acclaim as the best in the area. Enjoy a rare wine or partake in an artisan beer. Open late and on the weekends.
2nd • Oxbow Wine & Cheese Market
610 1st St., Napa • 707-257-5200
fpwm.com/oxbow-cheese-wine- merchant/
3rd • Cadet Wine & Beer Bar
930 Franklin St., Napa • 707-224-4400
cadetbeerandwinebar.com
– TIE –
3rd • Market St. Helena
1347 Main St., St. Helena
707-963-3799 • marketsthelena.com
BEST Boutique Winery
1st • Shadybrook Estate Winery
100 Rapp Lane, Napa • 707-255-5661
shadybrookestate.com
Whether traveling to Napa for its exquisite wines or its picturesque vistas, Shadybrook Estate Winery at Rapp Ranch offers a truly unique experience that hearkens back to the Valley’s original ranchers. Located in a charming corner of Coombsville, the historic property offers guests a unique selection of small-lot Estate wines graciously crafted to show- case the balance and power of the Coombsville terroir. By appointment visits include an estate tour and tast- ing, either paired with cheese and charcuterie or for visitors with an adventurer’s spirit, a guided horseback ride through the vineyard.
2nd • Luna Vineyards 2nd
2921 Silverado Trail, Napa
707-255-5862 • lunavineyards.com
3rd • Fontanella Family Winery
1721 Partrick Rd., Napa
707-252-1017 • fontanellawinery.com
-TIE-
3rd • St. Clair Brown Winery and Brewery
816 Vallejo St., Napa • 707-255-5591
stclairbrownwinery.com
BEST Wine Tour
1st • Platypus Tours
101 S. Coombs St., Napa • 707-253-2723
platypustours.com
Platypus Wine Tours specializes in intimate, unforgettable wine tours, known for their lighthearted, fun approach to tasting and learning about wine. Their custom itineraries encompass smaller, charming back roads vineyards and hidden gem wineries for both private tours and groups and are easily accessible to book and enjoy.
2nd • Verve Napa Valley
2063 Verve Ave., Napa
707-253-2269 • vervenapavalley.com
3rd • Beau Wine Tours
21707 Eighth St., E, Suite A, Sonoma
707-938-8001 • beauwinetours.com
BEST Hidden Gem Winery
1st • Flora Springs
1978 West Zinfandel Lane St. Helena
707-963-5711 • www.florasprings.com
Flora Springs is an undeniable hidden gem of the Napa Valley area. Located in St. Helena, patrons can visit their relaxed tasting room, or make an appointment to visit the estate and Ghost Winery and experience the hillside caves. Renowned as one of Napa Valley’s most historic wineries, visitors will get quite a memorable experience plus, take in some of their top-rated wines.
2nd • Anderson Conn Valley Vineyards
680 Rossi Rd., St. Helena
707-963-8600 • connvalleyvineyards.com
3rd • Vincent Arroyo Winery
2361 Greenwood Ave., Calistoga
707-942-6995 • vincentarroyo.com
BEST Winemaker
1st • Heidi Barrett
Berkeley native Heidi Barrett has been making wine in Napa Valley since the early 80s and has her famous signature on some of California’s most notable cult wines. Dubbed ‘The first lady of wine’ by top critic Robert Parker, she broke the glass ceiling decades ago and has garnered 100 point scores across the ten brands she represents, including her own labels, La Sirena and Barrett & Barrett.
2nd • Jason Moore
3rd • Rudy Zuidema
zuidemawines.com • shadybrookestate.com
-TIE-
3rd • Sarah Fowler
707- 963-3600
8466 St Helena Hwy., Rutherford • peju.com
BEST Wine Collective
1st • Vintners Collective
1245 Main St., Napa • 707-255-7150
vintnerscollective.com
As the first luxury cooperative of boutique Napa Valley winemakers, Vintner’s Collective offers exclusive wines handcrafted by small, boutique vintners, often exclusively, for some wineries that don’t have the facilities to offer tastings on site. The historic building, which was a saloon and brothel dating back to 1875, is conveniently located on Main Street and rotates an extraordinary assortment of over 15 hard-to-find, small producers that showcase the very best that Napa Valley has to offer.
-TIE-
1st • ACME Fine Wines
1080 Fulton Lane, St. Helena • 707-963-0440
acmefinewines.com
Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, ACME Fine Wines is a neighborhood wine shop offering wines from local vintners. Mix in the yet-to-be-discovered with the well-known producers and the event is unlike any brick & mortar experience, whether you shop ‘The Wall’ or schedule a private tasting.
2nd • Brasswood Cellars
3111 St. Helena Hwy. N., St. Helena
707-968-5434 • brasswood.com
3rd • Wine Thief
708 1st St., Napa • 707-666-2650
www.twtnapa.com
BEST Bar/Cocktails
1st • Goose and Gander
1245 Spring St., St. Helena
707-967-8779 • goosegander.com
Goose & Gander is one of St. Helena’s most popular hang-outs, best known for its seasonal menu and retro- fresh libations served in its cherished basement bar or outdoor garden. Guests and locals gather regularly to imbibe, partake in pop-up specials, Whiskey Wednesdays and live music on weekends.
2nd • Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
738 Main St., St. Helena
707-963-4555 • longmeadowranch.com
3rd • AVOW
813 Main St., Napa
707-203-8900 • avownapa.com
3rd • Auberge du Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford
800-348-5406 • aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil/dine/
BEST Upscale Restaurant
1st • The French Laundry
6640 Washington St., Yountville
707-944-2380 • thomaskeller.com/tfl
The award-winning French Laundry restaurant was purchased by Thomas Keller in 1994. The menu, which changes daily, commits itself to serving classic French cuisine with the finest quality ingredients, along with a similarly intense focus on impeccable guest service.
Having celebrated its silver anniversary in July 2019, The French Laundry has received numerous honors and accolades over the past twenty- five years, including the Michelin Guide’s most prestigious, highest rating of three stars.
2nd • Coles Chophouse
1123 Main St., Napa
707-224-MEAT • coleschophouse.com
3rd • Auberge du Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford
800-348-5406 • aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil/dine/
BEST Pizza
1st • Pizzeria Tra Vigne
1016 Main St., St. Helena
707-967-9999 • pizzeriatravigne.com
There’s something for everyone at Pizzeria Tra Vigne, and guests of all ages delight in this local, vibrant and inviting restaurant. Two large-screen televisions, a secluded and beautiful patio, a lively bar area and a Bocce Court offer the perfect backdrop to gather for hand-tossed pizzas and pasta. For more than 25 years, Pizzeria Tra Vigne has been the “go-to” St. Helena restaurant where people can gather with family and friends.
2nd • Azzurro Pizzeria e Enoteca
1260 Main St., Napa
707-255-5552 • azzurropizzeria.com
3rd • Bistro Don Giovanni
707-224-3300 • bistrodongiovanni.com
-TIE-
3rd • Foodshed Take Away
3385 Old California Way, Napa
707-255-3340 • foodshedpizza.org
BEST Family Restaurant
1st • Gotts Roadside-Napa
644 1st St., Napa
707-224-6900 • gotts.com
Gotts Roadside was founded in 1999 by brothers Joel and Duncan Gott. It’s downtown Napa location is always bustling with visitors and locals of all ages, and is best known for its modern approach to American roadside classics, inventive burgers, and fresh seafood. Especially popular for its outdoor patio and picnic tables, the self-serve operation offers a chill vibe to enjoy fresh, seasonal food, local beer or wine and great conversation.
2nd • Pizzeria Tra Vigne
1016 Main St., St. Helena
707-967-9999 • pizzeriatravigne.com
3rd • Hop Creek Pub
3253 Browns Valley Rd., Napa
707-257-7708 • hopcreekpub.com
Photo courtesy of Gotts Roadside
BEST Burger
1st • Gotts Roadside
644 1st St., Napa
707-224-6900 • gotts.com
For anyone who craves delicious, high-quality fare in a welcoming, down-to-earth spot, Gott’s Roadside in Napa is a tried-and-true local favorite. Gotts is known for its juicy cheeseburgers, 100% beef Fearless Franks, beer-battered onion rings, and hand-spun shakes. And just for locals, every Tuesday, any Gotts burger (cheese- burger, hamburger, or Impossible burger) + fries + 16 oz. fountain drink is on special for $11.49.
2nd • Goose & Gander
1245 Spring St., St. Helena
707-967-8779 • goosegander.com
3rd • The Charter Oak Restaurant
1050 Charter Oak Ave., St. Helena
707-302-6996 • thecharteroak.com
-TIE-
3rd • Squeeze Inn Hamburgers
3383 Solano Ave., Napa
707-257-6880 • squeezeinnhamburgers.com
BEST Asian Food
1st • Morimoto Napa
610 Main St., Napa
707-252-1600 • morimotonapa.com
Iron Chef Morimoto has made his signature restaurant on the Napa River one of the most popular in the Bay Area since its opening in 2010. The inventive menu offers high-end Japanese fare and artful cocktails presented in glamorous yet Zen surroundings. The incredible preparations of the finest ingredients impress the senses. For sake lovers, the Momosan Lounge is devoted to sake and Japanese whiskey.
2nd • Miminashi
821 Coombs St., Napa
707-254-9464 • miminashi.com
3rd • Eikos Modern Japanse Cuisine
1300 First St., Suite 385, Napa
707-501-4444 • eikosnapa.com
BEST Mexican Food
1st • Gran Eléctrica
1313 Main St., Napa
707-258-1313 • granelectrica.com
Gran Electra offers an authentic and market-driven Mexican menu inspired by traditional Mexican street fare such as fresh hand-pressed tortillas crafted with heirloom corn, house-made crema and queso fresco, as well as spicy chorizo made on site. The beverage program includes artisan mescals and tequila and an extensive wine list. Both bars and the outdoor patio are always a fiesta.
2nd • La Luna Market & Taqueria
1153 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford
707-963-3211 • lalunamarket.com
3rd • Don Perico Mexican Restaurant
3rd 1106 1st St., Napa
707-252-4707 • donpericos.com
BEST Bakery
1st • Bouchon Bakery
6528 Washington St., Yountville
707-944-2253 • thomaskeller.com
In 2003 Chef Thomas Keller opened his first Bouchon Bakery in Yountville to serve his popular Bouchon Bistro and French Laundry restaurants with one-of- a-kind breads. It soon evolved to stand on its own in the style of a classic French boulangerie and features a formidable selection of artisanal breads, classic desserts, croissants and an array of sweet delights meticulously prepared by Pastry Chef Nicholas Bonamico.
2nd • Model Bakery
644 1st St., Napa
707-259-1128 • themodelbakery.com
3rd • Sweetie Pies Bakery
520 Main St., Napa
707-257-7280 • sweetiepies.com
BEST Place to Eat Seafood
1st • Hog Island Oyster Co.
610 1st St., Napa
707-251-8113 • hogislandoysters.com
Hog Island Oyster Bar at Oxbow Market is up and shuck the fresh oyster selection of the setting. The Napa location proudly serves shellfish as well as savory seafood entrées, organic salads and small plates showcasing the amazing farmers, fishermen and artisan food producers of Napa Valley and northern California.
2nd • Morimoto Napa
610 Main St., Napa
707-252-1600 • morimotonapa.com
3rd • Eikos Modern Japanse Cuisine
1300 First St., Suite 385, Napa
707-501-4444 • eikosnapa.com
BEST Place for a Sandwich
1st • Genova Delicatessen
1550 Trancas St., Napa
707-253-8686 • genovadelinapa.com
Pick your number and stand in line to wait for one of Genova Deli’s famous built-to-order sandwiches which are loaded up with a wide selection of choice meats, cheeses and accouterments. Fresh salads, pasta dishes and soups are made fresh on-site and wines, cheeses, chips, and other specialty Italian grocery items are available to accompany your purchase.
2nd • Giugni W F & Son Grocery & Deli
2nd 1227 Main St., St. Helena
707-963-3421
3rd • Oakville Grocery
7856 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville
707-944-8802 • oakvillegrocery.com
BEST Italian Restaurant
1st • Bistro Don Giovanni
4110 Howard Lane, Napa
707-224-3300 • bistrodongiovanni.com
Local treasure “Don G’s” is a Napa tradition best known for its fresh interpretations of traditional Italian dishes using sustainably-farmed, local fruits and vegetables, and all organic meats. The daily changing menu is popular among locals and tourists alike, as well as the lively bar that serves the full menu, an impressive wine list, and seasonally inspired cocktails.
2nd • Bottega Napa Valley
6525 Washington St., Yountville
707-945-1050 // botteganapavalley.com
3rd • Oenotri
1425 1st. St., Napa
707-252-1022 • oenotri.com
BEST Place for Breakfast
1st • Boon Fly Cafe
4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa
707-299-4870 • boonflycafe.com
Fun, lively, and very busy on weekends, Boon Fly Café is a well-known spot to jump-start the day. Located at the Carneros Resort, Chef de Cuisine Nicole Heaney serves modern rustic cuisine in a contemporary roadhouse atmosphere. Daily brunch favorites include Boon Fly’s famous homemade donuts, Avocado Toast, a Paleo Scramble, and many classics, including Corned Beef Hash and Eggs Benedict.
2nd • Southside Cafe
2770 Old Sonoma Rd., Napa
707-492-3733 • southsidenapa.com
3rd • Auberge du Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford
800-348-5406 • aubergeresorts.com/ aubergedusoleil/dine/
BEST Vegetarian Menu Options
1st • Rutherford Grill
1180 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford
707-963-1792 • rutherfordgrill.com
The Rutherford Grill has been proudly serving the Napa Valley since its opening in 1994. Dubbed a neighborhood gem, it is revered for its seasonal menu, attentive staff, and local watering hole at lunchtime. While many people wait in line to order the popular barbeque ribs and burgers, the menu has an extensive selection for their non-meat eating guests. Crowd favorites include their Veggie Burger, Flying Tuna Platter, wood-grilled Artichoke, Butternut Squash Enchilada and their decadent Iron Skillet cornbread.
2nd • ZuZu
829 Main St., Napa
707-224-8555 • zuzunapa.com
3rd • Mango on Main
1142 Main St., Napa
707-253-8880 • mangoonmain.com
-TIE-
3rd •AVOW
813 Main St., Napa
707-203-8900 • avownapa.com
BEST Dog Friendly Hang Out
1st • R + D Kitchen -Patio
6795 Washington St., Yountville
707-945-0920 • rd-kitchen.com/locations/yountville/
Newport Beached based R+D Kitchen serves its crisp, flavorful American fare and fresh sushi indoors and out. The expansive patio is popular on weekends where guests pop in for lunch or to grab a beer and watch the game from the outdoor bar. Adirondack chairs and fire-pits are big attractions for groups and, of course, the four-legged members of the family.
2nd • Gotts Roadside
644 1st St., Napa
707-224-6900 • gotts.com
3rd • The Grove at CIA Copia
500 1st St., Napa
707-967-2500 • ciaatcopia.com/grove/
BEST Boutique Lodging
1st • Carneros Resort & Spa
4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa
707-299-4900 • carnerosresort.com
Set on 27 acres of scenic countryside in Napa Valley, this chic, upscale resort offers both cottages and suites with fireplaces and private patios. Amenities include three restaurants, a spa, two pools with hot tubs, bocce ball courts, bicycles, an upscale general store and a boutique. Its central location offers guests easy access to both Sonoma and Napa Valley.
2nd • Napa River Inn
500 Main St., Napa
707-251-8500 • napariverinn.com
3rd • Poetry Inn
6380 Silverado Trail, Napa
707-944-0650 • poetryinn.com
Photo courtesy of Silverado Resort
BEST Hotel/Resort
1st • Silverado Resort
1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa
707-257-0200 • silveradoresort.com
Swing, spa, savor, or stay-The award- winning Silverado Resort offers so many possibilities for golfers, tennis players, spa-goers, foodies or fashionistas. Conveniently located at the South end of Silverado Trail, its accommodations provide the perfect home base and respite for visitors and locals alike.
2nd • Meadowood Napa Valley
900 Meadowood Lane St. Helena
707-531-4788 • meadowood.com
3rd • Calistoga Ranch
580 Lommel Rd., Calistoga
866-484-8829 • aubergeresorts.com/calistogaranch/
-TIE-
3rd • Auberge du Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford
800-348-5406 • aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil
BEST Chef
1st • Thomas Keller
Renowned Napa Valley master chef and icon, Thomas Keller is chef and proprietor of five Michelin-starred restaurants, several of which are mainstays Yountville. The French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro are his best- known venues, but Ad Hoc and Addendum are crowd favorites as is his newest Mexican themed endeavor, La Calenda. Keller’s focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which are harvested in a garden across the street from the French Laundry, and the highest standards for perfection are the secrets to his success.
2nd • Cindy Pawlcyn
3rd • Christopher Kostow
BEST Golf Course
1st • Silverado Resort
1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa
707-257-0200 • silveradoresort.com/napa-valley-golf
Challenge yourself on a champion- ship course, surrounded by Napa Valley’s golden hills. Redesigned by PGA Hall-of-Famer and Owner Johnny Miller – Silverado Resort’s two PGA courses offer some of the nation’s best golf. Access is limited to members and resort guests, promising an exclusive day on the links. Grab your clubs and enjoy an all-time classic golf experience.
2nd • Napa Valley Country Club
3385 Hagen Rd., Napa
707-252-1111 • napavalleycc.com
3rd • Eagle Vines Golf Club
580 S. Kelly Rd., American Canyon
707-257-4470 • eaglevinesgolfclub.com
BEST Day Spa/Salon
1st • The Spa at Silverado
1605 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa
707-257-5555 • silveradoresort.com/napa-valley-spa
The Spa at Silverado is relaxing made easy. Enter the rejuvenating realm of the Spa at Silverado’s soothing atmosphere and lose yourself in Napa Valley’s spectacular beauty. Massage, skincare, body scrubs and wraps are available for both men and women and for those who wish to completely indulge, full and half-day packages are available.
2nd • Solage Spa
755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga
707-226-0800 • aubergeresorts.com/solange/spa/
3rd • Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch
580 Lommel Rd., Calistoga
866-484-8829 • aubergeresorts.com/calistogaranch/
-TIE-
3rd • Spa Terra at Meritage Resort
875 Bordeaux Way, Napa
707-251-3000 • meritagecollection.com/meritage-resort/spa
BEST Shopping for Men
1st • Williamson & Company
1144 Main St., Napa
707-224-5284 • williamsonandcompanynapa.com
Williamson & Company has been a mainstay in Napa for over 40 years and specializes in upscale, tradi- tional, quality men’s clothing. With a unique mix of both casual and dress, a man who is always interested in looking good, or the women who buy for them, can shop for all occasions in a relaxed, non-department store setting.
2nd • Scott Lyall Clothes for Men
614 Main St., Napa
707-255-5858 • scottlyallclothes.com
3rd • Marios Napa Valley
1223 Main St., Napa
707-963-1603 • mariosnapavalley.com
BEST Shopping for Women
1st • BoHo Lifestyle
1012 First St., Napa
707-337-5870 • shopboholifestyle.com
Boho Lifestyle is not only a store; it’s a feeling. Owner Indra Forntey’s philosophy is to help women of all ages be who they want to be. The popular boutique carries clothing, jewelry and accessories, that are diverse, affordable and always on-trend.
2nd • Makers Market at First Street
1300 1st St., Napa
707-637-4637 • makersmarket.us
3rd • Helen Lyall Clothes for Women
650 Main St., Napa
707-252-7400 • helenlyall.com
BEST Jewelry Store
1st • Napa Valley Jewelers
1300 1st St., Suite 365, Napa
707-224-0997 • napavalleyjewelers.com
Napa Valley Jewelers has been providing the Napa Valley area with a personalized shopping experience for 25 years. Offering a wide array of jewelry, they aim to exceed expectations of clients and can accommodate anyone’s budget. Offering unique jewelry made from precious metals and gems to wonderous pieces of art made from glass, Napa Valley Jewelers is well equipped and established to serve their clients in a variety of ways.
2nd • Creations Fine Jewelers
3341 Solano Ave., Napa
707-252-8131 • creationsfinejewelers.com
3rd • Padis Jewelry
1269 Main St., St. Helena
707-963-2288 • padisgems.com
Best of Napa Valley 2020 –
Editor’s Choice
Each year our readers nominate and vote on some of Napa Valley’s best people, places and things that offer exceptional experiences for both visitors and locals alike. It is always challenging to include all that Napa has to offer in such a finite list, so the Editor’s Picks includes categories that were not included in the Peoples’ Choice ballot and are worth an honorable mention.
BEST New Restaurants
Napa Valley’s culinary scene welcomed some exciting new restaurants in 2019, some under the mantle of local veteran master chefs, and a few newcomers to the area. Here are our top two picks:
AVOW
813 Main St, Napa
707-203-8900 • avownapa.com
After much anticipation, the famed three-level space on 813 Main Street, originally known as Fagianis, re-opened in August as AVOW, a contemporary restaurant and bar under the ownership of winery veteran Joe Wagner. AVOW’s “rustic luxury” menu offers an eclectic array of food and a cocktail menu with fun takes on the classics, which are most often enjoyed on the rooftop patio.
Perry Langs
6539 Washington Street, Yountville
707-945-4522 • perrylangs.com
Veteran dry aged meat master and BBQ legend, Adam Perry Lang, launched the opening of his second eponymous restaurant with the September 2019 debut of Perry Lang’s as part of The Estate Yountville’s ongoing expansion. Offering diners an approachable chophouse experience in the heart of wine country, the new American restaurant features a menu of seasonally-driven and market-forward fare that complements Perry Lang’s one-of-a-kind dry-aged meat offerings.
BEST Party of the Year
Jean Charles Boisset’s 50th Birthday Bash
On September 7, Napa vintner, proprietor and entertainer extraordinaire, Jean Charles Boisset (JCB) took the Napa party scene to the next level as he celebrated his 50th birthday among thousands of his “closest friends.” Hosted at his Raymond Winery in St. Helena, the opulent 007 themed bash thrilled guests with over the top scenes recreated from the James Bond movie series. The evening began with a welcome toast from Jean Charles, who filled guests’ glasses with JCB bubbles while swinging from a 25’ high harness. It only got better from there.
BEST Reincarnation
Gary’s Napa Valley
607 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena
707-531-7660 • napa@garyswine.com
When Dean and Deluca closed its doors early in the year, Gary Fisch jumped on the opportunity to lease the space. Gary’s Napa Valley is Fisch’s fifth location and extension of his fine wine business he built in the New York area. Gary’s carries over 600 labels of wines, both local and imported. Guests can sample up to 24 wines offered by the glass and choose from hundreds of spirits and beer products, imported cheeses, charcuterie, fresh-baked breads, a full deli as well as hand- crafted platters and gift baskets.
BEST Unique Experience
Le Petit Chef 3D Dining Experience – The CIA at Copia
500 1st St., Napa
707-967-2555 • ciaatcopia.com
This whimsical “dinner and a show” dining experience at The CIA at Copia takes diners through a two-hour expedition with “Le Petit Chef” a thumb-sized 3D animated chef projected on their plates. The vibrant journey of the senses inspired by Marco Polo’s travels along the Silk Road includes a delicious spice trail-inspired six-course seasonal dinner with a wine pairing option which changes quarterly, prepared by the creative team of CIA chefs led by Chef Rodrigo Vazquez.
BEST Local Hang Outs
Local Farmers Markets
There is nowhere better to mix and mingle with the local community than at one of Napa Valley’s vibrant Farmers Markets. The bustling markets are always a welcome juxtaposition of local growers and vendors mingling with locals and tourists to share seasonal produce, fresh foods and merchandise in a casual setting. Our top three picks:
Napa
707-501-3087
napafarmersmarket.org
Saturdays and Tuesday mornings: 8:30am -1:00pm Year Round
St. Helena
707-486-2662
sthelenafarmersmkt.org
Friday mornings: 7:30am-12:00pm
May – October
Calistoga
707-812-2640
calistogafarmersmarket.org
Saturday mornings: 9:00am-1:00pm Year Round
BEST Florist
Beau Fleurs Flower Company
1508 Silverado Trail, Napa 707-224-7993
napavalleyflowers.com
For over 25 years, Beau Fleurs proprietors John and Kellie Prittie have been creating beautiful, upscale arrangements of California-grown and imported cut flowers. Their fresh, natural ‘fresh from the garden’ style, attention to detail and creativity behind every arrangement. The family-owned operation caters to individuals, groups and events and prides themselves on their focused attention to customer satisfaction and white glove customer service.
