Another Napa trip in the books. This time, it was a short one – a day trip out with my girlfriends plus a cute little puppy, so all of our stops are doggy friendly. The wine country is only about 1.5 hrs from the South Bay so a day trip is very doable, just gotta have a designated driver 🙂
Here’s our itinerary for the day!
9am: Depart from South Bay
10:30am: Brunch at Oxbow Market. We enjoyed chilaquiles, oysters, freshly blended juices, cream puffs, and tiramisu. Pets are not allowed inside the building but there is a huge doggy-friendly back patio with lots of seatings.
12:30pm: Paraduxx. Paraduxx is part of the Duckhorn family, all the brands under Duckhorn have duck-related names. Really gorgeous grounds and yummy wine! Tasting starts at $30 with cheese complements, and we ordered an additional charcuterie plate to share. Sitting on comfy and shaded patio furniture in 75F weather, sipping on wine and gossiping with my girlfriends. Such a perfect moment! (Reservation is highly recommended.)
And my favorite – the 2011 Goldeneye Pinot Noir.
2:00pm: Mumm Napa. My obligatory stop as a member of their wine club. The lines can get a little bit long on weekends, but it’s worth it! My favorites are the DVX line, and the Brut reserve rose. But so much good stuff there, and what a beautiful setting! If you come in the fall or winter, come for the last seating around 5:30pm and enjoy the sunsets while you sip on some bubblies.
4:00pm: Ma(i)sonry. This was my first time here and this place was fun! It’s a wine collective featuring wines from several private wineries, and also doubling as a modern art gallery. We requested outdoor tasting (because of the dog), and tasting start from $15 for 3 wines. Our host asked each of us our preferences and created different tastings catering to each individuals. (Reservation is highly recommended.)
It was getting chilly so our host lit up the fire pit. Everyone here was super friendly!
Quick stop at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. It was a nice stroll from Ma(i)sonry, we also walked by French Laundry’s garden. I enjoyed a Boston cream cupcake, and took home assorted macarons, almond croissants, and a few other breads.
6pm: Reservation at Bistro Jeanty. One of best French Bistro in town. Disclaimer: If you are on a diet, don’t come here! So much cream and butter deliciousness, so gluttonous, SO GOOD! We had such a great meal there. There was a vegetarian in the group and while there aren’t really any vegetarian entrees available, she was able to enjoy the haricot vert salad and some of Bistro Jeanty’s very famous tomato soup. They also offer a great selections of cheeses!
Warm lamb tongue salad. (Think the flavor profile of a German potato salad, but with chunks of tender meats.)
This is that frigging fantastic creamy tomato soup, with a flaky puff pastry top. This was such a decadent treat and pretty much put all other tomato soups to shame…
Bone marrow (YEEEE!!!!) If you are into roasted bone marrow, this one was really excellent and perfectly roasted. Very rich and fatty so it was the perfect appetizer to share. I still think about this from time to time…
8:30pm: Ciao Napa, until next time!
Check out my previous Napa posts:
Cin Cin, Let's Eat! 