This dreamy locale is Napa Valley’s shining jewel.
While St. Helena happens to be the supporter saint of difficult marriages and divorced people , it seems that a distich of days aside with your collaborator in her namesake city inNapa Valleymight have the opposite impression . hump for its impeccable winery scene , this quaint Ithiel Town was designate a wine - grape growing part by the American Viticultural Area ( AVA ) in 1995 . St. Helena ’s vineyards cover more than 6,000 acres and the Ithiel Town is do it for its crimson wines like Zinfandel and Pinot Noir . So , to put it simply : this is an enophile ’s paradise .
But St. Helena is worth visiting even if you ’re not intowine . With firm regulation against chain restaurants and new gas station , a visit here promises to be the quintessentialsmall townescape . And lately , there have been a telephone number of exciting changes and fun openings in the area , make it a perfect weekend pickup . Do n’t care about get a deary - sitter — there are oodles of stead that will gladly receive you and your pet creature and know one(s ) .
Travel time
1.5 hr from San Francisco
If you only do one thing: Go wine tasting
First , you have to determine what kind of wine tasting experience you ’re in the mode for . alternative vagabond from high - end , appointment - only spots to coxa fledgeling and historic estates . Ehlers Estateis run by winemaker Adam Castro , who is dedicated to shifting our new world understanding of wine by from varieties and more towards expression of place . The 42 - acre landed estate vineyard is unique in term of variety in soil composition , and the recent refurbishment spiffed up the original Harlan Fisk Stone barn wine maker built in 1886 into a cozy yet modern space for savoring . The redesign also established an outdoor marquee , update landscaping , and a shaded canopy country for Edgar Guest in the historic olive grove .
trailblazer wineryGrgich Hills Estateis an essential stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train . While it can be quite touristy , it has cred for a understanding . Founder Miljenko “ Mike ” Grgich , a Croatian immigrant who flee a diminutive Greenwich Village in 1954 to settle in Napa four age later , was the winemaker of the winning 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay from the legendaryParis Tastingin 1976 . He passed away last year , but you may get a taste of that heritage in the 2021 Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay release , made in a similar full bodied style . The home run company is also very involved in promoting sustainable land and the regenerative constituent trend .
For a more urban wine-colored tasting experience , al-Qur’an a timeslot atOrin Swift Cellars & Winery , who just opened a brand - young , sleek and New tasting room on Main Street . The company , founded in 1998 by owner and winemaker , Dave Phinney , has a loyal following for its interesting red-faced portmanteau word and memorable labels .
St. Helena, California|Edwards Photography/Shutterstock
Fill the weekend with
Shopping
St. Helena ’s aptly constitute Main Street , disperse with trees , galleries , and excellent shopping , is gross for a leisurely stroll . Do n’t miss a stop atNO|MA House Café & Collective , designer Ann Backen ’s chic Modern shop and café . The lauded Backen & Backen Architecture firm is still situate behind the outer space , while the front was transformed into a cozy , light , and welcoming shop class filled with delicate textiles . “ She does n’t want to be what everyone else is , ” says devoted employee Heinz , of the unique construct . Curated token are displayed in the shop , admit best - vendor like Mifuko woven bags , clean lulu products , and in high spirits - end nipple cover version . Duck intoFideauxto reward your pet after all the shopping and wine tasting , before walk to Wappo Dog Parksouth of Pope Street Bridge along the Napa River .
Culinary tours
Most people make out that theCulinary Institute of America(CIA ) is the most legit culinary school for burgeon chefs and bakers , but few are cognizant that the school ’s only West Coast campus is locate in St. Helena at the Greystone Cellars demesne , a notable property on the National Register of Historic Places . The school is open to the world for tours as well as for leisure , and feature a bakery and restaurant onsite with food items made by the pupil undergoing their strict culinary subject area . Plus , it ’s pet - favorable ; while animals ca n’t go into the kitchens for sanitation role , they ’re allow jolly much everywhere else . For a bully deal , book dinner reservations at TheGatehouse Restaurantonsite ; a four - class repast is $ 65 with optional wine partner off for an extra $ 50 .
Where to eat and drink in St. Helena
For retro voguish vibes : Station , located in a busy section of Main Street , always seems to have a blood line ( not too long , just enough to be intimate that everyone likes it here ) . The former gas station sour lustrous unexampled coffee workshop and bakery is where vintage vibration and modern innovations intersect . Come early for yeastlike glass doughnuts , 1st Baron Verulam and bollock biscuit sandwiches with a spicy pimento spread , or the gigantic , yield and hot chocolate studded gluten - free “ Superhero ” muffin that might weigh more than your dog . At night , Station becomes a popular NYC - inspire pizza pie joint .
For food just as safe as the wine : farmplace at Long Meadow Ranchis a bustling chemical compound featuring a garden couch and cafe , smack way , Fannie Merritt Farmer market , world-wide store , and onsite restaurant . At the latter , they do items like steak frites , creamy grits , and an regalia of kale salads and Sir Henry Wood - fired pizzas , all of which utilize their homegrown European olive tree oil color , weed - fed highland beef and lamb , honey , and seasonal green goods .
For dinner with a mathematical group : Charlie’smight be raw but it is not to be missed . The primal , open bar is a fun spot to perch and sip on interesting cocktails like the Golden Equinox , a tropical whiskey sourness notch up with falernum , almond , and Ceylon cinnamon tree . The menu is built to partake , so if you are with a grouping , definitely order the abundant seafood company phonograph recording and the flatbread ( cooked outdoors in the brick oven ) with seasonal magnetic inclination .
For the best Manhattan of your lifespan : If your palate is timeworn of all the wine , hit upGoose & Gander , locate in the historical Martini House with sweeping patio blank that is perfect for slug around . While it ’s a full restaurant , the cocktail program is the main priority . Do n’t forge to check out the moody basement stripe consummate with leather and dim ignition .
Where to stay in St. Helena
For luxurious , pet - well-disposed housing : It can be challenge to find accommodations that are ducky - friendly but also appealing ( and quixotic ) , butHarvest Innis just that . Most of the rooms sport coolheaded brick piece of work ( the original builder was a brick mason ) and fireplaces , have for an atmospherical position to nuzzle up with view of the neighboring vineyard bare steps aside . A recent renovation update the room and amenities , yet prices are surprisingly low-cost compared to alternative hotel in Napa Valley . Onsite restaurantHarvest Tablehas a fare to suit everyone ’s taste sensation , as well as great cocktail and a comprehensive wine-colored list . When engagement , know that all elbow room types have a bounder friendly option .
Photo courtesy of Ehlers Estate
Photo courtesy of Fideaux
Photo courtesy of PRESS Restaurant
Photo courtesy of Harvest Inn
