Napa was a dream for Spring Break! The three of us had an amazing trip, both with family time and when the adults went out without the kids. It was great because our friends also brought their children, so we were able to coordinate schedules rather easily. And here are some of the highlights of our vacation.
Alpha Omega Winery-what do most people do while in the while in the wine country? They taste wine! And we found an amazing vineyard in St. Helena that not only makes delish wine, but they also allow people under 21 on this property, which can be difficult to find. And the grounds were absolutely gorgeous! My two faves were the 2020 Napa Valley Chardonnay and the 2021 Atlas Peak Cabarnet Sauvignon.
Del Dotto Vineyards-Hello wine caves! This property is so charming because the wine tasting takes place in the wine cave, where you sample wine straight from the oak barrels. I learned on this tour that I prefer red wine that has been aged in American Oak vs. French Oak (it tasted smoother to me). Pro tip: bring a sweater or a light jacket for the wine cave as it is a little bit chilly. And this property is 21 and over only.
Bistro Jeanty-a classic French bistro located in Yountville, serving up some of the tastiest food in the wine country. We ordered the Salade de Betteraves (Heirloom beets, frisée, & escarole salad with feta cheese and citrus dressing), Moules à la Normande (Mussels, steamed in cider with crème fraiche & grilled bread), Scallops with spring peas, and Coq au Vin (Chicken cooked in red wine). And it did not disappoint.
Angele-a more rustic French restaurant on the waterfront of the NapaRiver that serves both lunch and dinner. Our selects that night included oysters on the half shell with champagne mignonette, marinated olives, fried artichoke hearts with lemon aioli, beet salad, Prince Edward Island Mussels, and the whole roasted dorade fish. So good!
Zuzu Napa-we decided to go out for tapas one evening with the adults, and so we headed to downtown Napa to Zuzu, which serves Northern Spanish cuisine. On the menu for us was roasted beets with frisee, charcuterie and cheese, Akaushi flat iron steak, grilled lamb chops, and paella del dia, the house specialty. I always love eating like I am back in Spain!
Oxbow Public Market-for an easy place to take kids for a good meal, head over to Oxbow Public Market. There are several different types of cuisines under one roof, including Mexican food, pizza, sushi, a New York style deli, Mediterranean food, and more, as well as a spice market called Whole Spice, and gift shops. We opted to get oysters, garlic french fries, and shishito peppers at the Hog Island Oyster Co. Delish!
The Spa at Silverado-if you are looking for a little slice of relaxation, then head on over to the Spa at Silverado Resort. Enjoy a myriad of treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps. I had the Silverado Relaxation massage, a classic 50 minute medium pressure Swedish massage, that put me in such a great mood afterwards. They also have a steam room, sauna, and spa on premises, which can be used by resort guests for a $40 day pass, or for non-resort guests for a charge of $75 per day.
Napa Bowling Center-if you are looking for a 1980’s style arcade and a bowling alley, head on over to the Napa Bowling Center. Obviously, it’s a great place for kids to get out their energy bowling, or trying their hand at one of the several arcade games. There are even two skee ball machines (my favorite!) And you can trade in tickets that are won playing games for prizes. It’s a fun and family-friendly place to go.
Have you ever been to Napa before?