When the government said all the playgrounds were reopening, we just figured they meant Napa Valley.
It’s a day trip that feels like you’ve traveled worlds away. We keep repeating this refrain, but it just never gets any less true. There’s something magical about being able to ride for a little over an hour and end up in a place that seems so very far from your normal — at least, if you’re a city dweller (and especially one who’s been mostly staring at the the inside of an apartment for the past few months). Regardless, there’s a sense of freedom and joie de vivre in Napa that’s hard to deny, no matter where you’re coming from.
Driving clients to Napa Valley for an ‘as directed’ tour (meaning you choose, we deliver) is one of our chauffeur favorites — those endless rolling fields and blue skies make everyone feel like they’re vacationing, apparently — and is such a fun and relaxing experience for couples, all kinds of groups, and even families, as there’s a lot of stuff to do that involves wine *and* entertainment for the younger set.
Meanwhile, the area is slowly but surely coming back to life, so there’s no better time to start making plans to get out there and enjoy the season. There’s a running list (updated often) of all the restaurants that have resumed dine-in service, and really, the whole idea in Napa is to be mostly outside, which suits all the current health and distance guidelines perfectly.
If you can’t already tell, our love affair with Napa is endless and on-going. However, there are a few standouts that always come to mind when we’re considering spending time in the Valley. We’ve put together a sampling — a ‘flight,’ if you will — of our favorites, for your consideration:
If you’re all about the PAIRING: B Cellars is renowned for creative food and wine flights on their breezy patio. Definitely make reservations, and it’s a good idea to arrive hungry.
If AMBIANCE is your thing: The tasting room of Stewart Cellars in Yountville is about as charming as it gets, while the Spottswoode estate feels like you’ve stepped right into the romantic pages of The Great Gatsby. Meanwhile, Flowers Winery in Sonoma, or ‘House of Flowers,’ has moved all their tastings outside into their decadent gardens, and is offering private experiences by appointment for groups of up to six people.
For something a little BOUNDARY-PUSHING: Check out Ashes & Diamonds — owner Kashy Khaledi is a former music producer, and he’s definitely telling a story through this retro-modern project, with incredible wine driving the narrative.
If you like a good HISTORY: Promontory, Matthiasson and Pax all bring a thoughtful and rooted approach to their winemaking (and it’s clear in the quality!)
For the ultimate in LUXURY: Experience a physical and mental rebirth at Meadowood Spa, and then slip over to Chef Christopher Kostow’s three Michelin-starred restaurant on premises to start all over again.
And for the KIDDOS: Oxbow Public Market is a feast for the senses that literally any age will enjoy, Sterling Vineyards offers an aerial tram ride with breathtaking views from the parking lot up to the winery, and Castello di Amorosa offers a tour of the castle it’s housed in — complete with dungeon — and then pours grape juice for the kids while you enjoy your wine. Not to mention the Petrified Forest, the Old Faithful Geyser of California, and Safari West animal excursions if you want an interactive dose of nature.
If all this information isn’t enough to inspire you, perhaps the image of yourself breezing through the countryside for a glorious afternoon in the comfort of your preferred luxury vehicle will? Go ahead and imagine it, we’ll wait …
Either way, whenever you’re ready, reservations for private Napa Valley trips are available on our website, by texting (877) 277-0208 and via email at info@urbanbcn.com. And of course, always feel free to call us at (415) 494-8122 with questions or for more information.
Wine country is beckoning! Let us help you answer the call.
