Napa Restaurant Week

This January, Napa Valley will be surprising us with much more than its world-renowned wine. As it gets ready for its second annual restaurant month, Napa Valley is rolling out the red carpet in preparation to treat us to their best. They’ve got Michelin stars and super attractive lodging packages on the horizon, and all you have to do is get there.

Zoom in on Napa, an hour drive from San Francisco, and the backbone of America’s wine industry. The beautiful landscape of vineyards and mountains, most notably Mount Saint Helena, the Bay Area’s second tallest peak has been known to excite passion in visitors. In addition to its natural beauty, and first-class wineries, Napa Valley is prized for its robust arts community, phenomenal culinary scene and remarkable hotel accommodations, making it an absolute must after you ring in the new year.

For their second annual Restaurant Week, more than fifty of the region’s acclaimed restaurants and hotels are inviting everyone to enjoy thirty days of hand-selected menus and creative dishes. Some thoughtful and creative collaborations have been put together along with several attractive packages.  Here’s an update.

Starting at $175, Four Sisters Inns’ Maison Fleurie and Lavender are offering a “Bon Appetit” package, which includes (and I have to bullet point here to keep track of it all!):

• a one-night stay
• a $50 gift certificate to one of the innkeeper’s favorite restaurants: Hurley’s, Bouchon, or Bistro Jeanty (your choice!)
• a complimentary VIP tasting at V. Sattui Winery
• signature Four Sisters Inns’ breakfast
• afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres

Wow! That was a lot to get through. And they’re even offering another package at their Downtown Napa location for the same price of $175. This one includes a one-night stay, a $50 dining certificate to Allegria or Bounty Hunter, signature breakfast, and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres.

This is just the beginning of the laundry list of packages! River Terrace Inn and Cuvée Restaurant are also celebrating with a joint “Stay and Dine” package. In addition to dinner at Cuvée, guests booking this package are offered romantic potions fireside, a “blankets on the balcony” amenity, a delicious cheese board, and a bottle of Cabernet. The following day, try “Indulging Your Senses,” with a wine tasting at Monticello Vineyards. Rooms here start at $349 per night, based on double occupancy.

If you’re thinking to treat yourself to a little luxury, the following package might hit your high note: The Grill at Meadowood Napa Valley welcomes guests to enjoy a three-course lunch with Napa Valley wine pairings for $38 per person, or a four-course dinner with paired wines for $68 per person. Diners who are booking a stay at Meadowood on the same evening will enjoy a guaranteed upgrade to a guest room with a fireplace, a complimentary bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and complimentary sports (tennis, golf, or croquet) throughout their visit.

But let’s not forget The Harvest Inn, a AAA Four Diamond rated luxury retreat, which also has a package that’s too long to list in a sentence! This January, they’re offering:

• accommodations in a King Vineyard View room with fireplace
• $100 gift certificate to Tra Vigne Restaurant
• a welcome bottle of CabSav
• not one, but two 60-minute massages
• a box of chocolate truffles
• wine country breakfast delivered in-room
• two complimentary wine tastings for two

This package starts at $469 and has requires a minimum two-night stay. And wait, they promise even more than the treats mentioned above.

Last but not least in the overnight realm, the historic Brannan Cottage Inn has teamed with several local Calistoga restaurants and wineries to offer two special packages during Napa Valley Restaurant Month. Both include lodging (one night or two), and dinner at Flat Iron Grill or Barolo Restaurant, and a special wine tour and tasting at either Vincent Arroyo Winery or Lava Vine Winery. The two-night package includes additional winery activities and dining. Rates start at $219 for one night, or $459 for two, per couple.

Now let’s talk restaurants: Michelin-starred Auberge du Soleil, La Toque, Solbar and Bouchon all add a touch of grandeur to the already refined list of Napa’s culinary greats participating. With exquisite menus from Fish Story, Bottega Napa Valley, Cole’s Chop House, FARM, Brix, Brannan’s Grill and Mustard’s Grill, this January will open magical doors into the world of culinary exploration.

With amazing promotions ranging in price from less than $10 to uber deluxe, Restaurant Month in Napa is for everyone. Don’t forget these either:

• Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, Boon Fly Café, FARM, and Kitchen Door are offering a $20.12 prix fixe.
• La Toque will tempt and lure you with an indulgent “All Truffles” menu (!!)
• A two-course lunch with a glass of wine at Brix for $19
• half-off all bottled wines at Fish Story
• $1 oysters at Pearl Restaurant

You know what?  Why not keep the holiday season going for an extra month this year and get out there?  Bon Appetit!