The Hotel Yountville is comfortable, simple, classic. The stone, wood, and bright accents of turquoise fabric are fresh and inviting. But it was our hotel bartender Corey, who shared his tips for a perfectly lovely way to enjoy the valley that only a local would know. Here, I share an abbreviated version of his a simple afternoon plan for fun in the Napa sun. Drive North out of Yountville on the Silverado Trail to St. Helena. Head for Napa Valley Olive Oil Company for their homemade pepperoni, olive oils, dry sausage, cheese and bread. 
Do you see where we’re going here? **Caveat time! Orignial post was dated 2012 and the picnic spot at Rutherford Hill Winery now requires reservations and a $30 per person charge plus a bottle purchase. It is still a lovely hillside picnic spot – just not a freebie! After that, for us it was back to Yountville where we rode bicycles provided to hotel guests over to Domaine Chandon Tasting Bar . 11:00 am – 4 pm reservations required. And finally, back to the hotel for a calm, relaxing swim. Cheers!
Cheers, Corey!
Hi Ann,
We’re on our way up to Bend, OR next week and will be traveling back home through Sonoma, CA, which is on the wine road less traveled. We enjoyed the Napa wine region but Paso Robles is a more rustic version and I’ve heard good things about Sonoma. Up in Oregon, one of my favorites is the Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. Give one of those a try, you won’t be disappointed!
having sampled the salami and EVOO, I have to say fantastico! Napa is wonderful. having recently visited, we fell in love, again. And a bartender can be a part time psychologist, best friend, bon vivant, consigliere, and entertainer. The right one,can make or break your evening. Looks like to found a keeper. Are we still doing books? I read In the garden of the beast, and really enjoyed it, what a great story about nazi germany, one of those untold inside scoops. Currently I’m reading “When the Killing’s Done,” T. Coraghessan Boyle and what a story. It presents both sides of the animal rights point of view and the writing is excellent. For some government history buffs try “The death of American virtue, Clinton vs Starr. An objective recount of that crazy time. With march madness starting, try “When March went Mad” by Seth Davis. Bird versus Margic. An excellent story for the bball fans.
Enjoy and thanks again Annie
Thank you Steve! Wonderful, insightful comments, as always.
Hell yes, we are still doing books! I just cant keep up with you! I know you like to listen to audiobooks, on your beautiful commute back and forth to work….wondering how many others here enjoy their reading on the go?