Let’s face it: I can only handle 24 hours in Napa Valley. With a day of drinking wine and eating amazing food, my body has fun, but pays the price. This is your guide to 24 hours in wine country including amazing restaurants and the best wineries in Napa Valley.

Breakfast and Lunch:

South Kelly Grill

This place came in handy the morning after wine tasting. The Chicken Fried Steak was the perfect breakfast along with some classic coffee. The South Kelly Grill is a classic coffee shop serving good hearty breakfast meals.

See over 300 reviews of South Kelly Grill on YELP or visit their website.

Fume Bistro and Bar

We stopped by Fume before our day of wine tasting. The patio is the perfect place to prepare for the day. The food choices were a good start to our day of drinking and helped set a base before then.

See over 1,000 reviews of Fume Bistro and Bar on YELP.

Visit Fume Bistro and Bar’s website.

Make your reservation at Fume through Open Table.

JAX Diner

Located in downtown Napa, this was the perfect stop to meet up with friends. I had the Fried Chicken Sandwich with a side salad. The salad came with pomegranate seeds on top. You cannot beat that!

See more than 600 reviews of JAX Diner on YELP or visit their website.

Wineries:

Trinchero Napa Valley

Located in St Helena, Trinchero Napa Valley has an array of wines to sample. Their wine tasting room is set upon blooming foliage to make your trip a memorable one. The Trinchero Family Vineyards owns over 30 wine brands. This is their Napa Valley winery serving fine wines, cheese plates, and more!

Interested in more? Here are 5 reasons to drink wine at Trinchero in Napa Valley.

Trefethen Family Vineyards

This is a historic winery in Napa Valley. Trefethen Family Vineyards has seen many changes through the years, but their grounds include a vineyard-lined entrance and a newly remodeled estate. The 2021 Dry Riesling and the 2018 Dragon’s Tooth are two of many amazing wines served at Trefethen Family Vineyards.

Check out over 300 reviews of Trefethen Family Vineyards on YELP!

Can’t get enough of this winery? Check out 8 reasons to drink wine at Trefethen in Napa Valley.

Visit their website now to schedule your tasting.

Saddleback Cellars

My absolute favorite! Saddleback Cellars is hidden down a back road. Here, you sip wine with the vineyards only feet away. We loved sitting at the picnic tables and sampling wine. I left the winery with a wine club membership because I could not get enough.

Check out Saddleback Cellars on YELP or visit their website.

You must see why The Best Hidden Winery in Napa Valley is Saddleback Cellars.

Make your reservation now on Cellarpass.

Dinner:

Goose and Gander

Located in St Helena, Goose and Gander is a popular restaurant. We had a reservation and fortunately did not have to wait. We sat on the back patio right next to the koi pond. We loved the little fishes! We shared a bottle of rosé at the table and splurged for dinner. I had the New York Strip with melted bleu cheese on top. It was decadent!

Make a reservation through Open Table.

See over 1,000 reviews of Goose and Gander on YELP.

Visit Goose and Gander’s website.

Farmstead Long Meadow Ranch

This restaurant was amazing! Farmstead Long Meadow Ranch is a very popular spot in St Helena. Make a reservation! We did not have a reservation and waited for over an hour. It was time well spent ordering drinks at the bar and hanging out. But, we were hungry for dinner after wine tasting all day.

See over 4,000 reviews of Farmstead Long Meadow Ranch on YELP!

Click here to visit Farmstead Long Meadow Ranch’s website and make your reservation now.

Extracurriculars:

Crane Park 

We visited Napa Valley with locals. They took us to Crane Park after our day of wine tasting. It was a great way to work off the alcohol. We had a blast going down the slides, riding the seesaw, and goofing off!

Mercantile Social

Located in the Andaz Napa Hotel (A Hyatt Hotel), lives Mercantile Social. This rooftop bar includes firepits, cabana seating, and twinkle lights. We stumbled upon this place and showed up on a whim. The red lights freaked me out a little bit but the drinks and atmosphere made up for it. Sitting on a rooftop bar in wine country is a luxury you must check out.

Book Your Trip Now

Whether you are planning a trip to Napa Valley or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite wineries. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited Napa Valley and tell me about your experience. 

I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite wineries in Napa Valley, please share them below!

Cheers! 

The post The Complete Guide to 24 Hours in Napa Valley appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.

You drive through a vineyard-lined road into the estate. The wine tasting takes place in what I would consider a mansion. Surrounded by flowers and greenery, you choose your flight of wine. Sit back and enjoy! We are going to explore 8 reasons to drink wine at Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa Valley.

All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!

1. The Vineyard-Lined Drive

This winery’s experience starts before you even walk through their doors. As you enter the property, you drive through a vineyard-lined entrance. It seems like something from a movie.

2. The Exterior Of The Winery

The estate we see today is fairly new. We learned during our tasting that the current estate is a result of the 2014 Napa Earthquake. The Trefethen Family Vineyards rebuilt the facility and this beautiful structure is what stands today.

This winery is the first one I ever visited in Napa Valley. Having been to Paso Robles before, I did not know what to expect of Napa Valley. Having Trefethen Family Vineyards as the first impression of Napa, I was blown away.

3. The Garden

Just like everything else on the property, the plants and trees are sure to impress. There are flowers and colors popping all around the estate. We loved taking photos around the garden area and in front of the foliage.

4. The Interior Of The Winery

Because of the 2014 Napa Earthquake, the interior of Trefethen Family Vineyards is new and remodeled. The wood beams cover the ceilings and create the aesthetic surrounding you.

Though the estate is newly rebuilt, the winery is historic to Napa. When I told my dad I was stopping by Trefethen Family Vineyards, he could not believe it. He told me he went wine tasting there in the 1980’s. He would not recognize the operation now. Their success is evident in the vineyard’s grounds.

5. The Barrel Room

After our wine tasting, I wandered into the barrel room. It is a meticulously kept array of barrels holding wine that will soon be bottled and shelved.

6. The Flight Options

The winery offers 4 different choices in flights. The Essentials, Small Lots, All Reds, and the Seasonal Flight. These options were perfect for our group. The choices range from white wine exclusive to red wine exclusive. Depending on the weather, you may want more white or more red options.

View more about the winery on their official website.

Book your tasting now on Cellarpass.

7. The Wine

When I first took a sip of the 2021 Dry Riesling, I told my friends it would be the perfect white wine for a day at the pool. When we got home, I did exactly that. I enjoyed the bottle with family and was able to tell them about the winery I visited.

My favorite white wine was obviously the 2021 Dry Riesling. I walked out of the winery with several bottles. We also fell in love with the 2018 Dragon’s Tooth.

See Trefethen Family Vineyards‘ 4.5 stars on YELP.

8. The Location

Located in Napa, CA, this winery sits near Napa and Oakville. When we visited, it was the first stop of the day. It is a close drive to Saddleback Cellars, a hidden winery nearby.

Book Your Trip Now

Do not forget to purchase wine at Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa Valley. This wine is sure to be a tasty memento from your time in Napa Valley.

Can’t get enough of wine country? Check out the complete guide to 24 hours in Napa Valley.

Have you been to Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa Valley? Please share your experience below.

I love recommendations! Do you have any favorite spots in wine country? Please share them below.

Cheers!

The post 8 Reasons To Drink Wine At Trefethen In Napa Valley appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.

Have you heard of Menage a Trois wines? What about Sutter Home? These are two of many brands that Trinchero Family Estates owns. Most impressing, is their wine by the same name: Trinchero Napa Valley. The winery is located in St. Helena and offers an array of wines as well as small bites. Grab your closest friends and lets visit Trinchero Napa Valley.

Click here to see all of the brands owned by Trinchero Family Estates.

All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!

1. The Setting

Much like the rest of wine country, Trinchero Napa Valley is filled with greenery and foliage. It paints a landscape in bloom as you go wine tasting.

See why Trinchero Napa Valley has 4.5 stars on YELP.

2. The Swings

Any type of swing chair or papasan completely captivates me. At Trinchero Napa Valley, we had fun hanging out in the swing chairs and taking memorable pictures from our tasting.

3. The Wine Tasting Room

I would sum up Trinchero Napa Valley‘s indoor wine tasting room with one word: cozy. With a fireplace crackling and a view of the blooming leaves outside, it is relaxing to sip wine on the couches. We enjoyed lunging around on the couches and in the padded leather chairs. After a few glasses of wine, I think it would be easy to snooze off!

Check out their official website for hours, directions and more.

4. The Wine Tasting Options

According to their website, Trinchero Napa Valley offers 3 different wine tasting experiences.

1. The Winemaker’s Selection Tasting – For $75 per person, you will enjoy the Cabernet Sauvignon with the dessert Semillon and a cheese plate.
2. The Mountain Flight – For $45 per person, you will taste 5 wines from the Mountain Vineyard line.
3. The Valley Floor Flight – For $35 per person, you will taste a curated selection of 5 wines.

Book your tasting now on Cellarpass.

5. The Wine

We left the winery with a box of wine. We were not expecting to fall in love with so many different bottles. Our favorite white wine is Mary’s 2020 Sauvignon Blanc. We fell in love with the 2014 Cloud’s Nest Petit Verdot as well as the 2015 Haystack Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Book Your Trip Now

This winery is located in St Helena. While north of Napa, this is the perfect first or last stop of the day. You can catch other wineries on your way back into Napa, such as Saddleback Cellars and Trefethen Family Vineyards.

Whether you are planning a trip to Napa Valley or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family.

Please comment if you have visited this winery and share your experience.

Can’t get enough of wine country? Check out the complete guide to 24 hours in Napa Valley.

I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Napa Valley please share them below!

Cheers!

The post 5 Reasons To Drink Wine At Trinchero In Napa Valley appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.

The wine country in Northern California is second to none. Napa Valley is one of the most recognizable areas known for wine. About an hour north of San Francisco, you are away from the city life here. You are among vineyards and tasting rooms. With so many wineries in Napa Valley, it might be hard to decide where to go. I stumbled upon Saddleback Cellars on a whim. We may have gotten lost on our way there, but once we arrived we proceeded to discover why Saddleback Cellars is the best hidden winery in Napa Valley.

As an added bonus, I write this blog post while drinking Saddleback Cellars wine. I look forward to my shipment every quarter and love the selections. Cheers!

All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!

1. The Wine

There is a lot of good wine in Napa Valley. Most of the wine I tasted was “good”. Sure, there were a few bottles I fell in love with and purchased, but I was not obsessed. Well, I was not obsessed until I found Saddleback Cellars. The white wine, the red wine, the reserve wine, I fell in love with it all.

My favorite white wine is the Pinot Blanc. At $32 a bottle, this wine is perfect for a warm afternoon.

My favorite red wine is the Three T’s. I have introduced this wine to a lot of wine snobs I am friends with (no offense – I am becoming a snob, too!). Everyone who has tried it has shared the rave over it.

Check out Saddleback Cellars on YELP.

2. The Prices

Even though I spent a lot of money at Saddleback Cellars, I can tell you it was a DEAL. There is so much cost that goes into a trip to Napa Valley. Every winery charges tasting fees, plus any bottles you purchase, and so on. At Saddleback Cellars in Napa Valley, my eyes did not bulge out when looking at the prices. They are REASONABLE.

Because the winery is a small operation, they do not have a huge overhead. They are able to charge reasonable prices and reinvest into their amazing wine.

Cost: The cost for a tasting is $35 per person. If I remember correctly, if you buy a certain number of bottles, your tasting fee is waived.

Book your tasting now through Cellarpass.

3. The Patio

You will sip your wine on the picnic tables on the patio. Trees hang overhead and the vines are only feet away from you. It is relaxing to put your feet up and sip wine. At most other wineries, you are one table of many. You overhear conversations around you and are around a bustling business. At Saddleback Cellars, you are set back in this quiet patio where you can enjoy being with your friends and wine.

4. The Vines

Did I mention the vines are literally right next to you? As you sip your wine, the grapes are growing only feet away. It shows how locally owned and operated this winery is when you sit with the vines within touching distance.

5. The Experience

I was sold on Saddleback Cellars in Napa Valley. We showed up on a Thursday afternoon and were one of the few tables of people. As the afternoon went on, we had more and more fun with our wine educator. She shared stories about the winery and fun facts about Napa Valley. She also knew the best places to take pictures and let us snap some photos in the vineyard.

6. The Views

Saddleback Cellars puts the “valley” in Napa Valley. In this little oasis, I felt like we were tucked away as the mountains and wine country surrounded us. The views provided plenty to take in while sipping wine.

The second time I went to Saddleback Cellars, it rained for a few minutes as we were arriving. Even in the grey skies, the sun found a way out and we were able to take in the views.

7. The Experience

What I love about Saddleback Cellars is their commitment to making the experience for their guests. They are not trying to impress with fancy wine knowledge and big words. They want to make sure you are comfortable and drinking wine that you like best.

8. The Wine Club

The first time I visited the winery, I signed up for the Posse Wine Club. There are different tiers of membership.

The following information is from Saddleback Cellars’ official website:

1. The Deputy Posse – 3 (2 reds and 1 white) bottles of wine, 4 times a year. Plus, 20% off all wine and complimentary tastings at the winery. There is also a Deputy Red Posse where you can choose all 3 bottles of red wine. The cost ranges around $110 – $120 per shipment.
2. The Sheriff Posse – 6 (4 reds and 2 whites) bottles of wine, 4 times a year. Plus, 20% off all wine and complimentary tastings at the winery. There is also a Sheriff Red Posse where you can choose all 6 bottles of red wine. The cost ranges around $200 – $240 per shipment.
3. The Marshall Posse (Case Club) – 12 (8 reds and 4 whites) bottles of wine, 4 times a year. Plus, 20% off all wine and complimentary tastings at the winery. There is also a Marshall Red Posse where you can choose all 12 bottles of red wine. The cost ranges around $420 – $485 per shipment.

In addition to the wine club shipments and complimentary tastings, there are also deals exclusive for members.

For example, I received emails for 28% off their ENTIRE store for the 4th of July. During the Christmas Season, wines were 25% off. For my one year anniversary of being a member, I got a 30% off deal.

You cannot beat these deals! Not to mention, I absolutely love the wine. It truly is the best of both worlds.

9. The Location

Saddleback Cellars is located in Oakville. It is in between Napa and St. Helena so you can stop in as you bounce around. The winery is small and is easy to drive right past. Be sure to plug in the address.

Saddleback Cellars is approximately 15 minutes away from the famous Trefethen Family Vineyards. The winery is also approximately 20 minutes from Trinchero Napa Valley Winery where we also enjoyed amazing wine.

Book Your Trip Now

I had so much fun sipping my red wine while writing about this amazing winery. My friends and I had so much fun here and we want the world to know about this little slice of paradise.

Have you been to Saddleback Cellars in Napa Valley before? Please share your experience below.

Can’t get enough of wine country? Check out the complete guide to 24 hours in Napa Valley.

I love recommendations! Do you have any favorite wineries in Napa Valley? Please share below.

Cheers!

The post The Best Hidden Winery in Napa Valley is Saddleback Cellars appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.