Local Getaways
10 Reasons to Visit St. Helena
Clif Family Enoteca (Photo by Briana Marie Photography)St. Helena is one of Napa’s most charming destinations — luxe locally owned shops line Main Street and some of the valley’s most iconic wineries are situated close by. While the railroad was built in St. Helena in 1868, the town was not incorporated until a decade later. From the start, it was known as the commercial center of Napa’s central valley, with fruit, grain and mining products arriving via rail. Perhaps best known as home of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, St. Helena and its impressive history shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, three blocks of downtown are listed as a National Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Exploring this small Wine Country town is a delightful way to spend an autumn afternoon — and here are a few spots you should add to your list of stops.
3111 St. Helena Highway
This is California Wine Country comfort food at its most delicious. Ask for the irresistible Mozzarella al Minuto, hand-pulled mozzarella on a toasted crostini with olive oil and rosemary. The hand-assembled, ultra-festive holiday gifting boxes launch this month, too, and feature Brasswood wine as well as other tasty Brasswood Bar+Bakery provisions. It’s the perfect gift.
1334 Vidovich Lane
Offering Clif Family wines’ most exquisite wine-and-food tasting experiences (plant-based tasting options are now available at the Enoteca), the salon boasts gorgeous views of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. Book the fireside experience — you won’t regret it. And be sure to visit the website for more info on the November 6 library tasting.
8711 Silverado Trail
We love this decidedly chic tasting salon and the newly launched AVA Wine & Food Journey (available Friday through Sunday, $130 per couple) shouldn’t be missed. The seated experience includes cabernet sauvignons paired with delicious cheeses, charcuterie and seasonal trimmings that underscore the exceptional flavors of the region.
1234 Adams Street
If you are looking for that luxury Beverly Hills or Madison Avenue experience in Napa, then look no further than elysewalker. Chloe, Paco Rabanne, Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Dries van Noten — you will find it all here and much more. November 7 to 21 there will be an in-store “holiday charm” event when customers can build their own jewelry with an elevated assortment of charms and chains.
900 Meadowood Lane
This storied Napa resort has just opened the doors at Forum, a new on-property dining experience and neighborhood gathering place. The menu is filled with expertly crafted yet approachable dishes. Try the outdoor lounge for evening cocktails (or one of the delicious cold-pressed juices) — and enjoy the beauty fall in Wine Country.
1201 Main Street
An anchor store on Main Street, this delightful spot makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to some quaint French village. Take your time exploring the small yet tasteful selection of clothing, luxe candles by makers like Thymes and Diptyque, heady soaps from France and everything you need to create your dream cheese board (minus the cheese).
1219C Main Street
Expect high-end European designers and a curated assortment of clothing and accessories that you won’t find elsewhere. While you’ll discover a small selection online, it’s definitely worth stopping in to the store, if only to see the jewelry in person.
4022 Spring Mountain Road
Visits can only be scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10 a.m., but if you are craving an authentic (and charmingly rustic) tasting with the winemaker while taking in bucolic views of Spring Mountain, then this is your spot.
1050 Charter Oak Avenue
Chef Christopher Kostow (formerly of three-Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood) has brought his culinary know-how to The Charter Oak. This month it is launching the Yurts at Charter Oak, which includes a welcome toast of sparkling wine, the chef-curated Legacy Menu, and a cocktail finale ($135 per person), all in the comfort of your own private yurt.
1367 Main Street
This family-owned business specializes in handmade confections containing only the finest ingredients — and it’s apparent in every delicious bite. Chocolate lovers won’t want to miss this month’s holiday offerings, which include chocolate turkeys, squirrels, walnuts and special Thanksgiving assortments.
