The vineyards begin to blanket the hillside with seasonal color just 30 minutes north of The Inn Above Tide making a day trip leisurely and enjoyable. Between Napa and Sonoma there are hundreds of wineries from which to choose based on individual tastes and desires. www.winecountry.com is a reliable source of information on wineries and activities complete with detailed maps.
A few of the wineries offer private tastings providing an intimate experience for the discerning traveler. Hotel guests frequent Swanson Vineyards in Napa (www.swansonvineyards.com) and Ferrari Carano's Enoteca (www.ferraricarano.com) on the Sonoma side for the more exclusive approach to a wine country experience.
Dining in wine country can easily be one of life's more memorable occasions. All of the restaurants noted herein serve lunch.
WINE COUNTRY DINING
Napa Valley Wine Train - Napa - Begins in town of Napa and runs to St. Helena - full service lunch on board
www.winetrain.com
Celadon - Napa - Global comfort food in historic, elegant and relaxed setting - full bar - heated patio
www.celedonnapa.com
Cole's Chop House - Napa - Classic American Steakhouse in historic yet refined setting - full bar
www.coleschophouse.com
Bistro Don Giovanni - Napa - Widely popular Italian bistro set amid vineyards with large outdoor patio and sculpture garden - full bar
www.bistrodongiovanni.com
Redd - Yountville - Excellent views of Mayacamas Mountains - Multi cultural influences with chef owner hailing from Spago in Beverly Hills and Daniel in NY - full bar
Bouchon - Yountville - Affiliated with the famed French Laundry this is a classic upbeat French Bistro with Oyster Bar - full bar - patio
Domaine Chandon - Yountville - Lovely setting in Champagne house serving modern French cuisine - expansive heated patio
www.domainchandon.com
Rutherford Grill - Rutherford - Contemporary American with full bar
Auberge du Soleil - Rutherford - Famed French classic with expansive views of valley below - full bar - patio
www.aubergedusoleil.com
Go Fish - St Helena - A west coast fish house serving a broad selection of fresh fish, sushi and small plates - full bar - sake bar
www.gofishrestaurant.net
Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen - St. Helena - Sophisticated American fare in cozy setting with full bar and sunny intimate patio
www.cindysbackstreetkitchen.com
Martini House - St Helena - Polished versions of classic uptown American cuisine - full bar - shaded patio
www.martinihouse.com
Press - St Helena - Plush modern design combines with steaks and chops in Rotisserie kitchen - full bar - patio
www.presssthelena.com
Wine Spectator Greystone Kitchen - St Helena - Hillside setting amidst terraced gardens growing produce for the restaurant - Culinary Institute of America's Napa installation in historic winery over looking valley
www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/wsgr
NOTE: Thomas Keller's French Laundry of obvious fame is not included in this list as it does not serve lunch. Dinner reservations book six months to the day in advance.
SONOMA
The Girl and The Fig - Sonoma - French country brasserie in downtown Sonoma - full bar - heated patio
www.girlandthefig.com
The General's Daughter - Sonoma - Renovated 1870 Victorian at the edge of town doubles as a cooking school - rustic yet refined
www.generalsdaughter.com
Syrah - Santa Rosa - Seasonal California French Cuisine utilizing local organic produce in petite scaled dining room
www.syrahbistro.com
Willie's Wine Bar - Santa Rosa - Small plates of innovative cuisine and extensive wine list by the glass - heated patio
www.willieswinebar.net
John Ash - Santa Rosa - Facing lush vineyards and gardens and serving fresh regional food in elegant yet open atmosphere - full bar - heated patio
www.vintnersinn.com
Bistro Ralph - Healdsburg - Tiny, bustling classic bistro on the historic town square - martini bar - heated patio
www.bistroralph.com
Willie's Seafood - Healdsburg - Small plates of Latin inspired cuisine in vibrant stylish setting - full bar - heated patio
www.williesseafood.com
Ravenous - Healdsburg - California bistro in cottage just off square - full bar - heated patio and popular outdoor bar on summer weekends
Dry Creek Kitchen - Charlie Palmer's west coast home restaurant with his signature cuisine - full bar heated patio facing historic square
www.drycreekkitchen.com
Zin - Healdsburg - Loft style restaurant serving American regional dishes
www.zinrestaurant.com
NOTE: The famed and award winning Cyrus in Healdsburg is not listed as it does not serve lunch. Dinner reservations book 6-8 weeks in advance but the full menu may be enjoyed in Cyrus’ sophisticated and comfortable lounge.
30 El Portal Sausalito, California 94965 - Reservations 800.893.8433
Phone 415.332.9535 - Fax 415.332.6714 - Email: stay@innabovetide.com