I’m always thinking of my next travel opportunity.  And summer heat has me thinking of a cooler clime.  I’m thinking about Fall and Fall has me thinking about “crush” in Napa and Napa always has me thinking about Long Meadow Ranch.

We visited Longmeadow Ranch on our first trip to Napa as part of the Beringer’s Master Series on Food and Wine.  It was an amazing week with great experiences at boutique vineyards and Napa’s most regarded chefs.  I wish they still did this program.  Long Meadow Ranch was one of our favorite experiences and one we think of often because we love their wine and I use their wonderful olive oils all the time.  I just got notice my auto shipment is on the way.

Happiness can be bottled!

Here is my Lush List for a Napa Visit:

Wineries:

Long Meadow Ranch:  They have an amazing story at this “full-circle”  organic vineyard.

Amizetta – We had one of the first wine dinners in this cave.  These native Texans know what they are doing.

Schweiger Vineyards – Another family with a great story and wonderful wines.  Get a bottle of Dedication…or two.

Cliff Lede Vineyards – One of the most fun tastings.  Great music and laid-back atmosphere.  Each vineyard block is named for a favorite classic rock song.

Fleury Winery – Hard to find but you’ll be glad you did.  F in Red and Rocket Juice.  Enough said.

Jarvis Estate – One of the most beautiful wine caves stores fantastic wine.  Prepare for a visual feast as well.

Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard – This was another unforgettable dinner and tour.  The home’s entrance is through the wine cave below and the glass walls open.  Mary and Freddy Constant are consummate hosts and brought out untold treasures that night.  This estate has the most stunning views from the top of Diamond Mountain.

Hotels:

 The Carneros Inn – Chic with a great restaurant.  Love the cottage set up.

Harvest Inn by Charlie Trotter – Charming and very Napa.  Beautiful grounds that back up to a vineyard.

Restaurants: These are some of the best restaurants in Napa and the fact that they are gluten-free friendly is amazing!

Mustard’s Grill – Famous for their food, cookbook and HUGE wine list.

FARM at The Carneros Inn – Fresh and haute farm to table.

Farmstead  at Long Meadow Ranch – You know I love this one.  Their wines are my favorite.  They pair one of their wines with each item on the menu.  Their Sauvignon Blanc is the only white I drink.  They also own Rutherford Gardens which supplies all their fresh ingredients as well as to many others in the valley.

Bouchon – Thomas Keller’s classic bistro.

French Laundry – Thomas Keller’s landmark Napa restaurant celebrates is 20th anniversary this year.  You must go see why.

Cole’s Chop House – Chef Greg Cole was one of the chef’s on our culinary tour.   Great place for great chops and much more.

Boone Fly Cafe at The Caneros Inn – Quaint breakfast spot.  So Southern in Napa.

Thinking I need to head back again soon so please share your favorite Napa locales in the comments.

**Note: Images via each establishment’s websites and visitnapavalley.com.

My packing essentials for Napa: