Past Event Details

Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor, Food and Wine Access
Michael Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access

When you think California and wine, the first region that comes to mind is Napa Valley. Welcome to Napa Valley!

Napa Valley, known for it's reputation in the world of wine, is one of the premier travel destinations in the world. Stunning views of rolling hills dotted with vineyards abound. Every season offers breathtaking sites. From bright yellow mustard in spring, to glorious ripe grape clusters in fall, to stark, majestic bare vines waiting for bud, wineries of every stature grace the landscape.

Whether you are wine tasting, dining at renowned restaurants, pampering yourself with a spa treatment, bicycling, ballooning or relaxing at charming bed & breakfasts, hotels or resorts, Napa Valley is a vacationer's paradise.

Napa Valley is a great culinary and travel destination.
Here are some options for your visit!

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

What to Do

Hot Picks: Napa Valley,California Wine Country

Where to Stay

Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor, Food and Wine Access
Michael Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access

Napa Valley

Meadowood Napa Valley

Photo by Michael Reiss

The name is evocative of the sense of peace and place that you experience the moment you enter the road leading to Meadowood.

Each day at the Meadowood reception guest are offered a complementary wine tasting showcasing important wines of the region.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Meadowood is much more than a hotel. It is a secluded estate surrounded by two hundred fifty acres of beauty. The place allows you to experience the best of country living in the middle of the vineyards.

At Meadowood rooms, suites and cottages are nestled in the hills, hidden by the oaks and redwoods that dot the property.

This is Meadowood's splendid sparkling swimming pool complete with Jacuzzi, health club and wellness spa..

Photo by Michael Reiss

Remain as private as you like, or enjoy the myriad options including hiking, biking, golf, croquet, tennis, swimming, the health spa, wine tasting and more. You feel like a guest and steward of this serene estate where the respectful staff is at the ready to serve, but never intruding on your sense of space or place.

At Meadowood one can harken back to kinder, gentler times with a game of croquet on the expansive Meadowood lawn..

Photo by Michael Reiss

The accommodations are "understated country" by design, yet offering the finest in amenities. The Restaurant at Meadowood (See separate listing.) receives much deserved accolade-- including two highly coveted Michelin Stars. The Grill (See separate listing.) offers casual dining of the highest caliber.

Many luxury suites at Meadowood have wood-buring fireplaces, sitting rooms, a private porch, brand-name bathroom amenities, and the latest technology-- including free wireless high-speed internet and large LCD televisions .

Photo by Michael Reiss

Meadowood is an ultimate expression of living the good life, one that is savored, and experienced repeatedly by those who appreciate the finest.

At Meadowood one can experience the famous Meadowood Golf Course just steps away.

Photo by Michael Reiss

The Restaurant at Meadowood
900 Meadowood Lane
St. Helena, Ca.
707 967 1205

http://www.meadowood.com/

Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor, Food and Wine Access
Michael Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access

Over the river and through the redwoods ...to The Restaurant at Meadowood. The stars lead the way to a gourmet holiday where Chef Christopher Kostow creates culinary magic.

The Restaurant at Meadowood is a hop, skip and a jump from the Silverado trail in St. Helena. Yet it is a world apart in the already stellar Wine-Country food scene.

Ambitious Chef Chris, who honed his skills at some of the world's top restaurants, is no stranger to accolades. And praise will continue at The Restaurant at Meadowood where he has free reign to let the fresh local ingredients, his classic French technique, and his unabashed creativity make for an extraordinary dining experience.

His presentations and flavors surprise from the get-go, and are in full swing with the Tasting Menu, especially one paired with wines. Whether ordering a la carte or the Chef's Tasting Menu, the parade of plates arrive with precision and panache to add to the sensual spectacle.

This is the striking and dramatic interior of the newly renovated Restaurant at Meadowood.

Photo by Michael Reiss

The brilliant wine pairings selected by Sommelier Rom Toulon enhance and highlight the Chef's creations. The Restaurant at Meadowood already boasts two Michelin Stars with another, no doubt, headed its way.

The country elegance and drama of the dining room offer an inviting and understated backdrop for the stellar gustatory experience.

Getting to Meadowood---through the woods-- is part of the buildup for a culinary tour de force that awaits you at the Restaurant at Meadowood.

Citrus Cured Spanish Mackerel
Olive Oil Ice Cream, Shaved Baguette, Legume Escabeche

Crispy Confit of Suckling Pig
Caraway Scented Cabbage, Pickled Apple, Maple Syrup

At The Restaurant at Meadowood Chef Christopher Kostow serves creative and inspired gourmet dishes. Here is the "Cold Smoked Toro & Osetra Caviar
Crème Fraiche, Spring Onion, Warm Brioche."

Photo by Michael Reiss

Where to go when you crave a casual dining experience but still want outstanding ambiance, great food, good service and an exceptional wine list at affordable prices? The Grille at Meadowood meets and exceeds all of these criteria.

Opened to the public but with country club cache, this informal venue, overlooking the croquet court and putting green, offers a seasonally changing menu with prixe fixe three course lunch and dinner options that change weekly.

Whenever possible, the produce is grown on property, the pasta is made fresh daily, and the preparations enhance the wellness-theme that is embraced by the resort

This straightforward,California Classic Cuisine appeals to locals and tourists alike.

The wine list includes many by-the-glass offerings, complete with tasting notes. These can be individually selected or combined in flights to allow for optimal pairing.

The servers and bar staff are well-informed and ready to discuss the food and wine offerings.

For a thoroughly enjoyable, upscale casual dining adventure, the Grill at Meadowood hits the spot!

The Grill at Meadowood is nestled in the trees and overlooks the beautiful Meadowood Golf Course.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Duck Spring Rolls Dipping Sauce
Tuna Tartare Avocado & Lime, Gaufrette Potato Chips, Basil Oil

Sweet Pea Ravioli Green Garlic Broth, Pea Shoots, Dry Aged Goats Leap "Carmella"
Rosemary Crusted Organic Game Hen Garden Chard Pakora, Glazed Carrots, Natural Jus

Caramelized Banana Split-, Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate and Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream, Peanuts

Each dish at The Grill at Meadowood is carefully prepared and beautifully presented.

Photo by Michael Reiss

When the amuse bouche is a torchon of foie gras, you know you're in for an exceptional meal. When the Chef is Ken Frank and the Sommelier is Scott Tracy, you know you will have an exquisite food and wine experience. This is La Toque Restaurant, Napa Valley.

Every aspect of your dinner is carefully orchestrated to underscore the chef's belief that food and wine are natural complements. The understated, cozy dining room, the quiet, impeccable service and the ever changing prix-fixe menu paired-- with intriguing wine selections--are all meant to crescendo in a symphony of harmonic palate notes

Chef Frank's mastery of French technique is enhanced by the available bounty of local ingredients and the occasional Asian and Mediterranean nuances that are skillfully executed with subtle restrain and confidence.

Chef Frank is L.A.'s loss and Napa's gain. No doubt he will continue to surprise and impress with his refined French cuisine offered at his much anticipated restaurant soon to open at the Westin in Napa. This will provide him with a larger audience for his well deserved culinary accolades.

This is the tranquil and beautifully appointed interior of La Toque Restaurant, Napa Valley.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Chilled White and Green Asparagus Soups
Marshall Island Big Eye Tuna with Sesame Vinaigrette, Wasabi Kizami and Japanese Pickles

Alaskan Halibut with Fennel, Sunchoke and Ruby Shrimp with Pastis
Dayboat Sea Scallop with Saffron, Fatted Calf Spanish Chorizo and Fried Baby Fava Beans

Liberty Duck with Soft Polenta and Pear Poached in Red Wine
Seared Artisan Foie Gras and Broiled Freshwater Eel with Forbidden Rice and Sweet Soy

Scottish Salmon with Parsnip, Braised Salsify, Black Trumpets and Thyme Jus
Niman Ranch Beef Sirloin with Cheddared Pearl Tapioca, Blue Lake Beans
and Red Wine Foie Gras Sauce

Selections from our Cheese Board with Toasted Walnut Currant Bread
Supplement
__________

Pont-Aven Meyer Lemon Meringue Tart with Strawberry Sorbet
Chocolate Espresso "Pot de Creme" with Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

La Toque's food is creative and beautifully presented by Master Chef Ken Frank.

Photo by Michael Reiss

La Toque Restaurant, Napa Valley
1140 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, California 94573
Phone 707.963.9770 Fax 707.963.9072

http://www.latoque.com

"Etoile" which is French for "star," is the new name of one of the oldest fine dining restaurants in Napa.

This culinary star, Etoile, has been the beacon for all who have followed. The restaurant itself has gone through several star chefs. The current Executive Chef Christopher Manning is an exuberant young chef who hails from Montana via the Culinary Institute. His goal is to make the wines shine. His menu, with each item accompanied by a suggested wine pairing, does just that. His food is meant to showcase the nuances and subtle flavors that wine can bring to food in exciting and sometimes unpredictable pairings.

As Chef Manning says "salt can often bring out interesting notes and highlights in sparkling wines." He layers ingredients, textures and flavors, much as complex wines are assembled, to offer an array of sensual experiences that combine and contrast to offer intriguing sensations.

Etoile continues the culinary tradition of Domain Chandon and offers culinary surprises to match the new offerings of a winery poised to lead the pack into the 21st century.

Etoile's beautiful interior has remained a classic for many years.

Photo by Michael Reiss

BIG EYE TUNA “ALLA NAPOLETANA” - whipped lemon cream,California osetra caviar

Executive Chef Christopher Manning's dishes are beautifully presented and designed to be paired with the sparking and still wines served at Etoile.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Etoile at Domaine Chandon
1 California Dr.
Yountville, Ca.
707-204-7529 or
Toll Free (800) 736-2892

http://www.chandon.com

Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor, Food and Wine Access
Michael Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access

Whether it's your first time in Napa or you are a regular wine country visitor, a local, or from a far away land, The Napa Valley Wine Train will enchant you.

Imagine the romance and luxury of touring this stellar terrain while sipping Napa's finest wines and enjoying the Cal- Med cuisine of Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald.

Whatever the season, rain or shine, whatever the reason, The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the most unique and affordable ways to experience this magical valley.

The Napa Valley Wine Train provides beautifully restored 1915 vintage train cars where guests can experience a memorable gourmet meal.

Photo by Michael Reiss

The period decor---unique to each of the original 1915 train cars--- provides the plush ambiance to enjoy the scenic surroundings, as you slowly chug your way from Napa to St. Helena and back.

The leisurely, multi-course meal is deftly prepared by Chef Macdonald's team in the challenging confines of the galley with its glassed-in kitchen, perfect for observation by the culinarily curious.

Before dessert, you are invited to stroll through each car marveling at the comfort of the Pullman Lounge Car inviting entry to sit and sip, as the view of the vineyards beckons your senses. Walk all the way through the train and pop out to the open air deck to savor the sights, smells and sounds en plein air. Spend a spell sipping in the tasting car where a large array of wines can be compared and contrasted at leisure.

The Vista Dome Car on the Napa Valley Wine Train provides unparalleled views of the beautiful Napa Valley.

Photo by Michael Reiss

For a special treat, book passage in the Vista Dome Car perched above the rest of the train. On offer ---for a small premium--- is unparalleled viewing, a champagne toast, a four course meal served by entertaining and knowledgeable wait staff cum guides who delight by pointing out the tidbits and highlights that make this valley so renowned.

On the Napa Valley Wine Train the Vista Dome Car includes a glass of Napa Valley sparkling wine along with a four course gourmet meal.

Photo by Michael Reiss

As the train pulls back to the station, smiles of pleasure mix with bittersweet sighs of regret that this memorable journey is ending.

Reserve your seats now, all aboard, the Napa Valley Wine Train will be departing again soon, this time with you on board !

On the Napa Valley Wine Train guests can enjoy the wonders of the Napa Valley in the fresh air. .

Photo by Michael Reiss

Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry Street
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 253-2111
http://winetrain.com/

The CIA (Culinary Institute of America) is known the world over as the authority in culinary education. So why is it also the smartest place to take a wine class?

The historic and famous Greystone Mansion is the home of the CIA Napa.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Mastering Wine – A Career Masterstroke

How can building your wine knowledge benefit your business and your career? What would an increase in wine sales mean for your organization's bottom line and your personal growth? Find out, by immersing yourself in a California wine class deep in the legendary Napa Valley.

The "Professional Wine Studies Course" at the CIA starts the day with a complementary breakfast prepared by the Student Chefs in the exciting and dynamic model kitchen at Greystone.

Photo by Michael Reiss

"Professional Wine Studies Courses" at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone offer learning experiences like no other. Whether you are a working food and wine professional or are looking to expand your wine knowledge,the CIA classes are both practical and inspiring. And because it's the CIA, you know that you'll get a topflight education from expert faculty in return for your investment.

As part of the "Professional Wine Studies Course" at the CIA students get the opportunity to visit and experience in-depth tasting with wine makers at nearby Napa wineries.

Photo by Michael Reiss

CIA Courses: Setting Your Course for Success

With a wide variety of professional wine classes to choose from, you can target your learning to the specific subjects that will help you advance your career and business as well as enhance your personal knowledge and enjoyment.

The many on-site tasting make for an important learning experience for students who are a part of the "Professional Wine Studies Course" at the CIA.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Through insightful lectures, challenging discussions, and focused, guided tastings, our "Professional Wine Studies Courses" cover everything from the wine of Burgundy to the dynamics of food and wine interaction.

Here students of "Professional Wine Studies Course" at the CIA are shown the finer points of Shaefer Hillside Vineyards on one of the carefully planned field trips.

Photo by Michael Reiss

And thanks to our Napa Valley location, you'll have unique opportunities to walk the vineyards with area viticulturists, taste with winemakers in their cellars, and experience the world of wine in a remarkably integrated way that almost defies the description.

Here students of the "Professional Wine Studies Course" at the CIA learn about viticultural practices, while visiting an actual vineyard.

Photo by Michael Reiss

The CIA wine classes in California offer simply the best possible learning experience.

Award-winning teacher and author of the best-selling book The Wine Bible, Professor Karen MacNeil, conducts a class as part of the "Professional Wine Studies Course" at the CIA.

Photo by Michael Reiss

Whether you are looking to advance your career or start anew, you'll embark on this journey with fellow professionals and enthusiasts who share similar passions about wine and food, providing the opportunity to enjoy camaraderie and build enduring business and personal relationships.

The knowledge gained from this program, the "Professional Wine Studies Course" at the CIA, is invaluable and students make a "quantum leap" in their understanding and appreciation of wine.

Photo by Michael Reiss

The CIA Professional Wine Studies
CIA Greystone Continuing Education
800-888-7850