Na-pa Valley Girls (We’re Undeniable)
Lunch at Long Meadow Ranch
A few years ago my best friend and I started going out to dinner to celebrate our summer birthdays, a tradition that quickly progressed into day trips focused on relaxation, amazing food, and great wine. This year we went to Napa just as it began to reopen from COVID-19 closures. Dawned in masks, we hit a few hot spots that I highly recommend.
From San Jose, Calistoga is a solid hour and a half drive; for us it was two hours with traffic but we easily passed the time. Our first stop was Tank Winery, truly a roadside pit stop right at the head of Calistoga. Tank is a funky tasting room set in an old gas station, a location that really drives the namesake. Unlike many other prestigious vineyards and tasting rooms in the area, Tank winery had a fun and relaxed atmosphere that was truly refreshing. Our tasting included many of their unfiltered varietals, which was a nod to their unconventional but lovable method in all things wine.
Tank Winery
We flew through the flight, perched at our table that was positioned by the large garage window (they really don’t compromise on theme here). The service was excellent, and our server brought us a few stickers for the road; one of which has already found its home on my laptop! From Tank Winery we started our slow descent south along Highway 29 to Long Meadow Ranch in Saint Helena.
Had we more time, we would have explored Saint Helena. The downtown was adorable, and it is a must the next time I am in the area. At Long Meadow Ranch we were seated under a massive oak tree in the shade on a couple of couches. Hannah’s Frenchie, Willow was given a water bowl, and the three of us audibly exhaled as we fully unwound from the drive up. We started with a burrata appetizer that made me second guess my main course; I would have gladly ordered a second! We chatted and took photos of the landscape, tablescape, etc., and enjoyed the breeze in the shade.
We ordered cocktails and rose, and I honestly think I could have spent the rest of the day right in that spot, right in that state. I ordered the crab sandwich, which was deliciously light and buttery, smothered between two generous brioche slices of bread. Pickled onions and cucumbers were on the side as toppings, alongside a crunchy pile of house made potato chips. It was a meal that I wouldn’t normally order, but I am so happy that I did!
Long Meadow Ranch grounds
If you are at LMR, make sure to walk the grounds. They have beautiful gardens and a gorgeous view. During non-COVID times, the historical house would also be a perfect setting for a summer meal. But alas, another time.
Our Pink Flight at Chandon
Our last stop was the boujee-est place on our list - Chandon. Admittedly a White Girl Meca, this classy establishment gave us the exclusive feel that really rounded out our Napa experience. Yep, we get an entire flight of rose + bubbles and I have absolutely no regrets. I told you it was a White Girl Meca. Joking aside, this winery had something for everyone, with lovely outdoor seating area and incredible service. Our flight was 100% worth the splurge. Beautifully manicured grounds stretched out from the paved patio, with picnic tables strategically placed under thick boughs of shady oak trees. It was the perfect last stop, and we sipped our sparklings slowly to savor every last drop of the day.