Is there anything better than escaping to wine country for a weekend to relax in the fresh air and sunshine, take in a wine tasting, and perhaps unwind in a spa?
For many younger visitors, unfortunately the answer is yes. For several years now, Napa Valley tourism leaders have recognized the urgent need to appeal to millennials and Gen-Z visitors, as the traditional attractions of massive wine estates and expensive restaurants clogged with package tour buses are not as appealing as they used to be.
But it would be a huge mistake to overlook the wealth of beautiful spots to visit in Napa which deliver on that promise of an authentic curated experience – and this can be an experience that doesn’t revolve only around wine.
You just have to look a bit harder and be willing to get off the beaten path. If you do, you will be richly rewarded.
Any visitor to Napa will quickly learn that it can be difficult to get good information about the best places to go. But one clear rule of thumb is “the smaller the better,” and always try what’s new.
Lately many visitors seeking something new have been flocking to the luxurious tasting room of Grove 45, a women-owned local Napa olive oil producer. Located at 965 Silverado Trail, just a short walk from downtown Calistoga, the tasting room at Grove 45 not only provides samples of multiple types of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh baked bread and canapes, but it also features highly sought-after wine tastings from Museion, produced with meticulous attention to quality in collaboration with the world famous vintner Philippe Melka.
Museion is one of Calistoga’s first elite quality custom crush facilities to be opened with city limits, will soon features wines for tasting and sale by some of the valley’s top producers using their facilities.
In addition to tasting olive oils at Grove 45, many visitors are discovering the wealth of experiences of farm-to-table dining opportunities. One such experience is the Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, where guests can dine on the farm's seasonal produce and pasture-raised meats. Another option is the SingleThread Farm, where guests can enjoy a multi-course tasting menu featuring ingredients grown on the farm.
For those who love to cook, Napa Valley offers a range of cooking classes that teach everything from the basics to advanced techniques. At the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, guests can take classes on everything from knife skills to pastry making. The Silverado Cooking School offers classes that focus on regional cuisine, while the “Cooking with Julie” classes offer a hands-on approach to Italian cooking.
In conclusion, Napa Valley offers a range of bespoke tourism experiences that go far beyond wine – allowing opportunities for more diverse groups who want to do and see more than just taste wine. From locally sourced olive oil to elite epicurean experiences, there is something for every culinary enthusiast. Whether you're a wine lover or an olive oil aficionado, Napa Valley is the ultimate destination for foodies who appreciate the finest flavors and ingredients.
