Napa Valley is best known for it’s impressive wine production. After all, it’s not called “wine country” for no reason! But, Napa isn’t only good for it’s wine. Many infamous Napa wineries also provide delicious food and wine pairing experiences. Whether you spend many weekends in wine country or are visiting for the first time, indulging in the best food and wine pairings in Napa is a must!
What is a Food and Wine Pairing?
A food and wine pairing is often crafted by the winemaker and/or chef in order to complement and balance the flavors of both the food and wine. When done well, these pairings can be euphoric to your taste buds. Regardless of your experience with wine tasting, enjoying the best food and wine pairings in Napa is a decision you won’t regret.
Where to Find the Best Food and Wine Pairings in Napa
Deep in the heart of wine country, where many of the best wines in the world are produced, you’ll also find the best food and wine pairings available. Check out these food and wine pairing experiences in Napa– each with something unique to offer:
In the Heritage Lounge at Louis Martini, Executive Chef, Aaron Meneghelli, provides a 90-minute food and wine tasting experience with carefully selected wines and food. This is a great way to taste some of their most sought-after wines, while enjoying perfectly-crafted bites. This experience is perfect with a small group for a special event, like a birthday!
The Celestial Tour and Tasting is a comprehensive experience at Stags Leap Cellars, including iconic wines and stunning views. You’ll be toured through the wine caves before enjoying a sit-down food and wine pairing. And, I can personally attest to the deliciously curated bites served!
Wheeler Farms offers a food and wine tasting with canapes– otherwise known as a thin slice of toast or crackers, or in this case, a spoon, with various toppings. All canapes include vegetables from the Wheeler Farms garden, which you’ll tour beforehand. The pairing includes the following wines: Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and a variety of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Oakville Trek experience at B Cellars is known as one of the best food and wine pairings in the valley. It includes a guided tour of the grounds and wine caves, as well as a food and wine pairing with award-winning wines and “B bites.” This experience was carefully created to accentuate flavors of their wine.
The Ultimate Chips and Dip experience is the most unique food and wine pairing I’ve seen. It includes an incredible, one-of-a-kind caviar tasting paired with sparkling wine. This truly one of the most unique and enjoyable experiences I’ve been a part of. However, if caviar isn’t your thing, they also offer a Bubbles and Bites experience, featuring cuisines from around the world.
A private food and wine tasting at Davis Estates offers panoramic views and a killer Cab Franc. But, that’s not all! From the comfort of their charming deck, you will enjoy their best wines thoughtfully paired with yummy bites.
Trefethen offers a series of food and wine tasting experiences. Every experience features their beautiful grounds and historic winery. The Reserve Tasting at the Villa includes a selection of wines and inclusive charcuterie board, while the Taste the Estate at the Villa offers wines carefully paired with bites. Twilight at Trefethen features seasonal plates paired with their finest wines. No matter which experience you choose, their dry Riesling is a must-try!
Sequoia Grove offers one of the best food and wine pairings in the Napa Valley with their “A Taste for Cabernet” experience. Sequoia Grove focuses on creating a food and wine pairing experience that defies all of the “rules” when it comes to pairing foods with Cabernet. This experience truly shows just how versatile Cabernet can be. Get ready for a culinary adventure. And wow, their single vineyard Cabernet and reserve wines are to die for – Cab collectors, this is your spot! P.S. come hungry – the portions are generous.
Food and wine pairings in Napa are the best way to elevate your wine tasting experience. Depending on your food preferences, there’s a little something for everyone– from charcuterie to canapes to caviar. Now, where to first?
Cheers,
Raquel
