Napa Valley

V. Sattui is a winery, but what I really like about them is their deli and picnic area. Their deli has pretty decent hot sandwiches (get their bresaola sandwich) and a nice selection of cheeses and other foods (some of which make good gifts). They also occasionally have a food truck outside. Anyway, so you can get some food and a bottle of wine and enjoy them in the picnic area.

Castello di Amorosa is a winery and actual castle. It’s not a historic castle; somebody just made it to look like some old Italian castle. They did a pretty good job, and it must have been expensive because the entrance fee is expensive. It’s like $60, and you also are supposed to have a reservation. Really, don’t make the mistake we did and just roll up there without one, because you’ll have to reserve it on your phone or something.

Did some wine tasting here. I don’t know much about wines, but I like the ones they had.

This small place is mostly just an Italian grocery store. I think the fun thing about it is that there’s a ton of random old business cards plastered all over the walls.

We got some pasta here and some Monin syrup to make Italian sodas.

Just a small shop that sells olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and other kitchen stuff around that. Their balsamic vinegar we tried was pretty good, being interestingly thick for a balsamic vinegar. This fact was pointed by an older woman that worked there, who did a good job of selling it. She also mentioned that this balsamic vinegar could be added to brownie mix to give it a very fudge-y texture. Sounds interesting, and I’ll have to try it sometime.

Oh, another good thing about them is that they reuse their bottles, which they have imported from Italy. If you bring back your bottle you get some kind of discount. Reminds me of the Plentea, a boba place that has their own glassware and a similar policy.

Kind of expensive, but seems like fun. I think it’s like wine tasting or a restaurant on a train. I think my parents did it a long, long time ago.

This place has three Michelin stars, which probably means it’s swarmed by other people that go, “this place has three Michelin stars.”

I passed by this place and notice the line was huge. I think it’s by the same guy that does The French Laundry.

You know those little Sutter Home wine bottles you can buy in the store? Apparently they have a winery. Not sure if it’s any good.