Curator’s statement
I went to St. Helena on my sisters-in-law's bachelorette trip and fell in love! Some of the best wine and food I have ever had! St. Helena felt a little “small town” and “off the beaten” path in all the best ways possible.
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Day 1: Food and Wine's Greatest Hits (A Day on the North Side)
Insider tip: It's not a bad idea to hire a private driver though every place mentioned in this article is within a 15-minute drive of each other.
Start the day off with some carbs before a day of wine tasting. Have breakfast at Station and fill up on their baked goods or toast. Then, head to a GEM (my favorite of all) a tasting at AXR and hope to be seated under the weeping, full trees.
Don’t forget to take a photo ‘inside’ of their iconic oak trees! Then head back into the town for lunch at Farmstead (make a reservation). Everything is made fresh from their farm, ranch and vineyards. You might be tempted to order one of everything - do it!
Next, you will head back north to a Tasting at Frank Family and ask to be seated on the porch. The history of this vineyard is a story to be heard. Rich Franks’ love of wine first stemmed from his extensive travels via his global career as the former President of Disney Studios. After you taste amazing wine- be sure to check out the Disney themed rooms, wine bottles and memorabilia inside.
After your second tasting of the day, hopefully you have worked up an appetite as tonight's dinner is served at Goose & Gander (make a reservation). You can’t go wrong with seating here, either the pub-vibe dining room or garden is a wonderful option! Someone must order a burger - that is a "do not miss" item!
Day 2: Food and Wine with Lasting Impressions (A Day on the South Side
Another morning, another opportunity to load up on carbs at the Model Bakery. Post breakfast head to your first tasting of the day at Alpha Omega which is one of the top wineries in the region. The estate is a spectacle, and the wine is made using Old World vineyard practices. After your tasting head to lunch at Oakville Grocery. Meander around the central counter and gather items to create your own charcuterie board, or order fresh prepared items at the counter(s). Sit outside, get a glass of wine and play some corn hole!
Next, make your way to a tasting at Salvestrin. This vineyard felt like a family affair. Not only because the owner stopped by each tasting table to say hello and proceed across the vineyard to her home, but the on-site BnB and hospitality makes it feel cozy. Finally, we saved the best for last.
Enjoy dinner on the beautiful expansive patio at Charter Oak (make a reservation) and don’t skip out on the craft-cocktails.
Additional Days
Check out these other vineyards (a little further of a drive, and not really St. Helena proper):
Paraduxx,
Cade (the architecture is breathtaking)
Duckhorn
Need to know
Need a snack-break? Visit Gotts Roadside for a hot dog, burger and fries!
Pro Tip: Though, everything on this itinerary is a 15-minute drive (or less) from each other, hiring a private driver for the day(s) might be a good idea!
Travel Advisor
Izzy Hortman
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to California. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Elaine Brackin's guide Uncorking Montenegro: A Guide to Wine Tastings & Vineyards.