Amazing Culinary Experiences at Napa Valley Wineries

Amazing Culinary Experiences at Napa Valley Wineries

Napa Valley attracts visitors from all over the world to wineries and wine estates renowned for their world-class bottlings, varietals, and tasting experiences – and of course, to stay in boutique hotels like SENZA Hotel. But many wine-lovers new to Napa Valley don't realize some wineries offer more than a simple (if delicious!) flight of Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, or other outstanding varietals. Frequently, wineries in Napa Valley employ in-house chefs or whole culinary teams, often led by an Executive Chef with credentials from famous restaurants in Europe and the United States. These chefs are responsible for creating unique culinary experiences to complement a wine portfolio. From cheese plates, to light bites, to multi-course meals, nothing brings out the flavors in your glass quite like the right food pairing. At SENZA Hotel, we love to "pair" guests' palates with the best possible Napa Valley vacation. Join us for a virtual tour of our favorite culinary experiences at Napa Valley wineries. When you call to book your stay with us, we are happy to help you reserve your tasting or meal at any (or all!) of the wineries below.

Ashes & Diamonds 4130 Howard Ln., Napa, CA 94558 (707) 666-4777

Napa Valley first emerged on the international wine scene just after the heyday of the Mid-century Modern design movement, but locals knew well before then just how wonderful Napa Valley wines could be. Some wineries still show the vestiges of that early local notoriety, and none more so than Ashes & Diamonds. The unique architecture at "A&D," marked by bright colors and bold geometry, makes for a light and playful atmosphere, underscored by the high quality of their limited bottlings. Add to that a serious dedication to all things Napa Valley – the winery describes itself as a "love letter" to the region – and it's no wonder visitors love to enjoy their "A&D + Food" tasting. Plan to sample a flight of wines paired to seasonal dishes in a five-course luncheon you'll never forget!

Darioush 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 257-2345

The Culinary Team at Darioush on the Silverado Trail has created a number of fantastic culinary experiences to give you a deeper appreciation of how wine and food can complement each other. The Signature Mezze Experience is a personally hosted tasting experience where you will be guided through a flight of Signature Darioush wines while enjoying Persian roasted pistachios and mezze plates. The Fine Wines, Artisan Cheese Experience offers the opportunity to learn how both wines and cheeses express their sense of place. A dedicated Darioush host will guide you through a tour of the winery followed by a seated tasting in their outdoor tented pavilion, where limited release wines like Signature Shiraz and Late Harvest Shahpar are paired with artisan cheeses from small purveyors from California and further afield. The Darioush By Invitation Only Experience offers guests an exclusive food and wine pairing experience where you'll discover the unique terroirs of several Napa Valley appellations. Your personal host will guide you through a tasting of some of Darioush's top wines thoughtfully accompanied by a selection of pairings by their Culinary Team.

Hess Collection 4411 Redwood Rd., Napa, CA 94558 (707) 255-1144

Donald Hess was among the first vineyard owners to cultivate Napa Valley wine grapes on the steep slopes of gorgeous Mount Veeder, where you can now enjoy one of the best visitor experiences in Napa Valley wine tasting. The Hess Visitor Center offers gorgeous views of the mountain and valley, and, just like SENZA's boutique hotel, an art collection available to the public from the private Hess family collection. Known for enjoying the finer things in life like wine and art, Hess is also known for his excellent and adventurous culinary tastes, which are showcased at the winery by Executive Chef Chad Hendrickson. Using local and organic ingredients, Hendrickson's creations can be sampled in a variety of tastings, including the "Tour of the Palate," or in lavish lunches or dinners in the "Hess Experience" series. Those with a sweet tooth can't miss the "Chocolate Indulgence" tasting, with truffles made by the in-house pastry chef to pair with specific Hess Collection wines.

Joseph Phelps 200 Taplin Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574 (800) 707-5789

Joseph Phelps was an enormous presence in Napa Valley winemaking, and his legacy endures at the gorgeous winery estate in St. Helena. There, you can celebrate his leadership in all things Napa Valley – innovation and sustainability – as well as his famous love of entertaining. Phelps often hosted lavish meals for friends and loved ones, and his tastes have been channeled through winery chef Brian Sutton and his team. Whether your group prefers a relaxed afternoon lingering over a cheese plate, or something more innovative with the "Playful Palate" program, any wine tasting at Joseph Phelps can be dressed up with carefully crafted cuisine. For the truly indulgent, the "Bountiful Table" experience includes a full meal paired to fine bottlings, including the latest release of the winery's famous flagship wine, Insignia.

Pine Ridge 5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 (800) 575-9777

Much of Napa Valley offers sweeping vineyard views and breathtaking mountain vistas, but few offer the intimacy of the Pine Ridge wine cave. Tucked away from view just off the Silverado Trail, the winery has a lovely, secluded courtyard for tasters to stroll—but the true magic is deep in the cave, where fairy lights and sculpted glass transport guests to another realm. To see it, you can try the "Cave Tour and Wine Tasting," which includes a seated wine tasting paired with artisanal cheeses. But for the ultimate experience, try the "Savor Pine Ridge" wine tasting, which includes a flight of wines paired to small bites made specifically to bring out the wine's subtle flavors. Napa Valley has something spectacular for every palate. Let SENZA Hotel help make your stay in Napa Valley unforgettable.