I always love to find wineries that pair food with their amazing wines. Pairing wines with food elevates the experience along with saving time while in Napa! Our sole purpose when in wine country is to drink wine. We don’t have time to waste on lunch! Unfortunately in Napa, its much harder to find these events as Napa county laws do not permit many wineries to host them. I am hoping to explore Sonoma soon to find you some amazing places!

Piazza Del Dotto Delicacies Tasting ($225/pp)

Do not let the sticker shock scare you. Piazza Delicacies tasting is a 5 coarse wine pairing lunch. The experience starts with a glass of rose and a fabulous table setting out on the patio. Your host will take you on a flavor rollercoaster of red and whites, even some side by sides. Once you are finished enjoying the Italian ambience of the patio, you are taken to the cave for a tour along with barrel tasting. I have experienced Del Dotto several times and each time we taste between 12-15 different wines, so again do not let the price scare you away. You will receive a lot of bang for your buck! My favorite thing was their lobster roll! You can find more details in my Best of Napa or Calistoga Itinerary!

Davis Estates Terrace Food and Wine Tasting ($75/pp)

At Davis Estates, your wine and food pairing takes place on their stunning terrace with amazing views of the vineyard. The chef rotates the menu every 6-8 weeks to pair with 4 different wines so I will for sure be a frequent taster! My favorite was the asparagus soup with creme fraiche paired with the 2018 sauvignon blanc and the brown butter pasta with mushrooms paired with the 2018 pinot nior. At the end of your tasting you are sent home with a to-go scotcheroo! I could sit out on their terrace all day. They have huge swinging benches that overlook the vineyard. Our host Virginia was so knowledgeable and made the experience that much better! Don’t forget to ask for the recipes so you can recreate the meals at home with the wine you purchase!

Artesa ($60/pp)

Heritage Flight with Tapas was so much fun. I don’t see it offered on their website at the moment but I hope they bring it back! Artesa has the coolest water feature and sits up on a hill so you have wonderful views. The tasting included 5 wines with little bites. The best was their 2016 Tradicio paired with Jamon Serrano wrapped Mahon cheese drizzled with Spanish honey. I do hope they bring this experience back! You can read more about my Artesa experience in my Napa Itinerary.

Sips and Bites

I wouldn’t categorize the following as a food pairing, as they were more a sips and bites event, which still heightens the tasting experience. Just be aware I would still want to grab something for lunch!

Vineyard 29 ($195/pp)

When you arrive on the property, your host will bring you on a small tour before introducing you to your table hosted in their private library wine cave. The Private Estate Tasting pairs 4 of their red wines with cute little appetizers. I was blown away by their 2015 Zinfandel paired with a BBQ pork slider. I am always happy I experience things but this one was very expensive for what was offered.

Silver Trident ($40/pp)

Our driver Rod connected us with this little gem. Located in Yountville, Silver Trident‘s classic tasting includes 5 wines with 4 delicious canapes created by Chef Sarah Scott. She makes a “fancy” cheese it cracker that will blow your mind. This isn’t full meal by any means but its an experience you cant forget. They are also offering their Potato Chip Extravaganza, wine paired with chips!!! You can find out more about Silver Trident in my Calistoga blog!

Palmaz ($135/pp)

If you want an experience of a winery unlike any other, check out Palmaz. They use gravity flow wine making and is build into the rocks. Their tasting includes 5 wines and 5 paired light hors d’oeuvres located in one of their private tasting salons. Between the science behind their wine making along with their Amalia Chardonnay, you’re going to rave about this place to friends.

Taylor Family Winery

I adore this location. You are only able to get reservations via referral. Taylor is still family owned so you will enjoy the small, personal experience. Danielle, the granddaughter, and Nana join you on their tasting “treehouse” along with the winery cat and dog! Many people are nervous about smaller wineries but I loved their wine. You are presented with cheese pairings for each wine. As much as I want to keep this gem a secret, I also want you to support this amazing winery. I am beyond excited to continue to enjoy their wine at home!

Other Options:

I have not visited the following but you know me, I research everything and find options for our next trip.

Domaine Carneros: ($175/pp) Offers a wine and caviar pairing!

Mira: You can purchase the basket of provisions locally sourced! We did enjoy this on our last trip.

Cakebread Cellars: Offers a food and wine pairing ($75/pp) or a garden to glass tasting ($150/pp) with bites sourced from their vineyard garden.

B Cellars: ($95/pp) Invites you to enjoy little bites to accentuate their wine!

Round Pond: ($175/pp) We have tasted here before and enjoyed an amazing charcuterie board but they just launched Il Pranzo, an incredible culinary experience to match their fabulous wines.