With the turning of the calendar pages from October to November, Thanksgiving is fast approaching! While some celebrating the holiday may prefer hunkering down at home with plenty of food on the table and football on the TV, others may enjoy taking the opportunity for a special adventure with family or friends. We think the long weekend away from work and responsibilities is the perfect excuse for a trip to check out some of the nation’s most beautiful wineries. Luckily, many wineries and vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma regions are open Thanksgiving weekend, some even Thanksgiving Day, or have adjusted hours. Oh, and don’t worry! There’s still plenty of chances for a full belly. So, leave the football for another day and let someone else cook your feast for a change…let’s go wine touring for Thanksgiving!
Where to Eat
Just because you’re celebrating Thanksgiving away from home doesn’t mean you can’t procure some truly scrumptious feasts.
Meadowood – The Restaurant at Meadowood resort in St. Helena boasts 3 Michelin stars and is fine dining at it’s best. They produce a casual yet elegant approach to the dining experience and Chef Christopher Kostow puts a modern spin on classic Napa Valley cuisine. The kitchen works closely with local artisans, growers, and foragers to produce dishes which really speak to the true meaning of Napa community.
Lucy – Lucy Restaurant & Bar uses the freshest ingredients and most innovative techniques to create a delicious, garden-inspired cuisine. You can dine family style, and share several portions of smaller plates, or treat yourself to a plate of rich, local duck and garden vegetables. Either way, you’ll definitely want to round out the meal with a dessert course of Pumpkin Pasta, a sweet treat “pasta” topped with pumpkin cream and molasses ice cream.
French Laundry – The French Laundry is THE premiere destination for fine French cuisine in Napa Valley. The menu changes daily but no matter what you order you can be assured the dish was created with the finest quality ingredients in a manner that preserves the doctrine classic French cooking. The restaurant staff is committed to excellent guest service and will make you feel right at home in their beautiful location built from river rock and timber. The structure originally served as a saloon and then as a French steam laundry in the 1920’s and you can almost feel this unique California history emanating from the surrounding walls and landscape.
A Shopping Event
The passing of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of holiday shopping season here in America. Your weekend getaway is the ideal time to get a jump start on finding the perfect presents for your loved ones. Winery visits can serve as double duty. Enjoy tours and tastings, but also secure the most beautiful bottles of wine to give during the upcoming holiday season.
Gift Ideas
Cabernet Sauvignon – A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for the refined gentleman in your life. It boasts the elegant structure of a black-tie affair, plus the solidity to accompany robust, intellectual conversations. Earthy notes and dark fruit flavors are the quintessential compliment to his dapper good looks.
Chardonnay – A bottle of Chardonnay is perfect for the lovely lady in your life. With the right selection you’ll find a flawless balance of fruit flavors and buttery roundness with notes of ripe apples, vanilla, and toast. Plus, a glass in her hand won’t detract from her beauty as it glistens a glorious gold.
Champagne – A bottle of Champagne is perfect to bring along to any hosts or hostesses you may be celebrating with throughout the season. Make toasts and make memories over a glass of bubbly; surrounded by dear friends, delicious food, and falling snow.
Contact Napa Private Tours today to reserve the perfect, private, chauffeured tour for your Thanksgiving weekend.
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