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A tour of the best beauty, food, and—of course—wine in Napa and its surroundings, courtesy of Vintner’s Daughter founder April Gargiulo.
Written By Jess Basser Sanders
GARGIULO VINEYARDS, OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
With roots in the Napa Valley that date back to the 1950s, a vineyard, and a grape-based beauty brand to her name, April Gargiulo is our idea of the perfect wine country tour guide. April and her family are the founders of Gargiulo Vineyards in Oakville, which made its first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon in 2000. More recently, she launched Vintner’s Daughter, her multitasking, inner glow–inducing serum with a grapeseed oil base and 21 additional carefully selected botanical ingredients (most recently approved by the Violet Code). Manufactured entirely with raw ingredients, not extracts, it is skincare created with a winemaking philosophy. Wine in the blood? We think so.
Here, the vivacious Gargiulo hands over her little black book of secret Napa spots (and some not-so-secret musts). Read on for a taste.
SLEEP
Tucked into the side of the mountain, Auberge rooms are perfectly appointed bungalows with views for days. The pool is paradise. 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA 94573; (707) 963-1211
This feels like a secret hideaway and is as luxe as you are going to find in Napa Valley. The service here is impeccable. 580 Lommel Road, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 254-2800
Meadowood is classic Napa Valley, but it feels like an East Coast outpost. You can play top-notch tennis, golf, and croquet—bring your whites! Bonus: A state-of-the-art spa just opened.
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574; (877) 963-3646
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574; (877) 963-3646
BEAUTY
Facial
Evolution Day Spa
Denise at this day spa in Downtown Napa has been my go-to for years. It’s not necessarily a “feel-good” facial, as she is highly focused on results and tailors every treatment to your specific skin needs. 1254 Trancas Street, Napa, CA 94558; (707) 481-2366
Denise at this day spa in Downtown Napa has been my go-to for years. It’s not necessarily a “feel-good” facial, as she is highly focused on results and tailors every treatment to your specific skin needs. 1254 Trancas Street, Napa, CA 94558; (707) 481-2366
Massage
A massage at this spot at the Solage Calistoga hotel is pure relaxation and includes access to the pool and spa areas. 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515; (855) 790-6023
Spa Day
This historic hot springs resort in Calistoga recently underwent a beautiful renovation while still maintaining the essential character that has made it a destination for decades. It’s not the fanciest place in town, but it is the most grounding. The mud baths and fresh spring water contain very high levels of minerals that heal and beautify the skin. 1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 942-4913
SIP
Winery Tours
I like small one-on-one tours—you’ll find that and amazing wine at Gargiulo Vineyards (my family winery), Chappellet, Mayacamas, Kelly Fleming, and Harlan Estate. Be sure to call ahead, as you’ll probably need to make an appointment. Gargiulo Vineyards: 575 Oakville Crossroad, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 944-2770; Chappellet: 1581 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 286-4219; Mayacamas: 1155 Lokoya Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 224-4030; Kelly Fleming Wines: 2339 Pickett Road, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6849; Harlan Estate: info@harlanestate.com
MAYACAMAS VINEYARDS, NAPA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRED LYON
For the Novice
I think everyone should start with a guided tour here. They do a great job of introducing people to Napa Valley wines and to our incredible history. 7801 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, CA 94562; (707) 226-1395
SAVOR
Restaurants
There are too many to choose from! One of our favorites is the bar at Redd for the best pork buns. We also love Oenotri in Downtown Napa and Mustards Grill. Redd: 6480 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-2222; Oenotri: 1425 First Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 252-1022; Mustards Grill: 7399 St. Helena Highway, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 944 2424
Bakery
This is one of my go-to places for a quick bite. They also have the very best English muffins in the world. It sounds a little crazy, but they really are the best. 1357 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574; (707) 963-8192, also located in Oxbow Public Market (see below)
Coffee
Kelly’s Filling Station in Yountville makes the best coffee. It’s a gas station, but don’t be fooled: People wait in line for the scones on the weekends. 6795 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599; (707) 944-8165
Long Lunch
The bar at Auberge du Soleil, where you can look out over the entire valley and lose yourself for the afternoon. 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA 94573; (707) 963-1211
Secret Spot
This food market isn’t too hidden, but it’s very local. It is Napa’s version of the San Francisco Ferry Terminal or Seattle’s Pike Place, with the freshest, most seasonal items from Napa Valley growers. 610-644 First Street, Napa, CA 94559; (707) 226-6529
Special Occasion
For sure. Chef Christopher Kostow is setting a high bar for dining in Napa Valley. Three-star Michelin, too, if you care about that sort of thing! 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574; (707) 967-1205
THE RESTAURANT AT MEADOWOOD, ST. HELENA
SHOP
Erin Martin is the interior designer we worked with at my family’s winery, and her eye is incredible. I always want one of everything in her shop. 1350 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574; (707) 967-8787
This fun new clothing boutique opened up in Napa last year. The hours are unpredictable, though, so call ahead! 3350 California Boulevard, Napa, CA 94558; (707) 266-2907
SEE
Hiking
There are so many beautiful places to hike in Napa. Many of them are not marked, but if you are driving and see several parked cars in the middle of nowhere, that means a trailhead is close by. Hiking to the top of Mount St. Helena is gorgeous—it’s not for the faint of heart, but the payoff is worth it. On a clear day there are views all the way to the Pacific.
Biking
By summer more than half of this still-in-progress trail will be complete. When it’s done it will be a 42-mile hiking/biking path that will run up and down the entire Napa Valley, but sections are already open. It’s our version of the New York City High Line, but you can also ride bikes on it and visit wineries and restaurants along the way.
Music
This outdoor music festival happens in Napa every year. The music, food, and wine are world class, and it’s not very crowded. It’s like Coachella or Bonnaroo, but smaller and cleaner—and with way better things to eat and drink!
WINE-INSPIRED
SKINCARE
Packed with 22 active, organic, or wild-sourced botanical ingredients (including grapeseed oil), April Gargiulo’s serum targets a multitude of skin problems, including redness, aging, and inflammation.
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VIOLET GREY has a file on everything from
the genius of Pat McGrath to
the best eyelash curler in the world.
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GLOW
A makeup look perfect for a weekend in wine country, as modeled by Liv Tyler.