There’s a very good reason that the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley County are considered the best of the best for wine as they sit shoulder- to-shoulder just north of the San Francisco Bay. And there’s no better time to go than autumn, as it is harvest time and the weather is sublime. It doesn’t have to be the busy fall harvest season to plan a trip to those two Northern California gems. If you’re a foodie, go at any time of the year for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Napa wineries used to simply offer wine tastings. Today, it’s common for Napa wineries to have talented chefs creating five (or more)-course meals during daytime hours. St. Francis Winery has been one of Sonoma Valley’s mainstays since 1971. With the addition of a spectacular mission-style tasting room in 1999 and their acclaimed Wine & Food Pairing ($125) beginning in the early 2010’s, they’ve made themselves a must-stop visit in the county. Seasonal menus created by Chef Peter Janiak might include delectably spicy fried green tomatoes paired with their Sauvignon Blanc and hearty Eggplant Albóndigas enhanced by the “Caro Santo” Sangiovese.
Excerpt Taken From: Los Angeles Times
Author: Jenny Peters
