Best Wineries in Napa for Lunch
Elegant dining experiences aren’t just an evening affair. Many of the vineyards in the Napa Valley offer world-class tasting experiences paired with delicious foods, in the middle of the day! Hungry wine tourists fear not, there’s something for everyone at those culinary-wise wineries on the Old Vine route.
So let’s talk about how to find the right wine for your favorite midday meal, and give you a little peek into what Napa’s lunch menus have to offer.
How to pick the right Wine at Lunchtime
The Napa Valley is a famous melting pot for just about any kind of cuisine you could hope to find. From American classics to upscale French, and authentic international to creative fusion, it’s all there.
Heading into the wineries, you’ll meet a host of experts who can help you figure out the best pairing for whatever dish you’re craving most. Order a tasting platter and they’ll likely have a special recommendation ready to go. But if you want a little more creative freedom, knowing how to choose wines wisely is a great tool to keep in your back pocket on any viticultural adventure.
In the middle of the day, and with a full schedule ahead, light-bodied wines (12.5% alcohol or lower) are a great way to start. For reds, you’re looking for a Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, or similar. White, Prosecco, Albarino, Riesling, etc. And of course a good rose ́ is always a safe bet. But don’t let us tell you what to enjoy.
Now, what are you having?
Rich, creamy foods like cheese or buttery pastas need something fruity and acidic to cut through the fat. A dry, springy white will pair well – think Sauvignon Blanc or similar.
You’re going to find a ton of charcuterie options in Napa, featuring all the best pork products the valley has to offer. Can we suggest a Grenache to go with your cornucopia?
Beef will need something a little stronger to stand up to its rich flavors – a number of Napa wineries specialize in bold Cabernet Sauvignons that are equally at home with a burger as they are a filet mignon. Find them here: Best Napa Wineries for Cab Sauv
Vegetables, white fish, and foods with a more delicate flavor profile all need a partner that will complement their palate without overwhelming the subtler tastes. A dry, effervescent rosé does the trick every time.
Best Wineries for Lunch in Napa Valley
- V Sattui. At this iconic and award-winning winery, lunch-goers are invited to experience their bold selection of wines alongside a number of lunchtime dining options.
An onsite marketplace offers everything you could ever want to build a luxurious Italian-inspired picnic, including sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards, which you are welcomed to take with you to enjoy on the grounds.
Or, if you like staying closer to home, local food trucks visit on the weekends to serve hot, melty, made-to-order pizzas, which pair exquisitely with their 2023 Albarino and a wander through the vines.
Darioush. Named for its founder, who grew up in the Persian village of Shiraz, one of the birthplaces of winemaking, Darioush offers several tiers of exquisite lunchtime culinary experiences to pair with their beautiful bottles.
Visitors with lighter appetites will feel sated after the on-site artisanal cheese tasting event, featuring local flavors and limited-release wines. Or, you can book their Signature Mezze table, offering a range of small Persian plates paired expertly with their collection of Cab Sauvs.
Step up your lunchtime with Darioush’s Culture of Wine experience for yourself and up to 5 guests. This unique offering begins with wine, canapes, and a tour of the grounds, followed by a multi-course lunch with a curated wine list.
Finally, sign up early for your chance to grab a seat at their invite-only lunch featuring chef-selected Persian delicacies, a bottle of the estate’s most desirable vintage, and the story of the founder’s journey, from then to now.
- Ashes and Diamonds. This wild winery offers an experience that skirts the boundary between new and old – in their wine, in their food, in their architecture.
Visitors to the vineyard are invited to dine in the estate’s iconic mid-century modern tasting rooms, complete with a perfect view of the ancient, rolling California hills. In addition to wine-only tasting experiences, your party may enjoy a curated cheese portfolio, complete with house made focaccia, cultured butter, and 5 of their signature bottles.
In the mood for something a little more substantial? Book a luncheon and enjoy a prix fixe menu curated and crafted by their team of chefs. Each dish is prepared family-style, and made to match the seasons – a second visit may feature a totally different menu, but always totally Californian. Of course, you also get to taste their exquisite wines alongside.
Take a Tour with Old Vine Wine Tours
There are so many great vineyards offering delicious lunches to choose from. So why should you? Indulge your senses with a curated culinary tour from Old Vine Wine Tours, and let yourself dive deep into all that the Napa Valley wine scene has to offer.