Best Napa Experiences for Summer 2021

No matter your budget, there are a variety of accommodation options in the heart of California wine country to suit every traveler’s needs. According to Lorenzo, although Airbnb or VRBO options are limited, many guesthouses and hotels are available. His top tip is to book well ahead.

“Busy times tend to be around harvest, from August to November. The Valley always fills up quickly!” he cautions.

The good news? If you are a Trefethen Club Member, you will benefit from discounts offered by our selected hotel partners, or splurge on a number of luxurious spots like Auberge du Soleil – one of the finest resorts in the world. Poetry Inn and Milliken Creek are delightful, too, and there’s an excellent new Thai-themed B&B located near Trefethen called Bann.

“The owner is a well-known Thai chef in San Francisco,” shares Lorenzo. “I really want to go eat there!”

There is certainly no shortage of culinary treasures to savor while visiting Napa Valley – home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per capita in the world. Hailey and Lorenzo’s eyes both light up when they discuss the gastronomic landscape. “Don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a good meal but make sure you have a healthy appetite when you visit!” laughs Hailey.

First up, Oxbow Public Market is a must-stop for the delicious variety of options,particularly breakfast. Hailey recommends C Casa in particular – a taqueria serving handmade white corn tortillas. Another delectable breakfast spot is Southside, with several locations around town serving authentic Californian cuisine. For lunch, try the Rutherford Grill (the grilled artichoke, pork ribs, and oreo cookie cake are not to be missed) or a perennial favorite for Hailey and Lorenzo: Mustards.

“The fish tostada special is always amazing, and the pork chop is out of this world!” says Lorenzo.

As day turns to night and the Valley fills with beautiful twilight, it’s time to explore dinner options. Cook does not take reservations and serves some of Lorenzo’s favorite food in the valley. “I also adore Ad Hoc, which has a different family-style menu every night, and Compline, which makes the best burger in town. And don’t miss out on the duck fat fries!” he adds.

Both siblings also love Italian dishes and suggest making a reservation at Bistro Don Giovanni to enjoy the best outdoor patio in the Valley with its stunning statuary water fountain.

Lorenzo and Hailey are passionate advocates for their hometown. For Lorenzo, Napa Valley is exactly what you
expect it to be: a delightful landscape of grapevines, wildflowers, world-class Cabernets, and rolling hills.

“If I had to describe Napa in three words, it would be: Beautiful. Welcoming. Delicious,” he states.

Hailey agrees, “Napa exemplifies the concept of slow living. Yes, it’s becoming more dynamic and fashionable, but it’s still very much an agricultural community that moves at a relaxed pace.”

Lorenzo adds, “I’ve always been comfortable here. You only need to visit once to see what a special place this is. The things that you encounter every day are beautiful and inspiring. As a bonus, big-city culture is only an hour away in San Francisco.”

Hailey nods along with Lorenzo’s musings and adds, “Few people know that Napa Valley is the first and only Agricultural Preserve in the United States and was the first officially designated American Viticultural Area. So the environmental diversity is abundant and, most importantly, protected. The climate is also fantastic. We enjoy warm, sunny days and cool evenings. For me, there’s nothing better than sitting in my backyard at home with a glass of wine and just admiring the surrounding nature. It’s reinvigorating. There is also a wonderful sense of community.”

This concept of community is undoubtedly a cornerstone for the Trefethen family. Founder Gene Trefethen was instrumental in building so many communal institutions, from the business school at Berkeley to the Kaiser Permanente Hospital system. Later, Janet Trefethen led the way in establishing the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and played a significant hand in setting up the Napa Valley Cooking Classes that took place at Trefethen.

Following last year’s events, coming together and supporting the community is more important now than ever. “The best way to do so is not only to visit but to buy and enjoy the fruits of the valley at home as well,” encourages Lorenzo. Hailey adds: “If you do visit, share the love on your social media platforms and tag the relevant establishment.”

This summer, whether you’re planning a quick 24-hour jaunt or leisurely séjour, make sure Trefethen Family Vineyards and Napa Valley are on your bucket list.