JUST CHECKED OUT: MOVE OVER NAPA... SONOMA IS OUR NEW LOVE

October 30, 2022

Northern California's Sonoma County is a dream haven for wine and food lovers. The area's diverse geography and multitude of microclimates provide an optimal environment for producing world-class, terroir-driven wines, fruits and vegetables. Sonoma is home to more than 425 wineries and nearly 60,000 acres of vineyards that span 19 American Viticultural Areas from the Pacific Coast to the Mayacamas Mountains.

I recently headed to Sonoma for a five night stay to scout the area. I slept in the beds, experienced 10 different vineyards, taste tested 12 restaurants and came back with an innovative itinerary for future #Mapps bookings.

SONOMA

STAY: I stayed at the New Madrona and Montage Healdsburg Resort & Spa

GETTING HERE: 90 minute drive from SFO Airport.

DINING: Top 3 favs: Barn Diva, Valette and Spoonbar.

WINERIES: Top 3 favs: Skipstone, Croix and Verite.

MAPPS X MONTAGE & MADRONA: Special nightly rates, complimentary daily breakfast and food and beverage credits. Nightly rates start at $1250 a night per room plus taxes and service fees.

MAPPS TIP: Stop in Mill Valley for lunch on the way to Sonoma. We loved our meal at The Watershed.

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: WHERE TO STAY & EAT IN BIG SUR

August 5, 2021

Starting in San Francisco and working your way down the jaw-dropping Pacific Coast Highway, over the iconic Bixby Bridge, ( cue the soundtrack from Big Little Lies please ) one will find themselves speechless as they descend upon Big Sur and Carmel Valley, the crown jewels of Northern California. The destination has long been a glorious weekend escape for the discerning traveler, who has been drawn time and time again to the dramatic landscape, the unique lodge offerings and the charming town lined with farm to table restaurants, local art galleries, wine tasting rooms and boutique shops. Be prepared to see mother nature show off her wild side on the spectacular rugged beaches and the endless hiking trails, lined with magnificent redwoods encompassed by that famous morning glory fog. The romance game is other level here, perfect for a proposal, anniversary celebration or just because. Our take on Big Sur below—

STAY

Post Ranch Inn https://www.postranchinn.com/

MAPPS X Post Ranch Inn: Special nightly rates, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

EAT

Big Sur Bakery: https://www.bigsurbakery.com/

Nepenthe: https://www.nepenthe.com/

Sierra Mar: https://www.postranchinn.com/dining/

Big Sur Roadhouse: https://glenoaksbigsur.com/big-sur-roadhouse/

Let's Get Packing

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: NAPA'S FAMOUS CHEF POPS UP IN OJAI, CALIFORNIA THIS WINTER

November 10, 2020

The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa is taking their famous show on the road this winter. From January 6 to February 28, 2021, The Farmhouse at Ojaj Valley Inn and Spa will welcome Chef Christopher Kostow for a pop-up Winter Residency.

Chef Kostow will present a six-course meal for the senses reflective of the Michelin Guide 3-star experience at The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley. The dinner will feature local ingredients grown in both Napa and Ojai that celebrate the stories of the artisans, growers, and foragers of these dynamic California valleys.

$495 per person includes wine pairings, exclusive of tax. Reservations are required and seating is extremely limited. Guests will be seated exclusively with the parties they book with rather than a communal dining table.

Tickets will go on sale at 10:00 AM PST on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

About Christopher Kostow

Christopher Kostow is the critically acclaimed chef of The Restaurant at Meadowood in St. Helena, California and the third youngest chef to ever receive three Michelin stars. Kostow draws upon his own American upbringing and the singular beauty and bounty of the Napa Valley to cook food that is thoughtful, personal, and in concert with his community and collaborators.

Christopher, a Chicago native, graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in philosophy before moving to the kitchen. He has cooked with celebrated chefs such as Trey Foshee of Georges at the Cove in San Diego, Campton Place in San Francisco with Daniel Humm and Le Jardin des Sens in Montpellier, France. After earning two Michelin stars at Chez TJ in Mountain View, Kostow arrived at The Restaurant at Meadowood in 2008. He has since been chosen as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chefs in 2009 and holds an award from the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef: Pacific 2013.

Ten Speed Press published Christopher’s debut book, A New Napa Cuisine, in 2014. In 2015, his work was awarded “Book of the Year” by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

MAPPS X OJAI VALLEY INN: Special nightly rates, upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast and a $100.00 resort credit.

ROOMS: 306 spacious rooms and suites, most with fireplaces, terraces and spectacular mountain and golf course views.

ACTIVITIES: Swim, Spa, Tennis, Golf, Horseback Riding, Biking, Sailing, Rock Climbing, Whale Watching, Fishing, Hiking, Bee Keeping Lessons and Jeep Tours.

GETTING HERE: 90 minutes from Los Angeles, 45 minutes from Santa Barbara, 4.5 hours from Marin County and 6 hours from San Francisco by car.

IDEAL TRAVELER: Couples seeking a romantic getaway, families looking for an active escape or a group looking to gather together to celebrate a special occasion.

Ready to eat and drink? Click here

SPECIAL EDITION: THE NAPA VALLEY GUIDE

May 18, 2020

Napa Valley is one of those destinations that is absolutely perfect anytime of year. Regardless of season, you are always guaranteed amazing views, food and, of course, wine. There are over 400 vineyards in Napa Valley, each offering different experiences. Vineyard tours vary from a simple stroll through the grounds to more advanced tours of production facilities, cave exploration, guided lessons about the the aging process, and tasting rooms offering food pairings. So grab a glass of your favorite California Pinot Noir and get planning XX Elisa

STAY

AUBERGE DU SOLEIL: Nestled among a 33-acre olive grove, high in the spectacular Rutherford Hills, lies Auberge du Soleil, a luxury Napa icon for over thirty years. The 50 cottage-like room interiors, done in sun and earth tones, have wood-burning fireplaces, patios and terraces and were created by none other then legendary California designer Michael Taylor. There's an elegant restaurant serving beautiful french cuisine, plus a bistro and a bar. Other amenities include a spa, an outdoor pool, a gym and an Asian-style yoga pavilion, as well as a sculpture garden. Did we mention that Quintessa Winery, one of our Napa favorites to date, is just across the street?

BARDESSONO: Located in downtown Yountville, Bardessono’s bragging rights include one of the best locations in the valley. Yountville is the center for many world class restaurants, and the town is only footsteps away from this luxury eco-friendly hotel and spa. Guests can expect sexy, sleek décor, large rooms with modern amenities, lush green grounds, and exceptional standout service. Lucy’s Restaurant and Bar, located inside the hotel, is a perfect spot for apres-dinner cocktails and conversation.

CALISTOGA RANCH RESORT AND SPA: Hidden high up in the hills, this fifty-room Auberge Resort ( sister property Auberge du Soleil) focuses on reconnecting and revitalizing guests through the beauty of its surroundings. A private lake, rock-hewn stream and hiking trails make the grounds pretty exceptional and up the romance game a notch. Each nature-chic lodge features an outdoor shower, gas fireplace and private deck. As an added bonus, the ranch has a private vineyard on site, offering guests the experience to join the pruning, harvesting and crushing of the grapes during the fall season.

*Editor’s note: Calistoga is currently closed and under renovation.

MEADOWOOD: This secluded hotel nestled in the heart of Napa Valley is a true gem. The sprawling estate’s accommodations come with all the classic trimmings, from stone fireplaces to vaulted ceilings and white linens. Adults can indulge in a generous collection of amenities such as golf, tennis, croquet, swimming and spa treatments, while the children attend sports camp. Hooray! Food aficionados will enjoy the customized wine pairings, culinary and craft cocktail classes and an award winning restaurant that draws from the hotel’s bountiful farm.

*Editor’s note: Meadowood is currently closed and under renovation.

*MAPPS has preferred partnerships will all the hotels listed above. When booking with MAPPS, clients receive best available rate, complimentary upgrade, subject to availability, complimentary daily breakfast and food/beverage/spa credits.

EAT

ARCHETYPE: This neighborhood farm-to-table spot serves up killer dishes all day long. The lemon ricotta pancakes draw long brunch lines, while the crab cakes and tater tots hit the spot after a long day of vino.

BISTRO JEANTY: Yountville X Paris here. Chef Philippe Jeanty has been turning out greatest hits for over 20 years. We highly recommend the French onion soup and coq au vin.

CICCIO: Owned by local wine producers, this family-owned casual Italian spot in Yountville serves their house rosé, white, and red blends, alongside homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and organic garden greens. Walk-ins only.

EVANGELINE: Request a table on the outside patio that is draped in gorgeous wisteria and indulge in French classics done right like shrimp etouffee and steak frites.

FARMSTEAD RESTAURANT AT LONG MEADOW RANCH: Centered around an open kitchen, Farmstead delivers a unique experience focused on family-style dining and a farm-to-table menu sourced from the estates winery and farm. Once a month, the eatery hosts an event where guests can gather around the fire pit alongside highly acclaimed guest chefs and watch them roast, smoke and sear a feast served to them right from the flames, paired with Long Meadow Ranch wines.

FRENCH LAUNDRY: Named “Best Restaurant in the World” by Restaurant Magazine, Thomas Keller's French Laundry has a big reputation to live up to, and it delivers every time. No ingredient is ever repeated in the nine-course course tasting menu, and the food is always inventive and delicious. Reservations book months in advance, so plan accordingly to experience this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

LA TABERNA: A modern take on a classic Spanish tavern serving excellent tapas such as papas bravas, carrots & Brussels sprouts, chicken empanadas, clams with over-the-top flan and spanish wines.

PRESS: One of the best restaurants in Napa, this modern American steakhouse features decor and a wine list as chic and sophisticated as the guests that frequent it. Book a table outside or pull up a stool at the gorgeous handcrafted walnut bar.

SOLBAR: Inside, guests can enjoy Solbar's elegant grey-schemed decor and innovative California soul food dishes. Outside, Solbar boasts the best terrace Napa has to offer, with glowing fire pits, a small bites menu and stunning mountain views.

RESTAURANT AT MEADOWOOD: Arguably one of the best in California, Michelin-starred head chef Christopher Kostow and top mixologist Sam Levy curate smart, sophisticated menus reflecting the property's farm's glory and the chef's passion for local sustainable cuisine. Sam’s famous “whisky for breakfast” is not to be missed.

TORC: American eatery serving local, farm-inspired fare and variety of menu options, from bar bites to its rotating three-course prix fixe menu with wine pairings.

VINEYARDS

There are over 400 vineyards in Napa Valley, each offering different experiences. Vineyard tours vary from a simple stroll through the grounds to more advanced tours of production facilities, cave exploration, guided lessons about the the aging process, and tasting rooms offering food pairings. Plan on two-to-four vineyards per day during your visit to Napa Valley. Here are our top ten favorites:

Cade Estate
360 Howell Mountain Rd. S, Angwin, CA 94508
+1 707 965 2746

Cakebread
8300 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558
+1 707 963 5222

Castello di Amorosa

4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
+1 707 967 6272

Chateau Montelena Winery
1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
+1 707 942 5105

Clos Pegase

1060 Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
+1 707 942 4981

Inglenook
1991 St Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573
+ 1 707 968 1100

Nickel and Nickel
8164 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558
+1 707 967 9600

Schramsberg
1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
+1 707 942 4558

Spottswoode Winery
1902 Madrona Ave, St Helena, CA 94574
+1 707 963 0134

Quintessa
1601 Silverado Trail S, St Helena, CA 94574
+1 707 967 1601

RENT A BIKE: Napa Valley Bike Tours does rides along the 12.5 miles of the Napa Valley Vine Trail.

CULINARY CLASS: Private chef/instructor Julie Logue-Riordan (Cooking with Julie) focuses on cooking with local ingredients. Julie takes clients on tours of the Napa or St. Helena Farmers Markets to shop and meet the artisans before teaching hands-on three-course lunch classes.

NAPA VALLEY BALLOONS: For those seeking a bit of adventure, NVB offers one hour tours with an experienced private guide, educating guests on all local points of interest and showcasing the exquisite beauty of the valley from high above.

PICNIC LUNCH: Reserve a picnic table or private cabana and enjoy a picnic lunch at Rutherford Winery. This coveted spot is set up high above the valley floor with the best panoramic views of Napa Valley. Stop by Oxbow Public Market, a gourmet farmers market with every offering imaginable to fill your picnic basket. For those who prefer to order lunch, swing by Ad Hoc-Addendum which is an addition to Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc family, that serves up boxed lunches to go.

UPTOWN THEATER: A historic Napa landmark, offering amazing live show performances with world class headliners.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

GETTING HERE: One hour from San Francisco by car.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: March - October.

IDEAL TRAVELER: Couples, groups of friends or ladies weekend. Foodie and Winos #obv

P.S. Napa’s vineyards and dining are spread out over several towns so renting a car or hiring a driver is essential here. Vineyard wine tastings and tours require reservations and many book months in advance. Contact info@mapps.com to start planning. We thoughtfully curate each day by area, planning all of your vineyard tours with top sommeliers and dining based upon your style and budget.