Monday Musings: A Napa Winter Getaway Reset

I wore my faux-leather pants, a cozy black turtleneck, comfortable retro sneakers, and my old-as-the-hills, faux shearling vest. I layered on a few necklaces and called it done. When your feet hurt, you do what you can to not slip on wet pavement and look your best.

We shared three flights…white, red, and Cabernet…because moderation looks a little different for us now than it did years ago. We loved our sommelier.

He was knowledgeable, relaxed, and incredibly generous with his expertise. He helped us map out our itinerary for the next few days, which was a lifesaver, given we’d booked almost everything last-minute. Sometimes, it really does pay to just ask the person who knows what they’re talking about.

Dinner that night was at Bottega, and I am still thinking about the shaved Brussels sprout appetizer. I may or may not attempt to recreate it at home. Results are firmly TBD.

The next morning was devoted entirely to the spa. We all opted for hot stone massages, and my husband even braved his very first facial, aptly named the “Caveman Facial.” I’ll say nothing more, except that he emerged looking refreshed and slightly confused, which felt exactly right.

We settled on two tastings per day, which turned out to be our “sweet spot.” Over the last few years, we’ve significantly cut back on wine for the sake of health and sleep, but the ritual of tasting is still a joy…especially when the wine is world-class, and the Napa scenery is doing its thing in the background.

Before heading into Napa proper, we detoured to downtown Healdsburg for lunch and a little retail therapy. The boutiques there are dangerous, but I’m calling my find a win. The sale rack was swarming with shoppers, but I managed to snag a pretty little Celine wallet for 50% off… note the smile above.

Our tasting journey took us from the beautiful boutique grounds of Ehlers Estate to the Mayacamas tasting room in downtown Napa. We capped the night at Waterfront Seafood Grill for an early dinner. We are now firmly in our “back at the hotel by 9:00 PM” era, and honestly? We love it here.

Day two began at Matthiasson, an organic, rustic winery that felt wonderfully grounded. We sat on the terrace overlooking the vineyards, listening to birds while we sipped. They have birdhouses—and even an owl house—scattered across the property; their focus on integrating local flora and fauna was a lovely reminder that wine, at its heart, is simply agriculture.

From there, we transitioned to the striking architecture of Cuvaison. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking rolling green hills, it was the perfect backdrop for a few of our favorite Chardonnays. It was a flawless final tasting before our last dinner in town—all via cab, of course, because we are nothing if not responsible.

Napa reminded me that you don’t need a week-long itinerary—or even a perfect hotel—to feel refreshed. Sometimes you just need a pause, a change of scenery, and time with the people you love. (Preferably with a world-class Brussels sprout appetizer thrown in.)

We often wait for the “perfect” time to rest, but if I learned anything this week, it’s that the reset happens in the pause, not the planning. I hope you find your own version of a blank to-do list this week, even if it’s just for an afternoon. We all need a little more “someday” in our right now.

The Napa Reset: A Quick Reference

• The Vibe: Relaxed, intentional, and schedule-free.
• Where to Sip: * RH Tasting Lounge (Yountville): For high-end design and incredible fireplaces.
  • Ehlers Estate: Beautiful boutique experience.
  • Matthiasson: Organic, grounded, and perfect for bird-watching while you sip.
  • Cuvaison: Stunning glass architecture and rolling green hills.
• Where to Eat: * Bottega: Order the shaved Brussels sprout appetizer (trust me).
  • Waterfront Seafood Grill: Great for an early, high-quality dinner.
• Pro Tip: If you’ve been putting off a local trip, stop waiting. The best time for a reset is usually right now.