{"id":15952,"date":"2016-01-14T01:00:25","date_gmt":"2016-01-14T09:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/?p=15952"},"modified":"2025-09-02T11:43:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T18:43:17","slug":"experience-france-napa-valley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/blog\/experience-france-napa-valley\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Experience France in Napa Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\r\nOoh la la! Are you craving that home cooked meal in that little bistro in France? Are you daydreaming about a fairy tale chateau with the most incredible wine? Are you missing your daily game of petanque? Look no further. You can experience it all in the Napa Valley. So put on your beret and let\u2019s get started.\r\n

Learn French Bistro Cooking<\/h1>\r\n\"culinary-institute-america-680\"\r\n

Image Source: The Culinary Institute of America<\/h6>\r\nThe Culinary Institute of America\r\n
\r\n2555 Main Street\r\n
\r\nSaint Helena, CA 94574\r\n
\r\n(707) 967-1100\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4 stars, 202 reviews\r\n

\r\nIf you prefer to cook your own French comfort food, then the Bistro Boot Camp at The Culinary Institute of America is for you. Get ready to learn how to bake, saut\u00e9, and braise classic French recipes. Taught by Master Chefs, you will discover that a simple omelet is really not that simple. There really is a proper way to slice a pecan pie and dice an onion. Taught in a professional kitchen, you will dress the part in your own chef\u2019s uniform. Don\u2019t worry about taking notes, you get to take home all the recipes. At the end you may even open up your own French bistro.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> The building itself is full of history\u2014a must see is the historic corkscrew museum.\r\n

Taste Bubbles in a French Domaine<\/h1>\r\n\"domaine-carneros\"\r\n

Image Source: Domaine Carneros<\/h6>\r\nDomaine Carneros\r\n
\r\n1240 Duhig Road\r\n
\r\nNapa, CA 94559\r\n
\r\n(707) 257 0101\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4 Stars, 729 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Not required\r\n

\r\nWhat better way to start your day then with bubbles in a French owned Domaine overlooking vineyards! Owned by the famous French champagne family Taittinger, Domaine Carneros produces California sparkling wines. If bubbles are not for you, then try their red wine sampler. Take a tour, order a cheese plate, or\u2014if you are really feeling posh\u2014try the caviar plate. It is \u201cfaux pas\u201d to stand and sip bubbles, so all tastings are seated either inside the luxurious\u00a0salon or outside on their garden terrace.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> If you want to get away from the crowds, try the Connoisseur\u2019s Tasting for a private tour that includes cheese and smoked salmon.\r\n

The Judgement of Paris<\/h1>\r\n\"chateau-montelena-winery\"\r\n

Image Source: Chateau Montelena<\/h6>\r\nChateau Montelena\r\n
\r\n1429 Tubbs Lane\r\n
\r\nCalistoga, CA 94513\r\n
\r\n(707) 942-5105\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4 stars, 319 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Not required\r\n

\r\nContinue your French adventure and add a little bit of history to your itinerary with a visit to Chateau Montelena. Not only will the ivy covered stone castle overlooking vineyards transport you to old world France, but so will the wines. The 1973 Chardonnay was declared \u201cBest in the World\u201d during a blind tasting in Paris and the wines are still produced using traditional Burgundian and Bordeaux winemaking techniques. The stone walled tasting room is small and cozy. Don\u2019t forget to take a look at the bottle of 1973 Chardonnay which is displayed proudly in the tasting room.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> Finding your way to the winery can be tricky with dirt roads and little signage, so use your GPS.\r\n

Enjoy a Food and Wine Tasting<\/h1>\r\n\"vgs-chateau-potelle-680\"\r\n

Image Source: Yelp<\/h6>\r\nVGS Chateau Potelle\r\n
\r\n1200 Dowdell Lane,\r\n
\r\nSt. Helena, CA 94574\r\n
\r\n(707) 255-9440\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 5 stars, 42 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Required\r\n

\r\nWant to make your French wine dreams a reality? Then go no further than that little white house with the yellow door right off of Highway 29. VGS Chateau Potelle was established in 1983 by Jean-Noel & Marketta Fourmeaux. Taste French exclusive varieties made in the old world style. Ask for a taste of the VGS \u201cThe Illegitimate.\u201d The blend changes each year, but it remains versatile enough to pair with food. Come hungry, the food is prepared by Chef Ken Frank of renowned La Toque restaurant.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> For a truly special experience, reserve The Lunch above the Clouds that includes a walk through the vineyards, tastings, and a full lunch.\r\n

Taste First Growth Wine in Napa Valley<\/h1>\r\n\"opus-one-winery\"\r\n

Image Source: Opus One<\/h6>\r\nOpus One\r\n
\r\n7900 St. Helena Hwy\r\n
\r\nOakville, CA 94562\r\n
\r\n(707) 944-9442\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4 stars, 249 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Recommended\r\n

\r\nFor the ultimate French wine adventure, you cannot miss Opus One. Old world meets new world in both the Bordeaux wine and the iconic winery design. Opus One is a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Ch\u00e2teau Mouton Rothschild. This is not your typical tasting room. Unlike other wineries, no need to\u00a0walk up to a bar for\u00a0a flight of wines to taste. Instead, you get one glass of their current release iconic wine.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> Go to the rooftop terrace for fantastic photo ops of the mountainous backdrop.\r\n

Sinful and Decadent Baked French Goods<\/h1>\r\n\"bouchon-bakery-680\"\r\n

Image Source: Yelp<\/h6>\r\nBouchon Bakery\r\n
\r\n6540 Washington St\r\n
\r\nYountville, CA 94599\r\n
\r\n(707) 944-2253\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4 stars, 2,018 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Not required\r\n

\r\nBouchon Bakery delivers traditional French pastries, breads, and decadent sweet treats that are\u00a0perfect any time of the day. Located in the middle of Yountville, it will be easy to spot with the long line outside the door. Once inside you will be mesmerized by the display cases of baked goods that look too good to eat. They also offer a small assortment of savory sandwiches, quiche, and salads. Sit on the patio, relax with a huge salted caramel macaron and iced coffee, and imagine yourself in France.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> The lines are shorter during the weekday mornings and about an hour before they close.\r\n

Rustic French Dining<\/h1>\r\n\"bistro-jeanty\"\r\n

Image Source: Bistro Jeanty<\/h6>\r\nBistro Jeanty\r\n
\r\n6510 Washington St.\r\n
\r\nYountville, Ca 94599\r\n
\r\n(707) 944-0103\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4 stars, 1,416 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Not required\r\n

\r\nFor classic French comfort food, look no further than Bistro Jeanty. Understated and unpretentious, you will be transported to the French countryside. Along with daily specials that are listed on a chalkboard, the menu includes coq au vin, cassoulet, and Boeuf Bourguignon. If you had enough wine for the day, order a cocktail from the full bar. Bring your furry best friend and sit outside on the covered and heated terrace.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b>\u00a0For a true French appetizer, order the\u00a0P\u00e2t\u00e9 de Campagne, a country style p\u00e2t\u00e9 paired with escargot.\r\n

On Every Foodie\u2019s Bucket List<\/h1>\r\n\"french-laundry\"\r\n

Image Source: The French Laundry<\/h6>\r\nThe French Laundry\r\n
\r\n6640 Washington St\r\n
\r\nYountville, CA 94599\r\n
\r\n(707) 944-2380\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4 stars, 999 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Recommended\r\n

\r\nThe French Laundry is the equivalent of a cult winery. It\u2019s hard to get in, there\u2019s a long waiting list, and it\u2019s a splurge. Known for elevated French cuisine, the two menus change daily and no two ingredients are ever repeated. For the ultimate in decadence, try the oysters and pearls. The wine cellar is extensive and includes some of the best wines in the world. You can\u2019t go wrong with letting the sommelier help with the pairing. The food is not rushed so be prepared to spend at least three to four hours for the meal. If this isn\u2019t on your bucket list, add it now!\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> After your meal ask to see the kitchen where all the magic happens.\r\n

Play Petanque<\/h1>\r\n\"clos-du-val-winery-680\"\r\n

Image Source: Yelp and Clos du Val Winery<\/h6>\r\nClos du Val Winery\r\n
\r\n5330 Silverado Trail\r\n
\r\nNapa, CA 94558\r\n
\r\n(707) 261-5251\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4 stars, 145 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Recommended\r\n

\r\nIf you are ready for a little playful French fun, then go to Clos du Val winery and play a game of petanque, the French version of bocce ball. Do a wine tasting, pick out a favorite wine, and then engage in some friendly competition. Anyone can play and not much skill is required. There is no need to bring game equipment, the winery has everything you need. Invite others to play and make new friends.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> Stop at the Oakville Grocery Store and pick up French picnic food like cheese, charcuterie, and crusty bread for your afternoon of fun.\r\n

Dare to Blend Your Own Bordeaux Wine<\/h1>\r\n\"raymond-vineyards-680\"\r\n

Image Source: Yelp<\/h6>\r\nRaymond Vineyards\r\n
\r\n849 Zinfandel Lane\r\n
\r\nSaint Helena, CA 94574\r\n
\r\n(707) 963-3141\r\n
\r\nTripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 156 reviews\r\n
\r\nReservations: Recommended\r\n

\r\nFor a truly unique two hours go to Raymond Vineyards and blend your own Bordeaux style wine. Walk into a room with black lights, a disco ball, and lots of stainless steel. Put on a silver robe, taste four wines, and learn the art of blending. While at Raymond Vineyards, you\u00a0can make three wine blends, bottle your\u00a0favorite, and attach your own personalized label. Whether it\u2019s the left bank or right bank, you can make your own version of a classic Bordeaux style wine here.\r\n

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> Dress in layers, the room is freezing.\r\n

Vive la France!<\/h1>\r\n\"bastille-day-680\"\r\n

Image Source: Yelp<\/h6>\r\nBastille Day \u2013 Yountville, CA\r\n
\r\n6534 Washington Street\r\n
\r\nYountville CA 94599\r\n
\r\n(707) 944-8037\r\n

\r\nCelebrate Bastille Day, the French equivalent of Independence Day, in downtown Yountville every July. Although this is the second biggest celebration of the holiday in the San Francisco Bay Area, there is still a small town feel. Come hungry and taste the French food and wine. Dance to the live music, watch the children play games, and take your turn trying to dunk a local celebrity in the dunk tank.

\r\nInsider tip:<\/b> To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance for the activities, food, and wine.\r\n

\r\nIf you can\u2019t make it to France then let Napa Valley bring France to you. The wine, the food, and the fun are sure to transform you to another world.","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ooh la la! Are you craving that home cooked meal in that little bistro in France? Are you daydreaming about a fairy tale chateau with the most incredible wine? Are you missing your daily game of petanque? Look no further. You can experience it all in the Napa Valley.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":16844,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[99,81,84,85,116,82,111,83],"class_list":["post-15952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-attractions","tag-calistoga","tag-napa","tag-oakville-rutherford","tag-restaurants","tag-st-helena","tag-wine-tasting","tag-yountville"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15952"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15952"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69661,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15952\/revisions\/69661"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}