{"id":45479,"date":"2021-01-02T22:18:22","date_gmt":"2021-01-03T06:18:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/?p=45479"},"modified":"2024-09-18T04:35:43","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T11:35:43","slug":"new-in-napa-valley-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/blog\/new-in-napa-valley-in-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"New in Napa Valley 2021: Where to Sip, Savor, Stay, and Shop"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n\r\n\r\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After a challenging 2020 that included not only a pandemic, but several devastating wildfires, Napa Valley<\/a> should be at the top of your list for 2021 travel. In spite of the hardships, plenty of exciting new businesses \u2014 from restaurants and hotels to wineries and boutique shops \u2014 opened their doors recently to further diversify Napa\u2019s world-class offerings in all things wine, food, and R&R.<\/p>\r\n

While this Wine Country destination is unfortunately kicking off the new year under lockdown due to Covid-19, Napa Valley is expected to safely reopen to visitors by mid-to-late January and the time to start planning is now.<\/p>\r\n

Please note: Napa County is currently under a stay-at-home order. Non-essential travel is prohibited, but hotels are accepting reservations for future stays. Please visit our Covid news page<\/a> for more information and updates.<\/em><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Stay<\/h2>\r\n

There are three new hotels for you to consider when booking your Napa Valley accommodations. Bann at Oak Knoll Napa<\/a> is a sweet little bed and breakfast that looks nothing like any other hotel in the area. Formerly the Oak Knoll Inn, Bann is decorated to reflect the traditional design of homes found in three different regions in Thailand. Each room and suite is unique with bright colors and an array of fun textures, materials, and patterns. The property has decks and pergolas for lounging, a pool and spa, and offers complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea service.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45486″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/bannnapa.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Napa Valley\u2019s northernmost and arguably-sleepiest town of Calistoga is in the middle of a renaissance, thanks in part to new, luxury hotels. One of Calistoga\u2019s oldest resorts, Dr. Wilkinson\u2019s, has just wrapped up a head-to-toe renovation and will be open for reservations starting mid-January. The resort dates back to 1952 and was allegedly the town\u2019s original wellness resort that tourists sought out for relaxation in the spring-fed mineral pools and mud baths. Post-makeover, Dr. Wilkinson\u2019s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs<\/a> stays true to its roots \u2014 and the iconic neon sign remains \u2014 but now it\u2019s all shiny, contemporary, and new with a totally-chic, reimagined spa and a restaurant, House of Better.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45491″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/drwilkinson.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley<\/a> on the edge of downtown Calistoga (Take the Silverado Trail north from Napa until it ends) was set to open in 2020, but like many new businesses, they were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The resort is now set to open in early 2021 and features a pool, spa, multiple dining options, and even a winery, run by top Napa Valley winemaker Thomas River Brown, who\u2019s been awarded 23 100-point scores from wine critic Robert Parker throughout his career. When making your reservation, snag one of the vineyard view rooms \u2014 relaxing, light-filled accommodations complete with vaulted ceilings, in-room fireplaces, and stunning views of vineyards and the Palisades Mountains.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45481″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/napavalley\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Sip<\/h2>\r\n

New Spots for Wine<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

There are a handful of new Napa Valley wineries to visit and taste at. Please note: these are all appointment-only. One of the most exciting new winery openings is Faust Haus<\/a>, a four-year restoration project in an 1800s Victorian that sits on a hilltop overlooking Hwy 29. It\u2019s the first-ever home for longtime Napa cabernet brand Faust Wines, which specializes in wines from Napa Valley\u2019s up-and-coming Coombsville AVA. The views of the valley and vineyards below are unmatched, while the sophisticated, simple, and at times eclectic interior is a design lover\u2019s dream. Make sure you check out the Prohibition-era cellar before you leave.<\/p>\r\n

For a low key wine tasting of high-end vino, swing by the Oasis by Hoopes<\/a>, which has stripped away all pomp and circumstance in favor of a more casual atmosphere featuring a regenerative farm, garden, airstreams, farm stand, and animal sanctuary (they\u2019ve got a donkey, turkey, chickens, goats, and more).<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”46007″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.hoopesvineyard.com\/oasis-by-hoopes\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

BRION<\/a> is unique in that the owner has recruited not one, but three rockstar Napa winemakers, each focused on crafting a single-vineyard cabernet sauvignon from a region of Napa Valley that they\u2019re most familiar with. The winery and tasting room, which opened to visitors at the end of 2020, have been built into a carefully restored bank barn (one of just two remaining in California), offering a one-of-a-kind tasting experience that takes place far off the main road with a view of the estate vineyards.<\/p>\r\n

In St. Helena, longtime family-owned wine brand Lang & Reed<\/a> recently opened a new, cozy tasting salon just a block off the town\u2019s Main Street. Lang & Reed does things differently, focusing on the production of cabernet franc and chenin blanc, two grape varieties you won\u2019t find bottled by themselves too often in Napa Valley. Sit out on the quiet front porch of the tasting room and sip away the afternoon in the bucolic St. Helena, where you can also do some shopping and dining when you\u2019re done.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45489″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.brandnapavalley.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Finally, BRAND Napa Valley<\/a> isn\u2019t technically new, but it does have new ownership, which unveiled a stunning winery and tasting room redesign in 2020. Located high up on Napa\u2019s esteemed Pritchard Hill, this is definitely one of those off-the-beaten-path gems for fine wine lovers and collectors.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

\r\n A Perfect Pairing<\/h3>\r\n

Salt and acid are scientifically proven to be a great culinary match and this concept has inspired a trio of Napa Valley wineries to experiment with a different kind of food and wine pairing experience. Shaking things up from the standard wine and cheese experiences in Wine Country, Shadowbox Cellars<\/a>, Silver Trident Winery<\/a>, and Markham Vineyards<\/a> have all launched unique and super-casual wine and potato chip pairings. Each wine is carefully paired with a different flavored chip, like Dry Aged Ribeye or Hawaiian Red Sea Salt at Shadowbox.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45483″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” href=”\/\/nvaloft.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content“” target=”“_blank“” link=”https:\/\/markhamvineyards.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

\r\n New Wine Bars<\/h3>\r\n

There are two new wine bars in Napa and each is specifically catered to a certain type of wine lover. Bar Lucia<\/a> in the Oxbow Public Market pours all things pink. Patrons can ros\u00e9 all day year-round with more than a dozen of local, small production ros\u00e9s produced several ways: still, sparkling, frozen, and sometimes in a can. There are a handful of whites and reds for those who are feeling more traditional and as for food, Bar Lucia has small plates like dips and charcuterie boards, salads, and sandwiches.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45487″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/barlucia.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

True to its name, Be Bubbly<\/a> in downtown Napa proves that sparkling wine isn\u2019t just for special occasions. The menu features bubbles from all over the globe \u2014 Champagnes, Proseccos, Cavas, and more \u2014 in a wide range of price points with small bites (caviar, charcuterie, cheesy sticks, etc.) to pair.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45488″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/bebubblynapa.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

\r\n Something Different<\/h3>\r\n

If you need a palate cleanser during a Napa Valley visit, head to the new California Brandy House<\/a>, which opened downtown at First Street Napa at the end of 2020. Sip through a flight of California\u2019s luxury brandies made from California wine grapes \u2014 including single-barrel samples that you can\u2019t get anywhere else \u2014 from producers Argonaut and Germain-Robin. You can even take home a custom-engraved bottle to enjoy throughout the rest of the year (or give as a gift).<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45490″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.californiabrandyhouse.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

\r\n Eat<\/h2>\r\n

EmpressM<\/a>, a new, fine-dining dim sum and Chinese restaurant, offers traditional dishes that celebrate the \u201ceight regional cuisines,\u201d including Peking Duck, Sichuan Spicy Fish, and Mongolian Lamb Chops. Dim sum plates include vegetarian options like spinach, snow pea, and mushroom dumplings, seafood, and more adventurous bites, like chicken feet.<\/p>\r\n

EmpressM is just down the way from La Cheve<\/a>, a Mexican bakery, brewery, and restaurant that opened this past summer inside Napa\u2019s oldest building, an adobe that dates back to 1845. The beer is brewed in-house by owner Cinthya Cisneros, and her mother, Mama Juana, makes all of the pastries, including ones with booze in them.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45482″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.ilovelacheve.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

For a quick, yet fulfilling bite between tastings, grab some authentic, Argentine empanadas from El Porte\u00f1o<\/a> in flavors like Carne, La Maradona (tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella), and Esparragos (asparagus, roasted red peppers, Gouda). El Porte\u00f1o built up a loyal following at the Ferry Building in San Francisco and is now the newest vendor at the Oxbow Public Market with its second brick and mortar.<\/p>\r\n

While Napa Valley is known to be sleepy and limited on nightlife, a new card room and restaurant is opening to kick-off 2021 with a little more action. Operating outside (for now), Ace & Vine<\/a> will stay open until 2 a.m. and feature Blackjack, Texas Holdem, and Baccarat tables. Food and drinks can be ordered from The Deck, serving up Asian and comfort food fusion dishes like lobster fish and chips, a dim sum-style steamed salmon basket, and the Nam Tok Burger with spicy pork belly and papaya slaw.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45493″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/calistogamotorlodgeandspa.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

In the spring, the Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa<\/a> will open its new restaurant called Fleetwood<\/a>, specializing in original craft cocktails and farm-to-table, wood-fired pizzas \u2014 which hotel guests can even order poolside \u2014 like Potato Leek with taleggio, bacon, chili flake, and parmesan or the Roasted Chicken with garlic cream, asparagus, pepperoncini, lemon, and herbs. For dessert, there\u2019s even a 9-inch wood fire cookie.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

\r\n Shop<\/h2>\r\n

First Street Napa<\/a>, a high-end, outdoor shopping area full of boutique local retailers, continues to grow and evolve in downtown Napa. There\u2019s a slew of new shops \u2014 13 to be exact \u2014 that opened in 2020, making this destination worthy of an afternoon visit (there are plenty of restaurants and tasting rooms there, plus hotels, too). Notable newcomers include Honey Whiskey<\/a>, I-Elle<\/a>, and Tay & Grace<\/a> clothing boutiques, Riza Plants<\/a>, and Paint Nail Bar<\/a>. There are some nationally-known brands to shop as well, and First Street Napa just announced that Anthropologie will be opening in mid-2021.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45492″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.firststreetnapa.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

With so many new and beautiful wineries, restaurants, shops, and hotels to explore in Napa Valley Wine Country, this is the perfect destination for dipping your toes back in the travel game after a long year away.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Planning a trip to Napa Valley in 2021? Don\u2019t miss these new great spots to sip, savor, stay, and shop in this iconic Northern California wine region.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":45485,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/blog-v2.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[103,164,91,84,135,116,102,111,118],"class_list":["post-45479","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-bed-breakfast-inns","tag-food-and-wine-pairing","tag-luxury","tag-napa","tag-napa-valley","tag-restaurants","tag-shopping","tag-wine-tasting","tag-wineries"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45479"}],"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\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45479"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45479\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57230,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45479\/revisions\/57230"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45479"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}