My Best Day In California's Wine Country Looks Like This
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April Gargiulo is the founder of Vintner’s Daughter, the luxe face serum we can't stop with these days. And, yes, she does actually come from a winemaking family. Gargiulo was born and still lives in Napa Valley. “I look forward to summer in Napa all year,” she says. “The cool mornings and long, hot days are the perfect backdrop for so many of my favorite activities.” From tacos to hot springs, here’s a look at Gargiulo’s dream Napa day.
Facebook / C Casa1/8Balanced breakfast
The first thing I think about in the a.m. is a Green Jeans juice from my friend Cristina Hudson’s juice shop in the Oxbow Market. My kids and husband are obsessed with the Cristina Cuckoo smoothie. She gratefully gave us the recipe and promised revenge if it ever got out. I’m gluten-free, and there is a delicious Mexican joint inside the oxbow called C Casa that makes delicious breakfast tacos.
Facebook / Skyline Park2/8On the high trail
There are incredible hiking trails throughout Napa, and the one that I find myself at the most often is Skyline Park. You pass deer, old stone remains, and a gorgeous reservoir, and the most beautiful views await you at the top. There’s also Mt. St. Helena at the north end of the valley, which is not for the faint of heart. But you can see all the way to the ocean on a clear day.
Facebook / Southside Café3/8Hidden nachos
Hungry after a long hike, I head straight to Southside Café, a glorified lean-to hidden away off the main road. Good nachos are my weakness, and theirs are incredible. Not to miss is the roasted pork add-on. You can also eat really healthy here. Don’t let the nachos scare you.
Facebook / Brown Family4/8Wine, obviously
Brown Family tasting room just opened up in downtown Napa. The Browns are an incredible family who makes delicious wines, and you’ll will want to copy every inch of their tasting room in your own home. (It was designed by another friend, the SF interior designer Catherine Kwong.) Promontory and Spottswoode are more of my favorite tasting experiences (call ahead to make an appointment)—and of course Gargiulo Vineyards, my family’s winery!
Facebook / Vine Trail5/8Pedaling on
If I’m feeling really adventurous I’ll hop on my bike and ride the newly opened Vine Trail. It is Napa Valley’s answer to New York’s High Line and runs the length of our beautiful valley.
Facebook / Kelly's Filling Station6/8Filling up
In need of an afternoon pick me up, I head directly to Kelly’s Filling Station in Yountville. It is a gas station with really good lattes. People actually wait in line for their scones on the weekends, and they humor me when I bring my own matcha.
Courtesy of Indian Springs7/8Dipping in
With an afternoon free, I “take the waters” at Indian Springs mineral hot springs in Calistoga and maybe even a mud bath, too. I’m a big believer in the healing powers of minerals. They’re a critical part of the Vintner’s Daughter formulation, as well, because of what potent skin beautifiers they are. If I have a minute to shop, I’ll head to Martin Showroom in St Helena and Hunter/Gatherer in Yountville. Both offer a unique edit and totally covetable point of view.
Photo by Nick Vasilopoulos8/8Local's spot
For sure, the evening would begin at the bar at Reddwood with a glass of sparkling wine or a negroni. From there I would hop across the street for dinner at the local’s haunt Ciccio. It is as good for families as it is a date night. It has a swirling, Fellini-esque kind of energy which I love. A stroll through the streets of Yountville after dinner will make you want to move there and open up an ice cream shop. It is the only thing that town is missing. Hint. Hint.
