How often have you heard someone say, “This is a food wine,” while they’re pouring a deeply pigmented Cabernet Sauvignon or a clear as a bell Chardonnay? Any time you’re dealing with a wine brimming with acid and/or underpinned by massive tannins, food can make it not just better, but downright fantastic. That’s why so many wineries feature an increasingly creative smorgasboard of food and wine pairings.

We’ve collected some of the region’s best culinary experiences, be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or whatever suits your fancy.

Bricoleur Vineyards

Complete with prolific onsite garden managed by Michael de Paolo, Bricoleur in Windsor is a culinary canvas showcasing a trio of talent, including Executive Chef Todd Knoll (Ritz-Carlton SF, Jordan Winery), Culinary Director Chef Thomas Bellec (Four Seasons Resorts and a Master Chef of France) and Senior Sous Chef Rebecca Robinson (Mayacama Winery, Guy Fieri, Chalkboard). Chef Charlie Palmer acts as Culinary Advisor. Their Perfect Pairings include the six-course Rooted pairing, three-course Soaring pairing, and Atelier Bricoleur. All take their inspiration from wines crafted by Cary Gott and Bob Cabral.

Ram’s Gate Winery

Executive Chef Ruby Oliveros grew up in the Philippines, which explains dishes like coconut ginger kohlrabi soup paired with Winemaker/GM Joe Nielsen’s 2021 Chardonnay, Bucher Vineyard. Her Seasonal Wine & Food Experience currently includes an apple smoked tamari miso duck with lemongrass parsnip puree with 2020 Richards Syrah. Reservations via Tock for groups up to six.

Clif Family Winery

We love Clif bars, although they might not make ideal snacks with wine. However, Clif Family Winery in St. Helena carries on the Clif tradition of providing nutrition while you’re having fun. They recently promoted Executive Chef Magnus Young to oversee all food and wine pairing experiences featuring local and seasonal ingredients from the 10-acre organic Clif Family Farm, orchard and olive grove on Ink Grade Road. Book a seated tasting at the Main Street Tasting Room, or order items like laksa (coconut curry soup with shrimp), hit fried chicken sandwich and chicory goddess salad from their Bruschetteria Food Truck or book a memorable estate tasting or lunch at Clif Family Enoteca.

Frank Family Vineyard

The stunning Miller House, where owners Rich and Leslie Frank were wed, is the setting for “Elevated Tastings” curated by Chef Christina Machamer, the winner of season four of FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen and one of Napa Valley’s preeminent chefs. She worked side-by-side with some of the world’s top chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller, before launching her own business in the Napa Valley a decade ago.

The Kitchen At Priest Ranch

Yountville’s Chef Dan Solomon excels at upscale comfort food like the “Gas Station Sandwich,” a cheesy egg with crispy potato on English muffin, and breakfast gnocchi with wild mushrooms, broccoli rabe and fried eggs. Lunch includes the Jambon de Paris which mates French ham with Marin French brie, caramelized onion, pumpkin seed pesto and Calabrian chili maple glaze on focaccia. Even smashburgers and fries are executed with flair and an extra helping of creativity, paired with the wines of winemaker Cody Hurd. Start with the Baker’s Bacon and Priest Ranch wine pairing experience at the tasting room next door.

Sequoia Grove Winery

Chef Britny Maureze, who grew up in Salt Lake City and studied at the CIA in Napa, has been on staff since 2018, and has single-forkedly laid to rest the tired trope that Cab requires steak. Not so. Her novel “Taste for Cabernet” pairings demonstrate how brilliantly Cabernet Sauvignon works with dishes like White Fish Brochette with Sauce Américaine and Parisienne gnocchi with mushrooms, winter squash and celery root purée. Cabernet truly meets its match! Hosted in the private Cambium Room.

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Chef Peter Janiak offers a tempting look at the magic of wine and food, with a seasonal five-course indulgence, including dishes like parsnip and winter truffle bisque and cornbread stuffed pork with cassoulet beans and smoky bacon.

Anaba Wines

Love Mediterranean-influenced cuisine? Chef Maria Lynn, who taught cooking classes at Sur La Table, will tempt your tastebuds with monthly pairings meant for sharing. Try the artichoke beignets with a lusty Syrah or the fried Brussels sprouts with the Teldeschi Petite Sirah. The Carneros Culinary Experience offers an exploration into the world of food and wine, with Chef Lynn’s pairings. Friday through Sunday, enjoy single vineyard Pinot Noirs with pizza and bocce. 

Gentleman Farmer Wines

The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow in Napa offers private breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with the winemakers, Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham, preparing home-cooked meals from favorite family recipes paired with Gentleman Farmer Wines.