The wine country experience would not be the same without fabulous local eating and drinking establishments that offer great food and wine pairings. The hospitality factor shown by not only the business owners, but the regular wine industry folks that frequent them, make wine country unique for experiencing our favorite pastime.
Here are a few of my pics that you should try and will be happy to offer you a bottle of Madrigal Family wine.
ANGELE Listed as SF Chronicle’s Top Spot on 29 for 2015 is located in Napa’s historic Riverfront at 540 Main. Chef Owner Bettina Rouas came from restaurant royalty in San Francisco. Her father Claude operated L’Etoile on Nob Hill for decades before developing Auberge du Soleil, Prego and many other iconic spots. Bettina opened Angele in 2002 to rave reviews and the place has been a locals and oeno-tourists favorite ever since. Try the Sweetbreads, Bouillabaisse, flaky savory tarts and Shepards Pie. You can enjoy during the month of March, Madrigal’s 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by the glass. Wine Director, Richard Phoenix is not only a local vintner, but an aficionado of the wines of Southern France which complement their Napa Valley offerings perfectly.
DELLA SANTINA Just off the square in historic Sonoma, lies this "family-run" trattoria (and adjoining enoteca) where they greet you with a warm welcome and send out homestyle meals; fair prices and a delightful outdoor courtyard make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Quirico (Dan) and Shirley Della Sanitina opened the doors to Della Santina's Trattoria in June 1990. Formerly one of the owners of Marin Joe's in Corte Madera, Quirico decided to bring his family recipes to Wine Country. In 1991, Quirico and Shirley's son Robert (Rob) joined the business. He now runs the front of the restaurant and is responsible for the large selection of wines on the menu. He and his wife, Nicole, have also started the restaurant's wine club, Enoteca Della Santina, featuring value wines from around the world. The traditional Italian fare is based upon Della Santina family recipes from Lucca, Italy and Quirico’s sheer talent as a chef. Some family recipes include the ever-popular, Gnocchi Della Nonna, potato dumplings in a light tomato sauce, which were inspired by Quirico's mother. Diners love the Lasagna, the Penne Contadina, and our selection of meats off of the rotisserie The fresh fish, whether it's halibut, sea bass, salmon, swordfish, or local petrale sole, is always a treat, cooked to perfection. On several occasions, our food has been described as "Italian comfort food." With their fabulous comfort food, please enjoy a glass or bottle of Madrigal 2013 Napa Valley Zinfandel.
REDD AND REDD WOOD Opened in November 2005 in Yountville, in the heart of the Napa Valley, Redd is the first venture from acclaimed Northern California chef Richard Reddington, formerly of Masa’s and Jardiniere in San Francisco, and Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley. Reddington offers an updated interpretation of wine country cuisine with influences from Asia, Europe, and Mexico in a relaxed yet elegant environment.
REDD Reflects the passions of a serious chef who, after spending 15 years in some of the best kitchens in the United States and Europe, has found the perfect balance of serious food and unpretentious environment. Chef Reddington says, ‘With Redd, I’ve created the type of restaurant that I like to spend time at — an inviting place that serves creative food and thoughtfully chosen wines in an elegant, contemporary space. A visit to Redd would not be complete without consulting with one of America’s most lauded Master Sommelier’s, Willi Sherer. Willi, a friend of the Madrigal team has often regaled us with praise on our Petite Sirah saying, “The Madrigal’s Petite Sirah is arguably better than 95% of all wines I have tried in Napa Valley.” If you chose to eat at the bar, you will be joined by many local vintners that make it one of their favorite watering holes.
REDD WOOD Richard Reddington's second, more casual outpost, Redd Wood is a superbly stylish Italian-inspired eatery. Redd Wood brings a new sensibility to this laid-back wine country destination: a polished, chic restaurant with a voguish vibe and hip playlist coupled with an osteria-styled menu and Napa/Sonoma favored wine list.
Perfectly blistered wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas with locally sourced ingredients, in-house charcuterie, including terrines, pates and cured meats, and roasted mains like quail and ribeye are only a few of the irresistible options at this distinctive Yountville treasure.
Both fabulous eateries feature Madrigal 2012 Napa Valley Petite Sirah by the glass.
From the hospitality team of Chris Madrigal, Tara Blum, Matt Denny and myself, we welcome your suggestions and recommendations for your favorite restaurants in your neighborhood and perhaps we can help feature our wines on their winelists. You can email me at cpappe@madrigalfamilywinery.com
Au Sante!
If you would like to purchase our 2012 Napa Valley Petite Sirah or 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that are being poured by the glass at these great restaurants, press the button below and it will take you to our online shopping cart. Thru March 17th enter discount code: BTG Shipping is included.