Napa Valley Dreamin

BY RICCARDO TARABELSI

Five years ago, I woke from a deep sleep, confused and disoriented. I quickly realized that this is what always happens to me the first night I sleep at a hotel. I looked over at my sleeping wife who was as tranquil as a lake in the middle of the summer. Still somewhat startled in the darkness of the night, I walked over to our hotel room doors that led out to our deck. I stepped outside for some fresh air and inhaled deeply; I was intently aware of my breathing. I had the knowledge that with each breath I took, I was drinking in Napa Valley air, the same air that blankets some of the most sought-after grapes in the entire country. At this point, I was fully awake, but it felt like a dream.

As a former wine distributor, I had traveled to Sonoma a few times, but three years ago was my first time in Napa Valley. I had always heard that Napa was too commercialized and not as quaint and friendly as other wine regions in California. After spending four days in Yountville with great friends who hosted us, I can tell you, with complete confidence, there is no other place like it on the planet.

First stop, Bouchon. In October 1998, four years after his successful debut in Napa Valley with The French Laundry, Chef Thomas Keller introduced Bouchon, offering authentic French bistro fare with Keller’s unfailing attention to detail in both ingredients and presentation. There are many things about this restaurant that are intriguing, from the antique light fixtures and the mosaic floor to the hand-painted mural. Upon arriving at my seat, I looked down to find a delicate piece of brown paper that unfolded like a simple origami square into Bouchon’s menu. The Keller touch here is unmistakable. Since its opening, Bouchon has consistently received the highest of accolades from both the food industry and international press. The restaurant has been awarded a one-star rating from the France-based Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country, a three-and-a-half star rating from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, as well as a three star rating from the San Francisco Chronicle. It’s a one-of-akind experience meant to be savored, and savor it we did. From the steamed mussels, to the fresh array of oysters, to the steak frites, the carafes of fine Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley complemented our meals extraordinarily well.

No trip to Napa Valley would be complete without a stop at Jessup Cellars tasting room, on the north end of Washington Street in Yountville. Calling it a “stop” seems inappropriate. Let’s call it a “stay” at the tasting room. Jessup Cellars offers a complete wine tasting experience, meaning, it’s not just about sipping on some really well-made wine. It’s about pairing selections with artisanal cheeses and nuts. It’s about wine education. It’s about vine education. But it’s really about people. Jessup Cellars has one of the most knowledgeable and friendly teams in the business. By the end of our “stay,” we were hugging staff members like we were saying goodbye to relatives that were leaving too soon. As reluctant as we were to leave, especially after tasting through Jessup Cellars Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet, Table for Four, and Juel, it was time for our next culinary encounter at one of the most charming places in Yountville.

As we entered Bistro Jeanty, we were greeted by a jovial man by the name of Roger. Roger’s mission is simple: he loves taking care of people. It was evident by his constant smile and swiftness in his movements that this man lives to serve. The chef and owner, Phillippe Jeanty, was born in the Champagne region of France and grew up around agricultural influences that surround the rural communities that grow and make champagne like Moët & Chandon. After moving to California in 1977, Chef Jeanty made a name for himself over the years, and opened Bistro Jeanty in 1998. Their tag line is the following, “In every day French life, it is the Bistro that is woven into the daily pattern of meals and celebrations. The Bistro is that little neighborhood restaurant where they know who you are, greet you warmly, and serve you satisfying foods that change with the seasons and define regional homey French cuisine.” I couldn’t agree more. The Pinot Noir we drank that night was a perfect pairing with my salmon, but the service is what kept me engaged in the atmosphere of the restaurant. Couple all of this with incredible company with whom to share the experience, and I again felt like I was dreaming.

Add in properties like Bottega, Addendum, Pancha’s (a can’tmiss destination dive bar in Yountville, sitting between high-end tasting rooms and Michelin star restaurants) and an intimate farmhouse experience hosted by Handwritten Wines, I urge you to find a way to get to Napa Valley. Earning the unofficial title of “Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley,” Yountville is that great escape you’ve been looking for. And for an extra special treat, call Jessup Cellars beforehand at (707) 944-5620 to book a tasting and tell them you’re from South Dakota. You won’t be sorry. In fact, Jessup Cellars refers to South Dakotans as the “605s,” a term of endearment for all of their South Dakota friends. Start planning and get to the Napa Valley. Your dream awaits.

Riccardo and his wife Marybeth are the owners of R Wine Bar & Kitchen on the East Bank of Downtown Sioux Falls where they serve many exquisite wines from the Napa Valley. Riccardo will be celebrating Father’s Day with Marybeth, and their three sons, Dante, Berent, and Jaxon. Contact Riccardo at riccardo@rwinebar.com.