Jingle Jingle Jingle
The sleigh bells may not be ringing in Napa Valley’s warm climate, but the wine glasses are certainly clinking. There is something magical that happens in California’s famed wine region over the holidays. With harvest season coming to an end, the grapevines have time to rest and rebuild. Fog blankets the vineyards, wineries light up their fireplaces, and a special coziness swirls in the air. So please put on your favorite sweater and join me for a glass of beautiful, full-bodied Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Tis’ the season, after all.
Pestoni Family Estate Winery
One of my favorite wineries, creating a perfect holiday ambiance, is Pestoni Family Estate Winery. Set back off Hwy 29 in St. Helena makes this winery accessible but with a feeling removed from the main drag. Pestoni is named after the family who still owns and operates the winery today, making it less corporate than others found throughout Napa. They produce approximately 13 high-quality estate and Howell Mountain wines, primarily red varietals keeping production selective and focusing on quality.
Every year, Pestoni decorates their tasting room for the holidays with a sparkling Christmas tree. Cozy leather couches and chairs surround a massive wood-burning fireplace, perfect for snuggling while enjoying your tasting. I love pulling into the parking lot upon arrival and smelling that grand fireplace burning with a hint of the harvested wine grapes in the air.
Pestoni also has a unique outdoor greenbelt area with Adirondack chairs, corn hole boards, and picnic benches scattered throughout. A walking path flanked by massive eucalyptus trees and vineyards surrounds the lawn area, just beckoning you for a stroll. Bring a picnic or indulge in a freshly made pizzetta from the outdoor wood-fired oven (on select days) to appease your appetite. The winery is also kid and pet friendly, making the outdoor grounds perfect for those who desire extra space.
Suppose you are looking for a relaxing break away from the holiday hustle and bustle this season, head over to Pestoni in Napa Valley for a cozy ambiance and superb wine. See you there!
Happy Holidays!
Written by Melanie Picker, aka The San Francisco Foodie.
About the Author
Melanie is a psychology doctor, wife, mother of two ‘princesses,’ world traveler, and lover of life. She is a pescatarian that enjoys exploring all world cuisines and who is a wine aficionado. Melanie has lived abroad in both Salzburg, Austria as well as Hanoi, Vietnam. Although for the past 15 years, she has called the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area home, allowing her to immerse herself in the superb, diverse cuisine and dozens of world-known wine appellations, all within driving distance.
Email: thesanfranciscofoodie@gmail.com
Insta: @thesanfranciscofoodie
