Destination: California Wine Country: Napa

Food & Wine Text Size A A A

750 Wines

Owners David and Monica Stevens think of themselves as wine matchmakers. “We love introducing clients to boutique labels they may not know,” says David, who ran the wine program at the acclaimed Tra Vigne restaurant for years, forging relationships with vintners and winemakers up and down the valley. In the sleek, loft-like space of the by-appointment shop, which opened in October 2009, the Stevenses host tastings, special wine events and private functions. Well-connected, innovative and charming, they are also known for arranging unique treats for clients, like surprise appearances by winemakers, tastings at private homes and visits to vineyards otherwise closed to the public. “I have a background in concierge services, so from conception, David and I wanted 750 to be more than just a boutique,” says Monica. “It’s all about creating special wine experiences and providing customized behind-the-scenes access.” You can also make an appointment to come by the boutique and tasting studio to purchase hard-to-find vintages and discover lesser-known labels. During my March visit, the shelves were lined with Kistler, Bevan Cellars, Casa Piena and the like (they only carry current vintages). The selection is exclusive and high-end, and overall, 750 is best for true connoisseurs who appreciate a more rarefied experience. As for the name, David explains that it’s a number found on most wine bottles: 750 ml. Call for an appointment.

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Images | Related Links | Comments (0)

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Bistro

Bounty Hunter displays more than 400 different bottles of wine from places including Napa, France, Italy and Australia, with more than forty to taste by the glass. Beth Nickel of Far Niente winery recommends it for rare wine purchases: “It specializes in hard-to-find, reasonably priced wines. They have the best inventory of international wines in town.” You can carry your purchase home, or have it shipped. There’s also a first come, first served wine bar open seven days a week, bent on dialing down pretention with its praiseworthy down-home food, such as beer-can chicken and ribs.

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Images | Related Links | Comments (0)

Cornucopia

UPDATE: December 2008—Indagare has learned that Copia, including Cornucopia, filed for bankruptcy and is officially closed. There are no immediate plans for it to reopen.

This store at COPIA is a foodie’s dream: dozens of cookbooks, wine journals, Riedel stemware, big wild-cherry salad bowls, and Sophie Conran’s beautiful porcelain kitchen collection for Portmeirion.

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Images | Related Links | Comments (0)

Olivier

Cooks and gourmands will love the selection of kitchen tools, from French ceramic ware to sculptural wooden mustard spoons, and condiments. Go ahead and taste the jams, mustards, olive oils and tapenades, but be forewarned: you will end up buying. Highlights: the rosemary-infused olive oil and artichoke tapenade. And those who get addicted or crave Napa’s flavor without visiting can order online.

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Related Links | Comments (0)

St. Helena Wine Center

Beth Nickel of Far Niente winery raves, “the St. Helena Wine Center has a wonderful inventory of local vintages.”

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Related Links | Comments (0)

The Fig Pantry

If you’re busy wine tasting, pick up a gourmet salad and picnic for the road at the Fig Pantry.

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Images | Related Links | Comments (0)

The Oakville Grocery

This 126-year-old establishment is a favorite for specialty cheeses, charcuterie meats and excellent take-out sandwiches.

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Images | Related Links | Comments (0)

Woodhouse Chocolate

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned small-town American candy store, this boutique sells delicious chocolates handmade in the European style. The company was founded by a husband-and-wife team with impeccable gourmet credentials. John Anderson’s family ran a vineyard for decades, and his wife, Tracy Wood Anderson, studied at the California Culinary Institute before working as a pastry chef for a major Champagne company. Today, their family business revolves around creating dozens of unique chocolate flavors to complement the region’s best red wines. They ship their beautifully packaged baby blue boxes all over the country.

Add to Favorites | Add Comment| Send to Mobile| Print| Email | Share
 
Related Links | Comments (0)

Search By Keyword

Submit A Postcard

Postcard_logo

Popular Destinations

Asia/Pacific: Maldives: Maldives
Maldiveshero2_a_4

Four of the Maldives' most unique island resorts.

Read More

Africa: Kenya: Kenya
Kenyalionshero_a_4

Eco safari camps, recommended outfitters, plus an amazing house rental...

Read More

Asia/Pacific: Cambodia: Cambodia
Cambodiahero_a_4

To quote the renowned historian Alan Morehead, "Anyone who can...

Read More

SPECIAL OFFERS

  • Rant & Rave: Indagare members can share their advice with the community by logging in first, then clicking here: Rants & Raves.
  • Give the Gift: Indagare: Give the gift of travel intelligence with a membership to Indagare. For details or to order, call us at 212-988-2611 or click here: Gift Membership.
  • Indagare Plus: Remember that hotels marked by an Indagare Plus symbol offer preferential rates and benefits to members.
  • Indagare Share Feature: Share articles, postcards and reviews with family and friends on such networking sites as Twitter, Facebook and Delicious. Simply click on the three small dots that symbolize our connect icon, at the end of every article, and follow the link to the networking site of your preference.
  • Sample Indagare: With free bi-weekly email blasts on new hot spots and insider tips when you sign up for our mailing list.
  • Profile feature: Members share your profiles, comments, favorite articles and IQs. Just click on the Profile tab on the upper right of your screen and look for the Edit My Profile blue tab.
  • Indagare means to discover, explore, seek, scout in Latin.