Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead

Long Meadow Ranch, one of Napa’s most respected wineries, owned by the Hall family, has long been committed to organic farming. But because of its out-of-the-way location high in the Mayacamas Mountains, aficionados could visit only by appointment—until the Halls opened a sustainable food, wine and agricultural center in St. Helena. The property’s showpiece is the Logan-Ives House dating from 1874 that has been lovingly restored and now houses a cheery tasting room where visitors can sample vintages as well as organic olive oils.

Responsible farming is also featured at the adjacent restaurant, Farmstead, where chef Stephen Barber prepares seasonal ingredients with a rural, farm-centric approach. A recent summer menu featured caramelized beets with goat cheese cream and chimichurri, as well as a heritage pork chop with jalapeño grits and peaches. Farmstead also celebrates the week with Tuesday fried chicken nights, Wednesday lamb nights and so on. The décor of the spacious dining room is best described as farmhouse chic, with such fun touches as bunches of wildflowers in glass jars, light fixtures crafted from old farming equipment, rustic wood tables and a massive central bar area that is packed every night. The prices are a bit lofty for such a laid-back place, but overall you get the sense that the restaurant’s heart is in the right place; the corkage fee, for instance, is donated to a local charity. During the summer months, the lovely patio is bound to be jammed. Surrounded by blooming gardens and with a focus on sustainability and education, Long Meadow Ranch remains true to the winery’s founding principles.