If you want to boost attendance at a meeting or conference, try these four letters: N.A.P.A. And while the Northern California wine region has more than enough activities to keep attendees busy when they’re not in meetings—475 wineries, to begin with—the downtown heart of the region is introducing new experiences this fall. Here’s a sampling:
Napa Valley Bike Tours has a new Wine & Brews E-Bike Cruise. Limited to 10 guests daily, the tour runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., covering 16 to 20 miles. It includes two winery visits plus an optional beer tasting at the second winery, and a picnic lunch catered by Bouchon Bakery.
Sky & Vine, on the rooftop of Archer Hotel Napa, has opened the Whiskey Bar, an intimate, tucked-away oasis for those who might want to take a break from vino and sample its list of more than 100 whiskeys, including many rare sips and a small vintage collection. A stone-hearth oven turns out shareable bites including smoked pork ribs and handmade pizzas. The space is available for private events and can accommodate 28 seated, 40 for a reception.
Napa Yard, a new beer garden located across from CIA at Copia, opens soon. It will feature a micro distillery cafe, bar, wine tasting area, event space, and a few gardens. On the menu: garden-to-table dining and garden-to-glass cocktails.
Entrecôt, located on the Napa River in the revitalized Riverfront Complex, brings authentic Argentine cuisine and waterside views to downtown Napa. The menu includes tapas such as empanadas and fried polenta with tomato sauce, main courses like ossobuco, grilled steak and short rib Argentine, and traditional flan and dulce de leche for dessert.
The Meritage Resort and Spa has opened The Village Bistro in the heart of the Village lawn. The French-influenced family-style dining experience with a wine country twist features traditional dishes in shareable plates, main courses, and desserts, along with an extensive wine and cocktails menu that include a Parisian margarita and a French martini.
