Napa Valley Day Trip

The theme of this trip was “farm to table,” and though we tried to make it in one day, even with a private jet, the three hour, 45 minute flight each way required an overnight stay in Napa. We began the day at the Oxbow Market in Napa, for the best English muffins in the world at The Model Bakery, then had a private walking tour of the gardens maintained by the staff from The Meadowood Inn, where we literally previewed our dinner. Lunch was held high above the valley at Auberge du Soleil, followed by a private tour of the winery at Rutherford Ranch. We capped the day off with champagne in the rotunda at The Restaurant at Meadowood, where we indulged in a tasting menu, followed by a chat with Executive Chef Chris Kostow back in the kitchen. After a restful overnight at Meadowood, we got up early, picked up fresh strawberries from a roadside stand, as well as more pastries and muffins from The Model Bakery, then got back on the plane for a midday arrival back in Chicago.