Once You've Tried These Easy Snack And Wine Pairings, You'll Never Go Back

Where To Stay In Napa

We booked our stay at the absolutely lovely North Block Hotel, a boutique retreat right in the center of town with a beautiful courtyard, heated pool and hot tub, and rustic-modern Mediterranean-style rooms. We were greeted in the lobby with warm chocolate chip cookies (the BEST) from Chef Juan Cabrera, who serves an incredible tasting dinner menu next door at The Restaurant at North Block.

We kicked off our stay by hopping on the hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes to explore Yountville. We pedaled down charming Washington Street, then veered onto the town’s serene bike path, eventually winding our way through quiet country roads lined with peaceful vineyards. It was the perfect way to ease into the slower pace of Yountville — and a dreamy start to our stay. After, we hung out by the heated pool and hot tub before heading to our dinner reservation.

The Restaurant at North Block. was one of the most memorable and visually stunning dining experiences I’ve ever had. This Michelin-recognized gem showcases ingredients that are locally farmed, fished, and foraged. The spring gnocchette — with morel mushrooms, garden peas, and an applewood-smoked butter sauce — was pure perfection. Chef’s kiss. Bonus: Chef Cabrera also serves the hotel’s continental breakfast, complete with housemade croissants that are nothing short of dreamy.

Hwy 29: Yountville To St. Helena

Our first full day, we popped by Chef Thomas Keller’s beloved Bouchon Bakery for lunch, once the usual early morning crowd had cleared. Just a stone’s throw from his iconic restaurant, The French Laundry, the bakery is a must-stop for flaky pastries and gourmet bites. From there, we set out to explore the wineries along Highway 29 — easily accessible by car, or by bike if you're in the mood for a more scenic, slow-paced ride through wine country.

Along this wine country highway, you can take a snapshot in front of the iconic Welcome to Napa Valley sign near Oakville. Nearby, visit Oakville Grocery — a grocery store that first opened its doors in the 1870s, but is so much more. You can grab a gourmet picnic (their wood-fired pizzas are delicious) and eat out on the lawn, visit the adjacent Victorian, 1881 Napa, a history museum that combines a gallery of winemaking relics with DIY wine tasting of over 200 local wines.

Wineries dot Highway 29 like bakeries do in Paris, or pizza places in NYC. There are A LOT. Reservations are recommended during the high season. Some of my favorite ones to visit are Peju for its tasty wines, beautiful gardens and vineyard views from their terrace; Cakebread Cellars for delicious wine and food pairings and stunning grounds, and the tasting garden, AKA the Wren, at Bella Union Winery, where you can enjoy an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon by the glass or by the bottle. Stop by their family of wineries, Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente, too.

You'll probably be hungry at this point. Wine-filled and happy, head over to Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena for its American farmhouse restaurant, outdoor café, and general store for a unique and tasty Napa Valley experience. I love sitting out in the apple orchard. Dishes are made with ingredients from their farm, ranch, and vineyards.

After, head to Main Street and stroll St. Helena's charming shops, likeOlivier for olive oil-based souvenirs and gifts. If you're up for a movie, check out the Cameo Cinema, one of the few single-screen movie theaters in the country, before heading back to North Block for a soak in their two-person friendly soaking tub and a favorite read by the fire.

Day 2: Downtown Napa To Carneros Region

Buzzier downtown Napa is definitely worth a visit. The Napa River offers kayaking, SUP, and gondola rides and there are lovely walks and restaurants along it. You can pop by the French-inspired Angèle Restaurant – I love the vibe here, rustic, lively and always friendly serving comfort food with a French twist.

From Angèle and the Napa River walk, you can pop into the General Store for local goods, and then head over to First Street for indie boutiques, bookstores, and ofc wine! Brown Estate is a Black-owned winery based in St. Helena but they have a tasting room downtown that offers lovely certified-sustainable wines. They're super friendly! Housely is another downtown tasting room owned by actress Tamera Mowry and family. They offer award-winning wines in a casual living-room vibe setting. No need for a reservation!

Boon Fly Cafe, part of the luxe Carneros Resort and Spa, has one of the best brunches in town. For a picture-worthy spot, book a bubbles tasting at nearby Domaine Carneros, a breathtakingly beautiful Château in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Art lovers might enjoy the art and nature walk at the indoor-outdoor Di Rosa Contemporary Art Museum across the street. Book a second tasting at Artesa Vineyards & Winery, featured in the movie Wine Country with Amy Poehler, for Napa wines with Spanish twist, also in the picturesque Carneros region.

Back downtown, grab a delicious cocktail at Bitter Barand seafood-rich Southern Italian fare at the charming Scala Osteria. If you prefer something a little more casual, head to Napa Yard, a beer garden-style restaurant with music, games, beer and cocktails, plus salads, burgers and cozy sides. Nearby are also the Oxbow Market, definitely worth a walk through and soft serve at Gott's, and CIA at Copia, the culinary institute that offers creative and inspiring food events to check out.

Day 3: Silverado Trail To Calistoga

Your final day is spa day! Silverado Trail is a beautiful 30-minute drive to Calistoga, known for its natural hot springs and wellness escapes. The wineries here are set in a more chill atmosphere than Hwy 29. Clos du Val offers a lovely farmer’s market event with live music, bites, and local goods; Baldacci offers a wine and chocolate tasting; and Stag Leap Wine Cellars is credited with putting Napa Valley on the global wine map – though not to be confused with Stag's Leap Winery, another gem in the area.

Drive along the palm tree-lined drive to Indian Springs Calistoga. You can plan an overnight and access their Olympic-Sized mineral pool, or go for a spa treatment and hang at their very Zen Buddha pond. Sam’s Social Club Restaurant is a worthy eatery on the property. For a more budget-friendly escape, try Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs for a mud bath and mineral pools. You can also visit the Petrified Forest here, unearthed petrified redwood trees that date back to the Pliocene Epoch, 3.4 million years ago!

Grab dinner along the Napa River at the Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery, which offers live music in a beer garden setting with outdoor fire pits. Order the Country Paella, Calistoga’s spin on the classic Spanish seafood dish before heading back to Indian Springs for a late-night swim in their steamy mineral pool.

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Lead image via Stag's Leap Winery

Maison Barboulot Cabernet Syrah

This red blend has the heart of one Redditor that noted it "drinks WAY more expensive than its $6.99 price tag. It’s a forever favorite for me. When I serve it at a dinner party, people always ask what it is.”

TJ's says each sip of this red wine is "smooth and fruity" and contains "approachable" notes of cherry and vanilla.

Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon

Oftentimes, $5 bottles of wine tend to disappoint. Not this one from Charles Shaw, though! It was mentioned as a favorite several times on the Trader Joe's Reddit for its impressively full flavors. With notes of blackberry and vanilla, it pairs really well with grilled steak, lamb, or even rich, cheesy pasta dishes.

Moon X Pinot Noir

This $7 was another frequently-mentioned pick. One Redditor noted that “it is easy drinking, a crowd pleaser, but not boring, and a great value." Per Trader Joe's, it carries a "bold plummy profile," plus notes of vanilla, oak, dark fruit, and warm spice.

Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Hailing from a family-owned-and-operated winery, you'll instantly detect the love and care goes into making this $8 bottle upon first sip. Trader Joe's compares its punchy and crisp finish to that of a Granny Smith apple; one Reddit user agreed and said it's simply "very nice."

La Ferme Julien Rosé

For a “nice summer sipper,” you've gotta consult this fresh $7 rosé that also boasts an adorable illustration of a goat on the label. So cute!

Honey Moon Viognier

One Reddit user said that they enjoy this $6 wine because it's "medium-sweet and very flavorful.”

The "crisp, floral, phenomenally fruity" varietal white has plenty of fruity notes, which TJ's says pairs naturally with cheeses like brie, Manchego, and blue cheese.

Espiral Vinho Verde

The Vinho Verde region of northern Portugal is known for its sweet, fruity wines like this $5 option. It contains some delightful notes of green apple and melon, so it would make a great summer sipper.

One Redditor said that the “price point is unbelievable for how good it is IMO.” Now we've gotta try!

Charles Shaw Pinot Grigio

This $4 number is another cheap Trader Joe's wine you wouldn't expect to be so good. It's got notes of lemon zest, white peach, and. almond, all balanced by a "lively acidity" that levels out each sip.

One Redditor shared a tasty hack for this wine in particular: "Since its on the lighter side, I always had a few raspberries that I eat at the end of the glass or slices of jalapeño if I'm feeling spicy.”

What is 'Sinners' about?

When twin brothers Smoke and Stack return home for a new beginning, they're initially met with welcome arms. But as daylight turns to dusk and gives way to nightfall, unspeakable horrors expose themselves to the townspeople. Evil not only consumes everything in its path, it also changes Smoke and Stack in ways they could've never prepared for.

It's set in the 1930s South which means we'll get dialect, fashion, music, and more themes from that time period.

Who's Hailee Steinfeld starring as?

Hailee Steinfeld will be starring as Mary, the love interest of Stack. Since not much is known about her outside of that, we're assuming their romance is forbidden. What we do know is Hailee's a fan of her character and the overall themes of Sinners.

According to PEOPLE, the actress shared more of her thoughts in her newsletter Beau Society March 28. She wrote, "...This role is far removed from what I've done, but that's part of what drew me to it! I feel like I'm stepping into my own more and more as I get older, and this role mirrors that."

She also shared that it didn't take much for her to be a part of Sinners. "The minute I heard Ryan Coogler, I was in. Then I read his script and was like, 'Holy s---, this feels like a massive undertaking.' The story is so complex and layered," calling herself "fortunate and honored to even be remotely considered." So, how does Hailee Steinfeld feel about Sinners as a whole?

She says it's "thrilling and sexy and daring and dangerous — with bold representations."

Who else is starring in 'Sinners?'

Besides Hailee Steinfeld, Sinners has a robust cast that'll make the storyline even more rousing. In no particular order, viewers will see:

• Michael B. Jordan as Smoke/Stack
• Jack O'Connell as Remmick
• Omar Benson Miller as Cornbread
• Li Jun Li as Grace
• Jayme Lawson as Pearline
• Wunmi Mosaku as Annie
• Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim
• Lola Kirke as Joan
• Miles Caton as Sammy

When can I watch 'Sinners?'

The Sinners movie debuts April 18, 2025, so start planning your trip to your local theater ASAP!

Watch The Official Trailer For 'Sinners'

Trigger warning: There's a few jump scares in the Sinners movie trailer that feature bloody moments.

We think the tagline for the film says it best: "You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home," (via Warner Bros. Pictures).