PERFECT WEEKEND: Napa Valley
There’s so much wonderful food and wine to be had in this little slice of paradise.
Below are a few of Audra’s favorite places to shop, eat, and drink in California wine country.
PROMONTORY, DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT HOWARD BACKEN
WINERIES
PROMONTORYA breathtaking, singular wine grown from grapes nestled in a hidden valley, this private tasting experience in a Howard Backen-designed winery with magnificent views and crushed pebble gravel crunching underfoot will make you feel you have a perfect universe all to your selves.
OPUS ONEI may be biased, but everything from the art to the interiors is a sumptuous revel in the best of California and high French style. The bold reds offer such contrast from year to year, and it is a delight to taste the seasons at work in each vintage.
CHARLES KRUGThis winery is near St. Helena and is a classic experience. Winemaker Stacy Clark leads their team, one of few women winemakers leading a highly-regarded established winery.
PARADIGMI have not been to their tasting room, but we served a rose from this winery at a recent event, and it was deliciously bright and highly complimented by guests.
THE FORUM AT MEADOWOOD
DINING
THE FORUMThe interim restaurant at Meadowood, this spot is a delightful hidden gem for a great cocktail and delicious lunch where everything comes garnished with edible flowers. The ricotta-filled tempura-battered squash blossoms are exquisite. The outdoor seating nestled in a cluster of olive trees is perfection.
VALLEYI love this little restaurant nestled on the Sonoma plaza. The vegetable-forward menu is so fresh and modern.
ANIMOAlso in Sonoma, and temporarily closed, but this incredible fusion restaurant run by a husband and wife team. Chef Joshua Smookler is formerly of Mu Ramen in NYC and currently working on a dazzling critically acclaimed Italian restaurant Golden Bear Station, but promises to return to reopen Animo in 2024. When he does: The caviar Basque cheesecake.
GOTT’S ROADSIDEIn St. Helena on Hwy. 29, this little drive up burger joint has been going strong for 25 years, now with locations across the region, this is the original—a bygone throwback with an excellent burger and a long line, but worth the wait.
CARTER & CO.
shopping
ST. HELENAI love strolling the main street in this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it idyllic town. I love the ceramic shop Carter and Co., Wild Plum, a tiny bookshop with a delightful selection of books, especially children’s, and the well-curated boutiques that line this little stretch of road. Slightly north of St. Helena is Caractere, a charming antiques shop in a green-shuttered cottage.
TROVEA cool vintage clothing boutique on Sonoma’s Plaza. I also love browsing several other neighboring shops on this stretch.
SUMMERHOUSEThis is in Mill Valley, but if you’re down that way, I do enjoy this well-curated, elegant take on California boho style. While you’re here, visit Playa, a charming Mexican restaurant with elevated decor and indoor-outdoor spaces.
AUDRA KIEWIET DE JONGE IN FRONT OF A WORK BY ROSALIND TALLMADGE COMMISSIONED FOR THE OPUS ONE ROTUNDA. PHOTOGRAPH BY BORIS ZHARKOV.
Art/artefact is a nationally recognized art advisory and interior design practice founded by Audra Kiewiet de Jonge and known for placing a great collection at the heart of every interior.
Formally trained as a painter and an art historian, Audra’s modern sensibility is informed by her historical perspective—bringing art and objects into context and conversation with the way we live today.
Working with private and corporate clients nationally, our interiors are meticulously curated and expertly built to be high on artistry, but not on pretense.
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