Tour Vin – A Visit to One of Our Favorites, Kitchen Door Napa

Published on: August 28th, 2022

We checked out one of our favorite restaurants, Kitchen Door, at their new location in Napa. These folks were originally in the Oxbow Public Market, and they recently relocated within a four-minute walk of the Archer Hotel in downtown Napa.

These folks did a wonderful job with the new space, which now has indoor/outdoor dining, and they created a new, exciting menu which will accommodate everyone’s palate! Here is a sample of their current menu: 

• Starters: beef carpaccio, prosciutto and peaches arugula, classic buffalo wings and rotisserie chicken wings
• Entrees: grilled beef cheeseburger, numerous pizza options, Vietnamese bun chay lettuce cups and pasta
• Cocktails: Cha Ca Rum, Watermelon Salad (gin), Mezcal Cocktail and New Divide (bourbon).

Don’t forget, they also serve wine and beer! Reservations are not required unless your party is six or more people.

As a reminder, the fall is a wonderful time to visit the wine country. Contact us to help plan your next Napa or Sonoma wine country vacation!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge

Tour Vin – Exploring the Brannan Cottage Inn

Published on: August 7th, 2022

We at Tour Vin are always looking for great places to stay in the Wine Country. On our last visit, we strolled around the wonderful town of Calistoga and re-visited the Brannan Cottage Inn, a restored 157-year-old property. This boutique landmark hotel, managed by Nicole Stenger, is a great place to stay as it’s central to many great wineries, restaurants and wine tasting rooms!

Also located within the Inn is Sam’s General Store, which offers a hand-picked coffee, small bites, pastries and other goods. The store has a unique story in that it is the last standing cottage that remains in its original location and was built by Samuel Brannan.

Check out our pics and give us a call for more information on this unique property – cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge

Tour Vin – Sampling the Local Cuisine

Published on: June 27th, 2022

Most everyone is aware of the fabulous cuisine offered in Napa Valley, which provides visitors with a lot of restaurants from which to choose! If you prefer Italian, French, Mediterranean, vegetarian, American, Mexican, seafood, Asian, a good steak, tapas or just a great burger, we have indulged in them all and can provide you many recommendations. We take pride in having visited, and tasted, many of the dishes offered at some of the best restaurants in the valley.

Since many of the top restaurants are scattered throughout the valley, from Napa to Calistoga, Tour Vin can help you choose the dining establishments that align with your personal preferences and tastes. We are also sensitive to the fact that most of our clients prefer dining somewhat close to their hotel, VRBO or B and B, so we make sure their choices are “in the neighborhood.”

Our complete concierge service (wine tasting, accommodations, dining, hiking, kayaking, hot air balloon rides, golf, etc.) assures that our clients receive the best experience – we take care of everything! If you are planning a trip to Napa or Sonoma, give us a call so we can help assure you have a wonderful Wine Country vacation!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge

Tour Vin – Upcoming Events You Shouldn’t Miss!

Published on: May 26th, 2022

There are some very exciting events planned for Napa and Sonoma you should know about before planning your next Wine Country vacation. Here are just a few to keep in mind:

Napa Events

June 8-11: Napa Valley Jazz Getaway music festival

June 21: Texas legend Lyle Lovett at the Uptown Theater

June 25: Pine Ridge Vineyards – Morning Hike at the Ridge

June 25: Nora Jones at the Oxbow Rivers Stage

July 15-24: Festival Napa Valley – The Ten Best Days of Summer

July 16: Wine Shine Half Marathon

July 4: Calistoga Fourth of July Parade

August 6   Lobster Feed at Merryvale Vineyards

August 19-20 Main Street Reunion Car Show

Sonoma Events

June 11: Beerfest: The Good One, Sonoma

June 12: Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Race

June 13: Healdsburg Jazz Festival

June 17-19:  Country Summer Music Festival

June 25: Taste of Sonoma, Kendall Jackson Wine Estates and Gardens

July 9:  Tower of Power at the GMC, Sonoma State University

July 15-17 Gay Wine Weekend – Out in the Vineyard

7/16  Dutton Wine Class – Barrels vs Tank vs Egg

These are just a few of many events planned in the Wine Country during the summer months. The high season in the valley is fast approaching, so contact us through our website, www.tourvin.net or email us at ed@tourvin.net to help plan your next wine country vacation!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge

Tour Vin – Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

Published on: April 27th, 2022

Tour Vin is always looking for the newest and greatest places to stay while vacationing in Napa Valley. On our last trip in March, we checked out the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, located in Calistoga.

This new resort, within a short distance of downtown, is an amazing place to stay while enjoying incredible amenities, including a first-class spa facility, dining either at TRUSS Restaurant and Bar or Campo Poolside, a complete fitness center, and an incredible pool area where you can relax and enjoy an adult beverage after a full day of wine tasting.

Also unique to this resort is the onsite winery, Elusa Winery, featuring wines created by Thomas Rivers Brown. The tasting room is amazing! If biking around the area to explore Calistoga is your thing, the resort offers complimentary resort bikes for guests to use.

Check out our pics of this fabulous resort and contact us for additional information and to plan your next wine country getaway.

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge

Tour Vin – Winery Provides Quick Bites in Between Tastings

Published on: March 30th, 2022

If you’re looking for a quick stop for lunch between wine tastings, V. Sattui Winery should be on your radar! Located in St. Helena, their picnic grounds are amazing and their food options cover the spectrum of picnic delicacies.

The Artisan Deli at the winery has something for everyone, including freshly made sandwiches and panini, salads, pastas and fruit options. If you prefer a freshly prepared charcuterie plate paired with a few of their 200 different cheeses, they can create that too! Outside food and wine are not allowed, which is not an issue since their expansive picnic grounds, extensive wine list and exceptional food offerings allow for a quick in-and-out lunch option.

We just returned from Napa Valley where bud-break is in full swing! If you are planning a spring or summer wine country vacation, now is the time to plan your trip. Contact us so we can help ensure you have an exceptional experience – cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge

Tour Vin – Upcoming Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Events

Published on: February 24th, 2022

Napa and Sonoma are kicking off 2022 with many special events you do not want to miss! From wine parties, winemaker dinners and concerts, there is something for everyone. Here’s a peek at what’s happening in the coming months.

Napa Valley

March 16: White Wine Meeting Cheese: a pairing workshop at the Napa Valley Academy

March 19: Hundred Acre and Perrier-Jouet Garden Dinner at the Carneros Resort and Spa

April 22-24: Stags Leap District Winegrowers Grand tasting event

May 8: Bud Break (wine, food and live music at Davis Estate)

June 8-11  Napa Valley Jazz Getaway

Sonoma County

March 23-27: Sonoma International Film Festival

April 23-24: Passport to Dry Creek Wineries

May 21: Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience

June 4-5: Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic

We have details on all these events and, due to their popularity, reservations are required. We at Tour Vin can help plan your next wine country vacation, so give us a call!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge

Tour Vin – A Visit to Oakville Grocery

Published on: January 28th, 2022

While in Sonoma, specifically Healdsburg, you may be looking for a quick breakfast or lunch spot with excellent American cuisine. On our last trip to Healdsburg, we stopped in at Oakville Grocery and were impressed. The amenities are very similar to the original Oakville Grocery in Oakville, offering beer, wine and excellent food at a reasonable price!

There is also a wonderful retail section that includes gourmet oil and vinegar, spices, tea, coffee and gift sets. Some delicious menu items are:

• Sausage sandwiches
• Veggie burritos
• Baguette sandwiches
• Pizza
• Salads
• Paninis
• Grilled cheese

On your next visit to Healdsburg, stroll through Healdsburg Plaza Park and stop in for a bite at Oakville Grocery – the perfect place for a quick lunch in-between wine tastings!

As the wine country gears up for accommodating guests, now is the ideal time to plan your next trip to Napa and Sonoma. Contact us to help assure you have a wonderful experience!

Ed Pollard
Wine Country Concierge
Tour Vin

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Tour Vin – Wishing You a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Published on: December 28th, 2021

Happy Holidays to all our friends and clients, as well as the wonderful people in Sonoma and Napa who have supported us throughout the years. Have a safe, fun holiday season and let’s hope 2022 brings everyone health and prosperity!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge

Tour Vin – Our Evening at Glen Ellen Star

Published on: December 1st, 2021

During our recent trip to the Sonoma wine country, we dined at an outstanding restaurant in Sonoma County, Glen Ellen Star.

This Michelin-Star restaurant led by Chef Ari Weiswasser (who spent two years with Thomas Keller at the French Laundry) is focused on using locally-farmed ingredients for his seasonally prepared menu. With a focus on wood oven prepared dishes, choices include: pizza (margherita and bolognese bianca), honey nut squash, root vegetable soup, grilled snake river farm wagyu beef, wood-roasted whole fish, rigatoni and brick oven chicken. The desserts are amazing as well: heirloom apple crumble, chocolate mousse cake and, of course, ice cream and sorbets.

Check out our pics – the presentation is amazing as well!

If you are thinking about a trip to Napa or Sonoma, contact us – we know all the hot spots!

Cheers!

Ed Pollard
Tour Vin
Wine Country Concierge