Favorites - Cooking and Wine Links

Favorite Links

Foodie Favorites

Atlas Peak Olive Oil -This is one of my favorite olive oils. This 100% extra virgin olive oil is made in small batches to retain its fruity fresh flavor. The olive trees on their farm have been producing since 1882. Today, the 5th generation Hammond family (Jeff, Cathy and J.J.) still farms figs, apples, and olives.

Calistoga Pottery-Jeff and Sally Manfredi have been making pottery together for more than 30 years, and just 30
at their present location on Highway 29 in the Napa Valley town of Calistoga, California. Sharing an affinity for food and cooking, they have specialized in useful, durable, everyday shapes in a variety of food-safe glazes. Their pots are lead-free, microwave and dishwasher safe. You will find their pieces in use at local wineries, restaurants, inns and homes.

Fatted Calf-Charcuterie sausage, pate and salumi. The tastiest confit of duck this side of Bordeaux. Great source for Italian provisions.

Five Dot Ranch-It's been ages since I've seen meat this beautifully marbled. And the taste is pure natural beef as it should be sweet, earthy, savory and rich. You can find them at Oxbow Public Market.

Long Meadow Ranch-They produce wonderful red wine, olive oil, 100% grass fed beef, eggs, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. You can visit them at the St. Helena farmers market, at their garden center in Rutherford or in the Mayacamas mountains above Rutherford.

Oxbow Public Market- Napa's newest market place for all things culinary. Located on First Street it has a wonderful cheese shop the Oxbow Cheese Merchant. Plus Whole Spice shop with some of my favorite places to browse the Kitchen Library, and Heritage Culinary Artifacts.

Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company-All things Italian can be found at Napa's "little Italy". You'll find this store at the end of Charter Oak Street in St. Helena and First Street in Napa.

Regina Olive Oil -The Dicksons have been making this award winning olive oil for only a few years. Taggiasca, Maurino, and Pendolino olives are blended into an exceptional extra virgin oil. Fruity and bright with a clean smooth finish, Regina olive oil develops on the palate......use it as a finishing oil to fully appreciate it. In 2009, Regina Extra Virgin Olive Oil won the prestigious ALMA Trophy in the third International Olive Oil Competition, “ARMONIA” held in Spoleto, Italy. Regina Extra Virgin Olive Oil placed second - the first time a California company has won this award.

Rancho Gordo-heirloom beans, grains, rice and spices.

Whole Spice Company- Spices, salts, peppers, chilies, herbs and more. I'm there at least once a week as Shuli always has something new...Black Cypress Sea Salt , beet powder or the wonderful Urfa chili from Turkey.

Favorite Wineries

Back Room Wines-Dan has an excellent selection of wines from mostly small Californian and some European wineries. He is my go to guy for food and wine pairing. Every Thursday he has an unique tasting designed to educate your palate.

Bourassa Vineyards - One of Napa's most distinguished boutique wineries welcomes you! Born from a family tradition of wine making, our wines are lovingly hand-crafted in small lots.

Chanticleer Estate Wines - this boutique winery, produces the best Sangiovese wine I've tasted in the valley. These coveted award winning wines sell out quickly year after year. George and Caddie create a wonderful tasting at their Yountville estate.

Groth Vineyards - This family owned and operated winery was established in 1982 and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from Napa Valley's Oakville AVA. While I adore there Cabernet Sauvignon I'm never with out their Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in the summer. In special years they make a "Reserve" bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon from a small lot in their 121 acre Oakcross Estate this wine is pure velvet and perfectly balanced.

Hill Family Estate Vineyards - Hill Family Estate is a family run winery. They have a great tasting room in Yountville with wonderful wines and a knowledgeable staff. Their Alberino is a can't miss with seafood. I also love their syrah with grilled lamb.

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