Honig Winery
Two friends recently invited me to go with them on a day trip to Napa Valley. They belong to the Honig Winery Wine Club, and enjoy making the drive to pick up their wine (as opposed to having it delivered) and then stopping for lunch afterwards in Napa Valley before returning home. The Honig Winery is located in Rutherford, about 74 miles from Sacramento.
It was a beautiful day, and I enjoyed the ride and conversation. After our very wet winter in Northern California the tree studded rolling hills were greener than usual at this time of year.
We drove directly to the Honig Winery which is located in the midst of vineyards. The setting is very attractive. The winery has a small shaded outdoor patio, and there were several people enjoying the patio as they sipped wine when we arrived. There is also a picnic area on the grounds where tables can be reserved in advance. My friends are particularly fond of the Honig Sauvignon Blanc. Note: The Wine Spectator rating of the 2014 Honig Sauvignon Blanc is 89 points. Wine Spectator also calls it a “Smart Buy”.
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Bistro Don Giovanni – Napa Valley
(Updated 4/12/2018) After securing the wine, we headed to Bistro Don Giovanni which is located in Napa. I had not been to Bistro Don Giovanni previously, and I was in for a real treat.
The interior of the restaurant is very appealing, but we naturally wanted to dine outside as it was such a nice day. We were seated outside in the covered porch dining area overlooking the garden. It was one of those perfect days where the sky was blue, the sun was shining, and there was a light breeze. The fountain in the garden is very artsy.
It goes without saying that Bistro Don Giovanni is an Italian restaurant. Our waiter was top-notch. While we were looking over the menu my friends ordered Antipasti – the Carpaccio (thinly sliced filet of beef, capers, rucola parmigiana, bistro breadstick) ($17). Our waiter brought our drinks and complementary focaccia bread.
For lunch I settled on the Salad Nicoise (tuna, potatoes, haricot verts, boiled eggs, olives, butter lettuce, red wine vinaigrette) ($18). One friend ordered the Prosciutto Pizze (pizza) (Quattro formaggi, arugula) ($20), and the other ordered the Pollo alla Diavola (spicy mary’s organic chicken and vegetable – without the bean ragu) ($27) and a green insalate (salad).
My Salad Nicoise was very good and went nicely with a glass of the Bistro Don Giovanni California Chardonnay ($9). Both the pizze and Pollo alla Diavola were equally enjoyed. I had a taste of the Pollo alla Diavola, and it was very tasty indeed.
One friend ordered dolce (dessert) – the Top Shelf Butterscotch Pudding (whipped cream, chocolate) ($11) which we shared. I have to say that it was the best butterscotch pudding I have ever tasted – truly “top shelf” and a great way to end the meal.
After lunch we headed home and arrived back in Sacramento in the mid-afternoon. It was certainly a nice way to spend the day – you can’t ask for anything more than good weather, good company and good food.
(Updated 4/12/2018) Last month The Daily Meal listed Bistro Don Giovanni as one of ten America’s Best Restaurants for Homemade Ravioli. The Daily Meal stated:
“This Napa Valley institution turns the region’s bounty into modern interpretations of classic Italian fare. All breads and pastas are made in-house, and their ravioli is about as classic as it gets. It’s filled with spinach, pecorino, and Bellweather Farms ricotta, and is served with either lemon cream sauce or tomato sauce. Pro tip: Get both”.
Comments on the Honig Winery/wines or Bistro Don Giovanni?
Have you been to the Honig Winery or sampled Honig wines? Have you been to Bistro Don Giovanni? What has been your experience? Do you have a favorite dish?
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