Part One: Napa
Ok, so it’s not LA. It’s not New York. And it’s definitely not St. Tropez.
When in wine country, don’t expect to find nightlife that rivals the major
after-dark scenes from around the globe. But, just because you’re in the
sticks doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. In fact, if you know where
to look, wine country is actually teeming with spots where you can wet your
whistle and – gasp! – even shake your booty a bit after dark.
Napa
For starters, the town of Napa – not small by any means with a
population of more than 125 thousand - offers the most options for visitors
looking to stir up a little adventure après-tasting. First, drop into
the Bounty Hunter, a downtown Napa gem where owner Mike Pope offers an
impressive international selection of beer and wine by the glass alongside
home cooking-inspired savories like Beer Can chicken and Cowboy Steak.
Its cherry downtown location and popularity with the locals make the Bounty
Hunter a sure-fire bet for a good crowd and great jumping off point for
your night on the town.
The Bounty Hunter, 975 First Street, Napa ( 707) 226-3976 bountyhunterwine.com
Next, head over to the River City Bar & Grill for outstanding custom
cocktails and a lively bar scene. The place recently re-opened after cleaning
up extensive flood damage from the relentless winter ’06 storms. Management
took advantage of the opportunity to remodel the place and spiff up its
décor, and the new modern-ish vibe and attractive river-front setting is
drawing throngs of locals to the restaurant’s popular bar. Recent weekends
have seen the place packed with an energetic crowd sipping cocktails like
the signature Dark ‘n Stormy (dark rum, ginger ale and lime juice) and the
Two Feet High & Rising, a playful nod to the spot’s unfortunate past
made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, ginger ale and lime.
River City, 505 Lincoln Avenue, Napa (707) 253-1111 rivercitybarandgrill.com
Didn’t think bar-hopping happened in wine country? Think again. If you’ve
still got the night itch, head on over to new spot NV Restaurant and Lounge
on 1st Street. The newcomer with a deliberately ambiguous name (is it short
for Napa Valley or “envy?”), is getting solid marks for its food, although
the real news here is what’s happening in the lounge. On weekend nights
you can wind down near the spot’s chic fireplace while listening to live
music and noshing on a delicious selection of affordable small bites. Even
better, the bar service is excellent and the spot draws a stylish crowd
that tends to linger until 2, a rarity in wine country.
NV Restaurant and Lounge, 1106 First St., Napa (707) 265-6400
Yountville
Those willing to venture a little further up valley will find two
more solid nightlife outposts in the quaint – nay, ridiculously cute -
town of Yountville. The first is the bar at Bouchon, Thomas Keller’s dressed-down
bistro located just down the street from his eponymous French Laundry.
Bouchon serves an abbreviated menu including to-die-for gourmet sandwiches,
fresh oysters and moules frites until12:30AM, with no reservation required
at the bar. The well-lit spot recalls a stylish Parisian bistro with its
potted palms and brass accents and hits the spot for savvy late-night
diners who appreciate delicious food and a small but lively bar scene.
Full bar.
*Insider tip: now that Bouchon’s been given a Michelin Star expect
it to be tough to score a barstool there, even at midnight. Call in advance
to check availability.
Bouchon Bistro, 6534 Washington St., Yountville, (707) 944-8037
bouchonbistro.com
Feel like shaking your groove thang? Cross over Highway 29 to The Wine
Lounge at Domaine Chandon, where you can dance to local DJs at their limited-run
“Blend” weekend dance party. Weeknights offer a more low-key lounge-like
setting in the tasting room, which converts nightly after 6pm to The Wine
Lounge. Drink specials and discounts on Chandon bubbles are part of the
package seven days a week, as are appetizer specials from chef Chris Manning
of Chandon’s award-winning étoile restaurant. The Monday party, dubbed “Thank
God It’s Monday,” features $5 sparkling wine cocktails, $9 small plates
appetizers and a DJ. Call the winery for Wine Lounge events, dates and details.
Domaine Chandon, One California Drive, Yountville (707) 944-2280
chandon.com
Calistoga
Travelers who find themselves as far up valley as Calistoga will
be rewarded with stunning mountain views, charming architecture and warm
local character reminiscent of a time gone by. Tucked inside the Mountain
View Hotel & Spa in this otherwise sleepy town is brand spanking new
BarVino, a hybrid restaurant/wine bar/wine store that features a fascinating
line-up of wines from 28 small local producers. Eclectic selections like
Sly Poke’s Charbono, a varietal red that’s rarely seen on wine lists in
its native Italy, let alone in California, make up the spot’s most popular
wines. The youthful crowd is peppered with local winemakers and other
valley movers and shakers, but the vibe is decidedly unpretentious.
BarVino, 1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga (707) 942-9900
The Savvy Traveler
