The Insider’s Guide to Napa Valley Through the Eyes of Its Stars

Napa Valley’s numerous attractions have drawn visitors for over a century—even renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson spent several months in Calistoga during the fall of 1879, drawn by the mineral waters and enchanted by the scenery. To gain an insider’s perspective on what makes this Northern California destination so appealing today, we consulted those who not only live here but are integral to the character of this extraordinary region.

From the visionaries behind celebrated vineyards to culinary trailblazers, we selected five locals who both reside and work in Napa Valley to share their top recommendations for what to see and do. Embracing this intimate knowledge (as Dinogo emphasizes traveling deeper), here’s what we discovered about these trendsetting residents’ favorite spots throughout the Valley. Their suggestions create an itinerary for an unforgettable weekend.

Jeronimo Cervantes, Cervantes Family Vineyards

Jeronimo “Jero” Cervantes was raised in Mexico City and has recently relocated full-time to his family’s expansive 1,100-acre ranch in Pope Valley, where he is the vice president of sales for Cervantes Family Vineyards. Although he is relatively new to the area, he has spent enough time in Napa Valley over the past few years to establish his favorite local spots.

Jero’s top restaurant picks include The Charter Oak, which features ingredients from its own organic garden, and the locally-inspired Press, both located in St. Helena. Other favorites include Ciccio for its wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta, Bottega for delicious Italian fare, and Thomas Keller’s Bouchon—all found in Yountville, Napa Valley’s culinary capital. He also recommends the award-winning Compline and Angèle, which serve French country cuisine in downtown Napa.

While he and his family appreciate fine dining, some of their most memorable meals come from more casual venues. “In spring and summer, we love to gather with friends and family at the swimming hole on our property for picnics with sandwiches from Giugni’s Deli and fantastic cheese selections from Oakville Grocery and Sunshine Foods Market,” he shares.

Cervantes and his family stay active by horseback riding on their ranch, hiking the many trails of Napa Valley, or cycling. “We enjoy road biking through Napa Valley, with our favorite routes leading us around Lake Berryessa or through Aetna Springs.” This area, previously home to a golf resort, is set to be transformed into a new world-class resort that aims to connect guests with nature.

Remi Cohen, Domaine Carneros

As the CEO of Domaine Carneros, Remi Cohen leads one of the most scenic wineries in Napa Valley, renowned for its sparkling wines. The winery, designed to mimic a French chateau, boasts a spacious patio where guests can enjoy food and wine pairings while taking in stunning views of the Carneros region.

The recently married wine executive shared that she and her husband have fully embraced the “staycation” trend for their special celebrations. “We adore both the Carneros Resort and the newly opened Auberge Stanly Ranch, two exceptional properties close to the Domaine Carneros chateau that enhance Carneros as a standout destination within Napa Valley.”

Her top dining spot? Without a doubt, Morimoto Napa Valley. “I adore the miso black cod; it’s the perfect match for a glass of bubbles,” she shares. “I've attempted to recreate the recipe at home, and while it turns out tasty, it just can't compare to enjoying it at the restaurant with a beautiful view of the Napa River and a nice glass of sparkling wine!”

Cohen also keeps an eye out for concerts. “I love experiencing live music and appreciate all the events at JaM Cellars, from the summer performances at the Oxbow River Stage to the year-round shows at the JaM Cellars Ballroom in the renovated Napa Opera House.”

Isaac Levine, Angèle

A local from Napa, Isaac Levine has been serving wine and crafting cocktails at the downtown restaurant Angèle since late 2019. He takes pride in fostering a friendly vibe that rivals the fictional bar in Cheers, ensuring guests feel at home as soon as they step in, all while creating beautifully crafted cocktails—from timeless classics to innovative creations—that define this popular downtown Napa establishment.

Living downtown, the mixologist spends most of his time in Napa. His favorite dining spot is C Casa at the Oxbow Public Market. “We love to get tacos or the chicken-and-rice bowl. My wife and I appreciate the variety of gluten-free choices at C Casa,” Levine shares. “Plus, the new patio with views of the Napa River is stunning. We often bring our dogs to stroll along the riverfront afterward.”

Other must-visit spots on his list include Bounty Hunter for cocktails and wine, and Zuzu for tapas. The drink aficionado draws inspiration from all around town. “When I seek creative ideas, I’ll stop by places like Oenotri or Scala,” he notes. “The chefs and bartenders here are incredibly talented, and it's always refreshing to see what they’re up to.”

Nick Runkle, Stanly Ranch

As the farm director at the 712-acre Stanly Ranch, Napa’s latest resort, Nick Runkle manages all agricultural operations. This 133-room property not only serves as a resort but also functions as a working farm, growing produce for its on-site facilities.

“I have great respect for our restaurant, Bear, and how it utilizes local ingredients,” Runkle shares. Collaborating with Chef Garrison Price and the culinary team at Bear inspires him as a farmer. “Seeing the chefs’ talent and creativity in transforming the produce I cultivate into exquisite dishes ignites my passion for farming and motivates me to improve.”

He is also looking forward to the debut of a new restaurant in St. Helena named Charlie’s, which will be helmed by Chef Elliot Bell, a former employee of The French Laundry. “The restaurant will focus on ingredients sourced from local farmers and suppliers,” Runkle explains.

Naturally, he is a big supporter of Napa Valley's farmers’ markets. “They are, without a doubt, my favorite shopping spots, and fortunately, there are three options in Napa Valley—Napa, St. Helena, and Calistoga.”

Kristy Melton, Freemark Abbey

Winemaker Kristy Melton took over the winemaking reins at Freemark Abbey from veteran Ted Edwards in 2020. A native of El Paso, Texas, she has since developed her own approach that honors the winery’s 137-year legacy, prioritizing fruit in her creations. After more than a decade in the Valley, she has curated a list of her favorite local spots.

When Melton seeks to unwind, she escapes to the hills—literally. “I enjoy di Rosa [Center for Contemporary Art], where I can stroll around, appreciate the art, and take in the stunning grounds,” she shares. “It’s a peaceful and Zen-like experience, a wonderful way to connect with nature while enjoying art.”

“My top pick for Happy Hour in the Valley is Bistro Jeanty,” the vintner shares. “They offer oysters and fantastic French cuisine. It’s a bit more subdued. I prefer the smaller West Coast oysters for their brininess, and I love pairing them with bubbles. Champagne is my go-to!”

When Melton craves a glass of wine, she heads to Torc in downtown Napa. “They boast one of the most intriguing wine lists in the area—it's a blend of diverse and classic selections. You can enjoy excellent Napa Valley Cabernets or discover unique white wines from across the globe. It strikes the perfect balance of affordability and luxury, embodying the essence of Napa Valley.”