In California’s renowned Napa and Sonoma valleys, the influence of chefs like Thomas Keller and Alice Waters has made “farm-to-table” cuisine the norm rather than the exception. The close collaboration between local farmers, vintners and chefs grants diners the pleasure of enjoying meals that take full advantage of the bounty of the region. Here are some of our favorite restaurants that have exceptional wine lists.

La Toque

A dish at La Toque in Napa, California - Megan MenicucciOne would never suspect that such a splendid restaurant would be hidden within The Westin Verasa Napa, a hotel of 180 rooms and suites that closely resembles a large ski lodge. The sophisticated dining room of Michelin one-star La Toque has a minimalist design, leather-topped tables and a romantic ambiance created by soft candlelight and an imposing fireplace. Chef Ken Frank serves creative but unpretentious cuisine anchored by classical French technique. It is hard to choose among the three nightly menus, but many guests opt for the nine-course Chef’s Table Tasting Menu, which includes a cheese course and two dessert courses. This seemed a bit of a challenge, so instead, we opted for the Core Menu, from which diners can select either four or five courses. Our halibut crudo with Sicilian olives and blood orange was refreshing and flavorful, and the light Erben von Beulwitz Riesling Spätlese suggested by the sommelier was a perfect pairing. Our favorite dish was red snapper in a Catalan-inspired savory seafood stew, generously stocked with mussels and shrimp. The prodigious wine list is sufficiently extensive to require an iPad.

La Toque
The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa. Tel. (707) 257-5157