We end the day at the Tra Vigne Cantinetta, a beautifully romantic up-valley refuge. Walls of warm gold terra-cotta and stone courtyard walls surround us, sunlight filters through trees and vines overhead, pots and planters overflow with blossoming plants and the murmur of happy patrons having dinner on the restaurant patio rolls by. A glass of Ehlers Estate Napa Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium-rich mouth-feel and vibrant nose. The Bug Juice Piedmonte Moscato d’Asti has a bit of spritz that gives way to light acidity on the palate, a pleasing contrast to the syrupy quality that some Muscat-based wines possess.
The Cantinetta offers wines by the taste, glass or bottle, and features a small menu of salads and grilled panini sandwiches. If you can’t seem to track down a specific bottle the staff is happy to assist. We order a small plate of cookies to savor with our wine. The chocolate biscotti with chocolate chunks are just chocolaty enough without being too sweet or too rich. Sicilian lemon cookies or Crimuri have an interesting texture due with cornmeal in the dough, and a bit of lemon icing to sweeten it up. Pistachio shortbread cookies or Frollino Pistacchio are crumbly little squares generously studded with pistachios. As the shadows began to elongate, we knew is it was time to go, and another all-to-short visit was over.
Tra Vigne Cantinetta
1050 Charter Oak Avenue at Highway 29/Main Street, St. Helena
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11:30am-5:30pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday