Take Another Look at Napa | Wine Enthusiast
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Take Another Look at Napa

Napa is the most historic wine region in America. Countless domestic and international tourists flood its wineries, restaurants and spas each year. But do you think you know Napa? As two travelers who have visited the area for many years, we urge you to take another look. You might be surprised with what you find.

Napa has a new look, feel and tone. Along with its legendary wine destinations and storied eateries are a growing number of vibrant new restaurants, progressive young winemakers and an increasingly eclectic culture of residents and visitors. Whatever your taste or type, Napa’s now a one-stop shop for great experiences if you’re a wine, spirits and food lover.

Put simply: Napa chilled out, and it offers a visit that’s still refined, but more playful.

Going behind the scenes is key to tapping into Napa’s best side, and contributor Risa Wyatt followed four locals from the wine and food world to their favorite spots. From tiny boutiques to farmers-market finds and more, this is the road less traveled that you need to take on your next trip to Napa.

Another hot topic in the Napa conversation is Carneros, the lauded cool-climate region straddling Napa and Sonoma whose wines are quietly changing how drinkers think about California. California Editor ­Virginie Boone highlights the killer Chardonnays from the AVA, with additional suggestions among the other Carneros white and sparkling wines.

On the other coast, New York’s Long Island is developing a cosmopolitan, quality-minded winemaking culture, and the wines are showing it. Contributing Editor Anna Lee C. ­Iijima talks to four of the area’s game-changers about what’s next for Long Island.

Also in this month: Your complete guide to dry Riesling, how to cook and pair wine with America’s favorite game fishes, BYO like a pro and an exclusive interview with Napa regular (and co-owner of Napa-based LVE wines), superstar musician John Legend.