Lavender fields forever
Matanzas Creek’s gift shop in Santa Rosa features an abundance of items made with the property’s estate-grown lavender. Pick up some essential oil, lavender tea, lavender fire sticks, or a dream pillow. 800.590.6464; www.matanzascreek.com.
Good grapes
A wonderful 2001 Ricci Vineyard Reserve Zinfandel from Mayo Family Winery in Glen Ellen accompanied my first dinner. Rich and spicy, it suits intensely flavored meals, such as a fine filet or a mushroom risotto. At $38, it’s also a reasonable splurge. 707.938.9401; www.mayofamilywinery.com.
Food to go
Oakville Grocery has been a Napa Valley institution since 1881. Browse the selection of locally produced olive oils and other gourmet delights (try the pear vinegar). A great shop to pick up gifts to thank your parents for taking care of the kids. 707.944.8802; www.oakvillegrocery.com.
That’s Italian
Napa Valley Olive Oil Mfg. Co., housed in a plain-looking clapboard building in St. Helena, is where transplanted Italians go to get their salami and olive oil. It’s been owned and operated by the Lucchesi family since 1930. 707.963.4173; www.napavalleyoliveoilmfg.com.
—E.B.
