A Toast to 20 Years in Wine Country

To celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, we set our sights on a place that always feels a little magical: Napa. There’s something timeless and intoxicating about this charming corner of California, and for a milestone as meaningful as two decades of marriage, it felt like the perfect destination.

We made our home base at the Andaz Napa, a stylish and inviting hotel nestled right in the heart of Downtown. From the moment we arrived, we felt wrapped in comfort and ease—the kind of place where you can walk to just about everything, which came in handy for our weekend of sipping, strolling, and celebrating.

One of our first stops was Napa Valley Distillery, where we were treated to a spirited tasting (pun intended) hosted by Chris, who was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also wonderfully warm and engaging. It was such a fun and flavorful way to kick off our weekend.

Afterward, we wandered over to JAM Cellars, conveniently right next door, where we caught some live music that added the perfect rhythm to our evening. There’s something about wine, music, and your favorite person that just makes everything feel even better.

Another highlight was our visit to Brown Downtown Napa. The tasting experience there was elevated and intimate, offering stunning wines in a beautiful setting. We always love supporting Black-owned wineries, and Brown Estate continues to impress with its dedication to excellence and community.

For a little something different, we popped into Napa Cigars, just steps from our hotel. It was a cozy stop that added a bit of laid-back luxury to the trip—because sometimes, it’s nice to just sit, savor, and enjoy a slower pace.

Before heading home, we enjoyed a delightful breakfast at Petit Soleil Café on Clay Street. Tucked just behind the hotel, it was the perfect last stop—warm, welcoming service and delicious food that made us linger just a little longer.

Twenty years is a big deal, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to mark it. Napa always has our hearts, and this trip reminded us why. Here’s to love, laughter, and the next glass (or two). We already can’t wait to return.