Napa Valley Cocktail Country?

Acacia House: Stephen Hebding, mixologist.

Auberge du Soleil: my first Michelin Star restaurant

Goose and Gander: a delightful bistro

Mrs. DWA recently planned a trip to Napa for just the two of us. I was along for the ride. After a day of wine, we ended up having cocktails each night. If you head to wine country, and you need a break, here are my recommendations.

Acacia House is an absolute must. Stephen Hebding is their mixologist. We had one sip and knew he was worth cancelling a meal at Grace's Table (not a knock on them, that's just where we were headed) and he let me ask him question after question for nearly 2 hours. His cocktails are self created, intricately put together, and outstanding to taste. He was self taught and created a 300+ mezcal bottle collection at his prior location down the road. He reminds me of Crispin Glover when you talk to him, and his cocktails legitimately blow your socks off.

Auberge du Soleil is a Michelin Star restaurant. The food was unreal. The service was impeccable. If it had been light outside, the view would have been incredible. They had every big name cocktail I've heard of and we ordered the Vieax Carre, Bees Knees and Hemingway Daiquiri. To be honest, they left a lot to be desired, and I would do wine instead if I went back. I had Stephen Hebding's Hemingway the day after Auberge and it was unreal the difference (his was better).

Goose and Gander was a home run all around. The food was top notch from app to dessert and the cocktails were spot on. The three we ordered were served "up" (no ice ... and usually the way I prefer them). Each drink I ordered came with a flower. And since we have a running joke when we go out for dinner that I always find the girly looking drink, Napa just confirmed I have a sixth sense about that. I would go back here again and I would do any of their cocktails.

Cheers! #DWA #drinkswithandy #amateurbartender #napacocktails #vacationcocktails