If you’re currently on the hunt for where to go wine tasting in Napa Valley, but looking for where you’ll find locals and a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, Gentleman Farmer Wines could be the perfect destination for you.
A Unique Wine Tasting Experience in Downtown Napa
Imagine walking into your bestie’s place, knowing you’re about to dive into an evening that’ll be one for the books – that’s exactly the vibe Gentleman Farmer Wines nails to a T.
Nestled in downtown Napa, Gentleman Farmer Bungalow is less ‘stuffy winery,’ more ‘your friend’s awesome dinner party that you never want to end.’ In a region where French-style architecture and aesthetics have taken over almost every single winery and wine bar, Gentleman Farmer Bungalow is taking a stance – and let me tell you, it’s refreshingly rebellious. Gone are the expected chateau facades and Euro-inspired pomp. Instead, Jeff and Joey have woven together a tapestry of true California charm.
The place oozes that warm, “welcome to the fam” feel from the moment you step into The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow. It’s the kind of spot where the laughter flows as freely as the wine, every nook and cranny telling you, “Hey, relax, you’ve found your third place.”
The masterminds, Jeff and Joey, get it. They’ve ditched the pretense and turned up the dial on good times, creating a space that’s as inviting as your BFF’s living room but with the added bonus of Napa’s finest sips within arm’s reach. Get ready to be greeted with the kind of genuine hospitality that makes you want to kick off your shoes, curl up on a couch, and settle in for an unforgettable night.
Gentleman Farmer Bungalow is that must-share-on-the-‘Gram, can’t-stop-raving-about-it kind of place. It’s the essence of Napa cool.
All About Gentleman Farmer Bungalow
Well traveled and well mannered, both Joey and Jeff have had their fair share of adventures across the globe. Their story as to how the concept of their bungalow came to be started off with a trip to France, where they were running late for a wine tasting at a chateau. With the hour pressing, the lady coordinating the visit on the phone inquired gently, “Will you have had lunch yet?” That struck a chord for the duo, which would lead to the curation of The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow.
With their extensive knowledge in hospitality (they used to own a hotel up in Humboldt County), wine (Joey learned how to make wine in UC Davis), cooking (both are incredibly talented at making the yummiest meals), and a whole lot of life, Joey and Jeff have crafted a unique destination at Gentleman Farmer Wines that transcends the traditional wine tasting experience.
While Gentleman Farmer Wines has been around since 2005, the Bungalow just opened its doors this past winter. Housed in a meticulously renovated Craftsman-style home that once served as a law office, this venue has transformed into one of the most stylish and inviting hangout spots in Napa Valley.
The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow Experience
What makes it so unique? You might be asking. Well let me tell you.
There’s no set menu
The Gentleman Farmer Bungalow offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner wine-tasting experiences, however there’s no set menu. When you create a reservation for any of their experiences, you’re going to get what they feel like cooking that day. They do ask if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies when you make your booking!
I love this as it makes every single experience fun and different.
So much history and thought put into every single detail of their place
I think we can all agree that we love beautifully designed spaces, however it’s even more profound when every single piece has a story behind it. During your wine tasting experience here, you’ll be eating with silverware and plates and drinking off of gorgeous crystal glasses that have been passed down by Jeff’s grandmother and aunts. You’ll be sitting down by the fireplace that was a part of Joey’s parent’s home, and the furniture set around the fireplace are from Joey’s childhood as well.
Each section of the bungalow is dedicated to a region of California, from Southern California, to Napa Valley, and Humboldt County.
Booking “Wine and Lunch in our Kitchen”
The pictures you see below are part of the Wine and Lunch in our Kitchen experience, which is $250 per person, comprised of 6 courses (+ wine), and 2 hours of your time. If you’re a part of their wine club, there is special club pricing.
In our six course meal, we indulged in many different dishes, all while simultaneously learning more about Napa and wine, the founders’ stories, and having a great conversation with my girl friend, Paris, who joined me on the experience.
As I said earlier, there is no set menu, and every day is entirely up to whatever Joey and Jeff feel like whipping up that day. During our experience, we indulged in olives stuffed with anchovies, some rosé, bacon wrapped dates, cheese puffs, onion flatbread and chardonnay, pierogi (made with Joey’s grandmother’s recipe), malfatti (an original Napa Valley dish made after the 1906 earthquake), steak Diane with salad and potatoes, homemade marshmallows, and a fruit cake. To end it off, we were sent home with a jar full of homemade rosé gummies.
A Show by Joey
Lastly, Joey likes to play his accordion to complete the lunch experience! I especially loved this, as I’ve never actually seen someone play an in real life, only movies.
Joining the Gentleman Farmer Wine Club Collective
There are many perks to enjoy when joining the Gentleman Farmer Wine Club Collective besides special pricing at the Bungalow! There are three tiers to their wine club: Gentry, Town & Country, and Gentleman Farmer Almanac. As a member, you’ll have preferred pricing, reduced shipping costs, complimentary tastings, and first access to limited-production wines. You can learn more about their member perks on their website.
Field Notes and Recipes
There’s nothing we love more than a good newsletter. Every single month, Joey sends out an email to all subscribers and members of what’s happening at the Bungalow, recipes from recent meals he made, and more!
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My Honest Thoughts
I’m very grateful to have experienced and discover Gentleman Farmer Wines and Bungalow. The wines were so memorable, and perfectly paired with all of the meals we indulged in. I will most definitely be back again.
This is the place where you’ll return to time and time again, the place where you’ll want to bring your friends to when it’s their first time visiting Napa Valley, the place you’ll want to bring your mom to when she’s visiting. It’s such a special place filled with stories, lessons, and yummy food.
It’s refreshing to have a place like Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, where community and genuine connections are the foundation of their property.
I hope this inspires you to book a wine tasting and breakfast/lunch experience this season!
I promise you, you won’t regret it!
