Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, St. Helena is one of my favorites. I love the food and the shaded outdoor bar area. Lots of other local restaurants are on the list, some long time favorites and some that have just opened.
Created in 1981, the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards is the Michelin for wine lists. Every year, thousands of restaurants submit their particular wine selection for a chance to be bestowed the prestigious accolade, and the competition is fierce: the internationally renowned restaurants’ wine lists are scrutinized by wine experts who examine the quality and quantity of wines, how the wine list complements the cuisine, who manages the wine – even the spelling and grammar! The lucky restaurants that make the final selection are then divided into three levels: Best of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and Grand Awards, the latter being the most prestigious.