2025 Best of Napa Valley Awards: Readers Celebrate Their Favorite Local Businesses Page 6 of 7

Best Art Collection & Galleries

The Hess Collection in Napa Valley stands out for its extraordinary blend of fine art and world-class wine. It is located atop Mount Veeder and offers an exquisite collection of contemporary art displayed in a historic 1903 stone building. Visitors can explore works by renowned artists such as Franz Gertsch and Francis Bacon, with tours and tastings highlighting the collection’s depth. This unique combination of art and wine makes the Hess Collection one of Napa’s best cultural landmarks.

Best Wine Country Event

Now in its 14th year, BottleRock Napa Valley is one of the best events in Wine Country, offering an unforgettable blend of music, food, wine, and entertainment. Held annually at the Napa Valley Expo, this three-day festival features top-tier musical performances from international stars like Stevie Nicks, Pearl Jam, and Ed Sheeran. Attendees also experience the BottleRock Culinary stage, where celebrity chefs such as Jose Andre, Michael Mina, and Guy Fieri team up with local wineries and restaurants to put on an entertaining epicurean showcase. With its dynamic atmosphere and diverse offerings, BottleRock delivers a unique, high-energy experience, making it the ultimate celebration of Napa Valley’s cultural scene.

Best Dog-Friendly Hangout

North Napa’s 157-acre Alston Park is a favorite attraction for walkers, hikers, picnickers, and their four-legged family members. Owned by the City of Napa, the open park contains three miles of winding trails for walking, hiking, and dog walking with various elevations, terrain, and sweeping views of Napa Valley. Canine Commons is a dedicated area where dogs can roam and run off-leash and a popular spot where locals gather– especially on weekends.

Best New Restaurant

Napa Valley presents many interesting people, places, and things to do, making narrowing down the voting categories in our Readers Choice Awards challenging. So, as a consolation, in this section, we supplement the readers’ picks to recognize a handful of noteworthy contenders that did not fall into the parameters of the designated categories but deserve an honorable mention.

Stateline Road Smokehouse is creating a buzz in Napa Valley, promising a bold fusion of Southern barbecue and Napa sophistication. Helmed by chef-owner Darryl Bell and his passionate team, the restaurant showcases expertly smoked meats, inventive sides, and signature sauces inspired by Bell’s Kansas City roots. With a focus on quality and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Chef Bell’s Stateline Road Smokehouse is set to become a destination for food lovers eager to experience authentic barbecue in wine country.

Most Innovative New Business

Pucker up! The new Lip Lab in down-town Napa is a fun and innovative beauty destination where guests can create custom lipstick shades. Combining creativity with personalization, visitors blend colors, choose finishes, and even engrave packaging. This interactive experience is perfect for beauty lovers, bachelorette parties, and unique gifts, making it a must-visit spot.

Most Anticipated Winery Opening

With much anticipation, Bella Union’s stunning new winery opened in late summer 2024, making it the third winery of the esteemed Far Niente portfolio to stake a claim on Napa Valley’s Highway 29. Established by a family with deep roots in the region, Bella Union honors its legacy with a commitment to crafting world-class Bordeaux-style wines. The estate’s portfolio of curated tasting options paired with each room’s unique vibe offers a memorable experience, positioning Bella Union as one of Napa Valley’s premier destinations.

Best New Food Truck

Annie’s Food Truck is quickly becoming a favorite in Napa, serving up a mouth-watering menu of fresh, locally inspired build-your-own sandwiches, dips, and daily specials. Long-time resident Annie Rangel and her family run the truck and provide friendly service and a creative menu that keeps diners coming back for more. With a commitment to quality and a flair for innovation, Annie’s Food Truck is a refreshing addition to Napa’s mobile dining scene. Catering services are also available.