3 New Spots for a Private Party in Wine Country

Wine Country private party

Protea Restaurant

Chef Anita Cartagena (formerly of Ciccio) and business partner Dwayne Gosselin are behind this eclectic Puerto Rican restaurant in Yountville, with flavors inspired by Cartagena’s upbringing. Rooftop seating affords views of Mount Veeder and the Napa Valley and is optimal for private events accommodating up to 30 guests. The seasonal farm-fresh menu changes daily and includes traditional dishes such as relleno de papa (crispy potato filled with ground meat) and modern Asian fusion fare like shrimp ramen stir-fry. proteayv.com

Wine Country private party

Cellar 47

Michael Beaulac, winemaker and general manager of Pine Ridge Vineyards, opened the chic lounge tucked away in the winery’s cave, and it’s ideal for tastings and special events. Designed by architect Michael Guthrie (Coqueta, Fog City Diner), it has exposed cave walls, live-edge redwood tables, Persian carpets, and plush leather furnishings. In this alcove, named for the 47 acres of estate vineyards the Stags Leap winery owns, two guided tastings a day are available, complemented with small bites. pineridgevineyards.com

Wine Country private party

Kenzo

After nearly two years of intensive and meticulous planning, the latest venture from the Kenzo Estate owners opens under the leadership of chef Hiroyuki Kanda, the man behind the Michelin three-star restaurant Kanda. This intimate Japanese eatery in downtown Napa seats 27 (including a 10-seat sushi bar) and has a private event space for parties of seven. On the traditional prix fixe kaiseki menu you’ll find fish flown in from Japan’s Tsukii Market, Kenzo Estate wines and an array of Japanese sakes. kenzoestate.com

This article originally appeared in Marin Magazine’s print edition with the headline: “Intimate Spaces Worth Sharing”.