When spring and summer breezes are lightly blowing, and the temperature is “just right,” it’s hard to beat al fresco dining, especially in wine country. Relaxing, romantic, and laid back, an inviting patio or garden offers that perfect evening (or lunchtime) respite, with food and a glass of wine, beer, or specialty cocktail. Here are a few of the many choices, with that perfect, relaxing ambiance, you may want to consider while in wine country.

Bistro Don Giovanni   |  Napa
Dine in a fun/quirky sculpture garden, with twinkling lights, and a fountain, as you enjoy your al fresco experience. The sun setting during spring and summer is magical. Perfect for that special date night, a romantic meal that is “one enchanted evening.” (Menu recommendation: Calamari & vegetable tempura)

Brix   |  Napa
You will be hard-pressed to find dining in a more beautiful, pastoral outdoor setting. Sit by a firepit, walk through the garden area, and delight in being surrounded by a plethora of blossoms, blooms, vegetables, and vineyards. (Menu recommendation: Dungeness Crab Fondue and Caramelized Sea scallops)

Hopmonk Tavern  |  Sonoma & Sebastopol
Relax outside as you enjoy dining and listening to live music (Friday-Sunday, check schedules).  Pub food with a twist.
(You may want to try the grilled artichoke and chardonnay steamed mussels.

Calistoga Inn  |  Calistoga
Award-winning micro-brewery. A great meeting place for happy hour, nightly music, good food, and an energetic vibe. Kick back with food and drink while sitting in their expansive outdoor area, under the gazebo, at a picnic table, around a fire pit, or at a table in the open spaces. A great place to kick back after a day hiking, biking, or exploring wine country.

St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery  |  Napa
Sip and relax in this inviting urban culinary garden space in the heart of Napa. Enjoy small bites with your beverage, many using ingredients from St. Clair Brown’s Garden.

Salt and Stone  |  Kenwood
They call themselves “Kenwood’s Gathering Place,” and indeed they are. Come gather here whether at a romantic dinner or with family and friends. The patio boasts a beautiful koi pond in the center, with umbrellas shading the daytime sun, and the twinkling lights that go on at dusk add to the charm.
(Oyster lovers can order fresh-shucked oysters individually!)

Sunflower Caffe  |  Sonoma
Sip a specialty coffee to accompany your menu item, while relaxing on the delightful, covered patio, surrounded by greenery with the soothing sound of running water from the garden fountain. Splurge on the peanut butter, chocolate, and banana smoothie!

Feast it Forward  |  Napa
Katie Hamilton Shaffer’s Feast It Forward redefines an outdoor venue featuring fun, food, wine tasting, music, live demonstrations, a concert/event venue, and much more. This is a totally new vibe, a happening place, and an experience. As their headline says: “Offering all things, food, wine & philanthropy with a taste of music.”

The Mill at Glen Ellen  |  Glen Ellen
Overlooking a small river, the outside area is an idyllic pastoral setting surrounded by trees, plants, and nature. This historic structure and mill (dating from the mid-1800s) are perfect to enjoy great food along with house-brewed beers, local wines, and specialty cocktails.

BUT WAIT! There are dozens MORE great venues with relaxing outdoor spaces to fit your food, wine, and socializing mood at the moment. Check out:

• Angèle  Restaurant and Bar  |  Napa
– A taste of the French countryside, on the river in Napa.

• Bravas Bar de Tapas  |  Healdsburg
– Enjoy the inviting outdoors, with a group, sharing the amazing assortment of tapas (small plates).

• Solbar  |  Calistoga
– Casually elegant, with inviting outside spaces and a creative menu

• El Dorado Kitchen  |  Sonoma
– Enjoy “new” American cuisine on the relaxing patio

• Girl and the Fig  | Sonoma
– Specializing in Rhône wines, and serving an inspired seasonal menu, relax on the comfortable patio with your food and drink

The list goes on for you to discover, explore and savor.
Napa and Sonoma counties offer a variety of locations to wine and dine the afternoon or evening away, enjoying the outdoors, nature, vines, ponds, foliage, music, fun, friends, and that special wine country spring and summertime ambiance.