Eleven Eleven Wines Co-Founder Ellie Anest’s Guide to Napa Valley

Napa Valley thrives on community, where neighboring vintners and chefs continually lift each other up. For Ellie Anest, founder of Eleven Eleven Wines, that collaborative spirit is everything. Stepping beyond her own cellar doors, Anest shares some of her favorite local wineries, restaurants, and retreats that make the valley home.

What other tasting experiences do you recommend in Napa Valley?

Ellie Anest, founder of Eleven Eleven Wines: Napa has so many beautiful pairing experiences, but I always recommend seeking out smaller, more intimate wineries where the food enhances the wine rather than competes with it. At Eleven Eleven, we approach every tasting with hospitality and connection at the center, helping guests understand not only what they’re drinking, but the vineyard, people and story behind each bottle.

Davis Estates and Round Pond Estate both offer thoughtful culinary experiences. Davis Estates has a beautifully executed food-and-wine pairing, while Round Pond creates a true estate-to-table experience through its wines, culinary gardens and estate-grown olive oils. 

Are there any hidden gems or under-the-radar spots you recommend?

Downtown Napa itself can be an overlooked gem. Visitors often drive immediately up-valley, but there is so much happening right here, from tasting rooms  and locally owned restaurants to the Oxbow Public Market and the riverfront. Eleven Eleven is only minutes from downtown, yet when you enter our property, it feels like a private oasis. I also love recommending small, appointment-only producers where guests can meet the people behind the wines. 

Where do you love to eat in the area?

Bistro Don Giovanni is always a favorite—it has wonderful energy, consistently delicious food and feels like a true Napa institution. I also love ZuZu in downtown Napa, The Charter Oak in St. Helena and Ciccio in Yountville. For something casual, the Oxbow Public Market is wonderful because everyone can choose something different. 

Sunday should feel more relaxed, perhaps a spa treatment, a walk through Yountville or St. Helena, a leisurely lunch and one final tasting. Napa is best experienced when you leave room to enjoy the unexpected moments rather than rushing from one reservation to the next.

What’s your ideal Napa itinerary for a perfect weekend?

I would arrive on Friday and settle in with dinner in downtown Napa. On Saturday, start slowly with coffee and breakfast, followed by no more than two winery appointments. Would love guests to experience Eleven Eleven Wines for an intimate tasting, then spend the afternoon exploring another part of the valley and finish with a beautiful dinner.

Favorite hotels, spas, or unique stays in the area?

Stanly Ranch is beautiful and offers a modern, wellness-focused experience close to downtown Napa. For something more intimate, I love The George, a charming bed-and-breakfast that is walkable to downtown Napa’s restaurants, tasting rooms and riverfront. Auberge du Soleil is iconic for its views and sense of place, while Solage is wonderful for experiencing Calistoga and its mineral-water traditions. The Archer Hotel is also a great option for visitors who want to stay in the heart of downtown. 

What tips would you give to someone visiting Napa for the first time?

Make reservations well in advance, hire a driver and limit yourself to two or three winery visits per day. Napa Valley is larger than many first-time visitors realize, so organize your appointments geographically rather than spending the day driving back and forth.

Most importantly, ask questions and be curious. Learn who owns the winery, who makes the wine and where the grapes are grown. Some of the most memorable experiences come from smaller producers where you can genuinely connect with the people behind the bottle. And don’t forget to drink water, eat throughout the day and leave a little space in your itinerary simply to enjoy the valley.

What wine trends are you excited about right now?

I’m excited by the renewed interest in single-vineyard wines, lesser-known varietals and wines with freshness, balance and a strong sense of place. At Eleven Eleven, we produce Cabernet Sauvignon, but we also grow and make wines such as Syrah, Merlot, Malbec and Riesling. These varieties allow us to show a broader and more nuanced side of Napa Valley.

I’m also watching the evolution of the winery experience. Guests want more than a traditional tasting—they’re interested in wellness, food, design, sustainability and meaningful connection. Napa has an opportunity to honor its history while creating experiences that feel more personal, inclusive and relevant to how people want to gather today. That intersection of wine, hospitality and lifestyle is where I believe the future is headed.