For the first time since Napa’s most renowned winery opened in 1966, Robert Mondavi has a new home, complete with fancy food pairings from a famed chef James Beard Award winner Chris Shepherd. Arch & Tower, a new experience by Robert Mondavi, with oenophiles able to indulge in tastings paired with bites that highlight the best of Northern California’s local produce. The spot is meant to be a replacement for the winery’s tasting room while the Highway 29 location undergoes a multiyear renovation.
Set within the historic Borreo Building exposed stone and wooden beams contrast with old Hollywood glamor-inspired design, a tribute to the winery’s roots featuring bold black bars, mirrors, opulent chandeliers and gold finishes. On the first floor, there’s a luxurious retail area called “the jewel box.” Much of the artwork including a black-and-white photo of founder Robert Mondavi standing on top of wine barrels in the 1970s has been repurposed from the estate.
The Napa Exploration tasting, which includes pours from the winery’s Estates Collection, is matched with bites like seasoned waffle fries with crème fraîche ranch and trout roe, and red-wine-braised beef croquettes with house-made mustard. Wine tastings highlighting Napa Valley and To Kalon Vineyard terroir, paired with bites inspired by the winery’s founding era, can be enjoyed in the open-air lounge overlooking downtown Napa.
If you’re looking for a more expansive culinary offering, the Legend Lunch is a three-course meal that takes place at communal tables along the Napa River, with wines from the Estates Collection. And from 4 to 7 p.m., Arch & Tower will offer its “Golden Hour” menu of wines by the glass and à la carte snacks, for those who want to move beyond the set tastings.
“Robert Mondavi was a huge supporter of downtown Napa himself and I believe he would be thrilled that we are returning to open our doors here. This is our chance to do something unexpected, so we’re excited to welcome guests to Arch & Tower for some truly innovative culinary experiences paired with our terroir-driven wines,” said Director of Hospitality Philip Hansell.
Arch & Tower. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 930 Third St. Napa. Opens Wednesday. robertmondaviwinery.com