PRESS

What it's like

PRESS is a special-occasion restaurant on Highway 29 in St. Helena, known for its large wine collection and a Michelin star. Samantha Rudd leads the program alongside Chef Philip Tessier. The cooking is contemporary and tied to Napa's seasons, with influences from well beyond California.

Who it's best for

Couples celebrating something, wine lovers who want a very deep list to browse, and anyone happy to give a whole evening to dinner. If you want something lighter, the lounge offers a la carte snacks and is a gentler way in.

What to order & how to book

There are three ways to eat. The Chef's Tasting Menu is $195 per person, with wine pairings at $390 or $695. The four-course prix fixe is $150 per person, with pairings at $275 or $450. In the lounge, individual snack items run about $15 to $50, and a lobster roll and oysters on the half shell are among them.

Dishes the kitchen has listed include wild king salmon with fermented plum, black truffle-glazed chicken, sumac-cured halibut and American wagyu steak tartare. Plant-forward dishes appear too, but if you have allergies or dietary needs, call (707) 967-0550 or email reservations@pressnapavalley.com ahead of time.

Reserve on OpenTable, or by phone or email. It is dinner only: Sunday to Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.

How it fits into a day

This is the main event of the evening, so keep the afternoon light. A tasting or a stroll through St. Helena earlier works well, then dinner. With wine pairings in the mix, line up a rideshare or a designated driver. If you want a casual lunch the same day, Gott's Roadside or Cook St. Helena are nearby.