"Brasswood checks many boxes with a bakery, bar, restaurant, and tasting room spread across the sprawling grounds, and if you want to dine outdoors in St. Helena, this is one of the best places to do it. The bakery works for a quick breakfast or lunch, with a great egg and potato burrito, woodfired pizzas, and a must-have giant chocolate chip cookie. The bar and restaurant are always buzzing and draw locals with many standout options and free corkage on the first bottle. Start dinner with the off-menu hand-pulled mozzarella, before moving on to the warm brussels sprout salad, duck bolognese, and chipotle ribs (which often sell out). Just make sure to save room for butterscotch panna cotta, as it’s one of the best desserts in the valley." - christina julian
