Pizzeria Tra Vigne

"Pizza is the name of the game at this local’s spot near downtown St. Helena. You could come in at dinner when a large margherita sets you back a Jackson and big plates of spaghetti and meatballs ($23) and chicken parmesan with spaghetti marinara ($19.25) are happy companions with a family-sized salad (Caesar $23.95).  But may we suggest happy hour? Available from 4 to 6 p.m. daily, the menu includes $5 tap beers and well drinks, two-buck BBQ spiced smoked chicken wings, and $1.50 oysters on the half-shell. At those prices, a greenback with Hamilton’s face on it is all you need." - Christina Mueller

"Though he opened his first restaurant in Miami, his career truly launched when he was named executive chef at Tra Vigne restaurant in St. Helena in 1987, when Chiarello was 24 years old." - Lauren Saria

"If you’re looking for a casual spot to unwind after a tough day on the tasting trail, you can’t miss at Tra Vigne, which has a menu of great pastas, piadines, and sourdough pizzas with just the right amount of crisp and chew. And although this place is always packed, it’s one of the few places in town you can get into without a reservation. For pizzas, we like the Vespa (with chicken apple sausage and spinach), the Ducati (with piles of spicy meat), or the smoky mushroom bolognese if you’re in more of a pasta mood. The daily Happy Hour has $1.50 oysters, arancini, and wings, and $7 wines by the glass, which is hard to come by here. There’s a big patio where large groups and families hang out, run around the fountain, and play bocce in between bites. If you just can’t drag yourself out the door to another restaurant, takeout here is great too." - christina julian

"If you’re looking for a casual spot to unwind after a tough day on the tasting trail, you can’t miss at Tra Vigne, which has a menu of great pastas, piadines, and sourdough pizzas with just the right amount of crisp and chew. And although this place is always packed, it’s one of the few places in town you can get into without a reservation. For pizzas, we like the Vespa (with chicken apple sausage and spinach), the Ducati (with piles of spicy meat), or the smoky mushroom bolognese if you’re in more of a pasta mood. The daily Happy Hour has $1.50 oysters, arancini, and wings, and $7 wines by the glass, which is hard to come by here. There’s a big patio where large groups and families hang out, run around the fountain, and play bocce in between bites. If you just can’t drag yourself out the door to another restaurant, takeout here is great too." - Christina Julian

"The Glass Fire that sparked on September 26 and lasted through October 6 or so literally surrounded the town of St. Helena." - Lauren Saria