I'm looking for an italian restaurant for dinner in Napa on June 13th. We'll be spending the day starting in the north at Chateau Montelena and then heading south to visit Old Faithful Geyser, Sterling Vineyards, Cakebread Winery, Rutherford Hill Vineyard (for a picnic lunch), & Frog’s Leap vineyards.

Would prefer a place between Frog's leap and the road back to San Francisco. Looking for something authentic with great ambiance. Price doesn't matter. Thanks!

Tra Vigne should fill the bill, but it’s in St. Helena—20 miles from Napa.

I was in Napa a couple weeks ago. Don Gionanni is a terrific Italian restaurant a few miles north of Napa on route 29.

I second Bistro Don Giovanni's. http://www.bistrodongiovanni.com/ A mix of Italian/French bistro w/a nice patio area for summer meals.

I also like the Bistro Don G.
On highway 29 about 2 miles ,north of Napa. Overlooks vineyards, lots of parking..
We go there often and have never been disappointed...

Another vote for Bistro Don G. DH and I were told that Tra Vigne has gone a bit downhill lately.....

Another vote for Bistro Don G especially if you can get a table outside. That shouldn't be a problem because you will be dining early. Of course, if it's over 100 like today, you may want to opt for inside.

I'm not a big fan of the main dining room at Don G. I might choose Uva Trattoria in downtown Napa instead if it's really hot.

Another option is to eat in Berkeley or Oakland on your way to SF. Oliveto in Oakland on College Ave may be the best Italian restaurant in the Bay Area.

Rush hour traffic is not too bad if you are heading into Oakland in the early evening. It's a different story heading the other way.

Another vote for Bistro Don Giovanni

MY