It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Saint Helena, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I did not know a service like this even existed! Taking care of a parent with”
“Stephanie DeMartile has been an absolute pleasure to work with! She's very kind, knowledgeable and”
“Our sister was under the care of Stephanie DeMartile and her team and received superb”
“Always Best Care is such an amazing company. Helping meet our seniors needs and guiding”
“Always Best Care Senior Services always provides the best services and truly cares for their”
“It was Christmas day when my In laws had fallen and both were in”
“I am a current client of this provider I have someone to walk with since I”
“After my Dad came to live with us rather suddenly it became clear that we”
“I am a past client of this provider She bathed and washed her up. She took”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps me because I can't be there”
“I am a current client of this provider They work really hard for me because my”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver only comes in once a week,”
“I am a past client of this provider They could have put their rates down a”
“I am a current client of this provider They help by readjusting the schedule if needed. I”
“I am a current client of this provider The interaction has been helping her the most. I”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me more than they help my”
“I am a current client of this provider They look for things to do when everything”
“I am a past client of this provider The therapist was very positive and encouraging to”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made my life a lot easier.”
“I am a current client of this provider The care is helping, and the client is”
“I am a current client of this provider She works well with my wife. We are satisfied”
“I am a current client of this provider The services have helped me the most with”
“Lori Yeager, Came to my house to sign me up the service, she was incredible, very”
“I am a past client of this provider I am a past client of Always Best”
“I am a past client of this provider An excellent company with professional staff. Excellent follow-up”
“I did not know a service like this even existed! Taking care of a parent with dementia is extremely difficult. My father has reached the point that he needs 24 hour care. Thankfully Stephanie stepped in and guided me through it all. I had so many questions, but yet didn’t know what to ask. I was lost. She took me to a few Board and Cares, explained all the differences between all the options out there. Stephanie even stepped in at the hospital, (with my permission ), to be sure my Dad wasn’t released too soon and all appropriate paperwork was completed. Stephanie is worth her wait in gold!!”
“Stephanie DeMartile has been an absolute pleasure to work with! She's very kind, knowledgeable and patient. Her experience makes for a smooth process. If you're thinking of choosing Always Best Care, let this be your sign to move forward! Highly recommend.”
“Our sister was under the care of Stephanie DeMartile and her team and received superb service. We couldn’t have asked for better care during her last days. We would highly recommend ABC to anyone seeking professional and loving care for themselves or their loved ones. We had our sister in several other facilities and she received very poor care until we got her home. The home care was wonderful! When it came time for her to enter the hospice part of the program, we were amazed at how loving and caring Stephanie’s team treated her. She was allowed to die pain free and with dignity. We were sad but grateful she had such great care and support in her end days.”
“Always Best Care is such an amazing company. Helping meet our seniors needs and guiding families through this exhausting process of needing care, finding care at home and then even helping finding long term solutions once things escalate past home needs! Stephanie DeMartile is very responsive, knowledgeable & helpful. Thank goodness for her experience to guide us through this process. She is a jewel. I can honestly say she is the main reason I keep coming back to Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services always provides the best services and truly cares for their clients. I can't thank Stephanie enough for the help and guidance she has given!”
“It was Christmas day when my In laws had fallen and both were in the hospital. There was alot on problems with their care and services available but the one thing the hospital did right was by giving us Always Best Care. Stephanie DeMartile let me know what the costs and options were available. She made all the calls to find a care home that was affordable clean and could accommodate a couple. . She took a huge weight off my shoulders. Her service was the best, other services just gave me places to call. Thank you!”
“I am a current client of this provider I have someone to walk with since I was in the hospital because I fell when walking. I like the fact that I have someone to walk with me. There are little things that would not happen without the caregiver. In the beginning, several people came out, and then it settled on two providers. I think they needed more consistency at the beginning.”
“After my Dad came to live with us rather suddenly it became clear that we would need some help in the home. I was very apprehensive about having "strangers" in my home while my husband and I went to work. Trusting anyone else to care for my Dad was a huge leap for me. Lori came and did the intake evaluation and I immediately felt comfortable with her. She met Dad and was so gracious and personable with him. We needed help right away and Always Best Care did their very best to fill our time slots quickly. This was where there were a few bumps but I would encourage anyone to be patient with the process. We got a great rhythm of care going for Dad and he would daily ask "who's coming today?" Jessica would pop bye and check on him. Always so attentive to REALLY knowing how he was doing. He loved their chats. Tenesha and Carolyn became like family in our home. My fears of in home care, trusting others with my home and Dad quickly faded away with the dedicated and genuine care giving he received. We are forever grateful.”
“I am a past client of this provider She bathed and washed her up. She took care of her hygiene. The home care provider Shelby was proficient and well-trained.”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps me because I can't be there for my mom every day, and it helps her with cleaning. I would recommend them because they are very organized and professional. They are flexible and compassionate.”
“I am a current client of this provider They work really hard for me because my life is very hectic and crazy. They are very professional, hardworking individuals.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver only comes in once a week, but she provides excellent care. She is like part of the family when she is here. They're dependable, reliable, and have excellent customer service and care. They've been outstanding in every aspect and they've never let me down.”
“I am a past client of this provider They could have put their rates down a little bit. I used them for 2 days, but it was too expensive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help by readjusting the schedule if needed. I would recommend them because they are helpful, and they know exactly what I need.”
“I am a current client of this provider The interaction has been helping her the most. I like that we can make a list of what we need and that is what we are provided.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me more than they help my husband, it gives me some relief. I'd recommend them because they always follow up, the follow-up in the office is good.”
“I am a current client of this provider They look for things to do when everything else is done. They do a good job of getting the caregivers here, and they are excellent caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider The therapist was very positive and encouraging to get me moving. I liked the nurses and physical therapists.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made my life a lot easier. I don't have to do everything for myself now. I would like to see them improve at getting a caregiver who will be able to physically take care of me. My caregiver is a little lady, and I am a bigger lady so I think it would be better if they matched me with a bigger caregiver.”
“I am a current client of this provider The care is helping, and the client is happy. It has let me get the rest I need and peace of mind. The training for the caregiver could be better, she was not as knowledgeable as they said she was.”
“I am a current client of this provider She works well with my wife. We are satisfied with their help.”
“I am a current client of this provider The services have helped me the most with keeping up with my target. I like that they are professional.”
“Lori Yeager, Came to my house to sign me up the service, she was incredible, very knowledgeable and thorough in every thing to about the service. I was very pleased and excited to start the service ????”
“I am a past client of this provider I am a past client of Always Best Care from Feb 2017. My ABC care coordinator was Sierra Washington in Vacaville. She did an excellent job. She's very experienced and professional. The only problem I had with ABC was the fact that they only had one home care person in my area (Rio Vista), Maria, who did a great job when she was here. Unfortunately, her schedule was very limited. Hopefully, ABC has found additional home care people in the meantime.”
“I am a past client of this provider An excellent company with professional staff. Excellent follow-up too!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lyman Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch or visit St Helena Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Saint Helena, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Saint Helena, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Saint Helena, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Opponents of St. Helena’s controversial and recently approved 87-unit Hunter Subdivision have taken the issue to court.The lawsuit, filed July 27 in Napa Superior Court, seeks to overturn St. Helena City Council’s June 26 approvals of the project’s tentative subdivision map and its Environmental Impact Report.Plaintiffs include St. Helena Citizens for a Sustainable Future — a group of St. Helena residents that have spoken out against the project in the past — and Water Audit Cali...
Opponents of St. Helena’s controversial and recently approved 87-unit Hunter Subdivision have taken the issue to court.
The lawsuit, filed July 27 in Napa Superior Court, seeks to overturn St. Helena City Council’s June 26 approvals of the project’s tentative subdivision map and its Environmental Impact Report.
Plaintiffs include St. Helena Citizens for a Sustainable Future — a group of St. Helena residents that have spoken out against the project in the past — and Water Audit California, a group that’s previously sued Napa County and St. Helena over water issues. The plaintiffs are suing the city and Hunter project applicant Ben van Zutphen and White Fang Properties.
In the complaint, plaintiffs allege the Hunter project “would cause significant impacts on emergency access, water supply, traffic and public trust resources.”
The complaint alleges various flaws in the adopted Environmental Impact Report, including that it fails to describe flood risks facing the project; doesn’t adequately analyze the project’s impact on groundwater flows; and doesn’t analyze greenhouse gas impacts caused by idling vehicles stuck in traffic because of the project.
The complaint also alleges several violations of the St. Helena Municipal code, the Fish and Game Code and California’s Public Trust Doctrine — which protects waterways for the public’s use.
St. Helena City Council approved the tentative map on a 3-2 vote June 26, during a three-hour special meeting. The council also voted 4-1 to certify the Environmental Impact Report.
But council members noted at the time they were under pressure from the state to approve the project, given its importance in St. Helena’s yet-to-be approved Housing Element.
In response to California’s housing crisis, the state has in recent years ratcheted up pressure on local governments to shape up the eight-year housing plans that document housing needs and challenges and show how the municipalities will plan for new housing.
As part of that, St. Helena is required to show plans for approval of 256 units over the next eight years.
Should St. Helena continue to have its housing element deemed not compliant by the state, the city risks missing out on state funding. It also may face projects proposed under the so-called “builder’s remedy,” which theoretically allows developers to push housing projects past local zoning rules if they include a high percentage of affordable units.
Council member Lester Hardy said at the June 26 meeting he wasn’t a fan of the project. However, he didn’t think the city would “come out ahead dooming its housing element to failure and having all of that to contend with in addition to the applicant’s litigation.”
He voted to approve the project.
“I’m not a fan of the way in which the state is focused on the problems of local control versus any of the other things they might be doing to address the state housing crisis,” Hardy said.
“I think local government all too often is an easy target. But I also think local government has been part of the problem, and St. Helena’s record on housing is frankly, on the whole, decent in a few brief periods and generally not so good.”
The former home of Napa Valley’s popular Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen sat empty for five long years. Since its 2018 closure, this once-lively local’s hot spot from famed chef Cindy Pawlcyn has been a somber embodiment of St. Helena’s struggling dining scene.But next month, the space will finally reopen as Charlie’s, the ...
The former home of Napa Valley’s popular Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen sat empty for five long years. Since its 2018 closure, this once-lively local’s hot spot from famed chef Cindy Pawlcyn has been a somber embodiment of St. Helena’s struggling dining scene.
But next month, the space will finally reopen as Charlie’s, the highly anticipated restaurant from Elliot Bell, a former French Laundry executive sous- chef and volunteer firefighter. The refreshed space will offer an American menu that blurs the boundaries of classic, comfort and fancy fare. Think shrimp cocktail with fried saltines, Wagyu steak with a potato latke, and a nostalgic twist on caviar service. (The accouterments are mini potato skins and a creamy, caramelized onion dip.)
Open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Charlie’s will also bring a new late-night food option to the small town, where most restaurants go dark by 9 p.m.
Named after Bell’s son, Charlie’s possesses a homey vibe, but it’s sleeker and less formal than its fine dining predecessor. (There are no white tablecloths.) It also brings desperately needed energy to sleepy St. Helena. The town has been starved for exciting culinary developments in recent years while downtown Napa, 20 miles south, has been booming. The last buzz-worthy opening in St. Helena was the Charter Oak — in 2017.
Past Cindy’s regulars will find the layout familiar. The unassuming entrance is still on Railroad Avenue, a backstreet parallel to Main Street and the Napa Wine Train’s railroad tracks. A narrow garden pathway takes guests past a small courtyard, where drinks and casual bites will be served. Patrons enter the late-1800s, whitewashed building through the bar area, which leads to the separate, quieter dining room. Up the steep and narrow stairs, there’s a chic lounge space for groups and private parties. Bell even preserved a section of the old Cindy’s wallpaper in one nook of the dining room as an homage to Pawlcyn.
Yet Bell also implemented significant interior changes that make Charlie’s feel larger, brighter and modern. Unlike Cindy’s, where locals would fight for a bar stool, the horseshoe bar at Charlie’s is the centerpiece, offering 24 seats and an additional 30 at leather banquettes. Those facing the kitchen can catch some of the action through a window cut out of a blue-tiled accent wall. Built-in shelving displaying glassware and liquor bottles enhances the feeling of being in someone’s home, not a restaurant.
Bell, a former regular of Cindy’s, said he hopes to continue the theme of “comfort, simplicity and approachability” that the previous menu was known for while utilizing “fun new techniques and ingredients.” The latter he’s sourcing from local farms and purveyors, including beef from a fellow firefighter. The fried chicken ($20), which Bell described as a “mix between classic Southern and Korean style,” uses spent grains from St. Helena brewery Mad Fritz. That’s also found in the brine for the beer can chicken ($32).
Cindy’s old wood-fired oven will cook rotating flatbreads, such as one topped with stracciatella with preserved chiles ($12). The dough is inspired by a Spanish flatbread known as coca, but it’s softer like naan, said Bell. Other hearth-roasted dishes include potato rolls ($8) and vegetables, like Jimmy Nardello peppers served with a charred eggplant béchamel sauce ($12).
Bell worked a few family recipes into the menu, too, including the caviar’s onion dip. There’s also a pickled green tomato mayo, a play on a Green Goddess ranch dip, served with fried green tomatoes ($12). And shrimp cocktail ($18), which was “always around at the holidays,” he said.
The cocktail program is inspired by the New York cocktail scene, said Bell, focused on “lower-alcohol, easy-drinking” concoctions featuring seasonal fruits. There’s a grapefruit Campari sour ($16), poblano margarita ($17) and the Courtyard Cobbler ($16) made with Vermouth, fig syrup, citrus and mint. He said he envisions a more “upbeat vibe” in the bar area than before, yet still hopes to attract locals and wine industry workers. During harvest, winemakers would regularly stroll into Cindy’s after work dressed in their unofficial uniform of Blundstones, jeans, a branded vest and grape-stained hands.
Like the wallpaper in the dining room, there is one notable tribute to Cindy’s on the menu: Bell’s version of the former restaurant’s famous Campfire Pie ($12), a s’mores-inspired dessert featuring an Oreo cookie crust and a tower of toasted marshmallow fluff. His rendition is “a little less Oreo crunch” with “more chocolate ganache,” he said. It went through a lengthy R&D phase while he sought Pawlcyn’s approval.
“She lives in town, so she’s always coming around,” he said.
Charlie’s. Opens Oct. 5. 1327 Railroad Ave., St. Helena. charliesnv.com
Reach Jess Lander: jess.lander@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @jesslander
The initiative would circumvent the city's Planning Commission and City Council, and place the matter in the hands of voters.Patch StaffST. HELENA, CA — The city of St. Helena commented Thursday on a potential ballot measure it has received for the November election from Noble House Hotels & Resorts for a 56-room resort planned at Charles Krug Winery in the northern part of the city, officials said Thursday.The filing came after a series of general project discussions between Noble House Hotels and Resorts &m...
Patch Staff
ST. HELENA, CA — The city of St. Helena commented Thursday on a potential ballot measure it has received for the November election from Noble House Hotels & Resorts for a 56-room resort planned at Charles Krug Winery in the northern part of the city, officials said Thursday.
The filing came after a series of general project discussions between Noble House Hotels and Resorts — owners of the Napa Valley Wine Train — and the city’s elected officials and staff. In those meetings, no specifics were discussed or provided and the first opportunity for city staff and elected officials to see the ballot proposal was Wednesday, according to the city.
"Giving the voters of St. Helena the final word on this proposal seems appropriate given its significance for the community, but I am concerned that using the initiative process will bypass environmental review," St. Helena City Council Member Anna Chouteau said.
The ballot initiative does not include data, plans and other submittals that would allow the Community Development and Public Works departments to thoroughly evaluate the project, the city said, adding that staff has requested such data but has not received it.
"While we are always pleased to see economic development proposals that have the potential to generate revenue for our community, we will need time to review the Noble House-financed initiative for the project at Charles Krug," St. Helena City Manager Anil Comelo said. "The devil is in the details. We will analyze the proposal as best we can under the extremely short window of time we have been given to ensure that city rules and regulations are met. We will then provide the City Council with our assessment."
St. Helena Mayor Paul Dohring said economic development has been and will remain a priority.
"We have been focusing intensively on economic development in St. Helena over the last few years because we realize that environmentally responsible investment and public/private collaboration is vital to the delivery of City services and the preservation of our quality of life," Dohring said.
City officials noted that a ballot initiative can be seen as a way to avoid a more robust public vetting and evaluation process because it circumvents review by the Planning Commission and City Council, putting the final decision into the hands of the voters.
"We will carefully analyze the ballot language proposed by Noble House to ensure that it aligns with our community’s expectations, values and interests," Dohring said. "As mayor, I will continue to make it crystal clear to Noble House that we fully expect an environmentally superior project and significant contributions to the City for infrastructure restoration, roadway improvements, sidewalk replacements, open space and trail enhancements, and the construction of employee housing."
Patch reached out to Noble House and we will update this post if we hear back. The company is based in Kirkland, Washington. It offers destination weddings and its website includes Napa Valley Wine Train on its list of California attractions.
ST. HELENA, CA— Caltrans expects to start emergency drainage replacement work Monday, Sept. 11, on Highway 29 in St. Helena, and the city will "piggyback" on the work with a project of its own.One-way traffic control will be in place on southbound lanes of SR-29 — Main Street — between Adams Street and Madrona Avenue nightly between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday-Friday, Sept. 11-Oct. 9.This $2.7-million emergency repair by Caltrans will replace and upgrade the drainage system within the state's right-of-w...
ST. HELENA, CA— Caltrans expects to start emergency drainage replacement work Monday, Sept. 11, on Highway 29 in St. Helena, and the city will "piggyback" on the work with a project of its own.
One-way traffic control will be in place on southbound lanes of SR-29 — Main Street — between Adams Street and Madrona Avenue nightly between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday-Friday, Sept. 11-Oct. 9.
This $2.7-million emergency repair by Caltrans will replace and upgrade the drainage system within the state's right-of-way —from curb to curb—on Highway 29.
Motorists traveling on SR-29 through St. Helena should expect traffic delays during this time, Caltrans said.
All work is weather-dependent and may be extended or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
"Every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience, but construction noise cannot be entirely avoided," Caltrans Spokesperson Hector Chincilla said. "Caltrans thanks residents for your patience."
City Improvements To Coincide With Caltrans Work
"The City of St. Helena has worked with Caltrans to minimize the impact on businesses, residents, and travelers," said Andrew Bradley, assistant to the city manager.
To that end, all work will be completed during the overnight hours, with work beginning at 8 p.m. and ending by 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. Furthermore, work closer to Adams Street will only occur on Mondays and Tuesdays to help minimize the impact on hotel guests in the area.
While this work is taking place, the City of St. Helena Public Works Department will take the opportunity to upgrade and replace five sewer laterals on this section of the street, utilizing an additional state grant. The work was not scheduled to start until 2024 or 2025 but the Public Works team wants to "piggyback" on the project to minimize future impacts on businesses and residents while also realizing cost savings, city officials said Friday.
“The City of St. Helena recognizes that the timing of this work coincides with peak season in the Napa Valley and continues to work with Caltrans and our business community to mitigate construction impacts as much as possible,” said Joe Leach, public works director for the City of St. Helena. "This work will continue to help improve our infrastructure and gives our Public Works team an opportunity to begin work replacing sewer laterals earlier than planned and will help reduce any future closures for this section of Main Street."
Residents or businesses with questions should contact Mario Traverso, assistant engineer for the City of St. Helena, at 707-204 9084 or mtraverso@cityofsthelena.org.
Delights sold-out crowd at CIA in St. HelenaTim Carl, Napa Valley FeaturesSt. Helena, CA – March 2024 – Appellation St. Helena (ASH) proudly hosted its highly anticipated annual food and wine pairing extravaganza, bASH, on March 23, drawing a sold-out crowd of 300 enthusiastic attendees. Held at The Culinary Institute of America Greystone, this year marked the event's triumphant 13th year, showcasing the exceptional talents of both emerging culinary students and seasoned professionals alongside the wonder...
Tim Carl, Napa Valley Features
St. Helena, CA – March 2024 – Appellation St. Helena (ASH) proudly hosted its highly anticipated annual food and wine pairing extravaganza, bASH, on March 23, drawing a sold-out crowd of 300 enthusiastic attendees. Held at The Culinary Institute of America Greystone, this year marked the event's triumphant 13th year, showcasing the exceptional talents of both emerging culinary students and seasoned professionals alongside the wonderful wineries of St. Helena.
The coveted "Fan Favorite" awards were clinched by Revana Estate with culinary students Munkhbaatar Gantulga, Chloe Wakayama and John Valadez, Chase Cellars with culinary students Amina Rateb and Noga Ramon, and Young Inglewood with culinary students Sarah Petersen, Clay Gerdin and Alex Bleakley, claiming first, second, and third place respectively. Meanwhile, in the fiercely contested "Professional Favorites" category, culinary students Keaton MacKenzie, Kaihan Qazen, and Lloyd Boatman, expertly paired with CourAvant Winery took first place followed by Buena Vista Winery with culinary students Krish Mahendra Todekar, Juan Montano and Ciro Medina-Mendoza, and Pellet Estate with culinary students Katherine Kowal and Ashton Altares.
Julia Jinks, Board President of ASH and Director of Marketing at Boisset Collection, expressed her delight with this year's event, noting, "This year's bASH was a fabulous success, boasting a diverse range of competitors and incredibly creative food-wine pairings. It is truly wonderful to see the community come together for such a fun and delicious event."
Dan Kedan, Assistant Professor of Culinary Art at The Culinary Institute of America, lauded the exemplary performance of the students, stating, "The students did amazingly well, showcasing their remarkable talent and passion for the culinary arts."
Appellation St. Helena extends heartfelt gratitude to Sunshine Market and Le Creuset for their generous donations and unwavering support. Proceeds from the evening will contribute to the continued success of ASH and bolster the scholarship fund of The Culinary Institute of America, empowering future generations of culinary professionals.
Next year's bASH will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
For more information about Appellation St. Helena and upcoming events, please visit https://appellationsthelena.com/.
The 25 competing teams were:
Mending Wall Team 1
2021 Tournahu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Spring Mischief – plantain, parsnip and Primal Cut
Chefs: Katherine Colridge Rodriguez, Benicia; Veronica Licha Lopez, Puerto Rico; Candace Fleming, Orinda
Vineyard 29 Team 2
2021 Vineyard 29 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Roly Poly Donut with Pineapple, Coriander, Walnut and Chili
Chefs: Ruby Pokras, Simi Valley ; Alyssa Rosas, Calexico; Anusha Karki, Artesia
Hall Wines Team 3
2020 Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon
Galbijjim Vol-au-vent with Cabernet Reduction
Celine Kim, South Korea; Ean Dalton, Jamesville WI; Suraya Serhan, Mexico
Anomaly Vineyards Team 4
2021 Anomaly Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Spring Duck Anomaly
Chefs: Maena Manzon, Fairfield; Grace Dobbels, Kansas City MO; Josie Heacock, Sonoma
Taplin Cellars Team 5
2019 Terra 9 Cabernet Sauvignon
Fresh Off The Vine
Chefs: Isaac Bravo, Gilroy; Claire Thornborough, Kenosha WI; Mirir Shah, Fremont
Chase Cellars Team 6
2021 Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel
Small Bite Chicken Schwarma
Chefs: Amina Rateb, Fairfield; Noga Ramon, Israel
The Crane Assembly Team 7
2019 G.B. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena Bella Notte Agnello
Chefs: Matthew Reyes, Bremerton WA; Amanda Sooch, W. Bloomfield MI; Dara Cabrera, Yuma AZ
Revana Estate Team 8
2021 Revana Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Tartare Otsumami
Chefs: Munkhbaatar Gantulga, Mongolia; Chloe Wakayama, San Jose; John Valdez, Los Angeles
Gallica Team 9
2018 Estate Petite Sirah
Blood Orange Glazed Tenderloin
Chefs: Michael Hagerty, Atlanta; Spencer Stengle, Princeton NJ
Pellet Estate Team 10
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Wagyu Tartare and Pearls
Chefs: Katherine Kowal, Ossining NY; Ashton Altares, Kapolei HI
Young Inglewood Vineyards Team 11
2023 Vin Clair Rose
Salmon Tartare
Chefs: Sarah Petersen, Minneapolis; Clay Gerdin, Solon IA; Alex Bleakley, Oklahoma City
Calafia Wines Team 12
2021 Estate Grown La Reina Red Bordeaux Blend
Steak Mousseline with Savory Berry Coulis
Chefs: Andes I, San Jose; Arung Pal, India; James Barber, Smithtown NY
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery Team 13
2021 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon
Piggly Wiggly's Pork
Chefs: Alexys Milburn, Folsom; Conner Lane, Lincoln CA ; Mark Berry, Birmingham AL
Raymond Vineyards Team 14
2020 Raymond Vineyards District Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Blackberry Espresso Bonbon
Chefs: Julia Thompson, Sacramento; Anica Chan, Hong Kong
CourAvant Team 15
2020 CourAvant Proprietary Red Wine
Eggs in Custard
Chefs: Keaton Mackenzie, Phoenix; Kaihan Qazen, Lafayette; David Bell, Irvine
Titus Vineyards Team 16
2021 Titus Cabernet Sauvignon
Nori Crisp with Tofu Mousse
Chefs: Maverick Cootauco, Philippines; Michael McCoy, Sacramento; Hyeongjun Suh, South Korea
Denali Estate Team 17
2021 Denali Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Duck in a Cup
Chefs: Dylan Moseley, Vacaville; Giovanni Barbosa, St. Helena ; Tyler Sorochinsky, Malibu
Monticello Team 18
2019 Yewell Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
King Trumpet Parmesan Tartlet
Chefs: Madeline Goodman, Santa Barbara; Timothy Chapman, Huntsville AL; Perry Kirkendoll, Redwood City
Rombauer Team 19
2019 Stice Lane Cabernet Sauvignon
Bleu Pasture Bite
Chefs: Wren Chapin, Walla Walla; Declan Ceszynski, Appleton WI
Panek Vineyards Team 20
2018 Panek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Chicken Foie Gras Vol au Vent
Chefs : Logan Tucker, Tucson ; Vyrenne Salvo, Mableton GA ; Ozzy Minard, Port Angeles WA
Charles Krug Team 21
2023 Limited Release Rose
Savory Strawberry Canape
Chefs : Berkley Huston-Resendez, Merced; Jesse Barfield, Paxton IL; Jason Malecki, San Jose
Salvestrin Team 22
2023 Salvestrin Sauvignon Blanc
Charred Octopus with Salsa Macheteada with Pureed Vegetables
Chefs: Henry Bryant, Hemet; Sophia Faucett, Las vegas ; Cheyenne Morones, Perris CA
Buena Vista Winery Team 23
2021 Château Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Indian Berry Wonton
Chefs: Krish Todekar, India; Juan Montano, Poway; Ciro Medina-Mendoza, New Germany MN
AXR Napa Valley Team 24
2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Charred Beef Tartare with Winter Citrus, Shio Koji and Black Truffle Aioli
Chefs: Antonio Hernandez, Seattle; Kaleb Grunin, Brewster MA; Schuyler Berger, Kingston WA
Varozza Vineyards Team 25
2017 Bloodline Proprietary Red Blend
Une Bouchee Partaite
Chefs: Kyle Kennedy, Seattle; Ryan Gomez, Philippines; Liam Futterman, New York
St. Helena has the distinction of being the birthplace of Napa Valley's commercial wine industry with Dr. Crane's cellar founded in 1859, David Fulton's in 1860 and Charles Krug's in 1861. The St. Helena American Viticultural Area, or appellation, was officially approved in 1995 and in 2004, the vintners who had worked together to get the AVA approved established a group to promote the growing region, today called Appellation St. Helena. The group focuses on promoting the quality of grapes grown and wines produced in the St. Helena AVA.
Appellation St. Helena is comprised of roughly 12,000 acres, of which approximately 6,800 are planted to grapes, more than any other AVA in the Napa Valley. More than 400 different vineyards are located within the appellation and the Association has 64 members.
The boundaries form an hourglass shape, and the middle section represents the narrowest width in the Napa Valley, where the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain ranges nearly meet. The AVA is a mosaic of alluvial fans and 21 different soil types. The soils here are created from centuries of erosion of run-off from mountain hillsides and the Napa River and its ancient tributaries.
Grape growing in the St. Helena appellation dates back to the Mexican land grants in the 1840s when General Vallejo gave Edward Bale a wedding gift of property. Bale and his bride promptly planted vineyard on their property. By 1880, over 100 people were making wine in St. Helena. While many types of grapes excel in St. Helena, the most frequently cultivated are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Board members are Katie Simpson, Lesley Keffer Russell, Seth Goldfarb, Myriah Mutrux, Jack Pagendarm, Eric Risch, George Watson, Paige Cole, Torey Battuello, Julia Jinks, Sylvia Taplin and Dave Yewell.
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