Breakfast in Napa, Calif.

A great fortifying breakfast is essential before venturing out to the wineries and tasting rooms in California’s Napa Valley. A vibrant new dining scene in Napa offers ample choices for groups and other travelers alike.

–The Napa General Store is a restored older building that features wine accessories, general utilitarian goods and gift ideas in an old-timey warehouse setting and serves up tantalizing breakfast of egg-white scrambles and brioche French toast indoors or on an outdoor patio overlooking the river.

–Grace’s Table, located downtown, provides a sumptuous feast of homemade coffee cakes, donuts and cinnamon rolls; house-cured local wild salmon gravlax and bagels; fresh huckleberry and strawberry jam; and chilaquiles, featuring scrambled eggs with tortillas, tasso ham, cheddar, pico de gallo and lime crème frâiche.

–A third choice is the Alexis Baking Company, a locals’ hangout a few blocks from the center of downtown. It’s famous for its breakfast burger (poached egg and applewood smoked bacon on a potato bun) and delicious eggs Benedict, along with baked breads, cakes and other sweet treats.

Cleanse the palate and be ready to let the tastings begin.

—Josef Aukee

Image: Napa General Store