Visiting Napa Valley

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John Phelps Vineyard in Napa Valley

California’s Napa Valley has all of the makings for a relaxing and romantic vacation – sensational scenery, quiet and intimate restaurants, cozy inns–and wine. America’s premiere wine district, located north of the San Francisco Bay area, is home to over 200 wineries, from small farms to large corporate concerns. In addition, the narrow valley boasts world-class restaurants, ruggedly beautiful scenery, and a variety of fun-filled activities.

Napa Valley Attractions
Napa Valley offers visitors an array of activities, from wine-tastings to romantic spa treatments for two. Among the many things to do in and around Napa are:

Touring the Wineries – You’re never far from a winery in the Napa Valley. Many are open to the public for tastings. Some even offer tours of the wine-making operation, gift shops, picnic facilities, and restaurants. Pick up a map and create your own tour or take part in one of the many organized tours and leave the driving to someone else.
Napa Valley Wine Train – The Napa Valley Wine Train is an easy way to tour the area. Travel the 36-mile roundtrip between Napa and St. Helena while enjoying a gourmet lunch or dinner.
Hot-Air Ballooning – One of the most majestic ways to see the Napa Valley is to take one of the several hot-air balloon tours. These adventures depart first thing in the morning (to take advantage of the calm morning air) and spend three to four hours touring the countryside, followed by a Champagne brunch.
A day at the Spa – Pamper yourself at one of the many day spas located in and around the natural hot springs at Calistoga. The area is particularly noted for its mud treatments. Among the dozens of spas are the Lavender Hill Spa, the Calistoga Inn and Spa, and the Golden Haven Hot Springs.

Napa Valley Restaurants
Dining is one of the highlights of any trip to Napa Valley. The area has dozens of eateries and one is hard-pressed to find a bad meal. Among the most popular restaurants are:

Bouchon – This Yountville bistro is the more casual cousin of the acclaimed French Laundry (see description below). The menu features Lyonnaise cuisine mixed with California favorites in a stylish atmosphere.
Etoile at Domaine Chandon – Adjacent to the Champagne-maker of the same name, this romantic eatery serves California cuisine for both lunch and dinner, with dishes designed to showcase the house Champagnes. The dining is elegant, yet casual like most of Napa Valley.
The French Laundry – This is, arguably, the most famous restaurant in Napa Valley. This formal food emporium, under the direction of Chef Thomas Keller, serves dinner seven nights a week and offers two menus – a nine-course chef’s tasting menu and a 9-course vegetable tasting menu. Both make use of the freshest local ingredients. Seating is by reservation only (707 944-2380), which may be made beginning two months in advance.
Mustard’s Grill – A popular Yountville gathering place for over 20 years, Mustard’s Grill serves a combination of sandwiches, appetizers, salads, and grilled entrees – all accompanied by a selection of local vintages. A vibrant and affordable place to eat.

Staying in Napa Valley
Accommodations in Napa Valley range from standard hotels to romantic inns to individual bed and breakfasts. Among the most romantic of this are:

Auberge de Soleil – Located on a hilltop overlooking the vineyards, this award-winning hostelry combines French luxury with California friendliness. All rooms are designed with a Mediterranean flair, with private patios or balconies, plasma TVs, DVDs, CD players and stereos, mini-bars stocked with complimentary beverages and snacks, espresso machines and toasters, wall safes, voicemail, and computer data ports. The inn also has one of the best restaurants in the area.
Hotel d’Amici – This charming inn is located in the historic town of Calistoga, in the northern part of the valley, within walking distance of wineries, spas, and shopping. Each guest room in this century building is individually and cheerfully decorated, and many suites include a spacious balcony overlooking the street.
Meadowood – Located just off of the Silverado Trail near wineries and woodland, this luxury resort and spa features cozy, romantic rooms and suites, all with wood-burning fireplaces and wood decks and balconies. Facilities include a spa, tennis courts, a fitness room, an 18-hole championship golf course, and miles of hiking trails.
Napa Valley Lodge – Located in Yountville, a good centrally-located base for exploring Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Lodge features 55 European-style guest rooms. All accommodations have private balconies or patios overlooking the valley, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and high-speed Internet access.

Getting to Napa Valley
The Napa Valley wine district is located about 1 ½ hours drive from San Francisco International Airport, accessible from all over the United States and the world. A rental car is recommended for touring Napa Valley as taxis are scarce and attractions are rarely within walking distance of one another.

credit: jessicafm