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After my most recent visit to Napa, I feel like a local. Plus I made lots of new discoveries, so of course I have to share them with you. For the fashion and design lovers, a stroll down Main Street in St. Helena is a must for the antique and specialty shops like Martin Showroom. And foodies should pop into Woodhouse Chocolate and Napa Valley Olive Oil also in St. Helena.

ACTIVITIES
Napa has over 120 wineries, but here are my top tours & tastings: Alpha Omega, Domaine Chandon, Opus One, Rudd and Schramsberg.

750 Wines
1224 Adams Street #C
St. Helena
707.963.0750
www.750wines.com

For unique discoveries and exclusives on the best small production wines, schedule a private tasting with Monica and David Stevens.

CIA at Greystone
2555 Main Street
St.Helena
707.967-1010
http://www.ciachef.edu/california

Food lovers will enjoy a guided tour, cooking demonstrations, or browse the marketplace for culinary treasures.

Ma(i)sonry
6711 Washington Street
Yountville
707.944.0889
www.maisonry.com

This wine collective showcases art by San Francisco area artists and offers special tastings of boutique wines by appointment.

Napa Valley Balloons
6795 Washington Street
Yountville
707.944.0228
www.napavalleyballoons.com

For the truly adventurous, schedule an early morning hot-air balloon ride for incredible views of the valley.

Napa Valley Bike Tours
6795 Washington Street
Yountville
707.944.2953
www.napavalleybiketours.com

If you feel like exercising after all of the eating and drinking, rent a bike for the day or take a guided tour of the valley.

The famous Lucky Pig at Solbar

RESTAURANTS:
During peak seasons, restaurants are always very busy, so be sure to make reservations in advance.

Solbar
755 Silverado Trail
Calistoga
866.942.7442
www.solagecalistoga.com

I am obsessed with Solbar and because it’s located on the northern edge of Calistoga it was a bit of a hike, but drive I did almost every day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s all delicious. Brandon Sharp is the best!

Ad Hoc
6476 Washington Street
Yountville
707.944.2487
www.adhocrestaurant.com

One chef’s choice menu is offered every night and it’s served family style at your table in a casual setting all courtesy of Thomas Keller.

Bouchon Bistro
6534 Washington Street
Yountville
707.944.8037
www.bouchonbistro.com

Thomas Keller’s bistro is always crowded for lunch and dinner, but service is efficient and the classic bistro food rivals the best in Paris. Order the truffle pomme frites.

Bounty Hunter
975 1st Street
Napa
707.226.3976
www.bounterhunterwine.com

Located Downtown Napa, this wine bar offers 40 wines by the glass from around the world and a decent BBQ menu for lunch and dinner.

Cyrus
29 North Street
Healdsburg
707.433.3311
www.cyrusrestaurant.com

Dinner here is a grand experience and the Douglas Keane show starts the moment you enter the dining room. Everything is orchestrated with finesse and exact precision. Perfect for special occasions.

French Laundry
6640 Washington Street
Yountville
707.944.2380
www.frenchlaundry.com

The titan of the culinary world thanks to the inventive cuisine of Thomas Keller. You must call two months in advance of the day you want to dine, otherwise forget it. Most people book the reservation and then plan their Napa vacation.

Gott’s Roadside
933 Main Street
St. Helena
707.963.3486
www.gotts.com

A classic hamburger stand with the most delicious burgers, tacos, salads, fries and wine. It’s always crowded, so plan to wait.

Market
1347 Main Street
St. Helena
707.963.3799
www.marketsthelena.com

Perfect for lunch or dinner with American comfort foods prepared deliciously and served by a friendly staff.

Morimoto
610 Main Street
Napa
707.252.1600
www.morimotonapa.com

Great sushi, great cocktails, and the most happening spot in all of Napa. Seriously. It’s jam packed, loud and totally fun!

Redd
6480 Washington Street
Yountville
707.944.2222
www.reddnapavalley.com

Chic setting with attentive staff and a creative menu make this popular spot by Richard Reddington THE place to see and be seen in Napa.

Rutherford Grill
1180 Rutherford Road
Rutherford
707.963.1792
www.hillstone.com

If it looks like a Houston’s, tastes like a Houston’s….it’s a Houston’s!

The Restaurant at Meadowood
900 Meadowood Lane
St. Helena
800.458.8080
www.meadowood.com

“We don’t try to be provocative. We want to be evocative. The food shouldn’t require bravery, but understanding.” That’s how Christopher Kostow describes the gold standard at his restaurant. I concur, expect the unexpected. Hands down my best culinary experience of 2011 (so far).

Terra
1345 Railroad Avenue
St. Helena
707.963.8931
www.terrarestaurant.com

Hiro Sone is a master of flavor and technique and everyone should experience his New American cuisine with touches of international flair.

HOTELS:
Napa Valley consists of several small towns and there are hotels in each one at varying price points. Be sure to check hotel websites for special rates and packages.

Calistoga Ranch
580 Lommel Road
Calistoga
707.254.2800
www.calistogaranch.com

Exclusive getaway in Calistoga with beautiful one and two bedroom lodges nestled in the hills with every amenity imaginable. Perfect for a romantic getaway.

Auberge du Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford
707.962.1211
www.aubergedusoleil.com

Classic, refined, and considered the best resort in Napa, Auberge lives up to its reputation for stunning views, plush accommodations and stellar service.

Bardessono
6525 Yount Street
Yountville
707.204.6000
www.bardessono.com

One of the first Leed certified platinum “green” hotels in the U.S., Bardessono is leading the charge for sustainability. Overall service can be glaringly uneven, but the rooms are well-appointed and the location and amenities topnotch.

Mint Locations
Napa/San Francisco
415.671.9091
www.mintlocations.com

If you’re planning an extended stay or just want privacy, why not rent a home? Cindi Osborn is an expert in securing the perfect home away from home in Napa.

Poetry Inn
6380 Silverado Trail
Napa
707.944.0646
www.poetryinn.com

Nestled above the Cliff Lede Vineyards is a truly romantic hotel with large rooms and wood burning fireplaces, delicious breakfasts and the quaint feel of home.

Photos: Napa Valley Balloons, Solbar and Calistoga Ranch

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