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Just a short drive from San Francisco, NAPA VALLEY is America’s most visited wine region. Northern Californians escape to the valley for perfect weekends, but NAPA is a also a major destination for wine lovers and foodies from around the world.

For the fashion and design lovers, a stroll down Main Street in St. Helena is a must for the plethora of antique and fashion boutiques like Amelia Claire, Flats, Pearl Wonderful Clothing, and Martin Showroom. And foodies should pop by Model Bakery, Woodhouse Chocolate, Napa Valley Olive Oil and Oxbow Market.

ACTIVITIES:
Napa has over 120 wineries, some of my favorite tours + tastings for newbies: Alpha Omega, Cade, Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Rudd and Schramsberg.

750 Wines
www.750wines.com

For exclusive small batch wines, schedule a private tasting with Monica Stevens.

CIA at Greystone
www.ciachef.edu

Food lovers will enjoy a guided tour, cooking demonstrations, and the marketplace.

Ma(i)sonry
www.maisonry.com

This wine collective showcases art by San Francisco artists and special tastings.

Napa Valley Balloons
www.napavalleyballoons.com

For adventure, schedule a hot-air balloon ride for incredible views of the valley.

Napa Valley Bike Tours
www.napavalleybiketours.com

After all the eating and drinking, rent a bike or take a guided tour of the valley.

RESTAURANTS:

Solbar
www.solagecalistoga.com

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s all delicious.

Ad Hoc
www.adhocrestaurant.com

Chef’s choice menu family style in a casual setting courtesy of Thomas Keller.

Bouchon Bistro
www.bouchonbistro.com

Thomas Keller’s bistro is always crowded, but his food rivals the best in Paris.

Bounty Hunter
www.bountyhunterwine.com

This wine bar offers 40 wines by the glass from around the world.

French Laundry
www.frenchlaundry.com

The titan of the U.S. culinary world courtesy of Thomas Keller. Read my review here.

Goose and Gander
www.gooseandgander.com

Inventive American comfort food. Grab a seat on the patio.

Gott’s Roadside
www.gotts.com

Classic hamburger stand with the most delicious everything. Plan to wait.

Market
www.marketsthelena.com

Cali-fresh comfort foods.

Morimoto
www.morimotonapa.com

Great sushi, great cocktails, and one of the most happening spots in Napa at night.

Redd
www.reddnapavalley.com

See-and-be-seen setting with creative menu by Richard Reddington.

Rutherford Grill
www.hillstone.com

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

The Restaurant at Meadowood
www.meadowood.com

“We don’t try to be provocative. We want to be evocative. The food shouldn’t require bravery, but understanding.” — Christopher Kostow, Chef

Terra
www.terrarestaurant.com

Hiro Sone’s New American cuisine with touches of international flair.

HOTELS:
Napa Valley consists of several small country 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
www.calistogaranch.com

Exclusive getaway with beautiful lodges nestled in the hills.

Auberge du Soleil
www.aubergedusoleil.com

Classic, refined, and considered the best resort in Napa.

Bardessono
www.bardessono.com

One of the first Leed certified platinum “green” hotels, but service can be uneven.

Harvest Inn
www.harvestinn.com

Unique boutique concept courtesy of Chef Charlie Palmer.

Mint Locations
www.mintlocations.com

If you’re planning an extended stay, why not rent a home?

Poetry Inn
www.poetryinn.com

Nestled above the Cliff Lede Vineyards is this truly romantic hotel.