Holidays in Napa Valley, United States

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Naturally Napa Valley

Yountville is to Napa Valley what Bray is to Berkshire: bursting with culinary excellence. Thrice-Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller’s restaurant the French Laundry (+1 707 944 2380) has a mighty reputation and a waiting list to match. Skip the wait at Keller’s informal Yountville bistro, Bouchon (+1 707 944 8037); reserve an alfresco table and fill up on flawless French-flavoured fruits de mer. No room? Buy still-warm bread from Bouchon Bakery (+1 707 944 1565) next-door.

Don't go home without

… noticing that not all natural wonders come in bunches: Napa boasts a forest of petrified redwoods (www.petrifiedforest.org); and Calistoga is home to one of only three ‘old faithfuls’ in the world, a geyser that erupts with reassuring regularity. Try a volcanic mud bath while you’re in town (www.calistogaspas.com); it’s more edifying.

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Eating, drinking and dancing

The wines are world-famous, and the dining's fine, too – here's our pick of the best cafés, bars and restaurants in Napa Valley. If you're after exciting nightlife, San Francisco is little more than an hour away; Napa nights in contrast are best spent quietly with a fine vintage in hand.

Restaurants

French Laundry


Chef extraordinaire Thomas Keller’s famed Napa restaurant is an unforgettable gastronomic treat; the set menu may start at $240 a head, but that doesn’t deter visitors: you’ll still have to book a month or two in advance.

6640 Washington Street, Yountville, Napa, California
(+1 707 944 2380)

Market

This St Helena restaurant uses seasonal produce to create the dishes on its classic American menu. It’s a nice spot for a casual lunch and its raw bar has delicious oysters; the bar here is good, too.

1347 Main Street, St Helena, Napa, California
(+1 707 963 3799)


Mustards Grill

This is a Napa Valley institution with a bustling atmosphere and a French/American bistro menu of tasty burgers, fresh fish and tea-smoked duck.

7399 St Helena Highway, Napa Valley, California
(+1 707 944 2424)


Bouchon

Modelled on a traditional Lyon bistro, Bouchon has a fine Gallic menu, a proper zinc bar, sexy banquettes, mosaic flooring and hand-painted mural by acclaimed French artist Paulin Paris. It’s a younger, sexier (and more affordable) sister restaurant to French Laundry up the road.

6534 Washington Street, Yountville, Napa, California
(+1 707 944 8037)


Cole’s Chop House

Regarded by many as the best steakhouse in the area, Cole's has a wine list that’s as good as its beef.

1122 Main Street, Napa, California
(+1 707 224 6328)


Angèle

Enjoy this intimate restaurant and bar's French-influenced menu with views over the Napa River; head here on Friday nights for lively atmosphere and great food.

540 Main Street, Napa, California
(+1 707 252 8115)


Cafés

The Soda Canyon Store


Just outside Napa, this grocery has an amazing ‘deli fax’ – have your hotel put your sandwich order in and pick up your picnic snacks on your way past.

4006 Silverado Trail, Napa, California
(+1 707 252 0285)

The Oakville Grocery

You’ll be in need of a decent coffee after your umpteenth uninspiring filter coffee: make a pit stop at this great speciality food store on St Helena Highway for fantastic espressos and pastries to go, and delicious picnic makings.

7856 St Helena Highway, Oakville, California
(+1 707 944 8802)


The Model Bakery

This little bakery on St Helena's Main Street has delicious sandwiches made to order on freshly baked bread, pizza, salads and soups; there’s also Valhrona chocolate gelato, in case you need an afternoon treat.

1357 Main Street, St Helena, California
(+1 707 963 8192)


Tra Vigne Cantinetta

This tiny (and slightly touristy) Italian bar in St Helena has Seria A football on the TV and plates of food to share (salami platter, Panini, lasagne – you get the picture).

1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St Helena, California
(+1 707 963 4444)