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The vineyards may not be as extensive and the wineries not as grand as their European counterparts, but what Napa lacks in old-world traditions it makes up for with warmth and informality. Forget about snooty sommeliers and their pompous pretensions; here wine tasting is always a pleasure rather than a trial. With impeccable French-inspired cuisine, a benign climate and some beautiful scenery it’s hardly surprising that San Franciscans flock here year-round for some refined R’n’R.
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.
… 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.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Napa Valley
Rich, polished cedar woods, enchanting valley views, fine Californian wine, soothing outdoor spa pools – just listing the treats on offer at Calistoga Ranch makes our eyes glaze over. Or maybe that’s the Merlot...
This award-winning Napa Valley boutique resort offers a bold vision: the region's tin-roofed barns have inspired an unpretentious modern 'agri-chic' aesthetic that marries cowhide with Le Corbusier, and you'll be hard pushed to find a warmer welcome anywhere in the world than at The Carneros Inn.
Sip fine wine on Poetry Inn's private terrace and drink in the soothing views at this secluded and intimate Napa Valley retreat, a boutique B&B in the charming Stags Leap District that feels more like a stylish private residence than a stuffy hotel.
A secluded spa hideaway just off Napa’s Silverado Trail, Milliken Creek Inn & Spa is a cosy Californian bed and breakfast offering low-key luxury amid lush riverside lawns.
Don't know how to get to Napa Valley? Whether you want to fly, drive or float in by hot-air balloon, we tell you the best way, with local travel tips, too.
Late January–March Hot stuff is on the agenda at the Mustard Festival, a celebration of the valley’s wine and food, as well as the wild mustard that carpets the vineyards (www.mustardfestival.org). Late July–early August Kino meets vino at the Wine Country Film Festival, with evening screenings in the vineyards (www.winecountryfilmfest.com). Early August Violins out for Music in the Vineyards – a string of chamber music concerts (www.napavalleymusic.com).
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
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
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
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
A carnivore's paradise, this bright modern restaurant serves impeccable dry-aged, grass-fed, hand-cut beef, mostly served for two to share, with a raw bar providing the freshest of fresh lobster, oysters and shrimp to satisfy the seafood quotient. Its owner is the vintner behind Napa Valley's Rudd winery, and Press's wine list is predictably impressive.
587 St Helena Highway South, St Helena, CA 94574
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
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
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
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
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
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
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