Luxury holidays in Napa Valley

When to go

The exciting autumn harvest is known locally as ‘the Crush’. You might want to time your visit and go just after or just before, when the weather is perfect and the crowds less madding.

Getting there

• Planes

  Direct flights from the UK land at San Francisco’s International Airport (www.flysfo.com) | which is a little more than an hour’s drive from the southern end of the valley.

• Trains

  You can dine as you admire the splendid scenery if you travel on the somewhat touristy Napa Valley Wine Train that runs the length of the valley (www.winetrain.com); you’ll still have to drive from San Francisco, though.

• Automobiles

  A car is ideal for getting around the valley, and handy for getting here in the first place; treat yourself to a convertible and let the wind rush through your hair. Note that during the autumn harvest the main roads can crawl with tourist traffic.