Napa Valley & Sonoma
Photo by Slim Aarons
A short drive from San Francisco (45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge), and a quick flight from LA, Napa continues to be an easy long weekend getaway. It's known for hundreds of hillside vineyards in the Napa Valley wine region, specializing in Pinot Noir. Northwest of Napa is Yountville, a town known for its sparkling wine and Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. Here is our guide to the Napa Valley wine region.
AUBERGE DU SOLEIL Evoking the sophistication of the South of France, Auberge du Soleil has been one of Napa Valley’s most luxurious places to stay since 1985, when 50 sun-and-earth-toned “maisons” were added to Rutherford, Claude Rouas’s celebrated destination restaurant. Wine director Kris Margerum curates a stellar list of over 15,000 selections, working with the culinary team to create perfect pairings for the Michelin-starred restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menus. The original Michael Taylor interiors have been extensively updated by Taylor’s former protégé, San Francisco designer Suzanne Tucker, and the rooms feature private terraces and fireplaces.
STANLY RANCH An Auberge Resort, nestled within acres of vineyards and ranch land, accommodations at Stanly Ranch showcase natural yet contemporary finishes that warm and invite. Indoor-outdoor spaces reveal fire pits, convivial lounge areas and picturesque views of wine country’s landscape. Stanly Ranch offers 712 heirloom acres of rolling California vineyards, eucalyptus trees, and walking and biking trails. 200 Stanly Crossroad, Napa; aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch
THE CARNEROS INN RESORT & SPA Accommodations at the Carneros Resort and Spa range from 400-square-foot cottages to 2,400-square-foot residences. At the top of the hotel’s cozy cottage category, the 828-square-foot Harvest Suites feature extensive outdoor space. A handful of private terraces overlook rolling hills and vineyards, and each Harvest Suite includes a fireside butler who will swing by to light your fire pit and fill your soaking tub whenever you make the call.
CALISTOGA RANCH Designed to evoke a sprawling vintner’s estate, the 157-acre Calistoga Ranch includes a private restaurant, family and adults-only pools, an extensive wine cellar, and a on-site winery, Sotero Vineyard, which produces Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 50 cedar-shingled guest lodges and 27 owner lodges are enveloped by ancient oaks and redwoods, and all of the accommodations—the 2,400-square-foot Estate Lodge and Meadow Spa Lodge are the most spacious—comprise stand-alone rooms connected by terraces, trellised walkways, and expansive outdoor living areas. Warm contemporary interiors, whose palettes reflect the natural surroundings, are supplemented by outdoor shower garden
MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY The luxury hotel is known internationally for its acclaimed Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood, helmed by chef Christopher Kostow (who just opened his newest restaurant in the region this month, the Charter Oak).
ALILA NAPA VALLEY Formerly Las Alcobas, the 68-room boutique hotel overlooks the sprawling Beringer Vineyard in St. Helena. Design firm Yabu Pushelberg created the serene interiors, which include custom furniture, spalike bathrooms, and a soothing neutral palette. The property is also home to the Acacia House restaurant, which is helmed by chef Chris Cosentino, and the 3,500-square-foot Atrio spa.
WHITE HOUSE NAPA VALLEY INN Enter the charming, 17-room White House by way of the white-columned porch and you'll see how the downtown Napa property perfectly blends traditional appeal with modern elegance. Spend the day walking along the nearby Napa River, go shopping at the many family-owned stores downtown, or head toward the wineries in the area.
MILLIKEN CREEK INN & SPA Hidden on three acres of lush land, the Milliken Creek Inn & Spa is located on the banks of the Napa River. This 12-room boutique hotel, which is just on the outskirts of downtown Napa, was once a 19th-century stagecoach stop. Golfers, take note: The Napa Valley Country Club is roughly 2.5 miles down the road. But make sure you have a friend who’s a member, as it’s a private club.
HARVEST INN Set in St Helena with panoramic views of Whitehall Lane's Leonardini Family Vineyards.
SOLAGE In early 2015 Solage completed a series of revamps, which expanded its Spa Solage and Solbar restaurant, both spearheaded by designer Shirley Robinson. Of Solage’s stand-alone studio-style accommodations, the Silverado Suite is the property’s most popular, featuring a separate living area and cozy fireplace inside, and a private terrace complete with a hot tub.
BARDESSONO Another accommodation committed to being green is Yountville’s Bardessono, a LEED Platinum-certified building that is built almost exclusively with salvaged stone and reclaimed wood. One of only 28 LEED Platinum–certified resorts in California, the 62-suite hotel in the foodie haven of Yountville is underpinned by an ethos that combines luxury living with eco-minded design and art. Facilities include Lucy Restaurant & Bar, which uses produce from an on-site organic garden, and a full-service spa. The hotel’s six ground-floor Tufa suites are arguably the most coveted accommodations, measuring 750 square feet and featuring fireplaces and private courtyards.
HOTEL HEALDSBURG Hotel Healdsburg and H2Hotel are part of a family of hotels operated by Piazza, a local hospitality group based in Healdsburg. Centrally located in town with modern guest rooms, bucolic gardens, pools, and luxurious spas, the two hotels are popular choices in the area. Set in the historic town square, Hotel Healdsburg is home to Charlie Palmer’s progressive American Dry Creek Kitchen restaurant. The hotel completed renovations on its 55 guest rooms and suites in 2015. The refreshed rooms, which were designed by David Baker Architects and Myra Hoefer Design, feature contemporary lighting, handcrafted furniture, and decorative pieces by an array of local artisans. The hotel also boasts exquisite gardens, a 3,000-square-foot spa, and a 60-foot outdoor pool.
HARMON GUEST HOUSE The newest member of the Piazza stable. With just 39 guest rooms and a gorgeous rooftop terrace with panoramic views of downtown Healdsburg and the mountains (equipped with a firepit, turntable and bar that hosts weekly sunset happy hours and pop-up wine tastings).
HOTEL LES MARS A gorgeous upscale hotel set in a 16-room French-style manor (and part of the Relais & Chateaux brand), has a more romantic, boutique feely, with European style services: complimentary French breakfasts, and daily wine and cheese receptions.
GRAPE LEAF INN A tiny B&B filled with lots of charm, steps from the town of Healdsburg.
POETRY INN Run by Lede Family Wines, this five-room property is perched high above the valley floor in Napa’s Stag’s Leap District and is only accessible via a long gated driveway, giving it a delicious sense of seclusion. Architect Howard Backen—who also designed the estate’s winery—has given each room a distinctly different look and feel. All have west-facing private balconies to take advantage of spectacular daily sunsets.
GAIGE HOUSE & RYOKAN Set in the charming Sonoma County village of Glen Ellen, Gaige House + Ryokan offers a secluded retreat with a meditation deck, private karesansui rock gardens, and the ability to book a shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, experience. The property offers 23 guest rooms and suites, including nine Ryokan Zen suites, which are modeled after traditional Japanese ryokans and include granite soaking tubs, glass atriums, and outdoor patios.
FARMHOUSE INN The charming Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma offers a laid-back atmosphere and luxe amenities, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, a full-service spa, and a team of five concierges. The 25 country-chic guest rooms are outfitted with featherbeds, fireplaces, fresh flowers, and nightly deliveries of milk and cookies. Guests can experience the best of the area's vineyard on sommelier-led tours in a Tesla Model X.
HOTEL YOUNTVILLE A hotel in the heart of Yountville with a spa, restaurant, and pool that somehow feels like a small, quaint, boutique hotel. The cozy, updated interiors match the grand stone building that houses them.
WYDOWN HOTEL An intimate boutique hotel in the heart of St. Helena.
MERITAGE RESORT & SPA Given its grand amenities–including its own nine-acre vineyard–this hotel and spa is more of a resort. It offers tastings in its cellars and is only about a ten-minute drive from downtown Napa if you're looking to explore or head out to dinner.
INDIAN SPRINGS On the north end of Napa Valley, the thoughtfully revamped Indian Springs resort features 115 rooms across its 17-acre property. Accommodations run the gamut from charming cottages and bungalows to larger residences (two-and three- bedrooms, respectively), each with their own outdoor space for entertaining a group. The draw here is really the pools—an Olympic-sized mineral pool, originally built in 1913, is fed by the resort's on-site geysers. (Typically it runs between 92-102°F.) Next door, there's an adults-only pool that's a bit more secluded and open for night swims. Downtown Calistoga is within striking distance of the property so it's worth grabbing a cruiser, available for day use, and biking into town or, better yet, one of the nearby wineries. As far as dining goes, the activity centers around Sam's Social Club, which is open all day and serves up rustic American fare (chilled Hog Island oysters and rib eye steak frites) that draws from regional ingredients. A picturesque outdoor patio is flaked by heritage oak trees and tiny twinkling lights, making it especially pretty at night.
FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN The Inn boasts geothermal-fed mineral pools, farm-to-table dining, and access to championship golf at neighboring Sonoma Golf Club.
DINE | DRINK
AD HOC + ADDENDUM It's hard to imagine that Thomas Keller initially opened ad hoc as a temporary dining space—it's been a beloved Yountville dinner spot since it first opened back in 2006. This laid-back spot offers a four-course menu that changes daily and showcases the comfort food Keller grew up with (fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and some seriously good salads with blue cheese and bacon). It's a fixed menu, with no substitutions except for a few add-ons, which always sell out.
BOTTEGA If you're a Food Network addict, it's worth putting Bottega on your list so you can taste Michael Chirello's Italian menu in person. It can feel a little bit touristy, meaning it can get loud and busy, but the service is surprisingly good and the signature ricotta gnocchi is a must-order.
BOUCHON Another mandatory stop on the Thomas Keller tour of Napa, Bouchon is Keller's take on casual French bistro food. TRY their famous TKO (Thomas Keller Oreo) cookies, Bouchon brownies, a chocolate almond croissant for breakfast, and a baguette or two to go. Or stop in next door to Bouchon Bistro for the mussels and truffled pommes frites for lunch or dinner.
THE FRENCH LAUNDRY Nestled discreetly in a historic former steam laundry in Yountville, The French Laundry has been a pilgrimage-worthy destination for years. It's another lauded establishment by Thomas Keller–the only American-born chef to have two three-starred Michelin restaurants. Even if you can't get a reservation, experience it vicariously through the gorgeous three-acre garden across the street from the restaurant, which is open to the public.
HOG ISLAND OYSTER CO Napa is a short drive from some of the country's best oyster beds, so it's worth taking a break from all of the farm-to-table vegetables to check out the offerings from the nearby ocean. If you have time, head over to Point Reyes National Seashore and stop at their oyster farm for a taste of the bounty fresh out of the ocean.
MORIMOTO Masaharu Morimoto is best known as the original Iron Chef, and the Japanese food at his downtown Napa restaurant lives up to the TV hype.
GOTT’S ROADSIDE Gott's Roadside is an upscale diner with delicious food. There are also several other locations in Northern California including St. Helena and San Francisco.
THE RESTAURANT AT MEADOWOOD Meadowood is one of the most luxurious spots in the region, so it's only fitting that its restaurant is decadent and opulent enough to live up to the hotel. Christopher Kostow's program, which is a traditional nine-course tasting menu, has been Michelin-starred for several years in a row.
FARM Nestled between the Napa and Sonoma Valley, FARM at the Carneros Resort is known for its farm-to-table line-up. Much of the menu is dictated by what's seasonally thriving, so that may be heirloom tomatoes, little baby lettuce, beets, and carrots; meats and fish come from nearby farms, including the Bay Area. Napa-raised chef Aaron Meneghelli's dishes are a nod to his Italian roots, too, with orecchiette pasta, ricotta gnocchi and summer squash, and Urbani truffled burrata being some of our favorites to order. (There's also a gorgeously plated five-course tasting menu if you want to go all-in.) The wine list is obviously impressive too, and the cellar features some 490-plus options, including Carnero’s bottles plus many other sustainable and biodynamically farmed options.
BOON FLY CAFE An iconic red barn right on the Carneros Resort property offering a popular brunch with diner favorites like green eggs and ham, a triple stack of griddle cakes, and breakfast tacos. Don't miss the made-to-order cinnamon doughnuts or scones.
KENZO
To dine here is to indulge in authenticity and flavor, as well as minimalism. Owner Kenzo Tsujimoto, the businessman and vintner behind Kenzo Estate Winery, has created a space that evokes his Japanese heritage: light woods and clean lines complement the simple design and allow the authentic Japanese dishes, stars on their own, to shine.
CICCIO One of Sofia Coppola’s favorite spots for casual Italian food served family-style in Yountville. Order a Negroni and the cacio e pepe.
MUSTARDS GRILL Cindy Pawlcyn's 'Deluxe Truckstop' has been a Napa Valley landmark for over 30 years.
HARVEST TABLE An airy space flanked by alfresco dining terraces, Harvest Table offers local ingredients in a relaxed space.
THE CHARTER OAK The Charter Oak is the highly anticipated follow-up from Christopher Kostow and Nathaniel Dorn, who previously earned three Michelin stars for the Restaurant at Meadowood. Located in the former Tra Vigne, lovingly run by Michael Chiarello for some 30-plus years, the space has undergone a soup-to-nuts renovation (the iconic lion statues outside still remain) and the result is a warm brick-and-wood interior, a substantial patio, and a more casual family-style menu. Chef Curtis Di Fede takes the helm of this restaurant that elevates the art of simple American food.
LONGMEADOW RANCH FARMSTEAD Long Meadow Ranch’s celebrated American farmhouse cuisine is rooted in the Hall family tradition of showcasing ingredients fresh from their farm, ranch, and vineyards. The talents of chefs, farmers, cattle ranchers, winemakers, and restaurant managers have all come together to create a Napa Valley experience like no other.
OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET Oxbow Public Market is kind of like a gourmet farmers' market that's open 24/7, with vendors ranging from a vegetable grocer, to a wineshop, to an ice cream parlor. It's also home to some of our other favorites in the area, like Gott's and Hog Island Oyster.
SINGLE THREAD Located in Healdsburg, a tiny town in Sonoma Country, roughly an hour from Napa and 60 miles north of San Francisco. Single Thread was named “One to Watch” on the esteemed “World’s 50 Best Restaurants List” and offers up a California-based, authentic Japanese ryokan dining experience—farm to table, no less.
DRY CREEK KITCHEN Helmed by award-winning chef Charlie Palmer known for mixing vibrant, seasonal American cooking and elevated wine selections with the intimate charm of a small-town eatery in Healdsburg.
CAMPO FINA Delicious pizza, an excellent wine list, and a round of bocce outside await you at this Healdsburg spot.
SPOONBAR Known for its inventive cocktails that rotate with the seasons, as well as fresh, approachable and seasonal fare from Chef Matthew D’Ambrosi.
FLYING GOAT The best (and busiest) coffee shop in Healdsburg.
NOBLE FOLK ICE CREAM & PIE BAR Yes, that’s right: a pie bar. Try the Mississippi Mud!
ST. HELENA OLIVE OIL COMPANY While the focus in Napa is understandably on wine, the region is also fantastic for growing olive trees (and, of course, making olive oil). This spot is located in an old bank, and the vault has been converted to a tasting room where you can try oils from the surrounding region or greater California.
REDD WOOD Enjoy late-night wood-fired pizza after wine tasting in Yountville. Michelin-starred chef Richard Reddington turns out rustic pastas and wood-fired pizzas in a space decorated by Erin Martin. Its dining room, centered around a marble wine table and a chandelier fashioned from a salvaged buoy, is ornamented with assorted reclaimed materials and artifacts, including legendary vintner Robert Mondavi’s old mailbox.
COOK TAVERN A bustling, locals-only spot in St. Helena.
MODEL BAKERY Famous for their English Muffins with a location in Oxbow Public Market and St. Helena.
NINEBARK The newest restaurant from design and concept firm AvroKO, and prepares locally sourced food by two-Michelin-starred-chef Matt Lightner.
WOODHOUSE CHOCOLATES A local chocolatier in downtown St. Helena where all the goods are hand-made by a husband-and-wife duo and their daughters.
GOOSE & GANDER A lauded newcomer in St. Helena serving high-minded comfort food in an atmosphere that evokes a modern hunting lodge. Don’t miss the cocktails from acclaimed mixologist Scott Beattie.
VINEYARDS | WINERIES
CLOS PEGASE In 1984, art and architecture buff Jan Shrem (the original owner of this estate), partnered with SF MoMA to put on a design competition inviting modern architects to submit proposals for the design of the winery. The commission was awarded to Michael Graves, the modernist who later became famous as a member of the New York Five. In addition to the Graves-designed building, the property is scattered with Shrem's notable collection of modern art, which includes works by Jean Dubuffet and Francis Bacon. The selection of wines here is pretty broad, so it's an excellent option if you're traveling with a big group with a lot of tastes.
INGLENOOK WINERY Francis Ford Coppola purchased this historic Napa Valley winery back in 1975 and also has a residence on the property. Taste the winery’s flagship wine, Rubicon (one of Sofia Coppola’s favorites), along with several other estate wines by Philippe Bascaules (who happens to be the managing director at one of Bordeaux’s most legendary wineries, Château Margaux).
MUMM NAPA Though not the first Champagne company to venture into California, Mumm Champagne saw the enormous potential early on for sparkling wine in the Napa Valley climate and soil. Their first vintage was in 1983 and today, Mumm Napa produces a wide variety of sparkling wines, including the classic and ubiquitous Mumm Brut Prestige and their flagship luxury cuvée, DVX. Visitors are treated to a vineyard view on the terrace and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere from first pop to last sip.
DOMAINE CARNEROS BY TAITTINGER The chateau at Domaine Carneros is considered one of the most beautiful wineries in North America. Designed after the Chateau de la Marquetterie in Epernay, France, a property of Domaine Carneros principal founder, Champagne Taittinger, the Domaine Carneros Chateau is a landmark of the region.
SCHRAMSBERG Steeped in history, Schramsberg is the oldest sparkling wine house in Napa Valley, first founded in 1862 by Jacob Schram. Today, Schramsberg is owned by the Davies family, who have continued the tradition of making hand-crafted, age-worthy sparkling wines from California. Book an appointment at their picturesque Calistoga winery to sample a selection of their Methode Traditionnelle bubbly, or opt for a customized experience tailored just to you.
SCIANDRI FAMILY VINEYARDS Sciandri Family Vineyards in Coombsville, is a small Napa Valley appellation made up of independently owned and family-run wineries.
SCRIBE WINERY Located on a hilltop overlook set with heavy wooden picnic tables, string lights, and a swing hanging from one of two giant trees shading the guests.
OVID Ovid in St. Helena is situated on top of Pritchard Hill and offers one of the most breathtaking views of the valley, with Bordeaux varietals grown in red rocky soil that include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
LORENZA Lorenza wines in St. Helena is owned by model Michele Ouellet and her mother Melinda Kearney. The mother-daughter duo’s love for Provençale rosé is as strong as their love for each other.
PHIFER PAVITT WINE Suzanne Phifer Pavitt’s Phifer Pavitt Wine is one of just 45 in the region to be Napa Green Winery Certified. The brands stunning, rustic-yet-refined tasting room (by appointment only) is a strong example of Phifer Pavitt’s dedication to sustainability. Among a long list of mindful building details, the tasting room’s exterior is made from 100-year-old reclaimed redwood and vintage olive baskets hang at the entryway to create Suzanne’s take on an outdoor chandelier.
EHLER’S ESTATE As far as organic and biodynamic wines go, Ehlers Estate (also by appointment only) is another under-the-radar gem. Visit the vineyard during harvest season, in the mornings, and you’ll be able to taste the grapes and their juice right from the tanks.
FAUST After decades spent admiring the mysterious Victorian home up on the hill, The Faust Haus will be open for newcomers and longtime fans on September 4th. Located in St. Helena, this former farmhouse and Prohibition Era cellar is an escape from the typical Napa Valley and offers visitors a look into the Faust way of life. Whether at home or at the Faust Haus, we invite you to enjoy a glass of our Cabernet Sauvignon.
GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU Gundlach Bundschu Winery is California's oldest continuously family-owned winery, and is the third oldest winery after Buena Vista Winery. It is still owned and operated by the founder's heirs and today led by the sixth generation, Jeff Bundschu.
NEWTON VINEYARD Newton Vineyard, located in St. Helena, California, is a unique location for the Napa Valley region. The property is owned by the French luxury conglomerate LVMH, but the feel is far from corporate. Nestled along a leafy ribbon in the Mayacamas mountain range, Newton’s (soon to be certified organic) wine-making process is as exacting as it gets; their viticulture specialists track each individual plant, with dozens of alternating exposures (some cooler, some higher, some sunnier, some drier) to create exceptional Cabernet blends. The St. Helena acreage is called Spring Mountain; the vineyard also owns other sites, but this is its most photogenic. It gives you California splendor, but with hyper-varied terrain; every crest offers a new, impressive vista (make sure your phone has space; you’ll be taking hundreds of photos). Clos 19—LVMH’s wine and spirits vendor, which also curates exclusive outings around the company’s alcohol portfolio—has a recently introduced “Newton Experience,” which is bookable from May to October each year. With it, guests will enjoy more than just sipping on delicious red blends or Newton’s renowned unfiltered Chardonnay; the day on Spring Mountain will also include hilltop meditation and yoga, honey-harvesting, a full-spread picnic lunch catered by a Michelin-star chef, “cave” (cellar) tours, and the opportunity to hike the roads and trails of this extraordinary estate (if you’re not up for traveling by foot, a teal vintage Land Rover Defender will be your mode of transport).
ASHES & DIAMONDS WINERY The stark white buildings designed by architect Barbara Bestor are the brainchild of Kashy Khaledi, son of Darioush Khaledi (owner of Darioush Winery, also in Napa Valley, since 1997), who was multimedia and advertising executive at the likes of Capitol Records, Live Nation, and MTV before he decided to delve into the family business. Just like the rather obscure film from which it draws its name, his winery is rooted in the unconventional—something Napa Valley could certainly use as it struggles to attract a younger crowd.
DARIOUSH WINERY Darioush Winery was founded in 1997 by Iranian-born, Darioush Khaledi and his wife Shahpar with their first vintage released that year. The ‘Persian Palace’ was not completed until 2004 and was constructed with stones imported from quarries near Shiraz.
FROG’S LEAP WINERY Frog's Leap really feels like a farm, in the best possible way. The winery is housed in a cavernous old barn, and the farmhouse has a big, wide porch for tastings (which are by appointment only). If you're lucky, you might even catch winemaker John Williams and his scruffy companion, Abbie, driving around the property in Williams' vintage Chevy.
QUINTESSA The scenic grounds include a calm, clear lake surrounded by vines, and you'll finish up at a perfect hilltop perch, taking in a grand view of the valley while you sip on one of Quintessa's red blends.
RUDD WINERY Leslie Rudd is also the owner of the Dean & DeLuca brand, and his eponymous winery is everything you'd expect from the owner of the original gourmet food destination. Stunning grounds, classically big California Cabs, an elegant tasting experience, and of course, a solid selection of Dean & Deluca goodies for purchase. Rudd's daughter, Samantha, works full time at the vineyard, making the business a true family operation.
STAGS LEAP The historic, ivy-covered stone building where Stags' Leap hosts its tastings was built in 1890 using stone mined in a local quarry. The building and its lush grounds, which feature a bocce court, fruit orchard, native plant gardens, and an ancient stone cellar, are steeped in the history of the region; the house is even rumored to be haunted by a friendly ghost.
OPUS ONE Opus One only produces one blend every season, and their vintages represent some of the most upscale and expensive wines on the market. The estate, which is meticulously maintained, is fittingly grand. We recommend making an appointment for one of their informative tours if you have time—they have a cavernous cellar (the French oak barrels are only used once) and a very large lab, plus, it's fascinating to find out what it takes to make wines that usually sell for more than $200/bottle.
ROBERT MONDAVI Robert Mondavi's Oakville estate was pivotal in making the valley into the celebrated wine-making region it is today, a Napa trip isn't really complete without paying homage. Although the experience can be a little over the top, the visitor center and tastings are well-thought-out and informative.
THE FAMILY COPPOLA Francis Ford Coppola’s eponymous winery in Geyserville includes tastings, fine dining, and the opportunity to explore the rich history of the family’s filmmaking. Enjoy a game of pool or bocce ball on the grounds.
LANDMARK VINEYARDS AT HOP KILN ESTATE A registered California historical landmark in Healdsburg.
MACROSTIE VINEYARDS Set in a gigantic, industrialized barn, known for its Chardonnay in Healdsburg.
MEDLOCK AMES Sustainable, biodynamic and organic.
UNTI VINEYARDS An old school establishment known for its Zinfandel, but also its delicious rosé and Syrah, among others.
CATHY COLLISON WINERY Stop in St. Helena for a selection of striking Cabernets with a decidedly old-school bent.
JOSEPH PHELPS Old-school meets today’s Napa at newly renovated Joseph Phelps, where the winery pays tribute to the estate’s rich history and legacy. The interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces, with rolling hillside vineyards in the background, makes for a striking setting in which to taste some of Napa Valley’s top Cabernets.
ROUND POND Credited for the emergence of hillside winemaking and the rising profiles of Napa wines in recent years as the situation yields strong, hard-fought wines that garner higher price points due to their scarcity. Sample one of these Napa heavy-hitters at the light-filled, gracious Round Pond in Rutherford.
STONY HILL VINEYARD Sit on a stone terrace beneath an ancient oak tree and take in the vista while sipping bone-dry Riesling with the McCraes, the second- and third-generation vintners who run the place.
STAGLIN FAMILY VINEYARD If you're a child of the '90s, you'll recognize this house and some of the roads as Hallie's Dad's house from the The Parent Trap. Nostalgia aside, this estate offers beautiful grounds and exceptional wines. The Staglin Family are also well-known philanthropists—since opening the vineyard, they've raised and donated more than $800 million for mental health research.
CHECKERBOARD An under-the-radar, yet prestigious Cabernet producer.
GANDONA Gandona Winery sits on Pritchard Hill looking north toward Lake Hennessey, and produces highly allocated Cabernet Sauvignon from 15 planted vineyard acres.
750 WINES The husband-and-wife team of David and Monica Stevens offer hard-to-find regional vintages in a loftlike industrial space. Better yet, call ahead and have them organize a special tasting.
RARECAT The owner is the only winemaker that offers both California sparkling wine and champagne from her vineyard in France, and one of the only female makers in the champagne game in the Napa region.
ARTS | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
DI ROSA CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART Featuring multiple galleries, a sculpture park, and a 35-acre lake, located on 217 scenic acres in Napa Valley’s famed Carneros region, all protected in perpetuity under the Napa County Land Trust.
HESS COLLECTION The Donald Hess Napa Valley collection at Mt. Veeder displays the winemaker’s collection of notable artists, including Francis Bacon, Robert Motherwell, and Magdalena Abakanowicz.
THE CAMEO CINEMA Nothing says small town like a local movie theater, and this spot—one of the last single-screen theaters in the country—is truly a neighborhood treasure. It's incredibly well-maintained, and since they typically have a good selection of kids movies in the afternoon, it's a great rainy-day activity to keep in your back pocket.
NAPA VALLEY BALLOONS There's almost no better way to experience the rolling hills of the landscape here than to see them from above—between the views and the close quarters, a balloon ride is surprisingly romantic, too. The folks at Napa Valley Balloons have been in the business forever—and since these trips typically start at ungodly early hours, they're considerate enough to arrive with plenty of coffee in hand.
NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN Although it's unabashedly touristy, the wine train is an easy, laid-back way to experience the geography of the region, and a great way to do it with kids. You can sign up for a winery tour or a lunch, but we like it best at dinner, when you can watch the sunset over the hills as you chug along.
SHOP
FORTY-FIVE TEN The Dallas concept shop founded by Brian Bolke and his late partner, Shelly Musselman, brings some of the world’s best designers and homeware all under one beautiful roof. Like its Texan sister store, you’ll find Rochas, Marni, Proenza Schouler, Delpozo on the shelves, along with Diptyque and Cire Trudon candles.
LIME STONE Owned and operated by Lisa Palmer (the wife of Dry Creek’s Chef Charlie Palmer), offers up a sophisticated selection of tabletop, furniture, lighting, accessories, and hand-crafted candles perfect to help you achieve that It’s Complicated vibe at home.
LOOKING GLASS A boutique with a contemporary collection of wardrobe staples, including Anine Bing, Ayr, Frame Denim, Iro, Love Shack Fancy, Vince, and Rag and Bone.
NAPA VALLEY VINTAGE HOME Laura Rombauer’s home decor store is housed in a historic brick building, and she specializes in items for tabletop decorating, like rainbow-hued Claude Dozorme steak knives, Simon Pearce serving bowls, and imported linens in unique colorways.
SPA
SPA SOLAGE Acting as the effortlessly cool little sister to Napa’s storied Auberge de Soleil spa, this eco-conscious 20,000-square-foot oasis offers new twists on Calistoga’s traditional mud baths and mineral water therapies, including the three-part Mudslide treatment that incorporates a custom mud bar, geothermal soak, and a state-of-the-art sound and vibration chair. Facials draw from product lines including Kate Somerville, Éminence Organics, and Marie Veronique, while the brightening vitamin C peel leaves skin radiant. Don’t leave without a stop by the aromatherapy blending bar at the on-site boutique, where a skilled specialist will help you tailor aromatherapy lotions, oils, and scrubs designed to take on everything from stress to sore muscles using high-quality essential oils.
THE AUBERGE SPA AT CALISTOGA RANCH Like everything at Calistoga Ranch, the spa is built seamlessly into its forested surroundings. Guests wandering between the treatment rooms and outdoor decks— complete with soaking tubs, rain showers, a warm-water Watsu pool, and eucalyptus steam room—can take in views of the nearby creek and towering oaks. The property also incorporates local organic ingredients like lavender and cucumber within their healing and restorative treatments. Don’t leave without The spa’s famously addictive honey crème body moisturizer—formulated with honey harvested from the ranch’s own beehives and incorporated into services like the Honey Dream Bee Well massage—can be bought in bulk before heading home.
VINEYARD 29 The winery’s newly implemented Pilates program offers morning mat and barre classes with a breathtaking view. Don’t leave without a bottle of the Cru Sauvignon Blanc for later.
THE MERITAGE RESORT & SPA Located 40 feet underground in a 22,000-square-foot estate cave, this grotto-like sanctuary is one of the only of its kind in the country. Favorite services include a blissful scrub and facial that incorporate the antioxidant-rich grapeseed extract that’s plentiful in Napa. Don’t leave without the lavender lip butters, healing balms, and handmade soaps from Matanzas Creek winery, located 30 minutes away, where the fragrant flowers are sourced straight from the property’s stunning estate gardens.
DOMAINE CARNEROS Yoga enthusiasts take note: Domaine Carneros’s Vinyasa in the Vineyard offers an opportunity to practice your asana in a tranquil, outdoor setting. Those who are more interested in perfume may want to sign up for the property’s Making Scents of Wine program, a creative look at the fundamentals of wine and fragrance that will also help to fine-tune your palette. Don’t leave without the winery’s Domaine Carneros Le Reve Blanc de Blanc, crafted from 100 percent certified organic estate-grown chardonnay grapes, or its Brut.
KENWOOD INN & SPA Powerful skincare treatments that fuse high-tech serums and potent nature-inspired formulas are the order of the day at this Sonoma inn and spa, where aestheticians cherry-pick from a range of lines like iS Clinical, Caudalie, and Intraceuticals. For an instant fix, the spa’s popular Oxygen Infusion facial plumps skin, softens fine lines, and firms the jawline instantly. Don’t leave without Caudalíe’s Beauty Elixir, a complexion-refreshing mist infused with plant oils and flower waters that can be used under or over makeup to restore a healthy glow to the skin.
THE SPA AT HOTEL HEALDSBURG We recommend the Farm to Spa Healing Treatment!
TEXT: Veronica H. Speck PHOTO: Slim Aarons, © Getty Images.