Napa Valley, California
STAY HERE Situated beside the Napa River and nature preserve, the River Terrace Inn seamlessly blends comfort and convenience in downtown Napa. Rooms are spacious and serene, many with fireplaces and private balconies overlooking the river, while the Inn’s amenities ensure a pleasant, relaxing stay. Plus, you’re a convenient stone’s throw from Napa’s numerous tasting rooms, wine bars, restaurants and shops. riverterraceinn.com SIP THIS Bennett Lane has built a reputation for its friendly service and powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux blends – over 60 of which have scored 90+ points from top critics. Choose from three different tasting options when visiting their intimate tasting room, located only a few minutes from the quaint town of Calistoga. bennettlane.com
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STAY HERE Situated in the heart of downtown Yountville, The Estate is Napa Valley’s newest enclave for staying and playing in wine country. Here, guests have not one but two luxury hotels to choose from: the modern Hotel Villagio, showcasing contemporary details and a playful allure, or the refined Vintage House, which exudes rustic elegance and tranquility. Though they have their own personalities, a stay at either will get you access to The Estate’s deluxe amenities, including a pool, fitness center and rejuvenating spa — all just steps from some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the area. villagio.com | vintagehouse.com
DO THIS Become a winemaker for a day during the Taming the Lion Blending Experience at The Hess Collection. This fun and approachable wine blending class lets you embrace your experimental side as you learn the art of blending to create your own custom wine. Using three different red varietals, you’ll blend and taste and blend some more, then bottle, label and cork your masterpiece to take home with you. hesscollection.com
SIP THIS The authentically styled, 13th-century castle known as Castello di Amorosa took owner Dario Sattui over 15 years to complete, and the resulting 121,000-square-foot structure in Calistoga is an impressive sight – complete with drawbridge, towers, gargoyles and yes, even a torture chamber. Stop in for a tasting of Italian-style wines, then spend time roaming the castle and its grounds. castellodiamorosa.com DINE HERE Originally conceived as a temporary
restaurant, renowned Chef Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc has become a fixture in the Yountville dining scene, drawing visitors to savor its four-course, family-style meals and casual setting. The daily-changing menu features elevated versions of classic American comfort food – think fried chicken and pot roast – while the three-course brunch on Sunday mornings is equally noteworthy. If you’re short on time, grab a boxed lunch from Ad Hoc’s small takeaway restaurant, Addendum, to enjoy on the patio. thomaskeller.com/adhoc
Ad Hoc
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CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: COURTESY AUBERGE DU SOLEIL, DEBORAH JONES, WILL PRYCE
DO THIS For a fascinating look at culinary history, head to the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum at The CIA at Copia, where thousands of culinary artifacts and specialty cookware items are on display throughout the year. While there, take advantage of The CIA at Copia’s rotating calendar of engaging happenings, such as guest chef pop-ups, hands-on cooking classes and wine tastings, or plan to savor seasonally inspired fare at The Restaurant at CIA Copia. ciaatcopia.com
Vintage House