Calistoga

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.

A quaint, immaculately-kept inn on the quieter east side of town. The decor is sort of old world with its rich wallpaper and mahogany wood. It's large pool and efficient spa makes it a good package at a slightly lower rate than some of the other hotels in the area.

COVID-19 update: Hotel closed indefinitely. This hotel has its own cabernet-producing vineyard, so you get the full Napa Valley experience without even leaving the property. There's plenty else to do on site, from walking the stunning grounds and hanging out at the pool, to gathering eggs from their deluxe new coop. Should you book a stay in the early fall, you can join the pruning, harvesting, and crushing of the grapes. Each of the fifty rooms has a fireplace and a private deck, and occupies its own, secluded lodge, which guarantees plenty of privacy. While Calistoga Ranch makes for a great romantic holiday, it’s kid-friendly too, with a new family pool and a lunchbox menu just for little ones. Should you want to go out (it is Napa, after all) you can borrow one of the ranch's cars.

Due to an abundance of white-washed, barn-like architecture, walking around this elegant newcomer feels like taking a stroll through a posh horse stable, with white, clean lines, and tall ceilings (but certainly no horses). Like most resorts in the area, rooms are organized into studio cottages with private patios, and their pool scene is nice and roomy, with plenty of deck space and lounge chairs. You'll be in good hands, food-wise, with their Michelin-rated restaurant, and a pretty serious spa. Calistoga is known for its mud baths (the geo-thermal heat and mineral-rich mud make for a healing restorative bath), and we've heard that Solage offers one of the best around.

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. It's a must-see for guests staying at nearby Calistoga Ranch.

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. It's a must-see for guests staying at nearby Calistoga Ranch.

Although it's a gorgeous property and the sparkling rosé brut is a standout, the best thing about Schramsberg is its rich history. The vineyard still carries the name of Jacob Schram, the German immigrant who bought the vineyard in 1862, and the original Victorian home that he and his wife built when they first bought the property still stands (it was declared a historical monument back in 1957). The vineyard also keeps an excellent record of notable events where their wines were served—every presidential administration since Nixon has served their sparkling wines to official guests.

Although it's a gorgeous property and the sparkling rosé brut is a standout, the best thing about Schramsberg is its rich history. The vineyard still carries the name of Jacob Schram, the German immigrant who bought the vineyard in 1862, and the original Victorian home that he and his wife built when they first bought the property still stands (it was declared a historical monument back in 1957). The vineyard also keeps an excellent record of notable events where their wines were served—every presidential administration since Nixon has served their sparkling wines to official guests.

Storybook Mountain (named for its original founders, two brothers named Grimm) is a totally unique, rural California winery experience. The organic vineyards are known for their Zinfandel, and it's worth taking the time to explore their caves, which were part of the original vineyard and are buried so deeply that they never require artificial cooling.

Storybook Mountain (named for its original founders, two brothers named Grimm) is a totally unique, rural California winery experience. The organic vineyards are known for their Zinfandel, and it's worth taking the time to explore their caves, which were part of the original vineyard and are buried so deeply that they never require artificial cooling.