Napa

Sitting somewhere between a community gathering hub and a winery, Ashes & Diamonds, a new Napa Valley-owned spot by Kashy Khaledi is looking to shake things up. Khaledi cut his teeth as an ad exec at the likes of Capitol Records and MTV before deciding to get into the wine business. The first clue that Ashes & Diamond is unlike any other winery in the Napa Valley is the design: porthole windows, stark white facade, and mid-century modern furnishings are a nod to the Napa Valley of the 1960s thanks to LA-based architect Barbara Bestor. As for the wine itself, Khaledi brought in organic and biodynamic wine makers Steve Matthiasson and Diana Snowden Seysses who are churning out a particularly good Blanc (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from three vineyards in the Oak Knoll District and Yountville). And, in a true nod to his music roots, Khaledi tapped Brian Roettinger, who concepted the album cover of Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail, to design the wine labels. Their yearly membership program starts at three bottles ($345), and perks include access to the "leaders and conspirators" conversation series, plus,…

The team of aestheticians here meditate before and after the workday. It’s a ritual that informs the healing treatments they perform, like the Bio Energy Remineralizing Facial, a rejuvenating ninety minutes in which skin is flooded with marine extracts and restored with the spa’s proprietary copper-and-amino-acid complex. The pore-opening lavender essential oil steam that’s part of the Allergy Relief treatment, which also includes a heavenly circulation-stirring massage, is another reason we’re in love with this place. That and the fact that the menu includes Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic therapy involving pouring oils, coconut water, and milk over the forehead for an incredibly soothing and—for our money—soporific effect.

The relaxing setting on the patio is one of the main draws of this bistro-style restaurant. Located in the Hatt Building, an historic 1890s ship chandlery, the space has the feel of a French brasserie. The menu is solid, with French favorites such as duck confit and roast chicken.

To dine here it so indulge in authenticity and flavor, as well as minimalism.

Simply striking, in all ways: The Kenzo Estate is owned by Japanese-American businessman and vintner Kenzo Tsujimoto and is a work that marries his affinity for the region, wine, and simple aesthetics. After falling in love with Napa Valley decades ago, Tsujimoto debuted his wine in 2008 to much acclaim–but it wasn’t until 2010 that is dream of opening a tasting room for the public came true. Nestled in a drop-dead gorgeous valley, the estate covers 3,800 acres that include sweeping vineyards and a tasting room.

For the adventurous: A six-day long excursion through the best of California wine country.

Given its grand amenities–including its own nine-acre vineyard–this hotel and spa is definitely more of a resort, therefore not the best bet if you're looking for a quaint-style inn or hotel. The customer service is excellent, as is the spa. It offers tastings in it's cellars and is only about a ten-minute drive from downtown Napa if you're looking to explore or head out to dinner.

Nestled between the Napa and Sonoma Valley, the FARM, the Carneros Resort's warm, though undoubtedly fancier dining option (the other is the roadhouse-style Boon Fly Café) is known for its stellar 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 Carneros bottles plus many other sustainable and biodynamically farmed options.

In this red barn right on the Carneros Resort property, weekend brunch is a major thing, both for visitors and locals, thanks to diner favorites like green eggs and ham, a triple stack of griddle cakes, and breakfast tacos—despite it not taking reservations. (Oh, and a bacon Bloody Mary, obviously.) If you have to be in and out, don't miss the made-to-order cinnamon doughnuts or scones.

Formerly the Carneros Inn, the 28-acre resort is now under new ownership but still maintains its farmhouse-style charm, with a few welcome updates. Like many Napa hotels, rooms here are situated in individual cottages, each outfitted with rocking chairs and an outdoor shower and fire pit. An adults-only pool overlooking the neighboring vineyard is probably the most Instagrammed thing on property, but it's totally idyllic all the same.