Yountville

Part hotel, part wine country retreat, Napa Valley Lodge exudes sort of an old, familial feel–like you're staying with relatives on their Tuscan vineyard. The rooms are bright and spacious and the staff is incredibly friendly; they'll help you customize your experience how you like it, offering advice as to which wineries to visit. The location is one of the assets here, centrally located, you can come back after a day of wine tasting, take a swim, and then walk to Bouchon for dinner.

A newer addition to the California wine trail, Stewart has quickly become a favorite for its top-notch Napa varietals. The Yountville-based wine business is a family affair—run by Michael Stewart and his children—so it's only natural they wanted to open a tasting room with a convivial, easygoing vibe. The Stewarts tapped interior designer Ken Fulk to give the space, which also includes a café and a library, a lived-in, time-worn feel complete with a Syre stone facade, lots of outdoor space, a wood-burning fireplace, and a mix of antiques culled from Brimfield and Paris flea markets.

Just a short walk from downtown Yountville and its bevy of great restaurants, Bardessono definitely boasts one of the best locations in the valley. With sleek, streamlined décor, excellent tech in room, and the almost impossible-to-accomplish LEED platinum rating, the vibe here is decidedly modern without sacrificing luxury. The grounds are incredibly lush, with the addition of a few well-placed water features, giving you the sense of an outdoor experience despite the relatively compact property.

Although it's 80 rooms strong (and has the spa, restaurants, and pool to accommodate that many guests), Hotel Yountville feels like a small, quaint, boutique hotel. The cozy, updated interiors match the grand stone building that houses them. Definitely ask for a room with a fireplace.

The Poetry Inn is somewhat isolated up in the Stag's Leap District (it's about a 20-minute drive from downtown Napa). The rooms feel accordingly secluded and private, and almost all of them have views of the nearby hills. The decor is understated but elegant, with leather sofas, natural woven wicker chairs, and cozy woven throws. If you're interested in an extended trip, look into their three-bedroom farmhouse that's available for monthly rental; it’s complete with a full kitchen and a private pool.

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, family-style menu that changes daily and showcases the comfort food Keller grew up with, like 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.

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 undeniably awesome.

Another mandatory stop on the Thomas Keller tour of Napa, Bouchon is Keller's take on casual French bistro food: Everything is great. They have keep the kitchen open late—but keep in mind that this is California, where even late-night ends at 11.

Nestled discreetly in a historic former steam laundry in Yountville, Thomas Keller's French Laundry has been a pilgrimage-worthy destination for forever. Although you'll pony up for a meal like this, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 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.

The city gave Tacos Garcia a permit to set up in the parking lot of the famously divey Pancha's (which, for decades, allowed smoking inside; new ownership says that's the only thing they're changing), and you'll find them there most evenings. The tacos—including the beloved fish and el pastor—are only a couple bucks apiece, which is a blessing when your wallet is starting to feel the strain of wine tastings and big dinners.