Quintessa Wine

Adults-only Alila Napa Valley took over the old Las Alcobas property in 2021, and it’s one of the nicest places to stay in wine country. The rooms are contemporary, as is the massive barn spa, but it all feels balanced by the old Victorian manor on the property, which houses the restaurant Violetto. Be sure to book a room overlooking the vineyards (they belong to Beringer Estate).

Set up on a hill above an endless—and undulating—vista of vineyards, Auberge du Soleil has been maintaining the luxury standard in Napa for thirty years. Though it's since spawned two sister hotels (Solage and Calistoga Ranch), Auberge du Soleil is the reigning patriarch in Napa Valley, particularly when it comes to old-school indulgences and creature comforts (the other two spots are a bit more modern and laid-back). Here, the cottage-like rooms are organized into private little villages (they all feature patios and terraces). With two Michelin stars, Auberge's main, global-inflected restaurant draws a crowd that swells well beyond hotel guests—the Japanese breakfast is particularly dreamy. Don’t miss the spa: While hotel treatments often aren’t that great (particularly for their generally inflated price tags), this was one of the best massages we’ve ever had, particularly because it was followed by a soak in the outdoor bathtub. Meanwhile, Quintessa Winery, one of our favorites, is just across the street.

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.

Formerly the Carneros Inn, the 28-acre resort has farmhouse-style charm with contemporary amenities. Like many Napa hotels, rooms here are situated in individual cottages, each outfitted with rocking chairs and an outdoor shower and fire pit. The adults-only pool overlooking the neighboring vineyard is totally idyllic.

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.

On the north end of Napa Valley, Indian Springs 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, 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.

If Napa is a pilgrimage for foodies and wine-lovers, then Meadowood in St. Helena—officially one of the world's best hotels—is most certainly the mecca. There's no better place to sleep off a day of wine tasting than in one of their cozy rooms by a roaring fire (unless you count the massage table at the seriously idyllic spa).

Given its grand amenities–including its own nine-acre vineyard–this hotel is a good bet if you're looking for a romantic resort rather than a quaint inn. The customer service is excellent, as is the spa. It offers tastings in it's cellars and is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Napa if you're looking to explore or head out to dinner.

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.

Auberge's Stanly Ranch opened up in spring of 2022, in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. It's about an hour from San Francisco (it's right off Highway 12). And it sits on 700 acres; what's special is that they've only built onto 96 of those acres. The resort itself has 135 cottage rooms. But it also has two more luxurious options: villa homes and vineyard homes. Both are available for purchase. And the villa homes can be booked overnight—they're ideal for family and group trips. The villa homes are all two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom fully furnished condominiums. They're 2,500 to 3,100 square feet—but they actually feel bigger than that. They have that expansive, airy, California quality. Large sliding glass doors open up to a patio with lounge seating, an outdoor dining table, and a grill that could feed a full football team. Off the primary suite, there's another set of siding glass doors leading onto another outdoor patio space. The kitchen is outfitted to the nines, and a delight to cook and entertain in. The outdoor rain shower and bathtub: also a delight. The villas are surrounded by pathways of olive trees and Italian Cypress. Homeowners of the villas can stay for up to 168 nights of the year—the rest of the time, the villas are in the rental program (profits are split with Auberge).

Due to an abundance of white-washed, barn-like architecture, walking around this elegant Auberge hotel feels like taking a stroll through a posh horse stable, with white, clean lines, and tall ceilings (but certainly no horses). Like many 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, at their restaurant Solbar 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.

Hotel prices in Napa can get outrageous, and Wydown is our favorite pick in the mid-price range. The location in downtown St. Helena is pretty unbeatable, as you can walk to all of the shops and tasting rooms. Book well in advance—there are only 12 rooms, and they go fast.

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.

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.

This place is right off Highway 29, and if you're not looking carefully you could drive right by it. Bistro Don Giovanni is known for classic Italian fare, with excellent homemade pasta—the fettuccine Bolognese with duck ragu is a must-order. Ask to sit outside in the charming garden space.

French Chef Philippe Jeanty first came to the US back in the '70s to work in the first Moët & Chandon restaurant in Napa, and he's been in the valley ever since. His eponymous bistro in downtown St. Helena is French country in the best, most quaint way. Ask to sit on the idyllic outdoor patio.

In this red barn right on the Carneros Resort property, weekend brunch is a major thing for both visitors and locals, thanks to diner favorites like green eggs and ham, triple-stacks of griddle cakes, breakfast tacos, and bacon Bloody Marys. They don't take brunch reservations, so plan accordingly. If you have to be in and out, get the made-to-order cinnamon doughnuts or scones.

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.

Brasswood Estate is like a little village: There’s the winery, a bakery, an art gallery, a bottle shop–slash–boutique, and the beloved Brasswood Bar + Kitchen. Sit on the patio overlooking the vineyard and dine on scallops and short rib pappardelle (for example; the menu changes seasonally). After your meal, you’ll notice everyone is ordering a glass of port and the butterscotch panna cotta—you should do the same. They have excellent absinthe, cognac, and cigar menus, too.

Celadon has changed hands a few times, but we've heard it's still just as good as it was under chef Greg Cole, who originally came to Napa to work for Chef Jeanty (of Bistro Jeanty fame) in the kitchen at Domaine Chandon. It's a cozy spot, great for cocktails and Cabernet.

From Christopher Kostow and Nathaniel Dorn, who earned three Michelin stars for the Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak has a warm brick-and-wood interior, a substantial patio, and a casual family-style menu that elevates the simple American food: Most of the dishes feature a minimal number of ingredients, like hearth roasted figs with local honey for starters, coal roasted cabbage, and cauliflower with a mushroom au jus. It's hugely popular, so be sure to snag reservations ahead of time.

Snag a spot at the long, low, white marble bar at this local favorite where you can look right into the open kitchen. The rustic California-style menu offers up dishes like a whole fish and gorgeous heirloom tomatoes that don't need to be served with anything but olive oil. We can get behind that.

The FARM is Carneros Resort's fancier dining option, known for its stellar farm-to-table line-up.. (The other restaurant is the roadhouse-style Boon Fly Café.) Much of chef Chris Bianco's menu is dictated by what's seasonally thriving, so that may be heirloom tomatoes, baby lettuce, beets, and carrots; meats and fish come from farms across California. 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. There's live music most nights during the summer.

With a large, open dining room and casual vibe, Farmstead is our pick for big groups or for when you're here with kids (the brick chicken is a family favorite). The cuisine takes farm-to-table as literally as possible—vegetable dishes change every day based on the fresh box of produce the chefs receive that day from Rutherford Estate.

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.

Gott's Roadside is a fancy diner with unbelievable food. It's perfect for kids and a Napa-quality meal without the white tablecloths. There are also several other locations in Northern California including St. Helena and San Francisco.

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 best of the ocean's offerings at Hog Island Oyster Co. If you have time, make a field trip out of it and drive over to Point Reyes National Seashore; at their oyster farm, you can get a taste of the bounty fresh out of the ocean.

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. The kaiseki menu is fix, and you’ll pay a pretty penny, but it’s an experience you'll likely never forget.

Chef Ken Frank's formal bistro in the Westin Verasa Hotel is the embodiment of the traditional, old-school Napa dining experience. In addition to the six-course tasting menu, we recommend springing for the wine pairing here—it's totally worth it and a great opportunity to see how the region's best wines hold up in a dining setting.

Cindy Pawlcyn was a big part of the first generation of chefs who established Napa as a culinary destination, and her casual grill has been equally loved by tourists and locals for the 30 years since. Order the Mongolian pork chop and onion rings, and take advantage of their wine list, which is surprisingly comprehensive for such a laid-back spot.

Masaharu Morimoto is best known as the original Iron Chef, though his restaurants are actually even better than the TV hype. The vibe here is more urban than you'd find at other restaurants in the valley since it's right downtown in Napa. Meanwhile, the Asian food is also a nice way to break up the local California cuisine.

This contemporary-feeling steakhouse is right off the St. Helena Highway, but it's way more than a roadside joint. The interior is really sleek—it feels a little more New York than Napa—and your fellow diners will be dressed accordingly. It's the kind of place where you'll want to indulge in the really high quality meat; we go straight for a bone-in ribeye.

Although the interior at this spot is a little Napa-quirky (think green leather and lime and orange-striped banquettes), they serve up unshakably good Italian right in the center of downtown. The pasta recipes are creative and original, and the pizza crusts are the perfect, slightly chewy Neapolitan consistency.

Solbar is one of the best amenities at amenity-laden Solage. Featuring a large, open dining room that looks out onto an outdoor garden and seating area, it's a nice quiet spot for California-style cuisine. It's a great place to meet people for drinks.

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.

In the grand Victorian mansion at Alila Napa Valley, Violetto is a relative newcomer on Napa’s food scene. (It replaced Acacia House.) Each dish is beautifully put together and flavorfully made, making good use of Napa’s abundant produce and honoring the French and Italian traditions that inform the region’s viticulture. It’s great at both brunch and dinner (there are à la carte, prix fixe, and tasting menu options at the latter). And they make magic with their vegetarian and vegan menus—not every fine-dining spot pulls that off.

With only 8 acres (they only produce about 1,000 cases per year), Anomaly is probably the smallest vineyard on our list. A visit to the boutique winery (which will likely be led by owner Steve Goldfarb) is always intimate, and the cabs are sophisticated but really approachable.

Sitting somewhere between a community gathering hub and a winery, Ashes & Diamonds is a Napa Valley-owned spot by Kashy Khaledi. 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, and perks include access to themed ticketed dinners throughout the year.

Caymus is a family operation (the Wagners are in their third generation of winemaking on the property, where they've been making wine since 1972) and the family history and values that tie the vineyard together are elegantly woven through their tasting experience. In addition to trying their excellent Cabs and Zinfandels, you’ll hear about the family's history in the region.

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.

Female winemaker Cathy Corison is sort of a legend when it comes to women in the wine business, and she runs her namesake vineyard with her husband, William Martin. Although the tasting experience is laid-back and casual, the wine is an incredibly elegant, old-school Cabernet Sauvignon.

Faust grows their Cabernet Sauvignon east of Napa in Coombsville—typically Chardonnay country, due to its lower temperatures. But it’s exactly the combination of cooler weather, volcanic soils, and sea breezes that gives Faust’s Cabernet its brightness and minerality. In the Victorian mansion at Faust Haus, you’re likely to try a few of their limited-production Cabs and a few other varietals.

With all of the luxe experiences Napa has to offer, it can be easy to forget that the wineries are, at heart, agricultural ventures: Frog's Leap really feels like a farm, in the best possible way. The winery is housed in 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.

Lauded as one of the most highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon producers in the region, this winery boasts deep family roots. Husband and wife Jeff and Valerie Gargiulo founded their establishment in the early nineties after more than a decade prior of inspiration and coaching from Valerie’s cousins, who were esteemed Napa winemakers. Over the years they pursued their quest to create incredible wine from their now two vineyard locations in Oakville–a hands-on operation that consists of Jeff, Valerie, daughter April, and son-in-law Mitch. (Fun fact: April is the founder of the best-selling, cult-favorite serum Vintner's Daughter.)

While there's no land to see on this visit (Hunnicutt is exclusively a winery, not a vineyard), the team possesses a real artistry when it comes to wine-making, putting it near the top of our list. In addition to the classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, we love the Zinfandel and Chardonnay—and if sitting on their sunny porch for your tasting isn't hands-on enough, sign up for a tour and tasting in their caves.

Inglenook is one of two wineries owned by the Coppola family, and it's sort of a must-see for any Napa itinerary worth its snuff. The gorgeous, historic chateau is far and away one of the grandest buildings in the valley, and the wine (winemaker Phillip Bascuales was trained at Château Margaux) is worthy of the estate.

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.

Whereas previously Ladera occupied a rustic old stone winery built in 1886, the company has moved to Calistoga and re-opened a tasting room (with plans to expand their facilities on the property). There are several different tasting options, all centered around their famous Cabernet Sauvignon.

Larkmead Vineyard, which originally opened in the 1880s and is now on its fourth generation of family ownership, specializes in bordeaux grapes—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—which cover most of the vineyard. But there’s also a small block of Tocai Friulano (also known as Sauvignonasse), which Larkmead releases in super-limited quantities. You need a reservation for tastings here, which take place in an intimate and homey living room or on the patio overlooking the vineyard.

This vineyard and winery sits on 42 acres of what was an original 1880’s farmstead. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Gil and Beth Nickel in 1997, the property has retained all of the site’s original Queen Ann charm but houses a thoroughly modern wine operation. The Nickel family is committed to sustainability and employs the most modern production methods—the property is solar powered and organic. Underneath the fermentation barns you’ll find a cavernous barrel cellar that stores the winery’s single vineyard Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Syrah. They offer both tours and private tastings.

Odette is a property from the PlumpJack group (they're also behind the PlumpJack and CADE vineyards), and like its sister properties, the estate is Gold-LEED certified—a major accomplishment that's very difficult for a winery to achieve.

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 $400/bottle.

Everything about Promontory is unique and magnificent—from the Brutalist-farmhouse venue and canyon views to the service and the wines themselves. Your guide walks you through what makes this place (and, of course, the wine it produces) so special, starting with the vineyards, which take up a patch of particularly steep and rugged land in a canyon marked by unusual geology. (Two fault lines run through it, separating three different soil types, which of course influence the flavor of the grapes.) This is a world-class winery experience, and a destination for people passionate about the wine world.

NOTE: While the Robert Mondavi Estate is temporarily closed for renovations, they are hosting tastings in downtown Napa Valley at Arch & Tower.

Leslie Rudd is also the previous owner 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, and an elegant tasting experience. Rudd's daughter, Samantha, works full time at the vineyard, making the business a true family operation.

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.

Like many of the vineyards in this area, Seavey is a family-owned business: All five of the Seavey children are involved with the business in some capacity. Winemaker Jim Duane is an alumnus of Mondavi and Stag's Leap, meaning that this is a man who knows his way around a Cabernet Sauvignon.

For a sophisticated, grown-up tasting experience, book an appointment at Shafer Vineyards. They're some of the most respected and longstanding winemakers in the valley, and their Chardonnay and Merlot (which you'll sip in their clean-lined, warmly decorated tasting room, with sweeping views of the property) are classics.

Silver Oak has long been lauded for its Cabernets–consistently selling out of its releases for years (the same goes for the Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blancs produced by tis sister winery, Twomey). Run by Vintner David Duncan, the absolutely gorgeous space is located in the center of the valley, in the middle of Oakville. The winery throws the biggest release-day parties of the year, a tradition (and category) cemented since the 1980's when wine enthusiasts started showing up the day of the release. This is an all-around beautiful, successful vineyard not to be missed.

You'll have to venture off the beaten path to find this spot, but that only makes uncovering it feel even more special. Founded by matriarch Mary Novak and now run by her two daughters Beth and Lindy, this woman-led operation is a standout. Spots here go fast, so book tastings well in advance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Counting Robert Mondavi and Cakebread as its neighbors, this small, family-owned and operated winemaker doubles down on its small-but-mighty Cabernet Sauvignon. (They played host to our Napa road-to-table event.) Here, second generation vintner Zoe Johns, who took the helm of Turnbull at the age of 33, brings her vision for a modern vineyard to life: a tasting gallery features a rotating roster of artwork from artists like Berenice Abbott, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Herb Ritts, while a more elaborate private tasting and pairing program leans heavily on what's freshest from the garden. It goes without saying that the vineyard views are pretty killer from just about everywhere on property, too.

Sometimes the best way to get a taste of the local scene (especially in a tourist-centric place like St. Helena) is to seek out the busiest hometown dive. We think it's fun just to belly up to the bar and chat with the regulars, but Ana's also has a pool table, a jukebox, and performances by local bands to mix things up a bit.

If you're hoping to experience some of Thomas Keller's Napa magic but don't have time or the budget for a full meal in Yountville, take a quick stop at Bouchon Bakery, where the Keller team makes the baked goods (starring unbelievable baguettes) for all of his restaurants. It's a great option for a light breakfast if you’re wandering around Yountville, and no one should leave without a big box of their famous macarons. The line can get a little lengthy on the weekends, but it’s so worth it.

Erin Martin is one of the most respected interior designers in the area, thanks to her dark, industrial, cool-girl style. Her shop on Main Street in St. Helena showcases some of the bigger stuff like couches, along with art books, unique jewelry, and other knick-knacks.

This Italian deli has been serving build-your-own sandwiches since the 1970s. Pick your bread base (we recommend the dutch crunch roll), and then take your pick from the endless meat, cheese, and fixings choice, including “Giugni juice”, the deli’s famous homemade balsamic vinaigrette, which we suggest adding to anything and everything you order. Arrive before 11am or place an online order, as the line can be long.

The Model Bakery is best known for their English muffins, which we admit sounds random. But trust us here: They take organic stone-ground flour, roll out each muffin by hand, and cook them in clarified butter on a piping-hot griddle until they’re golden-brown. The results are pillowy—and perfect with jam or sandwiching a bacon, egg, and cheese. They do pastries, cookies, breads, cakes, pies, sandwiches, and pizza here, too. But if you’re a first-timer, it really is all about the English muffins.

Laura Rombauer pretty much has Napa style nailed, and her store reflects it. Housed in a historic brick building, she specializes in items for tabletop decorating, like rainbow-hued Claude Dozorme steak knives, Simon Pearce serving bowls, and imported linens in wonderfully subdued colorways.

Oxbow Public Market is kind of like a gourmet farmers' market that's open all week, with vendors ranging from a vegetable grocer, to a wineshop, to a coffee shop. It's also home to some of our other favorites in the area, like Gott's and Hog Island Oyster.

Downtown St. Helena is filled with adorable stops, and this local chocolatier, where the goodies are hand-made by a husband-and-wife duo and their daughters, is one of our favorites. Their boxes are the perfect finishing touch for a picnic lunch.

Perched on a hill above an endless, undulating view of beautiful vineyards, Auberge du Soleil has set the standard in Napa luxury for thirty years. The property’s incredible spa is replete with light-filled treatment rooms overlooking an olive-tree-flanked courtyard. The Best of Auberge Facial spoils you for life, fortifying skin with nourishing, collagen-infused serums, hydrating masks, balancing botanical enzymes, a powerful dose of antioxidants via the deservedly obsessed-over Vintner’s Daughter, and pure olive extracts sourced from the property’s groves right outside.

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.

For the adventurous: a six-day long excursion through the best of California wine country. Duvine, an adventure company known for hosting some of the best tours in the world, runs this trip several times a year, including in October so you can catch the vineyards at peak ripeness. The best part is the hosts seem to know the b-sides of both the valleys, taking you behind the scenes to meet and watch the producers, farmers, and artisans. If you're up for the week-long, intense workout, it's the best way to see area.

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.

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 sun set over the hills as you chug along.