"Above the wines The morning mist rolls away as we float above in a hot air baloon, revealing the patterns of Napa serenely below."

"Pack a Picnic from Oakville Grocery Take advantage of the Mediterranean-like climate in Napa Valley (it rarely rains between May and October) and pack a picnic — without compromising on the quality of your cuisine, of course. The Oakville Grocery on Highway 29 has been supplying travelers for over 100 years, although under its new owner, Leslie Rudd of Dean & Deluca, the offerings have become decidedly upscale. Specializing in California cheeses, charcuterie, a good selection of local wines and nicely prepared seasonal salads and sandwiches, pack a picnic for your next tasting appointment or enjoy the impressive view of Opus One from one of the tables outside the Grocery."

"Taste the Terroir at Frog's Leap Winery Before there can be quality wine, or even quality grapes, there needs to be quality dirt. Frog’s Leap Winery is located in one of the most coveted patches of dirt in the Napa Valley — Rutherford. Which is why, when you visit, owner John Williams starts the tour by sticking a shovel in the earth. Dry farmed (no irrigation) and 100 percent organic, the winery is a fully sustainable oasis complete with bees, chickens, and vegetable and flower gardens (they sell what the family and workers don’t eat at local farmers' markets). The two-hour tour, during which you will learn all about grape farming, concludes with one of the more remarkable tastings in the valley. Overlooking the well-cared-for gardens and vineyards, you feel that you can taste the terroir in their sauvignon blanc, zinfandel, chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon. Schedule your tour in the late afternoon so you can bask in the setting sun."

"The Bar at Bouchon Some say that Keller’s second restaurant in Yountville is even better than his flagship, the French Laundry. The rest of us may never know. But Bouchon is open until midnight seven days a week, and you can grab a seat at the bar without a reservation and spare yourself the theatrics of the more formal dining. Champagne, oysters, and French fries are a fine first course, and the bar also makes a mean martini."

"A New Way to Explore Napa When completed, the Napa Valley Vine Trail will be a 47-mile-long walking and cycling paththat will run the length of the valleyfrom Vallejo's Ferry Terminal to Calistoga at the foot of Mount St. Helena. For now, however, the completed sectionruns 12.5 miles mostly along Highway 29, between Kennedy Park in downtown Napa and Yountville. The bulk of this first stretch opened in 2016, and the nonprofit charged with raising money for the trail’s development had enough scratch left over to plant 300 trees that will eventually shade the walkers and cyclists, and to build rest-stop shelters and bike-repair stations along the way. Thisportionof trailrolls past a half-dozen wineries, if you’re looking to drink and ride, whiletheother nine sections are expected to open in phases through 2020."

"Solage Calistoga Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, Solage is one of Calistoga’s top lodging options; the trio of overnight accommodations, spa, and Michelin-starred restaurant practically force guests to unwind and relax. The experience starts in the 89 studios and suites, which are built like stand-alone cabins and are furnished comfortably. Most have private patios; larger rooms and suites have private backyards (some even have sunken hot tubs); all have in-room showers lined with rocks that feel great on bare feet. With three geothermal pools, the on-site spa is second to none in the Napa Valley . The property’s signature treatment, dubbed the Mudslide, revolves around mineral-enriched mud that guests are encouraged to slather all over themselves and later incorporates a session in a soaking tub and time in a sound chair. Elsewhere on the property, at the Solbar restaurant, chef Massimo Falsini gives farm-fresh cooking a Mediterranean twist. The Monterey black cod in coconut-turmeric brodo is a crowd pleaser. Another must-order: the Macallan 18 butterscotch pudding, made with aged scotch."

"Yes, the Hess Collection in Napa makes wine and sells it under the same name. But really, the brand is about something equally wonderful in entirely different ways: modern art. Owner and entrepreneur Donald Hess began collecting art in the 1960s, and the collection on display at the Mount Veeder winery and tasting room represents a small portion of the pieces he’s amassed since then. The three-story gallery is open to the public for free and displays work from artists Franz Gertsch, Francis Bacon, Leopold Maler, and others. Despite the high caliber of work on display, the Hess Collection gallery is relaxed and without pretense. Visitors can take self-guided strolls through the collection or sign up for a formal docent-led tour. This latter option provides guests with insider information about the art, and follows the tour with a private tasting of Hess Collection wine. Housed in a circa-1903 stone winery originally constructed by Colonel Theodore Gier, the building evokes the grandeur of yesteryear—especially in summer, when ivy covers the stone walls of the gallery."

"Meet Some Napa Valley Makers Napastäk, inside the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, is a modern-day gourmet grocery store, complete with organic ketchup, handmade pasta, pasta sauces, and sake and wasabi mustard (to name a few best-selling products). The store also sells an eponymous line of flavored balsamic vinegars (try the prickly pear) and infused oils. Visit and you are likely to be offered free samples of these items and others. Owners Arthur andLusine Hartunian (who also own the Napa Valley Distillery) believe sampling is a critical part of the shopping experience. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, napastäk means “the rabbit” in Armenian. The floppy-eared mascot appears on every single product."

"A Master of Napa Cuisine Simplicity rules the day at the Charter Oak, the latest restaurant from the Restaurant at Meadowood’s Christopher Kostow. The St. Helena eatery—in the building that once housed a Napa Valley favorite, Tra Vigne—specializes in relatively simple dishes done to perfection. Exhibit A: the crudité plate, which quite literally amounts to a bowl full of freshly picked vegetables. Exhibit B: beef ribs grilled over cabernet barrels and beets dried over the fire. This is elemental cuisine. One of the restaurant’s true flourishesis that every table has a hidden drawer in which guests can find silverware, napkins, and magic that’s rare on the Napa dining scene."

"Foodie Heaven at Oxbow Public Market in Napa, California Oxbow Public Market gives an excellent introduction to the food and atmosphere of Northern California. The market supports sustainable, local agriculture and production. There are many shops and food purveyors, mostly casual offerings where you pick up your food and find a table, but there are also some sit-down restaurants. The choices all highlight food from the region and include multi-ethnic California cuisine, fresh oysters, organic gourmet ice cream, artisan cheeses, Napa Valley wines, and local olive oil. When the weather is nice, sit on the back terrace that overlooks the Napa River. Oxbow also makes a great place to buy gifts—try Anette's Chocolates and the Olive Press for distinctive local products that you can take home to friends and family. A wonderful farmers market takes place next to Oxbow on Saturdays from May 1-Oct. 31 from 7:30 a.m. to noon."

"A Biodynamic Lunch at Round Pond Estate Wine, as they say, belongs at the table. Yet most tasting rooms offer only the wine. For a richer experience, seek out wineries that offer food pairings or, better yet, an entire meal. At Robert Sinskey winery, cookbook author and Chef Maria Helm Sinskey pairs bites made with ingredients from their garden with the new releases of Pinot Noir and the excellent Abraxas, a blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer. Round Pond Estate takes it a step further — the four-course lunch served on the terrace uses all biodynamically farmed produce, vinegar and honey from the estate as well as olive oil that is crushed by stone just a stone’s throw from the winery."

"All aboard for a one-of-a-kind trip through Napa Valley There’s something romantic about train travel isn’t there? And when the journey is on tracks that have been around for more than 150 years in one of the word's most scenic wine regions, the ride is even sweeter. If you’re looking for a splurge, pair your love of California wine with the Napa Valley Wine Train, just an hour drive from San Francisco . Hop on at the Downtown Napa station and you’ll be aboard antique Pullman cars, many of which were built in 1915 as first¬ class coaches for the Northern Pacific Railway. Over the past several decades, the cars have been restored for ultimate comfort and style. The picture taking possibilities are limitless. The train makes a 36-mile round-trip trek to the historic town of St. Helena and back, passing through vineyards, and stopping at celebrated wineries along the way such as Robert Mondavi, Charles Krug, Beringer, and many others. Book ahead online and choose from several different tours, each including a gourmet meal prepared onboard. Don’t worry—this isn’t microwave food or plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The wine train has a dedicated chef and staff who boldly reclaim the right to serve elegant train cuisine, and your taste buds will be delighted. Tasting fees at visited wineries are also included in the price. Wine is available for purchase on board, or ask about their corkage fees and BYOB. All aboard!!"

"Dine in True Wine-Country Style Architect and founder Howard Backen designed the space occupied by St. Helena’s Archetype (he’s also the owner), so it’s no wonder the bright and airy dining room is a sight to behold. Everything in the restaurant revolves around the wood-burning oven, which sees most dishes for at least a few moments before they’re delivered. Cuisine here can be described as American, with favorites such as avocado toast, grilled lamb chops, and mussels. Brunch is a big favorite, too; the lemon-ricotta pancakes are light and fluffy without being overly tangy. Perhaps the most popular part of the Archetype lineup happens on Thursday nights, when the kitchen servesfish tacos. The restaurant also offers workshops andclasses throughout the year."

"Egg Sandwich at Gott's Roadside The line for burgers and fries at Gott's Roadside (formerly Taylor's Refresher and don't you forget it) in St. Helena can be ridiculous in the afternoon, but if you go in the morning, you'll have your choice of picnic tables—either in front where you can watch the morning traffic funnel into town or on the grassy lawn out back. From the simple egg and cheese to a fried chicken mess nicknamed the Paula Deen, Gott’s may have the best egg sandwich in the Valley (although, granted, there isn't a lot of competition). Plus, a Trumer Pilsner makes a great breakfast beer."

"Free Art in Wine Country I love wine, but even I need a break from wine tasting. A nice way to break up a day of eating and drinking in Napa Valley is to explore the great art on display for free in downtown Napa. Every other year, the Arts Council Napa Valley curates a new set of amazing sculptures from top artists as part of their Napa ARTwalk program. The visitor's center has free brochures that include a map of all of the artwork as well as information on each sculpture."

"This refined 28-acre resort set in the rolling hills between downtown Sonoma and downtown Napa makes guests feel relaxed the moment they check in. The vistas are unobstructed from the resort’s pool areas, and many of the property’s 94 stand-alone cottages with private balconies and six private homes offer views of the open space, too. By day, lawn games are usually underway on the grassy expanse called the Town Square, while in the evenings, a pavilion provides an unparalleled backdrop for stargazing. This is a hotel that values fresh air, as evidenced by the walls in the common areas, which retract to bring the outdoors in. There are other reasons to fall in love with Carneros—namely, the on-site restaurants. The casual Boon Fly Café is famous for breakfasts, with spicy bacon Bloody Mary drinks and tiny made-to-order doughnuts. FARM, on the other hand, is more formal, with menu items such as braised oxtail terrine and smoked Sonoma duck breast. While the hotel offers in-room massages, it will also reopen its spa after a full-scale renovation later in 2018."

"When Colleen Fleming and Aubrey Bailey opened Cadet in 2014, it was like hanging fly paper for the local wine community. For starters, it was located squarely in Downtown Napa, but also tucked away on a side street away from stumbling tourists. Second, where else can you get a good glass of Grüner? The international selection attracts winemakers and sommeliers thirsty for something besides California juice, but Cadet is also a place to discover the new boutique and interesting wines made here. The party atmosphere and strong sense of community don't hurt either."

"The building that now houses the Blue Note Napa has had a number of iterations over the years, most notably more than a century of life as the Napa Valley Opera House. Today the Blue Note occupies only the first floor; the club cultivates an intimate space that has become a great spot to see live music. Local, regional, national, and international acts book the space -- on any given night the performances might range from jazz to blues to folk and more. Blue Note also runs a full-service restaurant and bar, making it a destination for a romantic night on the town. Upstairs, a local winery has rebranded the main stage of the old Opera House as the JaM Cellars Ballroom; it is open periodically throughout the year for big-name concerts and events."