CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: There’s always something ripe for the picking in Napa; charred bavette from The Restaurant at Meadowood; Spa Villagio Mayacamas spa suite; Napa Valley Bike Tours; Meadowood Napa Valley guest terrace
WHERE TO STAY
Start your Napa Valley sojourn at the sleek, modern Bardessono (6526 Yount St., Yountville; bardessono.com), in the heart of Yountville. For a dose of romance, book an Elevated Spa-Suite, with a private deck, soaking tub and space for inroom treatments. You’ll think you’re crashing at your friend’s French château when you check in to the quaint 80-room Vintage Inn (6541 Washington St., Yountville; vintageinn.com). The charm is in the details: a free Champagne breakfast, complimentary bottle of wine in your room and exquisite Provençal décor. If you’re looking for a secluded country retreat, the Meadowood Napa Valley (900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena; meadowood.com) is an opulent resort with activities ranging from croquet to golf to hiking on its 250 sprawling acres.
WHERE TO EAT
With some of the best natural bounty in the nation, this region is a true locavore’s paradise. The Restaurant at Meadowood earns its Michelin two-star rating courtesy of chef Christopher Kostow’s culinary wizardry—check out his seasonally evolving menu to discover why he was voted one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2009. At Bottega Napa Valley (6525 Washington St., Yountville; botteganapavalley.com), chef Michael Chiarello serves up Italian fare with regional flair—authentic fresh pastas with locally sourced produce. Star chef Thomas Keller-—he of multiple-Michelin-star fame—is the mastermind behind Ad Hoc (6476 Washington St., Yountville; adhocrestaurant.com), where the four-course, prix fixe, family-style menu changes from day to day. If you’re truly lucky, Keller’s famous buttermilk fried chicken will be dished out during your visit.
WHAT TO DO
Let’s be honest, it’s the wine that lured you here. Stags’ Leap Winery (6150 Silverado Trail, Napa; stagsleap.com) is known for its Petite Syrah, one of five varietals you’ll sample on the 90-minute tour. The friendly staff at Napa Cellars (7481 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville; napacellars.com) will guide you to just the right Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel from the lovely tasting room—or pack a basket and have a picnic outdoors. One of the oldest wineries in Napa, Beringer Vineyards (2000 Main St., St. Helena; beringer.com) has history along with delectable wines. Take them both in from the picturesque grounds, where you can challenge your friends to a game of bocce. One of the best ways to explore Napa’s gorgeous vistas is by bicycle—Napa Valley Bike Tours (napavalleybiketours.com) will take you on single- or multi-day trips through the scenic landscapes. After all this sipping and cycling, top off your trip by pampering yourself with a soak in sparkling-wine bubbles during a Spumante treatment at The Meritage Resort and Spa (875 Bordeaux Way, Napa; themeritageresort.com). The resort’s Spa Terra is truly unique—the entire space is located in an underground wine cave. Or check out the Scrub Bar at Spa Villagio in the Villagio Inn & Spa (6481 Washington St., Yountville; villagio.com), a sister property of the Vintage Inn. Choose from three sets of ingredients that a therapist blends together to use in your 20-minute body scrub. You’ll look (and feel) like a new person when you leave.
