Wine enthusiasts from around the world travel to Napa Valley, Calif. Plan a luxurious, laid-back vacation filled with tastings, spa treatments and some of the country's best cuisine.
Stay at Poetry Inn
With just five rooms, this Napa hotel gives new meaning to the word exclusive. All rooms face the Mayacamas mountain range and feature a king-size bed, private deck or patio, indoor and outdoor showers, and a wood-burning fireplace, among other amenities. The hotel itself has an outdoor pool and hot tub, plus a treatment room for spa services. Opt for the Robert Louis Stevenson Suite on the inn's top floor, which has a private entrance, wrap-around deck and original works by famed landscape artist William Glenn Crooks. Visit poetryinn.com for more information and reservations.
Eat at the French Laundry
Make the short trip to Yountville to dine at Chef Thomas Keller's world-famous restaurant. Nine-course tasting menus change daily, with no single ingredient ever repeated throughout the meal. Recent items have included: Oysters and Pearls, a sabayon of pearl tapioca with Island Creek oysters and white sturgeon caviar; Liberty Farm Peking Duck with apple-wood smoked bacon, compressed Schmitt Farm apples, garden turnips and Whole Grain mustard; and Andante Dairy Legato, with black pepper madeleine, honey-poached cranberries, toasted English walnuts and brown butter. The chef also offers a vegetarian tasting menu. Reservations are a must and are accepted up to two months in advance. Visit frenchlaundry.com for more information and reservations.
Visit Artesa Vineyards & Winery
Renowned Barcelona architect Domingo Triay built the avant-garde structure that serves as the Artesa winery and visitor center, owned by the Raventos family of Spain, which makes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Tasting Room is open daily, and tours of the winery also happen daily. Special tours and tastings are available by reservation.
Take a Mud Bath at Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa and Resort
Nearby Calistoga is known for its mud baths and hot springs. This spa and resort offers private mud baths featuring clay, peat, and the area's natural hot springs mineral water that comes out of the ground between 140-160 degrees F. A variety of other spa services for couples and singles also are available. Visit goldenhaven.com for more information and reservations.
Shop at Oxbow Public Market
Take in more than 40,000 square feet of gourmet shopping and dining at Napa's public market. From baked goods and beer to teas and wines, naturally, the options are seemingly endless for treating yourself and those back at home. Visit oxbowpublicmarket.com for more information.
Speaking of shopping, any winery you visit during your trip to Napa will be more than happy to ship home favorites you discover during tastings and tours.
