![]() The gardens at Larkmead Vineyard (Photo by Melanie Haiken) Thinking that Napa’s not for kids - or dogs To get even farther out into wild, take a hike through Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which surrounds Stony Hill on both sides, or follow the two-mile, multi-use trail through Alston Park just northwest of the City of Napa. I learned this on the winery's 90-minute estate tour, which allowed me to wander the extensive property, learn about its long and colorful history and get out into the vineyards, where Larkmead's winemaker, Dan Petroski, is among a group of vintners experimenting with new varieties of grapes less susceptible to climate change. The gardens at Larkmead, founded in 1895 and one of the oldest wineries in the valley, are not only lush and lovely, but planted for sustainability with flowers chosen to support pollination by bees. Another plus for Stony Hill is that they are one of the rare chardonnay and riesling producers in the valley, a good thing to know for us white wine buffs. You can see the entire sweep of the valley from west to east from the outdoor tasting area and the 90-minute tasting experience includes a walk up through the terraced vineyards. One of my secrets for getting out into nature is to include in my tasting itinerary wineries that are secluded in stunning locations, such as family-owned Stony Hill Vineyard, perched on the steep slopes of Spring Mountain west of St. ![]() ![]() With vineyards blanketing the valley floor, beautiful vistas are all around you in the Napa Valley, but it’s easy to get caught up in wine-tasting and dining. Napa Valley (Photo by Melanie Haiken) Neglecting the Napa Valley’s natural beauty The Westin offers several member discount options and for “Cabernet Season” (November through April), the Verasa Napa is offering discounts of up to 15 percent off the best available room rates for all guests, Bonvoy members or not. Even more important, staying at a Napa hotel is essential to wine-country immersion, with many offering catered tasting experiences and even wine-infused spa treatments.īonvoy members have hit the jackpot in Napa, with the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa and SpringHill Suites Napa Valley, both bookable with points (60,000 and 35,000 a night, respectively on standard dates) and The Westin Verasa Napa (60k points per night on standard dates), with its spacious grounds, pool and multiple restaurants. And with Napa so rich in world-renowned restaurants, why miss out on some of the most memorable dinners you can have anywhere. Napa is only a 50-minute drive from San Francisco but to see both Napa proper and the valley's northern end, you need more than one day. This is easily the most common mistake made by travelers from out of town. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. I would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. ![]() I go regularly to soak in the mineral pools at the numerous resorts and send friends to stay at Brannan Cottage Inn, which occupies an Italianate Victorian that’s all that remains of Calistoga founder Sam Brannan’s 1860s spa resort. My favorite is Calistoga at the valley’s north end, a historic spa town founded as a retreat for those coming to “take the waters” in its healing hot springs. Helena is popular with shoppers for its shady main street lined with trendy boutiques, artisanal purveyors, cafes and wine bars. Put on the map by famed chef Thomas Keller when he established The French Laundry and Bouchon, Yountville is foodie central. Helena and Calistoga all have quaint, walkable main streets lined with historic buildings, yet each has its own particular draw. Strung along the valley floor from south to north, the villages of Yountville, St. Long Meadow Ranch invites guests up to its rural Mayacamas Estate high above the valley in the mountains of the same name, where tasting extends to their estate olive oil, pressed from their groves of 150-year-old trees.
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