This region northeast of San Francisco has become a generic for wine. Grapes
account for more than 38,000 acres and 200-plus wineries turn them into some of
the finest pinot noirs and chardonnays found anywhere. The dry, temperate
climate that makes the area perfect for growing finicky grapes also makes it an
ideal golf destination. After all, a memorable round makes for a great
toast. Golf
Silverado Resort has hosted tour events dating back to the
1960s. Its South and North courses received a revamping in 2003. Chardonnay Golf
Club has three nine-holers to mix and match. Designed by Johnny Miller, who
winters in the valley, Eagle Vines Golf Club ranks high among the newer
offerings. Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park is a well-conditioned muni along
the Napa River.
Accommodations
Blue Violet Mansion represents
Napa’s long, rich history. Its 1886 Queen Anne Victorian structure has won
numerous accolades. Yountville Inn and Carneros Inn are in similar mode, only
bigger, and offer superb dining rooms. Most luxurious of all is Auberge du
Soleil, located on a hillside and offering gorgeous sunset views.
Dining
There is more fine cuisine than one can manage in a year.
Topping the list are Thomas Keller’s famed French Laundry and Michael
Chiarello’s nouvelle Italian Tra Vigne. Mustard’s Grill is more casual while
Cole’s Chop House is a good choice for that perfect steak paired with a hearty
cab. Other popular spots are the Mediterranean-flavored Hurley’s and the Martini
House, a mushroom lover’s delight. The wine lists, needless to say, are
encyclopedic.
Activities
Wine-tasting is de
rigueur, of course. But there’s more to Napa. In Calistoga, the 400-acre Safari
West Wildlife Preserve has hundreds of mammals and birds on view. Go hot-air
ballooning over the vineyards with Napa Valley Aloft. Or cruise the Napa River,
which runs through the heart of downtown, with Napa River Adventures. Foodies
can enjoy a cooking demo and a glistening utensils shop at the West Coast campus
of the Culinary Institute of America.
