This is a long-overdue review of a very special place that is near and dear to my heart. Napa Valley is a destination that people travel from all over the world to experience. Living in the Bay Area, we are lucky enough to have it right in our backyard. My partner and I have not taken our good fortune for granted, and have spent many weekends and mini-vacations in Napa. Napa Valley is a place of relaxation, romance, enjoyment, and incredible natural beauty. It is the perfect reprieve from the stressors of urban life. A short trip from the Bay Area, but a different world. In accordance with the serene environment, the locals of Napa Valley are so welcoming, and genuinely kind. We have experienced so much kindness from the people here, even total strangers. Truly some of the nicest people we have met. One time we pulled over on the road to get something from the trunk of our car. A truck pulled up in front of us, and in all our urbanite disillusionment, we were both sure something nefarious was about to go down. Instead, an incredibly nice gentleman came up to us and asked if we needed any assistance, being on the side of the road and all. We were floored. Napa Valley is one of the world's premier wine-growing regions, so obviously the area's many outstanding wineries are a huge draw. Our favorites include Trefethen, Paraduxx, Duckhorn (Paraduxx's older, more stoic sibling), Vine Cliff, Rutherford Hill, Pine Ridge, Conn Creek, and Black Stallion. Fun fact: if you go to Black Stallion, you will find a picture of my partner in the tasting room from his horse-riding days when what is now Black Stallion used to be an equestrian center! Napa Valley is also the destination for many incredible eateries. Most notably, the world-famous French Laundry, which we have had the privilege of dining at multiple times. Take a look at my review for The French Laundry for more about this very special restaurant. Another restaurant I would highly recommend, in the heart of downtown Napa, is Cole's Chop House. Unparalleled service and food in a classic steakhouse atmosphere. The owner Eric is wonderful, and you can usually find him on the floor of the restaurant, actively checking in on everything. I don't even eat steak, but this is one of my favorite restaurants; they have the best salmon I have ever had in a restaurant, hands down; I order it every time. If you go to Cole's, ask for Andrea & Richard's corner table, and you will find our picture on the wall. While you're in downtown Napa, check out a very sweet little store called Miyamo on 1st Street. Beautiful gifts to get for yourself or others, especially the bracelets with different sayings on them. I have a collection of them and wear them constantly. Oh, one more place to add to your list, also in downtown Napa, is Downtown Joe's. Right on the Napa River, this is both a great place to party/karaoke late into the night, and enjoy a leisurely all-American breakfast at in the morning. When looking at places to stay, the Indigo is our usual go-to. Fairly-priced, it meets our needs and is a short Uber ride away from downtown Napa and many wineries in the area. Speaking of Uber, listen to your ride-share drivers, they have a lot of good recommendations to share about the places to check out (and occasionally avoid) in the area. I can't say enough about the Napa Valley in one review, but feel free to message me if you want more recommendations. This magical part of Northern California has kept me sane throughout many years of living in the rat race. I can't wait for our next visit. read more

Napa Valley is absolutely gorgeous! It's known for its incredible wine and food! Many of the wineries are on stunningly beautiful properties. There are lots of spas and Calistoga, the northernmost city in Napa Valley, is known for its geothermal hot springs and mud baths. It's an excellent place for relaxation with stunning vineyard views. If you are a foodie, you will love the restaurants in Napa Valley. The food is so fresh and flavorful. If you are into hiking and being in nature, there are plenty of places for that as well! I would consider Yountville the most upscale city in Napa Valley. All of the towns are charming with the town of Napa being the most city like. There are plenty of places to shop as well. For all of these reasons and more, it's an excellent place for a girls getaway, romantic couples getaway, and so much more! The biggest drawback in my personal opinion is that since this is a destination location, it comes with a price and things can add up with resort fees and other fees that come along with it being a destination location and the prices of things having gone up over the years significantly. read more

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Barbi's fave part of my body is the Napa of my neck. Okay, it's not. If you need a nap, maybe you can come to the Napa Valley. It's becoming a very popular place with the hipsters and young people, even though it used to really be a destination for older folks and wine tasters. And still is. Young people are more addicted to alcohol than ever so it makes sense. And it's wealthy as f. There's a lot of money around and this is where a lot of it gets spent, on houses, on wine tours, on holidays. It's not my scene, and The Avenue of the Giants nearby, which to me is so much better, but it's still a beautiful region for sure, if very overpriced. read more

Napa Valley - Time for a nap in napa - Local Flavor Near Me

If you want to fall in love, Napa Valley is absolutely the place for you! I absolutely love and adore Napa. Whether I lived local to Napa or lived in a different part of the state, Napa has always been my home away from home. Most people associate Napa with of course the many different vineyards, wineries, and places that offer different types of adult libations. Napa is so much more than just wine. If you are looking for a daytime escape, Napa is a great place to go to enjoy the true essence of the beautiful outdoors. Early spring is one of my favorite times to go to Napa, as well as, the early part of fall. There are countless restaurants that all need to be explored and enjoyed, the bevy of boutiques are astounding, and I have found many a unique gift that I have given, as well as, items for my home that I consider to be priceless. I love that many of the families that live in and around the valley, or third, fourth, and even fifth generation Napa Valley families. Everyone knows everyone in the nicest of ways. The family owned businesses that have been there for generations truly are the heart of what makes up the valley. Yes, this even includes the wineries. There are great places to go if you're looking for a great date place, family adventure, or just to have some quality time do yourself. If writing is your passion, this absolutely is the place to go, and once you're there, it's easy to see why so many great writers have spent time in the valley. Go enjoy Napa and all that it offers. If you're into winetasting, one day will not be enough to enjoy all of the valley offers. If you are a foodie at heart, one day absolutely is not enough to enjoy the bountiful food treasures. If you like to shop until you drop, again, one day definitely is not enough. If you are already in love, looking to fall in love, even if it's just with yourself, Napa is the place to be. read more

First Napa Valley tour. A trip for old friends from the old country. Turns out there is no longer a Yountville trolley & time did not allow a tour of the Napa museum. The market is okay. Loved the margherita pizza at the Model bakery (the buttery, soft crust; the sweetest & freshest tomatoes ever); a must have. Bought the English muffins recommended by Oprah, but have yet to taste; looks more like a no sugar doughnut. Berringer Winery is a beauty; the grounds, the main house & all the stained glass. they give a cave tour even for non tasters - very educational & great history; Chris is a very informative & patient guide. he works Thursday to Monday. Sterling winery does not have a non-taster tour, but they were very nice to let 2 out of 5 non tasters to tour. The views were beautiful. For non drinkers, liked the 2021 Malvasia Blanca for its fruitiness; like one guy quipped "like apple juice!" read more

Napa Valley - Local Flavor Near Me

If you are from out of state you will need to stay a minimum of 3-5 days with some pre-planning. There is so much to soak in from wine tours, biking, hiking, hot air ballon rides, horseback riding, amazing restaurants, beautiful hotels/resorts, landmarks and great friendly locals. To our surprise the family owned wineries were our top favorites. You may not know it yet but this is one of those life experiences you will always cherish! read more

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I LOVE NAPA! It is so relaxing, natural and tranquil here. The people are awesome. The wineries are mostly awesome. The food tastes so fresh and delicious. Even if you do not love wine, you can still have a lot of fun here. They have some real cool and unique things. The air smells so clean and fresh. If you are looking for a fun getaway to relax, Napa is a great choice. There are some beautiful resorts/cottages. You will make a lot of great memories here. It is unlike any other place. read more

Napa Valley - Famous Napa sign - Local Flavor Near Me

The architecture is to die for! Come check this place out! If you like art, old style buildings, and peaceful vibes, come on down! I highly recommend this place. read more

Napa Valley - Local Flavor Near Me

If you don't feel like driving go with Flex Wine tours. One of the owners Diane is amazing. 707.815.8088. If you stay downtown to go ABC (Alexis Baking Company) for breakfast. Everyone in town knows where ABC is. It gets packed quick so go early . The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Brioche French toast can change your life. Once in Calistoga take a trip to the Geyser it goes off multiple times during the day. Castillo Di Amoroso is a real castle take the tour. It's worth it. The castle is beautiful. They have a dungeon, a tower and a wine cave that makes you salivate. The Tasting room is downstairs the Somm's will cater the tasting to your palette. Try to get a place on the end of the bar. It's more comfortable than the middle. Across the street is Sterling another most do. Beautiful views from the ski lift ride to the Winery. On your way back to Napa after spending the day in Calistoga stop at Vi Sattui for lunch and some tasting. If you like sweets cross the street and visit Dean and Deluca for some sweet vittles. (Yes I said Dean and Deluca the factory is amazing and yes they do tastings) read more

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Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona can kiss our gay ass! Spend your pink dollars in Napa Valley or anywhere where gay marriage is legal. My friends and I happened to have had a 40 hour layover in San Francisco, so my friend Jim and his partner of 30 years took advantage of it. They got married in Napa Valley County Office. They've asked me and my other co-worker to be the witness and the photographer of the ceremony. I've always wanted to see Napa Valley, so when this opportunity came up. I was ecstatic! This was my first gay wedding, so I was honored when they asked me to be a witness. It was a lovely service, and the people were very nice. Napa Valley has a lot of beautiful resorts, vineyards, gardens, and wineries that can serve as a background for your special occasion. One of the best places to get hitched that's for sure. read more

Napa Valley - My co-workers got married in Napa Valley, CA - Local Flavor Near Me

When we come to visit my in laws, we try to stay in the Napa Valley. There's so much to do here and lots of local vineyards and of course, if you want to explore, there's always the wine train for tasting! Must visit Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon and Castello di Amerosa; Wine Train is a must experience! Cheers! read more

Napa Valley - Love this place! - Local Flavor Near Me

The Napa Valley of Northern California, just north of San Francisco is a unique destination and a place that one should visit. After the repeal of prohibition and the end of the Great Depression, the Napa Valley became one the biggest wine producing regions of the world, even rivaling the vineyards of France. From the town of Napa drive up Highway 29 after row and row of vineyards. Some of the vineyards are small and obscure, others are large and have big names. It's easy to stop at many wineries by car along the way or you can take a train up and down the valley. The wineries have a charge for a tasting. The prices vary and the prices of the wine vary wildly from winery to winery. Driving up the valley is a beautiful drive. Surrounded on both sides by mountains and the ground is full of vineyards. If you want a quicker or more scenic drive take Silverado Trail which runs parallel along Hwy 29 up and down the valley. At the top of the valley is a castle and one of only 3 old faithful geysers in the US. Napa Valley is truly an amazing place. I however prefer the town of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley. Both are siimilar but each has its own flavor. read more

Napa: where people enjoy life with food, wine and art. the nature is beautiful there, and people add a bunch of roses and other beautiful flowers everywhere on top of it. Napa: where people are politer, know how to wait for at least 5 seconds behind your car when the light turns green, know to yield to others at the supermarket. Napa (Yountville, Washington St): Thomas Keller empire. I moved up here to be exposed to this culinary culture. I will be driving up there frequently. read more

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Napa Valley is one of the best destinations in the world. It's been rightly compared to the wine countries of Italy and France, such as the regions of Burgundy and Trent. It's a gourmet paradise (and I speak as one who once lived in Santa Fe, the City Different in the Land of Enchantment) The Napa Valley offers exciting destinations like the Castle of Love, Sterling with its tram, Calistoga with its hot springs, geyser, and petrified forest. Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail are different ways of experiencing this Wine Country. It's a pastoral paradise. read more

Like it so much!!! The weather, the people, it was just great!!! Come to the castle and vine yard. And of course the Calistoga City. You will like it! And enjoy your food here !!!! read more

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Great winery! One of the best tours I have taken in the valley. I highly recommend the cave tour, great wine and a wonderful view of the valley. We made reservations arrived a little early and were offered a pre-tasting before the tour started. We were even lucky enough to meet Marisa Taylor (the winemaker) and her dogs. Now lets talk about our guide. Bernie is her name and I hope you are fortunate enough to have her take you through the caves. Great knowledge of the winery and the family history was given with great respect due to her personal relationships with all the staff. Thank you, Bernie, for answering all my questions. Jake and Robyn read more

What can I say?! For me personally Napa Valley is a "Paradise!" Lovely people,great wine,yummy food and stunning sceneries! That's it,I'm sold! We came here in May and mingled with locals and made a list of things that we wanted to do with my family. So far we've tasted almost all the restaurants! Gotts Roadside,Sienna(The Meritage Resort) and Rutherford Grill are my favorite restaurants! Vineyards and Wineries:The Meritage Resort and Spa(Wine tasting in the cave) . Walk through their vineyards to top and you can have a picnic under Grape Crusher's statue! Also a free shuttle to Downtown and back! Provenance Vineyards:Best place to sit and relax! Lovely staff and few group games they have for entertainment! Sterling,Catello De Amarosa,Rutherford Hill these 3 Vineyards I experienced a Unique Experience! Kids:Safari West Petrified Forst Geyser Cameo Cinema Napa Library ,St.Helena Library Beautiful and my favorite town St.Helena, expensive but elegant! Factory outlets . I love shopping when it's under budget lol. Another review after we finish our trip to Napa Valley! read more

Decline of the town of Napa! Most of the downtown area (1st street) has been bought by a North Carolina developer, who has held the city council hostage. Requirements: universal zoning variance to allow 5 stories in a 2 story neighborhood - result, like SF, as the sun goes behind the buildings, the narrow avenue becomes dark and cold by 3 pm! Other requirement turn the narrow 1st street into a two way street, thus every UPS truck will paralyze all of downtown traffic, as well as reduce the ability of 2nd street to develop functionally reducing the feel of a city center (Healdsburg & Sonoma did it well, Windsor failed.) Next, as the previous owner got rid of merchants, by not renewing leases or doubling, tripling & quintupling them, this developer is contracting with the usual NY chains to move in. Hello another walnut creek. Look this is not going to provide jobs for napa (low wage earners won't be able to afford to live here.) The condo folks will be second home folks, who don't want to pay school taxes, so schools will continue their decline. I'd say, keep driving North. On the other hand, Napa is currently an ethnic food paradise, with Turkish, Nepali, Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese food all within walking distance. I hope they won't get pushed out by chain restaurants. I hope to see this reversed, but Napans seem to be ignored on this issue. read more

Was on a first trip to Napa Valley with some gals. Was underwhelmed by the scorched landscape. Too many wineries, traffic, and overpriced wines. Not enough parks and hiking trails nearby ( please don't count the Petrified Forest.....a total joke! )The people seemed very civil and polite though, including their driving habits which was a plus. Just not what I envisioned Napa Valley to be based on all the hype. If I do ever venture out to San Francisco again, it will be to Sonoma Valley and Muir State Park. Will continue to spend my money on travel to Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain where the truly great and beautiful wine regions are. Don't waste your hard earned money! read more

Black Tie Taxi LLC - horrible. On two different Napa visits, twice this happened...reserved a round trip and on the return, specific pick up time set and twice no taxi. Had to call three times, no answer, busy phone, then spoke to the dispatcher whom had a bad attitude and was rude. "We picked up someone else", they tell us. The first time we had to call another taxi service and this time 35 minutes we waited for him to show up. The driver tells us a bold faced lie he had been at the Culinary Institute to pick us up but another couple was waiting at the door. Then why when the driver returned did he not know where the main entrance was? Unethical business. Save yourself the aggravation and use another company. read more

Amazing wineries, but it has jumped the shark. Go to Sonoma if you are heading this way. Otherwise, just go to Santa Barbara/Solvang. It is prettier and you get more bang for your buck. read more

Very relaxed wineries, scenic views and locals are very welcoming!! As far as wineries...I'm biased, so Robert Mondavi Winery was by far my favorite. It had the best wines and the most comfortable outdoor seating area. A must goto! Another favorite w/ some really good wines is Artesa, a very modern, welcoming and comfortable place. The wines are very good and the outdoor seating is spectacular! read more

I recently bought my first home and used Hannah Homes Realty. My realtor was Christine Hannah and she made my whole experience a pleasure. She kept me up to date on all details so I really learned a lot about the whole process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and considerate of my time as well. I will definitely recommend her to any family or friends looking to buy or sell. read more

If you have never been to Italy, then you must go to Castello de Amorosa in Calistoga! The Castle brings you back to the very essence of ancient living in a countryside setting - animals and all. Wine educator Vincenzo Coppola served and taught us about the uniqueness of the Castle wines - only to be purchased on location. His Italian flair and knowledge is an experience in itself! For the moment I WAS in Italy and enjoying every second. Their gift shop is extensive and fun, not to mention the "torture chamber" in the underground caves. Take a drive and ask for Vincenzo......the Castle of Love, right in our own Napa Valley. It's worth the trip!! read more

I have not had a lot of experience with photography until my daughter took her senior pictures with Christina at c.m.elle studios. The Pictures were more than I could have asked for....She did a beautiful job in creating her visions that reflect in her photos. She did not disappoint!!!! We give her an A+....I highly suggest checking out her site at cmelle studios!!!! Thanks so much Christina!!!Jodi Baker read more

Christine Blanton of Wine Country Dance was wonderful. Her skill and expertise in a particular dance we wanted, the Turkey TROT, is phenomenal. No one else seems to have ever heard of it! (We literally scoured every school, studio and local college campus nearby and she surfaced as the only one even knowledgeable of the name and dance.) We are so grateful that she created a routine just for us. Thank you Christine. You made us look good. read more

Cal - Junk removed my yard waste so quickly I was amazed. Shawn and Kevin were friendly and incredibly efficient. Whole load of yard waste removed in an hour. It would have taken me months to do the same. I would totally recommend them. read more

We had the pleasure of dining at Torc, a fairly new establishment here in Napa last week. All four of us are locals and we really wanted to try Torc, as several of our friends had suggested it to us. We tried almost every item on the menu as each selection was different than the last and every one was very unique. We enjoyed the local smelt and also the local mushroom dish was superb. The ling cod was fresh and delicious with incredible flavors. The brussel sprouts were the best ever and I thought the Poke Tuna was extra wonderful. Each selection is fairly small - most are $10 - $12 - so try lots of things. Be sure to get a whole chicken and order it right away when you sit down - it is the house specialty and very tasty and impressive. Chef Sean O'Toole was at our table to be sure we enjoyed each item. Not inexpensive but worth the dough, we are going back. read more

a heartfelt shoutout of gratitude to jon bobst of j&t automotive in st. helena for rescuing me, my wife, and our '03 toyota tundra from near disaster 400 miles from our home in ventura county...we had driven up for a wedding and busted a major portion of the suspension en route, an event that could have had lethal consequences at freeway speeds...we know no one in the area and were at a complete loss as to how to get this fixed on a weekend so we could return home the following monday...we googled several local mobile mechanics and received 1 reply: from jon who quoted us a reasonable rate (our son-in-law happens to be a suspension guru for motorcycles, so we ran this by him) for roundtripping to santa rosa to a parts dealer on a saturday and showing up roadside to complete the repair in under an hour and for even less money than he had quoted because the parts cost less than he had estimated...no tricks, no games, no hassles...he's a true roadside angel and we've been telling everyone this story since we got back...kinda restores faith in human nature a bit read more