Experts weigh in on how to best experience the famous California wine region.
Top 5 Cant Miss
Go to a wine tasting.
Note that many wineries require advanced bookings and that these activities can be quite expensive.
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A few treasured tastings to kick off your research includeFaust Haus,Cliff Lede Vineyards,Duckhorn, andDarioush.
Splurge on a Michelin-starred meal.
Enjoy a rejuvenating mud bath in Calistoga.
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Visit the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art.
She calls the 217-acre art park, with its galleries, gardens, and 35-acre lake, especially stimulating.
Works by modern Northern California artists are provocative and varied, says Johnson.
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Do a day trip to Lake Berryessa.
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The natural wonders of Napa Valley never cease.
Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Courtesy of Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs
The historic Pullman rail cars have been fabulously restored, offering riders a taste of slow travelmeetsculinary tourism.
Join a grape stomp.
Sattui Winerypractices the old-fashioned tradition during its October Crush Party.
Courtesy of di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
Experience Christopher Kostows cooking.
Dont missCiccio," says Jeffers.
Go kayaking.
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Half and full-day kayak rentals are available off the dock downtown, says Morrow.
Its a great way to be active and take a break from wine tasting.
Visit Oxbow Public Market.
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The vibrant gathering spot offers crowd-pleasing dining options for every taste and budget.
My favorite is wait for it [Christopher] Kostows amazingLoveski Deli.
The Ruben sandwich will change your life.
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Enjoy a hot air balloon ride.
Several area operators offer awe-inspiring hot air balloon rides over the verdant valley.
Experience regenerative agriculture and grape-growing.
Courtesy of The Charter Oak Restaurant
For instance, many growers use regenerative agriculture with their grapes and other produce.
Book a special wine tasting.
Take a hike.
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Thankfully, there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails to trek in Napa Valley.
Listen to live music.
There, performers might include pianists Garrick Ohlsson and Paul Lewis, or the Takacs Quartet.
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Go shopping in St. Helena.
His favorites include Erin Martinsavant-garde atelier M, Dione Carstons shopTrick Pony, andElyse Walkers clothing boutique.
You wont find a chain store anywhere near St. Helena, he adds.
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Picnic by a waterfall.
Take a scenic drive or detour.
She is particularly fond of drives from the north after a hike atRobert Lewis Stevenson State Parkon Mt.
Courtesy of Promontory Winery
St. Helena, one of the few places in the region with snow in winter.
“Stop atViaderto catch some really special scenery.
Strap in for a spin class.
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Casey Millers gym has a mean spin class, among other personal training and classes, he says.
A little sweat is always welcome before wine and lunch the following day.
Dine where the locals do.
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Morrow adoresIl Posto Trattoriafor Italian comfort food,Kitchen Doorfor American-Vietnamese fusion andZuZufor Spanish tapas.
Jeffers enjoys visitingGotts Roadsidefor its ahi tuna poke tacos.
Check out the Napa Art Walk.
Peter Burnett / Getty Images
Courtesy of the City of Napa
What’s better than a free public art trail?
Explore Napa Valley’s breweries and distilleries.
The region is also known for its burgeoning brewery and distillery scene.
Courtesy of Land Trust of Napa County
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Courtesy of Kitchen Door
Courtesy of the City of Napa
Courtesy of Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
