Where to have fun and live the laidback lifestyle in California's beautiful Napa Valley wine region.
The bucolic landscape, laid-back lifestyle and delicious food and wine make this stretch of northern California ideal for an indulgent weekend getaway. Associate editor Amanda Etty reveals her top picks.
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Style destination: Napa Valley, California
Where to stay: Solage Calistoga
This classy resort in Calistoga has airy cottages with soaring ceilings and bicycles parked at the doorsteps that are yours to take for a spin. Even if you don't stay at Solage, plan to spend some time there. Dine in its light-filled restaurant, Solbar; lounge poolside with a refreshing cocktail; and visit the distinguished spa for its signature mudslide treatment. You'll leave feeling blissful and rejuvenated. 755 Silverado Tr., Calistoga, solagecalistoga.com.
Style destination: Napa Valley, California
Where to stay: Solage Calistoga
This classy resort in Calistoga has airy cottages with soaring ceilings and bicycles parked at the doorsteps that are yours to take for a spin. Even if you don't stay at Solage, plan to spend some time there. Dine in its light-filled restaurant, Solbar; lounge poolside with a refreshing cocktail; and visit the distinguished spa for its signature mudslide treatment. You'll leave feeling blissful and rejuvenated. 755 Silverado Tr., Calistoga, solagecalistoga.com.
Style destination: Napa Valley, California
Where to relax: Meadowood
Set among 250 wooded acres in the hills of St. Helena, Meadowood resort is a place to wine, dine, play and pamper. I took a croquet lesson on the sunny green lawn with resident pro Mike McDonnell, and felt like a lady of leisure, sipping Sauvignon Blanc in my spiffy regulation whites. 900 Meadowood Ln., St. Helena, meadowood.com.
Style destination: Napa Valley, California
What to do: Velo Vino
At Velo Vino you can taste Clif Family wines and enjoy a small bite before embarking on a biking excursion through the Napa Valley. Try the Rifugio tasting ($40 US per person), named for the mountain huts located at the tops of some of Europe's greatest cycling passes. It features a selection of five Clif Family wines paired with three cheeses and Gary & Kit's Napa Valley specialty food products (available for purchase at Velo Vino), including spiced nuts and dukkah. 700 Main St., St. Helena, velovinonapavalley.com.
Style destination: Napa Valley, California
Where to shop: Oxbow Public Market
This indoor market has gourmand appeal, with regional vendors selling local food and drinks, such as small-batch craft spirits, chocolates, cheeses and coffees. Other highlights are the loose organic flower arrangements by The Monkey Flower Group and the fantastic selection of home goods with serious style at Poor House. 610 & 644 1st St., Napa, oxbowpublicmarket.com.
Style destination: Napa Valley, California
What to do: Round Pond Estate
This winery, olive mill and kitchen garden offers the quintessential Napa Valley experience: good food and good wine. Come for the flavourful hand- harvested olive oils and stay for a glass of wine on the sunny terrace. I brought back the most delicious blood orange olive oil and a bottle of rose?. 875 & 886 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, roundpond.com.
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