Napa Valley, California
Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, St. Helena: Part supperclub, part speakeasy, entirely charming; Cindy’s was once a bordello back in the late 1800s, but now her exposed brick patio provides the perfect ambiance for alfresco dining...
- More about your Oliver Guide: Heather Hartle
- Trip type: Adult
- Activity level: easy
- Ideal length of trip: To really take in the full environment and get a tiny taste of the Napa Valley lifestyle, a long weekend at the very least is definitely recommended. If you can swing longer, well played!
to & from
- Whether flying into SFO/OAK or simply indulging in a day or weekend escape from your busy city life, the most direct transportation option is to rent a car.
- If you know you’ll be imbibing and would prefer to splurge on a chauffeured ride with Titan Urban, hire an Uber or Lyft. Safety is obviously the most important concern once the wine starts flowing!
Where to Stay
- Harvest Inn By Charlie Palmer, St. Helena: Idyllic, quaint and cozy, with a noted emphasis on the “vineyard way of life.” Be sure to swing by the bar at Harvest Table, their on-site dining experience, and ask the bartender for A Pisco My Heart to get the evening started.
- Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford: 50 rooms, suites and private maisons are terraced down the hillside at Auberge, creating a warm, inviting and above all else, elegant lodging experience.
- Villagio Inn & Spa, Yountville: Seamlessly blending Old World charm with the luxurious undertones of Wine Country’s very essence, Villagio’s Tuscan-inspired architecture is surrounded by beautifully landscaped, abundant gardens and charming acres of olive trees.
- The Westin Verasa, Napa: Conveniently located right in the heart of downtown Napa, The Westin provides a true resort feel without having to leave an urban setting. You are literally walking distance from some of the most divine restaurants, wine tasting rooms and art galleries in the area.