jrm612

I have been using multiple sources to research my upcoming trip to the CA wine country.

Please critique my trip

Day 1 - Thursday - Arrive in SFO and drive to Napa Valley. Stay in the Westin Napa

Day 2 - Friday - Visit Wineries - Patz and Hall; Jarvis; and Swanson

Day 3 - Saturday - Visit Wineries - Spring Valley, Frank Family, Schramsberg, Pride, and possibly Chateau Montelena.

Day 4 - Sunday - Calistoga Mud Baths - morning and then drive to Hop Kiln and maybe one other.

Day 5 - Drive back to San Francisco and visit a few sites before flying back.

Does anyone recommend any restaurants/areas to see? How are these wineries? Is the Westin Napa a good location or should I pick a second hotel in northern Napa?

Thanks in advance.

elnap29

While your Saturday wineries are more in the northern end of the Valley, nothing is really all that far. It is only about 30 min. drive (max. 45 min w/ traffic) from one end of the Valley to the other. We've heard from friends that the Westin is quite nice. Check www.opentable.com for some restaurant choices; it is always good to reserve on weekends, although this is the slower season. Bistro Jeanty is excellent, as is Celadon, Press, Bistro Don Giovanni, LaToque and many others.Have a wonderful time!

smetz

I'll second Bistro Jeanty - my wife and I ate there in October. We also liked "Market" in St. Helena. If you get over to Sonoma Valley, one restaurant we really enjoyed was Willi's Wine Bar in Santa Rosa - all small plates, with a very wide selection, and all seemed very good. It's only about a 30 min. drive from Calistoga.

For wineries, Sterling is very nice, though it does get crowded. But the views are great, and the self guided tour is pretty informative. Castello di Amorosa is also nice - they literally have constructed a stone castle which is very impressive. The tasting room is in the cellar.

One of our favorite wineries was Iron Horse, though it's in the Russian River valley in Sonoma. Again, it's not terribly far from Calistoga if you are in the mood for a very pretty drive. But of course you have plenty to choose from in Napa and there is no need to travel far to find wineries - just close your eyes and throw a rock and you'll hit one!

TrvlMaven

What is your plan after the mud baths? Personally, I don't like to do much after a treatment. I'd visit a winery in the morning, check into one of the spas at Calistoga where I'd have my treatment, enjoy a nice dinner (walking distance) in Calistoga, then head out the next morning. Doc Wilkinson's, Calistoga Village Spa, Indian Wells come to mind.

janisj

I agree w/ TrvlMaven. I'd try to flip flop your plans for Sunday w/ wineries in the morning through lunchtime and the mud baths in the late afternoon. One doesn't usually feel like hopping in the car and touring afterwards.

Centralparkgirl

Another nod for Castello di Amoroso. The castle and tour are amazing and the we liked the wines very much. The tours at Schramsberg and Mumm were also well done.

kimamom

REDD and Ad Hoc are both great restaurants to visit in Yountville. Indian Springs Resort would be nice for your mud baths, Wappo Bar & Bistro is very good for a meal in Calistoga. Have a great trip! ***kim***

Supercilious

If you are getting a good deal at the Westin go for it. It just opened and may be offering specials. Otherwise, it's probably best to spend that kind of money on accommodations in Yountville or St. Helena which are actually in the wine country. The Westin is right in the center of the city of Napa.

If you do stay at the Westin though, check out the restaurant La Toque. It's one of the best in the area.

kleroux

If you are going to Hop Kiln that is in Healdsburg..so check out the town and see where to visit the next time you come to the Wine Country. BTW there is a Willie's restaurant in Hbg. too.