Escaping all family responsibility for the holidays. Looking to be pampered at Napa Valley spa with good restaurant, accomodations and access to vineyards. Any thoughts on the perfect getaway from back pain and sobriety?

I used to go to a place called The Golden Gate in Calistoga. Not far from anywhere, and if you have never had a mud bathe and a massage, you are in for a treat

You might consider Sonoma Mission Inn--not in Napa but in neighboring valley, Sonoma. Very posh, near historic little town of Sonoma with some nice restarants (The Girl and the Fig is very good). Some people find the Mission Inn rather snobbish though. We prefer Sonoma wine tasting to Napa since it's less crowded and more scenic country. You'll need a car to tour around. Have lunch at Chateau Souverain. Good luck and hope your back is OK. www.napavalley.com might be helpful.

In the Napa Valley: Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Hot Springs, Meadowood in St. Helena and our personal recommendation is Mount View Hotel in Calistoga where the Catahoula restaurant is. This is very small and it's hard to get a reservation but they have online booking. We've also stayed at Meadowood. It's very large but easier to book. Have eaten at Auberge du Soleil. Haven't stayed there. Think it's probably www.mountviewhotel.com or do a search. Good luck.

Dan,

We've had friends stay at Villagio in Yountville and liked it. Got the full treatment.

Pat Kuleto's new St Helena restaurant, The Martini House, is set to open 11-24 so it may be a good place to "cool down" after a tuff day of pampering in Napa Valley. We finagled some opening night reservations. Should be fun.

Anybody go to the Grand Opening of "Copia" in Napa last weekend?

Kal