Napa Valley 1 Day only
 

Hi! We have one day in late June to see the basics of Napa Valley. What would you suggest? Best views? Most beautiful vineyards? Are ALL wine tastings expensive? Also, we are staying at the Gaia Hotel and Spa in American Canyon. Is this a good property? Are we in a decent location for touring? We could cancel and re-book if necessary. We covet your advice and expertise! Thank you!

Judy

American Canyon is actually not right in the Napa Valley, but south near Vallejo. To get the most our of your one day you will want to be north of Napa, in, say Yountville, Rutherford, St. Helena or Calistoga. (I know the property advertises itself as Gaia Hotel and Spa, Napa Valley. That is a stretch of the truth. Vallejo properties do this all the time.

Yountville is a nice place to base, great restaurants here! ***kim*** ((f))

I'm sure Gaia is a very nice hotel but it is in the least attractive part of Napa County. The only reason to stay there is if you are on a budget and got a really good deal. With one exception, a decent restaurant is a 15 or 20 minute drive away in downtown Napa. That exception is Villa Romano where Hwys 29 and 12 meet about 10 minutes north from Gaia.

There is one other decent restaurant a bit closer, La Strada - right on Highway 29, north of the hotel just past the flea market.

However, I agree you would be better off much further north (unless you have a low, low rate there). Try El Bonita Motel in St. Helena, Napa River Inn in Napa, or try Priceline for a good rate in the Napa area or north - NOT American Canyon. Also call Napa Valley Reservation Service and tell them your price range. They can find some hidden spots for you that can be delightful. Also check www.napavalley.com for more info.

We stay at El Bonito in St Helena. Great location and reasonable for the Valley.

To answer your other questions.
My two favorites for lunch would be Auberge d Soleil on the Silverado trail.... beautiful view and great food. Also Bouchon in Younville is great.

I don't know what you consider expensive but Mondavi still does a good tour. Other good tastings are Rombauer and Robert Sinskey. I don't know what you consider expensive for tastings but I think these wineries charge under $10.

"There is one other decent restaurant a bit closer, La Strada"

Is it worth a visit? It's on the site of the old Tonelli's which was a dive popular with locals who were more interested in getting the most food for the least bucks. Neither it or Palbys had much of a reputation for fine dining. But, I'm sure it could have been improved. I just don't know anyone who's eaten there.

Author: kimamom
Date: 06/10/2008, 01:54 pm
Yountville is a nice place to base, great restaurants here! ***kim***

You meant "there" not "here" I'm sure, since you do not live in Yountville nor anywhere near it, right, Kimamom?

You ought to take the Silverado Trail and enjoy the tastes of those fine wineries. As for the views, you'll get them most anywhere along you're way, they're spectacular!

your way. oops!

I'm not sure I'd call La Strada a destination restaurant. Food is quite decent. I have been a number of times to the "original" one in San Pablo as it is across the street from the hospital. The one in American Canyon is its 2nd. We've enjoyed the calamari steak, chicken marsala, fresh vegetables. There is also a full bar. Best value is lunch.