Napa Valley
May 14th, 2002 | 12:14 PM
#2
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Eric:
Do a search on this board and you will find some really good reports from a few of us who have recently returned (linda, myself, etc) We did not stay at a spa when we went, so I cannot help you there.
If you are looking for a memorable dining experience, I suggest you look into the French Laundry. Super pricey ($$$) but for us it was well worth it! You have to make reservations 2 months in advance to the day (and they won't take reservations prior to 2 months).
We really enjoyed our tour(s) at Cakebread and Freemark Abbey. It is a good idea to call the winery a few days ahead of time to get an appointment, and often you will get a special barrel tasting or free tasting of reserve wines by taking a tour.
Have a great trip! October is a busy, busy time there...so be prepared for the crowds.
Sheli
Do a search on this board and you will find some really good reports from a few of us who have recently returned (linda, myself, etc) We did not stay at a spa when we went, so I cannot help you there.
If you are looking for a memorable dining experience, I suggest you look into the French Laundry. Super pricey ($$$) but for us it was well worth it! You have to make reservations 2 months in advance to the day (and they won't take reservations prior to 2 months).
We really enjoyed our tour(s) at Cakebread and Freemark Abbey. It is a good idea to call the winery a few days ahead of time to get an appointment, and often you will get a special barrel tasting or free tasting of reserve wines by taking a tour.
Have a great trip! October is a busy, busy time there...so be prepared for the crowds.
Sheli
May 15th, 2002 | 02:01 PM
#3
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We stayed at the accomodations at Milat Vineyards (search for their Web site). They have three small houses that they turned into rooms right amid their vineyards. Not luxurious, but pleasant and the price is excellent. I've stayed at expensive places in Napa and didn't think they were worth it considering how little time you are in the room. And almost all the hotels are situated pretty close to the road (including Milat) but I felt better hearing traffic after paying only $125 per night at Milat than $245 at others. Definitely do spa stuff in Calistoga. Doc Wilkinsons is great and has mid-week specials. Do the whole package with the mud bath, hydro bath and massage. Different and fun. Most of the wineries are very pretty, especially Coppola. Mondavi has a great tour if you want to learn. The Silverado Trail (runs parallel to the main highway in Napa) offers less crowds and traffic and still wonderful wineries. Please eat at Mustard's Grill and especially Tra Vigne in St. Helena--one of my favorite restaurants anywhere.
May 15th, 2002 | 04:20 PM
#5
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We stayed at the Vinyard Counrty Inn two weeks ago . . we had planned on staying one nite and moving on, but we liked the place so much, we stayed and made it our home base for three days.
Rooms have a separate living room with fireplace and our room overlooked a smallish vinyard next door. Great Continental Breakfast included. Would go back anytime!
Hope you enjpoy the valley as much as we did! . . Rich
