WHEN TO GO The beauty of the valley is striking any time of the year, but it’s most memorable in September and October when the grapes are being pressed and the wineries are in full production. Another great time to come is the spring, when the mustard flowers are in full bloom and the tourist season hasn’t yet begun; you’ll find less traffic and fewer crowds at the wineries and restaurants, and better deals on hotel rooms. While winter is beautiful and promises the best budet rates, the vines are dormant and rain is likely, so bring appropriate shoes and an umbrella. Summer? Say hello to hot weather and lots of traffic.

TOURING THE VALLEY & WINERIES

The Napa Valley has more than 250 wineries, each offering distinct wines, atmosphere, and experience – so touring the valley takes a little planning. Decide what you’re most interested in and chart your path from there. Ask locals which vintners have the type of experience you’re looking for. Whatever you do, plan to visit no more than four or five wineries in one day. Above all, take it slowly. The wine Country should never be rushed; like a great glass of wine, it should be savored.

Most wineries offer tours daily from 10am to 5pm. Tours usually chart the process of wine making from the grafting and harvesting of the vines to the pressing of the grapes and the blending and aging of the wines in oak casks. They vary in length, detail, and formality, depending on the winery. Most tours are free.

The towns and wineries below are organized geographically, from south to north along calif. 29, from Napa village to Calistoga. We’ve included a handful of our favorites below; for a complete list of wineries, be sure to pick up one of the free guides to the valley (see “Essentials,” above).

THE TOWN OF NAPA

The village of Napa serves as the commercial center of the Wine Country and the gateway to Napa Valley. Most visitors whiz right past it on their way to the heart of the valley, but if you do veer off the highway, you’ll be surprised to discover a small but burgeoning community of 63,000 residents and some of the most affordable accommodations in the area. Unfortunately, any small-town charm Napa may exude is all but a squelched by the used-car lots and warehouse superstores surrounding the turn-of-the-century neighborhoods. Just a few minutes north of town, the real Wine Country atmosphere envelops you instantly.

Anyone with an appreciation of art absolutely must visit the ® di Rosa Preserve, which until recently was closed to the public. Rene and Veronica di Rosa, who have been collecting contemporary American art for more than 40 years, converted to 53 acres of prime Wine Country property into a monument of Northern California’s regional art and nature. Their world-renowned collection features 1,500 works in all media by more 600 Greater Bay Area Artists. Their treasures are displayed practically everywhere, from along the shores of their 30-acre lake to each nook and cranny of their 110-year-old winery-turned-residence, adjoining building, two new galleries, and gardens. With hundreds of surrounding acres of rolling hills protected under the Napa County Land Trust, this place is truly a must-see for bth art and nature lovers. It’s located at 5200 Sonoma Highway (California 121/12) – look for the blue colored gate. Visits are by appointment only, when a maximum of 25 guests are guided through the

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