California

Sip and Savor Your Way Through California’s Napa Valley

States:
California

Follow this itinerary to drink it all in.

Savor fresh-baked pastries, farm-to-table delights, food-and-wine pairings and culinary classes in the most beautiful of settings: California’s Napa Valley.

Day 1: Napa and Yountville

Start the day with a stroll through the bustling Oxbow Public Market and grab a flaky English muffin at Model Bakery. Take a short drive north to B Cellars for a tasting experience in the garden or wine caves. Yountville’s award-winning Bouchon Bakery is a must for lunch. Indulge in a buttery croissant or a sandwich featuring fresh-baked bread. (Save room for a cookie, éclair or tart.) Next, shop at NapaStyle, a home goods and artisan food store curated by celebrity chef Michael Chiarello, or take a lesson from the chefs of NapaStyle's Culinary Program. Make the short drive for a guided tour of scenic Cliff Lede Vineyards, where you can refuel with seasonal canapés and refreshing wines.

Shop or take a cooking lesson at NapaStyle, a home goods and artisan food store curated by celebrity chef Michael Chiarello.

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Experience

Explore California’s Wine Regions

Day 2: Oakville/Rutherford and St. Helena

Grab an indulgent house-made pastry or a savory breakfast burrito at Oakville Grocery. Take it to go or enjoy it on the patio. Then make a stop at Rutherford Ranch Winery, where you’ll want to participate in a chocolate-and-wine pairing session. Plan for lunch at the iconic Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Housed in a grand stone building that was, for a century, the Christian Brothers Winery, the Institute showcases new talent at its acclaimed on-site eatery, the Wine Spectator Restaurant. Take advantage of the many educational opportunities at CIA by registering for a wine or food class. Later, stop for wine and cheese at historic Beringer Vineyards. Soak in the stunning surroundings before heading to dinner at The Restaurant at Meadowood, chef Christopher Kostow's three-star Michelin-rated establishment.

The Culinary Institute of America's grand stone building was, for a century, the Christian Brothers Winery.

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Day 3: St. Helena and Calistoga

Enjoy an English-inspired breakfast — maybe a whiskey-soaked raisin scone — at Butterscots at Cairdean Estate, an artisan bakery, deli and culinary boutique. Wander to Cairdean Estate’s Tasting room, with modern, elegant décor and a wide selection of wines. For lunch, check out Evangeline in Calistoga, a casual French bistro with a Creole soul. Afterward, don’t miss Castello di Amorosa, the only medieval Tuscan-style castle and winery in the U.S., or the award-winning Chateau Montelena Winery. Experience the inventive, local fare at Solbar at the Solage for a memorable dinner.