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Our out-of-town friends are all urbanites—mostly New
Yorkers and Los Angelenos who spend a lot of time in office
buildings. So when they visit, we offer up a healthy portion
of what they crave: wine and wine country fare, all served
al fresco. And what is perfect for the guests, is perfect
for the hosts!
We start them off with a visit to a winery or attraction
they haven't experienced. Maybe some Cabernet and art at Hess
Collection. Maybe viewing some post-modern art at DiRosa
Preserve.
For the fit, we go for a run around the Coombsville area
(just east of Napa town) for its picturesque views. Or, we
run on the quiet crossroads that connect busy Hwy. 29 and
Silverado Trail, like Oakville Cross or Rutherford Cross.
Bike freaks? Combine and ride with lunch; rent from St.
Helena Cyclery, then ride north to Calistoga and have
lunch under the latticed patio at Wappo Bar &
Bistro. (Warning: bring plenty of water.)
For lunch, we sit on the deck at Bistro Don Giovanni
(Napa), or if we're farther north, we get a table outside
at Auberge du Soleil or the Grill
at Meadowood, or for something more casual, Cantinetta.
(You can steal away a picnic at a number of locations, but
call the winery first and buy a bottle of their wine. Here's
a good list of places
for provisions.
Ok, now they've had some exercise, some wine, a rejuvenating
lunch. It's time to go for the jugular, the experience that'll
make them peruse the real estate rags. Mumm Cuvee
Napa. Sit on the patio, order the 3-glass sampler, and
look out over a sea of vineyards. It's very hard to beat.
Five years ago we saw a huge, and I mean HUGE, cloud of starlings
fly up Valley and land right in front of the patio. The winery's
crew stopped everything to join its guests in a group-gawk;
our friends still talk about that experience.
Afternoon means spa. You, and your guests, need to work out
the kinks, and the deadly toxins. For New Agers, try Lincoln
Avenue Spa's full treatment: slather mud on your partner,
steam, then go for the full body shiatsu. In St. Helena, try
Health Spa Napa Valley, one of the newest
and best facilities anywhere in the Valley. Greenhaus
in Napa is getting high marks.
For dinner, there are simply too many great places. If weather
permits, we again opt for a reservation at Bistro
Don Giovanni or Brix. Take your wineglass
out to view the whimsical fountain of the former, and the
gardens of the latter. If winter brings you inside, our friends
always enjoy Mustard's, the quintessential
wine country grill.
Read More Perfect
Days in Napa Valley
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