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46 2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA NAPA VALLEY Raising a glass to the good life in Napa Valley B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O S pring, summer, fall and winter. There's never an off season in the Napa Valley. As the mild winter wanes and spring waxes, Napa Valley bursts with color as yellow mustard flowers blanket the vine- yards. Warmer weather in spring and summer invites leisurely, alfresco picnics and wine tasting. Autumn brings the crush, the time for harvest and production of the world-renowned wines of Napa Valley. Hundreds of wineries are situated throughout this prisine valley that is only 35 miles long and 5 miles wide. Each winery is accessible via the two main arteries of Napa Valley—Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. Amid picture-perfect vineyard landscapes, tall oaks, rolling hills, and historic vineyard estates, explore wine and so much more including Michelin-starred dining, shopping, biking, spa indulgences, and simply soaking up the relaxed, laid- back Northern California lifestyle. Bustling Downtown Napa Start your journey in the vibrant city of Napa. In the last decade, more restaurants, tasting rooms, art galleries, and boutiques have made downtown Napa their home, giving this area a hip and fun vibe. And with the walkable proximity to a multitude of options, including scenic strolls along the Napa River, there is something here for everyone right in the middle of town. Every Saturday, farmers and artists gather at the lively Napa Farmers Market, a short distance from an attractive residential district filled with Victorian-era homes—some of which have been transformed into boutique inns, ranging from traditional to modern. Located in the Oxbow District of Napa, the Culinary Institute of America's Copia is a foodie haven with cooking classes, a demonstration kitchen, an on-site garden, and a museum-like exhibit of culinary- related pieces. Nearby, the Oxbow Market offers a bustling food hall with a riverside deck and mouth-watering dining choices such as C Casa and Hog Island Oyster Co. The Napa Valley Wine Train is like taking a trip from another era. Slowly rolling up the tracks from downtown Napa, you can explore much of the valley on any number of excursions, including a seasonal holiday trip—with Santa!—or even on a "murder mystery" train ride complete with dinner and wine. Aboard plush antique Pullman rail cars, passengers enjoy the vistas and scenery accompanied by multi-course meals, wine, cocktails or afternoon tea. Yountville Foodie Haven One of the don't-miss Napa Valley towns is Yountville, another magnet for foodies. The French Laundry, the famous Michelin- starred wonder, is at the top of some bucket lists, but snagging a reservation takes some BOB MCCLENAHAN DOWNTOWN ST. HELENA, below. OPPOSITE (from top to bottom): Downtown Napa's Riverwalk; balloon launch at dawn in Yountville; Main St., downtown Calistoga; iconic Napa Valley Wine Train. NAPA VALLEY'S DELIGHTS: WINE AND MUCH MORE VISIT NAPA VALLEY www.visitnapavalley.com