Calistoga: October 2010 Archives

CALISTOGA, CA - What better way to experience the essence of wine country cuisine than with a gourmet retreat? If you are an avid home cook or food enthusiast, then take your cooking to the next level with a culinary vacation in Napa Valley.

At Gourmet Retreats, located in Calistoga, CA at CasaLana B&B, sign up for hands-on cooking classes taught in a professionally equipped kitchen. To ensure personalized attention and one-on-one attention, classes are limited to only 9 participants. They include printed recipe handouts and a generous sampling or meal of the food prepared served with wine/beverage. All kitchen equipment is, of course, provided as well.

Gourmet Retreats offers Culinary Vacations, Boot Camp, One-Day Wine Country Classes, and Gourmet Weekend Retreats as well. Choose from a variety of class lengths ranging from as little as 5 hours to 5 days.

View sample Itineraries for a Culinary Vacation

• Sample 3 Day Itinerary
• Sample 5 Day Itinerary

Alcohol-Free Activities In Calistoga
by Deirdre Bourdet

Whether you're a tippler, a toddler, or a teetotaler, everyone needs to do things other than drink wine on a trip to wine country.  These non-alcoholic activities are also some of the most enjoyable ways to spend your time in the Calistoga area.

Take to the Air
What better way to experience the beauty and distinctive landmarks of the northern Napa Valley than to fly above them? Whether you fantasize about lazy balloon rides through early morning air, or World War II-era biplane missions, or swift and exciting modern glider plane trips, Calistoga has got you covered.  Calistoga Balloons offers one of the Napa Valley's best hot-air balloon experiences, thanks to the incomparable scenery of the northern valley.  You will cruise over Castello di Amorosa, the Palisade Cliffs, Mt. St. Helena, Château Montelena, Old Faithful Geyser, and the Petrified Forest, and then enjoy a complimentary champagne brunch at Hydro Grill.  Balloon rides are $225 per person, all inclusive, but only $199 if booked online. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. 

If floating at the speed of the wind isn't fast enough for you, head slightly out of town to Crazy Creek Air Adventures in Middletown, which offers scenic trips in sleek gliders and restored historic bi-planes, as well as flying lessons to those who yearn to rule the skies. Book your flight directly online where rates range from $149 to $330 for the ultimate glider ride!

With Fall comes harvest and "the crush." Grapes are harvested and crushed as the first step in the wine-making process. Celebrate this most beautiful of seasons in the wine country with Lavender Hill Spa's unique wine and grape inspired spa treatment collection. Book now as these special treatments are only available through the rest of October!

Grape Escape
Lavender Cabernet Bath Treatment with One hour Lavender Cabernet  Massage.(2hrs) - 
 $165 per person 

By Courtney Cochran

Tucked cozily into the northernmost reaches of the Napa Valley, Calistoga has long beckoned visitors with its verdant vineyards, country-cute downtown and renowned mineral waters.  Read on for tips on what to do when in town - because there are spoils aplenty to unearth in this Eden après tasting.

Bathe
Dubbed a "quintessential American travel experience" by Conde Nast Traveler, Golden Haven's signature mud bath is a Calistoga must-do.  Available for singles or couples, the treatment pairs a detoxifying mud immersion with a nourishing clay mask, followed by a mineral water-fed Jacuzzi soak and soothing warm blanket wrap.  Once you're through, continue unwinding with another treatment (favorites include herbal facials, massages and body wraps) or invigorate with a few laps in the pool.  In all, it's a sure-fire recipe for R&R, Calistoga style, and ensures you'll be in a perfect state of Zen as you head out on the town or tasting.  
Golden Haven Hot Springs * 1713 Lake St., Calistoga, CA 94515 * (707) 942-8000

Napa Valley Wine Country

OCTOBER

October 23 -- Calistoga Blues Fest: Downtown Blues Festival
Festival: Featuring some Smokin' Hot Bands! Stroll through our walkable downtown and taste the wine of 15 different wineries while listening to the sounds of some of the coolest Blues around - Live! New this year is a cigar lounge. Main Stage on Washington Street, Calistoga, CA
Fee: Free/$30 Tasting Pass Time: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 942.6333

October 30 -- The Pagan Halloween Ball at Castello di Amorosa
Celebration: Dario Sattui's, Castello di Amorosa, an authentically-styled, 13th century Tuscan style castle winery, takes a haunted turn this Halloween as it celebrates The Pagan Ball. The event features a haunted tour, an outrageous costume contest, dancing in the Castello's Great Hall to Masterpiece, a 12-piece San Francisco cover band, wine bars and hors d'oeuvres. 4045 North Saint Helena Hwy, Calistoga CA
Fee: $95 WineClub Members, $115 their guests Time: 8 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Phone Number: (707) 967.6274