Travel

American Canyon Wetlands - Hiking and Birding Along the Napa River Bay Trail

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:40:29 -0800

There's more to American Canyon then meets the eye. American Canyon, often dubbed the "gateway to Napa Valley" is host to beautiful Bay Area and Napa County landscapes along the Napa River Bay Trail home to several wetlands, former salt ponds, and a wide range of bird species including raptors, pelicans, sandpipers, and ducks. If you are a hiker, birder, or just enjoy nature, then a visit to the Napa River and Bay Trail in American Canyon is a treat.

The flat 1.4 mile trail begins near Clarke's Ranch and the eucalyptus grove, and is a wonderfully scenic place to explore either by yourself or with friends or family. In addition, the Napa-Solano Audubon Society hosts field trips or bird walks every Friday and some Saturdays which are open to newcomers and bird watchers of all levels. Find new birding locales and of course, learn more about birds. See map and more photos below.

American Canyon: Movies in the Park

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:30:16 -0800

American Canyon, located in Napa County, is your destination for family fun this summer with the town's annual Movies in the Park, June 7th - July 26th! Just minutes away from several family friendly wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valley, American Canyon is a great place to stay when visiting wine country.

After a day of wine tasting or perhaps spending the day at nearby amusement park Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, take the whole family for "Movies in the Park".

Bring blankets and popcorn, spread out on the grass, and enjoy outdoor family-friendly movies starting at dusk every Friday night through the end of July in American Canyon's Main Street Park.

Movie Schedule:

June 7 - Wreck it Ralph
June 14 - Madagascar 3
June 21 - Hotel Transylvania
June 28 - The Lorax
July 12 - The Pirates Band of Misfits
July 19 - Thunderstruck
July 26 - Gnoemo and Juliet

Movie Night is FREE and visitors and locals alike are invited to join the fun! Looking for a place to stay for your family vacation. Be sure to check out local American Canyon hotels - Doubletree Hotel by Hilton, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express.

Be sure to also check out our guide to visiting wine country with kids!

Dive Bar - Bardessono Hotel's Poolside Cocktail Soiree

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:40:36 -0800

Come enjoy a summer's eve at Dive Bar, Bardessono Hotel & Spa's poolside cocktail soiree held the last Thursday of the month from June to August.

Bardessono Hotel is located in the heart of Napa Valley in the town of Yountville and has an amazing rooftop pool that is open from 6pm to 8pm for great Happy Hour drink specials and complimentary nibbles from Lucy Restaurant & Bar. Take in the stunning mountain and vineyard views and enjoy a dip and a drink while DJ's spin tunes near the bar.

This year Dive Bar includes a fashion component - preview the latest summer fashions from top Bay Area boutiques. Come dressed to impress and mingle with Napa Valley locals and top vintners. Our boutique partners will have models showing off some great designs:

June 27 - Sisters Boutique/Yountville
July 25 - CakePlate / Napa
August 29 - Rand + Statler/ San Francisco

Dive Bar is open to the public with free admission and free valet parking.

Gordon Huether Gallery Presents the Art of Grace Slick

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:49:15 -0800

Submitted by Gordon Huether Gallery

Gordon Huether has been given the rare opportunity to share the stage with artists who are not only known for the fine art they create but also for being world famous musicians. Huether, who has an unprecedented interest in presenting a refreshing variety of artwork to the community, has opened his gallery to introduce the fine art work of some of these celebrities.

In an attempt to mesh the arts, wine and music, Gordon Huether Gallery is kicking off the season in the Napa Valley with a series of exciting and eclectic pop-up exhibitions. The gallery currently has work by world-renowned musician, the legendary Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane on display.

Join the Gordon Huether Gallery on Friday, May 17th 2013 from 6 - 8PM
for a reception with a special appearance by Grace Slick. The artist will sign any art purchased at the event and a photo opportunity will be available.

We are honored to have the opportunity to share her work with you:
Gordon Huether Gallery, located at 1465 First Street in Napa, California.

To RSVP please send us an email to mail@gordonhuether.com

Santa Ynez Valley's Mother's Day Toast

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:49:28 -0800

Looking for a memorable way to celebrate Mother's Day? How about a relaxing getaway nestled in the enchanting, rolling hills of Santa Ynez Valley's wine country.

It's the stuff mothers' dreams are made of...luxurious accommodations, Solvang's Danish bakeries with made-from-scratch pastries, gourmet restaurants featuring fresh local ingredients and inspired cuisine, unique shopping and art galleries...all paired with world-class yet unpretentious wine tasting.

A seamless blend of sophisticated style and unhurried, small town charm is the ideal escape for the mother in your life this May.

Check out a host of Santa Ynez Valley Mother's Day ideas sure to make it a special occasion:

Summer Events in Wine Country

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:29:51 -0800

MAY

Funny Girl at the Napa Valley Opera House (May 10-19, 2013)
"Funny Girl" - featuring great songs like "People," I'm the Greatest Star," and "Don't Rain on My Parade," tells the story of legendary singer and comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with gambler Nicky Arnstein. Lucky Penny Productions' Taylor Bartolucci stars at the Napa Valley Opera House, backed by a 12-piece orchestra. It's the theatrical event of the year! Click Here for more details.

Echelon Gran Fondo Series (May 18, 2013)
Be apart of the the Italian cycling phenomenon . . .the Gran Fondo! The Gran Fondo is thousands of your closest friends roaming the beautiful wine country on wheels. There are several bike ride course levels but all riders finish in celebration of epicurean delights from local chefs, wine and beer tasting, live music from local bands, and much more. Enter the race or buy a friends and family ticket to take part in the festivities after the race!
Click Here for more details.

Amgen Tour of California in Livermore (May 18, 2013)
Livermore is excited to be the host city on day 7 of the cycling race "Amgen Tour of California" featuring elite professional teams and athletes from around the world. See road cycling at its best, while enjoying the Livermore healthy-lifestyle festival, incredible downtown boutique and luxury outlet shopping, and dining in the award-winning downtown cafes and restaurants. Click Here for more details.

Auction Napa Valley (E-Auction) (May 26 - June 2, 2013)
Wine lovers around the world, from novice to enthusiast, can still get in on the action of this year's sold-out Auction Napa Valley by bidding on the event's global E-Auction. View more than 170 uniquely exciting lots such as unparalleled access to collectable verticals of wine; hand-etched, large-format bottles never to be seen again; hidden cellars; tucked-away winery guest houses; and meals made just for two--or for 30 of one's closest friends.
Click Here for more details.

Guide to Mother's Day in Wine Country

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:04:47 -0800

There are a host of activities to make Mother's Day a special occasion in Wine Country this year. Treat her to brunch, take her wine tasting, or go to a show!

Travel Tip: If you are planning to spend Mother's Day in Napa Valley, be aware that the town of Napa is host of the Bottle Rock Napa Valley Music Festival (May 9-12th) and is expecting close to 40,000 attendees! Plan on lots of traffic and expect delays. To see street closures, download the WineCountry.com mobile app.

Take Your Mother to Brunch!

etoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon (Yountville, Napa Valley)
Enjoy a splendid five-course menu expertly paired with Chandon sparkling and still wines this Mother's Day. Menu selections include liberty farms duck confit, pan roasted spring lamb loin, roasted beef tenderloin, spiced valrhona chocolate pot de crème, and meyer lemon vacherin. Children's options also available. Reservations Strongly Recommended. (888) 242.6366

Lucy's Restaurant at Bardessono (Yountville, Napa Valley)
Bring your mom to Lucy's Restaurant & Bar at Bardessono to enjoy a wonderful Mother's Day brunch. The menu will feature delicious dishes, such as Executive Chef Victor Scargle's Duck Confit Hash, brioche french toast, and refreshing cocktails such as the Yountville Spritz. Reservations Recommended. (707) 204.6030

Flamingo Resort (Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA)
Enjoy a Mother's Day Champagne brunch buffet at the Flamingo Resort. This event will feature unlimited complimentary Champagne and mimosas; a feast that includes items like, orange spiced french toast, traditional eggs benedict, buttermilk chicken breast, slow roasted turkey, and much more! Plus, there will be a full dessert table with assorted fruit tarts and mini pastries. Click Here to view full menu. Reservations Recommended. (707) 532.4745

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott (Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, CA)
Treat your mom to the extravagance she deserves with Santa Ynez Valley Marriott's Mother's Day Buffet featuring a grand selection of dishes at both chilled and hot stations and a decadent dessert bar (Cherries Jubille & Bannanas Foster, Chocolate covered strawberries, assortment of cakes, pies, and petit fours, Champagne, and more!) Reservations recommended. (805.688.100). Click Here to see other memorable ways to celebrate Mother's Day in Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country.

Depot Hotel Restaurant (Sonoma, Sonoma County, CA)
Join Chefs Antonio and Michael Ghilarducci for Mother's Day Brunch! Enjoy a lavish feast complete with Champagne or mimosas upon arrival and bask in the sun on the patio or in the garden room. Menu will include items such as: grilled prime sirloin steak, poached pacific salmon, porchetta, housemade limoncello cake, and bittersweet chocolate decadence.Reservations Required. (707) 938.2980

Nectar Restaurant at Hilton Hotel (Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA)
Nectar Restaurant, located at the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country Hotel, will offer a Champagne brunch and family portrait with special gifts for all moms and moms-to-be. Reservations Recommended. (707) 569.5525

>> Visit our events calendar to see more Napa Valley and Sonoma restaurants that will be open this Mother's Day. Click date (May 12th), desired region and filter "holiday".

Robert Mondavi Summer Concert Series

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:15:29 -0800

Business Wire

44th Annual Summer Concert Series Begins June 29th and
Honors 100th birthday of Robert Mondavi

This June, Robert Mondavi Winery kicks off its 44th annual Summer Concert Series with a festival featuring five top musical acts. With June 18 marking what would have been the 100th birthday of Robert Mondavi, country singer and songwriter Martina McBride will begin the series with a performance that celebrates Robert Mondavi's contributions to the wine industry throughout the Napa Valley and beyond. Now a much-anticipated wine country tradition, the annual concert series began in 1969 by Margrit Mondavi.

"Given Bob's love of uniting friends and family over a celebration of food, wine and the arts, I couldn't think of a better way to honor his 100th birthday than by continuing the Summer Concert Series here in the winery's backyard," said Margrit Mondavi, vice president of cultural affairs at Robert Mondavi Winery. "The combination of diverse musical styles, world-class wine and the backdrop of the beautiful To Kalon Vineyard is a truly unique tradition that I know I'm not alone in looking forward to celebrating."

Tri-Valley: Golf Destination for All Skill Levels!

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:50:45 -0800

Tri-Valley/Livermore Wine Country is a great wine and golf destination for many visitors and is also surprisingly affordable with a wide array of golf course selections to meet every skills level. The Tri-Valley golf scene offers 13 courses, many of which wind through vineyards and rolling hills. Golf-minded visitors have plenty of options.

The Bridges is a stunning golf club that hosts a large destination restaurant and accompanying new wine bar. The newest addition, Callippe Preserve, earned the "Most Worth The Green Fee" award for all of Northern California in 2010 by Greenskeeper.org. In sync with tightening budgets, but scenic and beautiful, this challenging course provides a restaurant with views over the Tri-Valley and of Mt. Diablo.

Corporate visitors may opt to play at the Greg Norman-designed Course at Wente Vineyards, which was designated as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the Audobon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses in 2010 for maintaining a high degree of environmental quality. Or watch the sun set over rolling hills at Poppy Ridge Golf Course.

Milliken Creen Inn & Spa Celebrates Napa's Arts in April

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:36:42 -0800

April ushers in a month of arts and special events in the Napa Valley. Blending wine and art throughout the area, the month-long festivities beckon culture-cravers from around the world. In honor of this once-annual event, Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Napa, has curated a package sure to satisfy wine and art lovers alike.

The "Arts in April" package includes:

One night's accommodations in a Milliken Creek Inn & Spa Room
Bottle of O'Brien Estate Seduction upon arrival
Wine tasting for two at the O'Brien Estate Winery
Renowned artist,Tim Howe's work is on display and for purchase at both Milliken Creek Inn & O'Brien Estate
Daily gourmet breakfast for two served in-room or anywhere on property
Concierge assistance in planning Napa Valley outings including winery visits and dinners
Two guest passes to Synergy Wellness and Fitness Center
Daily sunset Magic Hour wine and cheese reception
Late-night cordial bar

To book this special package, use booking code "ARTS" online or call 800.822.8418 and mention the package. The "Arts in April" package starts at $320 (plus tax) per one night stay. Offer valid on stays April 1-31, 2013. Package is subject to availability and change. Higher rates may apply on weekends and during holidays. Tax and service charge are not included and upgraded accommodations are available at an additional cost.

Napa Valley Celebrates Arts in April

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:20:49 -0800

Arts and April is back! This month long series of events celebrates the extraordinary art, wine and architectural design found throughout some of Napa Valley's best wineries and art galleries. Many events are planned during the month. Click below for a few! To see more Arts in April events, visit the NapaValley.com Calendar and use filter "Art Exhibit".

Arts in April: HALL Rutherford Private Art Collection (April 8-14, 2013)
HALL Rutherford is a stunning winery situated in the legendary Sacrashe vineyard. This Napa Valley winery displays the private collection of Kathryn and Craig Hall. They primarily collect contemporary art from around the world. The Napa Valley winery and grounds are tastefully displaying paintings and sculpture in a variety of media. Visit and reserve the Tour and Tasting Experience in celebration of Arts and April (April 8th-14th) and receive a bottle of special art inspired dessert wine. MORE DETAILS

Arts in April: Robert Mondavi Winery Beniamino Collection (April 15-19, 2013)
Guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary tour of the winery's permanent Beniamino Bufano collection, as well as the rotating collection on display in their famous Vineyard Room. A wine tasting will be included. The tour will be limited to 15 guests and advance reservations are required. MORE DETAILS

Arts in April: Yountville Art, Sip & Savor (April 20, 2013)
Attend the Yountville's Art, Sip and Savor event, featuring tasting stations located adjacent to some of the town's most popular public art installations. Each station will feature a Yountville Appellation winery paired with a tasty sweet or savory bite from local restaurants. MORE DETAILS

Arts in April: Awaken Sunday Salon at Ma(i)sonry (April 21, 2013)
Join Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley artists and sculptors for the Awaken exhibition Sunday Salon where you'll delight in wine pairings with vintner partner, Coup de Foudre. Witness earth's rebirth and man's journey into consciousness at Awaken - a multi-venue event featuring painters Adam Shaw and Woodward Payne, and sculptors Gail Folwell and gallery newcomer, Constance Chabrières. MORE DETAILS

Arts in April: Mary Steinbacher Opening Reception at Chimney Rock Winery (April 25, 2013)
Join Chimney Rock Winery as they host an artist's reception that will feature a variety of photographic works by Mary Steinbacher. During the reception guests will have the opportunity to meet and ask Mary questions about her latest works. MORE DETAILS

Sonoma International Film Festival: Sneak Peek at Films!

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:53:52 -0800

Don't miss one of the hottest film festivals in Wine Country. The Sonoma International Film Festival (April 10-14, 2013) is presenting over 100 films, including 7 Premiere films, shown at 8 venues, all within walking distance of Sonoma's historic plaza. Add to this cinematic splash, world-class cuisine from local artisans and exceptional wine from Sonoma vintners, all making the Sonoma Film Fest a top-notch epicurean experience few film festivals in the world can match.

Time is running out! Click Here to buy your Film Passes.

See a sneak peek at some of the films being shown this year!

ICEMAN - Opening Night Film at Sebastiani Theater on April 10th. Film stars Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans and James Franco and follows notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski from his early days in the mob until his arrest for the murder of more than 100 men. Director Ariel Vromen and Ray Liotta will be in attendance.

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FLIMMER (aka Flicker) - Something strange is going on in the small town of Backberga. The town's former pride, the telecommunications company, is now on the brink of ruin. Its put-upon employees are about to make one last attempt to modernize the firm when they discover that something is lurking on the outskirts of town. A power failure sets off a chain of events that will change everything for the town's residents. Two screenings, 4/11 at 9:15pm in the Vintage House and 4/13 at 4:45pm in the Vintage House.

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A YEAR IN BURGUNDY - This film is an exquisitely beautiful documentary that takes you through the course of a full wine-making year, from the first bud on the vine to the final pressing, barrel-aging and bottling in the Burgundy region of France. Director David Kennard and film subject Martine Saunier will be in attendance. One screening only, 4/11 at 6pm in the Sebastiani Theatre.

5 Ways to Uncork Fun in Napa Valley

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:00:21 -0800

Wine tasting, incredible food and breathtaking scenery . . . what more can you ask for when you head to Napa Valley? From girlfriend getaways and guy-only vacays to weekend escapes and family retreats, Napa has something for everyone. Read five ways to live it up and enjoy Napa Valley:

Photographer Credit: Meghan Lamb

(1) Walk this Way
Whether Napa is a weekend excursion or a vacation you planned six months ago, wine tasting is at the top of everyone's list. To avoid needing a "DD" or renting a party bus for the day, grab a $25 Taste Napa Downtown card to explore 12 different tasting rooms and wine bars within walking distance of each other. Park your car, take your time, and enjoy the vino without worrying about the next stop on your tour.

(2) Ladies Night! (and Daytime too)
Napa Valley is one destination that beckons girlfriends who love to gather, celebrate their sisterhood and sample the grape without the shame and guilt of a Vegas girls getaway. By day, indulge in a soothing spa treatment at many of the spas and wellness centers nearby. Spa Terra located at the Meritage Resort is a perfect choice with their 22,000 square foot Estate Cave spa sanctuary. By night, head to Bistro Sabor for Salsa Saturdays co-hosted by Ceja Vineyards where you can shake what your mama gave you--no cover charge and no partner needed. Just show up!

(3) Just for the Bro's
Trust us, it's not always about MMA Fighting or Nascar when the fellas get together for a guys-only vacay. With more men channeling their inner Anthony Bourdain, food has become the focus for "man-scapes" near and far. Napa Valley is home to more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere in the world and the culinary talents of superstars such as Thomas Keller (French Laundry ring a bell, anyone?). To work off the decadent meals and wine-induced calories, head to Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park for a few rounds of golf. Or paddle your way through the valley by kayaking on the Napa River.

Arts in April: The Art of Relaxation at the Meritage Resort and Spa

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:12:11 -0800

Napa Resort Celebrates Napa Valley's Arts in April with
"Meritage Masterpiece"

Photo Credit: Rex Gilbert

The Meritage Resort and Spa is embracing all that the Napa Valley has to offer and celebrating the arts by creating a true "Meritage Masterpiece" with The Art of Relaxation Package.

This one-of-a-kind package allows guests to dream big and paint their own masterpiece. Easels, canvas, paints and brushes, for two, will be provided at check-in along with overnight hotel accommodations in a superior guest room or suite and multiple spa treatments.

While the new Art of Relaxation Package is available year-round, Meritage Resort is excited to extend to guests an opportunity to take a three-hour watercolor class with local artist Jessel Miller during the month of April! This class will be offered each Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is only $30 (standard price is $45). Additional information about the class can be obtained by calling Jessel Gallery at 707.257.2350.

"Painting and creating art allows the painter to fully relax and embrace the moment," said Jessel Miller, artist, Napa resident and owner of Jessel Gallery. "Soaking in all that Napa has to offer, while appreciating its beauty, is truly freeing. I hope that Arts in April and this package encourage more Napa Valley visitors to relax for a moment and appreciate the true beauty that is only found in Napa."

Napa Valley: Dog Friendly Hotels & Lodging

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:56:09 -0800

Sometimes, visiting Napa Valley without your dog is just not an option. Perhaps you couldn't find a dog-sitter, or didn't want to pay for a doggie hotel, or maybe you just want your best bud to be with you! Whatever the reason, there are plenty of Napa Valley hotels that offer dog friendly accommodations.

Harvest Inn
Harvest Inn is just one of the many Napa Valley hotels that are dog friendly and ready to pamper you and your dog. Relax in luxury and comfort in your spacious guestroom where your dog will receive a luxurious bed of their own, custom pet bowls, doggy bags and delicious (so Fido has told us) treats to make your pet's vacation a happy memory.

Offered year-round is their "Love Me, Love My Dog Package":
Bask in the beauty of the Napa Valley and bring your four-legged best friend with an offer that includes a host of creature comforts for your pet. This year, Peanut teamed up with his neighbors at dog friendly V. Sattui Winery to add a $50 certificate to the package, perfect for a premium wine tasting for two and picnic lunch on their beautiful grounds. Special Offer Details (scroll to bottom of the page) Even better, $10 from each package benefits Napa Humane - see information about their annual March event - Pawsport Napa Valley.

Westin Verasa Napa Valley
Westin Verasa Napa Valley happily welcomes both you and your K9 travelers. They pamper pooches with amenities such as custom-designed luxurious dog beds with miniature Heavenly Bed duvets by Eloise Pet Accessories, plus other touches that will have pets feeling as welcome as their owners. They even have an onsite concierge that will help you with reccomendations for local walking & sitting services, list of pet-grooming services with same day service, locations of pet stores, contact information for 24-hour veterinarians, and locations of nearby runs and parks. See their pet policy and book any one of their special Napa lodging packages!