Recently in Napa Category

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.

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.

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."

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!

Tasting Fee Budget for the Day: $156 per Couple
To keep these kind of offers, buy a bottle or three! (*Please let wine tasting staff know that you were referred by WineCountry.com)

Black Stallion Winery, 4089 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 , (707) 227.3250

• $30 Per Couple - Mixed Tasting
• 10AM - Allow 45 minutes
• No Reservations Required
• Directions to Next Stop: Turn L on Silverado Trail and drive 2.4 mi. to Chimney Rock on your R

Chimney Rock Winery, 5350 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 257.2641

• $40 Per Couple, Terlato Family Vineyards Owner's Selection Tasting
• 11:15AM  - Allow One Hour
• No Reservation Required
• Directions to Next Stop: R on Silverado Trail for 3.1 mi., turn L on Yountville Crossing Rd for 1.9 mi., L on Yount St, R on Humboldt St and L on Washington St, Bakery on your L

For the entire month of April, Westin Verasa Napa (hotel located in downtown Napa) revolving art's gallery will display works of art from the Westin's very own employees. What fun! See what inspires their Sommelier, Toni Johnson or Guest Services Agent, Jessica Jones.

Why not plan a short escape, stay at the hotel for some rest and relaxation and peruse the artwork firsthand! There are several specials and packages available. CLICK HERE.

FEATURED ARTWORK

*Uptown Theater
1350 Third Street Napa, California 94559
Phone: 707.259.0123 ~ Box Office Hours: Mon.- Sat.: 12pm-4pm; Sundays: Closed

Jimmy Cliff
April 15, 2012 - 8pm - $45-$55
With a legacy stretching back nearly 50 years, the Honourable Jimmy Cliff is still standing as one of the prime movers and continuing shapers of modern music. More Details.

Craig Ferguson
April 25, 2012 - 8pm - $50-$65
Comedian & host of The Late Late Show on CBS. Craig Ferguson entered the world of late night comedy following a diverse and eclectic career that encompasses film, television and the stage. Since taking the helm of Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on January 3, 2005, the show has set all-time viewer records and achieved the highest ratings since the shows inception in 1995. More Details.

CLICK HERE for the full performance line-up for April.

Throughout the month of April, Napa Valley is celebrating the arts. Join Hess Collection Winery for a special event and presentation of the award-winning film !WAR featuring a rousing score by Carrie Brownstein. The film will debut in the West Galley of the Hess Art Collection at The Hess Collection Winery on Saturday, April 28, 2012 and benefits the Arts Council of Napa Valley.

The film is a moving collection of interviews with female artists recorded over four decades by artist Lynn Hershman Leeson captures the history of women in contemporary art, in their own, often contentious retelling of the impact of the feminist art movement that dates to the beginning of the women's liberation and civil rights movements of the 1960's. !WAR was selected as one of the three best documentaries of 2011 by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and is an official selection of the Sundance, Berlin, San Francisco, Toronto and Human Rights Watch Film Festivals.

This not-to-be-missed event begins with a garden wine reception at The Hess Collection at 3 p.m., followed by a conversation with artist Leeson in the West Gallery of the Hess Art Collection led by popular KQED Forum host Michael Krasny. The 83-minute film follows.  Later, an exclusive dinner with limited seating with artist Leeson and Michael Krasny which will further benefit the Arts Council. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online which include the reception, artist talk, and film screening all for only $100. For information about the exclusive dinner, which is a separate event and ticket, please contact Ashley Cox at acox@hesscollection.com or [707] 255-1144 x-226.

The arts are flourishing in Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Opera House just hosted the trumpeter Chris Botti and it was a sold out crowd! Don't wait till the last minute on upcoming performances scheduled for April!

Sierra Maestra - April 1, 2012
One of the original, pioneering Cuban bands; Tickets are $30/$35
Stars of Cuban music ever since they formed in the late 1970s, five of the original nine members remain in the band. Sierra Maestra was the first, and remains the best, of the modern-era groups to play in the old-style son line-up: tres, guitar, one trumpet, bongo, güiro and vocals -- as during the style's golden age of the 1920s and '30s. They have been the pioneers in reviving this style for new generations and reintroducing it into the Cuban mainstream. They named themselves after the mountain range in the eastern part of Cuba as a tribute to the birthplace of son.

**Use special promo code <1030> at check out to receive a buy-one, get-one-free ticket discount.

Hermeto Pascoal - April 6, 2012
Innovative Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist, Tickets are $30/$35
Pascoal is a greatly beloved musical figure in the history of Brazilian music, known for his abilities at orchestration and improvisation, as well as being a record producer and contributor to many other Brazilian and international albums. His career began in 1964 with appearances on several Brazilian recordings alongside relatively unknown groups. These now-classic albums and the musicians involved (Edu Lobo, Elis Regina, Cesar Camargo Mariano) established widely influential new directions in post-bossa Brazilian jazz. Known as o Bruxo (the Sorcerer), Hermeto often makes music with unconventional objects such as teapots, children's toys, and animals, as well as keyboards, button accordion, melodica, saxophone, guitar, flute, voice, various brass and folkloric instruments.

**Use special promo code <1030> at check out to receive a buy-one, get-one-free ticket discount.

Escape Winter Work and Worries for a Wine Country Escape
at Milliken Creek Inn & Spa

It's the time of year that often seems the longest. With no official long holiday weekends until the end of May and summer nowhere near, the days drag. So why not sneak away mid-week and be your own boss for a few days?

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, a12-room luxury boutique hotel and spa in the very heart of Napa, invites you to "play hooky" and escape to a place where the "daily grind" includes sleeping in a plush luxurious bed, sipping wine by the fireplace and getting massaged by an expertly trained professional. Playing Hooky is not just for kids - just as a power nap helps the brain focus for the rest of the day, Milliken Creek Inn & Spa proposes that a quick and strategic break from the work routine helps refresh the mind and renew the body!


    
With Milliken Creek Inn and Spa's "Playing Hooky" package, guests experience:

• One night accommodations in a Milliken Room with King Bed                                     (Sunday through Thursday only)
• One 60-minute aromatherapy massage
• Breakfast for two each morning served in your room or anywhere on property
• Concierge assistance in planning and visiting the most acclaimed wineries and restaurants in Napa Valley
• Daily sunset Magic Hour wine and cheese reception

Silverado Resort & Spa will help you create that perfect romantic wine country getaway you've always wanted.

Available through the entire month of February, book the "Create Your Own Romance" package that includes a one-bedroom fireplace suite, a bottle of Napa Valley Sparkling wine, and breakfast for two in the Silverado Grill. In addition, add one of the following to complete your package:

Dine & Relax
Enjoy a three-course dinner for two to include a bottle of white or red wine (house selected), two 50-minute massages, one 50-minute couples massage or a couples massage lesson to learn the fine art of massage with a romance blend of oil to take-away, all at the Spa at Silverado

Take a Wine Tour
Enjoy a four-hour private limousine tour of wine country. You select the wineries or we'll do it for you. Your tour begins with a private tasting and tour at the William Hill Winery.

NAPA, Calif.-- Arts Council Napa Valley (ACNV) and the Napa Community Redevelopment Agency have announced the return of the Napa ARTwalk public sculpture tour. The 2nd ARTwalk, titled "Momentum: Art that Moves (Us)", will launch on October 19th 2011 and will be on exhibition through April, 2013.

Downtown Napa's first-ever interactive public art exhibition and tour first launched in July 2010, and received an unprecedented amount of local support and media attention. Due to the success of the inaugural exhibition, the 2nd Napa ARTwalk will feature 13 new sculptures (an increase from 10 in 2010), as well as last year's People's Choice winning sculpture, "Fish On", by artist Terrence Martin (pictured to the right). One of the most familiar pieces in the 2010 exhibition, "Fish On" is a metal sculpture of a largemouth bass; it will also remain on view until 2013 . Napa ARTwalk's 2011-13 new artists include: Marissa Carlisle, Andrew Ferrales, Eric Furman, Matt Gil, James Haire, Loren Madsen, Ulises Meza, Robin Murez, C.J. Rench, Patricia Vader and Jeff Zischke.

The Napa ARTwalk will give the public an opportunity to vote on favorite sculptures online at www.napaartwalk.org throughout the 18-month exhibition period. Tour brochures, featuring a sculpture map, will be available year round in several downtown locations, including: Napa City Hall, The Goodman Library, Napa Valley Welcome Center, Artists of the Valley Gallery, and the Napa City-County Library. 

AVIA Napa, a AAA Four Diamond hideaway in the heart of Downtown Napa, salutes the month of July with the flavors of summer. Chef Chris Aken, who will be available to chat every Thursday at the Napa Downtown Chefs' Market from 5-9pm, gets things cooking at his popular Second Sunday Supper Club on July 10 from 5:30-7:30pm featuring a four-course dinner of Americana Cowboy Cuisine paired with wines by Bounty Hunter Rare Wine + Provisions. The cost is $75 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, and features an evening of cooking demonstrations and communal grazing.   

Foodies can also stop in anytime in July to enjoy Chef Aken's small plates of seasonal Soft Shell Crab served with corn, roasted tomatoes and citrus beurre blanc paired with a Champagne Sparkler. AVIA A-Listers, an elite group who receive exclusive perks and discounts, can enjoy a complimentary Champagne Sparkler during July when they order the Soft Shell Crab.  To become an AVIA A-Lister, visit www.aviahotels.com.  

Recent question in the Napa Valley message boards:
Hi!! My husband and I are planning a much needed vacation from the east coast. I know nothing about Napa...are there places to stay where you will not need your car? Planning on REALLY and safely enjoying the vineyards! Thanks!!

Answers from one of our members:

yesilovewine:
Several options are available to you- book a tour with one of the reputable companies such as Platypus ( there are many out there, they just came to mind first) and plan to spend this time on a bus filled with a variety of folks who may or may not share your wine preferences. My experience is that the wineries to be visited are determined by a collective decision ( read: "majority rules").

You can hire a private driver/limo service to take you around and either leave it to them or share in the decision-making of where to visit, you can use a service called Napa Bee Driven and they will drive you in your vehicle to wherever you choose to visit.

In downtown Napa, there is a burgeoning collection of tasting rooms that would be within walking distance to several hotels and B&B's so you could taste there.

CLICK HERE to read the other responses!

See other tours & sightseeing transportation companies in Napa Valley.

By Deirdre Bourdet

Cold wet weather makes me want to hole up at home with a bottle of red wine and some truffle mashed potatoes.  Home is easy, it's warm, it's reasonably attractive, and it almost always has some really good wine on hand.  But when I dragged myself out on a random weeknight for pre-dinner drinks at the AVIA Hotel's Riddling Rack, I discovered another comforting nook in town with these same attributes--one that's also way cooler looking, and has vintage Dom Perignon by the glass.  

Where to enjoy the best breakfasts in Wine Country.

by Jill Silverman Hough

There's nothing like waking up in Wine Country, with the promise of a perfect day ahead. So, why not indulge in an amazing breakfast? Whether you like to ease into the day with coffee and a fresh-baked scone, or you're up for a three-course brunch, here are the spots to start your day off right.

Cantinetta Piero
The venue: A hotel restaurant, but the hotel feels like a bit of Tuscany.
The food: The two-course prix fixe breakfast starts with fresh-squeezed orange juice, coffee, a small pastry, and yogurt with fruit and house-made granola. Then, it moves to your choice of three egg dishes. Go for the side of artisan-smoked bacon, and linger over every bite.
The prices: $18 (30 percent off for locals).
The details: Breakfast Mon.-Sun. 7:30-10 a.m. 6774 Washington St., Yountville, (707) 299-5015, cantinettapiero.com.

Solbar
The venue: Michelin star-rated hotel restaurant, with a hip yet casual vibe.
The food: The on-premise garden influences the menu, and everything is expertly prepared. Lemon ricotta pancakes are crisp around the edges but light inside, thanks to whipped egg whites. Beef for the hash is house corned. Juices aren't just fresh squeezed, they're squeezed to order. And coffee comes in a personal French press.
The prices (entrées): $11-$17.
The details: Breakfast Mon.-Sun. 7-11 a.m., brunch Sun. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, (707) 226-0800, solbarnv.com.

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Actually, dinner is on Napa River Inn. They are offering a pretty sweet deal now through March 31st of next year. Every night of your stay booked with this Napa hotel results in a $100 dining credit to some of the newest and hottest restaurants in downtown Napa right now including:

• Food Network celeb Chef Tyler Florence restaurant, Rotisserie and Wine
• Iron Chef America Masaharu Morimoto of Morimoto Napa (see review)
• Fish Story offering sustainable fish and newest venture of Lark Creek Restaurant Group (see review)
• Not new, but still good - Angele serving French-country cuisine

If the dining credit is not enough, your stay with Napa River Inn also includes complimentary breakfast-in-bed from Sweetie Pie's Bakery. Wondering about what the rest of your stay will be like? See more details about Napa River Inn and the special offer HERE

Our suggestion - book four nights and try out all four restaurants! Be sure to post your dining experience back here on our Food Blog.

NAPA, CA - The Bay Area has spent the past few weeks following the Giants on their post-season run and River Terrace Inn in downtown Napa is now providing three great ways to celebrate the Giants winning the world series.

First Base - "Uuu-Mazing" Giants Napa Getaway Rate
It's a great time to plan a "Uuu-Mazing Giants" Napa getaway since the "torture" is finally over.  River Terrace Inn is offering a special celebratory rate for stays from now through November 23.  Score an extra homer when you wear your Giants gear and receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine so you can toast a truly great season!

• $159 for Sundays through Thursdays
• $189 for Fridays and Saturdays

As special partners of the River Terrace Inn, Chardonnay Golf Club, Napa Valley Wine Train and Beau Wine Tours are offering the following Victory Packages as well.

By Deirdre Bourdet

NAPA VALLEY, CA - The Giants are in the World Series! Join fellow fan-atics at these wine country spots to cheer on San Francisco's own orange and black.


Calistoga Inn & Brewery. Beer and baseball are a classic pairing, and this downtown Calistoga bar/restaurant/inn also boasts an award-winning microbrewery, which sells 100% of its beers on the premises. Crispy calamari and buffalo wings rub shoulders with steamed mussels, oysters, shrimp cocktail and Dungeness crab cakes on the appetizer menu, and bring a taste of the bay to northern Napa Valley.

With a pint of local brew and bowl full of seafood, you will be more than set for game time. 1250 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga.

It's decided. Your next trip is to Napa Valley. In fact, you are going to stay in the town of Napa, because it's a great home base for all of your spa appointments, wine tasting, shopping, and nightlife needs. And of course, easy access to the rest of the Valley. Great! Now where are you going to stay?  Check out the latest batch of specials and package offers from hotels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts in Napa.

Bed & Breakfast/Inns

1801 First
Mid Week Special - Stay Sunday - Thursday in a cottage for only $795. Your stay includes a gourmet breakfast as well as complimentary evening wine and cheese. MORE DETAILS

Arbor Guest House
2010 Harvest Retreat - 2 nights in a luxurious room, 3-course gourmet breakfast each morning, signature couples spa treatment, wine reception each each evening and complimentary concierge service. Expires 10/31/10. MORE DETAILS

Bel Abri - Boutique Resorts
Last Minute VIP Special - 2 Night package. Make reservations five or fewer days prior to arrival and receive $50 off first night.  MORE DETAILS

By Deirdre Bourdet

The AVIA Hotel opened its swanky wrought iron doors last summer at the western frontier of Napa's downtown.  Since that time, the hotel has become a touchstone for the energy and excitement transforming the neighborhood.  It's the place I recommend every fun-loving visitor stay in Napa, whether that visitor is my seventy-something mom or my thirty-something best friend and her boyfriend.  Everyone who stays there loves it.

The hotel's location on First Street at Franklin puts it right in the thick of Napa's West End, the fast-growing community of hip art galleries, restaurants, retail, and tasting rooms. The bigger-than-life main doorway looks out at Oenotri and the Gordon Huether Gallery immediately across First Street, and all of downtown Napa's best restaurants and tasting rooms are within easy walking distance.

By Courtney Cochran

From Top Chef to Top Form
When Top Chef contestants descended on Napa's Meritage Resort earlier this year to film the Season 6 finale of the popular Bravo show, they made use of many of the Tuscan-style property's amenities, though there is one we feel they could have well stood to make more use of:  the spot's award-winning spa. After all, these harried chef-testants withstood grueling challenges for weeks before arriving at the southern Napa property (to battle to the end, no less), and we're sure they could have all benefited from some quality R&R to take the edge off.