Courtney Cochran: October 2010 Archives

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

By Courtney Cochran

I'm pretty sure it's intentional that the title of the just-released book by Monterey vintner brothers Jesse and Jacob Kovacs sounds like a soap opera.  Fitting especially given that one of the brothers is fresh off of a stint on the salaciously diverting ABC reality program, The Bachelor Pad.  One of the final six competitors on the singles-only show, Jesse Kovacs has grabbed the spotlight (on average, 6 million viewers tuned into hit Bachelor Pad weekly) and is running with it across the US and Canada to promote The Young & The Thirsty.

By Courtney Cochran

I was utterly charmed by Rhône-inspired pours from southern Oregon's new Cowhorn Wine at a Biodynamic® tasting in San Francisco earlier this year.  I reviewed all of my favs from the event here for Wine Country, though I must say that Cowhorn stuck out for its gorgeous packaging and branding (checking out the website is a must!) that - along with the winery's excellent pours - set the spot apart as one positioned to put not only über green wines but also the Applegate region itself on the vinous map.