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Your Guide to Napa’s “Up Valley”
While the city of Napa is an obvious destination for foodies and wine enthusiasts visiting California’s premier wine region, those seeking a more relaxed experience will want to head toward the north end of Napa Valley to what the locals affectionately refer to as “Up Valley.” The tiny town of St. Helena continues to attract Michelin-rated chefs to its restaurants, expanding an already established culinary culture, and a few miles up the highway, Calistoga treats visitors to world-renowned spas and wellness centers.
Wydown Hotel
1424 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-5100
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 94 reviews
Centrally located in downtown St. Helena, just a short scenic drive from Napa, is the Wydown Hotel. Stay in one of the chic yet cozy rooms, and launch your Wine Country adventure from here. No need to drive anywhere: with several fantastic restaurants and wineries within walking distance, the Wydown Hotel makes it easy to get a taste of St. Helena on foot.
Insider tip: The nearby Health Spa Napa Valley offers complimentary passes to guests of the Wydown who want to enjoy a workout or take a dip in the pool.
The Bergson
1010 Foothill Blvd
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-709-8075
TripAdvisor: 4 stars 402 reviews
Conveniently located a couple of blocks off of the main street in downtown Calistoga, the newly remodeled Bergson is a great place to stay and relax. The hotel offers 21 unique rooms to choose from with updated furniture and Wine Country décor. Wake up to a complimentary breakfast, or stroll to one of the many nearby restaurants on your way to a spa treatment.
Insider tip: Room No. 1 features a private patio and hot tub for two, making it an ideal setting for couples on a romantic getaway.
Mount View Hotel & Spa
1457 Lincoln Ave
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-709-5017
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 312 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
For visitors interested in experiencing the historic aspect of this special corner of the Napa Valley, a stay at Mount View Hotel is a must. Many celebrities and political figures from the past have come to rejuvenate in the geothermal mineral spring water, and in 1981, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. With an onsite restaurant, spa, and a location convenient to downtown Calistoga, Mount View is a convenient base for Up Valley exploration.
Insider tip: Wine taste to your heart’s content: Mount View Hotel provides a free, on-demand shuttle service to its guests.
Harvest Table
One Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-4695
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 49 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
As one of the newest jewels in the crown of famed Michelin Star-rated chef Charlie Palmer, Harvest Table is yet another reason why St. Helena is a top destination for culinary aficionados visiting the Napa Valley. With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients (many of which come from an onsite garden), Harvest Table serves up the flavor of St. Helena and the surrounding area. Try the roasted pork belly or the Petaluma organic chicken.
Insider tip: Harvest Table encourages guests to bring in their own selection of Napa Valley wine, and will waive the $25 corkage fee on your first bottle.
Sam’s Social Club
1712 Lincoln Ave
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-4969
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 154 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
Located at the Indian Springs Spa and hotel grounds just north of downtown Calistoga, Sam’s Social Club is one of the latest dining hot spots to pop up in the Up Valley area. Sit on the spacious back patio and try a house-brewed craft beer while you wait for the main course to arrive. If you are staying at Indian Springs, you are already home.
Insider tip: The candy cap churros with dulce de leche cream are so delicious, they are included in both the breakfast and the dinner menus.
Evangeline
1226 Washington St
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-341-3131
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 95 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
In a land so rich with fantastic restaurants, Evangeline stands out as another fine dining locale headed by a Michelin Star-awarded chef. Chefs Brandon Sharp and Gustavo Rios have come together to create a menu of delectable French dishes with decidedly creole influences, such as the Liberty Farms duck leg confit and the shrimp etouffee. Dining is primarily al fresco to capture the classic bistro vibe.
Insider tip: Arrive early enough to sit at the bar and enjoy one of Evangeline’s signature cocktails, like the Incognito or the Esplanade Manhattan.
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
2555 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-1100
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 231 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
Any trip through northern Napa Valley warrants a stop over at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. Housed in the historic greystone building, the CIA offers dining experiences in several student-run restaurants, as well as cooking demonstrations and cooking classes for the general public. Whether you dream of becoming a chef, want to learn a bit more about what to do in your own kitchen, or simply love great food and wine, the CIA has you covered.
Insider tip: Why not kick off your Napa Valley adventure by learning food and wine pairing with a two-and-a-half-hour “Wine 101” course at the Culinary Institute?
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
1006 Washington St
Calistoga, CA 94515
866-822-1746
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 344 reviews
Reservations: Required
Looking for a place to unwind with the family after a great day of exploring Napa Valley? Calistoga Spa Hot Springs has all of the amenities needed to relax and rejuvenate. Get a massage, mud bath, or soak in one of four geothermal mineral pools, each heated to different temperatures.
Insider tip: With a barbeque area and picnic tables, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is great for the kids.
Charles Krug Winery
2800 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-2229
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 65 reviews
Reservations: Not required
Known to most as the first commercial winery in Napa Valley, Charles Krug Winery has a deep heritage in California’s wine country. With a newly remodeled tasting room, Charles Krug has brought a contemporary feel to the winery, while maintaining its historic roots. Guests can now enjoy excellent food and wine pairings, barrel tasting, and can enjoy the new bar and lounge.
Insider tip: If you are in the area visiting friends or relatives, Charles Krug extends a complimentary tasting to locals who bring a guest with their “Napa Neighbors” program.
Freemark Abbey Winery
3022 St. Helena Hwy N (Hwy 29)
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-9694
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 40 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
Known as a pioneer in the wine industry and for its mastery of Cabernet Sauvignon, Freemark Abbey has been a landmark winery in Napa Valley since the 1800’s. Guests can enjoy tasting on the shaded patio, or while exploring the wine caves. A new restaurant will inhabit the Abbey in summer of 2016, featuring the fine dining creations of renowned chefs Douglas Keane (Cyrus) and Sang Yoon (Father’s Office, Lukshon), called Two Birds One Stone.
Insider tip: Freemark Abbey has an extensive collection of library wines available for those interested in tasting vintages as far back as the 1970’s.
Tamber Bey Winery
1251 Tubbs Ln
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-2100
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 141 reviews
Reservations: Required
Located at the Sundance Ranch in the far north of the valley, Tamber Bey offers visitors an experience like no other. The tasting room is built in a barn where guests can enjoy wine flights, a cookie, and wine pairing, or where they can enjoy a picnic in the adjacent courtyard surrounded by mountain vistas.
Insider tip: Top off your tasting experience with a tour of the luscious grounds and meet some of the equestrian residences.
Dutch Henry Winery
4310 Silverado Trail
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-5771
TripAdvisor: 3.5 stars, 54 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
Low key and laid back, Dutch Henry’s approach to hosting guests makes for a casual tasting experience. The winery offers several tasting tours, including the Cave Tour, Current Releases, or the Reserve Tour, which offer a complete understanding of how operations take place at Dutch Henry. Try your hand at a game of bocce, or enjoy the scenery from a picnic table.
Insider tip: Solebar, one of the most excellent farm-to-table restaurants in Napa Valley, is just minutes up the road on Silverado Trail.
Whether you are a food lover, an adventurer, or are visiting the Napa Valley for its famous wines, in the Up Valley region, you’ll find big-city amenities without the big-city bustle.
Where to Stay
Wydown Hotel
Image Source: Yelp
Wydown Hotel
1424 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-5100
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 94 reviews
Centrally located in downtown St. Helena, just a short scenic drive from Napa, is the Wydown Hotel. Stay in one of the chic yet cozy rooms, and launch your Wine Country adventure from here. No need to drive anywhere: with several fantastic restaurants and wineries within walking distance, the Wydown Hotel makes it easy to get a taste of St. Helena on foot.
Insider tip: The nearby Health Spa Napa Valley offers complimentary passes to guests of the Wydown who want to enjoy a workout or take a dip in the pool.
The Bergson
Image Source: Yelp
The Bergson
1010 Foothill Blvd
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-709-8075
TripAdvisor: 4 stars 402 reviews
Conveniently located a couple of blocks off of the main street in downtown Calistoga, the newly remodeled Bergson is a great place to stay and relax. The hotel offers 21 unique rooms to choose from with updated furniture and Wine Country décor. Wake up to a complimentary breakfast, or stroll to one of the many nearby restaurants on your way to a spa treatment.
Insider tip: Room No. 1 features a private patio and hot tub for two, making it an ideal setting for couples on a romantic getaway.
Mount View Hotel & Spa
Image Source: Mount View Hotel Yelp
Mount View Hotel & Spa
1457 Lincoln Ave
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-709-5017
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 312 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
For visitors interested in experiencing the historic aspect of this special corner of the Napa Valley, a stay at Mount View Hotel is a must. Many celebrities and political figures from the past have come to rejuvenate in the geothermal mineral spring water, and in 1981, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. With an onsite restaurant, spa, and a location convenient to downtown Calistoga, Mount View is a convenient base for Up Valley exploration.
Insider tip: Wine taste to your heart’s content: Mount View Hotel provides a free, on-demand shuttle service to its guests.
Where to Eat
Harvest Table
Image Source: Yelp
Harvest Table
One Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-4695
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 49 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
As one of the newest jewels in the crown of famed Michelin Star-rated chef Charlie Palmer, Harvest Table is yet another reason why St. Helena is a top destination for culinary aficionados visiting the Napa Valley. With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients (many of which come from an onsite garden), Harvest Table serves up the flavor of St. Helena and the surrounding area. Try the roasted pork belly or the Petaluma organic chicken.
Insider tip: Harvest Table encourages guests to bring in their own selection of Napa Valley wine, and will waive the $25 corkage fee on your first bottle.
Sam’s Social Club
Image Source: Yelp
Sam’s Social Club
1712 Lincoln Ave
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-4969
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 154 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
Located at the Indian Springs Spa and hotel grounds just north of downtown Calistoga, Sam’s Social Club is one of the latest dining hot spots to pop up in the Up Valley area. Sit on the spacious back patio and try a house-brewed craft beer while you wait for the main course to arrive. If you are staying at Indian Springs, you are already home.
Insider tip: The candy cap churros with dulce de leche cream are so delicious, they are included in both the breakfast and the dinner menus.
Evangeline
Image Source: Yelp
Evangeline
1226 Washington St
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-341-3131
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 95 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
In a land so rich with fantastic restaurants, Evangeline stands out as another fine dining locale headed by a Michelin Star-awarded chef. Chefs Brandon Sharp and Gustavo Rios have come together to create a menu of delectable French dishes with decidedly creole influences, such as the Liberty Farms duck leg confit and the shrimp etouffee. Dining is primarily al fresco to capture the classic bistro vibe.
Insider tip: Arrive early enough to sit at the bar and enjoy one of Evangeline’s signature cocktails, like the Incognito or the Esplanade Manhattan.
Things to Do
The Culinary Institute Of America at Greystone
Image Source: Yelp
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
2555 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-1100
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 231 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
Any trip through northern Napa Valley warrants a stop over at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. Housed in the historic greystone building, the CIA offers dining experiences in several student-run restaurants, as well as cooking demonstrations and cooking classes for the general public. Whether you dream of becoming a chef, want to learn a bit more about what to do in your own kitchen, or simply love great food and wine, the CIA has you covered.
Insider tip: Why not kick off your Napa Valley adventure by learning food and wine pairing with a two-and-a-half-hour “Wine 101” course at the Culinary Institute?
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
Image Source: Yelp
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
1006 Washington St
Calistoga, CA 94515
866-822-1746
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 344 reviews
Reservations: Required
Looking for a place to unwind with the family after a great day of exploring Napa Valley? Calistoga Spa Hot Springs has all of the amenities needed to relax and rejuvenate. Get a massage, mud bath, or soak in one of four geothermal mineral pools, each heated to different temperatures.
Insider tip: With a barbeque area and picnic tables, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is great for the kids.
Wineries to Visit
Charles Krug Winery
Image Source: Yelp
Charles Krug Winery
2800 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-2229
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 65 reviews
Reservations: Not required
Known to most as the first commercial winery in Napa Valley, Charles Krug Winery has a deep heritage in California’s wine country. With a newly remodeled tasting room, Charles Krug has brought a contemporary feel to the winery, while maintaining its historic roots. Guests can now enjoy excellent food and wine pairings, barrel tasting, and can enjoy the new bar and lounge.
Insider tip: If you are in the area visiting friends or relatives, Charles Krug extends a complimentary tasting to locals who bring a guest with their “Napa Neighbors” program.
Freemark Abbey Winery
Image Source: Yelp
Freemark Abbey Winery
3022 St. Helena Hwy N (Hwy 29)
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-9694
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 40 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
Known as a pioneer in the wine industry and for its mastery of Cabernet Sauvignon, Freemark Abbey has been a landmark winery in Napa Valley since the 1800’s. Guests can enjoy tasting on the shaded patio, or while exploring the wine caves. A new restaurant will inhabit the Abbey in summer of 2016, featuring the fine dining creations of renowned chefs Douglas Keane (Cyrus) and Sang Yoon (Father’s Office, Lukshon), called Two Birds One Stone.
Insider tip: Freemark Abbey has an extensive collection of library wines available for those interested in tasting vintages as far back as the 1970’s.
Tamber Bey Winery
Image Source: Tamber Bey Vineyards, Yelp
Tamber Bey Winery
1251 Tubbs Ln
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-2100
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 141 reviews
Reservations: Required
Located at the Sundance Ranch in the far north of the valley, Tamber Bey offers visitors an experience like no other. The tasting room is built in a barn where guests can enjoy wine flights, a cookie, and wine pairing, or where they can enjoy a picnic in the adjacent courtyard surrounded by mountain vistas.
Insider tip: Top off your tasting experience with a tour of the luscious grounds and meet some of the equestrian residences.
Dutch Henry Winery
Image Source: Yelp
Dutch Henry Winery
4310 Silverado Trail
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-5771
TripAdvisor: 3.5 stars, 54 reviews
Reservations: Recommended
Low key and laid back, Dutch Henry’s approach to hosting guests makes for a casual tasting experience. The winery offers several tasting tours, including the Cave Tour, Current Releases, or the Reserve Tour, which offer a complete understanding of how operations take place at Dutch Henry. Try your hand at a game of bocce, or enjoy the scenery from a picnic table.
Insider tip: Solebar, one of the most excellent farm-to-table restaurants in Napa Valley, is just minutes up the road on Silverado Trail.
Whether you are a food lover, an adventurer, or are visiting the Napa Valley for its famous wines, in the Up Valley region, you’ll find big-city amenities without the big-city bustle.
Author
WineCountry Collective
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