Napa Valley is duly recognized by guests of Napa vacation rentals as one of the most beautiful regions to visit in Northern California. This area is home to many great towns and sweeping vineyards. World-renowned for its wines, guests of Napa Valley accommodations visit primarily for its wineries and fabulous restaurants.
Napa Valley comprises nine towns, including Calistoga, Napa, Yountville, and St. Helena. This region is close to Sonoma, and visitors on Sonoma vacations often make a day trip to Napa Valley to get the whole experience of Northern California's wine land. Sonoma County offers a great extension to the wine region and plenty of attractions such as parks, and guests of Napa Valley accommodations frequent the region for its day spas, golf, and quaint shopping experiences.
Napa Valley Geographic InformationNapa Valley is located in Napa County, north of the San Francisco Bay Area. Napa Valley is surrounded by mountains and stretches out for almost 30 miles in a northwesterly direction. Napa Valley ranges in width from one to five miles. The Napa River runs through the region. In its southern sections, Napa River is full-sized; it dwindles to a creek in its northern section. The scenery of Napa Valley is directly affected by its length. Guests of Napa Valley accommodations will be awe-struck by the changes. From windswept estuarine flats and gentle hills in the south to Napa Valley's narrow tip at the town of Calistoga, there's much to take in.
Mount St. Helena resides in the east and the forested Mayacamas Mountains the lay in the west. Because of Napa Valley's pleasant climate, the plant life is abundant. A cornucopia of fruits and vegetable such as oranges, prunes, apples, olives and more grow well here. Of course, as guests of Napa vacation rentals know, the area is unique for its growth of wine grapes.
Napa Valley Weather OverviewBecause of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and being surrounded by mountains, guests of Napa Valley accommodations enjoy a temperate climate not only perfect for wine grape growth, but for outdoor events, as well. Napa Valley is privileged to a long growing season of sunny, warm and dry days followed by cool evenings. Guests of Napa vacation rentals and those on nearby Sonoma vacations take advantage of this by soaking up the sunshine by day and cozying up to the fireplace by night. One unique characteristic to Napa Valley is the microclimates within the viticulture area. They can be very distinctive and dramatic. Guests of Napa Valley accommodations should be prepared for all kinds of climate changes.
Moderate temperatures occur most often in the Carneros region through to the Golden Gate and across San Pablo Bay. In the northern end of Napa Valley, visitors find temperatures are warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. Rain falls more often in the northern region than the south, and guests of Napa Valley accommodations should bring an umbrella. The Napa Valley appellation, because of its hills and elevation, is home to a plethora of microclimates, adding charm and distinction to each section of the region.
Local Events of Interest for Guests of Napa Valley AccommodationsGuests of Napa Valley accommodations have found a great way to take in all the scenery of the region: hot air ballooning. Napa Valley Aloft is a company that has been letting visitors soar for over 20 years now. They offer Sonoma vacations guests unsurpassed personal service and professionalism. Napa Valley Aloft provides pre-flight refreshments and a sumptuous post-flight breakfast celebration.
The Calistoga Jazz and Blues Festival is a treat for guests of Napa Valley accommodations. The festival takes place at the Napa County Fairgrounds and is a display of popular music with styles ranging from jazz, to blues, to pop. A Gala Event at the Culinary Institute of America starts the festival where guests of Napa vacation rentals can sample some of the region's best wines and foods. Throughout the three days of festival, guests of Napa Valley accommodations will be treated to an art show, fabulous wines, memorabilia, CDs, great food and great music.
To take in the entirety of Northern California's wine country, guests of Napa Valley accommodations like to make a day trip over to Sonoma County -- or vice versa. Visitors can enjoy Howarth Park in Santa Rosa. This attraction is popular for its amusement park with carousel, miniature train, animal barn, and pony rides. Visitors can also rent rowboats for Howarth Park's Lake Ralphine, which make for a fun and romantic time. Bike trails run all throughout the park so Sonoma vacations guests can enjoy the scenery and fantastic views of nearby Spring Lake.
Throughout the Northern California regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County are a number of wonderful day spas. Day spas are a perfect way for visitors to unwind. Guests to Sonoma should visit Alles European Day Spa in Windsor. This day spa is said to be the best in Sonoma County and guests are treated magnificently by an international staff. This spa also offers private and luxurious treatment rooms.
Dining and Nightlife Options for Napa Vacation Rental GuestsZinsvalley Restaurant in Napa has received great reviews from Zagat and guests of Napa Valley accommodations. This restaurant features fresh, innovative California cuisine served in a casually refined, down-to-earth atmosphere. Visitors should not pass on their Garlicky Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta, Tomatoes and Feta Cheese.
A favorite among locals and foodies is the Wappo Bar and Grill. This bistro offers a casual dining experience and a sophisticated menu of world foods. Guests of Napa Valley particularly enjoy the Seared Sea Bass with Garam Masala, served with steamed jasmine rice, mint chutney, cucumber salad and toasted papads. For warm summer nights Sonoma vacations guests and Napa Valley accommodations can sit out on the brick patio near the fountain, under the grapewine arbor.
The Blue Heron Restaurant and Tavern is a favorite among guests. This restaurant offers guests of Napa accommodations a comfortable, rustic dining room and nightly live music. It's well known as a landmark in the story book town of Duncan Mills. Diners should try the baked brie before moving on to the Champagne Seafood Pasta.
Over in Yountville is Domain Chandon, Napa Valley's only restaurant located within a winery. This restaurant offers guests of Napa Valley accommodations elegant dining with French overtones. Of course they offer a fantastic wine list, and their chef, Ron Boyd has prepared a menu of "focused flavors." The lobster with suckling pig, garnished with hearts of palm and smoked garlic is a decadent favorite.
Napa Valley and Sonoma AttractionsA wonderful and unique attraction in Napa Valley is the Safari West Wildlife and Preserve Resort. Guests of Napa accommodations can take in the 400 acres of wildlife sanctuary through guided, open-air jeep tours. Reservations are required of guests. Guests of Napa vacation rentals will spot up to 400 mammals and birds in this lush oasis located in the heart of the wine country. Napa Valley accommodations guests will feel as though they've left California behind to roam the plains of Africa.
A fantastic way for Sonoma vacations guests to take in the wine country is through Wine Destinations. Wine Destinations offers tours of all the finest points of California's wine country. They boast of taking the road less traveled and really offering up a treat to visitors. Wine Destinations offer guests of Napa vacation rentals customized food and wine adventures and events and visits to the finest wineries and estates in Northern California.
Not far from Napa Valley, north of Jenner, is Salt Point State Park. This park offer visitors one of first underwater parks in California. Guests of Napa Valley accommodations also frequent the park for its diving, fishing, camping, and hiking and riding trails.
Overview of Napa Valley ActivitiesNapa Valley and Sonoma areas offers a lot to its visitors. This special region of Northern California is home to some spectacular scenery and activities. Beauty and sophistication is certainly one thing guests of Napa accommodations appreciate, and there is no tap on their sources. From magnificent vineyards and wineries, guests of Napa vacation rentals will get scenery, history, and quality tasting experiences. As well, the region is great for numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and even hot air ballooning.
There are plenty of parks offering Sonoma vacations guests fun opportunities such as amusement and underwater parks. Visitors to Napa Valley and the surrounding area know the region offers a lot more than its wines. However, guests of Napa Valley accommodations are also well aware that there's nothing better than a fine wine and the sun setting over the valley's vineyards.