How to Enjoy the Napa Wine Country From Gaia Hotel
The breathtaking beauty and enticing vineyards of Napa Valley, California, have made it one of the premier tourist destinations of the world. Napa's close proximity to San Francisco---it is less than an hour's drive--makes it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. To get the most out of your visit, choose a comfortable and convenient home base, such as the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, from which to enjoy the surrounding environs. Located in the small community of American Canyon, which borders the town of Napa, Gaia serves as the perfect gateway into the wine country.
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Instructions
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Take Highway 80 East toward Sacramento to get to the Napa Valley from the Bay area. Merge onto Highway 37 West toward Napa. Exit on Highway 29/Sonoma Boulevard. Turn right and follow Highway 29 until you reach the town of American Canyon. Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa is at 3600 Broadway St (Highway 29).
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Check into the hotel, then perhaps enjoy a complimentary wine tasting in the lobby or a refreshing swim in the pool. Now you are ready to begin your sojourn into wine country as you head north up Highway 29 into the communities of Napa, Yountville, Rutherford, St. Helena and beyond.
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If driving is not your thing and funds are not an issue, detour into downtown Napa and board the Napa Valley Wine Train for a lavish three-hour dining excursion in vintage rail cars (reservations required).
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Enjoy the beautiful drive on your own if you like to improvise. An abundance of wineries are located along Highway 29 and on the Silverado Trail, which runs parallel to it. Most wine tastings cost $10. Look for two-for-one coupons in the local tourist guides.
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Visit the Black Stallion Winery, which opened in 2007 and boasts picturesque grounds and stylish wines. As a former 32-acre horse ranch, the winery's equine theme is captured by the stunning black stallion statue rearing up above a fountain in front of the main building.
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Head to nearby Hagafen Cellars, a family-owned and operated kosher winery with a unique charm and friendly feel. Linger and chat with the staff as you enjoy their Estate Bottled White Riesling and other rich and fruity appellations.
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Continue your journey northward into St. Helena. Be sure to stop at any points in between that call out to you. Proceed to the famous Beringer Vineyards located outside of St. Helena on Main Street. Founded in 1876, it is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley. Book a tour of its winery, aging tunnels and the historic Rhine House for a fee or roam the grounds and shop for unique wine accessories in the estate's gift shops.
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Tips & Warnings
Amenities at the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa include a swan-filled lagoon, koi pond, a contemporary restaurant showcasing healthy and delicious entrees and a first-class spa. And as an added bonus, the room rates are surprisingly affordable.
If you tire of wining and dining, Napa Valley offers other adventures such as hot air ballooning, outlet shopping, golfing and biking.
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- Photo Credit Martha Graham-Waldon/Personal Collection
