Napa Valley Smart Splurges

These days Napa Valley has so many outstanding restaurants, inns, and spas that it is easy to take the 27-year-old Auberge du Soleil – which is all three – for granted.

2008 SMART LUXURY WINNER
Napa’s Primo Retreat

Perched on a hillside overlooking vineyards and mountains, the inn began in 1981 as a restaurant, launched by French-born Claude Rouas, who believed his Provence-obsessed approach to food would work nicely in California’s laid-back, ingredients-rich wine country. Auberge du Soleil quickly won high marks for personable service and top-flight gastronomical experiences. In 1985, guest rooms and villas were added and then came a spa specializing in treatments that incorporate local ingredients, a pool, and an outdoor activities “pagoda.” Yes, other nearby resorts have similar offerings, but nobody does them all nearly as well all at once. Best season for value: winter/early spring.

Great Value Alternative: In nearby Sonoma, the Applewood Inn looks like a Mediterranean villa dropped in among the redwoods and has a terrific, Michelin-rated restaurant. From $195/night; www.applewoodinn.com

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This 250-acre property sports croquet lawns, tennis courts, golf course, swimming pool, spa, wine classes, two restaurants, and more. Stay in the exclusive Oakview, Hillside Terrace or Tree Line cottages.

See the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley from atmospheric heights in a hot air balloon. Begin in the early morning, soar over the beautiful countryside, and finish with a champagne brunch.

Every presidential administration since Nixon’s has served Schramsberg’s sparkling wines during official functions, and this chic location is where it all begins. Tour the picturesque Victorian house, historic caves (hand-dug by Chinese immigrants), and enjoy a tasting (not terribly expensive, but a splurge worth enjoying).

Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-starred French restaurant is the holy grail of wine country...more

What’s better with wine: cheese or chocolate? After visiting Woodhouse Chocolate, you’ll know it’s the latter. Pick up European sweets like champagne truffles and mocha cream, or exotic treats like Thai ginger chocolate and “Diva,” a spiced pecan in rich caramel with a milk chocolate shell.