Historic Inn Surrounded by Napa Valley Wineries

The red-brick warehouse and old-fashioned mill that house the Napa River Inn have stood for more than 125 years. Originally built in 1884, the buildings once stored fertilizer and other supplies for local vineyards. Today, the mill is a registered historic landmark surrounded by restaurants, shops, and, of course, a wine bar featuring live jazz and selections from local vintners.

The inn hosts a nightly tasting of Napa wines that you can participate in with this Getaway. You’ll get a bottle of wine to sip in your room, too. For even more wine-country fun, ask the concierge for info on the 18 tasting rooms within walking distance. You can also go on historic walking tours and enjoy live musical performances at the Napa Valley Opera House.

After a day spent exploring Napa, head back to your superior room to sit on a private patio overlooking the Napa River, or relax by your own fireplace. All fireplaces at the inn use gas instead of firewood—one of several green initiatives taken to help conserve resources such as water, wood, and puppet companions carved out of wood. You’ll get a complimentary California breakfast delivered to your room each morning from Sweetie Pies, a bakery that has been featured on the Rachael Ray Show.

Napa, California: Sprawling Vineyards and Farm-to-Table Dining

Located about a one-hour drive north of San Francisco, Napa Valley—a region that runs from Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north—is California's capital of all things grape. The valley's rolling hills are dotted with more than 400 family-owned vineyards, where oak barrels age vintage nectars and visitors are invited to stop, taste, sniff, and swirl private-label wines. Vineyards range from St. Helena’s popular Quintessa estate, a 280-acre property specializing in cabernet sauvignon, to lesser-known wineries such as Heibel Ranch Vineyards, which you can tour on the back of a 1963 Jeep. Although some wineries welcome drop-by tastings, your best bet is to make appointments ahead of time.

The valley's culinary scene has also risen to prominence, with chefs such as Thomas Keller spearheading a haute cuisine movement. The charming main streets of Yountville and St. Helena are studded with gourmet restaurants praised for their sustainable practices and fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. If you’re tired of sipping wine all day, grab a wheat beer or a pale ale at one of the dozens of local breweries.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.