You want to experience the Napa Valley like a rock star? Stay where oodles of celebrities have stayed… If money is no option for you, great!  If you’re on a budget, well, try to budget a splurge to stay here at least once

The property is just gorgeous… the sound of water as you walk through the park-like grounds… marble and stone throughout making you think italiano… the quaint villa-style buildings eluding to village living (an upscale village of course!)… a spa that melts stress away just looking at pictures of it… the pool area just screams for a posh pool party… plus the champagne breakfast buffet in itself is amazing!

It may not appear to be so but Villagio Inn & Spa is family-owned and operated.  It’s not a surprise that it’s an award-winning and AAA four-diamond hotel.  And as if you needed anymore reason to stay here, the Yountville location is luxuriously convenient.  Definitely the epitome of an elegant and relaxing stay in the Napa Valley…

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Villagio Inn & Spa
Epitome of Napa Valley elegance in every aspect… location… guestrooms… spa… champagne breakfast buffet… pool… concierge… complimentary bottle of wine…

www.villagio.com

6481 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599 | 707.944.8877 or Reservations 800.351.1133

What a beautiful way to spend the afternoon…  first of all, the drive upvalley to Calistoga was gorgeous (as usual).  As I drove up to the address I realized I had passed this spot so many times in the past and wondered who owned such a charming barn-style building… I was excited to check it out FINALLY!!!  Owners Suzanne & Shane (such a darling & hospitable couple by the way) have created such a romantically rustic and homey atmosphere.  I knew instantly I was going to have a great time.  They have one wine, the newly released 2007 Phifer Pavitt Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a.k.a Date Night which was so amazing.  Smooth… Sexy… Chocolatey… Fruity… and a nice, long finish… Yum   Perfectly ripe fruit must have been used… I tasted the wine and knew that second how much love and passion they have for what they do… only the best grapes go into such a stellar Cab… better yet, the grapes are farmed 100% organically, gotta love that!

I wasn’t surprised the wine and place are so beautiful… before even visiting I was drawn to the cowgirl on the label and the name Date Night.  The idea of a weekly date night and the fact that Suzanne & Shane live by it is incredibly inspiring and romantic… how can a sucker for love (like me) resist that?

Another perk is that Suzanne does the tastings… it’s always special when you get to chat and taste with a head honcho and hear the story from the person who made their dreams a reality.  Beautiful!

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Phifer Pavitt
A beautiful cowgirl on the label… A weekly date night… A heavenly wine… And a gorgeous chic barn for a tasting room… *sigh* what more do you want?  Tastings by appointment.

http://www.phiferpavittwine.com
suzanne@phiferpavittwine.com

4660 Silverado Trail
Calistoga, CA  94515
707-942-4787

I recently treated myself to a pedi from Tracee at Shine Salon in downtown Napa.  The kudos posted by fans on their facebook page caught my attention plus they’re good about posting specials!  I happened to make an appt right after work (6 o’clock hour on a Thurs eve) so it took me a bit to find parking but still a short walk and just made me even more ready for a pampering session, ha…

Tracee gives a great pedi plus makes a great effort to be sanitary and eco-friendly, more than the norm for sure! and I mean that as a compliment   She also offers Shellac mani’s using a new 14-day wear polish.  Hmm… nails that last longer and have the polished look of gels? Nice, I’m down to try it!

Shine Salon also does hair (psst… Shaina rocks!) and has a pretty space for facials and massage.  They even house a photographer upstairs.  Sarah Cabrera-Hernandez is super talented so definitely check her out for a fun experience and beautiful photographs.  I’ve had her take some photographs for TasteNapa.com and LOVE her style!

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Shine Salon
cool salon… very pretty room to relax for facials and massage… eco-friendly and sanitary nail care
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shine-salon-napa
707-258-1366

Colorful chic decor.  A bar reminiscent of a classy martini lounge with a twist of Hollywood glam (Napa Valley style of course!).  There’s also a nice outside seating area for those who prefer open air eating.

We started off with a special starter… now, Spring Rolls may not sound so special to you but when the featured meat is rabbit… it made them not so ordinary in my eyes.  In fact, I was hesitant at first since I was saddened by the idea of eating Thumper (awww)… BUT I have to say, the Spring Rolls were scrumptious especially with the yummy dipping sauce.  Oh, and I opted for the featured wine, Ballentine Zin on tap (tip: fresh from the barrel is always a plus).  I had a delicious grilled pork chop perfectly complemented by wasabi mashed potatoes, sweet & sour red cabbage, and mustard crème fraiche.  My vegetarian friend thoroughly enjoyed her eggplant parmesan lasagna (marinara sauce) with cremini mushroom bechamel.  Can’t believe I had room for it but we split a fresh apple crisp a lá mode with caramel orange sauce.  Oh man, what a great meal!

As we were leaving our table I noticed a group of fun ladies next to us who ordered a variety of apps… I couldn’t help but notice how good the sliders looked (will definitely have to have those next).  Okay, so I left perfectly satisfied and happy yet I still appreciated and reacted to those sliders… Hmm, I think that says enough about how good Zinsvalley is!

Kudos:
Chef/Owner Greg Johnson
Photos taken by Sarah Cabrera-Hernandez

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Zinsvalley Restaurant
Lively bar. Great food. Colorful and friendly environment. Open late and cool specials. Lunch and dinner served daily.

http://www.zinsvalley.com/
zinsvalley@zinsvalley.com

1106 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559
707-224-0695

If you like finding one-of-a-kind pieces plus have a thing for all things vintage, this Downtown Napa Antique & Vintage Flea Market is a must-do.  Alice’s Consignments is the brainchild, and I have to give props to my friend Sarah (daughter of Alice) for making her great idea a reality!  I went on the first day and had a blast shopping for trinkets and treasures with my sister.  The custom jewelry from various vendors is eye-catching and it is definitely hard not to buy anything so bring your cash people!   Even though some of the vendors do accept other forms of payment including plastic.  Umm… I’d still bring cash.  So, what could you find, you may ask?  Well, the ring pictured above used to be a vintage brooch in a past life…  I LOVE the idea of buying something recycled in a creative and artistic way.  There is plenty of that going on with the vendors selling at this market.  I’ll definitely be going again.  There’s live music, a raffle, and food so check it out!

What a beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  A bit of regal chic with a twist of whimsy.  I felt like we were greeted like royalty as we entered the salon.  With Rosé of Syrah in hand we know we’re in for a treat.  The wines are all beautifully crafted and perfectly presented with show-stopping pairings to tantalize our tastebuds.  From American caviar to chocolate bon bons, it was all delectably delightful.  It produced some definite Oooh and Aaah moments (I’ll get better at getting those on tape!).

We got a sneak peak of the yet to be unveiled Sip Shoppe that shows the Carnaval side of Swanson.  A bit of whimsical fun topped off with dessert wine presented in a way fit for Marie Antoinette (that was a special impromptu treat from our hosts, thank you!).  The festive room and music playing in the background even inspired a couple to break out in dance (calling all lovebirds!).  Also a must stop for the ladies as it’s a definite wine experience for those craving a bit of eye-candy.  No need to worry, the presentation just adds the cherry on top… the wines are stellar!  Just make sure to enjoy the ride as the details are magnifique!

Side-note: We were inspired to end our visit sitting in the meditation hut (a.k.a. teepee) which really caused more of a gigglefest than meditation but definitely a kodak moment

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Swanson Vineyards
A stand-out family winery (Swanson frozen dinners) gives you a Napa Valley treat! A delightful experience with beautifully crafted wines. By appointment Wed-Sun.

http://www.swansonvineyards.com
salon@swansonvineyards.com
707-967-3500

It’s a warm yet breezy Friday afternoon and I’m on a mission. A dear friend of mine grew up on a farm and LOVES animals plus she and her husband love wine so I invite them for a relaxing drive upvalley to Calistoga for a special treat. Momma goat Laila just had baby goat Skittles so we’re paying them a visit plus looking forward to tasting some great wine of course! The tasting room is intimate and friendly. We felt right at home and ready to relax. We started off with their Viognier, a very nice way to begin! On to Chardonnay then sipped on a beautiful Cab while we headed out to greet the goats and explore. After a stint on the tree swing we chilled out at their picnic table chatting away and enjoying a beautiful Syrah. All their wines were great but their velvety smooth reds stole the show which included the dessert wine that topped off our lovely afternoon (perfectly paired with a bite of chocolate). Each of their wines are 250 cases and under, truly a small winery gem and a must-stop when in Calistoga. The atmosphere inspired us to let loose and enjoy life… how could we not love a place like that?!?!

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Lava Vine Winery
A relaxing spot with a country chic atmosphere. Velvety smooth wines. Farm animals onsite. Open daily 10-5.

http://www.lavavine.com
info@lavavine.com
707-942-9500