WHERE TO EAT
Angèle
Country French bistro on the river, from Claude Rouas, founder of the Auberge du Soleil. DINNER FOR TWO $90. 540 MAIN ST., NAPA;
707/252-8115
Bouchon
Young scenesters congregate at this bistro's raw bar nightly. DINNER FOR TWO $65. 6534 WASHINGTON ST., YOUNTVILLE;
707/944-8037
Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen
Haute-comfort food maven Cindy Pawlcyn's most personal restaurant yet. DINNER FOR TWO $65. 1327 RAILROAD AVE., ST. HELENA;
707/963-1200
French Laundry
Thomas Keller's grotto of culinary delights. Expensive, and worth it. DINNER FOR TWO FROM $250. 6640 WASHINGTON AVE., YOUNTVILLE;
707/944-2380
Market
Careful comfort food from a Restaurant Gary Danko alum. DINNER FOR TWO $50. 1347 MAIN ST., ST. HELENA;
707/963-3799
Pilar
A newcomer with a simple, personal approach to seasonal California cuisine. DINNER FOR TWO $70. 807 MAIN ST., NAPA;
707/252-4474
Taylor's Refresher
America would be a happier place if every roadside diner were this outstanding. DINNER FOR TWO $40. 933 MAIN ST., ST. HELENA;
707/963-3486
Terra
Southern French cuisine with Asian influences, by chefs Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani. DINNER FOR TWO $90. 1345 RAILROAD AVE., ST. HELENA;
707/963-8931
BEST VALUE La Luna Market & Taqueri'a
Policemen and CEO's alike flock to La Luna for terrific Mexican takeout. DINNER FOR TWO $15. 1153 RUTHERFORD RD., RUTHERFORD;
707/963-3211
WHERE TO SIP
Casa Nuestra
The Chenin Blanc is usually a sell out, but the reds are outstanding too. 3451 SILVERADO TRAIL N., ST. HELENA;
707/963-5783
Chateau Montelena Windery
The winery that took first place at the 1976 Paris tasting still produces whites and reds of great distinction. 1429 TUBBS LANE, CALISTOGA;
707/942-5105;
www.montelena.com
Del Dotto Vineyards
A superb tour with generous pours and one of the oldest wine caves in the region. 1055 ATLAS PEAK RD., NAPA;
707/256-3332;
www.deldottovineyards.com
Frog's Leap
This irreverent winemaker was a pioneer in the region's organic renaissance. 8815 CONN CREEK RD., RUTHERFORD;
707/963-4704;
www.frogsleap.com
Long Meadow Ranch
Organic wines and olive oils and a grass-fed Highland Cattle ranch. 1775 WHITEHALL LANE, ST. HELENA;
707/963-4555;
www.longmeadowranch.com
Spring Mountain Vineyard
These steeply climbing vine-yards produce a head-turning Bordeaux-like blend, Elivette, and a great Syrah, too. 2805 SPRING MOUNTAIN RD., ST. HELENA;
707/967-4188;
www.springmtn.com
Von Strasser Winery
Owner Rudy von Strasser pushed through recognition for the new Diamond Mountain AVA; he creates some lusciously complex wines. 1510 DIAMOND MOUNTAIN RD., CALISTOGA;
707/942-0930;
www.vonstrasser.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Jaunt
A boutique for the jet set: shoes by Camper, handmade leather totes, and travel journals. 1422 MAIN ST., ST. HELENA;
707/967-9594
Napa Valley Orchids
Debra Atwood's clients include Calistoga Ranch, but her orchids are reasonably priced and can be packed for travel. AT THE NAPA AND ST. HELENA FARMERS' MARKETS;
707/255-8266
Napa Soap Co.
Watch Sheila Rockwood make handmade soaps from buttermilk, Cabernet Sauvignon, and roasted coffee. 651 MAIN ST., ST. HELENA;
707/963-5010
Olivier Napa Valley
A foodie haven with Staub kitchenware, a blend-your-own olive oil bar, and a superb line of tapenades and flavored oils. 1375 MAIN ST., ST. HELENA;
707/967-8777
Woodhouse Chocolate
Fine chocolates made with ingredients like orange blossoms and passion fruit. 1367 MAIN ST., ST. HELENA;
800/966-3468
Buffalo's Shipping Post
This experienced wine shipper will wrap your bottles and get them safely home to you. 2471 SOLANA AVE., NAPA;
707/226-7942
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