Exploring Napa Valley

Posted: June 15, 2009

Napa Valley has it all. Beautiful scenery, great weather, world-class wineries, restful accommodations and mouthwatering meals for visitors seeking the hospitality of wine country. This year, our guide to California wine country travel takes a two-pronged approach.

In "Touring at the Top," we detail the best of the best for those who want to go all out in Napa Valley. But that's not all. California's premier wine region is pretty down-to-earth. Just because the bottle is great or the cooking sophisticated doesn't mean you have to don jacket and tie for dinner. Or maybe you don't want to spend extra money for a resort with a spa you won't use. In "Visiting on a Budget," we point you to the best of the more affordable options.

Maybe you'd rather splurge on wine tasting and dining and save on hotels or, conversely, stay at the most luxurious hotel as respite from the activities you pursue during the day. Either way, great experiences await. Have a lunchtime burger at Taylor's and maybe meet a cult winemaker at the next picnic table. Later, indulge in a marathon dinner at the French Laundry and order one of that winemaker's bottles. It's all Napa, after all.