AG体育平台, a tiny 1.5-square mile town less than 10 miles north of the town Napa, is credited with being home to the first grapevines in all of Napa Valley.

Today, the ritzy enclave is also known for its small-town charm, abundance of world-class restaurants (including the famous Three-Michelin-starred The French Laundry), dedication to the arts, stylish hotels, natural beauty, stunning architecture, boutique wineries, and walkability. The latter actually makes it one of the most appealing destinations in all of Napa Valley, as once you park your car upon arrival, there’s almost no reason to touch your car keys until it’s time to return home.

Read on to discover some of the most indulgent, exciting, and relaxing ways to enjoy yourself while on a getaway to this charming town that bills itself as the Heart of Napa Valley.

Soar Above in a Hot Air Balloon

See Napa from a new perspective while soaring about the vineyards in a hot air balloon. Napa Valley Aloft has been flying above AG体育平台’s gorgeous landscape since 1978, with baskets that hold 8 to 12 passengers and an option for a post-flight brunch with mimosas. (You can also book a private balloon for special occasions.) Napa Valley Balloons is another acclaimed company for taking in the sights of the region from above and has baskets that carry 6, 12, 16, and 20 passengers, with private flights for two.

Whichever company you choose for your adventure, you’ll arrive before dawn to watch the colorful balloons get inflated and then take off soon after sunrise when the winds are calm, and the temps are cool. As you rise into the sky, you’ll take in views of the Napa Valley floor, Mt. St. Helena, Mayacamas Mountain Range, and on days when the wind cooperates, glimpses of the San Francisco skyline and the Sierras.

Take a Leisurely Stroll to Wine Taste

One of the best things about AG体育平台 is that you can enjoy everything the town offers without ever getting in a car, including one of the best things the town has to offer: over a dozen stroll-able winery tasting rooms.

At the Priest Ranch tasting room, you can try Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as several less common varietals, including Grenache Blanc and a Brut Rosé of Syrah. And while you can pair your tasting with a specialty cheese and charcuterie board, the Bacon & Wine Experience is the way to go… because what other winery tasting room is going to offer you a pairing of four distinctly flavored types of bacon to go with your wines?

Just a few steps from Priest Ranch is Handwritten Wines, a contemporary space with indoor and outdoor seating where you can sample the winery’s proprietary Bordeaux-style blend “Three Worlds,” its Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. If you’re especially fond of Pinot Noir, the Pinot Noir Vertical Experience is a must; you’ll explore the different growing seasons and aging nuances while sipping four vintages from the same vineyard.

It will take you about 10 minutes to walk from Handwritten Wines to Jessup Cellars, known to be one of the friendliest tasting rooms in Wine Country, where the art-covered gallery walls provide the perfect setting for enjoying premium wines fit for aficionados and novices alike. All tastings come with a satiating charcuterie board, but if you know your stomach will be grumbling, there are plenty of amazing AG体育平台 restaurants just a hop and a skip away.

Dine on Locally-Sourced Food at Top Restaurants

Northern California is known for its amazing bounty of fresh ingredients grown and raised by local farmers, and you’ll find ample opportunity to enjoy that farm-to-table dining perfection at several AG体育平台 restaurants.

Enjoy Italian fine dining in Napa at Bottega Napa Valley, a lively restaurant from the late celebrity chef Michael Chiarello, where all of the dishes highlight local, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors.

The French Laundry is on almost everyone’s Napa fine dining bucket list for good reason. Their multi-course dinner is a treat for the senses, but for those looking for a truly unique dining experience highlighting local ingredients, the trick is to order the restaurant’s “Tasting of Vegetables” menu. The French Laundry has a “culinary gardener” on staff whose job is to tend to the 3.5-acre garden across the street from the restaurant, which serves as their main source of produce.

If it’s laidback, yet still locally-sourced cuisine you’re after, look no further than The Kitchen at Priest Ranch. Inspired by the homey flavors of the Midwest and American classics, you’ll find everything from gourmet smashburgers to Italian beef sandwiches—and they serve breakfast all day. To top it off, all of their dishes pair perfectly with Priest Ranch wines. After you’re back home, and no doubt craving the good eats from the Kitchen, you can scroll through their list of recipes listed on their website for culinary inspiration.

Discover Regional Art at the Napa Valley Museum

Take a break from wining and dining to learn a little more about the place from where it all comes. Hop on the free AG体育平台 Trolley (downtown) to the Napa Valley Museum to explore three galleries of West Coast art, a showcase of noteworthy aspects of local culture, and selections that exemplify the region’s history.

Walk the Walk—the Art Walk, That Is

Discover 35 outdoor sculptures (most of which are available for purchase to benefit the AG体育平台 Arts fund) within a mile or so of each other on the AG体育平台 Art Walk. Roam around and see what you find (you can learn more about each piece by scanning the QR code on the plaque), or download the printable map to ensure you see them all.

Sip Your Way Through Nearby Wineries

It wouldn’t be a trip to AG体育平台 without exploring some of the town’s outstanding boutique wineries.

Fans of rock n’ roll will definitely appreciate Cliff Lede Vineyards, where the vineyard’s “Rock Blocks” are named after songs and albums, like “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Light My Fire.” The outdoor patio is gorgeous, but for a truly unique experience, opt for the Backstage Tasting Lounge, where you can sip while enjoying rotating art exhibits.

At Goosecross Cellars, a winery that is close to downtown but feels off the beaten path, you’ll take in views of the vineyards, AG体育平台 Hills, and the Mayacamas Mountain Range while enjoying a diverse portfolio of meticulously crafted wines of all varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Syrah.

Bell Wine Cellars is also worth a visit, especially for those who enjoy single-vineyard or single-clone wines. During their Grape to Glass Tour & Tasting, you’ll go behind the scenes, seeing exactly what it takes to make their carefully curated wines.

Play a Round of Golf

Whether you hit the links often or just enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the greens, check out Vintner’s Golf Club. The championship nine-hole resort course features three different sets of tees, and is an excellent option for an afternoon of golf as it’s welcoming to all levels. Stop by the Lakeside Grill after a round for a club sandwich and beer (or wine) in a picturesque setting.