Napa Valley Report Posted On 05.10.07   ........................................................................................................................................ Introduction Napa Valley, California is often referred to as “America’s Food and Wine Capital.” With an average daily temperature of seventy-degrees, Napa Valley offers numerous options for leisure and luxury at any time of year. Summer lures visitors with the sun-warmed hills and vines bursting with grapes in bloom while winter’s lush green hills and sleeping vines attract fans of the famed Mustard Festival, a celebration of food, wine, mustard, music and art. Another great time to come is the spring, when the mustard flowers are in full bloom and the tourist season hasn't yet begun. During this time, you will find less traffic and fewer crowds at the wineries and restaurants, and better deals on hotel rooms and packages. Napa Valley is actually a collection of small towns. Napa is the first town you will encounter upon entering the Valley and the location of historic Old Town, Copia, the American Center for Wine Food and Arts, a must visit cultural center, the “Grand Old Lady of 1879” – the Napa Valley Oprah House and the visitor’s center of the Napa Valley Conference and Visitors Bureau. Take the historic Downtown Trolley for free to travel through Victorian neighborhoods and make stops at Napa Premium Outlets for marathon shopping. Calistoga, in the northeast Valley, is known as the “Hot Springs of the West,” for the mineral-rich hot springs and volcanic mud baths at the region’s top spas. The area is also known for the Old Faithful Geyser that sits two miles north and erupts regularly, and The Petrified Forest, full of giant, uprooted Redwoods said to be 3 million years old. Travelers will also find the oldest surviving railroad depot in California filled with specialty shops, and of course, vineyards. St. Helena is recognized as the center of the wine-growing region of California. Its historical Main Street contains quaint antique shops and restaurants. The area is home to the historic Bale Grist Mill, the Beringer Brothers Winery and The Culinary Institute of America. One of the most beautiful landmarks is Mt. St. Helena that towers over the village. For a slower pace, try Yountville. It combines fine lodging, restaurants and shopping. North of Yountville the areas of Oakville and Rutherford, home of the magnificent vineyards that have produced Napa Valley’s award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon wines. ........................................................................................................................................ Best Avoided Driving While Tasting All of those sips of wine can add up and make driving unsafe. Shuttles and trolleys make regular stops along the vineyards. A popular way for groups to tour the Valley is by limousine. Congestion To avoid long lines and traffic, visit the Napa Valley may be during the off-season months between November and April. During peak season, avoid the congestion of "day-trippers" by planning your stay during the midweek or on a Sunday. Shipping Hassles The rules and regulations for shipping wine home vary in each of the 50 states. Talk to wineries and shipping companies ahead of time about possible restrictions. ........................................................................................................................................ TC Tips March is a great month to visit as the mustard is in bloom on hillsides and within the vineyards and the Mustard Festival is going on. September and October is when the harvesting of the grapes takes place so it is also a great time to go. Make sure to visit town of Calistoga and if you want to take the back road through the Napa Valley get onto Silverado Trail. There are small vineyards scattered back there also. Do not miss Beringer which has beautiful grounds and gives a tour and V. Satui where you get buy a picnic lunch at the deli and enjoy the grounds out front; also they only sell their wine on property. Jean Small, Travel Counsellor