get away: Calistoga, CA
We travel to Napa Valley often, but this was our first time visiting in December—and our first time staying in Calistoga. Known for its quaint and quiet farming-town charm, Calistoga offered a unique and peaceful perspective of wine country during this festive season. From luxurious accommodations to incredible wine and dining experiences, every moment was unforgettable. Here's a recap of the amazing itinerary we followed to inspire your own Napa adventure.
Arrival in Calistoga
We kicked off our getaway by checking into the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort in Calistoga. Nestled amidst vineyards, the resort combines modern luxury with rustic charm. From the soothing spa treatments to the stunning pool overlooking the vines, every amenity invited relaxation. The also have a very connivenient car service that will take and pick you up for the local wineries and restaurants. We used this service almost every day.
That evening, we dined at Picobar at Solage Resort. Known for its contemporary Mexican-inspired menu, Picobar delighted us with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The outdoor patio, complete with vineyard views, set the perfect mood for the evening.
Later, we visited Post Parade at Mending Wall. Post Parade impressed with its rich, approachable Cabernet Sauvignons.
Dinner that night was at The Forum Napa Valley. After the fires in 2020, the Michelin-starred restaurant at The Meadowood Napa Valley, which was called The Restaurant at Meadowood, was severely damaged and eventually burned down. In response to the loss, The Forum at Meadowood has stepped in to serve as a temporary dining venue. While the scenery was top-notch, the food was a major miss for us this night. I was hopeful after the first course and salad that things would turn around, but we both left a little underwhelmed.
Morning Hike and Quintessa Winery
The next morning, we started our day with a scenic hike on the Oat Hill Mine Trail. I would say this is a moderate-level trail and the views were incredible. It was foggy this morning and it literally felt like we were climbing into the clouds. It was an easy walk from the Four Seasons, and we needed the exercise for what was to come in terms of food and drink.
Afterward, we enjoyed a casual and satisfying brunch at Sam's Social Club. This was a 10 minute stroll from the trailhead. Known for its hearty comfort food with a gourmet twist, Sam's Social Club is a local favorite. The avocado toast and breakfast potatoes were a standout. This was easily one of the best meals we had this trip.
After walking back to the hotel and showering, we met our private driver for afternoon. Our wine tastings began at Allora Vineyards, a boutique, family-owned winery known for its luxurious, handcrafted wines. The intimate setting and personalized tasting experience were very nice. The owner was our tasting guide and he made it a memorable experience.
At Quintessa, we were captivated by the estate’s biodynamic farming practices and architectural beauty. Their private tour of the estate’s rolling vineyards and tasting was only overshadowed by the deliciousness of the wine, We sipped their renowned Bordeaux-style blends, revisiting several times.
Dinner that evening was at Farmstead. This charming farm-to-table restaurant serves dishes crafted from ingredients grown on-site. We have eaten here every single time we have been to Napa Valley and it never disappoints. We brought a bottle of Quintessa with us and it paired perfectly with filet and frites.
Birthday Celebration
On the day of my birthday, we took things slow, starting with room service for breakfast and spent the morning in the Four Seasons Spa.
The afternoon was filled with more wine stops at Pfifer Pavitt and VENGE Vineyards. Pfifer Pavitt, located in a beautifully converted barn, offered a cozy yet elegant tasting experience. Josh, our host, was knowledeable about the region and gave us so many good recommendations. My husband actually spoke with Josh several times before our trip, and he helped fine-tune our trip itinerary based on what we had enjoyed on previous trips. He was great!
At VENGE Vineyards, we were welcomed with stunning vineyard views. Known for their bold reds and small production, the private tasting on the terrace allowed us to savor every pour in an intimate setting.
For dinner, we headed to Solbar at Solage Resort. The contemporary Californian cuisine at Solbar made for a fantastic dining experience.
Wrapping Up the Trip
On our last day, we explored the downtown areas of Yountville and Napa. For lunch, we stopped at Oxbow Public Market. This lively marketplace offered an array of culinary options, from freshly shucked oysters to artisanal chocolates. It was the perfect way to end a great birthday trip
For more Napa recommendations, read my post about our 2023 trip to St. Helena.
