This Hilton Hotel is the world’s first Gold LEED-certified hotel, and is located just 9 miles from Napa. The fitness center, pool and tranquil lagoon provide their own refreshment after a long day exploring wineries, and the onsite spa boasts a range of treatments for a relaxing afternoon option. Gaia, the hotel’s restaurant, offers a locally-sourced, fully organic menu for a quick bite to eat before heading out into the vineyards.

Insider Tip

Many past guests recommend booking a first-floor room, which comes with a patio and faces the tranquil lagoon.

Four miles from the Napa Valley Airport, and centrally located to Napa and Sonoma wineries, this hotel’s amenities include a pool, fitness center, and free daily breakfast. Larger suites boast cozy sitting rooms with flat-screen televisions and kitchenettes, suited well to entertaining a group for one last glass at the end of a day spent wining. Bright and airy rooms are outfitted with plush beds, making the Fairfield a restorative place to bunk before heading out on the wine trail.

Insider Tip

Nearby attractions like Infineon Raceway, Mare Island and Vallejo's ferry terminal, Solano County Fairgrounds, and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom provide hours of fun for family vacations.

After a day of wine tasting in American Canyon, kick back in a spacious guest room at Holiday Inn. Your stay includes a free hot breakfast each day, a hotel shop provides odds and ends, and the outdoor pool with Jacuzzi provide just the tonic to fulfill your unwinding.

Insider Tip

The Holiday Inn is pet-friendly, and for $50 per stay your furry friend can accompany you on your wine adventure.

Pet-friendly guest rooms allow the whole family to come on vacation, a 24-hour business center is available for a quick check of the email, and a tasty little bistro serves healthy, freshly prepared cuisine in this newly renovated hotel. Rooms are bright and spacious, decorated in contemporary furnishings, and the location squares it right across the street from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, next to Solano County Fairgrounds–just minutes away from wineries, the Jelly Belly Factory, and the Anheuser Busch factory.

Insider Tip

If you want a quieter room, ask for a suite facing away from the amusement park across the street.

Just 10 minutes from downtown American Canyon and 15 minutes from Napa Valley wineries, the Best Western offers comfortable accommodations after a long day of travel adventures. A full breakfast satisfies, the heated outdoor pool is refreshing even in the winter months (same goes for the hot tub, and the rooms themselves are tastefully appointed.

Insider Tip

Take the stress out of parking: the Best Western offers a free shuttle service to neighboring Six Flags.

SpringHilll Suites offer more than just a place to crash after your long day of winery adventures. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast, relax in the outdoor pool and hot tub, and workout at the fitness center. After a day spent exploring American Canyon and Napa Valley, wind down with friends and family by the fire pit and enjoy one more glass with old friends and new acquaintances.

Insider Tip

Business travelers feel right at home here; each room has an ergonomic workspace.

Vino Bello’s Tuscan-inspired architecture and decor nicely compliments the beautiful backdrop of Napa Valley’s vine-covered rolling hills. Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites feature kitchenettes and either a patio or balcony. For travels with family, a dip in the heated swimming pool is a fine start to the day, as the kids will love the water spray playground.

Insider Tip

If a winery visit isn’t on the agenda, you don’t have to miss out completely. Attend a complimentary wine tasting on Friday evenings next door in the Meritage Resort’s lobby.

This family-run traditional Italian restaurant is just a few minutes from downtown Napa and boasts an array of Italian dishes from across the boot—fresh seafood, hearty pasta dishes, and meat-centered secondi dishes fill out the menu. Pair your meal with one of the wines from stateside or the old world in a beautifully decorated, Italian-inspired dining room; white table clothes and frescos adorning the wall set the tone for a romantic dinner.

Insider Tip

In the mornings, Restorante La Strada offers a breakfast buffet—be sure to head to the omelet bar.

This cozy roadside diner in the heart of wine country dishes out generous portions at low prices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Belly up to the counter or grab a booth to enjoy a home-cooked meal. The meatloaf is pretty famous at this old-school greasy spoon, and seasonal pies pair well with a cup o’ joe.

Insider Tip

Breakfast reigns supreme at this dive with bacon smoked in-house, hand-cut hash browns, and one of the best omelets in town.

This modest, family-owned Thai restaurant serves authentic cuisine rounded out by an array of curry dishes, rice, and noodle plates. Starting with the spring rolls is a good bet for the table (try the wonton soup); for large plates, the pumpkin curry is a tasty deviation from the norm, and standards like cashew chicken fill you up. Fair prices and sizable portions make it a popular place for locals to gnosh.

Insider Tip

Be sure to arrive early, there is typically a wait for tables during peak dining times.

Take a break from wine with one of Mi Zacatecas’ fresh agave margaritas or tropical pina coladas. Start with an order of freshly made chips and salsa, then dive into a long list of fresh seafood entrees (the enchiladas and tostadas are popular), massive burritos, and classic combo dishes. Fresh ingredients and from-scratch cooking add authenticity to this Mexican haunt.

Insider Tip

The tacos, in authentic pastor, asada, and carnitas styles, are a delight for the meat lover.

Named for the Napa Junction railroad station built in American Canyon in the late 1800’s, Junction Brewery & Grill has a selection of 16 regional beers on tap (try the flight) and serves imaginative burgers, sandwiches (the Vietnam-inspired 12-hour French dip is slow-roasted and served on a French roll), and snacky bar food. The interior is decorated in reclaimed wood, giving the taproom a rustic and warm vibe.

Insider Tip

Try the Lombard Station Blonde, the brewery’s first beer, which is named after movie star and local Carole Lombard.

Enjoy a taste of the islands at Hilo, where you can sample dishes of fresh seafood platters and barbecue plates and classic Hawaiian dishes, such as spam with gravy and eggs. Plate lunches and dinners include simple-but-yummy sides like macaroni salad, rice, and vegetables. The menu prides itself on a generally healthy bent, making this casual island eatery an easy spot for varied palates sharing a table.

Insider Tip

Bringing a group? Consider ordering off the family meal menu, which is enough food to feed four.

The cheerily adorned CRAVE is an Asian-fusion eatery that serves a mix of rice and noodle bowls (surf ’n' turf garlic and chicken pesto mac ’n’ cheese are a safe bet), along with burgers and sandwiches. The fries are super shareable, coming topped with toppings like kimchi, chili cheese, or spicy Asian pork.

Insider Tip

A meal isn’t complete without a glass of CRAVE’s refreshing Thai tea.

This biodynamic vineyard has been around since the 1920s, and the winemaker uses practices of “minimal intervention” to ensure that each wine truly reflects the the vineyard, the vintage, and the varieties. The third oldest winemaking family in Napa Valley, the Bartoluccis make limited quantities of three fruity, floral white varieties—Pinot Noir Rosetto, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat Canelli—along with mainstays like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Old-world charm meets contemporary aesthetics in the Mediterranean-inspired tasting room.

Insider Tip

Past guests recommend the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

Directions

Located 5 miles from downtown Napa on Old Sonoma Road.

Owned by the Schmidheiny family of Switzerland since 1979, this winery is known for its wines that range from the summery, floral Vin Gris of Pinot Noir to the masculine 2012 Estate Syrah. Enjoy sipping varieties in a modern, airy tasting room decorated in warm woods and white walls, where large windows and a patio overlook the verdant vineyard.

Insider Tip

Grab a bottle of Cuvasion’s bubbly, the 2012 Cuvée Brut Rosé, to go. It’s a sparkling blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay.

Directions

From Madonna Estate, head southwest on Old Sonoma Road for almost 400 feet and turn right onto CA-12 West/CA-121 South. After 0.2 miles, Cuvasion is on the left off Duhig Road.

Domaine Carneros creates the ideal California expression of French Champagne from an opulent château inspired by the 18th-century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France (home of Champagne dynasty Taittinger). Enjoy table service while sitting on the back terrace of the mansion, overlooking Napa’s vine-covered rolling hills, and come hungry, as rich caviar and cheese plates are paired with the wines.

Insider Tip

A 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour and tasting gives guests a first-hand account of how the wines come into being.

Directions

From Cuvasion head west on Duhig Road for 0.1 miles and Domaine Carneros will be on the right.

Part of Meritage Resort, this family-owned and -operated winery has a rustic tasting room, the Trinitas Estate Cave, tucked under its vineyard. In the cave, enjoy a custom wine flight, and above ground, explore the vineyard with a guided tour and taste some more. Just across the street from the cave is the Trinitas Library, where you can learn about local viticulture and sample even more of the winery’s exclusive varieties.

Insider Tip

While enjoying your wine tasting, head to the bar next to the tasting room to enjoy bowling or a game of pool.

Directions

From downtown Napa, go south on Soskol Ave for 1.9 miles. Continue onto CA-221 S for another 2.1 miles, and turn right onto Bordeaux way. The winery will be on your left.

Spelletich Cellars is known for its rich reds, whether they’re sweet Ports or dry, earthy Zinfandels. Just 7 miles south of downtown Napa, in the heart of the Crusher Wine District, the winery’s recently opened 16,000-square-foot facility includes a contemporary tasting room decorated with pieces by local artists.

Insider Tip

The tasting room is located near Napa Valley Commons, home to plenty of shops, tasting rooms, and eateries.

Directions

From Trinitas Cellars, head west on Bordeaux Way for 0.1 miles and take a left onto Napa Valley Corporate Drive. Head down this road for 0.5 miles and continue onto Soscol Ferry Road for 0.4 miles. Turn left onto CA-12 West/CA-29 North and head down the road for 2.5 miles. Take a left onto Duhig Road and after 0.3 miles Spelletich Cellars will be on your right.