California’s Golden Child lives within St. Helena, Napa Valley   Explore sparkling adventures in and around St. Helena.   St. Helena, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, has all the essentials to embrace California’s most beloved wine country region. We’ve handpicked the most unique and California golden-inspired activities to offer a taste of everything for everyone’s travel needs. Soak in the sun-kissed wine country rays while we take you on a whirlwind of experiences featuring luxurious hidden gems and best kept local secrets.     Sparkling water minutes from St. Helena will have you glistening during your travel explorations. Still water runs deep at Lake Berryessa. Press pause at one of the largest bodies of fresh water in California. The lake offers boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and more! Quiet coves make for a relaxing afternoon kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and fishing. Berryessa’s water reaches temperatures of up to 75 degrees in the summer making this ideal location to cool off from the California heat. Around the lake’s perimeter, there are six hiking trails where you can observe wildlife, and enjoy great views among the grassy hills dotted with oak and manzanita. With plenty to explore, this will be a frequent hot spot for those looking to explore outside the realm of wine country fare.     Take your adventure to the pavement with Napa Valley Bike Tours. Spend an afternoon or full-day taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyard vines while stopping at tasting salons along the way. Not a serious biker? No problem, Napa Valley Bike Tours offers eclectic bike rentals for those casual afternoons sipping wine and enjoying the Napa Valley lifestyle. Seeing the countryside has never been so easy. Take in the sunshine rays while you explore some of Napa Valley’s best wineries.... read more

As a huge wine lover, Napa Valley is heaven on earth! The valley is huge, however, and it’s nearly impossible to explore it all in a weekend, or even a week. If you only have a few days, I highly recommend you focus on one area, like St. Helena which is located in Upper Napa Valley (or “Up Valley” as the locals call it). Up Valley has a relaxed, small-town vibe but offers much more including incredible wineries and world-class cuisine. I’m excited to share my travel guide to St. Helena to help you plan the perfect getaway! When to Visit St. Helena is a year-round destination as each season offers a unique experience. Harvest season (August-October) is the most popular time to visit as the valley comes alive with the excitement of harvest and many wineries offer special experiences. It’s also the most expensive time to visit. I personally like visiting in spring or early summer when the weather is mild, the vines are leafing and fields are blossoming with wildflowers. During winter the vines are barren but the Valley is much less crowded and you will find the best deals. It’s also the perfect time to visit a spa or cozy up to the fire with a glass of wine. Getting to St. Helena There are three airports nearby…Oakland, San Francisco, and Sacramento. The drive from the airport will take around an hour and a half to two hours depending on traffic. The drive from Los Angeles will take around 6 hours. Where to Stay Wine Country Inn and Cottages     Located just minutes from downtown and all the best wineries, Wine Country Inn and Cottages delivers the quintessential wine country experience with spectacular vineyard views. Accommodations include 5 quaint cottages, 4 spacious suites, and 20... read more