The Perfect San Francisco Summer Road-Trip: Calistoga

Need a relaxing escape from the city, minus the pricey plane tix? Well, join us in our latest out-of-town obsession, Napa Valley’s Calistoga, a beautiful wine-country locale that’s both beautiful and not absolutely overrun by tourists. Just two hours north of the city, it’s the perfect 36- or 48-hour adventure. Plus, to make the trip an even bigger no-brainer, we’ve planned out the perfect itinerary, including where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink your weekend away. Just print out this piece, and you'll be ready to the hit the road in record time.

Stop One: Check In To The Darling Château De Vie B&B

This bed and breakfast, nestled in a French-style château a mere five-minute drive from Calistoga’s City Center, will have you as soon as you make your way up the gorgeous vineyard-lined driveway. In addition to the comfy bedrooms and lush grounds, guests can also indulge in a jacuzzi underneath the stars, a killer magazine and DVD selection for nights spent by the fireplace, fancy L’Occitane amenities, and a to-die-for breakfast cooked up by the friendly owners.
Chateau De Vie, 3250 Highway 128 (between Bennett and Tubbs lanes), Calistoga; 877-558-2513.

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Stop Two: Hit V. Sattui Winery For Tasting And Shopping
 Depending on what time you settle into your temporary digs, heading to V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena, one town over, is a definite must when the sun is still up. The home to award-winning wines (which you can only sip and buy on-location), this historic winery also has an amazing artisanal cheese shop and deli that attracts folks from all over. We suggest loading up on tasty samples in the store, then either packing some treats for the road, or getting your grub on right there at V. Sattui’s sprawling picnic grounds.
 V. Sattui Winery, 1111 White Lane (at St. Helena Highway South), St. Helena; 707-963-7774.

Stop Three: Dine Farm-To-Table At JoLe This restaurant, located on Calistoga’s main downtown stretch, allows visitors to take advantage of all the area has to offer in both food and wine. As much as possible, JoLe's husband-and-wife owners utilize organic and locally farmed ingredients to create delectable plates like a grilled asparagus starter with strawberries, thyme, and balsamic, Korean-style short ribs served with Napa cabbage, chili, peanuts, cilantro, and mint, and amazing desserts that will make your jaw drop.
JoLe, 1457 Lincoln Avenue (between Fair Way and Washington streets), Calistoga; 707-942-5938.

Stop Four: Play In The Mud At Solage Spa

Start your second day in Calistoga off right by getting pampered at the chicest resort in town, Solage. While mud-bath offerings are just about everywhere you look in Calistoga, Solage’s glamorous spa offers a signature three-part Mudslide, which includes a custom mud body mask mixed with essential oils painted onto the body, along with a geo-thermal bath, and a rest in one of the facility’s vibrating chairs said to lull spa-goers into an intense power-nap. After your treatment, be sure to scope out the rest of the chic grounds. 
Solage Spa, 755 Silverado Trail (at Rosedale Road), Calistoga; 866-942-7442.

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Stop Five: Get Stuffed And Tipsy At Calistoga Restaurant & Brewery
 Now that you’re relaxed, get ready to put yourself in a complete beer- and food-coma over at the Calistoga Restaurant & Brewery. Hit the back patio, which sits along the Napa River, for some good old-fashion American comfort food and the rustic eatery’s own four principle beers, along with locally brewed German and Belgian varieties. To show you how it’s all done, the brewery hosts tours Monday through Friday.  
Calistoga Restaurant & Brewery, 1250 Lincoln Avenue (at Cedar Street), Calistoga; 707-942-4101.

Stop Six: Take The Scenic Route On The Silverado Trail 
Known locally (and quite literally) as the road less traveled, the utterly stunning Silverado Trail runs the same route as Highway 29, but is free of the crazy crowds. The tranquil path is home to more than 40 off-the-beaten-path wineries, small farms, and other businesses, plus some of the best views of Napa Valley, period. Take this path while heading home—we dare you not to come back for more!

The Silverado Trail, begins at Tubbs Lane and Lake County Highway.

 Bonus Stop: Visit A Castle In The Heart Of Wine Country  
Just as one would guess, taking a tour of an Tuscan-style castle in the middle of Calistoga’s wine country is a pretty crazy experience. Although construction of this sprawling 121,000-square-foot structure began a mere 20 years ago, the place does a good job of looking like its several centuries old (and we mean that in the best way!). Both a tasting and a tour of the castle (which includes peeks at authentic torture devices and Medieval-era weapons) will set visitors back $32 per person. 
Castello Di Armorosa, St. Helena Highway (between Larkmead and Dunawal lanes), Calistoga; 707-967-6272. 