Thebest of napa Valley Life featuring BETHNIcKEL Proprietress of Far Niente, a founding winery of the Festival del Sole Photo by Alessandro deSogos •bEST nAPA VALLEY VIEw From the balcony of Far Niente, you can see the sweeping views of the vineyards and Vaca Mountains from Rutherford to Yountville. Another fantastic view is from the top of Mount St. Helena, after the five-mile hike up, and especially during a full moon. Moonbeams are everywhere! •bEST worKoUT The historic Oat Hill Mine Trail is a challenging uphill hike from the eastern edge of Calistoga. It connects to a network of properties that have been secured and protected in perpetuity by our forward-thinking Napa County Land Trust. There are fantastic hiking trails throughout Napa County thanks to their unceasing efforts to save our green space from development. •bEST PLAcE To TAKE oUT-oF-Town GUESTS The Friday morning Farmers’ Market at Crane Park in St. Helena. They have real butter on the popcorn, Häagen-Dazs ice cream and Not only are there loads of farmers who sell their organic produce organic snacks. And they display archival movie posters on the walls. (fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers), but also handcrafted clothing, It’s one of the reasons why I LOVE living here. letter-pressed papers, exotic pearls, locally produced honey, vinegars, and seeing your neighbors and the army of chefs and students from •bEST booK olive oils, chutneys and cheeses. And while you’re strolling through . . . the Culinary Institute, you can take a break with a cappuccino and pastry from Model Bakery in the shade of the redwoods that line the Napa, Behind the Bottle by Bill Tucker. This book is an extraordinary B E S T O F property. It is small town America at its best! collection of photographs of vintners, winemakers and vineyard •bEST GALLErY •bEST LUnch SPoTworkers who are the faces of our Valley. Villa Ca’Toga, artist Carlo Marchiori’s dreamy and fanciful studio and residence at the north end of Napa Valley in Calistoga. The gallery is Mustards! They have been consistently turning out great food for a creation of his world-famous murals, sculptures, found objects and more than thirty years, and lead the fine wine, food and resort/spa endearing Italian-style perfect imperfection. You’ll want to move in movement in the Napa Valley. •bEST FILm Festival del Sole, a marvelous ten-day gathering of internationalTnVE EIALcPEr SEmmU SbEST• and stay for some pasta and Amarone! “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is just out, and a winner! The film classical music and dance stars that takes place in wineries and venues is profound, meaningful, and eloquent, with a beautiful ending. Even around the Valley. Not only are there concerts, but also a Young better was seeing it in the charming and treasured Cameo Cinema in Artists Series, wine and food pairings and art shows. This summer is St. Helena, one of the last of America’s single-screen movie houses. the seventh season. It takes place July 13–22nd. 80 w w w . n A P A V A L L E Y L I F E m A G A z I n E . c o m
NVLife_JulyAug_2012
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