From its main street of period buildings to its Victorian homes, St. Helena oozes charm. Though the shops on Main Street now feature upscale clothing and shoes, art and gifts, there’s still an old-fashioned hardware store and pharmacy as well as a classic department store that sells work clothes as well as designer fashions. The town also boasts many world-class restaurants but to really get the feel of St. Helena, you have to venture among the neighborhoods west of Main Street, to enjoy its eclectic mix of old mansions and modest bungalows.

Reasons to Visit

• In the heart of Napa Valley
• Little more than an hour away from San Francisco and Oakland
• A dozen wineries and tasting rooms in the town, with dozens more nearby
• Superb eating, from a famous drive-in to world-class cuisine
• Lodging from a modest motel to luxurious inns
• Excellent shopping for chic clothing, shoes, arts and gifts
• The Culinary Institute of America’s historic Greystone Cellars cooking school with its restaurant, cookware store and wine center.

Restaurant Suggestions

Fine Dining

• Martini House, elegant Wine Country cuisine, 1245 Spring St., St. Helena. (707) 963-2233.
• Terra, Asia meets France in Napa, 1345 Railroad Ave., St. Helena. (707) 963-8931.

Casual Dining

• Tra Vigne, rustic Napa Italian, 1050 Charter Oak, St. Helena. (707) 963-4444.
• Market, where the locals dine, 1347 Main St., St. Helena. (707) 963-3799.

Dine-In & Takeout Deli’s

• Taylor’s Refresher, upscale drive in, 933 Main St., St. Helena. (707) 963-3486.
• Dean & Deluca, gourmet food central, 607 S. St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena. (707) 967-9980.

Classic Wine Country Tour - St. Helena to Calistoga

Frank Family Vineyards prodduces small lots handcrafted wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese. The winery originally secured its reputation with sparkling wines and still produces five sparkling wines made in the traditional French methode champenoise style. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga. (800) 574-9463.

Merryvale Vineyards  in downtown St. Helena occupies the first winery built in Napa Valley after Prohibition. Producing superb wines from its estate vineyards and Napa most famous independent growers, Merryvale is also noted for its many entertaining and educational weekend seminars. Open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 1000 Main St., St. Helena. (707) 963-7777.

Beringer Vineyards , the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley, was founded by Germans Jacob and Frederick Beringer in 1875, who dug historic caves and built the Rhine House. Beringer’ Ed Sbragia is one of California’s most respected winemakers. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (5 during the winter). 2000 Main Street, St. Helena, (707) 963-7115.

Charles Krug Winery has been owned by Peter Mondavi’s family since 1943, but the winery was Napa Valley’s first in 1861, and its historic buildings remain “must” visits. Now upgrading the winery and replanting vineyards, it makes classic Napa Valley wines. Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 2800 Main St., St. Helena. (800) 682-KRUG.

Folie á Deux referred to the shared fantasies of the founders but the winery’s small-lot Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Amador County Zinfandel has earned accolades, while the popular Menage à Trois red, white and rosé blends have gained a wide following. Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily 3070 N. St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena. (800) 967-4663.

Sterling Vineyards makes excellent wine, but visitors especially treasure its tram ride to the top of a knoll where they can tour the winery that suggests a monastery on a sun-washed Greek island—and taste wines amidst a great view. Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga. (800) 726-6136.