Here you will find a mix of rusticity and elegance that characterizes both the architecture and the wines of this scenic region. Carneros is also the closest of the Napa Valley appellations to San Francisco and the cities of the East Bay. This proximity makes it an ideal destination for urban wine enthusiasts needing a quick getaway.

Reasons to Visit

• Only about an hour from Oakland and San Francisco
• Historic riverfront town with many Victorian homes
• A range of lodging from motels to elegant inns and full-service hotels
• Wide selection of restaurants,  from fast food to gourmet
• Lively nightlife and entertainment
• Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts
• The Napa Valley Opera House
• Art galleries and other shops

Restaurant Suggestions:

Fine Dining

• Brix Restaurant, seasonal California cuisine with great views. 7377 St. Helena Hwy. (Highway 29) north of Yountville, 707-944-2749.
• Angèle, Authentic French cuisine on the river, local favorite. 540 Main St., Napa, (707) 252-8115.

Casual Dining

• Zinsvalley, local hangout popular with winemakers. 3253 Browns Valley Rd., Napa, (707) 224-0695.
• Marie Callender, American comfort food including great pies. 1990 Trower Ave. at Highway 29, Napa, (707) 253-7754.

Dine-In & Takeout Deli’s

• Genova Delicatessen, Italian deli and grocery. 1550 Trancas Ave., Napa, (707) 253-8686.
• Valerga’s Markets, upscale supermarkets with extensive delis, 3385 Solano Ave. (707- 253-2621) and 301 First St. (707-253-1666), Napa.

Wineries to Know in Carneros

Artesa Winery occupies a dramatic pyramid on a hilltop overlooking Carneros. Part of the giant Codorniu family headquartered in Barcelona, it specializes in the "big four", Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon plus Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Syrah and Tempranillo. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 1345 Henry Rd., Napa. (707) 224-1668.

Domaine Carneros is part of the famed Taittinger Champagne group, and it was created by Claude Taittinger in 1989 to produce California sparkling wine in the French tradition. Its La Rêve is considered one of California’s top products. 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. (707) 257-0101.

Madonna Estate wines have been handcrafted by the Bartolucci family in Napa Valley for more than 80 years. They utilize 100 percent organically grown grapes that are dry farmed on their estate vineyard in the cool Carneros region. Open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. 5400 Old Sonoma Rd., Napa. (707) 255-8864.

Bouchaine Vineyards marries the elegance of Burgundy with the exuberance of California. It produces fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from 100-acres of vines on the site of the oldest continually operated winery in cool Carneros. Open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily 1075 Buchli Station Rd., Napa. (707) 252-9065.

Acacia Winery was a pioneer in cool Carneros in 1989. Only two miles from San Pablo Bay, it’s the ideal spot to grow rich, intense Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Open by appointment 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday though Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 2750 Las Amigas Rd., Napa, (707) 226-9991.

Nicholson Ranch lies just over the borders of Napa and Carneros in southern Sonoma Valley, where it enjoys a combination of soils, sloping hills and climate  ideal for producing outstanding wines. The dramatic new winery welcomes visitors to taste its wine and tour its caves. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 4200 Napa Rd., Sonoma. (707) 938-8822.  when American businessman John Goelet sent French-born winemaker Bernard Portet to find the best place in the world for a new winery. He chose Napa’s Stags Leap district, and there the winery makes European-style wines from both Bordeaux and Burgundy grapes. 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa (707) 259-2225.