"It is that particular late winter moment in the annual cycle at Shafer Vineyards in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District when the vines have gone through bud break and pruning is complete..."

On an oak and manzanita dotted hillside vineyard ranch in Napa, Jeffrey Shifflett and his sister Caroline are bringing fresh energy to a 120-acre property that has been in their family for four generations. ..

The Napa Valley town of Yountville isn't big but packs a punch for an excellent Northern California weekend getaway. Here are some of the top treats. At most hotels, within arm's reach of the bathtub there's a towel rack. In your room at Villagio, when you reach out from your tub you'll find a wine bucket on a pedestal. There's a pool table in the lobby bar. While you're there, try the Napa Sour made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Zinfandel syrup. You know the sort of winery that caters to gro

"I arrived about 4pm, as the sun was beginning to throw the façade into silhouette. The French Empire stone house is gated for privacy and one enters via a gravel courtyard..."

“When you turn to the left,” he explains, “you drive Indiana Jones style for about a mile, deep into the woods. Further into the mountains . . . you’re in the jungle. Here are no vineyards around, it’s not your typical bougie thing that’s been built.”