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It's easy to spend big bucks on a fabulous trip to California's Napa Valley, known for its pricey restaurants, luxury boutique hotels and high-end wineries. But, with a little planning, travelers on a stricter budget can have just as much fun visiting one of the globe's most wonderful wine destinations.
First, a few basics about the region:
Where and what it is. The valley, an area about 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, is home to more than 400 wineries, ranging from havens for wine connoisseurs to casual spots that are approachable for folks who don't know chardonnay from cabernet.
The town of Napa, only about 90 minutes north of San Francisco by car, is the largest city, with a vibrant downtown that's home to lovely shops and several wineries. But you'll also find charming villages with fabulous shopping up and down the valley, especially in St. Helena, Yountville and Calistoga, which is famous for its mud baths and a hot water geyser called “Old Faithful,” and has a bit of a wine-country-meets-cowboy feel.
When to go. It can be hot in summer, especially late summer, when the fog tends to disappear in Northern California. September and October are probably the best months for weather, but early November is also usually clear and comfortable, with temperatures in the mid-60s and fewer visitors crowding around the tasting tables. You'll find the best deals in the winter, which is the low season here.
Where to taste wine, dine and sleep. Choosing among the huge range of wineries, restaurants and hotels in Napa can feel overwhelming. Here are some suggestions for three different budgets.