Napa doesn't just take its wine seriously. Voluptuous viniculture and gourmet gluttony do a decadent dance in Napa Valley, and the result is spangled with Michelin stars and nods from critics around the world. The same temperate climate that creates ideal grape-growing conditions also makes the soil prime for produce, and you can feast on these fruits at Napa County's many fine restaurants. Napa has been central to the development of California Cuisine, which focuses on seasonal local produce. From resort dining rooms to comfortable country gardens, Napa Valley restaurants showcase the region's epicurean expertise. Expect alfresco dining aplenty, a vacation-casual vibe, and, of course, some exceptionally paired wines.
Yountville
The town of Yountville fulfills every image of Napa you have, with its picturesque rolling vineyards and quaint country feel. It's also home to some of California's most highly regarded restaurants. The crème de la crème of these is French Laundry. The only Michelin-three-starred restaurant in the Bay Area, French Laundry serves epic multi-course prix-fixe meals in an idyllic setting. For a reservation, call three months to the day in advance. If you didn't have the foresight, don't despair; French Laundry's chef Thomas Keller has a second Yountville restaurant, family-style Ad Hoc. Bistro Jeanty, Bouchon, Bottega Napa Valley, and Redd are among Yountville's other exquisite options.
St. Helena
Up Highway 29, St. Helena is a similarly unsuspecting hotbed of epicurean heaven. The vintage-feeling town is home to the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, as well as some heavy-hitters in the food world. East meets West at Terra, California cuisine shines at Meadowood Restaurant, and romantic Maritini House serves decadent desserts.
Rutherford
You might miss Rutherford along the highway between Yountville and St. Helena, and that would be a real shame. The teeny-tiny town boasts many excellent wineries, including Francis Ford Coppola's Niebaum-Coppola Estate, and one first-rate resort, Auberge du Soleil. Popular with celebrities, the resort houses a French restaurant by the same name, which boasts some of the most romantic views in Napa County.
Napa
Finally, the city of Napa boasts many great restaurants as well. The most urban and least viniculture-centric wine country city, Napa has developed its own culinary identity in recent years, with restaurants that are more internationally influenced and varied than others in the county. Bistro Don Giovanni serves authentic Italian on a terrace, Barbers Q some down-home delights, while half-restaurant-half-yoga-studio Ubuntu features a creative vegetarian menu.