NAPA

Incomparable natural beauty. Casually elegant. Easily described as one of the most beautiful places on earth with spectacular rolling hills and endless grapevines. A vibrant bouquet of colors that change with the seasons; spring and summer produce crisp lush greens- golden hues and saturated reds in the fall. Reminiscent of Tuscany, a delight to all sensory pleasures. With idyllic sightseeing, relaxing spas, some of the country's best locally sourced cuisine, and wine, of course. If a single event can be credited with putting Napa Valley on the map, it was the Paris Tasting of 1976. Napa was the first American Viticultural Area to be designated in California in 1981. Home to diverse microclimates that few other winegrowing regions can boast, allows an array of premium wine grapes to thrive here. Among the internationally acclaimed wines produced in this small region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc. Nearly all of Napa's wineries are family owned businesses, all the more charming to this wine lovers paradise. With local, organic and sustainable produce grown here, the options for some of the world's best restaurants and culinary hot spots are in Napa. If you're in the mood for creative food and carefully selected wine in an inviting contemporary atmosphere, Kermit recommends 'Redd'. Chef Richard Reddington opened the restaurant in Yountville in 2005, in the heart of Napa Valley. Relaxed, elegant and unpretentious. It's wine country cuisine with influences from Asia, Europe and Mexico. And then there's 'The Restaurant' at Meadowood. "Approachable, dynamic, evocative and playful." Bespoke menus created to each guest's unique taste palette and sense of adventure. Chef Christopher Kostow's goal is to satisfy each guest with an emotional and personal experience. For lunch or dinner with no dress code, 'Mustards Grill' is the place to go. Named for the wild mustard flowers that bloom in the vineyards in the spring, Mustards is still a main hub for good food and wine. And a must mention is the reigning Chef of 'The French Laundry', Thomas Keller. Serving flavorful dishes that excite the mind and pique your curiosity. And for mouthwatering baked goods, head over to Chef Keller's 'Bouchon' bakery or his casual eatery, 'Ad Hoc'. The list of culinary delights could go on for pages, but simply put, whatever your pleasure, Napa is a friendly reminder that, "Life is good."