The wildfires currently happening in wine country have been devasting to the region. Please donate to help this beautiful part of the country get back on its feet. 

One of my favorite times of the year to head to wine country is during the fall. We don’t get much of the fall vibes in San Francisco. The leaves on the trees don’t change color, which is something I miss about fall back home.

However, October in wine country is also known as harvest season. And although the trees are similar to what you’ll find in San Francisco, you do get a bit of fall in Napa Valley. The leaves of the vines actually change color! They go from greens to crips reds and yellows. Which is why I love it so much.

The other weekend, I got the opportunity to stay at the Wine Country Inn and Cottages. It’s located right in between two of my favorite cities, St. Helena and Calistoga. It opened in 1975, making it one of the oldest bed and breakfasts in wine country. It has a pretty outdoor pool that’s a great spot to enjoy the sunshine in the afternoon.

Use Booking.com to book your stay.

Plus, the inn is nestled right next to a vineyard, so most of the rooms have lovely views.

Speaking of, I stayed in a King Suite with a small balcony that looked out to those pretty Napa Valley views.

 

I loved the bathroom vibes and the plush robe/slipper combo that came with it. Plus, you can just flip a switch and you have heated bathroom tiles to warm your tootsies at night when the weather cools down.

The best part was waking up in the morning to the sunshine gleaming through the windows. If you can pull yourself out of bed, grab a cup a coffee (there’s a coffee maker in your room!) and sit out on the balcony to wake up and enjoy the countryside views.

Other perks of staying at Wine Country Inn and Cottages: You’ll get snacks, tea, warm cookies, and wine in the evenings, and a complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning.

THINGS TO DO AROUND ST. HELENA

Outside of relaxing at the inn, there’s SO much you can do in the area. From wineries, state parks, top-notch restaurants, spas, and more, your weekend can easily be filled up with activities. IF that’s what you’re after. But hey, you don’t need to feel bad about justing staying in either. 🙂

Stop at a few wineries along Highway 128. I specifically stopped at V. Sattui, which I’d highly recommend. It’s not only a pretty winery just off the highway, but it has great outside space for picnics, a terrace tasting, and super friendly staff. Plan on heading here for lunch: You can do a little wine tasting and then head over to their shop to pick up cheese, fruit, sandwiches, and more

Travel tip: Plan on heading here for lunch: You can do a little wine tasting and then head over to their shop to pick up cheese, fruit, sandwiches, and more!

Beringer Vineyards is always a good stop. The old historic mansion is a great photo opp. Plus, if you’re in town around the holidays, they put in a big, beautiful Christmas tree that’s supposed to be quite festive.

The other place on my list was Spottswoode. But you’ll need a reservation so make sure you do so in advance. Otherwise, you can totally freestyle and just stop at one of the many wineries along Highway 128 or the Silverado Trail. 

Head into the city of St. Helena to enjoy its old town charm. It has cute stores, restaurants, an old movie theater, and more. If you have a sweet tooth, stop at Woodhouse Chocolate. If you’re looking for a drink and an outdoor patio, head over to Goose and Gander. You can enjoy the patio (and live music) or head downstairs to hang with the locals.

Other places in the area to check out:

 

• On your way to St. Helena, make sure to stop at the Oakville Market.
• If you’re a history buff, go check out the Bale Grist Mill just north of St. Helena or Jack London State Park near Glen Ellen (a cute wine country village!).
• Head to Calistoga to enjoy a volcanic mud and mineral bath at Indian Springs.

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Like I mentioned earlier in my post, there are devasting wildfires happening in wine country right now. All I can say is that I feel so grateful to have experienced (and captured) so many beautiful places in the area. They’re great memories to hold onto, especially because I fear that a big part of the area will not be the same.

Keep your thoughts and prayers with the families and businesspeople in the area.

Let’s go places,
Sarah

What your favorites spot near St. Helena? Send your faves in the comments below. 

All photos on this blog are mine. Feel free to share but please credit me with a link back to the blog. Much appreciated and thank you for your support!

I have collaborated with the Wine Country Inn and Cottages for this post. All opinions are mine.

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