Spring and Summer in Napa Valley

Excitement is in the air with activities all over Napa, including at its historic heart Calistoga. First developed in the late 1800's as a wellness destination, it's natural hot springs, fresh healthful air and quaint charm make Calistoga a place of reinvigoration where you can cast-off all stress and care.

Calistoga is at the heart of America's greatest winemaking region. Two-thirds of the wine sipped from the Atlantic to the Pacific--plus 95% of all U.S. wine exports--comes from the Golden State that every year draws 20-million wine tourists. As Governor Schwarzenegger said "Every bottle of California wine served reflects our excellence and serves as an ambassador for our fantastic lifestyle, cuisine and culture."

The Hot Springs of Calistoga

World-famed Napa Valley's quaint charm, magical ambiance, pristine air, painterly landscapes and sensual weather make it a virtual eden. In the off-season winter it's romantic to sip wine in a hot tub under the stars. During the Fall Harvest the perfume and excitement of the grape crush fills the air. Spring brings a showy flourish of flowering trees and gardens as Farmer's Markets kick-off the new season. Summertime and year around there are cruises on the Napa River, hot-air balloon adventures, the famous gourmet Wine Train, winery tastings, art, food and music fairs. Plus there's Napa's acclaimed cuisine, including at the 'French Laundry' considered the number one restaurant in America, and by many, in the world, and other special spots like Mustard's Grill, Bouchon, the Martini House and the Oxbow Public Market.

Calistoga is Napa Valley's historic heart. This jewel of a town, located a picturesque 90-minute drive north of San Francisco, was first developed in the late 1800's as a wellness destination. With natural hot springs, relaxed elegance and historic feel, Calistoga reinvigorates mind, body and spirit.

And in Calistoga there is no greater oasis of classic old Napa Valley charm than Graeser Winery Estate on Diamond Mountain. Founded in 1886 by California legend, Richard Beverly Cole, it was called 'La Perlita del Monte' little pearl of the mountain. And like a rich pearl it is a hidden treasure up winding, wooded Petrified Forest Road.

At the winery you travel back to a hushed, magical world recaptured in the vintage farmhouse, historic red barn and outbuildings that conjure the romantic California of yore. The elevation provides Graeser Ranch its own unique microclimate that has produced some of Napa Valley's award winning wines.

Your host and winemaker, Richard Graeser, has planted mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with acres of Merlot and Cabernet Franc for blending a classic, Bordeaux-style Cabernet. One daily glass of this type of rich, fruity red wine is heralded by Dr. Oz, the popular anti-aging guru featured on Oprah, as part of his daily-recommended health regime.

Your charming host, consummate storyteller and winemaker, Richard Graeser, comes from a line of doctors, and channels his own healing instincts by donating a portion of all wine sales to his Fo-Paws Animal Rescue Foundation.

His love of his own beloved rescue dogs extends even to his wine labels that sport their images and names. Plan on a visit to Calistoga and Graeser Winery soon, you'll be glad you did. Join their wine club today and you'll benefit the U.S. economy, your health and our rescue animal friends, too.