Business Traveler's Guide to Napa

Description:

The 18-hole Vineyards Course (complete with real vines) is the highlight of this spectacular club, popular with local and visiting golfers. Rentals, equipment and instruction are all available, as are meals and cocktails overlooking the green. Between May and September, Chardonnay is very popular, so book tee time in advance when possible. Chardonnay hosts frequent tournaments, including The Northern California Open Championship and Pro/Am and The Northern California PGA Section Professional/Assistants Championship; when tournaments are in progress you may be out of luck without an advance reservation.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best spa resort for girlfriend getaways at an affordable price

Description:

Surrounded by private vineyards and wineries on eight rolling acres, close to the Chardonnay Golf Course and all the recreational opportunities of the Napa River and the rustic Carneros region, the Meritage Resort is a modern full-service resort perfect for business functions and luxury spa lovers. The extensive grounds include two spacious pool areas with poolside lounging and dining reminiscent of a Scottsdale-style resort. Behind the resort, inside a cool, stone-walled wine cave, are the award-winning Terra Spa, a private banquet facility, and a tasting room were local wineries pour their latest vintages. While the hotel's restaurant, Siena, is popular with families and groups, it's the spa that stands out, with a deep jacuzzi, eucalyptus steam room, health-oriented cafe, and relaxation room. A lively atmosphere prevails at the Meritage Wine Bar, which serves signature cocktails and 250 different California wines.

Businesses hold frequent events and retreats in the resort's extensive conference facilities. There's also a business center and hotel-wide wi-fi. Meritage is also becoming popular for weddings thanks to affordable packages, roomy event spaces, and the onsite Our Lady... read more

Description:

This popular local hangout in the heart of downtown serves a vast selection of American cuisine. The cavernous dining area has lots of legroom but can get noisy during the busy lunch hour. The menu features traditional breakfast entrees, an extensive variety of sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and salads for lunch, and seafood, ribs and steaks for dinner. A special kid's menu has four selections including beverage and dessert. There is a good selection of microbrews, including a black lager. Enjoy live music Thursday through Saturday nights (no cover), and karaoke Sunday night.

Description:

Restored in 2003, this magnificent opera house never knew it would live to see its good old days again. But now, its fate has reversed and restored it stands. Past events have included plays such as I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, as well as performances from acclaimed artists like the Indigo Girls. For those who love their funny bone tickled, do not miss the stand-up comedy competition, or better yet compete in it. Making a fool of yourself could not be more fun!

Our Local Expert Says:

Best place to see works by famous artists displayed in nature

Description:

Give yourself a couple of hours to immerse yourself in modern art, indoors and out, at the Di Rosa preserve. Created and curated by San Francisco art afficionados Rene and Veronica Di Rosa, the 217-acre preserve today showcases 2,200 works of art by more than 900 contemporary artists, most from northern Californi. Indoor galleries are well lit and organized, but the most fun is to be had wandering the trails through the meadows, where works of art pop out of you in surprising places. The art gallery and lawn area are available for rental for weddings and other special events.

Description:

Spend your holidays in the wine country of California and if you have come here on business, don't worry-Silverado Resort is just the right place for you. Wind up work at the on-site conference center and then dive into the many recreational activities. Either rejuvenate yourself at the spa or workout at the fitness center. Pass your time with friends at the golf course or undertake winery tours and wine tasting. After all the activity, sit and relax by the wooden fireplace or let your cozy room lure you.

Description:

Located in the Club House at the golf course, this is a relaxing spot for either breakfast before a game, a leisurely lunch, or a place to relax after the game with a drink. Casual dress, including tennis or golf attire, is appropriate. The breakfast menu features a nice variety of egg dishes, fresh fruit, pancakes and waffles. Lunch offerings include a soup and salad bar, inventive salads, sandwiches, burgers and light entrees. Try the Chilled Grilled Chicken Salad with Hawaiian Pesto served with fresh papaya and a yogurt dressing, or the Twice-Cooked Baby Back Ribs Huli Huli-style. Please call for open hours.

Description:

Named for a Carneros pioneer who planted orchards and vineyards in the mid-1800s, the lively Boon Fly Café offers an ideal gathering place for friends and families. The ultimate in comfort foods, open early morning for a hearty breakfast and homemade bakery items - including our signature Boon Fly donuts - the Café also offers tasty lunches and a wide variety of everyone's favorite modern Americana dinners. All of our menus feature modern rustic cuisine based on the agricultural heritage of the region. While you're building up your appetite, you are invited to mingle with other visitors, or enthusiasts, at our wine bar while comparing Carneros selections with those of other regions. Otherwise you're always welcome to just wile away a bit of the afternoon in comfortable surroundings.

Description:

Named for a Carneros pioneer who planted orchards and vineyards in the mid-1800s, the lively Boon Fly Café offers an ideal gathering place for friends and families. The ultimate in comfort foods, open early morning for a hearty breakfast and homemade bakery items - including signature Boon Fly donuts - the Café also offers tasty lunches and a wide variety of everyone's favorite modern Americana dinners. Menus feature modern rustic cuisine based on the agricultural heritage of the region. While you're building up your appetite, why not mingle with other visitors at the wine bar and compare Carneros selections with those from other regions. A pleasant spot to wile away a bit of the afternoon in basic, comfortable surroundings.