Napa Valley’s Charm Lives On

The R Inn in Napa, California, is perfectly located for exploring downtown. Courtesy of Halina Kubalski

The sins of progress have barely touched one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. Once a sleepy, laid-back hideaway where the residents of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga smugly enjoyed the fragrant air, tended their vines, and quietly celebrated one of the planet’s most attractive settings, the valley today remains the home of farmers and winemakers working the land and vines hand in hand. Wineries are still mostly family-owned and -operated, some appearing like grand estates plucked from the French countryside.