9 Things You Didn't Know About Napa (But Shouldn't Miss)

1. You can eat and drink on the cheap and casual.

2. There are a few places that don’t serve exclusively wine.

3. If you’re invited to a wine cave dinner, BRING A COAT.

With Cabernet grapes fetching such a premium, it’s easy to believe thatpeople may not spare a square foot for other crops. Well, let’s just say a few people take local, seasonal cuisine seriously.The Hill Family Estatewinery, in Yountville, has a Secret Garden tourthat includes fruit orchards — and it’s just five minutes fromdowntown Yountville. The winery’s chef,Thomas Keller, has a kitchen garden that resembles a surreal mirage in the middle of downtown — so much so that the mystery becomes, “How come no one ever walks right throughit?” And another top chef, Victor Scargle, keeps a garden atLucy, a restaurant in the boutique hotelBardessonothat’s kind of a secrettreasure. (Documented evidence: Instagram the #broccoflower.)

5. And there’s hill country.

6. And hot springs

7. It can be pet-friendly.

8. Respect the Veterans

9. There’s no Disney Land, but there is a castle