Wine Country Home in the Heart of Napa Valley

The photos do not do this place justice. It is larger than the pictures make it seem - plenty of space for large groups of people. It's helpful that there is a full guest bathroom on both the first and second floor. It's very clean, and is stocked with every amenity you could want. The house is located in the perfect location - walking distance to the wonderful restaurants in Yountville, and in close driving distance to the other towns. There is a close, tranquil road through vineyards and farms to run or ride the bikes that the owner provides.It was January, so we didn't get to use the outdoor area, but it looks inviting. Throughout the entire process the owner was always available to answer questions or to help us with anything that we needed. The only negative was that the wireless was spotty. It would drop out all of the time - even when you were really close -and come back a few minutes later. It's not a problem for normal internet usage, but if you are planning on working from the house, it is an issue. My husband is constantly on the internet and he was not able to work from the upstairs "office."

It's Napa, there are too many wonderful places to eat, drink, and indulge. I discovered some off the beaten path places by asking every every local I met to name three wineries and three restaurants they love. Restaurants outside of the usual suspects - Bistro Jeanty, Cook, anything at the Oxbow in Napa, Jole, Oenotri, Bardessono bar (check out the toilets), Redd and the newly opened Redd Wood. Wineries are a matter of taste. We like the smaller family owned wineries. Get off 29 and the Silverado Trail and head up to the mountain areas: Howell, Spring. Maisonry is a tasting room few blocks away from the house that offers tastings from a variety of smaller wineries. You can taste, or sit in their wonderful garden with a glass of wine while you read a book. Round Pond - not a small place - has a wonderful lesson/brunch/tasting. Cooking classes with Julia are fantastic, and if you need to wok off some pounds during your stay, Ines is a great trainer. She does personal training and bikini boot camp. Make your own wine at Judd's Hill. I also highly recommend the champagne tasting/tour at Schramsberg - I never thought about how champagne is made.

This was the first time I have ever rented through VRBO. I was nervous, and I couldn't have been happier. I highly recommend this house.