New in 2008

We're always trying to make our Napa Valley bed and breakfast inn even better than the year before. With 2008 now here, we thought we'd share some of what we plan on doing new this year, so please visit our web site.

(Want a partial hint? One word: waffles!)

Napa Valley Mustard Festival

All, just a quick note as you think about planning your next trip to the Napa Valley: the 15th annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival runs Feb 2 through March 29. This is a nearly two-month celebration of food, wine and art exhibitions up and down the Valley. The events are fun and, of course, the Valley has that special beautiful appearance, as the wild yellow mustard jumps out at you amid the still-stark black grapevines. Also, as I mentioned in my previous post, February, March, and April are great times to visit the Napa Valley for the simple fact that there aren't as many people here as during the "high season" of July-October.

For more information about the Napa Valley Mustard Festival, check out their web site.

Also, Studio on Main in downtown St. Helena (a few minutes from the Inn) has available for sale the poster for this year's Mustard Festival (see below), and even signed by the artist, Jesse Miller. It makes a great gift and/or decoration in your home or office. Contact Studio on Main if you're interested.

I hope to see you again soon at the Inn.

Winter Secrets

Today I'd like to share a Napa Valley insider's secret with you: Yes, it's our "winter time" right now, and that means the occasional dose of rain (which can be, sometimes, quite large). But winter is also a GREAT time to visit the Napa Valley. It's true--I kid you not!

Why is this time of year a great time to visit the Napa Valley? Well, for example:

* There are far fewer people, making it much easier to dine and taste wine.

* The wineries and restaurants are much more relaxed, meaning that it's much easier for you to make a personal connection with them.

* And at the Wine Country Inn, you can stay AND save money with our off-season rates.

And if in fact it does rain, you can always curl up with your loved one by a fire in your room with a great bottle of wine and one of our cheese and fruit plates and, well...you'll figure it out.