Napa Valley, California

Travel Blog  •  Ben Keene  •  08.04.06 | 3:35 PM ET

Coordinates: 38 30 N 122 20 W
Area: 754 square miles (1,953 sq. km)
imageBavarian beer baths are fine for some, but the more sophisticated may prefer a Chardonnay massage—a truly intoxicating way to de-stress. Popular among the Parisian upper class in the 18th century, the
long relaxing soak in a barrel of wine once thought to reduce the effects of aging has now become an exfoliating rub-down in the 21st. And California’s Napa Valley, famous for its Mediterranean climate and abundance of wineries (roughly 300), happens to be one of the few places where such a spirited spa treatment can be found. A narrow valley that stretches almost from Mount Saint Helena to San Pablo Bay, Napa Valley actually produces only about 5 percent of California’s total wine.

—.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) is the editor of the Oxford Atlas of the World.   

Tags: Food, North America, United States, California, News and Briefs

Ben Keene has appeared on National Public Radio, Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio as well as other nationally syndicated programs to discuss geographic literacy and his work updating a bestselling world atlas. Formerly a touring musician, he has written for Transitions Abroad and inTravel.


1 Comment for Napa Valley, California

Pierre 03.05.07 | 6:52 PM ET

There are a number of photographs taken during a tour of the well-known Robert Mondavi Winery and related information about Napa which may be of interest to you at trivago. Our travel community invites you to visit us and share your experiences.

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.