According to Sunset magazine, Yountville “boasts more Michelin stars per capita than any place on Earth”, which made it a perfect spot for Parties That Cook’s own Bibby Gignilliat to spend a culinary food and wine weekend with girlfriends. The ladies spent three days eating, drinking, and shopping it up in style, and the reports on Napa’s must-visit hot spots are in!

Oxbow Market is a fun stop for a quick bite at Pica Pica Maize Kitchen, a sweet treat at Kara’s Cupcakes, an energy boost at Ritual Coffee Roasters, or even some wine tasting at Oxbow Wine Merchant. San Franciscans will love the familiar Ferry Building feel of Oxbow Market, which is also home of Taylor’s Automatic Refresher and Hog Island Oyster Company.

Bibby insists that her meal at Michael Chiarello’s Bottega was one of the best she’s ever had. The entire table raved about the Pecorino pudding. Can’t make it out to Napa in the near future? Not to worry, you can make the pudding at home with this recipe from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Redd was another shining culinary star of the weekend, with dishes like Monterey Calamari with Chickpea-Pepper Ragout, Pinenuts, Olives, and Aioli, Crisp Duck Confit with Savoy Cabbage, Foie Gras Meatballs and Crispy Spaetzle, and the Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter and Pomegranate Reduction.

Also worth a stop is Etoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon, whose own Perry Hoffman was recently named Rising Chef of the Year by the SF Chronicle. With mouthwatering menu items like the Dungeness Crab Kohlrabi with Passion Fruit and the Roasted Lamb Loin with Medjool Dates and Lentil Puree, it’s easy to see why.

For the absolute Napa brunch experience, one must dine at Ubuntu Restaurant and Yoga Studio (meal to either be preceded or immediately followed by a yoga class). This is true California zen.

Other notable restaurants in the Napa Valley roundup include the ever popular French Laundry, Ad Hoc, Bouchon, Bistro Jeanty, Terra, and Martini House.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fabulous food of Napa Valley, but don’t forget you are in wine country! Some of our favorite spots for wine tasting are: Duckhorn (relaxed spot where tasters can sit and enjoy their wine), Paraduxx (same owners as Duckhorn with a modern setting and feel), Cakebread Cellars (good for a tour and a tasting), Goose Cross Winery, Darioush, and Crushpad (recently moved from San Francisco).

For the ultimate in luxury Napa lodging, book a stay at Bardessano. The hotel features a restaurant with farm fresh menu, a rooftop pool, outdoor showers, organic linens, and bicycles for guests to explore wine country at no additional cost. Bibby and friends enjoyed a relaxing ride along Yount Mill Road.

For a slightly less indulgent stay, check out Maison Fleurie, described as “French country romance in the heart of Napa Valley” which “blends the modern luxuries and sophisticated services of a boutique hotel with the traditional amenities and architecture of a B & B”.

And no weekend getaway would be complete without a little shopping. The gals loved the Cake Plate in Napa, an adorable boutique that shares its space with a cupcakery. Artist Collective Maisonry allows admirers to sip wine while browsing art and vintage furnishings. Serious shoppers should stop in St. Helena, which holds a plethora of cute shops that are worthy of a few saved paychecks.

Skip the beach for your next vacation and head to California’s wine country for culinary food and wine tour you won’t soon forget. Been to Napa Valley? Feel free to share your additional tips and secret gems with us!