This very unique little valley, crammed with vineyards and beautiful houses, cannot be discovered in a single day. Following the advice of a girl who had once lived there, a friend and myself decided to start the day off at ARTESA, a discreet modern building surrounded by lovely fountains, overlooking a spectacular view of the rolling hills of Napa.

I am not a wine expert, but what I wanted to share was the warmth of the sun, the friendliness of the locals, the green and golden beauty of the view, along with the wonderful fumes of the wine, some made from vines grown from samples that came all the way from my native country, Spain. I felt as if I had been drinking from the fountain of eternal youth, life in its purest form. It was a glorious, wonderful feeling. I'll toast to that mid-February day, over and over again. Cheers.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Cha Cha Cha is a restaurant on Haight Street. The food is Caribbean - my favorite is the red snapper wrapped in banana leaves with black beans and plantains - but no matter what you eat, or even if you're not hungry, DO NOT MISS the sangria (just make sure you don't have to drive afterwards).

As the Frommers website says, Cha Cha Cha is not a meal, it's an experience. Moderately priced. No reservations. Weird people, weird neighborhood, great food and wine (not a full bar).

1801 Haight Street (nearest intersection: Schrader street) - a few blocks from Ashbury and half a block from Golden Gate Park;.
tel: (415) 386-7670
public transport: bus 71 stops less than a block away

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

For the best local rock and punk bands head to this little bar at the base of Potrero Hill. Friendly, alcohol-fueled, huge patio, cheap beer. Cover charge varies from $5-7 depending on night and bands. Everything starts late, the first act crawling on to the stage about 10pm. Thai food available earlier in the evening.

1600 17th St. (at Wisconsin), on the 22 bus line; tel: (415) 503 0393
www.theeparkside.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This restaurant in San Francisco has wonderful food, and an exceptional wine list.

1550 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109;
tel: (415) 775 1550

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A beautiful winery, off the beaten track in Sonoma Valley, which is a short (2-3 hour) drive from San Francisco. The reason I choose this winery over all the others is that they are the only winery that I know of that pairs hors d'oeuvres with each wine you taste. The taste of the food really brings out the flavours of the wines, making for an enhanced wine-tasting experience. The winery is also near the gorgeous Alexander Valley, famous for its Zinfandels and its stunning scenery, much more rustic and picturesque than commercial Napa Valley.

I suggest either hiring a car in SF and spending a day driving around the area, or booking yourself onto a wine-tasting tour/limousine, obviously allowing you to sample more of the region's produce.

www.jwine.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends