<p>A Napa Valley vacation has more to offer than just great wineries and wine tastings.  In fact, the area has wonderful hot springs, the Culinary Institute of America, the Petrified Forest, balloon festivals and many other attractions that will provide fun for the whole family.  Combine both wine tasting with a balloon ride to enjoy some of the best that a Napa Valley vacation has to offer.</p>
<p><strong>Balloon Festivals and Rides</strong></p>
<p>The Citrus Classic Balloon Festival, held every July in Santa Paula, allows visitors to witness a sky full of boldly colored balloons, and tethered balloon rides are offered to guests, allowing them a panoramic view of the Los Padres National Forest with no worries of floating away.  The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, held in early June, combines a Napa Valley vacation with samples of local wines.  For a luxury Napa Valley vacation featuring balloons and wine, take part in the Ballooning and Wine Tour, which offers a champagne brunch upon landing on the first day, and a six-hour wine tasting tour, followed by lunch at one of the local restaurants on the second day.</p>
<p><strong>Culinary Institute of America</strong></p>
<p>One of the most unique and inspiring culinary education campuses in the country, the Culinary Institute of America is one of Napa Valley’s most historic and majestic properties.  A visit to this spectacular educational facility provides demonstrations, dining locations, and the Vintner’s Hall of Fame, and is a must-see for anyone planning a Napa Valley vacation.</p>
<p><strong>Old Faithful</strong></p>
<p>Your Napa Valley vacation would not be complete without a visit to Old Faithful, a spectacular performance put on by nature.  Uprising steam and bubbling hot water announce the geyser, with Mount Saint Helena and the Palisades Mountains in the backdrop as thousands of gallons of water rocket toward the sky.</p>
<p><img title="napa-valley-perfect-vacation" src="assets/media/napa-valley-perfect-vacation-300x107.jpg" alt="napa-valley-perfect-vacation" width="300" height="107" /></p>
<p><strong>Wineries</strong></p>
<p>Of course, a Napa Valley vacation has to include wine tastings at some of the best wineries in the world.  Visit Chateau Montelena, established in 1882, whose 1973 Alexander Valley Chardonnay won first place among chardonnays at the famous “Judgment of Paris” competition.  The competition was a blind tasting comparison, and two California wines rated best, surprising many as France was regarded as being the foremost producer of good wines.  Steven Spurrier, a British wine merchant who only sold French wine, as he believed California wines were inferior, put on the contest.  Sterling Vinyards is another must see vineyard, offering panoramic views of Napa Valley and transporting passengers up the hill to the winery in solar powered trams.  Castello di Amorosa is another excellent winery to visit during a Napa Valley vacation, in order to view its faithful recreation of an Italian castle.</p>
<p>Owner members in Equity Estates, enjoy their visit to Napa Valley in their private residence at the Calistoga Ranch, just a short drive from the San Francisco Bay area.  The two large bedroom home is forged within nature with walls of windows to maximize forest and valley views, a secluded outdoor shower garden, and a comfortable outdoor living and dining room with an oversized fireplace.  That means no small, cramped hotel rooms during their Napa Valley vacation.  For more information on Napa or Equity Estates, <a title="Equity Estates Inquiries" href="http://www.equityestateslsf.com/inquiries.php" target="_blank">contact us</a>.</p>