1019 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga, California, United States | (480) 668-3569
Housed in a historic Craftsman house with period details
Downtown Calistoga location, in a five-mile radius of 50 wineries
Individually decorated rooms with Craftsman furniture and L'Occitane toiletries
Highly acclaimed breakfast with local cuisine
Cooking classes available
Free in-room Wi-Fi
Walking distance to mud baths and spas
Rooms and bathrooms can be small
Located on a busy street
No full restaurant or bar
No on-site spa treatments
The owners of the Wine Way Inn adapted a 1912 Craftsman house to create a mid-range bed-and-breakfast for visitors to Calistoga, a town located on the North end of Napa Valley. With 50 wineries within a five-mile radius, this property appeals to visiting oenophiles and those just sipping their way through the countryside. The five guest rooms are decorated with arts-and-crafts-style furnishings, but some of the bathrooms are a bit cramped. The generous breakfast gets positive marks. By comparison, the Wine Country Inn offers a more upscale B&B experience with individual cottages at several times the price.
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Scene
A classic Craftsman setting
Like many Craftsman houses, the Wine Way Inn's painted-wood exterior has welcoming, neighborly appeal. A vine-covered trellis reminds guests they're in wine country, as do the burgundy-red steps leading up to the porch. The lobby or front parlor has plenty of Mission-style furniture, made of dark wood and black leather, for reading and relaxing. A fireplace, Oriental rug, breakfront, and wooden ceiling fan all add to the cozy, early 20th century atmosphere. Out front, the wicker furniture on the porch encourages people watching and chatting up neighbors. The chairs on the back porch and gazebo give plenty more opportunities to breathe in the Napa Valley air and admire the landscape.
Location
Situated in downtown Calistoga, in Northern Napa Valley
The layout of Calistoga, the inn's town, harkens back to an era before Napa Valley became a booming tourist attraction. A two-lane road leads to and from the village, and fast food franchises aren't allowed -- by law. That isn't to say there aren't some innovative elements. Across the street from the Wine Way Inn, a mid-20th century gas station has been converted into a wine tasting showroom. But the inn's location on one of the main roads does mean it can get a little noisy, depending on who's strolling by. The town's main street, which is around the corner, has restaurants, an art gallery, pharmacy, and more. Sonoma County Airport is about 32 minutes away by car, and San Francisco International Airport is close to two hours away, depending on traffic.
Rooms
Craftsman meets shabby chic
Each of the five bedrooms at the Wine Way Inn have a distinct style with shared inspiration. While most have a dresser or bureau that reverently recalls Craftsman furniture style, the rest of the room mixes together inspiration from shabby chic decor and flea market finds. Bed frames are ornate wrought-iron or four-poster affairs. Nightstands have an upcycled thrift-store look. All of it blends nicely with painted wood walls. And depending on the room, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and irons add some modern amenities. The bathrooms aren't quite as notable. They're on the small side, even for a couple. And beyond the black and white floor tile, accent-painted doors, and touches of wallpaper, the design is only serviceable, and most have petite shower stalls. But some rooms do have tubs, and all are stocked with L'Occitane soaps and toiletries.
Features
A focus on breakfast: the most important meal
Breakfasts at the Wine Way Inn come with fresh baked breads and scones and menu items such as "Baked Beans with Poached Eggs" and "Homemade Granola." Gillian Kite, owner of the Wine Way Inn and author of "Inn Food Seasonal Breakfast in the Wine Country," offers cooking classes to interested groups of guests. Part of the class includes foraging for ingredients in Sonoma County and turning those ingredients into "Farm to Table" meals. Spa treatments aren't available on-site, but can be enjoyed nearby. Wi-Fi is free.
