It’s no surprise that 2020 was a rough year for Napa Valley. Soon after the pandemic shuttered many businesses, the devastating Glass Fire tore through the hillsides and vineyards of this beloved destination. Now three years later, the bucolic stretch from Yountville to Calistoga is roaring back. With the grand openings or renovations of several places of interest along famed State Route 29 this year, harvest season and the holidays should see a steady stream of visitors enjoying a gorgeous daytrip or weekend gateway. Here are a few standouts from our recent visit:

North Block, Yountville

A popular boutique hotel right of Route 29, North Block recently enjoyed a design refresh to its lobby and rooms. Surrounding a charming courtyard, the 20 rooms feature private entrances and balconies, chic décor and a large soaking tub with separate rain shower. In May, the hotel debuted its new restaurant with an emphasis on coastal cuisine, live-fire fare and daily brunch. Highlights of the sharable plates include delicious lemon ricotta pancakes, flatbreads with cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery and foraged mushrooms, and local seafood from TwoXSea. And don’t miss the inspired cocktail menu crafted by industry veterans West Bev Consulting. 

6757 Washington Street, Yountville; www.northblockyontville.com

NO|MA House Café & Collective, St. Helena

Lovely NO|MA, short for North Main, combines food, fashion and home goods in one welcoming space. The vision of owner and lead designer Ann Bracken, the café and collective fuses her deep roots in health and lifelong passion for design. Though the building dates back to 1920, Ann and her all-female technical team re-envisioned the space with vintage and antique furnishings. Guests can pull up a stool at the outdoor café bar in the plant-filled front courtyard, or head inside for a cozy meal or beverage fireside. The retail features both exclusives and home and fashion favorites, including ceramics, glassware, furniture, jewelry and artisan textiles.

1429 Main Street, St. Helena; www.nomahousecafeandcollective.com

Faust Haus, St. Helena

A glorious Victorian on a hillside off Route 29, the newly christened Faust Haus is home to the Faust Wine experience for the lucky few with a tasting reservation. The 19^th-century structure has been lovingly resorted with a modern sensibility, with unique, striking rooms on two levels. But outside is the place to be on a warm fall day, overlooking the valley from a pretty perch while sipping on estate wines from Coombsville and snaking on some perfect pairings from the Haus kitchen. Be sure to check out the hidden speakeasy just off the main path to the house. 

2867 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena; www.faustwines.com