San Francisco to Calistoga, California

A day of spas, with a side of Syrah

1. Golden Haven Hot Springs

1713 Lake St., Calistoga, Calif.; 707/942-8000, www.goldenhaven.com

Among the long-standing private mud emporiums, this one is the most professional and up-to-date. Treatments, including mud baths for couples, mineral baths and herbal facials, start at $49.

2. Lavender Hill Spa

1015 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga, Calif.; 800/528-4772, www.lavenderhillspa.com

Calistoga's cleanest spa caters to couples in the garden tubs, padded head-to-toe. The Volcanic Mud Bath ($99/couple) involves a foot massage and a soak in water sprinkled with salt, volcanic ash, and lavender oil.

3. barVino

1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, Calif.; 707/942-9900

Watering hole for local oenophiles with cork walls, oak tables, and a booth upholstered in burgundy red. Wines from 25 local small-batch producers come in three sizes: taste (two ounces), glass, and half-carafe. Each pour comes with a handout on the wine's history.

4. Calistoga Bike Shop

1318 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, Calif.; 866/942-2453, www.calistogabikeshop.com

A bike shop with perfect proximity to The Silverado Trail, where cyclists enjoy a dedicated lane and string of wineries that serve as perfectly spaced pit stops. Bike rentals from $25/day.

5. Clos Pegase

1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, Calif.; 707/286-7212, www.clospegas.com

A winery designed by Michael Graves; the sculpture garden includes works by Mark DiSuvero and Richard Serra.

6. Castello di Amorosa

4045 N. St. Helena Hwy., Calistoga, Calif.; 707/286-7212, www.castellodiamorosa.com

Built by a fourth-generation winemaker, this 121,000-square-foot medieval-style castle was constructed from basalt, sandstone and 200-year-old brick, and features hand-carved chestnut beams. Visitors take a 45-minute castle tour after tasting Castello wines.

7. Calistoga Ranch

580 Lommel Rd., Calistoga, Calif.; 800/942-4220, www.calistogarance.com

A no-car, 157-acre pine-filled resort with copper-trimmed cedar cabins, morning yoga classes in a wine cave, and hand-woven chenille throws for keeping warm by an outdoor fireplace. It's like summer camp for pampered adults. Rooms from $600.

Step-by-Step Directions San Francisco to Calistoga, CA

Starting Point: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

• Head NORTH across the Golden Gate Bridge away from San Francisco on US-101 N.
• Continue on US-101 N for about 8 miles.
• Take exit 460A, CA-37 E, towards Napa/Vallejo and continue on for about 7.5 miles.
• Merge LEFT onto CA-121 N towards Sonoma/Napa for about 8 miles.
• After CA-12 and CA-121 merge, turn LEFT on CA-29 N.
• Continue on CA-29 N for about 11 miles. CA-29 N becomes St. Helena Hwy.
• Continue on St. Helena Hwy for 7.5 miles. St. Helena Hwy becomes Foothill Blvd.
• Continue on Foothill Blvd for less than 1 mile. At Lincoln Ave., turn RIGHT into Calistoga.