In 1986, the economy of the pleasant village of Yountville was given a boost by the opening of Domain Chandon (http://www.chandon.com) on California Drive by the famou s champagne and brandy producers, Moët et Chandon. Tours describe the ultra-modern pro­duction process and a museum chroni­cles the long and illustrious history of champagne – but actually sampling the stuff costs a pretty penny.

Elsewhere in Yountville, the only place worthy of your time is the Vintage 1870 (http://www.vmarketplace.com) complex, 6525 Washing­ton Street, which fills a former 19thC winery and railway station with a collection of diverse retail outlets and eateries. Even if you don’t buy or eat anything, the cobbled pathways are ripe for a stroll.