DESTINATION

St. Helena

Settlers began planting vineyards in the 1860s, and from its earliest days St. Helena was the central valley's commercial center and an important shipping point. Two of the area's many wineries—Beringer Vineyards and the Charles Krug Winery—are California Historical Landmarks.

The St. Helena Farmers Market is one of the valley's oldest and largest. It offers a cornucopia of seasonal organic fruits and vegetables, including a number of heirloom varieties. In addition to produce vendors sell products like fresh seafood, herbal teas and honey as well as jewelry and pottery created by local artisans. It sets up Friday mornings 7:30-noon, May through October, at Crane Park, about a mile south of downtown via Main Street/SR 29 to Grayson Avenue; the market entrance is adjacent to St. Helena High School.

Locally handmade items include the candles produced at the Hurd Beeswax Candle Factory, 345 LaFata St. No molds are used; each candle is individually hand-twisted to the desired shape. The on-site store is open by appointment only; phone (707) 963-7211. Sunshine Foods, 1115 Main St., is packed to the rafters with specialty items, an awesome selection of locally produced cheeses and a deli that makes specialty sandwiches to go—everything you need for a picnic lunch to accompany a day of winery visits.

The Culinary Institute of America has a campus in St. Helena, housed in the imposing Greystone Cellars building at 2555 Main St. (accessible from SR 29). Cooking demonstrations are given regularly, and there are herb and organic gardens on the grounds. For more information phone (707) 967-1100.