(Mercurynews) - Living near the Napa Valley means appreciating its allure year-round. We can traipse through verdant vineyards, pop into world-class wineries and catch incomparable sunsets whenever we want. But summer is our favorite season for a wine country escape.

Almost on cue, the longer days signal the start of adventure. And this summer, there are a ton of new things to do in Napa Valley: Sip alfresco at an urban tasting salon, lounge poolside at a 19th-century luxury inn or watch the sun dip behind the Mayacamas Mountains at one of the valley’s hottest renovated restaurants.

On a recent visit, we put the late spring rains behind us and sank into all the sun had to offer, starting with a stay at The Francis House in Calistoga.