That all changed a decade ago when Napans voted to end the chronic flooding of the Napa River. Now, the historic town is reborn with new attractions like restaurants, lodging, shops, galleries and entertainment along its riverfront.

A major catalyst has been COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, but other efforts have also contributed: restoration of the neglected 19th century Napa Valley Opera House, transformation of the old Hatt Mill into a hotel, restaurants and shops, and the taming of the river itself.  There’s still much to do, but today’s Napa has become the heart of Napa Valley once again.

Reasons to Visit

• Only about an hour from Oakland and San Francisco
• Historic riverfront town with many Victorian homes
• A range of lodging from motels to elegant inns and full-service hotels
• Wide selection of restaurants,  from fast food to gourmet
• Lively nightlife and entertainment
• Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts
• The Napa Valley Opera House
• Art galleries and other shops

Restaurant Suggestions:

Fine Dining

• Brix Restaurant, seasonal California cuisine with great views. 7377 St. Helena Hwy. (Highway 29) north of Yountville, 707-944-2749.
• Angèle, Authentic French cuisine on the river, local favorite. 540 Main St., Napa, (707) 252-8115.

Casual Dining

• Zinsvalley, local hangout popular with winemakers. 3253 Browns Valley Rd., Napa, (707) 224-0695.
• Marie Callender, American comfort food including great pies. 1990 Trower Ave. at Highway 29, Napa, (707) 253-7754.

Dine-In & Takeout Deli’s

• Genova Delicatessen, Italian deli and grocery. 1550 Trancas Ave., Napa, (707) 253-8686.
• Valerga’s Markets, upscale supermarkets with extensive delis, 3385 Solano Ave. (707- 253-2621) and 301 First St. (707-253-1666), Napa.

Tasting Tour - The Sweet Spot of Napa Valley

Clos du Val was formed in 1971 when American businessman John Goelet sent French-born winemaker Bernard Portet to find the best place in the world for a new winery. He chose Napa’s Stags Leap district, and there the winery makes European-style wines from both Bordeaux and Burgundy grapes. 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa (707) 259-2225.

Andretti Winery was formed with racing legend Mario Andretti, whose family fled their village in Italy when it became part of then-Communist Croatia. The attractive, Tuscan-styled winery produces classic Napa wines plus Sangiovese in homage to Andretti’s boyhood in Italy. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 4162 Big Ranch Rd., Napa. (707) 261-1717.

Cliff Lede Vineyards was created in 2002 when Canadian businessman Cliff Lede purchased S. Anderson Vineyard, and dramatically upgraded the property’s vineyards and facilities. It lies at the northern end of the Stags Leap District with 70 acres of estate vineyard. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 1473 Yountville Cross Rd., Yountville. (707) 944-8642.

Jessup Cellars in Yountville makes its wines from estate vineyards in the Wooden and Pope Valley appellations in the Eastern hills of Napa. Focusing on red wines, Mark Jessup makes Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a rare Zinfandel Port. 6740 Washington St., Yountville. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. (707) 944-8523.

Domaine Chandon was the first California sparkling wine venture by a French Champagne producer. It crafts sparkling wines that reflect California’s terroir using the traditional méthode champenoise, and also produces still wines from its Carneros vineyards. One California Drive, Yountville. Open Sunday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday to 6 p.m. (707) 944-2280.

Monticello Vineyards is owned by the Corley Family, which has vineyards in the Oak Knoll, Yountville, Rutherford and St. Helena appellations of Napa Valley. They produce wines under both the Corley and Monticello names. Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 4242 Big Ranch Rd., Napa (707) 253-2802.