Napa is one of the most poetically inspiring spots in California—and that’s not just the wine talking. Jill Winkelstein, in conjunction with the Carneros Inn and Calistoga Ranch, hosts weekend writing retreats in this famous region for people of all ages and skill levels. Let the beauty of wine country guide your pen as Winkelstein, a Bay Area writer who has led the retreats for six years, helps you hone your craft, whether it’s poetry, short fiction, or narrative nonfiction. With up to a dozen other writers in each workshop, you’ll get peer feedback and support, as well as the opportunity to bond with your new creative comrades and, of course, writing skills you’ll use forever. The retreat includes five and a half hours of writing time each day, a group dinner on Friday night, and a wine-and-cheese event on Saturday night.

Having a great time! “I’m not really a writer, so for me to sit for a day and write—it didn’t sound interesting. But I was blown away in the first hour. Jill’s ideas for creativity really changed my opinion,” says Serena Wellman of Benicia. “By the end of the day, I wanted to keep going.”

-Matt Bloom

IN 2008, RETREATS WILL BE HELD FEB. 1–2 AT CALISTOGA RANCH AND MAR. 14–15 AT CARNEROS INN, AT A COST OF $950 EACH (ACCOMMODATIONS NOT INCLUDED). MENTION THE WRITING RETREAT AND GET A DISCOUNTED STAY AT EITHER LOCATION. 866-848-2961, NAPAWRITINGRETREATS.COM; THECARNEROSINN.COM; CALISTOGARANCH.COM.