Shopping

In Wine Country, we prefer not to shop ‘til we drop; there's so much to do and see that we want to save energy after we're outfitted to actually step out in style and enjoy ourselves. But with the variety of events to attend, occasions to celebrate, and activities to embrace, there are plenty of shops to cater to all our needs and tastes. From elegant menswear to delectable shoes to literary thrillers, quirky vintage lamps and signature jewelry, Wine Country's shopping venues are well worth the energy.

>>2007 Winners in the Shopping Category

Best Jewelry Store

When it’s time to acquire a little bling, Wine Country has plenty to offer. Don’t settle for a generic design when there are hand-crafted pendants, rings and bracelets to set you apart from the crowd. At Spinelle Fine Jewelers in Napa, chief designer Lori Wear crafts stunning ring settings for precious stones and dazzling gemstone pendants; she’ll design a custom piece for a forever-memorable memento, first making a wax mold to ensure her design matches your vision. David’s in St. Helena is an elegant gallery that showcases his own line of sleek jewelry, with colorful gems adding verve to sophisticated, simple lines. If sterling silver is your preference, the Sonoma Silver Company on First Street West is your Mecca. Owner Leona Talley has collected more than 925 unique pieces to suit every style, from rings with delicate Celtic patterns to bold banded bracelet cuffs. The sky’s the limit – so shine on, and prepare to be dazzled.

Best Shoe Store

Everybody knows it. No, scratch that – every girl knows it: There are shoes to fit every conceivable mood, occasion and sensibility – and we never stop looking for them. But even the guys can appreciate that Wine Country’s got a fair swath of the options covered. At Shoes on First in Napa, there are comfortable walking shoes from brands like Think! and Clark’s of England, while Sole Desire in Sonoma offers Ugg boots for cold weather as well as Dansko clogs, lace-up dress shoes and sandals. And girls, for those special moods and occasions that require a little glam, Footcandy in St. Helena can provide a perfect match – with strappy patent-leather pumps, Persian-style embroidered slip-ons, high-heeled ankle boots, peep-toe stilettos, leopard-print kitten heel mules and more from top-name designers such as Jimmy Choo, Miss Sixty, Moschino, Christian Louboutin, Emilio Pucci … the list goes on and on. Promise to catch up with the guys later; there’s a whole world here to explore.

Best Secondhand Store

Browsing the racks of a quality second-hand or consignment shop can bring a thrill of discovery. Nothing beats spotting a mint-condition pair of Chanel pumps in just the right size for an ultra-bargain price, or nabbing a barely-used Pottery Barn media console that cost an arm and a leg when new. Places where trend-setters buy and recycle goods tend to make for great second-hand shopping territory, and the Wine Country is no exception: Lolo's Second to None in St. Helena is choc-a-bloc with gorgeous furniture, designer clothing and accessories, and all manner of books, artwork, collector's items and “eclectica.” The friendly staff will help you sift through the treasures, but the thrill of the find will be yours to savor.