Roman Coppola's tips for Napa Valley, California

17 November 2017

The Academy-Award nominated film-maker and screenwriter tells us about his true home in Northern California - and his favourite places to eat and drink there

Roman CoppolaGetty

'My family bought a summer house in Rutherford, in the Napa Valley, in the mid 1970s, but by the end of the decade it had become our permanent home. I travel a lot, and it's the one place that remains constant. When I return from somewhere, I head north on the large freeway, which narrows to two lanes, then to one. It feels like you're really back when there's only a single lane. My favourite place to eat is Ciccio, in Yountville, an authentic Italian restaurant owned by an old family friend, Frank Altamura (you must taste his twist on the Negroni).

The other place we go to is Gott's Roadside. It used to be called Taylor's Refresher, and as a kid it was a pretty funky hamburger stand. Now it does all kinds of excellent diner food, including grilled sandwiches and tacos. There are plenty of wineries around us - our neighbour's label, Scarecrow, has some enjoyable bottles - but usually we drink wine from our own property, specifically those that I've made with my kids, with them stamping on the grapes. Our house is close to Mount Saint John, and if you drive up its back roads, there is a beautiful spot that overlooks the whole valley. It's an amazing place for a sundowner.'

Where to stay: Set on a private estate, the Meadowood Napa Valley (meadowood.com) hotel is loved for its three-Michelin-star restaurant and winery tours. Molton Brown's Gingerlily body wash and body lotion is stocked in suites.

[GalleryThumbnails##FullWidth##CallToActionWhat to wear in Napa Valley]