“What a wonderful time I had at the retreat on Saturday! You created a beautiful experience leading the exercises. The group of women you gathered were great to hang out with and share writing. Your comfortable home and delicious treats made the day even more memorable.”

Janna Raye

“I think you did a terrific job conducting the retreat. I loved being at your utterly (and udderly) charming milkmaid's cottage. I got some good writing done, and I felt connected to the other women. I also got some excellent eating done––the delectable bread and cheese still linger in my taste memory.”

Laura Wine Paster

“I found the writing exercises creative and inspiring. I was able to create individual pieces to each prompt or continue developing the same character into a longer work. Having the retreat in Napa far away from my everyday life helped me to open up as a writer and focus on getting words on the page without all my normal day to day distractions.”

Julie Bennett

“Napa Writing Retreats is a must for anyone who enjoys writing or just wants to improve their creative writing skills. The retreat nurtures creativity for several reasons: 1) Jill Winkelstein’s encouraging, supportive, and humorous leadership sets the tone for free-flowing creativity, laughter, and exploration of your imagination, 2) the retreat offers workshops set in a beautiful redwood grove – a welcome respite from the stale air and cubicles of many office environments, 3) the retreat’s location allows you to explore California’s famous Napa Valley wineries, and 4) if nature, laughter and wine don’t relax you, a soak in the hot tub or a lengthy massage will drive all the apprehensions about writing out of your pores.”

Jeanne Lahaie

“I loved Jill’s style of leadership. As soon as she announced the next exercise I got all giddy inside and could barely wait to start writing. All of the exercises were fun and stimulating and encouraged creativity that I didn’t know existed up there in that gray matter. This retreat inspired me to continue a daily writing habit because of the great freedom and emotional outlet it gave me.”

Darci Andresen

“The setting was beautiful, the redwoods, the springs and the spa helped to keep me physically and mentally nurtured – not to mention the great and frequent snacks and meals too.”

Lynne Painter