Explore Napa

My Napa Valley Driver

If you plan to hit several winery's in a day it is HIGHLY recommended to get yourself a driver. This company can help you with that!

READ: How to Plan a Napa valley Day Trip

Here is a helpful article we stumbled upon that we wanted to share with you all. In it you'll find some tips and recommendations to make the most out of your time in the valley! Enjoy.

CADE Estate Winery

CADE is a must-see! We were drinking this wine at my parents house when we decided to put Napa on our possible venue location list. When we came here for the first time, we were able to get a tour of the property. We highly recommend taking a tour or doing a tasting! The tasting room is open by appointment only from 10 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week. Tour and tasting fee is $80 per person for parties of up to 6 guests, and $125 per person for parties of 7 or more. Tasting fees are independent of wine purchase.

EAT: The Charter Oak

One of my parents favorite spots! The restaurant has all different types of food and has a very industrial feel. It's casual and has a beautiful patio with a nice fireplace with a seating area. The bar is awesome and they have great cocktails! You can't dine here without having the garden veggies with the fermented soy and onion dip. It's to die for. :)

Silver Oak Napa Valley

Tony's favorite! We are definitely planning to do a tour. or tasting here. We haven't been here yet - but can't wait! Tasting room hours are Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm, Sunday: 11am - 5pm. Walk-in tastings are allowed here, for parties of 6 or fewer. Parties of 7 or more require reservation and the cost is $30 per person. Silver Oak also offers a tour and tasting for $40 per person, but this requires a reservation. Visit link below for more information.

EAT: Mustards Grill

Mustards Grill was named for the wild mustard flowers that bloom in the vineyards every spring, which help to nourish the soil. Mustard is an integral part of Napa Valley's wine growing diversity! After 30 years of feeding Napa Valley and its visitors, Mustards Grill is still the hub of the food and wine community where winemakers lunch with truckers and chefs come to dine on their night off. Alternately known as the fancy rib joint with way too many wines, Mustards is still the place to go for a heaping plate of honest American fare with worldly sophistication, washed down with a glass of the valley's finest.

Caymus Vineyards

Beautiful winery and great wine! Please note that reservations are encouraged for preferred seating and required for parties of six or more. Tasting hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Tasting fee is $50/person. You will sample five wines made by the Wagner family – Caymus, Mer Soleil, Emmolo and Conundrum. You’ll also hear some of our favorite stories about being farmers and winemakers in Napa Valley, with a family history dating back more than 150 years.

EAT: Restoration Hardware

You absolutely MUST go check this out. Restoration Hardware's Yountville showroom and restaurant. It's gorgeous and such a fun place to visit. They have a small restaurant (reservations need to be made in advance), as well as a big wine tasting area with a beautiful patio and wine bar. The VAULT is the wine tasting and bar area and is first come first serve!

Honig Vineyard & Winery

Our first Napa wine tasting was here! We love Honig, so my mom surprised us with a tasting when we came to look for venues. We definitely recommend coming here! Tasting by appointment only, seven days a week between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Honig Vineyard & Winery is a family owned winery specializing in Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The cost for a tasting is $30 per person, and there are tours and additional reservations available on the website below.

EAT: Goose & Gander

EAT: Ad Hoc

Fun, family style, seasonal food from the famous Thomas Keller. Casual vibe with amazing food in very quaint downtown Yountville. Menu is set, so this is not a good spot for picky eaters. :) You can check menu online.

Brasswood Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Tours and tastings are 90 minutes that explores the history of the estate, its unique terroir, and its superlative wines. Delight in the fascinating stories of one of California's earliest wine estates as you stroll the property and finish with a seated tasting in the stately Manor House. Cost is $75 per person, offered daily, by appointment only, at 10:00AM, 1:00PM and 3:00PM

EAT and/or STAY: Auberge du Soleil, an Auberge Resort

Brunch with a view! You must have brunch here. It's a little pricey, but seriously the best views of Napa Valley (second to Cade and Amizetta). Most mornings you can watch the hot air balloons taking flight in the distance.

Beringer Vineyards

The Old Winery Tasting Room offers a selection of winery-exclusive wines, ranging from light-bodied whites to fruit-driven reds. The cost is $25 per person and there are other tour options available.

EAT and/or SHOP: Oxbow Public Market

This was a really fun place to explore in downtown Napa and to grab a quick bite, coffee or juice! The Wine & Cheese Merchant is a great option for some vino and snacks, and you can sit outside (there's a cozy fire place too)! Amazing tacos, great sushi and an oyster bar. Also, nearby is the CIA Copia restaurant and store.

Schramsberg Vineyards

This is also a must-do on our list! Cave Tour & Tastings are available daily at: 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm. Cost is $70 per person. During your tour/tasting, the guide will share the rich history of Schramsberg and our 125-year-old caves, introduce you to the classic method of producing sparkling wine, and end with a tasting of a variety of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards wines. The Cave Tour/Tastings accommodate up to 10 guests. The tour lasts about one hour and thirty minutes. Their permit is limited so they are limited by the number of guests they can see daily and reservations are required in advance.

EAT: The Model Bakery

Located in beautiful downtown St. Helena, the Model Bakery has been serving locals and visitors for over 25 years. The location has been a bakery since 1908, and they still bake in the original brick ovens built in the 1920’s! This location is a great place to grab a quick lunch with fresh, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and pizza! Incredible bread, coffee, pastries and much more. Don't forget to get an English muffin!

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery

Experience the Rutherford and Dollarhide Estate Vineyards in these limited production single vineyard wines. Wine tasting duration is 45 Minutes and cost is $35.00 per person. Group Size: 1 - 6 Guests

EAT: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Farm-to-table New American fare is served in a renovated barn owned by a cattle ranch & winery.

VISIT OR TAKE A CLASS! The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

Experience cooking demonstrations and breathtaking views from one of the leading culinary schools in America. For more than six decades, The Culinary Institute of America has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education. The CIA has inspired excellence throughout the food world by leading the way: in education of students, in the elevation of the culinary profession, throughout the innovation of thought leadership, and through collaborations on critical food and industry issues. In all these ways, the college has truly changed the way the world looks at food.

EAT: Gott's Roadside

Amazing burger and taco spot that won't break the bank! This is a really cute, casual outside diner-type vibe.

The Prisoner Wine Company

The Prisoner is a very unique and fun place. Tastings include four wines offered daily from 11am to 6pm. Seating is available both inside and outside, and you can choose your preference when making your reservation. Tastings are available daily until 5pm at $45 per person. Reservations are required for this experience.

DO: Napa Valley Balloons, Inc

In Napa, hot air balloon rides are an unforgettable experience. Take-off is around 5am or 6am and the flight lasts 1 hours and wraps up with a champagne breakfast at Domaine Chandon.

Round Pond Estate Winery

By appointment only, available at 10:00am Friday-Sunday. All tastings are $70 per person, club member discounts apply (limit 2). This experience includes a guided tour of our olive mill, followed by a sit-down tasting of our olive oils, vinegars, and syrups paired with a seasonal selection of garden-inspired foods. Please allow 1.5 hours for this experience. 2 person minimum, 10 persons maximum. For reservation requests with less than 24 hours’ notice, please call our Concierge at 707-302-2575. Required a 24 hour in advance notice for cancellations to avoid being charged for the tasting.

DO: Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a leisurely gourmet journey throughout the beautiful wine country of Napa Valley in meticulously restored vintage rail cars. The Napa Valley Wine Train provides a three-hour thirty-six mile round trip journey between the historic town of Napa through one of the world's most famous wine valleys to the quaint village of St. Helena and back. Guests aboard the Wine Train enjoy the option of a freshly prepared lunch or dinner as they view the vineyards and wineries from any of the vintage 1915-1917 Pullman Dining, Lounge or 1952 Vista Dome rail cars which have been lavishly restored.

DO: Downtown Calistoga

Calistoga's welcoming downtown is a fun place to spend the day shopping. You'll find gourmet food, wine, art galleries, boutiques, jewelry, hardware, groceries, etc.

DO: Napa Valley Bike Tours & Rentals

Napa Valley Bike Tours offers fun tours as well as daily bike rentals around Napa.

SHOP/EAT: St. Helena

St. Helena is Napa Valley's main street, with amazing restaurants, luxurious resorts, and the best wine in the world.

DO: Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Great day spa if you would like to venture outside of St. Helena.

DO: Yountville

The small town offers an abundance of amazing food (Bottega, Ad Hoc, Redd, R+D Kitchen, and Ciccio). In addition to the food, the main street is lined with wonderful tasting rooms that you can pop into and sip on some of the best wine in the region.

DO: Downtown Napa

There are several things to do and see in Downtown Napa. Stroll around and checkout some of the tasting rooms and fabulous restaurants (Morimoto and Celadon to name a few).

EAT: Rutherford Grill

Napa’s Hillstone :) about 5 miles south of Harvest Inn!

EAT: Café Sarafornia

Yummy breakfast joint in downtown Calistoga! Casual/diner vibe. Very good! Fresh squeezed juices and champs!

EAT/DRINK: Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar

Awesome rooftop restaurant and bar in downtown Napa. On top of the Archer Hotel!

HALL Wines St. Helena

With over 35 pieces of contemporary art, this 150 year old site has something for everyone. Wine, art, history, architecture, technology a lush landscaping and a Great Lawn for relaxing and unwinding .

Cook St. Helena

Delish!!! Everything here is fantastic. Homemade pasta and daily risotto. This northern italinan eatery is a local favorite.