Kathleen & Christopher
Things To Do
Pine Ridge Vineyards
Our favorite Cabernet Sauvignons in all of Napa Valley. They offer a tasting flight of mainly Cabernet Sauvignons with the best wine guides in Napa Valley
Nickel & Nickel Winery
Our second favorite Cabernet Sauvignons in Napa Valley. The property is a beautiful farm surrounded by sunflowers and produce 100 percent varietal, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver Oak
Another great option for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers. They offer tastings along with by-the-glass pours for walk-ins.
Sequoia Grove Winery
Sequoia Grove offers a variety of reds (including our favorite Merlot in Napa, the 2016 Napa Valley Merlot!) with views of Redwood trees as you sip wine
Hendry Winery
For those wine lovers looking to learn a little more about different types of wine varietals, Hendry is the place for you. Hendry offers tastings of various types of wines (Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc.) and offers a fascinating discussion about different types of wines. They also waive your tasting fee with the purchase of the equivalent amount of the fee in wine!
Hanzell Winery
A little out of the way in Sonoma but has the most beautiful winery view into the sloping valley. Grandma Demaria described this vineyard as “this is what heaven looks like.” Beautiful Pinot Noir and also serves very good Chardonnay
Beringer Vineyards
One of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley. They are one of the few wineries to have awards for both their red and white wines (92-98 point whites and 92-99 point Cabernet Sauvignons). You also get to tour their historic house during your tasting
Frog's Leap Winery
Beautiful farm property where they seat you on the back porch which is very peaceful. They offer a variety of different wines with our favorite being the Chardonnay “Shale and Stone”
Pride Mountain Vineyard
Situated up in the mountains featuring breathtaking views of the Napa Valley
Chandon
The best bubbles in Napa! If you are looking for a fun sparkling wine experience, this is the place for you!
Castello Di Amorosa
For someone who may not be as interested in the wine tasting itself but is more interested in the beauty of the winery, Castello di Amorosa is the place for you. When you have a reservation for their wine tasting, you get full access to their property where you can enjoy and explore their fully built castle. Castello di Amorosa also offers a grape juice tasting for those looking for a non-alcoholic tasting experience and an interesting chocolate - wine tasting pairing.
Jelly Belly Factory
The factory where “Jelly Belly” jelly beans are made is roughly 30 minutes away from downtown Napa. While there, you can see the actual production of jelly beans, go on a factory tour, and even take a train around the property. This place is a fun experience for kids and adults
Hot Air Balloon Ride
This is a once in a lifetime experience taking a hot air balloon ride overlooking the vineyards and mountains of Napa Valley. We used “Aloft Napa Valley Balloon Rides” and had a great experience but there are plenty of Hot Air Balloon companies available in the area
Biking
If you are looking to go to a few wineries near Yountville/Rutherford (Nickel & Nickel, Pine Ridge, Sequoia Grove, Silver Oak, etc.) We would recommend biking between the wineries for a unique and beautiful experience. We have used “Napa Valley Bike Tours & Rentals” several times under their “self-guided tour” option
Mud Baths and Spas
Calistoga is known for its natural hot springs and the perfect backdrop for a spa. There are a few spa resorts in the area but we would recommend Golden Haven Spa in Calistoga which offers mud baths and amazing massages
Winemaker for a Day
Raymond Vineyards offers a “Winemaking for a Day” experience where you dress up in “scientist lab gear” and create your own red blend using test tubes and beakers. Once you have created your perfect wine, you get to cork it, create your own custom label, and are gifted the bottle to bring it home with you
Walking Around Sonoma Plaza
For a leisurely activity, taking a stroll around Sonoma Plaza is a great activity. You can try out some cheeses at Vella Cheese Company, sample olive oils at Figone’s Olive Oil, have a picnic in the center of Sonoma Plaza, attend wine tastings in local shops, enjoy a meal at La Haye Café…
Muir Woods
Located about an hour drive from Napa (closer to San Francisco), this beautiful park features towering old-growth redwood trees along many of its hiking trails. We recommend visiting Cathedral Grove, a silent preserve and home to the tallest and oldest redwoods at Muir Woods. Please note that we had difficulty with our GPS when leaving Muir Woods so we recommend either trying to remember the route you came into the forest or printing out directions
Napa Valley Wine Train
A train that goes 36 miles from Downtown Napa to St. Helena with beautiful landscapes and luxurious meals (they offer dinner, lunch, and afternoon tea time). You can also choose to have some wine along with your experience and/or stop for tastings while on the wine train
Sonoma Zipline Adventures
Located in Sonoma is “Sonoma Zipline Adventures” which offers a range of ziplining courses for adults and children through a beautiful forest scenery. Beware as this activity is not for the faint of heart, as you will be 200+ feet above the forest floor!