We recommend 2-3 tastings per day, with a designated driver or Uber for safe travels between wineries. Given the distances, it’s best to plan your tastings ahead of time and book reservations well in advance! Avoid just Googling "Best wineries in Napa." Some of our favorite experiences have been at small, family-owned wineries with rich histories and amazing wines (like Truchard!). Do some research to find smaller vineyards with wines you can’t easily find on the East Coast. If you love the wine and experience, consider joining the wine club! Many wineries waive tasting fees for members, and it's always fun to receive your wine club selections later on! Below, we've listed our favorite wineries by region/area.
Downtown Napa offers a mix of great restaurants, wine tasting rooms, live music venues, a rich art scene, and charming shops. Wineries: * Numerous wine tasting rooms to explore. * Napa Wine Train: A unique way to experience Napa Valley, traveling between Napa and St. Helena with stops at multiple wineries. Restaurants: * Cole’s Trap House: Upscale steakhouse with highly recommended steaks and lobster bisque. * Morimoto Asia: Asian fusion in downtown Napa, known for its amazing cocktails. * Bistro Don Giovanni: Traditional Italian cuisine with sustainably farmed, local produce and organic meats, located on the outskirts of downtown Napa. * Model Bakery: A great spot for breakfast, coffee, and their famous English Muffin (Oprah’s favorite!). * Angele Restaurant & Bar: Riverfront bistro serving rustic French fare and creative cocktails in a charming old boathouse.
St. Helena, often called Napa Valley’s Main Street, is one of our favorites. This charming town is filled with delightful shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Wineries: * Duckhorn Vineyards – We LOVE their portfolio. * Caymus Vineyards * Frog's Leap * The Prisoner Wine Company – Amazing food pairings! * Mumm * Beaulieu Vineyard * Turnbull * V Sattui Restaurants: * Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – Casual American farmhouse cuisine with ingredients from the family’s farm, ranch, and vineyards. Molly and I highly recommend the ribs and mac and cheese! * Goose and Gander – Rustic American fare, especially their steaks and chops. Don’t miss the cool basement speakeasy bar for cocktail lovers! * Oakville Grocer – A local market perfect for a sandwich, salad, or refreshing rosé at lunch. * Model Bakery – A great breakfast spot for a quick bite and coffee.
This area is where our wedding will take place and is home to some of our favorite wineries! * Truchard Vineyards – A small, family-owned winery with rich history. This was the first wine club we joined, and we highly recommend it! * Patz & Hall – Another favorite of ours, where we've had many memorable experiences as wine club members. Be sure to try the Gap's Crown Pinot! * Cuvaison Estate – Known for one of the best views from their patio tasting room. * Domaine Carneros – Famous for its sparkling wine flights and stunning property. * Migration – A Duckhorn brand offering excellent wines. * Gundlach Bundschu Winery * Sleeping Giant Winery
Yountville, a charming town in Napa Valley, is full of amazing food and fun tasting rooms where you can sip on some of the best wines in the region. If you're planning to visit St. Helena, be sure to stop by Yountville! Restaurants: * Brix – A Napa Valley classic, this farm-to-table restaurant serves fresh local fare sourced directly from their garden. * Mustards Grill – Known as the “fancy rib joint” with an extensive wine list, Mustards is the place for hearty American dishes with a touch of sophistication, all paired with the valley's finest wines. * Bouchon Bakery – A cozy French bakery by Thomas Keller, famous for its amazing croissants and other delicious breakfast items. * Model Bakery – A great spot for a quick breakfast or coffee. Don’t miss their original breakfast sandwich on a grilled English muffin – you’ll thank us later!
Located in the heart of Sonoma County, is a charming town that combines a vibrant food scene, boutique shops, and incredible wineries. Restaurants: * Dry Creek Kitchen – A modern American restaurant with a farm-to-table menu, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and exceptional wines. * Baci Cafe & Wine Bar – A cozy Italian spot offering a fantastic wine list and classic Italian dishes, perfect for a relaxed meal with great local wines. * The Matheson – Farm-to-table dishes, with a rooftop bar that has stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. * Healdsburg Bar & Grill – A laid-back spot with great comfort food and local wines, known for their burgers and casual vibe. * Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar – A charming spot to indulge in homemade ice cream and artisanal pies, perfect for a sweet treat after exploring downtown. Wineries: * Flowers Vineyards & Winery - This is Molly's favorite! * Ramey Wine Cellars * Alexander Valley Vineyards * Flying Goat Cellars * Simi Winery