Our Guide to Napa

 

Here are a few of our favorite local spots that we’d be excited for you to check out.

Eat + Drink

These restaurants and cafes are all conveniently located in Downtown Napa! We also recommend exploring the restaurants in St Helena, Calistoga, Yountville and Sonoma. Many restaurants and wineries require reservations at least two weeks in advance if you wish to guarantee a table.

For restaurant reservations, explore OpenTable and Resy. For wine tastings and experiences, explore Tock and CellarPass.

Wineries

  • Round Pond Estate

    This is where we celebrated our engagement! Located in beautiful Rutherford, Round Pond Estate does both wine and olive oil tastings, which is a real treat for the nondrinkers in your party. Their wines are amazing and service here is impeccable. They have a huge local following and are one of the most understated yet upscale wineries in the Valley. More Info

  • Brian Arden Wines

    Looking for something low key, modern, and a bit off the beaten path? Welcome to Brian Arden Wines. Located in Calistoga, it’s worth the trek. The wines are delicious and reasonably priced. One of the few wineries in Napa with a Zinfandel worth writing home about, they are also dog friendly and laid-back. Take the opportunity to also visit Downtown Calistoga during your visit. More Info

  • Clif Family

    Looking to just grab a glass of wine and maybe a bite at a food truck? Look no further than Clif Family in St Helena. Located right on Main Street, their tasting room is walk-in only and the wines are delicious. Founded by the family of Clif Bar fame, this casual tasting room is a great spot to stop on your way to further exploring St Helena. More Info

Outdoor Adventures

  • Rent a Bike

    One of the best ways to explore Napa Valley is on the back of bicycle! The spot to go is Napa Valley Bike Shop in Downtown Napa. Peruse their selection of road, mountain, city and electric bikes. They even have kids’ bikes! Whether you’re looking to get in a serious ride or just a quick jaunt between wineries, they’ll have what you need. More Info

  • Take a Hike

    If you’re looking for spectacular views, there is no shortage in Napa Valley. An easy hike with an epic payoff is Linda Falls in Linda Falls Preserve just east of Hwy 29. A short 15-minute walk from the parking lot is a gorgeous waterfall. More Info

    Looking for something a bit more strenuous? We recommend Skyline Wilderness Park, right on the edge of Napa. The Manzanita Trail provides a great loop with many possible variations, all with wonderful views of the hills, oak trees and vineyards that dot Napa’s landscape. More Info

  • Paddle a Kayak or Board

    Did you know Downtown Napa sits on the Napa River? Explore your way by kayak or stand up paddle board by renting one from Enjoy Napa Valley. They also do guided history tours by kayak! Over 2.5 hours, learn about the historic buildings, identify birds and other wildlife, learn about the first people of Napa, and the history of wine growing in the region. More Info

Breweries and Distilleries

  • Lagunitas Brewing Company

    Ok, we admit it. None of these places are technically in Napa! But if you want a true beer or spirit tasting experience, it’s worth it to head over to Sonoma County, where craft IPAs are king. At the top of your list should be Lagunitas in Petaluma. Their outdoor Beer Sanctuary is only rivaled by their famous IPAs on draft. Delicious food and live music top off a perfect afternoon. Leave some time to tour their beautiful brewing operation and hear about their history. More Info

  • Spirit Works Distillery

    Looking for something a little stronger? Head over to Spirit Works in Sebastopol where they are famous for their sloe gin, but also produce barrels of whiskey, bourbon and vodka. They are open for walk-in tastings every weekend, or you can make reservations online. They are located inside the Barlow, which has many great restaurants, shops, galleries and even a movie theater. It’s worth the drive! More Info

  • Russian River Brewing Company

    You’ve probably heard of a little beer called Pliny the Elder, which put Russian River Brewing on the map in 2000. Their fame was renewed in 2012 with the release of their highly coveted Triple IPA Pliny the Younger. Catch their 16 beers on tap, in a variety of styles, as either a tasting flight or one at a time. Head over to their modern tasting room in Windsor, where you can also load up on high end pub fare, like burgers and wings, to stay level headed. More Info