Wineries
This was, hands down, my favorite. It’s almost all sparkling wines, but it’s all delicious. They do a red called J. Davies, which is wonderful. It’s also a cave tour, which is unique. As this is my favorite sparkling wine from Napa, I would 100% recommend going (book in advance!) and having lunch at Farmstead afterwards.
There are no words to describe my love of the Wagner Family wines. They're some of my favorite in the world, and I love the tie in of so many members of the family and how they each have different projects and brands, often inspired by family history. I'm not sure if they do public tastings, but it’s absolutely worth trying.
This one is right in Yountville, which i love. Get tipsy on some bubbles, and then wander around by foot or to Bouchon bakery for sweet treats or Bistro Jeanty for some oysters. Chandon does some delicious sparkling wines and have a restaurant (Etoile) that’s supposed to be very good, though I’ve never been.
One of my favorite spots in Yountville, this is a historic building that's now a mix of art, home furnishings and, you guessed it, wines. There's a beautiful outdoor space in the back where you can do a tasting of smaller, more boutique producers. Please don't miss this unique spot if you're in Yountville!
This is another great tour. You'll take a tram up the mountain to the actual winery, so the views are spectacular! Skip this one if you’re afraid of heights - or trams. It has a very Grecian feel and some really delicious wines with spectacular views.
This is one of my favorite reds for a special occasion. They redid this more recently because of a fire, and it’s gorgeous. Set back off of Highway 29, the property is beautiful. There’s also a little shop there with fun wine and food-related items.
As in the same guy who invented the Clif Bar. It's a small tasting room with a very organic feel in St. Helena. I quite enjoyed a couple of their wines.
Hotels
I’d highly recommend this one. Yountville is my favorite place to stay given that there are so many great restaurants within walking distance, and it's central between downtown Napa and St. Helena. I’ve stayed here multiple times, and the rooms are cozy, spacious and beautiful. Added bonus: there’s a pool and spa.
I stayed here during my first trip to Napa. As you may have guessed from the name, these are old train cars that have been converted into rooms. It's bare bones but affordable and meticulously clean along with very central to everything Yountville has to offer. And how much time will you really be spending in your room anyway? Get out there, and beverage!
Yountville is not large at all, but this is at the other end of the main stretch (compared to Hotel Yountville). I also enjoyed staying here, and their restaurant is the same chef as Redd, which is a Yountville favorite.
Eateries
This is one of my staples. Though there's a location in NYC, it just doesn't have the charm of the original, and I've been only once. When in Yountville, I go multiple times and love walking over in the morning for an chocolate-almond croissant and a latte. Try the macaroons, a bouchon, a TKO, or the toffee. Or get all of the above like I do.
I loved past meals I've had at this restaurant, though I haven't been in quite some time now. When I did go, the food was innovative and delicious. It seems like a staple based on its longevity and generally positive reception.
This is thomas keller’s more casual spot in Yountville. I went for brunch, which was a prix fixe, as are all seatings. Everything was good, but there’s nothing i was crazy for. I would rather go to Bouchon for a more French, bistro-esque brunch where the menu is not limited.
If you're staying in Yountville and want an easy and delicious meal, this is a great option. They don't take reservations, so go early or put your name in and have a drink at Maisonry (if it's early enough), the North Block Hotel or really anywhere around town. The ingredients are seasonal and fresh, and the preparation is simple, just how I like it. Get a bunch of stuff to share, and don't miss the pizza.
This is a good spot for fresh pastas and neopolitan pizzas. It’s in downtown napa, which despite the name, I don’t spend much of my time in when I go. I also worked with their team on a private event in a garden, and they were a pleasure to work with and produced a memorable meal both experience and food-wise.
I’ve been here almost every trip to San Fran or Napa. Love their burgers! plus, it’s just a fun setting. The one in St. Helena has an especially vintage feel as, true to it's name, is a true roadside establishment. The one in Oxbow Public Market is fun as well, and you can check out some of the other market vendors while you're there.
I’ve only been here for lunch, and I’ll keep going for lunch (or dinner for that matter). The vibe is fun, the ingredients are super fresh, and the food is delicious. There’s a tasting room and gourmet food shop on the property as well as lounge chairs where you can have a drink while you wait. Get the chocolate Scharffen Berger pie for dessert!
This reminds me a bit of Chelsea Market but on a smaller scale. There's a great assortment of vendors, and it's fun to go some snacks, for lunch or for your second dessert after a milkshake at Gott’s. Make sure to have a cupcake from Kara’s!
I love this restaurant, and I think after my last trip to Napa, it became my favorite. If I only had two nights, I'd be going here for one of them. It’s a steakhouse, but I always order the chicken for two. Divine. I also love the roasted mushrooms.
This place has a throwback, down-home kind of feel, and I love it. Cindy has a very well-known presence in Napa and multiple properties, but this is my favorite. If you go, be sure to have the adult grilled cheese and campfire pie. Cry babies unwelcome (once you see the menu, you’ll get it).
This is certainly for a special occasion but an incredible experience. The food is absolutely stunning and presented in a very botanical way. The chefs here are artists. It’s an extensive tasting menu, so bring your appetite. If you're staying on the property, which is beautiful, you can just roll yourself back to your room. But seriously...it's many courses, but each course is smaller portions and perfectly paced out. Many of the ingredients being used are hyper local, and this is Napa at its finest.
I love this spot. It's a great place for lunch on your way to Sonoma. There's a location in St. Helena and one in Healdsburg. I prefer the one in St. Helena. Pull off of Highway 29 for a lunch outside at the picnic tables in the back, or take a picnic lunch to go. They have great sandwiches and prepared foods.
Activities
This was a blast! I've done it a couple of times while visiting Napa. The tours leave right from Yountville, and you can do a half-day or full-day excursion. Their team will work with you on what types of wineries you'd like to visit and making sure not to duplicate any that you already have scheduled. You can also arrange for a picnic lunch. A beautiful and scenic way to explore Napa while working off some of those meals!
Tasting olive oil counts as an activity, right? It does in my book! If you need a break from tasting wine, you probably shouldn't have chosen Napa. But if you'd like to mix it up, this is a fun way to do so and learn more about the world of olive oil. You'll tour the mill, learn about what extra-virgin actually means and taste some delicious varieties.