Curator’s statement
Stepping away from reality and into a world of taste, aroma, and beauty, visiting Napa has a way of refreshing every sense. To me, it’s a complete reset. A place where you can tuck your phone away, savor the ambiance, and be fully present with the people you’re with. And the best part? No wine expertise required.
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Things to do in Napa
Lunch with Napa Native
Tour with Napa Native: One of my favorite Napa tour companies. They’re so fun and will curate your stops based on what you enjoy. Additionally, they have a few chefs on hand who can set up a stellar lunch with a view.
Visit B Wise: My favorite pinot noir in Napa—absolutely delicious. All of their tasting spaces offer fantastic views that fully immerse you in the experience.
Visit Cakebread Cellars: I always say to start big! Enjoy Cakebread Cellars’ beautiful property and let Napa introduce itself to you.
Take a walk: Walking through downtown Napa is a must. There are so many unique boutiques, urban wineries, and charming cafés.
Make a Promise: The very small Promise Wine is one of my favorite Napa winemakers. They are exclusive, intimate, and known for exceptional craftsmanship.
Relax at the pool: Pool days in Napa are the best. Enjoy a delicious glass of rosé and choose a hotel pool overlooking the vineyards for the full experience.
Go for a hike: Napa has plenty of beautiful light to moderate trails overlooking the city and vineyards, letting you breathe in that grape-filled air. Skyline Trail is one of my favorites and starts right at the edge of town.
Places to eat & drink in Napa
Delicious pasta at Bistro Don Giovanni
Visit Model Bakery: You haven’t had an English muffin until you’ve been to Model Bakery. Homemade, so delicious, and no butter required.
Eat at Bistro Don Giovanni: One of my favorite "old-fashioned" Italian restaurants in Napa. The ambiance is unforgettable, with beautiful gardens, art, and fountains.
Fried chicken at Boon Fly Café: Located within Carneros Resort, this cozy restaurant serves what I believe is the best bucket of fried chicken—comfort food perfection!
Have a glass at Brown Downtown: Part of Brown Estate, this downtown tasting lounge offers premium wine flights, beautiful art, and the option to enhance your tasting with a delicious charcuterie pairing.
Eat and drink at Oxbow Market: One of my favorite places to explore, filled with small food vendors, boutique grocers, artisanal treats, and plenty of wine options. Delicious oysters, too!
Burger at Gott’s: Gott’s gives that nostalgic, old-fashioned diner-burger vibe, but elevated for Napa. Best of all, you can enjoy a glass of wine and a milkshake.
Rutherford Grill: One of my absolute favorite comfort-food restaurants in the valley. Their ribs, salads, and classic American dishes are always spot-on.
Need to know
Napa is beautiful all year. I personally love going during the quieter, off-peak months. Everything just feels a little calmer, a little slower, and a lot more enjoyable.
No need to dress up. People always ask if they need to “look fancy” during the day in Napa, and truly, you don’t. Think relaxed, comfortable, and easy...the vibe is very much aligned with the winemakers themselves.
Give yourself room to breathe. Napa isn’t about rushing. Two to four wineries in a day is more than enough to taste, wander, hang out, talk to people, and really soak it in.
Travel Advisor
Brett Trager
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Napa Valley page.