Curator’s statement
As someone who has called Northern California home for years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring Napa Valley’s breathtaking landscapes, world-class wines and hidden gems. Over the years, I’ve come to learn that Napa is so much more than a region famous for its vines — it’s a place that nourishes the soul. Whether I’m sipping a glass of wine with a view of rolling hills, savoring a meal sourced directly from a local farm or simply relaxing in a spa that feels a million miles away from the everyday, Napa is a place that always rejuvenates me.
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Where to stay in Napa Valley
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Things to do in Napa Valley
Outdoor activities
Hot Springs & Spas (Calistoga): Visit Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort or Indian Springs for mineral baths and mud treatments.
Hiking Oat Hill Mine Trail (Calistoga): Scenic trail with panoramic views of the valley.
Biking the Napa Valley Vine Trail: Rent bikes and cycle from Napa to Yountville.
Balloon Rides (Yountville): Enjoy breathtaking sunrise views with companies like Napa Valley Balloons.
Olive Oil Tasting (Round Pond Estate): A fantastic alternative to wine tasting.
Unique experiences
Napa Valley Wine Train: A vintage rail tour with gourmet meals and wine pairings.
Cooking Classes at CIA Copia (Napa): Hands-on culinary experiences led by expert chefs.
Biodynamic Wine Tours (Quintessa, Frog’s Leap and St. Supery and Repris in Sonoma): Learn about sustainable winemaking.
Places to eat & drink in Napa Valley
Fine dining
The French Laundry (Yountville): Thomas Keller’s iconic three-Michelin-star restaurant. Reservations are essential — and hard to get your hands on.
SingleThread (Healdsburg): A Japanese-inspired farm-to-table tasting menu experience.
Press (St. Helena): A steakhouse known for an extensive Napa Valley wine list.
Acacia House (St. Helena): Located at Alila Napa Valley, offering modern American cuisine.
Bear at Stanly Ranch: Located at Stanly Ranch. The menu here showcases local, fresh ingredients from their own farm, with herbs and vegetables harvested right on-site. It’s farm-to-table at its finest.
Sol Bar at Solage: A relaxed yet elevated dining experience with locally sourced dishes and a laid-back vibe.
Auro at the Four Seasons: An incredible dining experience that blends contemporary California flavors with a global touch.
Casual & local favorites
The Girl & The Fig (Sonoma): Cozy bistro with an excellent wine selection and rustic French fare.
Lou’s Luncheonette (Sonoma): A roadside comfort food spot, famous for fried chicken.
Gott’s Roadside (St. Helena & Napa): Classic burgers, milkshakes and truffle fries.
Bouchon Bakery (Yountville): The best place for croissants, coffee and macarons.
Market in Sonoma: Farm-to-table deliciousness, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Farmhouse in St. Helena: Rustic yet refined — this is the place for wholesome, flavorful food.
Ad Hoc (Yountville): Thomas Keller’s more casual but equally delicious spot, offering comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Addendum (Yountville): A seasonal favorite from the same team behind Ad Hoc, offering limited-time, family-style meals that you’ll want to plan your trip around.
Brunch & breakfast
Boon Fly Café (Carneros): Famous for their bacon Bloody Marys and doughnuts.
Sam’s Social Club (Calistoga): Great outdoor patio with farm-fresh dishes.
Model Bakery (Napa & St. Helena): Don’t miss their legendary English muffins.
Wineries & vineyards
With hundreds of wineries in Napa Valley, here are some top picks:
Opus One (Oakville): High-end Bordeaux-style wines in a stunning setting.
Robert Mondavi Winery (Oakville): One of the most famous Napa wineries, offering great tours.
Inglenook (Rutherford): Francis Ford Coppola’s historic winery with a charming estate.
Château Montelena (Calistoga): Famous for winning the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Napa): Another Judgment of Paris winner, known for elegant Cabernet Sauvignons.
Domaine Carneros (Carneros): Beautiful château serving sparkling wines.
Ashes & Diamonds (Napa): Mid-century-modern design with unique tasting experiences.
St. Supery (Napa): Owned by Chanel, a standout vineyard with fantastic wines.
Paraduxx (Napa): Known for its innovative blends and elegant tasting room.
Bell Vineyards (St. Helena): A small gem offering a quiet, personalized experience.
Need to know
Transportation - Getting around
Car rental: The best way to explore at your own pace.
Private driver: Hire a driver through services like Napa Valley Tours & Transportation for a seamless experience.
Wine tasting tours: Companies like Windsor Wine Tours and Platypus Wine Tours offer curated tastings.
Biking: Many hotels provide bikes, and the Vine Trail is a scenic way to get around.
Uber/Lyft: Readily available in Napa but may have longer wait times in rural areas.
House cars: Some of Napa's most luxurious hotels offer complimentary house cars for guests. For example, Stanly Ranch, Auberge du Soleil and Solage all provide this perk, allowing you to get around in style without having to drive yourself.
Additional considerations: Best time to visit
Spring (March–May): Beautiful wildflowers, fewer crowds.
Summer (June–August): Peak season. Book early.
Fall (September–November): Harvest season. Best for wine lovers.
Winter (December–February): Quieter, cozy vineyard vibes.
Reservations & fees
Many wineries require reservations, especially high-end ones.
Tasting fees range from $30-$100+ per person. Some waive fees with wine purchases.
Dress code
Casual chic: Wineries don’t require formal attire, but avoid flip-flops and athletic wear.
Layer up: Napa mornings can be chilly, even in summer.
Travel Advisor
Hannah Kratz
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Napa Valley page.