Where to stop in Napa Valley?
An inaugural visit to Napa Valley should begin with a stop at the Napa Valley Welcome Center in downtown Napa. There, you can fine-tune the details of your trip with local experts, pick up maps, take a selfie in front of the wine barrels, and score special offers from wineries. There's even a beautiful bathroom with fresh flowers so you can freshen up for the big day ahead.
When was the Napa Valley winery in Paris?
While the Napa Valley was a thriving wine region since the 19th century, it was an event in Paris in 1976 that helped elevate the region's products in the eyes of wine drinkers around the world.
Where is the oldest winery in Napa Valley?
St. Helena is where the Napa Valley's winemaking history began, specifically at the Beringer Vineyards , which opened in 1879 and is the area's oldest continuously operating winery. Spend some time exploring the mansion—a recreation of the Beringer family home on the Rhine in Germany.
When to visit wine country?
Visit in the spring, and you’ll be greeted by an abundance of wildflowers. In summer, it’s a playground for hiking and biking. In the fall, you’ll get to experience wine country at the height of its harvest. And the mild winters are a chance to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of leading restaurants with seasonal food and good wine.
Plan your trip to Napa Valley
You can get information on our Napa Valley Welcome Center and on each of our unique towns, get tips on getting to and around the valley and information about the weather.
We'll help you plan the perfect getaway to Napa Valley
You can get information on our Napa Valley Welcome Center and on each of our unique towns, get tips on getting to and around the valley and information about the weather.
The ultimate Napa Valley itineraries
Napa Valley is home to friendly faces, breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations, healing spas, phenomenal culinary talent and premier art.
Follow these itineraries to relax, savor and restore
Napa Valley is home to friendly faces, breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations, healing spas, phenomenal culinary talent and premier art.
Where is Napa Valley?
Napa is located a little more than 40 miles south of Sacramento and 50 miles north of San Francisco. Each of the three airports closest to the Napa Valley – Sacramento, San Francisco and Oakland – is about an hour's drive away, and all have rental car facilities. In Oakland and San Francisco, you can also take a shuttle bus to the region and, ...
What is the Napa Valley known for?
Restaurants. Though the region is known for its wineries , Napa Valley packs some serious star power when it comes to high-end cuisine. New York's hottest chefs and Food Network stars open California outposts in the Napa Valley over San Francisco and Los Angeles.
When to avoid Napa?
Avoid Napa during October and November when winemakers are scrambling to harvest and process the season's grapes. Visitors are also better off avoiding March, when wineries host barrel tastings and auctions for wine retailers and distributors, and wine makers have big buyers to woo.
When did the Napa Valley winery beat the Paris winery?
In 1976, Napa Valley vintners proved that the fruits of their labor could not only stand up in quality to the best wines of France but, in fact, beat them in a blind taste test called "The Judgment of Paris." But long before the competition secured California's viticulture reputation, its Mediterranean climate, small-town atmosphere and diverse restaurants had already won over legions of tourists and locals. Your first visit probably won't be your last, and your 100th visit will intoxicate your senses just as much as your first.
Is Napa Valley a bed and breakfast?
The Napa Valley is dotted with Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast inns, many of which were once private homes. If the purpose of your trip is a romantic getaway, you'll be treated to vintage decor, feather beds and full breakfasts. Many of these establishments have restrictions regarding young children.
Can you take a shuttle bus to San Francisco?
In Oakland and San Francisco, you can also take a shuttle bus to the region and, upon arrival at your hotel or bed-and-breakfast, arrange for limo services or car rentals.
Can you take wine on a plane?
In light of tightened airline security , you can't take wine on the plane in your carry-on bag. Although nothing stops you from checking it, you not only run the risk of breakage but also a condition called "bottle shock," which can temporarily compromise the flavor.
Where is the CIA in Napa?
The Culinary Institute of America's new CIA at Copia facility in Napa 's Oxbow district opened at the end of 2016 and provides an introduction to the Valley's agricultural bounty. Enjoy a lunch of Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with California ingredients, overlooking the facility's gardens and olive grove.
Do locals make extra effort when traveling alone?
As many an experienced traveler knows, it's when you are traveling alone that locals make an extra effort to make sure you're enjoying their destination.
Can you rent a bicycle in Napa Valley?
While you can rent a bicycle or explore one of the many parks in the area on your own, if you'd rather join a group , Enjoy Napa Valley offers historic kayak tours, with locals providing the stories behind the sites you see along the banks of the Napa River.
How long does it take to drive from the bottom of Napa Valley to the top?
As we chat about earlier, Napa Valley is a huge wine region that contains a lot of smaller towns and wine trails. Without traffic is takes easily 45 minutes to drive from the bottom to the top of Napa Valley. But, during the weekends when everyone is out wine tasting, it can take HOURS.
What are the best hotels in Napa Valley?
My Favorite Napa Valley Hotels 1 Las Alcobas: Hands down the best view from hotel rooms 2 Calistoga Bungalows: Super well-decorated vacation rentals in walking distance to downtown Calistoga 3 Calistoga Motor Inn & Lodge: A funky, IG-worth hotel with a great spa 4 North Block Hotel: Low-key looks like a hotel you’d find in Italy 5 Solage: They have TWO pools, and one is a mineral pool (oooh, fancy)
Where to go to wine tasting?
Napa Valley is world-famous and the most popular place to go wine tasting in the United States. So, with that world-famous name comes world-famous price tags. Tastings in Napa Valley range anywhere from $20-200+ PER PERSON per winery, so wine tasting here can quickly add up. $$$$
Do wineries give you water?
When my husband and I go, or when we visit with friends, we usually have a DD. Most wineries will give you tons of water and maybe even breadsticks for snacks. So the DD will usually sip once on each tasting to get the experience while still being safe to drive.
Can you pick your own wineries on Platypus Tours?
If you are looking at the hired car option, I recommend Platypus Tours which has a private tour option where you are allowed to pick your own wineries out (I have my favorites listed below for you, don’t worry!)
Do big bus tours work in San Francisco?
Yeah, big bus tours are NOT like that. They pack you onto a large bus in San Francisco and then you’re stuck in traffic for 2 hours. Most bus companies get paid high commissions to take you to certain places which are usually large nation-known wineries that are more focused on getting you in and out quickly in time to accommodate the next group.
Is Sonoma Valley near Napa Valley?
The second biggest confusion is Napa Valley vs. Sonoma Valley. These are to different wine regions! While they are near each other, a large mountain range runs between them which makes it a very bad idea to try to go wine tasting in both Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley on the same day (you’ll just be stuck in traffic for hours!)
Where is the best place to start the day in Napa?
Located at 4048 Sonoma Highway (as you head into Napa from San Francisco or Sonoma), it’s the perfect spot to start the day. Pro tip: Grab a dozen of the famous donuts for car snacking.
Where is the Napa Valley Wine Train?
Roll past Napa’s lush landscapes and travel back in time on the Napa Valley Wine Train, located at 1275 Mckinstry Street in Napa . This classic Napa experience is available for wine tours during the day, but they also offer a two-hour gourmet dinner at night.
What is the best meal to have for wine tasting?
Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day when wine tasting is on the itinerary. Proteins and carbs will help soak up that booze (or at least help it absorb it more slowly), and there’s no better protein and carb combo than the chicken and waffles at Boon Fly Café at the picturesque Carneros Resort and Spa. Located at 4048 Sonoma Highway (as you head into Napa from San Francisco or Sonoma), it’s the perfect spot to start the day. Pro tip: Grab a dozen of the famous donuts for car snacking.
Where is the Napa Valley Distillery?
Napa Valley Distillery, located at 2485 Stockton Street in Napa , offers an educational tour followed by a tasting of its craft spirits in the Grand Salon. (If you prefer to skip the tour and head straight to the cocktails, you can also do that at their Hollywood Room Cocktail Bar.) JaM Cellars Tasting Room, Courtesy of JaM Cellars.
Where to go to see art in Napa Valley?
You can also stop by the Napa Valley Welcome Center, located at 1300 1st Street, and pick up a complimentary map for the Napa Valley Art Walk, a public outdoor art exhibition featuring eight sculptures, all within walking distance of each other.
Where is Angèle restaurant in Napa?
Angèle Restaurant & Bar, a riverfront bistro located at 540 Main Street in downtown Napa , will transport you to France for the evening. And dining at Morimoto Napa, located just a few doors down at 610 Main Street, feels like a trip to Japan, complete with sushi, sake, and even a little shopping.
Where is Domaine Carneros in Napa?
Before you head back home, make one last stop at Domaine Carneros, located at 1240 Duhig Road in Napa. Stroll through the formal gardens before taking a seat on the terrace of the French-inspired Chateau, where you can sip bubbles, snack on caviar, and toast to an amazing day in Wine Country.
When is the best time to visit Napa Valley?
The best time to go to Napa Valley is September through November and March through May. Harvest season is August through October and great to experience at least once. Expect to pay more during this time as this is peak season.
Where to stay in Napa Valley?
Holding the unofficial title of “culinary capital of the Napa Valley” you will find many of the big-name restaurants here including The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Bottega. This one of the best areas to stay for a Napa Valley romantic getaway.
How many towns are there in the Napa Valley?
Napa Valley Towns. Napa Valley consists of four small towns. From the southernmost town and heading north we have: Downtown Napa: Set along the Napa River this town has the most urban feel and hosts an array of bed and breakfasts, upscale dining, boutique shops, and is home to the Oxbow Public Market.
Where is Bouchon Bakery in Napa?
Bouchon Bakery: This tiny bakery is attached to Bouchon in downtown Yountville and is well worth the wait when the line goes out the door. My personal favorite is the salted caramel macaroon. This is a must for every Napa trip.
Where to eat Spanish tapas in Napa?
Zuzu: Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in the heart of downtown Napa. The vibe is casual European and the place is always packed. Try the Tunisian brik pastry stuffed with crab, flounder ceviche, and one of the several paella options.
Do wineries offer tours?
While some wineries offer a casual tasting at the wine bar, others will offer full tours only (advanced reservations required).
What is the best way to travel to Napa Valley?
If you want to maximize your road trip to Napa Valley, the best route would be via the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands.
What time do wineries open in Napa Valley?
Wineries in Napa Valley open at 10 AM. For you to maximize your day, leave early and work back your travel itinerary so that you can enjoy some quick stops along the way. If you want to grab a bite, you can go to Ariscault Bakery and get their popular Chocolate Almond Croissant.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Napa Valley?
For the trip itself, driving from San Francisco to Napa Valley takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic, and add a bit more if you are going to take a scenic route along the way.
Where to have breakfast in Napa?
However, if you can hold your hunger and want to have your breakfast in downtown Napa, you can visit The Model Bakery and get the English muffin – Oprah’s favorite. After the side trips, you can head directly to St. Helena for your very first wine tasting at V. Sattui.
Can you travel to Napa Valley by bus?
Public transport like train or bus have no routes for Napa Valley, and your only affordable option is to book a guided tour. That being said, the most convenient way to travel to wine country is by renting or driving your vehicle.
Is Napa Valley near San Francisco?
A trip to Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air from the busy streets of San Francisco and, luckily, it's not a far distance to cover. If you are living in or are visiting San Francisco, one of the benefits is your proximity to places like Napa Valley. Also known as wine country, a trip to Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air from ...
