Napa Valley Places to Go
Updated: Apr 26, 2022
Logistics:
Flew into Oakland International Airport.
Highly recommend checking out different Airbnb or Vrbo's in the area, try to find one on a vineyard, depending on your group size, it is a great way to take in the beautiful landscape of Napa Valley.
Our Airbnb choice - 1181 York Ln. St Helena, CA 94574
Vermeil Wines
A quick stop in the downtown area. Go shopping, check out the restaurants and many wineries to choose from. This one we did not need a reservation for.
We took an afternoon to walk around Calistoga and just explore the super cute and quaint area. The area is filled with shops, restaurants and even some wineries that you don't necessarily need a reservation for.
Lola Wines - Calistoga
We really fell in love with this adorable place, with a sweet dog that kept us company in the back tasting area. These offer a different taste than a lot of Napa wines. Another great perk is that these wines, with great quality, still come at an affordable price.
Check out this article about Lola's wine journey.
https://www.lolawines.com/robert-parker-2020-review/
Hamel Family Wines
This is one of the only ones we did in Sonoma, highly recommend doing more out there. This had one of the most breathtaking views.
Oakville Grocery
This is a great spot to grab coffee & avocado toast in the morning.
Auberge Du Soleil
https://aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil/dine/
This place has the most incredible view I have ever experienced from a restaurant.
The food certainly matches the views. Bon Appetit.
Grgich Hills Estate
The Charter Oak Restaurant
https://www.thecharteroak.com/
Quintessa Estate Experience
Larkmead Vineyards - Library Tasting
Stringer Cellars
We were fortunate to have a Happy Hour Tasting with these wonderful people at our place, but if you decide to check them out in Napa, I hear their tasting experience is incredible on property.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
Joseph Phelps Terrace Tasting
Model Bakery
https://www.themodelbakery.com/
This was just a brief walk from our Airbnb and a great place for a quick breakfast bite and coffee. The walk is beautiful and enjoyable as you walk a path through vineyards on your way there.
Kosta Browne
This visit was particularly neat because we were able to see some of the behind-the-scenes of the winemaking processes as grapes were just being harvested and we were able to watch the grapes being destemmed and getting ready to be pressed. (This was end of August).
Last, but certainly not least...we were able to sneak in a brief hike we found just miles down the road from us. Between all of the wine drinking, it felt much needed to take in the fresh air on a climb up the mountainside.