10 Things to Do in Napa That You Shouldn't Miss

September 24, 2017 Janean Rudisill

Gold and silver may have been behind the hordes that flocked in the 1800s, but liquid gold - Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs - is behind the modern migration. This dream destination for wine lovers has an abundance of fine restaurants and inns. Horse posts have been replaced by bike racks, and pedal power is a great way to explore.
Restaurants in Napa

1. Judd's Hill Winery and MicroCrush

2332 Silverado Trl, 2332 Silverado Trail, 94558, Napa, Napa Valley, California, Napa, CA 94558-2045 +1 707-255-2332
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 434 reviews

Judd's Hill Winery and MicroCrush

Judd's Hill is owned and operated by two generations of the Finkelstein family. Bunnie, Judd and Holly Finkelstein are vintners dedicated to producing ultra-premium, handcrafted wines in small lots. Our family has been making wine in Napa Valley since the 1970's and continues to produce signature wines that are fruit-driven, concentrated and just simply delicious.

Reviewed By jeannecorey64 - Winsted, Connecticut

We stopped at Judd's Winery 10 minutes before they closed without a reservation. We had 5 people in our party. They were so accommodating and welcomed us. The presentation of the wine and history that we learned about their wines was wonderful. We loved the wines so much we ended up shipping home a case. Can't wait to come back next year!

2. Palmaz Vineyards

4029 Hagen Rd, Napa, CA 94558-3818 +1 707-226-5587
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 112 reviews

Palmaz Vineyards

Reviewed By Julie C - Fishers, Indiana

Attended a tasting recently and really enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a “cave” experience, this would be a great choice. There were actually a couple of tech-y surprises at Palmaz that really highlight how technology can play a part in very hands-on winemaking. Delicious wines and beautiful views in the tasting rooms. The bites paired with each wine were LOVED by all.

3. O'Brien Estate Winery

1200 Orchard Ave, Napa, CA 94558-9401 +1 707-252-8463
Excellent
87%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 619 reviews

O'Brien Estate Winery

We are by appointment only. Please go to our website to inquire about our experiences. We do not take phone reservations. The cost is $55.00 per person. We regretfully are not permitted to have anyone under 21 years of age nor allow any pets on the premises. Our award winning wines come from our 40 acres in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. From grape growing to bottling, the entire winemaking process is managed at the estate. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Our wines are sought after by collectors and have received many awards, including a recent 98 point score for our 2013 Unrestrained Reserve Bordeaux Blend.

Reviewed By Lestertheinvestor - Los Angeles, California

This boutique winery is within the Oak Knoll region. The fruit is all from the estate, and since they take the designation seriously, the growing, crushing, fermenting, barrelling and bottling all is done on the estate. This means, you get to see the bottling machine in the tasting room, a rare opportunity in the large wineries that outsource this particular function. The winery cat and dog each came by for a visit, with the cat super friendly! The wines are very well made, balanced and structured, with a lower price point than other wineries of a similar size. The pours were generous, and the instructions that accompanied them were most informative. Of course, it is always who you have as a tasting guide! Overall, this was a great stop. One additional caveat: They allowed me, as a Veteran of the U.S. Navy to taste free! That was nice.

4. Jarvis Estate

2970 Monticello Rd, Napa, CA 94558-9615 +1 800-255-5280
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 262 reviews

Jarvis Estate

Jarvis Estate is a family owned winery dedicated to crafting a limited quantity of preeminent wines from our sustainably farmed, estate vineyards in the rugged hillside, four miles east of downtown Napa Valley. The Jarvis Estate winemaking facility is entirely contained within 45,000 square feet of cave tunneled into the scenic Vaca Mountains,and is not only a visual masterpiece, but a technical masterpiece as well. Wines are produced only from estate grown grapes and are cave-aged to perfection prior to release. Varietals include: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Tempranillo and a two proprietary Bordeaux blends.

Reviewed By rhlaguna007 - Newport Beach, California

We enjoyed a second visit at Jarvis even more than the first time earlier this summer. Tom was out host for the day and is both knowledgeable about wine and the consummate host! He provided a nice tour of the winery and history and then provided a fun and lively tasting experience. The 2012 cab was our favorite but each and every wine tasted was delicious! The cave they created for the winery is unique and very interesting to explore. They were unfortunately impacted by the fire in early October but all of the family and staff are safe. They have an amazing attitude after such a tragic experience throughout the Valley. This is one of the finest winers in Napa Valley and produce award winning wines that are very special and a delight to drink! We are waiting for our first wine shipment and look forward to returning again soon!

5. Hendry Ranch Wines

3104 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA 94558-9706 +1 707-226-8320
Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 266 reviews

Hendry Ranch Wines

Reviewed By BethM920 - Corvallis, Oregon

we visited Hendry Ranch for the sit down tasting with Teresa. she is passionate and knowledgeable and engaging. what a great experience! the education was enlightening. the wines were fantastic. we are SOOO glad we found this winery.

while many wineries do not allow food, they were happy to have us bring food and enjoy it on their patio after our tasting with a bottle of their great wine!

I highly recommend the tasting experience and the wines!

6. Sequoia Grove Winery

8338 Saint Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558-9729 +1 800-851-7841
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 161 reviews

Sequoia Grove Winery

Reviewed By Sam W - San Francisco, California

Sequoia Grove is a true gem. The wines are beautiful, from the layered single vineyard Cabernets to the superb Rebellious Red blend and well balanced Chardonnay. The tasting room is welcoming; staffed by knowledgeable and friendly professionals, Sequoia Grove provides a relaxed atmosphere where the...MoreWow, thank you for your beautiful and very knowledgeable review! Molly Hill our winemaker will really appreciate your comments about her wine. Cheers, Dean

7. Napa Valley Welcome Center

600 Main St, Napa, CA 94559-3317 +1 855-847-6272
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 129 reviews

Napa Valley Welcome Center

Reviewed By mini - Fremont, California

I went for a walk in the Riverfront area of Napa. In this area is the Napa Valley Welcome Center. Its a nice center for information on Napa. Staff is friendly and helpful.

8. Trefethen Family Vineyards

1160 Oak Knoll Ave, Napa, CA 94558-1303 +1 707-255-7700
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 236 reviews

Trefethen Family Vineyards

One of Napa’s classic wine estates, Trefethen is still a hidden gem. Easy to find, but only if you’re looking. Our entry is on Oak Knoll Avenue, tucked away from the crowds of Highway 29. The driveway John Trefethen used to land his plane on runs through the middle of our vineyard, over the ground we have tended since 1968. On August 24, 2014, a 6.0 earthquake rocked Napa Valley and Trefethen to the core and left our cherished historic winery leaning 4 feet to the west. We have spent 2½ years working on a full restoration, including a modern seismic retrofit. Originally constructed in 1886, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is ready to stand sentinel over Napa Valley once again. Please come visit soon! Reservations are not required but are suggested Reservations are required for all groups of 6 or more. At this time we are unable to accommodate anyone under the age of 21, including infants and children.

Reviewed By Ian B - Los Angeles, California, United States

Always a great place to visit even after the earthquake. Now the new facility takes a visit to an entirely new level. You need to book but it is worth the step for an unique Napa experience. Their wines are first rate with many flights...MoreDear Ian, Thank you for the great review! You made our week. We especially appreciate that you "get" us. We hope to see you again. Cheers, Team Trefethen

9. The Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum

4411 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA 94558-9708 +1 707-255-1144
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 885 reviews

The Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum

Donald Hess established his first Mount Veeder vineyard in 1978, from the beginning recognizing that on these ridges and benchlands, the potential for great winegrowing was clear. Deep, rocky, volcanic soils provide a home for vineyard blocks producing small, concentrated fruit that reflects the challenges of growing grapes at higher altitudes in the coolest mountain growing region in Napa. The Hess Collection winery is part of a historic site where wine was first produced in the 1860’s, in a native stone build hewn by masons in 1903. The original stone structure is now joined by The Hess Art Collection, a world-class showcase of contemporary art that captures “two passions under one roof.” The Hess Collection uses sustainable, environmentally-sound practices with the axiom, “Nurture the land, and return what you take.” That philosophy brings with it a dedication to delivering wines that speak to their natural origins. Wine tasting & tours daily. Culinary experiences include pairings with small plates, artisan cheese and chocolates.

Reviewed By DavidFD7586CR - Melbourne, Australia

Today we visited the Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum.It’s a somewhat long trip up a winding and narrow Redwood Road.The venue is situated right on top on the hills/valleys above Napa.The art collection is first rate with a focus on art which appeals to...MoreThank you for your visit David. Happy to hear you enjoyed our Art collection.

10. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

5766 Silverado Trl, Napa, CA 94558-9413 +1 707-261-6410
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 299 reviews

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Please join us at our FAY Outlook & Visitor Center, where our wine educators will guide you through our beautiful estate Cabernets set against a gorgeous backdrop of historic estate vineyards and the Stags Leap Palisades.

Reviewed By kwagmeister - Evansville, Indiana

If you are familiar with the Judgment of Paris, which put California wines front and center for the rest of the world (to the horror of the French judges of that ‘contest’), then you know that this is the Stag’s Leap whose Cabernet took the top prize for reds. Copies of the book are available for sale and if you have a few minutes before a tasting you can look at the nice display about that famous landmark contest.
We arrived for the Fire and Water tour, which featured a tour of the ‘cave’ and sampling followed by a sit down sampling’s of the winery’s top selections - along with cheese and small bites. That really made the tasting for us - the pairings enhanced the wines. We had a lot of fun with our small group - and our tour was made even more fun and informative by Jojo, who really knows his stuff!
We were lucky to visit on a beautiful early spring day so could watch the pruning taking place of the vineyards. The fires did not hurt this winery and though you could see the fire line at the top of the hill the vines were spared.
Well worth a visit. We took home several bottles too!

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