Location: Napa
Top Things to do in Napa
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Napa, California (CA)
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 Horse posts have been replaced by bike racks, and pedal power is a great way to explore.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. Jarvis Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
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 randybH2055JS - Kalamazoo, United States
This is such a cool place to visit. The entire winery is located within the massive network of man-made caves. Once the grapes go in, they never see the light of day until they emerge as bottled wine. You will tour the caves, see where the grapes are crushed, wine fermented, huge oak bariques, barrels, bottling area, tasting rooms, banquet rooms (huge), etc. Even an underground river which provides the proper natural humidity in the caves. Great winery story. You will hear about the "Science Project"...fantastic. Don't miss this one.
2. Fontanella Family Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 113 reviews
Great family, boutique winery in sunny Napa, CA. I want to review this great winery that we just visited! Cheers!
Reviewed By CR_Robb - Castle Rock, United States
This was our first trip to Napa and Fontanella was our first stop. Jen was absolutely amazing, my girlfriend and I were the only ones there for our tasting and tour. Jen was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. She set the bar super high for the rest of the tours we did that day. We had an amazing time and laughed a ton. If your uptight you might want to avoid Jen, she’s a free sport and we enjoyed every minute we spent with her! Thanks for starting our trip off with a bang, we can’t wait to come back and see you soon!
3. Robert Biale Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 170 reviews
“We have been on a quest to realize the full potential of California’s historic vineyards - and to create greater understanding about the joyful pleasures and true character of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Honoring the wisdom and labors of our forefathers, and keeping the agricultural and social traditions alive that are unique to American wine … it doesn’t get any more gratifying than that in the wine business…” - Dave Pramuk and Bob Biale, Co-Founders, Robert Biale Vineyards
Reviewed By seawaif
The staff were friendly and welcoming (Jim, our host, was genuine, knowledgeable and entertaining). The wines of course were excellent - with the focus being Zinfandel. The views from the patio are great - you are on the valley floor - I have to come back when the vines are full of grapes. Family owned, family run, and it shows.
4. Palmaz Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By 208MaryK208
Fabulous tour with views of vineyard- tasting starts there and then continues through the wine making process. Finishing part is the food and wine pairing ... Outstanding!
5. Porter Family Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
If you would like to inquire about a visit to the vineyard, please give us a call.
Reviewed By AZ_Desert_Bella - Gilbert, United States
If you're looking for a genuinely family-run, boutique winery in Napa that produces phenomenal wines and an unforgettable experience, Porter Family is it. This was far and away our favorite tasting/tour on our trip. When I was planning, I obsessed for months. There are so many choices! To be honest, Porter Family nearly didn't make the cut because it was quite far from the others we were visiting. At the last minute I decided to include it, and boy am I glad I did! Florencia was our host, and she is phenomenal. Friendly, knowledgeable, hospitable. You will feel like an old friend catching up rather than a customer! She remembered so many little details from our phone conversation, asked about our trip, and insisted on taking photos of us. We were greeted with a glass of chardonnay (the only non-red they produce, FYI) and taken on a walk through the vineyards. The winery is GORGEOUS, views for days. They have just 20 acres, as compared to many others that have hundreds and hundreds! We made our way to the cave and were treated to an absolutely gorgeous presentation with wine, cheese, and chocolates. So romantic and quite unexpected, especially at such a reasonable price! We were totally unhurried and chatted with Florencia as we sipped and ate. The wines themselves, we loved. We struggled to pick a favorite, but especially loved the red blends. We also learned that Porter Family works with students to design their labels and award scholarships, and does several events benefitting children and other incredible causes. It just keeps getting better and better! You literally cannot buy these wines anywhere other than from Porter Family. Not so much as a restaurant in Napa! We think that is super cool and joined the wine club. We can't wait to receive our shipments and introduce our friends! I truly believe if you visit here, you will have a new bar as to what a wine tasting should be like. Skip the big names and support a true family run operation.
6. Judd's Hill Winery and MicroCrush
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 678 reviews
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 while highlighting them in entertaining and engaging customer experiences. Our family has been making wine in Napa Valley since the 1970s and continues to produce signature wines that are fruit-driven, concentrated and just simply delicious.
Reviewed By MarciV_13 - Whittier, United States
We wanted to do something different in Napa this time and the Wine Blending Day Camp turned out to be the highlight of our trip to Napa! CJ was so informative and fun! We tasted the wines individually first and then blended three options. After some discussion and more tasting we selected our blend. Next, we siphoned the wines out of the barrel, then bottled, corked and labeled our first signature blend. We can’t wait to go back with friends!!
7. Eleven Eleven Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 68 reviews
With an emphasis on enjoying life, celebrating everyday moments, and delivering the highest quality products and experiences, Eleven Eleven is a welcoming and elegant winery offering award-winning single vineyard wines.
Reviewed By annI2413FX - Chapel Hill, United States
If you want to enjoy excellent wine, friendly and knowledgeable staff surrounded by interesting art plan a wine tasting at Eleven Eleven Winery near downtown Napa.
8. Pine Ridge Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
Located in the heart of the iconic Stags Leap District, Pine Ridge Vineyards offers intimate cave tastings and stunning views. Join us for an unforgettable experience, and discover the elegance and diversity of our highly acclaimed estate wines, sourced from 160 acres of vineyards in Napa Valley’s most renowned growing regions.
Reviewed By GGWD - Tampa, United States
This winery is excellent. The facility and grounds are beautiful, the wines were absolutely amazing (loved all of them) and they take care of our military with free tastings. Really really good wine and a great experience. Highly Recommended!!
9. Darioush Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 437 reviews
A Napa Valley wine experience - fine wines and hospitality designed to share our worldly perspective. Join us for an experience designed to engage the senses.
10. Chimney Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
We invite you to experience our stunning Cape Dutch inspired estate: nestled beneath the magnificent Palisades, our property cuts an impressive figure against the dominant red wine grapes we are known for, planted in the volcanic soil of Stags Leap. Join us and enjoy delicious estate wines, warm and generous hospitality, and breathtaking views of the Napa Valley; or, elevate your experience with a reservation for a behind the scenes tour & tasting. Here is Cabernet Sauvignon like no other. In the acclaimed Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, Chimney Rock Winery transforms the enticing potential of the world’s most exalted varietal into riveting reality. The ingredients: family ownership with a global perspective and a steadfast dedication to quality; a property where ideal growing conditions and careful nurture combine to deliver ripe, concentrated grapes; and a winemaker whose passion for her craft blends science, artistry and intuition, to produce graceful, richly textured wines.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
I love the relaxing, casual ambience of Chimney Rock with its white-washed Cape Dutch architecture. The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to sip their dominant Cabs created by winemaker Elizabeth Vianna. Our tasting included the 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Tomahawk and 2015 Ganymede, as well as extra pour of the 2015 Cabernet Franc. Wow, these are special wines! If powerful reds aren’t your style, try the Rose of Cab Franc or Elevage Blanc, two of my personal favorites. We had a wonderful tasting, thanks to our attentive hosts Josh and Michael.
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