Top Things to do in Napa Valley
What to do and see in Napa Valley, Napa Valley: The Best Things to do
Vines, wines and the people who love them are central to the economy of Napa Valley. Other treats for taste buds are in store, too, in the form of local olive oils, tomatoes, cheeses and mustard. The other senses are catered for with a vibrant visual arts scene. Rent a car or book a taxi or limousine to get between sights safely. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers an unusual way to experience the views and vintages. A relaxing array of spas and mud baths and the Old Faithful geyser are attractions in Calistoga.
Restaurants in Napa Valley
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. O'Brien Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 672 reviews
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 mrg0137
O’Brien Estate was the first Napa Valley winery that really got my wife and I hooked on Napa wine when we visited the area for the first time a few years ago, and we became members at O’Brien after that trip. Since then, we’ve continued to enjoy their wines, and we try to stop in for a free member tasting every time we make a trip to Napa. This visit was our third visit to O’Brien Estate, and we had a very good experience. As compared to most wineries in the Napa Valley, O’Brien Estate is a very small producer. The winery is family owned, with a beautiful 40-acre property in the Oak Knoll District. The O’Brien family lives right in the house on the property, and when you come here for a tasting, you’re doing it right in their backyard and getting right to the heart of the operation. Because it’s so small, O’Brien doesn’t distribute their wines, selling them only at the winery itself and to wine club members. This exclusivity makes us feel that being wine club members is really worth it, since we know it’s the only way to have their wines at home on a regular basis. This was our third time doing the tasting experience at O’Brien, and it wasn’t our favorite experience in Napa either of the previous two times we came (although we loved the wine). On our first trip to Napa, we admittedly weren’t overly educated about the area or its wines, and the guy who did our tasting was quite rude and epitomized the standoffish reputation that Napa can sometimes have. The second time, after we had become members and knew a lot more about Napa wines, the tasting was much better, but still not great. The guy who did our tasting that time was absent for most of it and just gave off an attitude of not wanting to be bothered with us. He spent most of his time giving his attention to walk-in guests who had shown up without reservations, even though O’Brien doesn’t take walk-ins and is normally focused on making the experience very intimate. Those experiences were in the past, and we’ve still stayed loyal to O’Brien since we love their wine. I’m glad to report that the third time was a charm for having a great in-person tasting experience, this time with Marilyn. Marilyn hosted us and we had the entire winery to ourselves, and she really took the time to make it fun and informative. She was a great host and we’re glad to have had such a nice experience this time. Tastings at O’Brien are held outside for most of the year, in picturesque seating areas right by the edge of the vineyard, much closer than you get to the vines at almost any other winery we’ve been to in the area. In this case, since it was chilly in January, our tasting was held inside the barn, but Marilyn still invited us to have a glass of chardonnay while taking a quick walking tour through the vineyard, which we enjoyed (walking in the vineyard was not offered to us on previous visits). It was a beautiful afternoon to be outside, and we learned a lot about the process of preparing for each growing season and even how the process of replanting works when a portion of the vineyard has outlived its useful life. The O’Briens’ adorable dog, Heidi, was also there and ran around the vineyards with us while we took our walk. Hanging out with Heidi is always a highlight of a visit to O’Brien Estate. After touring the vineyards with Marilyn, we settled down inside for a tasting of all of O’Brien’s current releases – merlot, two Bordeaux-style blends (Romance and Seduction), and the cabernet sauvignon. We’ve had all of these before, and especially love Seduction and the cabernet sauvignon, but it’s always fun to do another tasting and have a chance to relax and talk about the wine. They also provide a nice cheese plate to accompany the wine as well. They’ve just set up new seating areas for tastings in the barn, so it was a nice change of pace to do a tasting there for the first time, although in warmer weather, it is still preferable to be outside overlooking the vineyard. Our time with Marilyn was very enjoyable, and we spent close to 90 minutes with her, just talking about all kinds of things, from dogs, to the happenings at O’Brien, to Napa in general. It was informal and laid-back. We really enjoy the wines at O’Brien Estate and think a stop here is worth it (reservations are required and can be made online). The blends are priced in the $70-$80 range per bottle, and the cabernet sauvignon is now just under $100 a bottle, which I think are good prices for the quality of wine produced. We enjoy our membership at O’Brien, and even if you don’t become a member, a tasting there is a wonderful way to spend a portion of a day, in the world of a laid-back, small producer. I am very glad that we had a great tasting experience this time with Marilyn, and we now look forward to similar positive experiences in the future!
3. Stags' Leap Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Stags' Leap Winery is truly a hidden gem in the highly acclaimed Stags Leap District. Located off a long, private road, our nineteenth-century stone winery and Victorian era Manor House are nestled against the Stags Leap Palisades east of the Silverado Trail. We invite you to make a reservation and visit this magical place with its beautiful gardens and stylish wines including the award-winning field blend, Ne Cede Malis, and opulent "The Leap" and "Audentia" Cabernet Sauvignon. We are open by appointment only and are unable to accommodate drop in guests due to traffic restrictions on our private road.
Reviewed By KCHouseman
This is a must stop for Napa Valley wine lovers. Amazing Cabernets and so much more. Make an appointment for the tour and learn a true understanding of how Napa Valley became one of the true premier Cabernet Sauvignon capitals of the world.
4. 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!!
5. The Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 999 reviews
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 CharlesA - Key Biscayne, United States
We completely enjoyed visiting the Napa art collection of David Hess (he has others in Argentina and South Africa, and is planning a fourth for Australia). Works by Francis Bacon, Stella, Gertsch (emulating Vermeer projecting and painting), Magdalena Abakanowicz, Morris Lewis, and many more. I especially enjoyed "Surface Tension" by Andy Goldsworthy. Worth a couple of hours!!
6. Domaine Carneros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,476 reviews
We welcome you to join us! We are seating for tastings outdoors on our expansive terrace, with limited seating indoors. Reservations are required, and all visitors must be at least 21 years of age. For your health and for ours, masks and social distancing are required. Groups are currently restricted to 6 or fewer. We welcome service animals only, please no pets. Contactless curbside pickup is still available. We look forward to raising a glass with you!
Reviewed By DickT939 - Tucson, United States
Had a few minutes in our schedule, and couldn't pass up another visit to this place. Always enjoy our visits...the service was great, the wine super (as usual), the caviar top notch, the cheese plate very tasty. Our server was attentive and friendly (tall guy, maybe John??? Made the visit super pleasant.
7. Del Dotto Vineyards & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 486 reviews
Our original historic location with our hand dug cave dating back to 1885. We offer our cave experience and barrel tasting daily featuring world reowned wines.
Reviewed By badrax - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Another amazing barrel tour with entertainment and education with small bite to follow High marks for this place
8. Castello di Amorosa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,493 reviews
Castello di Amorosa is one of Napa Valley's most unique wineries and is re-opening on 6/6/2020 by reservation only. Book: https://booking.castellodiamorosa.com/booktour?tid=41 with all experiences. At over 136,000 square feet, the authentically-built 13th-century Tuscan-style castle and winery offers a variety of tour options including Reserve wine tours, food and wine pairing tours and a cheese and wine tour. Castello di Amorosa makes a variety of award-winning wines from its location on the hillside above Calistoga. Try "Il Barone," the wine that Robert Parker rated 94 points. The Castello also produces Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Rose, Pinot Bianco, Sangiovese, Barbera, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Il Brigante blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, La Castellana Super Tuscan Blend, Il Raggio del Sole, Fantasia, Il Passito Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon and Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, the top dessert wine at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for two consecutive years.
Reviewed By gabew992
It was an amazing effort to build a 100% authentic (style) Italian castle in the Napa Valley, and the castello looks amazing. We were expecting the wine to be mediocre, but it was extremely good as well -- we ended up ordering a case, and impressed some friends with the first bottle of pinot gris last week :)
9. Etude Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By TristinpG
Beautiful day, staff was very accommodating. They upgraded our experience due to a last minute cancellation.
10. Sequoia Grove Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
For forty years, Sequoia Grove Winery has been obsessed with the details that go into crafting our Napa Valley wines and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. Our commitment to quality starts in the vineyard; we grow the very best grapes in the finest terroir to form the foundation of our wines. Quality is intrinsic to everything we do, from winemaking to our gracious hospitality; it’s engrained in our culture and the vanguard of our philosophy. The next step in our compelling evolution begins in 2018 with the introduction of our new state-of-the-art winemaking and hospitality facilities. At Sequoia Grove, we’ve been carving our own path for decades while never losing sight of who we are: rooted in history, guided by integrity, resolute in our values, and committed to the future.
Reviewed By mjonespt - Gainesville, United States
Loved the fantastic food and wine pairing experience! Definitely worth the money and time. Book ahead and it will not disappoint! I even joined the wine club that day because their wines are fantastic! Can’t wait to do it again!
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