Location: St. Helena
Top Things to do in St. Helena
What to do and see in St. Helena, California (CA): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
St. Helena (/ˌseɪnt həˈliːnə/ saynt hə-LEE-nə) (Wappo: Anakotanoma, "Bull Snake Village") is a city in Napa County, California. It is part of the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The population was 5,814 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in St. Helena
1. VGS Chateau Potelle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
VGS Chateau Potelle Winery offers two unique visitor experiences. At our Tasting House & Garden in St. Helena visitors enjoy an intimate tasting of 6 wines, highlighted by their own unique Riedel glass and punctuated with food bites from Michelin star rated La Toque Restaurant. Open year-round daily 10AM-5PM; $50-$75 per person. Reservations REQUIRED.
Reviewed By julialmey
We spent a wonderful afternoon tasting wines that had been magically paired with fantastic small bites from La Toque restaurant. Luis shared stories and knowledge making our experience an unforgettable one. All the way from France, Jean Noel brought his dream to realization in the fertile Napa Valley soil! Merci bien, M. Jean Noel!
2. Schweiger Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Located 2000 feet above St. Helena, Schweiger Vineyards discovered by those in search of the authentic family winemaking experience. Enjoy incredible views overlooking Napa Valley, savor artisan style wines at this lovely Spring Mountain winery and just relax. Sip wines on the balcony, sit down to a paired tasting or tour the barrel room. Savor the signature Bordeaux-style blend “Dedication”, and the Cabernet Sauvignon along with the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Tastings are by appointment.
Reviewed By Olybug
I had the pleasure of visiting Schweiger Vineyards & Winery the day before the LNU Complex fire began. Wendy Vogt, the vineyard’s hospitality manager, was extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to speak with. The view was absolutely spectacular overlooking the Schweiger vineyards as I sipped on several of their delicious wines, including a cabernet that is still on my mind two weeks later as I write this, and a port wine that was to-die for. Fred purchased the first eight acres of the Schweiger Vineyards in 1961. Schweiger Vineyards & Winery officially launched in 1994, and since its inception, Andy has been Schweiger’s wine maker. Today, the sprawling fifty-five acre property sits atop Spring Mountain and includes thirty-five acres of planted vines, as well as their personal home. Schweiger Vineyards & Winery is Napa Green certified. They produce approximately 5000 cases each year, and Schweiger’s Cabernet Sauvignon, their most popular wine, encompasses approximately half of that. The soil in which the vines grow is comprised primarily of ash. Unique to this property are the natural springs running under the land. This allows for the very rare occurrence in Napa where the vines rarely, if ever, need to be watered. The roots of the vines can grow 20 feet below the surface to receive all the water they need from the natural springs. If you find yourself in Napa, add Schweiger Vineyards & Winery to your must-visit list. They also allow visitors to partake in a grape stomp every fall, although this year they have had to cancel it due to COVID. We’re definitely putting it on our calendar to come back and check it out next year!
3. Pride Mountain Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 622 reviews
Pride Mountain Vineyards specializes in red wine production, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The property is only open for wine tasting appointments to guests with a prior appointments. In compliance of our local codes and use-permits all appointments must be made in advance of arrival. Thank you, Pride Mountain Vineyards
Reviewed By brettbarry1
This was our 4th or 5th visit to Pride over the years, but this past visit was by far the most informative and entertaining/enjoyable. Our wine guide Paul was so exceptional at his work representing Pride – a caring & knowledgeable person, never arrogant – always on point (funny) and frankly one of the best wine tour guides my wife and I have met in over 30 years of visiting Napa. He is just WOW ???? I know everyone felt that way – especially my wife’s family and friends from Norway who were visiting Napa for the 1st time. We arrived 90 min earlier than our appointment - after our tour at neighboring vineyard Keenan which was abruptly ended at the start because their boisterous big dog had gotten into something poisonous and was foaming at the mouth and in distress. So we left early…(we later found out that the dog was OK thank goodness after an emergency vet run). That was jarring & scary enough, but when I arrived early @ Pride with a busload of 10 and asked Paul what to do – he didn’t hesitate or miss a beat… rolling with the situation, and starting us early on easily the best Cave tour we have ever had???? Many Napa vineyards seem to have gone into a kind of automatic mode – going through the swirling motions, not listening to their customers on tour – pushing customers to buy/buy at the end without ever connecting with them. However what you have with Paul is a truly gifted “connector” – a man who plainly loves his work, knows Pride inside the caves & out – and makes each guest feel as though they have had a very unique experience. We have always loved Pride as both a winery and source of outstanding juice. We are Spring Mountain fans for 20+ years (we knew Barbara and Jim at Paloma + we love Schweiger, Sherwin Family, and we are longtime Spring Mountain Vineyard club members). When you try the wines on Spring Mountain you will discover the biggest and richest reds in Napa - complex wines with aging potential. Our stop at Pride last Sunday was the last stop on our 3 day tour, and it left a delicious taste in everyone’s mouths. It made my wife's 50th even more memorable. The vino at Pride Mountain is TOP drawer - their famous Merlot is a monster of deep richness and structure, with massive aging potential. We are fans of the Cab as well & Chardonnay - all the wines at Pride are some of the best you will taste in Napa. Well worth a drive up the mountain. You will not easily find these incredible wines are your local store - do yourself a favor and experience the magic of Pride (and seek out Paul).
4. Amizetta Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By P1013GNphilipr
If you enjoy red wine these are some of the best Napa Valley has to offer in an idyllic setting overlooking the valley.
5. Napa Valley Wine Excursions Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 361 reviews
Napa Valley Wine Excursions specializes in custom wine tours in the Napa Valley guided by a Napa native. As the owner of Napa Valley Wine Excursions, it is my pleasure to create a unique wine tour experience for you that only a Napa native can provide. Having lived here my entire life, I have been fortunate enough to have established strong relationships with many of the most exclusive wineries in the Valley. With a background in the wine industry as well, I am equipped to create an experience for you that will give you a true taste of what the Napa Valley has to offer. Your day can include visits to the vineyards, caves, and tasting rooms of Napa's most famous wineries. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the novelty of exceptional wines in the cellars and homes of family-owned, boutique wineries.
6. Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 200 reviews
Family owned and operated since 1981, Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards is a local, 42-acre vineyard in Napa just a short drive from downtown St. Helena, featuring world-class fine wines at affordable prices. Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards has produced some truly spectacular wines, including crisp, vivacious whites and lush, textured reds. We're one of the original producers of Cabernet in Napa, and started our first vintage in 1987. We're also home to Ghost Horse Vineyards: the most expensive wine in the world upon release! Contact the winery for more information and to schedule a tasting!
Reviewed By LindsayCrews - San Francisco, United States
We have visited Anderson's several times and each experience has been fantastic. We continue to bring friends & family to taste here! Dan is extremely knowledgeable about wine and makes sure each tasting is unique, especially for special occasion visits! There is a variety of great wines to try and tasting in the caves is a memorable experience. I highly recommend visiting Anderson's and tasting with Dan!
7. Sherwin Family Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 88 reviews
A visit to Sherwin Family Vineyards, at the top of Spring Mountain above St. Helena, is like no other tasting experience. You will be treated to world-class wines in an idyllic setting overlooking the Estate’s vineyards and picturesque lake and fountain. Relax on the patio and sip a glass of Estate Cabernet while you enjoy a peaceful picnic on the deck. Or, on those chilly winter days, relax in front of a blazing fire in the beautifully appointed Tasting Room while enjoying Sherwin Family’s current releases. Whatever the season, your visit to Sherwin Family Vineyards will be a memorable experience that will linger, and the memory will enhance your enjoyment of the wines that you take home with you. We would love to show you a little Spring Mountain hospitality on your next visit to Napa Valley.
8. Buehler Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By 274grantm - Pine Bush, United States
Jonathan's hospitality and personal attention provided our group with an unforgettable visit. Thank you for making us New Yorker's feel like part of the Buehler family for a day. The "papas knoll" cab tasting was incredible. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit! What a location! Thank you again.
9. Modus Operandi Cellars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By PugglePower - Boca Raton, United States
We had a amazing wine tasting experience with Caitlyn of Modus Operandi at Brasswood. To begin with the wines were truly amazing, it was wonderful trying a wide selection of Jason’s wines as we learned about the history of the winery and his approach to his wine making. While I knew little about the wines of MO prior to my tasting, Jason has produced some terrific wines that are a pleasure to drink. Cailtyn was an outstanding hostess; she was engaging, warm and very knowledgeable. To top it off, the tasting room at Brasswood was beautiful. Having a private tasting with Caitlyn at Modus Operandi was the perfect way to spend s few beautiful hours in Napa, great company and great wine in a magnificent setting.
10. Sinegal Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Sinegal Estate Winery in Napa Valley is a luxury Cabernet Sauvignon producer offering a distinctly authentic wine country experience where curiosity is rewarded with warm hospitality and exceptional quality. Private tours and tastings by appointment. Visit our website to learn more.
Reviewed By carriecatherine
Overall, our visit at Sinegal was exceptional, and it was exactly what we expect and want from an intimate wine tasting experience. Cameron, our host, toured us through the grounds, and then led us through a delicious and very educational wine tasting. We learned so much in a very fun and casual conversation — while, of course, trying exceptional wine. We will definitely return.
