Explore Napa Valley: A Top Global Wine Destination – Trip Planning Tips

Napa is best known as a booming wine region, serving up some of the top vintages outside of France (and arguably, some of the best wines in the world). The rolling hills and sunny skies make the region a picturesque spot for a quick getaway. And while wine is the main draw, there’s plenty to explore in the region—all just a two-hour drive north of San Francisco.

Throughout the valley, there are a number of towns filled with quaint shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, luxurious hotels, and unique spa experiences. Moreover, with over 400 wineries in the region, Napa Valley is undoubtedly a destination worth revisiting. Therefore, whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a getaway with friends, or a family trip, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here, we’ve put together the best of what Napa Valley has to offer. Cheers!

Time Zone

Pacific Daylight Time

Best Time to Go

The tourist season in Napa coincides with the annual grape harvest from August to October; however, this also means that prices are at their highest. Travelers should expect wait times and the need for reservations when exploring. Late spring is a great alternative since the weather is pleasant and crowds are more manageable. Plus, some of Napa’s best hotels can be more affordable during this time. In late May, the area hosts the annual three-day-long BottleRock festival with dozens of acts from some of the world’s top musicians, drawing crowds of over 100,000.

In the summer, temperatures can rise, but there are plenty of wineries to explore where you can find air-conditioned tasting rooms or enjoy a seat on a covered patio. The area also hosts its annual Napa Wine Fest each July, showcasing some of the region’s top vintners as well as others from surrounding areas like Sonoma and Lake Mendocino.

The area embraces the holiday spirit during the late fall and early winter months, coinciding with cabernet season (which runs from November through April). While crowds are at their lowest, so are rates. Although temperatures may be a bit chilly, a glass of wine can easily warm you up.

Things to Know

Due to the region’s geographic spread, exploring by car is advisable (just remember to have a designated driver while visiting wineries). While there is public transportation available, it’s typically easier to explore at your own pace rather than navigating bus routes or incurring the cost of a taxi.

While temperatures can peak in the 90s during summer, nights may get surprisingly cold, dropping as much as 40 degrees in a single day. Therefore, packing a variety of outfits is advisable to ensure your comfort.

How to Get Around

Trains: Amtrak San Joaquins takes travelers from the Bay Area straight to downtown Napa, with rides taking anywhere from two to three hours based on your departure city.

Buses: Napa Valley’s public bus system is called The Vine and runs from El Cerrito Del Norte up to Calistoga.

Taxis: A handful of taxi services in Napa can be easily arranged for quick pickups and drop-offs. Vern’s Taxi Service and Yellow Cab Napa are the highest-rated options, but Uber and Lyft also operate in the area.

Car services: Napa Valley boasts a plethora of private car and limousine options, perfect for those who don’t want to worry about transportation while wine tasting. Napa Valley Limousine Services and Napa Sonoma Wine Tasting Driver are two highly-rated choices. For those seeking a guided ride to various attractions and tastings, consider booking with Bohemian Highway.

Best Hotels

Auberge du Soleil

Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573
Phone: (707) 963-1211
Website

For expansive views paired with a luxurious stay, Auberge du Soleil is an ideal choice. The property offers 27 rooms, 19 one-bedroom suites, and two private maisons, plus an outdoor pool and a relaxing spa. Guests can enjoy in-room massage treatments if they prefer the comfort of their private maison.

Meadowood

Address: 900 Meadowood Lane St. Helena, CA 94574
Phone: (877) 963-3646
Website

After being heavily impacted by the 2020 fires, Meadowood has reopened to welcome guests back to the 250-acre property. The estate features 36 rooms, a spa, five tennis courts, and three pool areas.

Hotel Villagio at The Estate Yountville

Address: 6481 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: (707) 927-2130
Website

Situated on 22 acres in the heart of Yountville, the estate offers everything you need for a relaxing getaway. The Hotel Villagio features 112 guestrooms and 22 suites, complete with gas fireplaces and private terraces perfect for a romantic escape.

The George

Address: 492 Randolph St, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 596-5168
Website

Housed in a turn-of-the-century manor that’s been thoughtfully restored, The George is situated in downtown Napa. The grand Victorian home offers nine original guest rooms blending modern amenities with the building’s old-world charm.

Archer Hotel Napa

Address: 1230 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 690-9800
Website

The Archer Hotel sits in the heart of downtown Napa, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms. The boutique hotel’s First Street location places it right in the center of the action. For unbeatable views, head to the hotel’s Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, which is the only open-air bar in town.

Bardessono Hotel & Spa

Address: 6526 Yount St, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: (707) 204-6000
Website

The Bardessono Hotel & Spa was designed with relaxation in mind, featuring 62 guest rooms and suites, as well as three private luxury villas, complete with in-room massage tables, steam showers, and soaking tubs. Additionally, the hotel boasts the area’s only rooftop pool, providing stunning views.

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection

Address: 755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: (707) 266-7534
Website

Situated on the outskirts of Calistoga, Solage enhances the beauty of its natural surroundings with ample outdoor space. The hotel recently transformed its pool area, adding a new restaurant and private cabanas available for rental. Inside, visitors will find a 20,000-square-foot spa and 89 guestrooms and suites, each featuring contemporary furnishings and open floor plans.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

Address: 400 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: (707) 709-2100
Website

The Four Seasons Resort in Napa Valley is the newest property, officially opening its doors in November 2021. The 85-room hotel features unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and includes 20 residences with luxe details, such as five-piece bathrooms, wine storage, and outdoor terraces for those seeking a more permanent stay. Notably, the resort has its own winery, with a vineyard surrounding the entire property.

Best Restaurants

French Laundry

Address: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: (707) 944-2380
Website

Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-star restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on classic French dishes. The late Anthony Bourdain referred to it as “the best restaurant in the world, period.” Seatings begin at $350 per person for the nine-course dinner, with two set menus that change daily: The Chef’s Tasting and The Tasting of Vegetables. Due to its prestigious reputation, reservations are necessary.

PRESS

Address: 587 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574
Phone: (707) 967-0550
Website

Chef Philip Tessier highlights regional cuisine using local ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Furthermore, PRESS boasts the largest collection of Napa Valley wine in the world, featuring over 1,700 bottles, making reservations encouraged.

Brix

Address: 7377 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558
Phone: (707) 944-2749
Website: brix.com

For over 25 years, Brix has been a local staple, serving imaginative dishes that highlight regional ingredients. Nestled on 16 acres with stunning views, it features an expansive outdoor seating area to enjoy the scenery. Owned by the Kelleher family of the namesake winery, the restaurant offers an extensive list of local wines to pair with your meal. Reservations are recommended.

Compline

Address: 1300 1st St #312, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 492-8150
Website

Situated on First Street in downtown Napa, Compline offers savory bites in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for people-watching. Executive chef Jammir Gray’s imaginative dishes are elevated and crave-worthy—think smoked trout rillettes and squid ink capellini. As an added bonus, their extensive wine store offers premium selections from around the world, making it a great spot for lunch, dinner, or a quick souvenir. Reservations are recommended.

Mustards Grill

Address: 7399 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558
Phone: (707) 944-2424
Website

This casual eatery, just a short drive north of Yountville, features an expansive menu with something for even the pickiest eaters. The restaurant utilizes fresh produce from their on-site organic garden to complement savory dishes, with their baby back ribs being a must-try. If possible, grab an outdoor table next to the garden to soak in the beautiful views of rolling vineyards.

The Charter Oak

Address: 1050 Charter Oak Ave, St Helena, CA 94574
Phone: (707) 302-6996
Website

Owned by chef Christopher Kastow of the renowned three-Michelin-star restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak offers a family-style dining experience that focuses on regional wines and seasonal ingredients. Dishes are simple yet bursting with flavor, complemented by unmatched cocktails. Reservations are recommended.

Ad Hoc

Address: 6476 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: (707) 944-2487
Website

Chef Thomas Keller opened Ad Hoc in 2006 as an homage to his favorite childhood dishes. The casual eatery offers upscale American fare with a four-course menu that changes daily. Dishes are served family-style, encouraging interaction among guests. Reservations are recommended.

Things to Do

California Brandy House

Address: 1300 1st St Suite 309, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 732-1200
Website

If you’re seeking a unique tasting experience, consider visiting California Brandy House. Opened in 2020 in the heart of downtown Napa, it offers a variety of premium brandys, all available for tasting on-site. Guests can also have their bottles engraved, making for a thoughtful souvenir.

Napa Valley Balloons

Address: 4086 Byway E, Napa, CA 94558
Phone: (707) 944-0228
Website

If you’re looking for a different perspective on Napa, consider a hot air balloon ride. Napa Valley Balloons takes visitors on a stunning journey above the beautiful rolling hills and vineyards, providing breathtaking views all the way to the Bay Area. Plus, departures occur at sunrise, allowing for an entire day of tastings afterward.

Napa Valley Wine Train

Address: 1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 253-2111
Website

Step back in time on the luxurious Napa Valley Wine Train. This restored 20th-century train takes guests on a scenic 36-mile round-trip tour of the region, all the way to St. Helena and back, featuring a five-star meal paired with the best wines from the area.

Napa Valley Bike Tours

Address: 6500 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: (707) 251-8687
Website

Yountville is ideally located at the center of various wineries, making it perfect for exploration by bike. Biking allows visitors to effortlessly hop from one winery to another while leisurely enjoying the serene surroundings.

Wine Tasting

With over 400 wineries in Napa Valley, narrowing down the list can be daunting. However, we’ve compiled some favorites to kickstart your wine-tasting journey. Mayacamas Vineyard nestled in the Mayacamas mountains offers exceptional views of the valley and the Bay Area. With ample outdoor seating and delectable wine and cheese pairings, Ashes & Diamonds Winery is great for a relaxed hangout. For a boutique winery experience away from the mega wineries, consider heading to B Cellar Winery, where the team skillfully crafted their menu to complement their vintages, allowing you to taste while soaking in the surrounding vineyard views on a covered patio.

Best Shopping

Oxbow Public Market

Address: 610 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 226-6529
Website

Located on First Street in downtown Napa, the Oxbow Public Market is a 40,000-square-foot marketplace featuring food vendors, cafes, and local farmers’ produce. After a fulfilling afternoon exploring, be sure to grab a cup of coffee from one of the cafes and take a break on the outdoor patio overlooking the Napa River.

Spice Islands Marketplace

Address: 2555 Main Street, St. Helena CA 94574
Phone: 845-452-9600
Website

Spice Islands Marketplace is a sanctuary for culinary enthusiasts. With over 1,700 cookbook titles, cookware, bakeware, and kitchen tools available, be sure to leave ample room in your bag (or bring an empty suitcase to fill). Adjacent to it is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Discovery Center where you can learn about the chocolate-making process.

Anette’s Chocolates

Address: 1321 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 252-4228
Website

Since 1991, Anette’s Chocolates has been crafting truffles, brittles, caramels, and delightful chocolates from their First Street location in Napa. While exploring downtown, be sure to stop by for a scoop or two of their hand-crafted ice cream (only served at their First Street location).

First Street Napa

Address: 1300 First Street, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 257-6900
Website

This collective of restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms is centrally located in downtown Napa, offering a perfect ensemble for an afternoon outing. Just across from the Archer Hotel, First Street is home to over 40 businesses all within walking distance.

Copperfield’s Books

Address: 1300 1st St Suite 398, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 252-8002
Website

Copperfield’s Books has been serving the Napa community for over 40 years, offering thousands of books and frequently hosting author readings and discussions.

Napastäk

Address: 1240 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 927-3303
Website

Food enthusiasts will find their haven at Napastäk, a culinary boutique in downtown Napa. Owners Arthur and Lusine Hartunian, who also own Napa Valley Distillery, have created a unique destination for food lovers, offering products ranging from jams and jellies to olive oils, mustards, and wines.

Neighborhoods to Know

While numerous towns are scattered throughout Napa Valley, a few stand out due to their wonderful dining, hotels, and activities. Here are the top cities and towns to explore:

Napa: Downtown Napa is bustling with action, making it the first stop for those traveling from the Bay Area. First Street is at its core, home to numerous outstanding restaurants, tasting rooms, and boutiques. Surrounding the commercial area are tree-lined streets filled with beautifully preserved Victorian homes.

Yountville: Notably home to Thomas Keller’s acclaimed French Laundry, Yountville is brimming with excellent restaurants, shops, and galleries. The town offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to hot air balloon rides above the valley.

St. Helena: St. Helena is a charming town lined with shops and restaurants along its Main Street. It’s home to The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, where visitors can participate in cooking demonstrations, tours, or sample wines from the on-site Christian Brothers Winery.

Calistoga: Calistoga marks the final stop for those traversing Napa Valley, providing a perfect spot to relax before returning to everyday life. The area’s mineral-rich waters have designated the town as a wellness destination, featuring various spas with natural spring pools. After unwinding, visitors can shop and dine along Lincoln Avenue.

Weather

Due to Napa Valley’s unique geography, weather can fluctuate dramatically from day to night; hence, it’s best to pack for both warm and cool conditions. The region averages around 27 inches of rainfall annually, primarily falling in winter months from December through March. Fire season spans from June through November, with the area experiencing record-setting wildfires in recent years. The combination of high temperatures and low precipitation makes it especially vulnerable to fires.

The average monthly temperatures in Fahrenheit are as follows:

January 35 – 55
February 37 – 60
March 40 – 64
April 42 – 70
May 48 – 78
June 53 – 87
July 56 – 93
August 55 – 92
September 53 – 88
October 47 – 77
November 40 – 64
December 35 – 56

Apps to Download

Napa Valley Mobile Concierge: Personal concierge and visitor news
iOs | Android

Wine & Spirit Education Trust Tasting Notes
iOs | Android

Winery Finder
iOs | Android