Napa Valley is sprawling—so much so that for first timers, it may even feel overwhelming. We’d go as far to say that second and third time visitors might feel this way, too. That’s because since Napa was branded as the premier wine destination in the United States, it has attracted restaurateurs, chefs, luxury brands and international winemakers who developed the region’s five main towns—American Canyon, Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga—to put the valley on the map as an epicurean destination.
With so much to do, one trip to Napa almost leads straight to planning another as winemakers and industry folk share their favorite haunts that your schedule won’t allow for in a single stay. This guide is an overview of the best places to sip, indulge and rest in Napa Valley, with advice to leave an extra day or two on your itinerary to plan for spontaneous visits or simply to enjoy some leisure time; after all, you’re in wine country, you’re supposed to relax.
Napa
Just about an hour from San Francisco Airport (SFO), the largest town in Napa Valley is a convenient place to start your journey to wine country. Check-in to one of the cottage-inspired rooms at the swanky Stanly Ranch for solitude on an actual working ranch (dating back to the mid-1800s) while also only being less than a 10-minute drive from downtown.
At the heart of Napa, One MICHELIN Star Kenzo beckons with its prix fixe sushi and kaiseki menus alongside an impressive sake selection. More casual affairs include sliding into a barstool at Hog Island Oyster Co. in Oxbow Public Market for a platter of west coast bivalves served with their wildly addictive Hogwash mignonette or joining a winemakers’ evening at Cadet Beer + Wine Bar. Come morning, head to Monday Bakery & Cafe for oversized croissants and freshly baked muffins.
Don’t miss tastings at: Vin Fraîche, Hess Persson Estates, and Hudson Ranch.
Yountville
Lovingly referred to as “Kellerville” for the prolific presence of decorated chef Thomas Keller—his restaurants include Three MICHELIN Star and Green Star The French Laundry, Bouchon, Ad Hoc, MICHELIN Bib Gourmand La Calenda, Regiis Ova Bar & Lounge all on the main Washington Street—foodies will definitely want to flock to Yountville. The Estate Yountville is a quaint community of its own within the town; its 22 acres host two hotels, three restaurants, an artisan marketplace with the likes of award-winning confectioner Kollar Chocolate and V Wine Cellar, an insiders’ wine shop that hosts frequent tastings and classes, including a sabering demonstration.
Since Yountville is world-renowned as a culinary destination, reservations can be challenging to come by. Book in advance and for any last minute trips, bar seating and walk-ins are always worth a try. Though Chef Keller’s restaurants might be the most plentiful, you’ll want to check out some of the other mouthwatering cuisine here, too. Like MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Ciccio, a more casual eatery on Washington Street that’s celebrated by locals for its wood-fired pizzas with inventive toppings and handmade pastas.
There are plenty of luxury wine tasting rooms on Washington Street, from JCB Collection to Priest Ranch, but for a change of scenery and some fresh air, don’t miss the recently revamped tasting room at Chandon Napa. Their new tasting experiences include harvest sunrise breakfast, cabana tastings, and personal tasting flights that are accompanied by specific bites for each of the wines in their portfolio (25 wines so 25 bites).
St. Helena & Calistoga
Referred to as “up valley,” St. Helena features a picturesque Main Street that’s dotted with a mixture of bakeries, cafes, restaurants and homeware boutiques, where even if you’re not explicitly in the market to buy a live-edge charcuterie board or artisanal olive oil, you’ll likely leave with a new purchase or two.
Check-in to Alila Napa Valley on the Beringer Vineyards Estate for a tranquil respite that’s within walking or bicycling distance to the shops, including only a 15-minute walk from The Model Bakery, famed for their English Muffins and hearty breakfast wraps. For lunch and dinner, stop by upscale yet no frills spots like The Charter Oak (don’t miss the burger and fermented soy dip with their garden vegetables). In case you’re craving a more elevated reservation, One MICHELIN Star Press spotlights regional purveyors to summarize Napa Valley and sense of place in every bite of their four-course tasting menu.
Even further up the valley is Calistoga where Solage Resort & Spa embraces guests in a luxe and lavish accommodation. The resort is considerably far out but if you’re looking for a stay-in-one-place retreat, you’ll certainly find it here; Solbar is the resort’s onsite restaurant that’s valued for its inventive farm-to-table creations so you won’t need to travel far for indulgence.
Don’t miss tastings at: Amulet Estate, Vineyard 29, Faust, and OVID
Hero image: © Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection
