Top Things to do in Napa Valley
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What to do and see in Napa Valley, Napa Valley: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. Vincent Arroyo Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By Sasi_Perreault - Mountain View, United States
This is our favorite winery of all time after going to so many different ones over the years. We normally went to a few each time we came to Sonoma/Napa area, but over the last three times, we just came straight to Vincent Arroyo and ONLY here. Other than the most obvious reason why we keep coming back (BEST petite sirah in the WORLD), this winery has the most happy, genuine, friendly, and generous staff. I think we were with Jeffrey twice and he was brilliant. This last time we were with David, and he was absolutely pure joy and amazing!! He was so generous with his time and explanation (and the generous pour!!). We had the most wonderful & pleasant conversation with him about wine and wine making for a very long time. We were very grateful for the time and knowledge (and fun stories) he shared. We highly recommend this place. Forget about all other ‘more famous’ wineries and just come straight here!! :-)
3. Bell Wine Cellars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 135 reviews
Established in 1991, Bell Wine Cellars is a small, family owned winery committed to hand-crafting limited edition bottling of extraordinary wines. We're less than a mile south of Yountville on Washington Street, in an exquisite pale stone winery, surrounded by vineyard and cloaked in quiet.If you enjoy Cabernet, you'll enjoy Bell. We make six different Cabernets as well as Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah; total production is under 15,000 cases annually. Nestled between the towering stainless steel tanks, guests can taste our signature wines at the intimate, elegant Tasting Bar. We also host more extensive educational tastings in our lovely, enclosed Reserve Room overlooking the barrels. During much of the year, our spacious Patio is also open for tasting appointments, under the arbor as the sun slowly arcs toward the Mayacamas to the west.Come visit and taste what Anthony Bell, a globally educated winemaker with over 35 years of experience in Napa, can produce. We guarantee you'll leave speaking Cabernet fluently, and with a smile.
Reviewed By 568sienap - Bicester, United Kingdom
We loved the eccentric and knowledgeable tasting guide, the peaceful setting among the vines and most of all the wines which packed a punch!
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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!!
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. Silverado Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Our family-owned winery nestled in the hillsides in the heart of the Stags Leap District, handcrafts Estate and Single Vineyard wines. Daily tasting, tours, culinary programs, events. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Napa Valley or a seasoned wine lover who travels here often, we know you’ll find something to love at Silverado Vineyards. Reservations are required.
Reviewed By YvetteBer - Leopoldsburg, Belgium
We enjoyed our visit at Silverado Vineyards very much. We were greeted warmly at the entrance. The tour guide who showed us around the barrel hall was very knowledgeable telling us about the vineyard and history of the wines being produced. This was followed by a lovely wine tasting session while seated outside on a cosy patio and the panoramic view was breathtaking. We thoroughly enjoyed tasting the different wines and the very tasty cheese plate and fresh grapes really finished it off. I recommend visiting Silverado Vineyards.
