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A Dozen Vintners
A Dozen Vintners is a collective tasting room that serves wines from the finest boutique wineries such as Adams Ridge, Eagle and Rose Estate, Livinston-Moffett, Howell Mountain Vineyards, Reverie, Lamborn Family Vineyards, Destino Wines, Domaine Charbay, Fife Vineyards and Von Strasser Winery.
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Acacia Vineyard
Acacia Vineyard is well-known for the production of two wines - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This new Carneros Pinot Noir is considerably richer and more aromatic. Acacia Marsh Chardonnay is created from Carneros District grapes, by wine-maker Anthony King. It is sold exclusively at the winery and supports the cause of restoration of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. You can also avail of benefits by joining the Wine Club.
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Aetna Springs Golf Course
Aetna Springs Golf Course is reported to be the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi, and it is certainly one of the oldest operating courses in the country. It was constructed around 1890, and is a 9-hole, 2,691 yard public course.
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Alpacas of Napa Valley
Alpacas of Napa Valley is a great place to let the kids meet and pet an alpaca, which are gentle and friendly animals. The site features a shop, which sells yarn, clothing, and toys made from alpaca fur, as well as jewelry and children's garments. Items made from alpaca fur are said to be comparable to cashmere, but have the sturdiness of wool.
For visitors interested in owning alpacas, the owners can provide information on how to start a herd, with prices, finance options, and insurance information. They do occasionally sell alpacas. More »
Andretti Winery
Racing legend Mario Andretti established this Tuscan-inspired winery in 1996. Located on the southern end of the Napa Valley, the 53-acre vineyard produces Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Sauvignon Blanc vintages that are featured in the tasting room. Guests are encouraged to tour the 4,000-square-foot facility designed to look like a Tuscan villa. Up to 300 guests can be accommodated for private parties. The Winner's Circle Wine Club offers members two bottles of wine four times a year, recipes from Mario's kitchen that complement Andretti wines, discounts, a newsletter, special tours and tasting.
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Artesa Winery
This majestic Napa winery features a wine-making museum and an array of champenoise sparkling wines for you to try. It was started in 1991 and specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its 1991 Reserve and a 1992 Blanc de Blancs are exclusive to the winery tasting room. The USD40 million wine-making facility sits on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of Napa Valley. Sit in a peaceful courtyard and enjoy a reflecting pool, sculpture, and fountains. Free tours are offered daily at 11a and 2p.
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Bale Grist Mill State Park
This restored mill, built in 1846, still works, and visitors can see its massive millstones in action when millers grind flour out of local wheat. Bale Grist flour, literally the "run of the mill," can be purchased at the mill when demonstrations take place. Check for the sign saying "Milling Today." Mill demonstrations are irregularly scheduled because of staffing difficulties. Demonstrations are more frequent on weekends and in summer months. The smallish, tree-filled park surrounding the mill offers a welcome contrast to the car-interned.
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BayLink Ferries
The BayLink Ferries run daily between San Francisco and Vallejo, a city located on San Francisco Bay, fourteen miles south of Napa. The ferries are a popular way for locals to go directly to downtown San Francisco without the hassle of driving, parking, and commute traffic. If you're traveling to the Napa Valley, you may not want to use it as transportation since you'll probably need a car in the valley.
However, if you're staying in the valley, it's a great way for a quick visit to San Francisco and a wonderful trip if you are traveling with kids. A one-way ride takes about one hour. More »
Beaulieu Vineyards
This winery, founded by a Frenchman, has been continuously producing wine longer than any other Napa Valley winery. It had a major impact on the industry by introducing small oak barrels for aging wine in the early 1900s. During Prohibition, it produced sacramental wines. Today the winery produces several award-winning varieties from its wide holdings in the Rutherford, Napa Valley and Carneros viticultural areas as well as limited quantities of specialty wines like Muscat and Sangiovese.
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Beringer Vineyards
Beringer Vineyards has been in the wine-making business for more than 125 years. With a combination of modern technology and traditional methods, it produces some great blends. Pinot Grigio, Sparkling White Zinfandel, Alluvium Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are some of the wines produced. The store sells items such as two bottle wine boxes with handle, wine cellar tags, Beringer wine tasting wheel and much more. You can choose to join any of the four wine clubs.
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Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
This state park offers the winery-weary 100 acres of pastoral idyll and the only campgrounds in Napa Valley. There's hiking through the stands of maple and oak, picnic grounds in pleasant meadows, a swimming pool and sites of historical interest including the ruins of the valley's first church and a pioneer graveyard with the remains of some of the Donner Party. Park day use is $5 per car. The Ritchey Creek Campground has 40 secluded family campsites at around $15 a site. The restrooms include hot showers. Credit cards not accepted.
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Bouchaine Vineyards
Located on 38 acres in the Carneros appellation in southwestern Napa, these grape vines were first planted on the property in the mid-1800s. The current winery, founded in 1981, produces fewer than 20,000 cases annually, predominantly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. About 1,000 cases of limited release wines are also produced, including a Cabernet Franc and a dessert wine. Renovated in 1995, the winery retained the historic architecture of the original buildings and still employs a traditional Burgundian method of producing Pinot Noir in open-top concrete fermenter. Several wines have won awards. Wine tasting is free.
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Bounty Hunter
Mark Pope, owner of this popular wine-tasting bar, has always believed wine is meant to be enjoyed with delicious food. Not to worry--this isn't another stereotypical pompous bistro/wine-tasting bar. Leave all pretensions behind, step inside, and you will find a selection of over 40 wines by the glass and an eclectic menu with dishes like beer can chicken and mac and cheese. It's now one of the liveliest places in town, and one of the few places that's hopping late in the evening. You can enjoy Guinness on tap, or sip on one of their many fine wines.
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Bridgeford Flying Services
Bridgeford Flying Services provides aerial tours of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa, San Francisco Bay, and the Marin/Sonoma Coast. Flying in an airplane over the Napa Valley is a spectacular way to see the valley. While not as pleasantly graceful as a hot air balloon, a plane will let you see much more territory. Notice the many mammoth mansions scattered among the trees on the hills, particularly on the east side of the valley. You'll never see most of them from the valley roads.
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Bubbling Well Pet Memorial Park
This pet cemetery, located in the hills just outside of the city of Napa, is not well known, or frequented often, but it is worth a visit for any animal lover. The park was founded in 1971 and more than 10,000 pets are buried here. Bubbling Well's main claim to fame is that it "starred" in the very unique 1980 documentary film "Gates of Heaven."
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Cakebread Cellars
Founded in 1973 by former photographer Jack Cakebread, this winery has produced a plethora of award-winning vintages. The winery produces 85,000 cases annually and is best known for its classic rich Rutherford Cabernets, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The entire family is involved with the winery operation, which includes promoting healthy food. The Cakebreads founded the American Harvest Workshop, an annual four-day event that promotes local agriculture and involves chefs, winemakers and farmers. The family also sells organic produce grown on winery grounds when available. Tours and tastings are by prior appointment only.
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Calistoga
Calistoga is the liveliest town in Napa Valley, and the only one with a full geothermal spa. Almost every shop and restaurant in Calistoga is along Lincoln Avenue, in the heart of the downtown area. Calistoga is also the only town in the valley with any real nightlife. Maybe it's all that geothermal energy bubbling under the ground. Or maybe it's because visitors are so relaxed after a day of wine tasting and mud bathing, that they're in an exceptionally good mood.
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Calistoga Mineral Water Company
One of the country's oldest and most recognized brands of bottled water is bottled daily in Calistoga, a small town located between Napa and Sonoma counties. The town is well-known for its natural geyser springs. Naturally, a water-bottling plant was built around the geyser and Calistoga Mineral Water Company was born. Since the 1970s, the company has expanded and remains the leading bottled water brand in the country. Tours are available by appointment.
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Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center
This visitors' center provides guests with an in-depth explanation of geothermal energy. You'll find out everything you ever wanted to know about a geothermal power plant, which converts renewable steam into electricity. Feel free to peruse through interactive energy exhibits on your way out. Tour buses transport visitors to the actual thermal site.
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Cameo Cinema
Located in downtown St. Helena, this beautifully restored theater is a local favorite and regularly features independent films, that are typically hard to come by, especially in such a small town. The theater also host concerts, shows, and private parties.
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Cantinetta Wine Bar
Cantinetta Wine Bar offers more than 100 wines by the glass. The wine bar is part of the Cantinetta Delicatessen, which in turn is part of Tra Vigne Restaurant, famed for its "wine country Italian cuisine" and founded by television cooking personality Michael Chiarello.
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Chardonnay Golf Club
The Chardonnay Golf Club consists of three nine-hole courses, set amidst 130-acres on Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards, just south of the city of Napa. Choose between the Lakes/Meadows, Meadows/Vineyards, or Vineyards/Lakes combinations for a full 18 holes.
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Charles Krug Winery
For a feel of winemaking history, visit Napa Valley's oldest winery. Founded in 1861, it has 800 acres of prime vineyards spread out across several Napa Valley appellations and produces more than ten varieties of wine. A registered historical landmark, the facility includes the original wine cellar and contains one of the Valley's largest collections of rare and aged vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon. Other notable wines include Generations, an award-winning Bordeaux blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot grapes, and the Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery's flagship wine.
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Chateau Montelena
The soil is rich and the sunny Californian climate is ideal for nurturing grapes and subsequent wine making. Alfred Tubbs recognized the above and succeeded in crafting the much sought after Napa Valley Chardonnay. In fact at Montelena, grapevine has it that fine grapes give rise to fine wine culture.
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Clos Du Val Wine Company, Ltd.
This premier winery was founded in 1972 by winemaker Bernard Portet, a descendant of Bordeaux wine merchants and he was trained in that region. The winery immediately established its reputation when its first release Cabernet Sauvignon placed in the top five in the famous blind wine-tasting in Paris 1976. The same wine was awarded first place in a rematch in 1986. The facility includes a charming ivy-draped stone tasting room and a spacious shaded picnic area. The winery produces four "series" of wines, primarily red varietals and premium Cabernet Sauvignons.
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Clos Pegase Winery
The Clos Pegase Winery was designed by renowned architect Michael Graves after an international competition. The assignment was to build a "temple to wine." The resulting winery is architecturally magnificent and the wine produced inside in excellent. Owner, Jam Shrem wisely chose winemaking legend, Andre Tchelistcheff as his first consultant and the quality has been consistent ever since. The winery's art collection is as impressive as its handsome architecture. A variety of paintings are on display in the visitors' center. Outside you'll find sculptures by internationally-known artists, including Henry Moore.
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COPIA
It's hard to describe Copia. Even the people who run it aren't quite sure what it is, and Copia continues to re-invent itself every couple of years. Copia is the vision of Robert Mondavi, founder of Robert Mondavi Winery, who can easily be credited to be the man who put Napa Valley on the map in the latter part of the 20th Century. Mondavi's creativity, instincts, public relations, and marketing skills not only promoted Napa Valley wines around the country and around the world, but he also set the pace for excellence in wine, and in the food and culture that goes with it. Copia's mission is to celebrate America's contributions to wine, food, and the arts. It does that through art exhibits, film, musical performances, cooking demonstrations and classes, wine tasting, its restaurant Julia's Cafe (named after the late and very famous chef Julia Child), and its own organic gardens.
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Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
The CIA, as in Culinary Institute of America, has as its West Coast campus, the former home of the Christian Brothers winery, an imposing three-story 101-year-old building that housed generations of winemaking friars. This is a masters-level training center for working, certified chefs. Visitors can take in cooking demonstrations F-M at 1:30p and 3:30p for $12.50 per person with a sample of what the chef has prepared at the end of the demonstration. CIA's Campus Store stocks an impressive supply of cookware and cookbooks for the serious cook. You may also want to dine at the campus Cuvaison Winery
Cuvaison was founded in 1969 by two Silicon Valley engineers. A Swiss visitor was so impressed by the wines that her family bought the winery 1979. Another change came when the winery moved from the more traditional heavy cabernets to the release of two highly acclaimed wines, a Merlot and a Chardonnay, in the mid-1980s. Many accolades for these highly rated, affordable wines followed, and today the winery produces 65,000 cases, mostly Chardonnay. Facilities include a wine cave and pleasant picnic area.
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Darioush
This relatively new winery's architecture is inspired by Persepolis, the ancient Persian city founded by the first king of Persia. The 22,000 square-foot state of the art facility, uses Old-World techniques, which owner Darioush Khaledi learned from his father in Iran, to craft only the finest wines.
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Del Dotto Vineyards
Although Del Dotto's vineyards are in the Rutherford area, their tasting room is in Napa. On the tour, you'll be able to sample wine straight from the barrel (the tour guide uses an industry tool called a "wine thief" to siphon up wine from the barrel). Tasting wine from different barrels, you'll directly experience the difference that various types of oak (American and French) have on the wine. A tour that's both educational and tasty.
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di Rosa Preserve: Art & Nature
This is where art and nature collide. This outstanding collection from San Francisco Bay Area artists features work from the second half of the 20th Century. The art is as impressive as the location, which is set in the middle of the renowned Winery Lake Vineyard.
Reservations are required. More »
Domaine Carneros
It is considered by many to be the most beautiful 18th Century chateau in North America. The chateau also has one of the most prominent vineyards consisting of chardonnay and pinot noir strands. You'll feel just like a king in the Louis XV style guestrooms and with a gracious service to match. Snuggle up to a warm fire during the cold winter months or enjoy the summer air from the Châteaux terrace. This place can also be hired for wedding receptions. Check out the in-house store, where you can pick up a number of vintages for friends and family. The tours are complimentary and daily.
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Domaine Chandon
Founded in 1973 by Moet and Chandon (the French makers of Dom Perignon), the winery was California's first large-scale sparkling wine producer. It was the first to introduce Pinot Meunier as a varietal for making sparkling wine. You can learn all about this on the winery's tour, which imparts all the fascinating details about the process of making sparkling wine. Tastings are conducted in the stylish, terraced Le Salon including hors d'oeuvres. The winery property also features an award-winning restaurant. Check the website for the operation hours of the restaurant, visitor center and tasting salon. Reservations for restaurant are accepted.
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Domaine Charbay Winery & Distillery
Charbay, the only distillery in Napa Valley, produces small quantities of wine, liqueurs, and other treasures at its St. Helena facility. Most of Charbay's creations, including its very popular flavored Charbay Vodkas, are made at its facility in Mendocino County. Charbay is a very special place, with the highest possible standard of excellence in its wines and spirits. Highly recommended!
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Downtown Napa
Downtown Napa encompasses an area of around 12 square blocks at the heart of the city. Main Street runs along the Napa River, and First Street is the actual "main street," running east-west over the Napa River towards Copia, the American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts. There are many shops and restaurants in this area, which is one of the liveliest centers of the town. The famous Napa murals can be seen on the corner of Main and First; they give an illustrated history of the area and are worth taking a moment to admire.
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Downtown St. Helena
Each town in the Napa Valley has its own character. St. Helena is a shopping town, filled with boutiques along the stretch of Highway 29 that runs right through the center of town, referred to as Main Street. This four-block street is where all the action in this small town is. You'll find high-fashion clothing for men, women, and children, art galleries, wine-tasting, chocolate, jewelry, and tasteful mementos of all sorts.
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Downtown Yountville
All of the action in the small town of Yountville is located downtown. Almost all restaurants and shops are along Washington Street, as is most of the town's lodging. Yountville is filled with people looking for good food, good wine, and a good time. You'll enjoy it.
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Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort
Dr. Wilkinson's has been operating for over fifty years and remains one of the most popular spas in the area. They continue to turn out many of very relaxed people. The spa offers lodging, indoor and outdoor pools, mud baths, massage, mineral baths, facials, scrubs, and more. Go ahead, relax!
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Eagle Vines Golf Club
Eagle Vines is a new golf course set in 30 acres in vineyards just south of the city of Napa. It's an 18-hole, par 72 golf course, with 7,283 yards with four sets of tees for men, and two sets for ladies. You'll play among oak trees, vineyards, creeks and rolling hills. It's a beautiful location and very convenient to Napa Valley Airport.
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Elmshaven
Elmshaven is a Victorian home built in 1885, now registered as a National Historic Landmark. From 1900 to 1915 it was the home of Ellen G. White, author and spiritual leader of the Seventh-Day Adventists. It's open for public viewing.
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Franciscan Oakville Estate
This 240-acre estate winery in the Oakville region specializes in Bordeaux-style reds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The signature wine, Magnificat, is a unique blend of five classic Bordeaux varieties. The Cuvee Sauvage is a 100 percent, unfiltered, wild yeast barrel fermented Chardonnay. Several wine labels fall under the Franciscan umbrella, including Estancia (bargain wines), Mount Veeder (robust cabernets), and the elegant Quintessa (ultra-premium wines).
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Freemark Abbey Winery
Freemark Abbey Winery produces wines that live up to the heritage of the land on which they are produced. The finest grapes are handpicked from the best vineyards around Napa Valley. It produces premium wines and has four main varieties, such as Chardonnay, Carbonnet Sauvignon, Merlot and Johannisberg Riesling. The wines are available at the winery and at select restaurants and wine shops around California.
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Golden Haven Hot Springs
Indulge yourself. Calistoga is famous for its hot springs and mud. Golden Haven lets you soak, splash, swim, and wallow to your heart's content. Lodging is available at reasonable rates, along with use of their hot springs mineral water pool. At an additional cost, you can totally spoil yourself with a mud bath, whirlpool, blanket wrap, and massage.
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Grave of George C. Yount
In 1836, George C. Yount received an 11,000-acre Mexican land grant, and on it built the first structures in the area, a mill, and a "Kentucky" blockhouse. He also planted the first grapes in the Napa Valley. He is credited with founding the town of Yountville, which was named for him after he died there in 1865. His grave is in the Yountville Cemetery, just across the street from Yountville Park.
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Grgich Hills
You may have heard of the Hills Brothers coffee dynasty. Well, Austin Hills took a respite from the coffee industry to assist winemaker Miljenko Grgich to create this superb winery. Founded in 1977, Grgich is mostly known for its remarkable Chardonnays. However, with over 230 acres of vineyards, the renowned winery also produces some of the best Fume Blancs, Zinfandels, and dessert wines in the region. A stop to sample the fine wines is certainly worth your time.
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Hagafen Cellars
It has been more than three decades since this traditional family-run winery came into existence. Owned and run by the Weir couple, the wines produced here have the reputation of being served at a number of occasions at the White House. Hagafen cellars now produces about 8000 cases of premium wine annually. Wines from the Hagafen stable have been award-winning at different wine tasting competitions held around California. Tasting of wine costs $5.
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Havens Wine Cellars
This small, out-of-the way winery is located between Napa and Yountville and is owned by two families committed to outstanding wines. Their Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah are particular favorites, especially among many local restaurants and specialized retailers.
Havens is proud to present their Seasonal Tasting Series, where they will ship two or three bottles of their featured wine to their most loyal customers six times per year. This gives wine aficionados across the country an opportunity to appreciates Havens' fine wine yearround. More »
Heitz Cellars
In the 1950s, Joe Heitz got to know Napa County while working with Beaulieu Winery winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. In 1961, Joe and his wife purchased the winery on Saint Helena Highway in an area known as Martha's Vineyard. In 1966, they released a knockout cabernet sauvignon that would establish an international reputation for Napa county wines. Since that time, the winery has expanded and it employs two of the Heitz's children. Two additional vineyard-designated cabs (Bella Oaks and Trailside) are produced annually, as well as a chardonnay, zinfandel and the light red varietal gringolino. No tasting fee.
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Hess Collection Winery
A massive art gallery/vineyard in Napa valley, Hess Collection Winery hosts collections of some of the finest wine and works of contemporary art in the Bay Area. Past elegant stone pillars and ponds of lilies, the Visitor Center holds a 3-floor art collection, with informative tours on wine, art, and of course, the Hess Collection. Feel free to sample their extensive list of wines with a $10 tasting session. Built with impeccable style and good taste, visitors are invited to taste wines and peruse the art in a Northern Californian vision of an aesthete's paradise.
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I. Wolk Gallery
This spacious gallery contains a number of unusual and uncommon works, some on paper, some sculpture and many paintings. Both established and emerging artists are represented here, including Lowell Herrero, Woodward Payne, Lynn E. Klein, Thomas Monaghan, and Graham Moody. Recent exhibitions include the acrylic paintings of Lowell Herrero. Everything in the gallery is also for sale, call for prices. It is an interesting gallery offering an eclectic selection of highly collectible works.
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Indian Springs
Originally founded in 1860 by Calistoga's own founder, Sam Brannan, the resort was known from the early 1900s to 1988 as Pacheteau's. It's now Indian Springs, which also recently acquired neighboring Nance's Hot Springs. The restorative and relaxing experience Indian Peaks offers is incredible. Indian Springs specializes in a full range of spa activities, including mud baths, massages, aromatherapy treatments, and much more. Because the property includes 16 acres of volcanic ash, its mud baths are 100% ash, heated from the natural geysers, rather than a mix, as other spas use.
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Jarvis Conservatory
The Jarvis Conservatory is dedicated to art in the valley, particularly art of the Hispanic community in Napa. During the summer, they put on a unique theatrical presentation, known as zarzuela, which is version of a Spanish opera. This is performed for a few weeks each summer. The theater also offers opera and more throughout the year.
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Jelly Belly
In addition to great wine, this area is also the home of great jelly beans. The 40-minute Jelly Belly tour is very popular with kids, and interesting for adults as well. You can sample the treat that Ronald Reagan loved (they were also the first jelly beans in outer space), and you can even buy Belly Flops -- jelly beans that the company didn't feel were quite right for the market but are still very tasty (and at a dicounted price). The factory makes up to 40 million jelly beans a day, so don't feel guilty about enjoying the free samples.
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Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa, in eastern Napa County, is a popular recreation area, with people coming from all over Northern California to waterski, jetski, fish, hike, and generally splash around. This is one of the largest man-made lakes in California, and was created when the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation flooded the Monticello Valley. Ever since, visitors and locals have been flocking to Lake Berryessa for water recreation.
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Lincoln Theater
The Lincoln Theater at the California State Veterans Home in Yountville was recently majestically renovated and now offers a series of top-notch performances. For example, the 2006 series included Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion, and the Smuin Ballet. The 1,200-seat theater is the largest in the valley and is the home of the Napa Valley Symphony.
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Litto's Hubcap Ranch
This is a unique example of automobile-era folk art that you are likely to find elsewhere. It took Emanuele "Litto" Damonte over 30 years to do it, and he did have the help of many friends and neighbors, but he successfully created the Hubcap Ranch, an eclectic arrangement of hubcaps, bottles, and pulltops. Believe it or not, this is even a California State Historic Landmark. The Hubcap Ranch must be seen to be believed!
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Long Meadow Ranch
This beautiful 650-acre ranch is nestled in the Mayacamas mountains in Napa Valley. Renowned for its red wines and great food, this place attracts people from all over. Discover the traditional methods of farming and relish the fruits and vegetables grown here. Don't forget to leave the place without taking home some extra-virgin olive oil. Some of the red wines on offer here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese (the best in California) and Ranch House Red. Prior appointments are required for tasting. Take a break and experience the charm of Napa Valley as you savor wine that's unique and of the finest quality.
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Louis M. Martini Winery
Louis M. Martini founded the winery in 1933, an interesting time since it was during the middle of Prohibition. However, he had been selling sacramental wine and grapes for wine concentrate (it was legal to make wine for your own use during Prohibition), and he also knew that Prohibition would eventually come to an end. In 2002, wine giant, Gallo, purchased the winery and has been running it ever since. This winery is a favorite among many because they consistently turn out good wine at reasonable prices.
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Madonna Estate Winery
This winery is owned by the Bartolucci family, who have been growing grapes organically for more than 80 years. This is one of the oldest winemaking families in the valley, and they have perfected their craft. Expect quality wine from the Madonna Estate Winery, also known as Mont St. John.
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Marshall's Farm Honey
Marshall's offers more than 50 varieties of honey, which include wildflower, lavender, eucalyptus, orange blossom, and much more, from hives throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Be sure to visit the tasting room to sample whichever honey happens to be in season. The "Flying Bee Ranch" is an excellent place for kids to learn about bees and honeymaking. Tours are available by advance registration.
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Merryvale Winery
Merryvale Winery is family owned and makes a variety of wines including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. It also does limited production of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Semillon, among others. But as good as their wine is, what stands to many is their wine education. Their seminars are informative and excellent.
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Monticello Vineyards
Monticello is one of those small, out of the way, family-owned wineries that make wandering off the main roads in Napa Valley such a treat. It's located on Big Ranch Road in Napa, just down the street from the winery owned by race-car driver Mario Andretti. The Corleys have been making wine at this location for more than 30 years. Their Proprietary Red Wine (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon), Cabernet France, and Merlot are particularly tasty.
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Mumm Napa
Established in 1979, Mumm Napa is a partnership between France's Mumm champagne family and American bourbon moguls Seagram & Sons. Visit the spacious tasting room, which features a glass wall overlooking acres of vineyards. In addition to rotating exhibitions by some of America's most famous photographers, a photo gallery on the grounds houses a permanent display of the Ansel Adams collection 'The Story of a Winery'. The winery produces three sparkling wines: a Blanc de Noir (made from Pinot Noir grapes), a Blanc de Blanc (predominantly Chardonnay grapes) and a Brut Prestige (blend), as well as a vintage signature release, the Cuvee Napa DVX.
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Napa Downtown Murals
The Napa Chamber of Commerce has been supporting local artists in their creation of murals on buildings in the downtown area. The overall theme is the history of the city of Napa and the Napa Valley. The murals are currently in five locations in downtown Napa.
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Napa Firefighters Museum
This museum, operated by volunteers, is devoted to the history of Napa and other fire departments and firefighters. The museum features an 1859 hand-pumper, a 1904 horse-drawn steamer, and a variety of engines from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. There are also tools, equipment, uniforms, and an exhibit of fire department badges from all over the world. It's one of the best places in Napa for kids.
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Napa Golf Course
Napa Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 public course located in Kennedy Park, at the south end of the city of Napa. This course is quite lovely, but less well-known. Green fees are very reasonable, particularly when compared to the high fees at some of the flashier private clubs in the valley.
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Napa Premium Outlets
There's nothing wine country about them, but these factory outlets are extremely popular, particularly with overseas visitors. Bargains can be found at stores such as Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Coach, and more.
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Napa River Adventures
With Napa River Adventures, you can rent a canoe or kayak to paddle yourself on the Napa River, which is right in downtown Napa. If you'd rather just sit back and let someone else do the work, you can also get a guided tour of the river on an electric-powered boat, that can hold up to 11 passengers. This experience provides a unique view of Napa, that even few local residents have seen.
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Napa River Trail
The Napa River Trail will ultimately go along the Napa River from Trancas Street, at the north end of the city of Napa, to the Kennedy Park area, south of the city, next to Napa Valley College. Walking along the Napa River Trail gives a view that even few Napa residents have seen. You'll see ducks and other wildfowl and probably a fisherman or two angling for striped bass, trout, or other fish. It's a very peaceful area, protected from traffic and other sounds of the city.
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Napa Riverfront
The Napa Riverfront District consists of a ten-block stretch along Main Street in the city of Napa, and along First Street several blocks away to Copia, The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts.
What these businesses all share is that they are on, or across the street from, the Napa River. The area is filled with restaurants, shops, and wine tasting rooms, and is currently the prime area of activity in Napa. More »
Napa Valley Aloft
Napa Valley Afloat is one of the oldest hot air balloon companies operating in the Napa Valley. They offer numerous packages and guarantee a unique, never-to-be-forgotten bird's-eye view of the valley. Many of the rides include a post-flight breakfast, accompanied by local Napa Valley sparkling wine.
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Napa Valley Balloons
Napa Valley Balloons is the valley's oldest balloon company, offering hot air balloon flights since 1980. Top-quality professional pilots take you on an aerial journey you'll never forget. This particular company is well-known throughout the area, and even nationally recognized. What better way to see beautiful Napa Valley than from above in a hot air balloon?
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Napa Valley Bike Tours
If you are in Napa during the summer, you'll find the valley is a popular place for bikers, and holds several annual biking events. Join the fun and ride beautiful country roads in the valley and in the hills. You can rent a bike and ride off on your own along many of the country roads in Napa Valley, or you can take an organized tour. Most tours are all day and include either specific regions, such as the Carneros or Calistoga, or a ride straight up through the valley. Tours also include visits to one or more wineries.
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Napa Valley Conference and Visitors Bureau
In the heart of the city of Napa is the office of the Napa Valley Conference and Visitors Bureau. The staff can tell you anything you need to know about the valley, and how to get there. They are happy to give you first-person recommendations for wineries, restaurants, shopping, and other activities. One reason they're so knowledgeable is that they're very well looked after by the wineries and restaurants, who know what an important link they are to visitors. They may be unpaid by the Visitors Bureau, but they're wined and dined by businesses throughout the valley.
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Napa Valley Museum
This is an intriguing collection, rooted in Napa's pioneering and winemaking history but ranging as far afield as the Andes (an upcoming temporary exhibit displays Bolivian textiles). The museum is housed in fashionably deconstructed quarters of recent vintage, with lofty, open interiors. The exhibit spaces are intelligently arranged and well lit, making good use of Napa's abundant natural light. Its educational programs, particularly strong hands-on art training for kids.Admission: $4.50 adults; $3.50 students and seniors; $2.50 kids 7-17; kids under 7 are free. No credit cards accepted. More »
Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company
This is more than just an olive oil manufacturing company. It is a quaint local favorite, hidden away on a back street, that sells the most tasty olive oil, in addition to wine, delicious Italian cheese, pasta, and other goodies. The Olive Oil Company sells their own olive oils by the jug at relatively inexpensive prices. Do not leave empty-handed.
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Napa Valley Opera House
The Opera House was built in 1879. Although it was never used for opera, it did offer everything from readings by Jack London and performances by John Philip Sousa's band to vaudeville, local dance recitals, and political events. It closed in 1914, was almost torn down in the late 1900s, and was saved by local citizens, who raised the money to restore it. In 2002, the Opera House was beautifully restored and reopened. This is the place in Napa to see theatrical performances, musical revues, lectures, and more throughout the year.
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Napa Valley Wine Train
Hop on this train and experience a first-class meal and fine wines as you tour the wine county. The train offers champagne brunch, a casual lunch and fancy dinners. It is ideal for romantic dinners, executive parties and tourist excursions. The train's decor reinforces the elegant nature of the trip. You will remember the mahogany, brass and etched glass in the restored 1917 Pullman Dining Car. At the McKinstry Street Station starting point, you will find a handful of charming little shops that specialize in wine (of course), gourmet foods and gifts.
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Napa Wine Company
The Napa Wine Company not only makes their own excellent wines, they also make their facilities available to a number of excellent small wineries who do not have their own winemaking equipment or space. For that reason, the Napa Wine Company can also let you sample wines from a number of different wineries, many of them very well known "cult wines."
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Napa Winery Shuttle
The Napa Winery Shuttle goes from most Napa Valley hotels and takes you to some of the best-known wineries in the area. The winery shuttle takes all the hassle out of seeing the valley, and lets you enjoy tastings at the wineries without fear of overindulging and then driving. You stay as long as you like at each winery, then catch the next shuttle passing through to go to the next winery. You'll also have the opportunity to eat lunch at a Yountville restaurant.
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Nichelini Winery
The Nichelini Family has been growing grapes and making wine since 1890. Their winery in Sage Canyon is the oldest, family-owned, continuously-operating winery in the county. To add to the authenticity, their grapes are grown in Chiles Valley.
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Oakville Grocery
The Oakville Grocery is legendary for their food, wine, and cheese. It's always packed with customers, but it's worth struggling through the mob to pick out outstanding delicacies, or have them make sandwiches or a picnic lunch for you and your party. Or you can buy a "goodie basket" to bring to friends and family back home. You can even order some products online and have them shipped directly to you. The Oakville Grocery website features many delicious recipes that you can try at home.
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Old Faithful Geyser of California
The term ‘old faithful' is most closely associated with the Yellowstone Park geyser, but it is actually used to describe any geyser that erupts on a regular schedule. Napa Valley's version is a blast! Boiling hot water shoots 60 feet into the crystal blue sky, while spectators gather casually round and gasp every 30 minutes or so. Driving by, you might mistake this for a tourist trap; a little worn down, more than a little tacky from the outside; but rest assured, it really is worth the price of admission. Don't miss the poor little fainting goats on the side, and the fascinating exhibit on geyser eruptions and earthquake predictions. Seek out owner Olga Kolbek; she's a gold mine of fascinating local lore. Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors (60+), $3 children 6-12; under 6 free.
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Opus One
One of the biggest names in the wine-making business, Opus One started out as a collaborative venture between Robert Mondavi and the late Baron Philippe De Rothschild. A sprawling winery, it uses only state-of-the-art production techniques and turns out about 25,000 cases of wine annually. Priced at $150 a bottle, it certainly is a hefty price for a bottle of wine. Wine connoisseurs, however, don't seem to mind paying this sum at all - Opus One is reputed to produce some of the best wine in the world.
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Pacific Union College
Pacific Union College is a four-year Seventh Day Adventist college. It has a student body of 1,700 and a student-teacher ratio of about 13:1. Its 200-acre campus is located in the hills above St. Helena at an elevation of about 1,600 feet. There are some beautiful views of the valley as you drive up Deer Park Road to the school.
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Peju Winery
This winery has been named 'Top Artisan Winery of the Year' by Wine & Spirits Magazine and creates some of the most sought-after wines in all of America. The wines are difficult to come across as they are sold at only select locations across the country, and connoisseurs pay top dollars for these exclusive bottles. Peju is open to the public, and you can visit it any day of the week.
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Petrified Forest
The Petrified Forest is a privately owned site of petrified redwood trees, turned to stone millions of years ago after being covered with volcanic ash. One of the trees in the forest is the Monarch or "tunnel" tree. At 105 feet long and six feet in diameter, it's the largest intact petrified tree in the world.
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Prager Winery and Port Works
This is certainly the most unusual winery - it has two bed-and-breakfast suites, where you can put up if you wish to do so. Family-owned and operated, Prager Winery and Port Works produces only 3,600 cases of wine in a year, among them are California Port, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. Despite the fact that it is rather small, it grows approximately 50 percent of its own grapes and its wines are of a good quality.
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Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a 5,000-acre state park seven miles north of Calistoga. The park is open only during daylight hours, but is free. It is not highly developed, giving it a much more natural feel than other state parks. There is a strenuous five-mile hike to the top of the peak that offers a panoramic view that, on a clear day, includes Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Sierra Nevada mountains - if you can make it, the view is amazing.
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Robert Mondavi Vineyards
Mondavi is Mecca for wine lovers. Robert Mondavi, the founder, was the prime mover in creating the fame and prestige of Napa Valley wine. His joint ventures with French and other established wineries shook the wine world, and helped establish the Napa Valley's reputation as one of the leading wine regions of the world. It's worth visiting the winery just for its striking Spanish-style architecture. Its Great Chef cooking classes and summer music concerts have also made it the cultural event leader of the valley. Historically, it was the first large winery built in the Napa Valley after the end of Prohibition.
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Rubicon Estate
Rubicon Estate provides a truly unique VIP guest experience, which offers a level of elegance and personal attention rarely available at other wineries. Founded as Inglenook in 1880, the historic Rubicon Estate has the honor of being one of the few remaining family-owned wine estates of this magnitude in existence. Comprised of 235 acres of organically certified vineyards, and located in Napa Valley's Rutherford appellation, Rubicon Estate is home to the region's most famous Chateau and Rubicon, the estate's flagship wine. Dominated by a special clone of Cabernet Sauvignon that can be traced back to the original vineyard plantings of 1880, Rubicon is a Bordeaux blend that reflects the unique terroir of this property. In addition to the collection of award-winning wines, Rubicon Estate offers an array of tours and tastings, some historical, others more hands-on and interactive. From guided walks through the vineyard to barrel sample tasting in the cellar, the property's tour guides are experts at creating dynamic wine experiences for all guests.
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Rutherford Gardens
Rutherford Gardens, alongside Highway 29 between Rutherford and St. Helena, has been producing organic fruits and vegetables in season since the 1930s. It's owned by Long Meadow Ranch, a pioneer in organic agriculture as well as beef, olive oil, and, of course, outstanding wines.
The 5.8-acre garden is open on weekends during the season and offers organic produce including tomatoes, figs, corn, basil, beets, beans, chard, cucumber, melons, strawberries, and potatoes. If you're there in October, buy a pumpkin for Halloween. More »
Safari West
Safari West is a private wildlife preserve just over the Sonoma County line, not far from Calistoga. Its 400 acres are home to more than 350 exotic mammals and birds, including zebras, cheetahs, and giraffes. This is a very unique place. It doesn't have all the crowds and hype characteristic of many big theme parks. This is an experience the whole family will enjoy, and an educational opportunity for the kids who will gain a new appreciation of wildlife.
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Saintsbury Winery
The Saintsbury Winery was named after George Saintsbury, a British man of letters and wine connoisseur. It has come a long way since it was founded in 1981 - in the last two decades, it has accelerated its turn-out from 3000 cases to 55,000! It specializes in the making of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and turns out select varietals of the latter occasionally.
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Schramsberg Vineyards
The Schramsberg winery was established way back in the year 1862 by German immigrants, and a century later, in the year 1965, it became the first winery in America to attempt the production of sparkling wines. Today, it produces eight varietals of sparkling wine - they are made from primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and all of them are bottle-fermented. For a taste of them you can visit this historic winery by appointment.
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Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage
Seguin Moreau is not a winery, but what it and other similar businesses do is essential to wineries. They make barrels, the oak barrels used by wineries to age their wine.
Not many people know that Seguin Moreau gives tours, but they are worthwhile. You'll learn the importance of oak aging, and watch coopers making barrels the way they have for centuries. Notice particularly the "toasting," the burning of the inside of the barrel. Wineries decide how much of a toast they want on their barrels, because that makes a significant difference in the taste of the wine. More »
Sharpsteen Museum
This museum divides its exhibits between the work of Disney animator Ben Sharpsteen and his colleagues and topics of local historical interest. Particular attention is given to Sam Brannan, who gave the town its name (see History City Guide). Brannan, a colorful character and pitchman, is also credited with sparking the 1849 Gold Rush. The Sharpsteen's great strength is its focus. The exhibits are invariably interesting and amusing.Admission is a suggested $3 donation for adults, cash only. More »
Silverado Brewing Company
The Silverado Brewing Company is located on Highway 29 just north of St. Helena in a historic winery building. Their food is plentiful and delicious, particularly when accompanied by some of their beer made on the premises. It's a comfortable, casual, and friendly place heavily frequented by locals, including those in the wine industry, who really do at times drink something other than wine.
If you've got kids with you, let them try the Brewing Company's own root beer. Actually, you'll probably like it yourself. More »
Silverado Museum
This cozy museum hosts an exhibit of Robert Louis Stevenson ephemera such as 8,000 manuscripts, photos, letters and the like. It is in fact the largest collection of Robert Louis Stevenson's works outside of Scotland and a must-see for fans of his work. Virtually all of his first editions are here. Stevenson spent his honeymoon in the area, where he also wrote The Silverado Squatters.
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Silverado Vineyards
Silverado Vineyards was founded in 1981 by Ron and Diane Miller, and Diane's mother Lillian, who is also known as Mrs. Walt Disney. In fact, when the family was trying to decide on a name for the winery, one of the names bandied about was a French variation of "Disney," as Walt was of French heritage. The family nixed the mouse and went for Silverado. Over the next 20 years, under the direction of winemaker Jack Stuart, the winery established itself as one of the finest in the valley.
This Mediterranean-style stone winery sits atop a beautiful knoll overlooking the Silverado Trail. The view alone makes a stop at this winery worthwhile. More »
Six Flags Marine World
Formerly known as Marine World Africa U.S.A, this is the only combination wildlife park, oceanarium, and theme park in the country. Some of its most popular attractions include a killer whale show, water rides and roller coasters, an animal nursery, a family of elephants, and roaming cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and Batman. There is so much to do, one day is never enough. So take the ferry across the bay or drive 30 minutes north from San Francisco to Vallejo and bring the kids to take in a sea lion show after you get splashed by Shouka, the resident 4,000-pound killer whale. Check out the new thrill ride The Vertical Velocity. Check website for admission prices and discounts.
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Skyline Wilderness Park
A picnic ground and trailhead at the base of the hill lead to steep trails up to the boulder-strewn valley rim. Hikers and horse riders are greeted with pretty views of the valley and a respite from the wine-soaked tourist crush of the valley floor. Some moderate degree of cardiovascular fitness is advisable before setting off.
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Spring Mountain Vineyard
Spring Mountain's vineyards and buildings date back to 1885, and it has always made excellent wine, including Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For many years, visitors to the valley were unable to see this site. Now the winery, vineyards, caves, and gardens are open to the public, with tours and tastings by appointment. The tastings take place in the very same building that was seen on the 1980s TV series, "Falcon Crest."
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St. Supery Vineyards & Winery
St. Supery is a cannot-miss stop for anyone interested in learning more about Napa viniculture. An extensive educational exhibit is on hand, including a sample vineyard and the fabled SmellaVision display. Its name may have come from the Wham-o brain trust, but SmellaVision is a very useful tool for learning how to distinguish between different varietals and regions in a wine's bouquet. Saint Supery's wine is highly regarded. It is, of course, available for tasting and purchase. The educational center is free; tastings are $10.
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Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
In 1976 the now famous Bicentennial blind wine tasting pitted California wines against French wines. The shocking result was that a California cabernet sauvignon bested all the bordeaux reds. The wine? The 1973 release from Stag's Leap. That one event not only enhanced Stag's Leap reputation, it put Napa County on the international wine map. The news was stupendous to winery founder Warren Winiarski (Polish surname meaning "winemaker's son"). Ever since, the winery has continued to produce outstanding cabernet sauvignons. Reserve wines are expensive, but other decent wines are also marketed under a second, more affordable label (Hawk Crest.)
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Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards main area is a beautiful Mykonos-style building on top of a hill overlooking the valley. Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour through the winery and then enjoy Sterling's excellent wine in the tasting room.
As good as the wine is, the real highlight is the view. And the view on the trip up and down, because the only way to get there is the winery's gondola-style Sky Tram. It's a great trip. More »
Sutter Home Winery
Sutter Home was a small, family-owned winery until it did one inspired thing. Family winemaker Bob Trinchero (it's pronounced with a hard sound "Trin-ker'-o") made white wine out of red (it actually has a slight "blush" color), famously known as White Zinfandel. Customers loved the wine, and it made the Trinchero family a fortune. The rest is history. Stop by for a complimentary glass. There is no tour, but you can taste and buy any of the wines Sutter Home produces. You can even stay in their B&B.
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Tasting on Main
Tasting on Main is St. Helena's downtown wine tasting bar. It offers samples from small, specialty Napa Valley wineries that have no public tasting facilities of their own. You can sample all wines from eight different wineries every day.
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Train Town
Train Town consists of a small-scale train on 1.25 miles of railroad track in the town of Sonoma, just 20 minutes from the city of Napa. Don't be fooled by the name; there is more to Train Town than just a miniature train. After the ride, visit the petting zoo, take a ride on the ferris wheel, or even the rollercoaster if you are feeling adventurous. This makes for an afternoon of entertainment for the little ones in an area known as more of an adult destination!
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V. Sattui Winery
V. Sattui traces its history back to the 1800s in San Francisco's North Beach, but its latest incarnation began in 1976, with the current building dating from 1985. Darryl Sattui's focus has always been on quality wine at a fair price. To keep this possible, he sells only at the winery, on the web, and through mail order. But this is more than just a winery. The building also houses a deli, gourmet cheese shop, and is surrounded by acres of prime picnic spots.
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Veterans Home of California
The Veterans Home of California was established after the Civil War in 1884. It houses veterans and their spouses, and includes a large medical facility. There is also a museum inside, which features uniforms, photos, weapons, and other exhibits from US military history. Many visitors enjoy walking around the spacious grounds. You can even play nine holes of golf on the course just in front of the home.
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Villa Ca'toga
The home and studio of renowned Italian muralist, Carlo Marchiori is truly unique. He specializes in period art interpretation and his extravagant and frequently whimsical work can be seen in his home, or purchased at his store in downtown Calistoga. Weekly tours are available.
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Vintage 1870
Originally a distillery and winery when it was built in 1870, Vintage 1870 is now restored and home to more than 30 specialty shops. The building is in the National Registry of Historic Places, and because of the sheer number of different shops, it is probably the most popular place for visitors to go shopping in the Napa Valley. Whatever you seek in Napa, you shall likely find here. These shops sell anything from fine art, to jewelry, to home accessories, and even tasty chocolates.
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Vintner's Collective
The Vintner's Collective is on Main Street in the Napa Riverfront District. It's located in Napa's oldest stone building, the Pfeiffer Building. The collective represents more than a dozen small, boutique wineries, giving you the ability to taste rare or hard-to-find wines.
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Vintner's Golf Club
Vintner's Golf Course, situated at the Veteran's Home in Yountville, has an excellent view of the hills on the western side of the Napa Valley and the historic buildings of the Veterans Home of California. It's a public course with a grill that's open for lunch daily, with longer hours on the weekend.
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Volker Eisele Family Estate
Eisele Estate is in Chiles Valley, which is just over Howell Mountain to the east of St. Helena. The property was originally part of an 1843 Mexican land grant and a winery was started there in the 1870s. The oldest vines in the current vineyard were planted in 1975.
Eisele currently produces a Cabernet Sauvignon, their Terzetto (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot), and their Gemini, a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. All grapes are, and always have been, grown organically. Owner Volker Eisele has been a pioneer in the valley in the preservation of agriculture, and a passionate advocate for the environment. More »
Yountville Park
This park is one of the few places in the valley where children can play and run around. There is a lot of playground equipment and it's just a few minutes walk from the downtown Yountville. Bring a picnic and let the kids exert some of their pent-up energy.
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