A few places from my hometown that I hope you'll love as much as I do
Sections
5
High signal Napa people
Mount Veeder
Napa
Mid-Valley | Yountville, Rutherford, Oakville
Upvalley | St Helena, Calistoga & parts north
High signal Napa people
Some of the people I follow to find out about the good things evolving in town since I'm out of touch. Let me know who else I should add.
Great ideas on their instagram page
@visitnapavalley | Napa Valley Wineries, Hotels, Restaurants, Tours & Events
Jess is now a wine reporter for the SF Chronicle but has long been tuned into the best of Napa and puts out a wealth of up to date resources across her channels.
Jess Lander (SF Chronicle)
SF Chronicle Wine and Food
Esther Mobley (SF Chronicle)
Mount Veeder
Mount Veeder is the mountain I grew up on and it still has my heart. Sharing a few favorites from a very special part of the world
My overall favorite winery, mostly because it's around the block from my childhood home. Big views, big cabs, and big price tag, and on the tasting tour they'll take you around on a 4x4. They also have a tasting room in downtown Napa
Mayacamas Vineyards & Winery
At the base of Mt Veeder, still family-owned, this is small and members only but one of my favorite quiet places to enjoy a glass of wine. Variety of interesting reds and whites, not as pricey as a lot of other big Napa names
Hendry Winery
Gorgeous hike through a canyon creek trail in the redwoods up to waterfalls and a swimmable punchbowl at the end. Need to join the Napa Land Trust to obtain access and make contact in advance
Hike | Archer Taylor Preserve
Fun modern art museum, haven't tried their wine lately
Hess Persson Estates
Napa
My hometown, the gateway to the finest wine growing region in America. Amazing food, wine, vistas, and vineyard estates. Don't let the kitschy downtown junk or shabby suburbia throw you off the scent.
Tons of restaurants and shops along the riverfront here, and don't miss crossing the river to check out Oxbow Market
Stroll in Napa | Main Street & riverfront between 5th and Clinton | 1st Street from Main to Oxbow Market
Great for dogs and a walk or a run through low rolling hills. Watch hot air balloons land here in the morning if you time it right
Short Hike/Run | Alston Park
Great hiking and mountain biking (big climb) with a view of Napa as your reward at the top
Hike/Mountain Bike | Skyline Park
Pretty trails, short steep climb to a view of Napa from Browns Valley
Short, steep hike or walk | Westwood Hills Park
Great wine and beautiful architecture and views to the south of Napa. Getting overpriced.
Artesa Vineyards & Winery
tons of great bites and shops in here
Oxbow Public Market
best deli sandwich in town from a locally owned grocery
Browns Valley Market
Great sushi at a high price
Morimoto Napa
this development is going bankrupt but Bear is amazing food, try the rice ball.
Bear
Mid-Valley | Yountville, Rutherford, Oakville
Gorgeous small towns and foodie paradise. Now you're getting from Napa to the much nicer "Napa Valley"
Yountville has some of the highest density fine dining in the country along this stretch, with some nice galleries and tasting rooms. Follow your nose here. Hit Bistro Jeanty for the tomato soup with puff pastry.
Stroll in Yountville | Washington St between Oak and Madison
Beautiful hikes near Lake Hennessey with solid climbs. Dog-friendly
Hike/Bike/Run | Moore Creek Park
delicious wine ($$$) at the foot of Stag's Leap
Chimney Rock Winery
Stunning ivy covered estate and grounds. Call ahead for access
The Bistro at Inglenook
Beautiful grounds, dog friendly, great value
Frog's Leap Winery
Beautiful small familiy winery with great juice
Honig Vineyard and Winery
where the leaves turn in the fall on instagram and also great pricey wine
Far Niente Winery
fun picnic area and good wine tasting
Regusci Winery
Great family style restaurant with rotating set menu by French Laundry chef Thomas Keller
Ad Hoc
Top tier pastries
Bouchon Bakery
Get the tomato soup with puff pastry
Bistro Jeanty
Might be our favorite restaurant, I go every time I'm in town. The French dip au jus and the smoked salmon dip are both legendary
Rutherford Grill
Upvalley | St Helena, Calistoga & parts north
The most rural part of the valley, noticeably warmer than down south. Much of the “Napa Valley” vibe and reputation comes from up here
St Helena has tons of high end shops and restaurants in these 2 blocks on Main Street. Get an english muffin from Model Bakery
Stroll in St Helena | Main Street between Spring and Adams
Best english muffin with jelly you'll ever eat
The Model Bakery
Great food by former executive sous chef of the French Laundry Elliott Bell
Charlie's Napa Valley
For a great splurge dinner
The Charter Oak Restaurant
Calistoga is the most quaint/country of all the Napa Valley towns. Lincoln Avenue is the main drag for shops, cafes, and little restaurants. Lots of resort spas and hot springs nearby as well.
Stroll in Calistoga | Lincoln Avenue
South end of St Helena, with tasting room and full restaurant that's dog-friendly. Always a good time.
Food/Wine | Long Meadow Ranch
Longest/hardest hike around with some dicey parts so bring good shoes, you traverse the ridgeline overlooking calistoga and descend down. Take an uber up to the trailhead near Mt St Helena and work your way down. Bring lots of water, some snacks, and...
Hike | Table Rock and Palisades Trail to Oat Hill Mine, California - 221 Reviews, Map
A pleasant state park between St. Helena and Calistoga, creeks and mountain climbs
Hike/Run | Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Pricey but historic and delicious wine and grounds. Watch the movie Bottleshock and then come here.
Chateau Montelena
The sparkling wine of Presidents, long served in the White House. Take the sparkling tour.
Schramsberg Vineyards
Full of naked old hippies. Very quirky, but also one of the best hot springs resorts anywhere in the world. Great hot spring/cold plunge/healthy food. You can drink mineral water straight from the source on property, and also access great hiking.
