Making memories doesn’t have to be complicated. The best things in life are often the simplest, and there are few things sweeter than time spent in the sunshine with good friends and world-class wine – and the perfect Napa picnic spots make that simple joy easily accessible.
The wine capital of the USA, Napa Valley enjoys gorgeous weather nearly year-round, making it simple to plan a picnic on a whim. With a solid repertoire of picnic spots up your sleeve, you’ll find yourself getting outdoors more often and appreciating the beauty of California in a whole new way.
What Are the Best Napa Picnic Spots?
Wondering where to go for the perfect Napa picnic? Here are a few of our favorite spots in the valley to enjoy food and wine in the California sunshine.
Image Credit: V. Sattui
Let yourself be whisked away to the Italian estate of your dreams, right here in Napa Valley with a visit to V. Sattui. One of the best wineries in Napa for a picnic, V. Sattui’s Tuscan beauty is only matched by the gorgeous scenery of Napa surrounding it, with breathtaking views of the estate’s vineyards and surrounding mountain ranges. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food and wines with the ones you love and admire the magic of the valley.
At V. Sattui, picnicking is easy. Stop by their Marketplace for everything you need to create the perfect wine country picnic. There you’ll find a wide selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world, house-cured charcuterie, and a variety of house-made sandwiches, panini, and salads made fresh in their kitchen every day as well as a selection of seasonal hot items made-to-order from their Picnic Kitchen and Food Truck including wood-fired pizzas on weekends.
House-made desserts and gelato are the cherry on top of your meal, and it all pairs perfectly with a bottle of V. Sattui’s world-class wine. Once you’ve made your food selections, enjoy your meal on the estate’s 2 ½ acres of shaded picnic grounds, equipped with handcrafted redwood and cedar picnic tables. Find a shady spot beneath the century-old olive trees for an authentic Italian experience. There’s nowhere more beautiful to begin making memories. Please note, no outside food or beverage is allowed on property.
Kennedy Park
One of our favorite Napa picnic spots is Kennedy Park – a perfect choice for families looking for a place to picnic that everyone can get excited about. The park is free and open to the public, and also has several picnic areas that can be reserved for larger groups. Families will love the number of active options for kids to enjoy, with multiple play spaces, volleyball courts, trails, and more.
There are no dining options available at Kennedy Park, so be sure to come prepared with your own picnic basket and supplies.
Image Credit: Frank Family Vineyards
For a true home away from home in Napa Valley, visit Frank Family Vineyards. This warm and inviting vineyard has been handed down through the Frank family for generations, and you’re invited to become a part of the family every time you step foot onto the Frank Family property.
This welcoming environment extends to the vineyard’s picnic grounds. Open each afternoon, the Frank Family picnic grounds are one of our favorite Napa picnic spots. In the shade of the century-old elm trees, you’ll enjoy the vineyard’s finest estate-driven wines while resting in the easy beauty of the property. While picnic reservations do not include food, guests are welcome to bring a picnic basket filled with their own favorite treats.
Skyline Wilderness Park
While Napa is known for its elite shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, you can’t forget about the wild beauty of the valley. Skyline Wilderness Park offers over 850 acres of natural, untouched land. Tucked away in the foothills of the valley, you’ll experience the true splendor of Napa in all its glory.
With over 25 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, you’ll never be at a loss for exploration when visiting Skyline Wilderness Park. For the extra-adventurous, it’s the perfect place to traverse the land before taking a break to enjoy a picnic and the beautiful views.
Image Credit: Pestoni Family Estate
Pestoni Family Estate
Visit the historic elegance of Pestoni Family Estate, located right in the heart of Napa Valley. Based in heritage and tradition, the estate crafts some of the best wines in Napa, each bottle a distinct reflection of not only the rich vineyards but the Pestoni family winemaking legacy.
The estate’s picturesque picnic grounds are open daily, and there’s nothing like enjoying a bottle of the estate’s wine in the beautiful Pestoni gardens. The estate does not offer food on-site, so be sure to pack your picnic basket full with tasty items that will pair perfectly with your favorite wine.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
A true natural treasure, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is a woodland gem, the perfect escape from life’s stresses. With over ten miles of trails, you can explore to your heart’s content, seeing the farthest inland coast redwoods in a California state park for yourself.
Enjoy the lush majesty of the park before settling in for a delicious picnic either at one of the designated picnic areas or your favorite woodland spot. Pack a basket filled with sandwiches, snacks, and your favorite wine for the perfect afternoon.
Image Credit: Town of Yountville
Yountville Park
Another great choice for families; you can’t go wrong with a visit to Yountville Park. This clean and accessible park features plenty of play space, pickleball and bocce courts, a sand volleyball court, and more. Plus, the park is located within walking distance of downtown Yountville, so you can easily stop by shops, restaurants, and other local favorite spots.
Reserve one of the beautiful picnic sites for yourself, or bring a blanket and spread out in the grass as you enjoy the Napa Valley sunshine.
FAQs: Our Top Tips for the Perfect Napa Picnic
It’s time to pack the picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions to make your Napa picnic one to remember.
What is the best season for a picnic in Napa?
Spring, summer, and fall all serve as ideal picnic months in Napa for different reasons. Spring is one of the least crowded seasons in Napa, and the quiet atmosphere and gently warming temperatures are perfect for picnics. The gorgeous Mediterranean climate of Napa shines in the summer, and it’s hard to beat a picnic at sunset watching the sky paint brilliant colors over the valley. But if anything can beat summer in Napa, it’s fall – though it’s Napa’s busiest season, it’s impossible to top the perfect weather and gorgeous harvest season landscape.
What should I bring to a Napa picnic?
A Napa Valley picnic calls for a few essentials: a selection of local wines, a spread of cheese and charcuterie, fresh fruit, bread, nuts, and a sweet treat for dessert. Pack a comfortable blanket, a tote bag, a wine opener, wine glasses, and cutlery. If you picnic at a winery, be sure to check their rules regarding outside food and drink policies.
Can I picnic at a winery in Napa?
Many wineries in Napa allow picnicking! At V. Sattui, we invite guests to purchase gourmet culinary delights from our artisan deli and marketplace and enjoy the Napa scenery on our picturesque picnic grounds, which span over two acres. Outside food and drink are not permitted. We offer everything you need for a memorable and delicious wine country picnic in Napa Valley.
Enjoy the Perfect Napa Picnic at V. Sattui
At V. Sattui, we strive to embody the warmth of Italian hospitality, and are thrilled to welcome visitors from all over the world to our stunning winery and vineyard estate. Whether you’re celebrating a significant milestone or simply enjoying the beauty of everyday life in Napa with the ones you love, we want to be a part of your story.
Come enjoy a picnic on our beautiful estate grounds and experience our favorite artisanal delicacies and finest wines. Don’t wait – we’re saving a spot and a bottle of wine just for you.