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Anyone visiting Napa Valley can be both delighted and overwhelmed with the number of choices at their fingertips – it helps to have a local friend to guide you through the options.
Napa is made up of several nested AVAs, and a journey up the Napa Valley – or down – offers a range of great stops, including our hometown of St. Helena.
Here are some of our favorite picks for your next day trip to the Napa Valley, broken up by AVA:
Los Carneros AVA
Some of our estate vineyards back up to the Boon Fly Cafe in this most southern AVA in the valley, known for the cooling coastal influences of the San Pablo Bay – the southern gateway to the Napa Valley.
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
Photo Credit: di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
5200 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559
Open Thurs – Sun:
CLOSED Mon – Wed
A destination for sightseeing and art lovers alike, the Center offers beautiful, expansive grounds home to contemporary art pieces from Northern Californian artists.
With a permanent art gallery and sculpture garden, the Center educates and intrigues locals and visitors alike with rotating exhibitions and programs as well.
Boon Fly Café
Photo Credit: Boon Fly Cafe
4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559
Open Daily 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
This local favorite serves modern rustic cuisine in a roadhouse-style cafe, named after pioneer Boon Fly. Be sure to try their famous Boon Fly donuts, brunch, fresh lunch, or dinner as you make your way to – or from – the Valley.
Downtown Napa
Home to world-class retail and dining to cult-followed, local favorites, downtown Napa is a booming hub for visitors and leisure.
Framed by the Napa River, Downtown Napa is roughly broken up into Main Street, the River Promenade, and First Street, with plenty to do and see along the way.
Napa Valley Gondola
Photo Credit: Napa Valley Gondola
Downtown Dock, 700 Main St, Napa, CA 94559
Open Daily 10:00 am – 10:00 pm – RESERVATIONS NEEDED
A scenic river cruise in an actual Venetian gondola, perfect for a romantic day, evening tour, special occasion, or just to see the Napa River and downtown area in a unique, relaxing way.
Napa Valley Welcome Center
Photo Credit:
1300 1st St #313, Napa, CA 94559
Open Daily 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Many welcome centers aren’t worth the hype, but the one in downtown Napa is actually worth visiting. With a helpful staff, gift shop, and located centrally near First Street Napa’s bathrooms, this is the perfect pit stop, or start, to your Napa Valley adventures.
Napa General Store
Photo Credit: Napa General Store
540 Main St #100, Napa, CA 94559
Open Daily
M – F: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Located in the Historic Napa Mill complex along the river, Napa General Store is an actual store, reminiscent of an Old West trading post, rich with artisanal Californian goods. It’s also a great brunch and lunch spot, with tables inside as well as along the Napa River.
Blue Note Napa
Photo Credit: Blue Note Napa
Open Wed – Sat: 2:30 pm – 9:00 pm; Sun 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
CLOSED Mon & Tues
Blue Note, on the first floor of the Historic Napa Valley Opera House, is a local favorite for an elevated Jazz club experience, brought to the quaint downtown’s main street from an internationally-renowned company. Check out their booking page for current shows – they often have associated events at the Meritage Resort as well.
Napa Art Walk
Photo Credit: Napa Art Walk
Start : 1000 Main St, Napa, CA 94559
Available 24/7
Though technically not active again until later this year, travelers can still use past maps to see Napa in a unique way – through different outdoor works of art sprinkled around the area.
We’ve tagged one possible start for this self-guided walking tour of art and downtown Napa, but you can chart your own course using their website here.
Yountville AVA/Stags Leap District AVA
These two AVAs are among the most famous for high-end dining and luxury experiences, and some famous Napa wineries – but you don’t have to break the bank to visit, with some of our local favorites in hand:
V Marketplace
Photo Credit: V Marketplace
6525 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Open Daily, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
A conglomerate of gourmet restaurants and goods, V Marketplace is a high-end yet cozy stop for Napa dining and boutique shopping.
From Kollar Chocolates to the Valley’s original hot air balloon company, as well as fine dining restaurants Bottega, Ottimo, and Coqueta, there are many options to whet your palate for artisanal fare and goods.
Ciccio
Photo Credit: Ciccio
6770 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Open Daily, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
This is our president Tom Davies and his wife Cara’s favorite restaurant, with authentic, artisanal Italian and wood-fired pizzas. They’ve even participated in an eggnog cocktail showdown with the bartenders at Ciccio one holiday season! They also have takeout and private event options available.
Bouchon Bakery
Photo Credit: Bouchon Bakery
6528 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Open Daily:
Mon – Thurs: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fri – Sun 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
This is one of Thomas Keller’s many fabulous eateries in Yountville, featuring artisanal loaves and baked goods from the freshest ingredients. Here at V. Sattui, we carry some Bouchon bread selections in our deli for its excellent quality, taste, and dedication to the craft.
Kelly’s Filling Station and Wine Shop at Honor Market
Photo Credit: Honor Market
6795 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Open Daily: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm
This underrated stop is a local secret, located right before you get back onto Highway 29 from Yountville’s main street. It’s a popular snack and coffee stop for locals and tourists alike; our President Tom Davies stops here on his Sunday morning round trip bike ride from St. Helena to Napa and back.
Rutherford AVA/Oakville AVA
While we don’t have too many recommendations for these AVAs this time, that’s not to say they’re not a wealth of wine and artisanal experiences – if you have just a day though, the Welcome to Napa Valley Sign is a top must-see in the area:
Welcome to Napa Valley Sign (North)
Photo Credit: www.visitnapavalley.com
Hwy 29 at, Peterson Dr, Calistoga, CA 94515
Available 24/7
Have your camera ready for this one – it’s a must-see for any visitors to the Valley, especially if it’s your first time! There is also a southern counterpart to this sign between Yountville and Rutherford, heading north, if you miss this one (or just want to make a memory at both!).
Calistoga AVA
Calistoga is the northernmost Napa AVA, home to hot springs, hotels, and quaint restaurants and shops that still feel like the Old West, yet with a modern Napa infusion. From mountain wineries to local bites, all is steeped in history and the pioneering spirit of California.
Castello di Amorosa
Photo Credit: Castello di Amorosa
4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Open Daily:
Mon – Thurs: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Fri – Sun: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Castello di Amorosa is the lovely sister winery of V. Sattui Winery. It was the success of V. Sattui Winery that made our founder Dario’s dream, his “castle of love,” come to fruition in Calistoga.
The Castello is just that – a literal castle constructed as a labor of love from actual castle sections imported from overseas, creating a one-of-a-kind Napa wine tasting experience that you have to visit at least once. And though it has the grandeur of a castle, the hospitality and attention to small-production, excellent Napa wine still has the feel of family behind it.
Lovina
Photo Credit: Lovina
1107 Cedar St, Calistoga, CA 94515
Open Daily:
Mon – Fri: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sat & Sun: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lovina is a unique spot for Cal-Ital brunch and dinner from the historic, women-owned kitchen of Jennifer Bennet. No tips are expected (and the prices are a bit higher for that reason, to give employees a livable wage and benefits), and the food is comforting yet refined, served indoor or on one of the restaurant’s three patios. Be sure to check out Wine Wednesdays, with unlimited corkage!
Old Faithful Geyser of California
Photo Credit: Old Faithful Geyser of CA
1299 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Open Daily:
Sun – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Did you know there’s an Old Faithful in California too? It’s right here in Calistoga, open daily with an accompanying picnic grounds, animal farm, bocce ball, and more activities perfect for a beautiful outdoor stop with the family.
Sharpsteen Museum
Photo Credit: Google
1311 Washington St, Calistoga, CA 94515
Open Daily:
Mon – Fri 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Sat & Sun: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Calistoga is a quintessential California town, full of both history and modern flair. Calistoga’s important place in this history is illustrated in this gem of a museum, with permanent artifacts from the valley as well as rotating exhibitions.
St. Helena AVA
Our little but mighty hometown here in the Valley – from its quaint main street to the verdant hangout of our outdoor patio, St. Helena is the perfect retreat for locals and visitors alike, with a range of shops, dining, and, of course, the best Napa wine.
Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company
Photo Credit: Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company
1400 Oak Ave # A, St Helena, CA 94574
Open Daily, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
“The Coffee that Wakes up Napa,” Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company is a homey stop for your morning ritual and a quick bite. The roastery prides itself on the highest quality single-origin coffee, responsibly sourced directly from the growers, founded right here in the Valley.
Main Street, St. Helena
Photo Credit: Google
1315 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574
Most Places Open Generally 10:00/11:00 am – 4:00/5:00 pm
We’ve tagged a start right in the heart of St. Helena’s laid back, charming downtown stretch at the Main Street Bookmine, but you can start anywhere along the way. From boutique shops to artisanal restaurants, to chic bars and hotels, it’s worth a stroll to stretch your legs here, and, if you have time, to stay a while.
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Photo Credit: Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
1490 Library Ln, St Helena, CA 94574
Open Tues – Sat: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
CLOSED Sun & Mon
Featuring the largest collection of artifacts and materials from the author in the world, the RLSM educates and connects patrons and devotees of Stevenson across the globe, making its home here where the author spent time with his Californian-native wife.
V. Sattui Winery: Napa Valley-Centric and St. Helena Devoted
Here at V. Sattui Winery, we both live in and love the Napa Valley, especially St. Helena, as our lovely home – and we take pride in supporting it.
For instance, we adopted the Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School in 2006 (through the Adopt-a-School Program) and have been sponsoring the school as well as hosting eighth graders for a full day of interactive sessions designed around the winery business.
The day is broken up with a catered lunch of sandwiches and treats from V. Sattui’s world-class artisan deli, which is open to all visitors, along with our picnic grounds.
And, for the adults of course, we offer our Napa wine tasting experiences. We hope to see you soon!
