You don’t visit Napa Valley to be a pioneer—this region has been a wine destination for nearly as long as California has produced wine commercially. Instead, you come for everything else it offers: farm-to-table dining, world-class wines, historic hot springs, and stylish hotels (not to mention the rolling hills and winding river best enjoyed from a hot air balloon or a peaceful hike). Though it’s far from undiscovered, Napa’s charm never fades.

At its heart, the Napa Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) boasts some of the country’s most celebrated wineries. Stretching 30 miles long but only five miles at its widest, the valley’s varied microclimates allow for an impressive range of wines. The main towns—Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga—are where you’ll spend most of your time, with 17 smaller sub-regions within the larger AVA. While a car is the easiest way to get around, arrange for a driver or taxi if you’re wine tasting—rideshares like Uber and Lyft aren’t always reliable here.

Though simply slowing down and savoring the moment is reason enough to visit, new restaurants, wineries, and hotels make now an ideal time to plan a trip. Below, your complete guide to Napa Valley.

### Where to Stay
### Where to Eat
### Where to Taste Wine
### What to Do
### When to Visit
### Napa vs. Napa County vs. Napa Valley
### What to Pack
### How Long to Spend in Napa
### How to Get There

### Where to Stay

#### Stanly Ranch
Stepping onto Stanly Ranch feels like entering another world—the sun seems brighter, the air hums with nature, and time slows down. Opened in April 2022, this Auberge Resorts property is the newest gem in Napa Valley. Its modern farmhouse-style cottages and suites are scattered across 712 acres of vineyards and ranch land, each with private terraces and fire pits perfect for unwinding after a day of wine tasting. The signature restaurant, Bear, led by chef Anthony Stagnaro, highlights ingredients fresh from the on-site farm. When you’re not dining or sipping wine, relax by the pool, book a treatment at the Halehouse spa, or join activities like feeding chickens at the coop or fishing on the Napa River.

Address: 200 Stanly Crossroad, Napa, CA 94559
Amenities: Restaurant, bar, pool, spa, fitness center, complimentary bike rentals

#### Meadowood
Some historic hotels don’t live up to their reputation—Meadowood isn’t one of them. Opened in 1961 and nestled in a private valley surrounded by wooded hills, it’s the epitome of Napa luxury. The 36 suites and rooms feel like treehouses, complete with wood-burning fireplaces and private decks. Beyond your room, book a wine-tasting class at The Wine Center or a guided tour with their experts. Don’t miss a treatment at the award-winning spa or a hike on Meadowood’s trails, which offer stunning views of St. Helena (pro tip: go early to spot hot air balloons drifting in the distance).

Address: 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Amenities: Restaurant, café, pools, spa, fitness center, tennis courts, wine center

#### Poetry Inn
If you prefer an intimate, home-away-from-home vibe, Poetry Inn delivers. This five-suite retreat, owned by Cliff Lede Vineyards, is so secluded that staff greet you at the top of its steep, gated driveway before you even arrive.Here’s your rewritten text in fluent, natural English:

Out front, staff stand ready to welcome you with a wave. Each suite features unique decor inspired by famous writers like Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, and Emily Dickinson. All rooms include outdoor showers, original artwork, fresh flowers, and wood-burning fireplaces. The service is exceptional—enjoy a personal concierge, private dining upon request, and a full menu of spa treatments. When you’re not indulging in wine pairings or sound baths, relax on your private terrace and soak in the stunning valley views.

Address: 6380 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Amenities: Three-course breakfast, pool, private dining, spa, personalized concierge
Book Now

### Auberge du Soleil
While California wine country is already one of the world’s most coveted destinations, Auberge du Soleil elevates the experience with touches inspired by the South of France. (Think Napa meets Provence—why not?) Nestled on a peaceful hillside in Rutherford, the property spans 33 acres of olive and oak trees. With just 50 guest rooms and suites, it offers an intimate escape. The Michelin-starred restaurant recently underwent a stunning redesign by Suzanne Tucker. Fun fact: French restaurateur Claude Rouas first opened the fine-dining spot with this Napa-Provence fusion concept, and five years later, it expanded into the beloved hotel it is today. Stroll through the sculpture garden or enjoy a French-inspired picnic at Parc du Soleil—indulgence is the name of the game here.

Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Rd, St. Helena, CA 94574
Amenities: Restaurant, pool, spa, bar, private picnics, fitness center, tennis courts
Book Now

### The Francis House
If you love historic bed and breakfasts, The Francis House in Calistoga is a must-visit. Built in 1886 as a family home, this three-story stone building sat empty for 52 years until a San Francisco couple (an interior designer and a real estate developer) discovered and restored it in 2015, bringing its French Second Empire architecture back to life. But this isn’t your average B&B—guests can enjoy an infrared sauna, salt room, outdoor fire pit, tennis court, heated pool, and even a Tesla charger. Breakfast is a gourmet affair, with locally sourced produce, fresh eggs, and herbs from their own garden, featuring dishes like lemon ricotta parsley pancakes and labneh with roasted tomatoes.

Address: 1403 Myrtle Street, Calistoga, CA 94515
Amenities: Breakfast, infrared sauna and salt room, tennis court, pool, fire pit, bar billiards, library
Book Now

### Where to Eat

#### The French Laundry
Chef Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry is a legendary fine-dining spot many consider a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Tasting menus start at $390 per person.) Housed in a charming 1900s stone cottage, the restaurant serves a daily-changing menu of French-inspired contemporary American cuisine. You can also book a tour of their 3.5-acre culinary garden across the street ($100 per person).

#### Mustards Grill
A local and tourist favorite since 1983, Mustards Grill serves up “deluxe truck stop classics” like burgers, onion rings, and grilled cheese—comfort food at its best.

#### Mothers
For authentic Mexican flavors, head to Mothers for handmade corn tortillas, scratch-made salsas, grilled seasonal Elote, and carefully marinated meats (with vegan and vegetarian options too). Pro tip: If you love Mexican food, explore the Napa Valley Taco Trail.

#### Scala Osteria
(Photo: Amy Little Photography for Scala Osteria)

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Teria
The sister restaurant to beloved Bistro Don Giovanni, Teria brings Southern Italian seafood cuisine to Napa. The space is bright and airy, featuring a standout oyster bar.

Gott’s Roadside
There’s no denying it—Gott’s Roadside serves some of the best burgers and shakes around. This fast-casual spot, which won a James Beard Award, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and is a must-visit in Napa Valley.

Ad Hoc + Addendum
For a taste of Chef Keller’s cooking without The French Laundry’s price tag, try his casual spot Ad Hoc + Addendum. The menu changes daily, featuring American classics like fried chicken and barbecue served family-style. (They also offer buttermilk fried chicken to-go if you’d rather eat at home.)

Moulin
Start your morning with a perfect croissant at Moulin (French for “mill”). This artisan bakery, run by husband-and-wife team Zach and Chloé Kaylor, specializes in sourdough breads and pastries. They mill organic whole grains in-house and serve excellent coffee from Camellia Coffee Roasters in Sacramento, plus rotating guest roasters.

Charlie’s
While many Napa restaurants focus on local ingredients, Charlie’s goes further by partnering with a wide network of regional suppliers—from truffle purveyors to abalone farms. Owned by Elliott Bell (formerly of The French Laundry and Gramercy Tavern), the menu includes dishes like beer-can chicken and crispy artichokes, paired with great cocktails and wine.

Oxbow Public Market
Oxbow Public Market is a food lover’s paradise, with vendors like a live-fire pizzeria and Hog Island Oyster Co. (don’t miss their happy hour, Mon-Thurs 4-6 PM). Also worth a visit: Moro, inspired by the food stalls of Marrakesh’s famous night market.

Ciccio
This Yountville hotspot is set in a historic Italian grocery store, serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and salads. (The meatball-stuffed peppers are a standout.)

Auro
Located at the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a rotating five-course tasting menu with dishes like California white duck, butter-poached crab, and hazelnut chocolate tart.

Decant
San Francisco’s popular wine bar Decant recently opened a Napa outpost, owned by a female-queer-BIPOC team. The bottle shop and bar features a cozy fire pit terrace (with blankets for chilly nights) and an ever-changing wine list.

Where to Taste Wine
Pro Tip: Plan tastings by region to maximize your time—Napa Valley has five main towns (Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, Napa, and American Canyon) and 17 sub-appellations.

Faust
For a dramatic wine-tasting experience, visit Faust Haus in St. Helena. Their Gothic-style tasting room, set in an 1878 Victorian home, offers Coombsville wines in a moody, atmospheric setting.

Far Niente
Established in 1885, this Oakville winery is known for its refined chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Their top-tier cabernet, Benson Vale, comes from the vineyard’s best blocks and sells for $500 a bottle.

Inglenook
One of the valley’s oldest wineries (founded in 1879), Inglenook is now owned by Francis Ford Coppola, who acquired it in… (text cuts off)

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Inglenook
In the mid-1970s, the Inglenook estate gained its picturesque chateau. Today, the property spans 235 planted acres dedicated to producing five classic wine styles, crafted by winemaking director Philippe Bascaules.

Chateau Montelena
Famous for its triumph in the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine tasting (which will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026), Chateau Montelena helped put Napa on the global wine map. Visit to taste their iconic Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons and explore the historic chateau.

Ashes & Diamonds
With its striking zig-zag roof and mid-century modern design by Barbara Bestor Architecture, Ashes & Diamonds offers a fresh take on Napa wine tastings.

The Residence at Stony Hill
Another mid-century gem, The Residence at Stony Hill features cozy nooks where guests can sample current releases, including Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and L’Escalier—a unique blend of old-vine Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay.

Schramsberg
A Napa Valley icon, Schramsberg has been producing world-class sparkling wines in the méthode champenoise style for over 50 years. During harvest season, visitors can join multi-day fall harvest camps.

Ehlers Estate
Nestled at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains, this 19th-century organic winery donates proceeds to cardiovascular research. Enjoy a guided four-course lunch paired with their wines, from Cabernet Franc to exceptional red blends.

The Donum Estate
Home to one of the world’s largest private sculpture collections, featuring works by artists like Ai Weiwei and Louise Bourgeois. For an unforgettable visit, book the Transcend Experience—a private tour through the art-filled grounds paired with Donum’s acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Promontory Wine
A tour at Promontory Wine (a trip highlight) takes you through Oakville’s western hills with sweeping valley views, tasting wines from the legendary Harlan family.

Bouchaine Vineyards
Located in Carneros-Napa (spanning Napa and Sonoma), Bouchaine offers unique tastings like Sensory Olympics and Vine to Vessel experiences. During harvest, guests can even make grape-juice-dyed T-shirts to take home.

Chandon
After celebrating its 50th anniversary and redesigning its Yountville estate, Chandon is a must-visit for sparkling wine lovers. Enjoy events like starlit dinners or tastings beneath ancient oaks.

Sullivan Rutherford Estate
For some of Napa’s best Merlots, visit Sullivan Rutherford Estate for a private tour and customized tasting.

Amulet Estate
At the foot of Howell Mountain, Amulet Estate offers private tastings of their distinctive Chardonnays and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons.

What to Do
Beyond wineries and Michelin-starred dining, Napa Valley offers plenty more. Start your day with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, hike scenic trails like River to Ridge or Skyline Wilderness Park, or explore by bike (most roads are flat or gently rolling).

Don’t miss the Napa Valley Wine Train—a journey aboard an antique Pullman car that’s as delightful as it sounds.

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You can enjoy everything from a scenic valley trek with a multi-course meal and wine tasting to a fun-filled murder mystery dinner complete with sparkling wine.

Relaxation in Calistoga

If you’re looking for self-care, Calistoga is famous for its hot springs and natural mud baths. Tourism took off in the late 1800s when people discovered the area’s geothermal benefits, and today, several spas offer treatments using these mineral-rich waters. A standout is the newly redesigned mud baths at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs—definitely worth a visit.

Shopping Spots

For a mix of local and European finds, check out Vintage Home Napa Valley—great for picking up a floaty dress for wine tasting or a thoughtful hostess gift. In St. Helena, Carter and Co offers beautiful ceramics, while Alchemy Works in Yountville has a stylish selection of home decor, vintage pieces, jewelry, and clothing. Need a new book? Stop by the independent Wild Plum Books to browse their latest titles.

Napa vs. Napa County vs. Napa Valley

Napa is both a town and a county in Northern California. Napa Valley specifically refers to the wine region, which is a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA). Locals often use “Napa” casually to mean any of the three, which can confuse visitors. If unsure, just ask for clarification.

When to Visit

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Napa Valley is pleasant year-round (though winters can be chilly). The best time to visit depends on your priorities—avoiding crowds, snagging hotel deals, or enjoying seasonal events like harvest dinners.

High Season (June–October): Sunny days, lush vineyards, and harvest season (August–October) bring special events. Expect crowds, higher prices, and harder-to-get reservations.
Low Season (December–February): Cooler weather, possible rain, and bare vines, but fewer tourists, better hotel rates, and cozy tastings. Easier to book sought-after spots.
Shoulder Season (March–May, November): Fewer crowds and lower prices than peak season. Spring brings wildflowers, while November offers lovely fall foliage.
Wild Mustard Season (January–March): The valley turns golden with mustard blooms. Some hotels, like Bardessono, even offer themed spa treatments to celebrate.

What to Pack

Skip heels and white clothes—opt for comfortable, stylish outfits. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light layer for cellar tours. If you have a fancy dinner reservation, pack a polished outfit to change into.

How Long to Stay

Three days is ideal for a well-rounded trip. If you have more time, a week-long road trip lets you explore at a leisurely pace.

Getting There

Napa Valley is located north of San Francisco Bay, with the closest major airport being San Francisco International (SFO). From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive. You can also fly into Oakland (OAK) or Sacramento (SMF). Renting a car is the easiest way to get around, though ride-sharing and private drivers are also options.The closest airport is Sonoma County Airport (STS), but it has limited direct flights. Another option is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about a one- to two-hour drive away and includes a scenic route over the Golden Gate Bridge. If you don’t rent a car, private transportation services are available—some even offer wine tours in Napa County (Napa Valley Chauffeur is a great choice).

Tip: Try to schedule your arrival outside of rush hour and consider traveling with a group to use the carpool lane for faster travel.