Napa Valley is among the most-visited locations for wine-loving travellers, and it’s no shock why. Dwelling to 16 AVAs, 18,000+ hectares of vineyards, and over 450 wineries inside a 30-mile radius, the area is each a bountiful and delightful alternative for curious wine lovers worldwide.
Nonetheless, these conversant in wine area journey are not any strangers to the downsides of this fashion of go to. In depth time within the automobile, pre-scheduled appointments, and the necessity for a delegated driver can create huge complications whereas making an attempt to take pleasure in one of the best that wine journey has to supply. Fortunately, there’s a answer.
Located on the base of the area’s prestigious valley, Downtown Napa is a protected haven for wine lovers on the lookout for a food-and-booze soaked weekend, no automobile or pre-scheduled appointments required. Dwelling to a slew of tasting rooms, world-class eating places and pleasant locations to drink, this small-yet-fierce city centre is good for wine-loving travellers on the lookout for a simple, laid-back getaway. Try our excellent three-day itinerary for taking in all that this pleasant metropolis centre has to supply, no automobile required.
Due to the area’s spectacular year-round climate, planning a go to to Napa guarantees a good time throughout any month of the 12 months. Peak seasons happen from March to Could, in addition to August to October (harvest time) – the latter of which is arguably essentially the most lovely time of 12 months.
Though Napa is greatest recognized for its full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s a lot extra to find. Along with flavour-packed Chardonnay, Merlot-based blends, and highly effective Syrah, a slew of different wine grapes are cultivated on this various rising space. With reference to meals, the area doesn’t essentially boast a signature dish – nonetheless, the taco vans on Soscol Avenue provide among the space’s most genuine delicacies.
Stacking the times with tasting room appointments can shortly run up a excessive tab, as wine tasting flights are typically at all times the pricier choice. As a substitute, go for a easy glass or bottle choice at locations the place you could solely be all in favour of one or two wines. Save the wine flights for tasting rooms that actually pique your curiosity – that’s to say, have a bigger variety of wines that spark your curiosity.
My excellent weekend in Downtown Napa
Friday
A Riverview Deluxe King room at River Terrace Inn. Credit score: River Terrace Inn
Afternoon
Arrive in Downtown Napa and examine in on the River Terrace Inn. Situated inside strolling distance of the entire space’s greatest tasting rooms and eating places, this tranquil lodging provides 114 rooms of a wide range of sorts and with varied facilities. Spring for one of many lodge’s breathtaking suites, outfitted with personal balcony and in-room fire (operated by distant management, no administration required). The lodge additionally includes a restaurant, assembly space and gymnasium, kitted out with a Peloton bike and two Peloton treadmills.
Night
Stroll over to the close by Oxbow Public Market, house to a wide range of locations to eat, drink, and benefit from the native surroundings. Take pleasure in recent oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co or genuine Mexican road meals at C Casa Taqueria. Submit-market stroll, take a beer break throughout the road at Commerce Brewing (we advocate the Kolsch) or pop over to Walt Wines, regarded for his or her tasty Pinot Noir and Chardonnay choices, in your first tasting room expertise.
For outside video games, reside music and al fresco enjoyable, head to the newly-opened Napa Yard. Boasting an on-site distillery, quite a few bars and engaging pub grub, this distillery-beer backyard hybrid provides a wide range of methods to benefit from the climate. Make sure to examine the area’s web site for an inventory of upcoming occasions.
For dinner, head again to the River Terrace Inn and luxuriate in a meal al fresco on the lodge’s on-site restaurant, ALBA. Begin with the Day by day Harvest Tartine and Cornbread, adopted by the Grilled Asparagus Salad. Entrée highlights embrace Ricotta Gnocchi, Half-Roasted Rooster, and the signature Alba Burger & Fries. Select from handmade cocktails or a wide range of wines by the bottle, curated from each native and worldwide producers.
Saturday
The ArBaretum. Credit score: Vicki Denig
Morning
Take pleasure in a sluggish morning on the lodge with in-room espresso on the balcony (or higher but, indoors by the fireplace). Motivated travellers, sweat out a few of yesterday’s booze on the on-site gymnasium, then savour an extended breakfast at ALBA. For these trying to benefit from the nice outside, take a look at the assorted close by river excursions, together with gondola boat excursions through Napa Valley Gondola or kayak jaunts with Napa Valley Paddle, or just take a stroll on the quaint path located behind the lodge.
Afternoon
Kick off your wine tasting afternoon with a go to to Brendel Wines, positioned on First Road. Recognized for his or her organically-farmed lineup of approachable wines, Brendel’s easy-drinking choice provides a singular various to the customarily bolder flavour profiles of wine present in Napa. Subsequent, pop over to Insurgent Vintners for an unforgettable tasting with one of many collective’s three winemakers. Occupied by Uncharted Wine, Leaf & Vine, and Cadle Household Wines, these three distinctive tasks spotlight ‘off-the-beaten-path’ grapes and wine kinds for Napa – assume skin-contact bottlings, late-released Alicante Bouschet, Sangiovese, Grenache Blanc and extra. After two (or extra) tastings, take pleasure in sustainably-farmed meals for lunch from The Dutch Door, recognized for his or her fried rooster sandwiches and sizzling canines, in addition to their vegan/vegetarian bowls and burgers.
Make your mid-afternoon all about wine and cheese with a lot of simply accessible, off-the-beaten-track visits. First up, enterprise up Coombs Road (a couple of 20-minute stroll) to Neiman Cellars for an exquisite, riverside tasting. Spearheaded by Drew Neiman, who reduce his winemaking tooth underneath the legendary John Konsgaard, these artisanal, small-batch wines are paired with curated pairings by cheese knowledgeable Lassa Skinner. By appointment solely.
For an equally pleasant enterprise, seize a 7-minute Uber to The Cheese Shed, a country tasting room overseen by the Vin Fraîche wine group. Take pleasure in a curated wine and cheese pairing expertise led by hospitality supervisor Dan Bell, surrounded by breathtaking, 360-degree winery views. Reservation required.
Night
For dinner and drinks at one in every of downtown’s buzziest new institutions, look no additional than The ArBaretum. This newly-opened enterprise provides craft cocktails, premium spirits and a wide range of elevated snacks and dishes, served up in a vibe-y area clad with cosy couches, vivid plant-inspired murals, and energetic playlists as well. The bar’s craft cocktail listing emphasises gin-based libations; for small bites, don’t skip on the deviled eggs.
Submit-dinner, head to the Whiskey Bar at Sky & Vine, tucked away atop the roof on the Archer Lodge Napa. Discover the bar’s in depth whiskey choices or just go for one of many meticulously crafted cocktails from the joint’s well-curated listing, loved al fresco across the outside firepit. Ought to starvation strike once more, dive into one of many bar’s tasty do-it-yourself pizzas, ready of their on-site stone fireplace ovens. (Notice: Open till 10 PM, reservations required.)
Late Evening
For these actually trying to preserve the occasion going, head over to the John Anthony Vineyards’ tasting lounge, which is open till midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Whereas flights and by-the-glass pours can be found, the late-night transfer is certainly to submit up on the nook couches and take pleasure in a bottle of La Dame Michele, the corporate’s conventional technique glowing crafted from a mix of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Sunday
Chateau Buena Vista. Credit score: Dylan Elliott
Morning
For fearless travellers on the lookout for essentially the most lovely view of the valley, begin the day with a sizzling air balloon tour through Napa Valley Aloft. Though you’ll have to rise earlier than daybreak, the journey offers probably the most attractive views – and unforgettable reminiscences – of Napa. Whereas the balloon experience itself solely takes about 45 minutes, you’ll have to finances about three hours for the entire expertise.
Submit balloon experience, head to Monday Bakery for a scrumptious late breakfast. Whether or not savoury ham and cheese croissants or candy monkey bread are what you’re after, the café has among the greatest baked items in all of downtown. Seize a espresso to go and peruse Second Road’s eclectic retailers, together with Jeffries Basic and Antiques on Second.
Afternoon
Whereas on Second Road, begin your tasting journey with a go to to Gamling & McDuck’s tasting room, positioned only a few doorways down from Monday Bakery. Based in 2008 by Adam McClary and Gabrielle Shaffer, this ‘Loire Valley Home’ focuses completely on Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, fairly than the same old heavy hitters of Napa Valley. Count on a refreshing expertise – each actually and figuratively – at this relaxed, various fashion tasting room (and in the event you’re fortunate, Adam’s rescue cat could even come out to say hi there).
For a boozy lunch that guarantees to please, head throughout the road to Be Bubbly, a glowing wine-focused bar with ample alternatives and engaging native bites. Based by Erin Riley, the bar’s self-proclaimed Chief Bubblehead, this two-tier wine bar is beloved by locals and vacationers alike – so don’t be shocked in the event you occur to bump shoulders with one of many space’s native tasting room staff.
Night
Previous to heading out, finish your journey on an expensive word with a go to to Chateau Buena Vista’s tasting room. Situated only a few steps away on First Road, this decked out tasting room focuses on ‘4 Cs’ : Champagne, Caviar, Cabernet, and Chocolate. Merely choose your poison – or hey, why not spring for all 4 – and dive in (and don’t overlook to seize some scrumptious, hand-painted Earth & Sky candies to take house with you).
The place to drink, eat and store
Anette’s Goodies. Credit score: Anette’s Goodies
Drink
Cadet – Cosy wine bar with ample outside seating; in depth wine choices and cheese plates – an business staple
Napa Palisades Saloon – Stable bar for beer and pub grub, a diamond within the tough amongst a slew of close by vacationer traps
Napastäk – Wonderful place for a strong cup of espresso, in addition to to replenish on locally-produced oils, vinegars and jams to take house; similar homeowners as Napa Valley Distillery
Eat
Tarla – Artistic (and scrumptious) Mediterranean meals with a Greek and Turkish focus
Charlie Palmer Steak – Spacious, modern steakhouse with good meals and enjoyable vibes
El Porteño Empanadas – Flaky, Argentinian empanadas in an industrial, waterfront setting
Store
Annette’s Goodies – Native purveyor of chocolate, truffles and ice cream with a 30+ 12 months historical past
Coppersfield’s Books – Basic bookstore with a strong choice of journal, books and small items
Makers Market – Brick and mortar store that includes handmade objects from native purveyors, together with clothes, house items and extra
State & First – Quaint boutique providing a curated choice of clothes, jewelry and equipment
The way to get there
Predominant airports: SFO (San Francisco Worldwide Airport), SMF (Sacramento Worldwide Airport), Napa County Airport
Driving distance:
SFO to Downtown Napa: 59 minutes (58 miles)
SMF to Downtown Napa: 1 hour 4 minutes (65 miles)
Napa County Airport to Downtown Napa: 12 minutes (7 miles)
