There are hundreds of reasons to visit Napa Valley in Northern California and you can drink to all of them. But if you are not a wine drinker and yet love good food, Napa has the reputation as one of the best restaurant destination in the country as well.
Just under an hour north of San Francisco, the landscape transforms dramatically as you drive into Wine Country. You may think you have arrived in Europe as you pass by faux châteaux, Tuscan villas and rolling hills of vineyards. Getting to Napa Valley is fairly easy by car and many tour operators offer day trips from San Francisco. You can visit this wine region all year round. Summer (May to September) is high season and the roads in the Wine Country can get busy and the tasting rooms can be crowded. Visiting on weekdays may be a better option. Do call ahead too as some wineries require reservations.
Napa Valley is dotted with quaint and quirky small towns including Calistoga, St Helena and Yountville. Each has its own character and allure. If you have the luxury of time, pick a town and use it as home base to explore the region.
Perhaps the most well known of the towns for foodies is Yountville – home to Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-star The French Laundry. If the coveted restaurant reservation at The French Laundry is out of your reach, fret not as there are other great dining options in this town. Thomas Keller has other restaurants in Yountville such as Ad Hoc and Bouchon. But if you prefer hearty French fare at a more affordable price, there is Bistro Jeanty helmed by Phillippe Jeanty who came to Napa from Épernay in the Champagne region of France.
Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry has three Michelin Stars
Charming landscape of Yountville. Vegetable plots across The French Laundry.
One of many dining options in Yountville
Speaking of Champagne, if the bubbly is your preferred beverage, a visit to one of a handful of premium makers of California sparkling wine is a must. You can spend a glorious afternoon at the very European French château of Domaine Carneros or the stunning garden grounds of Domaine Chandon.
Founded by the great French champagne house of Tattinger, Domaine Carneros is a familiar landmark in Napa Valley. Make a reservation for the daily tasting and you will get a private table at the terrace of the French château. Perched on a hill, this spot offers spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards. The flutes of sparkling wine on the tasting menu are accompanied by charcuterie and cheese plates. Fine wine, locally sourced food and breathtaking views, life can’t get much better than this.
Sparkling wine sampler with small plates at Domaine Carneros
Stunning view from the terrace of Domaine Carneros
After you’ve had too much to drink, belly up to Boon Fly Café for some American classics. Located within the compound of the Carneros Inn, the café is a charming modern barn with high ceiling and shabby chic interior. The café serve up three meals a day and brunch on weekends. One of the popular items on the menu that customers raved about on Yelp is the Boon Fly Donuts. Available all day long, you can have them for breakfast or order them as desserts after a meal.
Boon Fly Donuts served in a petite bucket and a cuppa Joe.
The perpetual good weather in Napa Valley makes it an attractive vacation destination in California (second only to Disneyland). You may want to focus on a region instead of dashing from one spot to another. We hope you have found your reason(s) and will leave you some tips to help make the most of your time when you are there.
Quick Tips for First Time Visitors
- Napa Valley is about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco International Airport. You will need a car to travel between them. Alternatively, join a tour from downtown San Francisco.
- To save time commuting, make one of the towns your base and explore the region from there. The towns are sprinkled with tasting rooms so you can sample even more labels and varietals in addition to visiting the wineries.
- Plan ahead of your trip and make reservations for tasting rooms and restaurants. You can use OpenTable to overcome time difference and making long distance calls.
- If you are visiting the tasting rooms at the wineries by car, have a designated driver as California has very strict laws and harsh penalties for DUI (Drinking Under Influence).
