Everyone knows California’s Napa Valley has some of the best wineries in the world, but it’s so much more than just wine. Napa Valley is a world-class Wine Country filled with extraordinary culinary experiences, stunning mountains and vineyards, and amazing art. It’s also just a hop, skip, and a jump (or rather a short drive) from San Francisco and neighboring Sonoma, which makes it a perfect destination for a day trip.

While you could easily fit in a half-day visit to Napa, we suggest making it a full-day trip, so you can do all the fun things like wine tasting, dining out, and exploring, of course. And there’s no need for lots of planning because this itinerary maps out how to have a fantastic day full of some of Napa Valley’s best experiences without too much time in the car. (Note: Most of the stops on the itinerary are in and around the city of Napa, as destinations further north like Rutherford and St. Helena would eat up too much drive time.)

Start with a hearty breakfast

Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day when wine tasting is on the itinerary. Proteins and carbs will help soak up that booze (or at least help it absorb it more slowly), and there’s no better protein and carb combo than the chicken and waffles at Boon Fly Café at the picturesque Carneros Resort and Spa. Located at 4048 Sonoma Highway (as you head into Napa from San Francisco or Sonoma), it’s the perfect spot to start the day. Pro tip: Grab a dozen of the famous donuts for car snacking.

Blend your own wine at the Hess Collection Winery

Atop Mount Veeder, you’ll find Hess Persson Estates, located at 4441 Redwood Road in Napa, where you can play winemaker for the day by blending three varietals to create a custom blend you can take home. Or, if you’d rather enjoy your wine with a side of art, opt for the Walking Tour of the Hess Contemporary Art Museum, one of the most impressive private collections in the world, before sitting down to sample the winery’s newest releases.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Oxbow Market (plus treats to take home)

Oxbow Public Market, located at 610 1st Street in Napa, is popular with locals and tourists alike, and for good reason. You’ll find all kinds of food purveyors at this lively high-end market, where you can enjoy a fantastic meal as well as find all kinds of epicurean delights from local Californian food and wine producers. Take a lap before committing to your lunch fare (you’ll find everything from oysters to burgers to tacos) and then enjoy your meal on the spacious deck overlooking the Napa River. You can also find plenty of goodies to assemble your own picnic, if you’d prefer to pack a picnic and eat along the Napa Riverfront.

Stroll and shop in downtown Napa

If you’re looking for something to do other than wine tasting, look no further than First Street in downtown Napa, where you’ll find three blocks of tasting rooms, interesting shops, and unique art galleries. You can also stop by the Napa Valley Welcome Center, located at 1300 1st Street, and pick up a complimentary map for the Napa Valley Art Walk, a public outdoor art exhibition featuring eight sculptures, all within walking distance of each other.

Tour and taste at some of Napa’s best wineries

It would be extremely ambitious to stop at every winery mentioned on this itinerary, but if you want to make a go of it, they’re listed here in driving order. Better yet, pick one or two, so you can really enjoy the experience without rushing or worrying about time.

Stags’ Leap Winery, located at 6150 Silverado Trail in Napa, is on one of California’s first wine estates—home to 240 acres of vineyards and an 1890s stone Manor House surrounded by beautiful gardens. Book the 90-minute Manor House Tour & Tasting experience so you can explore the property and gardens before enjoying a seated tasting.

Silverado Vineyards, at 6121 Silverado Trail in the heart of the Stags Leap District, is all about offering up quality wines alongside beautiful views. Try their new White Wine & Caviar experience for something on the lighter side, or dive into their rich Cabernets during their Legacy Cabernet offering.

Burgess Cellars, situated at 2921 Silverado Trail, doesn’t just offer exceptional wines, but this historic property also has sweeping views that are pretty darn spectacular.

If you’re planning to head back to San Francisco or Sonoma before dinner, stop into Domaine Carneros on your way out of town, which is located at 1240 Duhig Road in Napa. Stroll through the formal gardens before taking a seat on the terrace of the French-inspired Chateau, where you can sip bubbles, snack on caviar, and toast to an amazing day in Wine Country.

If an urban winery is more your jam, don’t miss Robert Mondavi’s new Arch & Tower tasting room. Located overlooking the Napa River, at 930 3rd Street in Napa, Arch & Tower is downtown Napa’s newest spot to sip acclaimed wine while enjoying curated food pairings. If you plan it right, you can sip a glass of wine as the sun sets during their Golden Hour tasting, before heading out to dinner.

Get a new perspective on Napa with an unusual or global-inspired dining experience

If you’re “just” looking for exceptional food in a stylish space that stays fixed to the ground for the entire meal, Napa has some extraordinary restaurants. Angèle Restaurant & Bar, a riverfront bistro located at 540 Main Street in downtown Napa, will transport you to France for the evening. And dining at Morimoto Napa, located just a few doors down at 610 Main Street, feels like a trip to Japan, complete with sushi, sake, and even a little shopping.

We also adore the food at The Grove at the CIA, located at 500 1st Street in Napa. Here, shareable, Mediterranean-inspired dishes are chock full of ingredients from Copia’s own on-site gardens.

However, if you’re looking for a more unusual dining experience, you can go on a literal culinary journey via land or sea. Roll past Napa’s lush landscapes and travel back in time on the Napa Valley Wine Train, located at 1275 Mckinstry Street in Napa. This classic Napa experience is available for wine tours during the day, but they also offer a multi-course dinner at night. If that doesn’t float your boat, a Winemaker Cruise definitely will. Glide along the Napa River in a 50-foot yacht while enjoying a four-course dinner with wine pairings. The boat departs from the Napa Yacht Club, located at 100 Riverside Road in Napa.

Napa Valley boasts plenty of beautiful spots to call home during a visit, but if you’re looking for a wide variety of things to do and see all in one convenient location, downtown Napa is the place to be. This once sleepy town at the south end of Napa Valley has undergone a major renaissance over the past decade and is now home to luxury lodging, hip wine bars, celebrity-led restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and beautiful river walks. So park the car, forget about traffic, and take advantage of the urban oasis that is downtown Napa. Here’s your guide to making the most of a visit.

Eat Well

From award-winning fine dining to farm-to-table casual eateries, downtown Napa is a foodie haven. Simply put, you’ll want to make room in your bellies to chow down on all the delicious offerings that Napa has to offer. First on the agenda should be a visit to the lively Oxbow Public Market. A gathering place for gourmet grub in Napa, Oxbow is where you can find everything from oysters and tacos to chocolates and cupcakes. In fact, there are over 20 merchants under one roof, providing endless ways to eat and drink yourself silly!

For more delectable fare, follow your nose to Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ. In addition to pulled pork and beer can chicken featuring house-made rubs, Bounty Hunter has 40 wines available by the glass. Down the street is famed Napa Valley restaurant, Angèle, renowned for its upscale French country cuisine and quaint, romantic atmosphere since 2002. While wine is a natural choice as you dine on French fare, when your palate needs a break from the grape juice, you can’t go wrong with one of Angèle’s fantastic cocktails.

If you still need more ideas, check out Scala Osteria, a seafood-centric Italian joint from the founder of Bistro Don Giovani, or Morimoto, the sleek Napa River restaurant from celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, where an extensive menu of sushi, seafood, Wagyu beef, sake, and Japanese Whiskey can be found.

Sip & Savor

Housed in a former saloon and brothel from the late 1800s, the Vintner’s Collective is a good place to sample a wide variety of Napa Valley wines from one location. Here, you’ll find over two dozen quality boutique producers who are too small to have their own tasting rooms, with various tasting spaces from which to enjoy their coveted wines.

Make a point to stop into Acumen Wine Gallery, featuring a small but high quality collection of organically grown estate wines from Atlas Peak; Lithology, The Lounge, the sophisticated downtown outpost of the highly acclaimed Lithology brand; and WALT Wines, where tasters can sip their way through 1,000 miles of Pinot Noir from within the bright, cheerful space. Another noteworthy (and new!) spot to check out is Arch & Tower. This beautiful tasting room is the downtown outpost of Robert Mondavi, offering wine tastings and food pairings overlooking the Napa River.

Compline is a wine bar, restaurant, and bottle shop in one, and a worthy destination in downtown Napa. Founded by two sommeliers, Compline’s wine collection is complete with bottlings from around the world, including some obscure varietals from lesser known regions. Stop in for a glass and a bite, and be sure to check their calendar for educational tastings and events. Around the corner, Cadet Beer & Wine Bar is a popular spot for wine, beer, and tasty provisions. Here, you’ll find a worldly selection of wine, from rare Champagne to Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, bottled beers, and an old school vinyl collection, plus there’s always a fun lineup of regular events and guest wineries worth checking out.

See A Show

During the summer months, head to downtown Napa’s Oxbow River Stage at Oxbow Commons Park for the summer concert series. Live music with a backdrop of the Napa River? What could be better! Just note that no outside food and beverages are allowed—luckily, you’ll find beer, wine, spirits, and culinary offerings available for purchase.

At the eclectic JaM Cellars, wine tastings take place in the casual setting of their music and wine lounge. In addition to JaM’s classic vinyl collection and Rolling Stone Magazine-clad walls, the tasting room also plays host to weekly live music sets known as JaMSessions. Another fantastic place to catch a show is the historic Uptown Theatre. This renovated art-deco theater from 1937 regularly welcomes musical performers and comedy acts. The intimate setting means there’s never a bad seat in the house.

Other Things to Do

Foodies and wannabe chefs won’t want to miss heading to the CIA at Copia, the ultimate destination for wine, art, and food-related happenings and exhibits. Take a cooking class in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, explore the collection of specialty cookware at the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum, or try their new cocktail bar, The Haven, where housemade bites and curated cocktails are sure to hit the spot.

Stationed in downtown Napa, the historic Napa Valley Wine Train provides a stylish way to tour around Napa Valley, where plush rail cars, elegant décor, and gourmet cuisine offer a glimpse of the glamourous days of train travel. Whether you stay on the train and enjoy the ride or opt for one of the half or full day tours with wine excursions, the Wine Train is a unique way to take in the beautiful scenery of Napa Valley.

For shopping, head to First Street Napa, the heart of shopping in downtown Napa, where you’ll find a variety of boutiques offering the best in fashion, home décor, art, and gifts. If shopping until you drop isn’t in your budget, a more affordable Napa activity is bike riding around the area. Rent bikes for a scenic ride along the paved Napa Valley Vine Trail, which runs 12.5 miles from Napa to Yountville. Or, rent kayaks or paddle boards from Napa Valley Paddle for a fun outdoor experience on the water. They offer guided and unguided rentals by the hour, day, or weekend. Another great activity that won’t break the bank is simply walking around downtown Napa to experience the Napa Art Walk, an urban exhibition of public artworks. The sculptures change every couple of years, highlighting the work of various artists from throughout California and the West Coast.

Sleep Soundly

The 141-room Andaz is ideally situated right in the heart of downtown Napa, offering the comforts of a boutique hotel with the convenience of being walking distance to shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Loft-style rooms feature hardwood floors and deep soaking tubs, while spacious suites offer an added dose of luxury in the way of rain showers, fireplaces, and terraces overlooking downtown. If a view of the river is what you’re after, stay at Milliken Creek Inn. Hidden away just one mile from the heart of downtown Napa, this peaceful retreat overlooking the Napa River is the perfect romantic getaway after a long day of wine tasting and shopping throughout downtown Napa.

The Napa River is one of the largest Central Coast Range rivers, running 50 miles from Mt. St. Helena to the San Pablo Bay. It’s an important part of the local ecosystem, providing a home to many species of fish, birds, and wildlife. The Napa River also winds through downtown Napa, offering a serene, gurgling backdrop to a plethora of Wine Country experiences, all right along the water. We’ve compiled some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and stay by the Napa riverfront, in addition to some unique things to do for the more adventure-inclined.

Where to Adventure

For those looking for a unique Napa experience without forgoing some of the best wine Napa Valley has to offer, look no further than these Napa River WineCountry Experiences. Tour the river on a 50-foot catamaran with Winemaker Cruise on the Wine Yacht, all while enjoying a beautiful four-course meal by Chef Kadiye, of Tarla Grill, and wine from AUM Cellars. Looking for a workout to pair with your wine course? Join a private river tour with Napa Valley Paddle. Experience the most impressive stretch of the Napa River, from salt water wetlands to fresh water forest. Paddle the restored tidal area and see downtown Napa like never before. For those looking to not get their sea legs, a casual stroll can happen right downtown and includes river views and ample shopping from stores like the Napa General Store, Riverhouse by Bespoke Collection, and more. And for those looking to really connect with nature both in and out of town, there’s a 4.2 mile, casual hike on the Napa River Trail. If you’re visiting in the summer, enjoy a balmy evening at the Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater for Napa City Nights, the concert series that happens Friday evenings. With terraced riverfront seating, live music, and beautiful views of the Napa River, it’s a great way to wind down after a day of Wine Country activities.

Where to Taste

There are also plenty of options for wine tasting for all the landlubbers who want to enjoy a river view without getting wet. In downtown Napa, check out Acumen Winery Gallery, featuring estate wines from organically-grown grapes on Atlas Peak, and Lithology, The Lounge, a sophisticated, yet relaxed place to sample the brand’s iconic Napa wines. Another noteworthy spot to check out is Arch & Tower, Robert Mondavi Winery’s chic new downtown tasting room. Plan it right and you can sip acclaimed wine and eat housemade culinary bites from the terrace overlooking the Napa River right as the sun sets.

Where to Eat

If you’re strolling along the riverfront, you might venture down the dreamy, floral corridor that leads to Celadon. Known for its ‘Global Comfort Food’, Celadon gives an upscale flair to your favorites, with diners raving about the pork belly and the lemon meringue pie. Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ is a great casual option right off Main Street for some hearty protein, with an extensive whisky menu to boot. The Grove at Copia is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving shareable dishes and a great brunch spot.

Angele Restaurant & Bar is a long-running brasserie serving French fare on the Napa River, and remains one of Napa’s most popular restaurants to this day. For those who might be finding it difficult to decide (decision fatigue is real), sample a little bit of everything instead at the Oxbow Public Market, which features favorites such as Hog Island Oyster Bar, Gott’s Roadside, The Fatted Calf, and Kara’s Cupcakes.

Where to Stay

After all the indulging and activity of Napa River, you’ll want somewhere close by to lay your head at night. Treat yourself to a stay at the Andaz Napa, which offers modern, elegantly-proportioned rooms for you and your pooch. It’s located in the heart of downtown Napa, so after you’re done walking along the river and sampling wine at some dog-friendly tasting rooms, check-in for an in-room spa service, while your fur-baby lounges nearby on the complimentary doggie bed, snacking on the complimentary doggie treats. Nearby is the Napa River Inn, located just off Main Street. Luxuriate in glittering views of the Napa River while enjoying the complimentary pastries from Sweetie Pies, delivered fresh to your room daily.

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa isn’t much further from downtown Napa, but this serene setting can feel like a world away, whether you’re strolling through the beautifully landscaped grounds, or enjoying the view from the grassy river banks with a drink in hand and good company by your side.

Have you noticed? Napa Valley is shapeshifting. Despite a longstanding reputation as opulent and otherworldly, the place has begun to show a more approachable side—one that’s equal parts grace and grit. Even as natural disasters have tested the region, its welcoming spirit of hospitality shines.

Gazing into our crystal ball, we predict that 2023 will reveal more of the “real” Napa Valley, along with its escapist indulgences. The future looks bright.

What’s New in Napa Valley 2023

Stay

As vacation digs go, you can’t get any cozier than the stylish, six-room Brannan Cottage Inn. Housed in a 150-year-old cottage built by the founder of Calistoga, the property was restored and updated with luxury amenities in the summer of 2022. Its prime location allows you to walk to downtown Calistoga in 10 minutes, or venture a little further (15 minutes) by car to find peace outdoors at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Before setting off on your Napa explorations, grab a coffee at the adjacent Sam’s General Store. The popular coffee shop offers an array of gourmet sandwiches and snacks, which you can request packed into a picnic for your day’s adventures.

Eat

A culinary legend needing little introduction, Chef Masaharu Morimoto—a.k.a., the “Iron Chef”—has recently blessed downtown Napa with a second eatery. Lively and welcoming, Morimoto Asia is situated on the Napa River, just down the block from the existing sushi restaurant, Morimoto Napa. Its 170 seats are arranged in both intimate and communal tables, while its cuisine features “Far East tastes and textures” including traditional hot pot, tender dumplings, flavorful rice and noodle dishes, and more. Kick off your feast with a lychee-tini (sake, vodka, and lychee liqueur) and crab rangoon appetizer; then try the richly flavored crepe okonomiyaki, a flavorful dish that Morimoto created based on his favorite childhood meal.

A recent visit to C Casa, the beloved taco stop at Oxbow Public Market, found its former food stall empty, inducing panic that (heaven forbid) the place had closed. Turns out, they had moved to a spacious new fine-dining restaurant a few paces away. C Casa’s expansive new menu offers something for everyone. Dine on formal dishes like duck confit dressed with oranges and avocado crema; light meals like the fresh Dungeness crab salad with grapefruit; or casual eats like Mexican street corn. Drinks options abound, from a tasty grilled-pineapple margarita, to innovative zero-proof selections like a prickly pear and ginger spritzer.

Any time of day—from breakfast to cocktail hour to dinner—you’ll find a relaxed yet elegant meal at Forum, which opened its doors as part of recent renovations at Meadowood, the 250-acre luxury resort in St. Helena. Showcasing seasonal produce from the on-site estate garden, the farm-to-table restaurant offers a true taste of the Napa Valley. Start the day with pumpkin pancakes or cold-pressed juice and an acai bowl. Later, try a crispy pork belly sandwich or local chicken cooked in Lebanese spices. Savor it all on an ambient outdoor patio bedecked with twinkling lights.

Ahh.

Drink

Good news: Compline, the Michelin-starred wine bar and restaurant in downtown Napa, has added a retail shop and wine club to their already wildly successful operation. Now you can bring a taste of Compline home: order the restaurant’s popular duck fat fries and burger online, swing by to pick up your take-out food, and add a bottle to pair with your take-out meal. Choose from a variety of wine styles and price points ranging from unsung indie brands to highly coveted classics, all curated by veteran sommeliers and owners Matt Stamp and Ryan Stetins.

An undisputed force in California winemaking, Robert Mondavi Winery has been part of the glimmering fabric of Napa Valley since 1966. With Director of Winemaking Sally Johnson Blum, who took her post in the summer of 2022, the winery turns a whole new page. Look for her first releases, along with exclusive events hosted by Blum, as the year unfolds.

At the new Napa tasting room, Lithology, the Lounge, you can discover the beautiful wines of Lithology Estate from a convenient downtown location. Here, indulge in single-vineyard wines from the iconic Lithology brand, led by world renowned winemaker Matt Sands, geologist Philippe Melka, and global wine consultant Michel Rolland, or opt to taste through small-lot Napa and Sonoma bottlings from sister brand, Waypoint Wines.

In a region so highly celebrated for wine, you might be surprised to find a growing number of craft spirits endeavors. Napa Valley Distillery was the first distillery to open their doors in town after the end of Prohibition, and now offers a tasting lounge on site at their main distillery, plus an outpost at Oxbow Public Market and the new ArBaretum, a vibrant tasting lounge in downtown Napa. Explore a range of fine liquor, tonics, shrubs, syrups, and bitters with the guidance of a knowledgeable expert.

Shop

Vowing to support more small businesses in the new year? Start by browsing the thoughtful collection of reading material at Napa Bookmine, which first opened nearly a decade ago and now is celebrating a new, third location at Register Square in Napa.

Also located in the heart of downtown Napa, Jeffries General offers an eclectic and elegant selection of gifts, groceries, and decor. Whether you’re looking for a quick card to send to loved ones, a bottle of wine, fresh bread, locally made jewelry, or toys to keep the kids entertained, you’ll find it all here.

With a century and a half of history behind it, Calistoga Depot has stories to tell. A new chapter opens as it launches its new commercial and community gathering space. Depot Provisions offers all the goods you could possibly need to survive a day in Wine Country: locally made cheese, charcuterie, prepared foods, and (of course) wine. As the Depot evolves in the coming year, expect to find luxe lifestyle boutiques, a distillery, and a microbrewery.

Experience

Those in the know are already savvy to Hess Persson Estate, the winery and vineyard situated outside of Napa on the flanks of Mount Veeder. Offering estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon along with a world-class art collection, Hess Persson is no mere pit stop on your wine tasting itinerary—it’s a destination all its own, worthy of a full day’s exploration. Its latest attraction is a personal tasting with in-house chocolatier Jason Collins, who will guide you and your party in making your own souvenir chocolate bar. Once you’ve had your fill of wine and sweets, wander the gallery, and don’t miss the ethereal sculptures from iconic artist Andy Goldsworthy.

This experience is now taking bookings for 2022, visit website for details!

There’s no shortage of world-class gastronomy in Napa Valley, but an exciting culinary offering from The CIA at Copia takes the seriousness and pretension out of fine dining. Le Petit Chef™ is a one-of-a-kind, 3D dining experience inspired by Marco Polo’s legendary travels along the Silk Road — and it’s unlike any dinner you’ll have in Wine Country, let alone the entire West Coast of America. From an inspiring, multicultural menu to the use of highly innovative technology, here are 10 reasons why your inner foodie won’t want to miss it.

It’s like history class, but way, way more fun

If you associate Marco Polo more with the popular swimming pool game than his actual place in history, you’re likely not alone. The good news: this educational experience isn’t like any history class you’ve ever taken. Le Petit Chef is an immersive, entertaining dining event that utilizes cutting-edge technology — plus delicious, flavor-packed food — to teach you all about Marco Polo and his incredible travels along the Great Silk Road, known as a system of trade routes that ran between the Mediterranean and China. But more than that, Le Petit Chef is a lesson in the diversity of cultures. At the time (the 1200s), Polo went further than anyone had gone before. He was an inspiration to future great explorers like Henry the Navigator and Columbus, and his story, as told through Le Petit Chef, will no doubt inspire others to get out and see the world, too.

The dinner adventure is led by the best tour guide ever

This isn’t your boring double decker bus tour. A tiny and very funny Frenchman named Le Petit Chef — who sounds like a Minion or Alvin of Alvin and the Chipmunks — is a five-star tour guide, bravely following in Marco Polo’s footsteps by sailing stormy seas, flying away from hungry camels, and barely escaping death by fire-breathing dragon, all while his passengers laugh along every step of the way.

You get to eat around the world

Go to any fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurant and, while you may get to indulge in multiple courses of food, they will likely all be focused on a single cuisine. But during Le Petit Chef, each course is inspired by a different country that Marco Polo visited along his travels. While Polo’s real journey took 24 years, this two-hour exploration takes each food lover overseas to discover the cuisine of southern France, the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the Himalayas, and China.

And you’ll sip on the best of California

It wouldn’t be a proper Napa Valley dinner without wine and Le Petit Chef has the option of adding a wine pairing to each course. The menu showcases a range of varietals — like riesling and pinot noir — from California, thoughtfully selected to showcase the quality and breadth of California’s top growing regions. Not a wine fan or want to switch it up? You can also find a great selection of beer to go with the food.

Speaking of the menu, it’s fantastic

An amuse-bouche trio of a melt-in-your-mouth Nicosia Tartelette, a Saffron Vichyssoise, and Beau Soleil Oysters with a charred cucumber mignonette set the stage for six memorable courses. Experience traditional dishes from each country, like the delightful lamb meatball and hummus Sabich Bowl from North Africa, and the umami-packed Shorb Rib Bao with black pepper jus and picked mushrooms from China. For the finale, inspiration from all of the travels comes together to create a fabulous dessert. It’s The Culinary Institute of America, so of course they cook to impress.

The technology is so impressive, Steve Jobs would have approved

Le Petit Chef offers a cutting-edge restaurant experience, which comes to life via state-of-the-art 3D technology and visual storytelling by the world-renowned artists of Skullmapping™ and TableMation™. What this means is that Marco Polo’s travels are literally brought to life using incredibly vivid animation that washes across the walls and tables of the dining room, transporting guests across the world and firing up all of their senses at once. It’s as close as one can get to feeling the hot sands of the Arabian desert between their toes or smelling the multi-colored spices of India without actually being there.

There’s audience participation

Don’t worry, this isn’t like a Disney attraction where random people are brought up on stage as stunt doubles in front of a crowd of people. Le Petit Chef simply introduces several immersive opportunities for diners to do more than just chow down on the food. Without giving anything away, they implement tools to encourage discussions and reflection on the experience as it’s happening — plus there’s one big surprise that’s guaranteed to have everyone “Oohing” and “Ahhing”. Tip: Have the video setting on your phone ready when you reach Himalaya.

It’s a great family activity (with older kids)

This experience is not recommended for children under 12, but young adults and budding foodies will definitely get a kick out of the dinner, so long as they’re not terribly picky eaters. [Note: Le Petit Chef cannot accommodate all dietary restrictions or special requests]. It’s sure to introduce them to parts of the world they’ve likely never traveled to and leave them with a thirst for adventure.

Le Petit Chef is one of a kind

There are a lot of amazing dining options to choose from throughout Napa Valley but none of them are anything like this, combining fantastic food with wonderful entertainment and innovative technology. But even if you’ve experienced this dining phenomenon already, you may want to make a reservation again, as Le Petit Chef will be debuting a new movie this summer that will surely entertain like never before.

You can plan a whole day of activities around it

The CIA at Copia is centrally located in downtown Napa’s buzzing Oxbow district, so you may as well head down earlier in the day to explore everything the area has to offer, from the Oxbow Public Market to wine tasting rooms, breweries, and gourmet restaurants. You could even spend the better part of the day right at The CIA at Copia. Book a hands-on cooking class in their stadium-sized teaching kitchen and explore the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum (free to the public). Or plan to shop the expertly curated collection of goods for the home and kitchen at the Marketplace at COPIA, then grab a glass of one of the 24 wines on offer at the self-serve wine bar before your 3D dining adventure begins. If you choose to stay the night, the Westin Verasa Napa and the chic Andaz Napa are both a short walk away, making for a restful way to end a night of indulging your foodie dreams.

Le Petit Chef is available by reservation Friday and Saturday nights at 6 PM. Cost is $155 per person (pre-paid) with $50 addition for the optional beverage pairing.

Despite a difficult two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Napa Valley continues to prove why it’s the premier wine destination in not only California, but also North America. Every year brings a slew of new and unique wine experiences, luxury hotels and resorts, and world-class dining that makes Napa the complete vacation package.

If it’s been a while since you really traveled, Napa Valley is the perfect place to dip your toes and treat yourself for lost time. From Champagne and caviar lounges to splurge-worthy, five-star resorts to cabernet that absolutely slays, here are all the new places to discover in Napa Valley in 2022.

New + Refreshed Stays

A Calistoga Renaissance

The small town of Calistoga, on Napa Valley’s northern end, was the talk of Wine Country in 2021. Not only did the Four Seasons Resorts & Residences Napa Valley finally open after several years of delays — complete with a restaurant, spa, two pools (one adults only), a poolside cantina, on-site winery, and luxury rooms with vineyard and mountain views — but several other Calistoga hotels got a facelift.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Hot Springs completed a head-to-toe renovation of its 1952 hotel, turning it into a chic and nostalgic playground made for young couples, families, and visitors on a budget. While you’re there, experience a traditional mud bath — a concept that was actually born at this very hotel — or perhaps a CBD massage, and enjoy a healthy-ish meal of Southwestern cuisine at House of Better (get the Green Chile Apple Pie for dessert).

Solage made updates to its restaurant patio, pool, and rooms, plus added a killer pool bar, Pico, where you can grab duck mole tacos, spicy cocktails, and a unique guac made out of whipped avocado, pistachio, and kale dip. The Calistoga Motor Lodge + Spa, a reimagined roadside motel with a retro bathhouse and trio of mineral springs pools, added a set of elevated rooms with a view on top of its new wood-fired-themed restaurant, Fleetwood.

Sky High Luxury

Few visitors to Napa have heard of the ultra-luxe Poetry Inn, perched high on a hill above Yountville with unparalleled views. Owned by the same family behind Cliff Lede Vineyards, the inn underwent a total, contemporary design refresh from locally-famous interior designer Erin Martin and not only is it incredibly intimate with just five apartment-sized suites, it has a pool, spa, and gives the larger resorts a run for their money.

Coming Soon

Napa Valley’s third Auberge Collection resort, Stanly Ranch, will open in south Napa this year. Built on a historic, 700-acre ranch that’s surrounded by bucolic rolling hills, guests can expect the same level of luxury design and hospitality that Solage and Auberge du Soleil offer.

New Wineries

One Day, Three Wineries

This trio of wineries would make for the perfect itinerary on the Silverado Trail in Napa, as they’re all within a six-mile stretch of road. There was a lot of movement in 2021 on the south end of what locals call “The Trail,” starting with an oldie, but a goodie. Burgess Cellars, a historic winery that was founded in 1972 on Howell Mountain, sadly lost much of its winery and tasting room in the 2020 Glass Fire but found a new home last year in what was formerly Luna Vineyards. Enjoy an outdoor garden tasting featuring some library vintages of Burgess wines and keep an eye out for new experiences and events this coming year, like a caviar and sparkling wine lounge.

Not far up the road from Burgess, the chill and unpretentious Bread & Butter tasting room opened last summer. Taste at a cozy, modern home where Bread & Butter Wines (one of the fastest-growing brands in America) is planning to launch a totally unique tasting experience in 2022: a wine and butter pairing, featuring artisanal jars of butter (with bread, of course) made to match specific wines.

Stop at the Soda Canyon Store for lunch and then drive a couple more miles north to Baldacci Family Vineyards, which finally completed a multi-year renovation of their tasting room and winery. This family-owned-and-run winery established in 1998 has some of the best views of the famed Stags Leap District from their massive veranda and glass-walled hospitality center called “Stag Hall.”

Wine for Good

If you want to feel a little less guilty about all of the wine you’re sipping on your next Wine Country trip, check out the new OneHope, which is all about giving back. This state-of-the-art winery and hospitality barn set in Oakville uses wine as a vessel to raise funds for global issues related to health, hunger, poverty, and education. Book the Wine & Bites experience and before you head out, stop by the marketplace, which OneHope has stocked with handmade items from artisans around the world.

One of a Kind

The new Four Seasons Napa Valley has its own on-site winery called Elusa, where one of Napa’s most renowned consulting winemakers, Thomas Rivers Brown, has set up shop. You don’t have to be a guest of the resort to reserve a tasting here, where both the cabernet and the setting are on a five-star level.

Coming Soon

It’s hard to keep up with the openings happening in downtown Napa, but one to keep an eye out for is Brendel Wines, which will open downtown on First St. sometime this year. This new wine brand is bringing a fresh perspective to Napa by crafting organically-farmed, pure wines that speak to Napa Valley’s history and aren’t overpriced — we’re talking Napa Valley-made wines that range from $28-60 (run, don’t walk).

New Restaurants

Tiki Time

One of Napa’s most anticipated restaurant openings in 2021 came last fall in the form of a tiki bar downtown. Overlooking the Napa River (it even has a rooftop terrace), Wilfred’s Lounge offers something completely new in Wine Country. Sip Wilfred’s version of a Mai Tai or other tropical drinks, like the Blue Hawaii, Pagan Ritual, or On Island Thyme (get it?). For food, the salmon candy rangoons, spam sliders, and chicken skewers will transport you right to a virtual island paradise.

Pinkies Up

Last summer, Chef Thomas Keller unveiled yet another eatery, his sixth in the tiny town of Yountville. Outside of The French Laundry, this is the fanciest dining experience yet, celebrating two of life’s greatest gifts: Champagne and caviar. Swing by the Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge for just that and some fun bites like deviled eggs or Wagyu tartare (both topped with caviar), snow crab legs, and truffle grilled cheese.

Coming Soon

In early 2022, Loveski, a “Jew-ish” deli concept from Chef Christopher Kostow (of the three Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood and The Charter Oak) and his wife Martina Kostow will open at the Oxbow Public Market, serving up bagels and schmear and killer pastrami on rye. Also slated to open in Napa Valley later this year is The Slanted Door, a Wine Country outpost from the famed San Francisco Vietnamese restaurant, and a new St. Helena restaurant from two volunteer firefighter friends, one of which is a 10-year French Laundry alum, called Charlies’.

Fresh Pours

Napa obviously has its share of wine bars and while you likely have your favorites, there are three new spots worth checking out, like Ox and the Fox, located right in the heart of downtown on First St. and inside the First & Franklin Marketplace, which also happens to make a mean deli sandwich. Ox and the Fox is small, super casual, and a great alternative when the line at Cadet (just around the corner) is too long on the weekends. Don’t miss the snacks, like a goat cheese fondue.

Feast it Forward, a wine tasting collective, TV studio, and design showroom in one, expanded at the end of 2021 at its eclectic Oxbow District location to include The Yard, a music festival-inspired outdoor space with a huge stage, picnic tables, lawn games, and double-decker wine lounges made out of repurposed storage containers. The Yard frequently hosts concerts, pop-ups, and other fun events, so keep an eye on their website calendar.

Bay Grape is technically a wine shop, but since opening last year, it’s become a sort of best-kept secret of Napa’s local wine industry, known as the spot to procure obscure wines that go beyond Napa and California and you won’t find anywhere else in town. Bay Grape offers a weekly wine flight by a featured producer and any bottle you purchase can be enjoyed on their patio for a $10 corkage fee. On Sundays, that corkage is waived on all Champagne (huzzah!).

Coming Soon

Though not a wine bar, a new cocktail bar called The Fink should be on your radar for 2022. Set to open inside The Napa River Inn, this project comes from Napa’s unofficial mayor and vintner Judd Finklestein of Judd’s Hill Winery. Finklestein founded a Napa Valley cocktail appreciation guild back in 2004, just in case anyone was doubting his credentials.

Hop to It

The sister outpost of Big Stump Brewing Company in Sacramento, Napa Barrel Project is a new brew pub in downtown Napa that’s focused on aging beers in barrels sourced from Napa Valley wineries (they even have a wine list featuring bottles and glasses from those same wineries). Pair either with a pizza from their menu, like the Spanish Pizza topped with chorizo, olives, and onions.

Berkeley-based Fieldwork Brewing recently moved its Napa taproom from the Oxbow Public Market to a new standalone space around the corner that’s much bigger, has a large beer garden, and for the first time, serves food.

Try Your Luck

Napa isn’t exactly known for its nightlife, but a new cardroom called Ace & Vine opened last year, providing a new form of late-night entertainment in Wine Country. Open 24/7 — yes, really — pick your poison between Blackjack, Texas Holdem, Baccarat, Three Card Poker, and Pai Gow Poker. Ace & Vine doubles as a restaurant, serving a mash-up of American and Asian dishes indoors or on a big, riverside deck.

Wine and music collide at JaM Cellars, a one-of-a-kind, music-themed tasting room in downtown Napa. While this part of town used to have a reputation for being a little bit sleepy, JaM Cellars is breathing new life into Napa’s nightlife with their JaMSessions, an ongoing series of intimate, wine-fueled concerts that keep the party going long after dinner.

JaM Cellars is the brainchild of music lovers John and Michele Truchard, the “J” and “M” in JaM. As second-generation Napa Valley vintners, the Truchards have had a long history in crafting fine wines, but with JaM Cellars, they wanted to do something different by introducing super-approachable and affordable every-day wines to the market. These wines are made to be enjoyed with friends in a not-so-serious setting, so John and Michele designed a fun and unconventional tasting space, the JaM Cellars Wine & Music Studio, located on downtown Napa’s First Street.

The Setting

While JaM Cellars is a cool wine tasting spot during the day, it morphs into an incredibly cozy events venue with live music in the evenings, Thursday through Saturday. Napa Valley has a handful of larger concert venues, like the Uptown Theatre or the Napa Valley Opera House which houses both Blue Note Napa and the JaM Cellars Ballroom, but for the opportunity to comfortably lounge mere feet from the band, JaMSessions feel like a private show. You’ll want to reserve a spot and arrive early to snag the best view in the house, a collection of leather couches and chairs set up like a living room right by the stage, with Persian rugs and tables cleverly shaped like guitar picks. There’s also a handful of booths for groups and a few stools at the bar. Many guests simply choose to stand — it certainly makes dancing easier — but either way, there’s never the feeling of the space being overcrowded like a traditional concert.

JaM Cellars stays open much later (10pm Sunday – Wednesday and midnight Thursday – Saturday) than its downtown Napa counterparts and music is on theme everywhere you look. A private tasting room doubles as a fully-equipped recording studio, where the winery hosts virtual JaMHappyHours Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4pm and there’s also a state-of-the-art sound system, disco ball, an impressive vinyl collection, and vintage Rolling Stone magazine art plastered all over the walls, bringing you back in time to some of your favorite musicians in their heyday.

The Music

A mere $10 cover charge will get you in to enjoy their JaMSessions, which welcome a variety of acts both local and from further afield. The night I attended featured a JaM Cellars regular, the Eric Wiley Trio, a Funk/Reggae band with a Jazz flair. The songs were all covers of old classics — like the Steve Miller Band’s Space Cowboy, Get Up Stand Up by Bob Marley, and The Eagles’ Hotel California — and almost everyone in the room was either dancing or singing along (or both). At times, I could close my eyes and imagine myself on a tropical island, piña colada in hand.

These events take place on most Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, but check JaM Cellars Facebook page or website for listings. Live music on Thursdays is from 8pm-10pm while on Fridays and Saturdays the music runs from 9pm-11pm. With JaM Cellars’ connection to BottleRock Napa Valley (they are a five-time Presenting Sponsor) there’s a chance you’ll catch artists that also play the music festival (like Sam Johnson, Chris Pierce, and Mondo Cozmo). Other acts include nationally-acclaimed, touring artists (like Witherward), while others are based right in Napa Valley (including Full Chizel and JourneyDay). Book online via Tock to secure your spot.

The Wine

The wine is flowing all night long from the bar, available for purchase by the glass, flight, or bottle. You may know JaM Cellars for their popular Californian wines priced at under $20: the classic Butter Chardonnay, their signature JaM Cabernet, bubbles in the form of Toast Sparkling, and Sugar Sweet White, a Moscato. But don’t pass up the chance to try their Napa Valley releases exclusive to the JaM Cellars wine and music studio. Sip these side-by-side with their Californian counterparts for a fun taste test, or try the Napa Valley-only JaM Cellars Sauvignon Blanc and JaM Cellars Pinot Noir. There really is a wine here for everyone! Reservations are highly recommended through ExploreTock.com/JaMCellars. See you there!